Throughout his ministry Paul dealt with every kind of stressful situation, disputing with the Jews, exhorting and correcting, preaching the Gospel and dealing with the persecution, teaching in-depth subjects to people who many times did not understand what he was really conveying-as is the case today. But, he spoke this verse on thinking on what is praiseworthy, in a filthy prison. He speaks of making the conscious decision of turning our focus from the evil we may be surrounded with, the darkness of our circumstances and find what is beautiful, what is pure and good. It is a decision we choose to make, and no one can do it for us. It's not always easy, but it is what it takes to be the guardian of our own souls and minds.
In maintaining these pages, I frequently post topics of serious subjects, and it can take the joy of life, if I let it. When I get to this place, I remind myself of Paul's admonishment in Philippians to turn to things of a good report:
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Doing this brings the strength of mind to deal with whatever may come; as further in the next verses he says:
Php 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Solid faith in God in the midst of difficulty, of evil, and persecution is not denying the existance of the evil; it's the conscious choice to focus on the PRESENCE OF GOD WITHIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, and His hand in allowing it. Sometimes God chooses to reveal the deeper reasons for the situation, but not always. As Paul sat in that prison, I can imagine he had questions, and at times felt tempted to be dismayed. He was human, these verses I believe came out of those times; when he like David long ago, had to encourage himself in the Lord.
With the proper balance of rain, sun, and favorable temperatures, the deserts bloom, and dry creek beds run with fresh water. Our souls and our minds flourish also, if they are nourished with a balanced combination of healthy content we dwell on, and feed our minds on. The bible is full of instruction on this, if we would heed it. Faith and strength comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
In maintaining these pages, I frequently post topics of serious subjects, and it can take the joy of life, if I let it. When I get to this place, I remind myself of Paul's admonishment in Philippians to turn to things of a good report:
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Doing this brings the strength of mind to deal with whatever may come; as further in the next verses he says:
Php 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Solid faith in God in the midst of difficulty, of evil, and persecution is not denying the existance of the evil; it's the conscious choice to focus on the PRESENCE OF GOD WITHIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, and His hand in allowing it. Sometimes God chooses to reveal the deeper reasons for the situation, but not always. As Paul sat in that prison, I can imagine he had questions, and at times felt tempted to be dismayed. He was human, these verses I believe came out of those times; when he like David long ago, had to encourage himself in the Lord.
With the proper balance of rain, sun, and favorable temperatures, the deserts bloom, and dry creek beds run with fresh water. Our souls and our minds flourish also, if they are nourished with a balanced combination of healthy content we dwell on, and feed our minds on. The bible is full of instruction on this, if we would heed it. Faith and strength comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
That is why I post things at times that are just simple, to bring some beauty, and a message of small comfort. Yes, simplistic, giving a moment of encouragement, blessing, hope, encouragement and faith.
God wants serious issues to be brought out here, and I spend a lot of time through the week researching, reading a lot of heavy topics, and watching a lot of videos that are sometimes tough to watch. So, if you see a variety of posts with subject matter that doesn't seem to have a constant theme; it's because like the Lord and his disciples; sometimes it's my approach to taking a break, and changing the focus.
Jesus was always doing this in the stories he relayed, such as the story of the prodigal son, and the love he poured out to the people in their everyday living. In so many ways, he lowered himself, came down to our level; though he was God in the flesh, he ministered in humility and yes, simplicity. He gave the people the Sermon on the Mount sitting with them on the mountainside, not in a temple. One of my favorite discourses was his admonishment in Matt. ch. 11:
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Jesus says come-He is all love, full of comfort, and wants to bear our burdens. The simple truth.
I feel sorry for people who live with no faith, in unbelief. The emptiness, strife, stress, competition, hopelessness, despair. Everything they do and live for is for this life only. Suicide is the result of succumbing to utter hopelessness. No matter what I may face in a day; I am thankful I know the risen Savior. He is alive, He's proven His reality to me beyond any doubt, I know that I can face today, and tomorrow, because He lives. One day, I know I'll finally see Him face to face, and join Him in eternity-I have a home waiting, that this world can't compare.
Applying these principles to our life enables us to apply the verse from the Apostle John:
1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Lorna Couillard
God wants serious issues to be brought out here, and I spend a lot of time through the week researching, reading a lot of heavy topics, and watching a lot of videos that are sometimes tough to watch. So, if you see a variety of posts with subject matter that doesn't seem to have a constant theme; it's because like the Lord and his disciples; sometimes it's my approach to taking a break, and changing the focus.
Jesus was always doing this in the stories he relayed, such as the story of the prodigal son, and the love he poured out to the people in their everyday living. In so many ways, he lowered himself, came down to our level; though he was God in the flesh, he ministered in humility and yes, simplicity. He gave the people the Sermon on the Mount sitting with them on the mountainside, not in a temple. One of my favorite discourses was his admonishment in Matt. ch. 11:
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Jesus says come-He is all love, full of comfort, and wants to bear our burdens. The simple truth.
I feel sorry for people who live with no faith, in unbelief. The emptiness, strife, stress, competition, hopelessness, despair. Everything they do and live for is for this life only. Suicide is the result of succumbing to utter hopelessness. No matter what I may face in a day; I am thankful I know the risen Savior. He is alive, He's proven His reality to me beyond any doubt, I know that I can face today, and tomorrow, because He lives. One day, I know I'll finally see Him face to face, and join Him in eternity-I have a home waiting, that this world can't compare.
Applying these principles to our life enables us to apply the verse from the Apostle John:
1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Lorna Couillard
The Sermon On The Mount
