Words of encouragement!

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Whatever we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, conversations, movies, and magazines.  Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God’s Word and pray.  Ask God to help us focus our minds on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done.

It’s not enough to hear or read the Word of God, or even to know it well.  We must also put it into practice.  How easy it is to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said. How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently.  How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning.  Exposure to God’s Word is not enough.  It must lead to obedience.

Shirley Casseta Leger December 29, 2025