Podcasts about Philippians 4

"Notwithstanding you have well done,that you did communicate with my affliction."  At first glance, this verse appears to besimply a "thank you" for a financial gift. But it is much more thanthat. Paul is introducing a wonderful truth that we might call the grace ofgiving. Noticewhat he says first: "You have done well." Paul commends thePhilippians. He isn't praising the amount of their gift. He is praising thelove that motivated it. God has always been more interested in the heart thanin the size of the gift. Jesus reminded us of that when He watched the poorwidow place her two mites into the Temple treasury. Others gave much more, butJesus said she had given the most because she gave out of her poverty whileothers gave out of their abundance. God measures giving differently than we do.He measures sacrifice. He measures love. He measures faith.  ThenPaul says something very interesting: "You did communicate with myaffliction." Today we usually think of the word"communicate" as talking or sending a message. But that is not whatPaul means. The Greek word is koinōneō. It means to share, to participate, orto have fellowship together. The Philippians were not merely sending money.They were sharing Paul's burden. They were entering into his suffering. Thoughthey were hundreds of miles away, they were saying, "Paul, you are notalone. We are standing with you." Isn't that what Christian fellowship isall about? Theword koinōnia, which is translated "fellowship," appears at the verybeginning of this letter. In Philippians 1:5 Paul thanked God for their"fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Now, at theclose of the letter, that same fellowship is still evident. Their partnershiphad not ended. It had continued through prayer... Through encouragement... Andnow through generous giving. True Christian fellowship is much more thanenjoying a meal together or shaking hands after church. It means sharing lifetogether. Romans 12:15 tells us, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice,and weep with them that weep." When one believer hurts, we all hurt.When one believer rejoices, we all rejoice. That is the family of God. ThePhilippians could not remove Paul's chains. They could not release him fromprison. But they could stand beside him by sharing what God had given them. Andthat made all the difference. The same is true today. Not everyone can become amissionary. Not everyone can preach. Not everyone can travel around the worldsharing the Gospel. But every believer can have a part in God's work bypraying, encouraging, and giving. When we support those who are taking theGospel to others, we become partners in that ministry. We share in the workthat God is doing through them. Ioften think about the people who faithfully pray for missionaries around theworld. Others give faithfully each week to support God's work. Some writeencouraging letters. Others quietly meet practical needs. None of those actsmay seem very spectacular. But God sees every one of them. Every act of love isan expression of His grace. That is why I like to call this section "TheGrace of Giving." Giving is not something God wants from us. It issomething His grace produces in us. ThePhilippians did not give because they were pressured. They gave because God'sgrace had filled their hearts. Theirgenerosity was evidence of God's grace at work in their lives. The same is truefor us. When Christ has our hearts, He also has our hands, our time, ourtalents, and yes, even our resources. Giving is never about losing something.It is about sharing in what God is doing. Perhapstoday God is giving you an opportunity to share in someone else's burden. Maybethrough prayer. Maybe through an encouraging word. Maybe through meeting apractical need. Remember, when we share the burdens of others, we arereflecting the heart of Jesus Christ Himself. Let's ask God to make us thatkind of believer.

Message from The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, NC (Capital Hills Campus) - July 19, 2026.

How do you keep your mind at rest? 1. Resolve Conflict -Philippians 4:2-3 -Philippians 4:4-5 2. Release Burdens -Philippians 4:6-7 3. Rewire Your Thoughts -Philippians 4:8-9  

20 Proverbs 3-5; 23 Isaiah 55-63; 19 Psalms 9-15; 50 Philippians 4; 51 Colossians 1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1-2

Ibelieve one of the greatest mistakes we make is taking this verse out of itscontext. Remember, Paul did not write this verse by itself. It is theconclusion of everything he has been saying in verses 10 through 12. He hasbeen talking about contentment. He has been talking about learning to livewhether he had plenty or little. He has been talking about being full and beinghungry... Having abundance and suffering need. Then he says, "I can doall things through Christ which strengthens me." Whatare the "all things"? The context answers the question. Paulis saying, "I can live in poverty through Christ." "I can livein prosperity through Christ." "I can endure suffering throughChrist." "I can handle success through Christ." "I canremain faithful whether life is easy or difficult because Christ gives me thestrength."Thinkabout Paul's life. As he writes these words, he is not standing in a palace. Heis sitting in a Roman prison. He is chained to a Roman soldier. His future isuncertain. Yet instead of complaining, he is overflowing with joy. How? Notbecause he is naturally strong. Not because he has unusual determination. Butbecause Christ is strengthening him every day. Notice carefully what Paul says."I can..." Not, "I might." Not, "I hope." But,"I can." This is the confidence of faith.  Thennotice the next words. "...through Christ..." Paul'sconfidence was never in himself. Throughout this letter he has consistentlypointed us away from self and toward Christ. TheChristian life has never been about self-confidence. It is aboutChrist-confidence.  Noticethe final words. "...which strengthens me." The verb literallymeans, "to continually infuse with strength." Paul isn't sayingChrist gave him strength once many years ago. He is saying Christ keeps onstrengthening him. Every day. Every trial. Every hardship. Every opportunity. Thisreminds me of what Jesus said in John 15. "I am the vine, you are thebranches... for without Me you can do nothing." The branch does notstruggle to produce fruit. It simply abides in the vine. The life of the vineflows through the branch. In the same way, Christ's strength flows into thelife of the believer who depends upon Him. Perhapsthat is why Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ:nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me." What awonderful truth! The Christian life is not difficult. It is impossible—apartfrom Christ. Only Christ can enable us to forgive when we've been hurt. OnlyChrist can enable us to rejoice in suffering. Only Christ can enable us to loveour enemies. Only Christ can enable us to remain content when circumstanceschange. That is exactly what Paul is saying here. Foryears I have observed that this verse, along with Philippians 4:19, is oftenquoted without reading the verses that come before it. As a result, sincereChristians sometimes become discouraged. They expect these promises to workalmost like magic formulas. But God's promises are always connected to God'spurposes.Paulcould say, "I can do all things through Christ," because hehad spent four chapters teaching us how to walk with Christ. He had learned thesingle mind of chapter one. The submissive mind of chapter two. The spiritualmind of chapter three. The secure mind of chapter four. He had learned torejoice... To pray... To trust... To think on the right things... To practiceGod's Word... To be content. Now,after years of walking with Christ, he can testify, "I can do allthings through Christ which strengthens me." Friend, whatever God asksyou to face today... whatever burden He allows you to carry...  Whatever trial He asks you to endure...Whatever opportunity He places before you... You do not have to face it alone.TheChrist who saved you will strengthen you. His grace is sufficient. His strengthis made perfect in weakness. And because He is enough, you can faithfully dowhatever He calls you to do. 

