20 Dec January 16th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

THINK ABOUT ALL YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Much information comes your way every day from a host of sources. You receive it, process it, and then have to determine what information is good and what is not, what is useful and what is useless, what will make a difference in your life and what is superfluous.  It is not always easy because so much of it, at first hearing, sounds good.  Only after sufficient thought and reasoning do you finally see it as either good and useful or just the opposite.

The Philippians have received a lot of “information” from St. Paul via the letter he sent them.  They read it!  They discussed it!  They debated it! This is exactly what St. Paul urged them to do in today’s devotional verse.  Since Paul knew the source of what he wrote to them was the Holy Spirit, he knew that all of it was important for them.  Therefore, he wrote, “. . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy . . . think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

The Greek word for “think about” calls for more than simply giving a once over hearing, a superficial listening, a take it or leave it attitude.  It calls for “. . .think(ing) about something in a detailed and logical manner— to reason about, to ponder.” (Greek to English Lexicon)

Such it is with God’s word and that is what the letter to the Philippians is.  “Paul, a holy man of God spoke as he was moved by the Holy Spirit.”  (2 Peter 1:21)  A diligent study, discussion, meditation on God’s word is always needed because the more you study His word the more meaning and application it brings to bear upon you and your life.  This is why one hour of worship a week is hardly sufficient for you, a Christian.  Attending one or more Bible studies each week gives you opportunity to join together with your fellow Christians to dig deeply into God’s word to gain a fuller understanding of what He is saying to you and your life.  This is why daily Bible reading is essential because repeated reading of even familiar words draws out meanings and application that you have missed in the past.

God bless you as you “think about such things” that God’s word says to you.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, as I hear, read and study the Holy Scriptures open up my mind and heart to their meaning and application for my life.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens, Let Your Word to me come near;
Newborn life and spirit give me, Let each promise still my fear.

Death’s dread pow’r, its inward strife,

Wars against Your Word of life; Fill me, Lord with love’s fervor

That I cling to You forever!

Oh, what blessing to be near You And to listen to Your voice;

Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice1

Many hardened sinners, Lord,

Flee in terror at Your Word; But to all who feel sin’s burden

You give words of peace and pardon.

Lord, Your words are waters living When my thirsting spirit pleads.

Lord, Your words are bread life-giving;

On Your words my spirit feeds. Lord, Your words will be my light

Through death’s cold and dreary night;

Yes, they are my sword prevailing And my cup of joy unfailing.

As I pray, dear Jesus, hear me; Let Your words in me take root.

May Your Spirit e’er be near me That I bear abundant fruit.

May I daily sing Your praise, From my heart glad anthems raise.

Till my highest praise is given In the endless joy of heaven.

(LSB 589)