Friday, December 6, 2019

praying effectively: Dwell on Truth (Phil.4:8-13)



(Philippians 4:8-13)  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.


10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we dwell on whatever is true (4:8)
- that we dwell on whatever is honorable (4:8)
- that we dwell on whatever is right (4:8)
- that we dwell on whatever is pure (4:8)
- that we dwell on whatever is lovely (4:8)
- that we dwell on whatever is of good repute (4:8)
- that we dwell on whatever is excellent (4:8)
- that we dwell on whatever is worthy of praise (4:8)
- that we practice the things which are from God's word, the Bible (4:9)
- that we do all things through God who strengthens us (4:13)
- that we learn to be content in all circumstances (4:11-12)
- that we greatly rejoice in the Lord (4:10)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Your word of truth, salvation and eternal life.  Help us to not only to learn Your will, but to love Your word.  Guide us in putting everything we learn into practice.  Help us to not only be content in all circumstances, but to have great joy in You!  Guide us to do and say the things which will bring You glory.  Amen.

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