A quick note about today’s post.

I’m considering recording the article I do for each song as a podcast.

This week’s post is an experiment. Please listen to the podcast and let me know what you think.

The song is available for download on Soundcloud.

How many influencers do you think there are in the world today?

I thought a couple million, perhaps.

According to this article by Forbes, it’s now well over 50 million!

And that number is increasing daily. People, me included, who are trying to get you to think about something. To influence you in some way; good, bad or indifferent.

Add to that number the myriad of other things in the world that influence our emotions and our minds daily as soon as we open our eyes: wars in Europe and the Middle East, the economy, bills, crime and violence, our families, sickness, work, our relationships —.

The list goes on.

With that in mind, you will appreciate the immeasurable benefit of today’s scripture and song.

Philippians 4:8-9

Here are the verses:

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Here’s this week’s song:

A call to discipline in the mind

Aren’t you amazed at how many times the New Testament directs us to think one way and not another?

Remember our verse last week?

Philippians 4:4–7

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything…

It’s great that the bible doesn’t only say how not to think - do not be anxious - but it also goes on to tell us exactly how to occupy our minds.

These verses challenge us to:

* Pay attention to what we think, and

* Not fall into the trap of being victims help captive by our thoughts.

5 ways to apply this week’s verse

* There are 8 categories of things to think about. How about focusing on one item one day of the week, this week and one next week?

* Start today. Right away. For the rest of the day, commit to thinking about something TRUE.

* One thing you could do each day you think about one of these things is figure out what it covers. Let me give you some examples of things that are true.

* The first truth - one we definitely need to to think about in this time - is that THERE ARE things that are true.

* Another key truth is that we CAN KNOW what is true.

When Pilate asked Jesus, ‘What is truth,’ he wasn’t being wise and discriminating. He was a cynic. Many in our culture today say, that even if there is anything true, we can’t be sure what it is, but that runs counter to this command to think about what is true.

* There are things which the bible says are true.

* The rules of the Lord are true. (Psalm 19:9)

* Jesus Christ is truth.

John 14:6

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ()

John 1:14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

* God’s word is true.

John 17:17

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

Revelation 21:5

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Psalm 119:160

The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Proverbs 30:5

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

* Use these things you’re thinking about from Philippians 4:8-9 to fuel your other disciplines, like prayer.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 we are commanded to: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

One way to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, is to think about things that are true no matter how we may feel, or what we’re facing, or the time of day - or whatever.

I can always rejoice because if I remember that no matter what I am going through, if I cast my burden on the Lord he will sustain me (Psalm 55:22).

* Build up your knowledge and appreciation of the truth that God’s word is true by listening to a rich sermon on the subject.

I would recommend John Piper’s sermon, The Sum of Your Word Is Truth.

* A Bonus: Think about what the verse doesn’t say.

For example, it doesn’t say “think positive.” For some people positive thinking means never thinking about death. Yet Moses prayed in Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” They resent a preacher who tells them that this life is temporary and unpredictable…but that message is true. See what I mean?

Update on this year’s plan

I have my plan for the year! (Check it out)

Next week, God’s willing, we will go on to that great passage at the end of the book of Ephesians, central to spiritual warfare.

Please share these songs with whoever you think may benefit and pray for me.

ALSO please let me hear from you. What do you think about the plan? Have you managed to learn any verses from last week or the Psalm 119 project?

Let me know!

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