Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

New Wineskins

Home
Evangelical
Philippians 4 Challenge: Day 9

Philippians 4 Challenge: Day 9

Last updated on: January 18, 2016 at 5:00 am by Josh Daffern

Philippians 4 Challenge: Day 9 2016-01-18T05:00:33-06:00 Josh Daffern

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

www.unsplash.com

HABIT #3: Think on noble things.

READ IT

“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. . . . I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” (Philippians 4:8,12)

The capacity of the human brain is the subject of ever-widening scientific wonder. Its twelve to fourteen billion cells are only a shadow of its complexity, because each cell sends out thousands of connecting tendrils so that a single cell may be connected with 10,000 neighboring cells, each of which is constantly exchanging data impulses. These twelve to fourteen billion brain cells times 10,000 connectors make the human mind an unparalleled computer. The mind’s activity has been compared to 1,000 switchboards, each big enough to serve New York City, all running at full speed as they receive and send questions and orders. Put another way, there is more electronic equivalent in one human brain than in all the radio and television stations of the entire world put together!*

The power that God infused into the human mind is beyond comprehension. Used properly, that power can bring light and wholeness to not just your life, it can shine a light of peace and contentment to all around you. But without the control and order that comes from God, our mind will run amok inside of us, leaving chaos and misery in its wake.

Just as you choose to be joyful (habit #1), you choose what you think about. When you choose to dwell on noble things, good things, wholesome things, don’t be surprised when contentment follows.

WRITE IT

Share in the comments below and answer this question, “What is an example of something noble, right, lovely or admirable that you can choose to dwell on today that could lead to contentment?”

PRAY IT

Jesus, would you guard my mind and direct my thoughts to dwell on noble things today. Amen.

LIVE IT

Write out Philippians 4:8 on a notecard and carry it with you today. Put it in a place where you can see it often. Whenever you catch yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, read Philippians 4:8 as an anchor to keep your mind where it needs to be today.

Use #phil4challenge to spread the word about the Philippians 4 Challenge!

*Hughes, Kent R. (2007-10-31). Philippians: The Fellowship of the Gospel (Preaching the Word) (Kindle Locations 2894-2899). Good News Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Ministry in the Trenches

Previous Post

January 17, 2016

Philippians 4 Challenge: Day 8

Next Post

January 19, 2016 Philippians 4 Challenge: Day 10 (Tuesday, Jan 19)

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Family Matters Ministry in the Trenches Morning Brew MTVpastor New Wineskins Top Menu Truth from Life Uncategorized Watch Sermons

Select a Month June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was Jacob's firstborn son?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Levi Joseph Judah Reuben