A new MP3 sermon from Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Philippians 4 (2026) Subtitle: Scripture Readings Speaker: Rev. Todd Ruddell Broadcaster: Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Event: Sunday - PM Date: 7/19/2026 Bible: Philippians 4 Length: 27 min.

Anxiety has a way of leaving us feeling out of breath, overwhelmed by the pressures and uncertainties of life. In this message, guest preacher Darwin Mason Jr. walks through Philippians 4:4–9 verse by verse, revealing God's invitation to exchange our anxiety for His peace. Along the way, he helps us better understand the context leading to one of Scripture's most familiar promises in Philippians 4:13—that our strength comes from Christ Himself. Through practical examples and biblical truth, you'll be encouraged to trust that God's peace is actively guarding your heart and mind. Take a few moments to listen and breathe deeply in the promises of God.

Pastor Wayne Penn Jr. led us through Philippians 4:1-9 discussing The Integrated Witness.

Welcome to the Life Verse and Catchphrases Series! The Words We Carry. The Truth That Carries Us. A Life Verse Is... A truth from God's Word that becomes a personal compass, a source of courage, a reminder of identity, or a declaration against the lies of the world. A life verse is a verse out of the Bible that especially resonates with you and that has inspired you in some meaningful way. It has become a kind of focus point for you, a life mantra, or a kind of statement or even a counter-culture protest of sorts to battle some erroneous worldview assumption. What verse do you keep coming back to—and why? How did you come to settle on this verse? How has God used this verse in your life?⁠Philippians 4:10-13 NIVI rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Today we continue ourstudy in Philippians chapter 4. Yesterday in verse 11, Paul told us one of thegreatest secrets of the Christian life: "I have learned, in whatsoeverstate I am, therewith to be content." Today in verse 12 he explainswhere that lesson was learned. "I know how to be abased, and I know howto abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and tobe hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Paulis describing a life that has experienced every extreme. He says, "Iknow..." That word is important. He doesn't say, "I've heardabout these things." He doesn't say, "I've read about them." Hesays, "I know." These are lessons learned through personalexperience. Paul had lived on both sides of life's circumstances.  Heknew how to be abased. The word means to be brought low, humbled, or to livewith very little. Paul knew what it was like to be hungry. He knew what it waslike to be cold. He knew what it was like to be beaten, imprisoned,misunderstood, and rejected. He had slept in prison cells and spent sleeplessnights at sea. He had experienced loneliness, pain, and persecution. ButPaul also knew how to abound. There were times when God supplied every needabundantly. There were seasons of fruitful ministry. Churches were planted.People were saved. Friends encouraged him. Believers generously supplied hisneeds, just as the Philippians were doing now. Paul understood something thatmany Christians never learn. It takes as much grace to handle prosperity as itdoes adversity. Some people fall apart when trouble comes. Others becomespiritually careless when blessings come. Adversity can make us bitter.Prosperity can make us proud. Both are dangerous if Christ is not the center ofour lives. NoticePaul says, "Everywhere and in all things..." Literally, inevery place and in every circumstance. Whether traveling across Asia Minor...Standing before governors... Preaching in synagogues... Working as atentmaker... Sitting in a Roman prison... God was teaching him the same lesson.Then he says something fascinating: "I am instructed..." Theexpression literally carries the thought of being initiated into a mystery.Paul is saying, "God has taught me a secret." What is that secret? Itis not that circumstances no longer matter. It is that circumstances no longercontrol him. There is a tremendous difference. Paulwas not living under his circumstances. He was living above them. Someone onceasked an elderly Christian, "How are you doing under yourcircumstances?" He smiled and replied, "What am I doing under them?God never intended me to live there!" That simple answer contains aprofound truth. As believers, we do not deny our circumstances. We do notpretend pain doesn't hurt. We do not ignore disappointments. But neither do weallow those circumstances to dictate our joy, our peace, or our confidence inGod. We live above them because Christ lives within us. Thecircumstances around us may change daily. But the Christ within us neverchanges. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, andtoday, and forever."  Perhapsthat is why the Apostle Paul could write in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "Forour light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far moreexceeding and eternal weight of glory." He wasn't minimizingsuffering. He was comparing it with eternity. When we focus only on today'scircumstances, life can become discouraging. When we remember that God isworking an eternal purpose, our perspective changes. Corrie ten Boom once said,"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within,you'll be depressed. If you look at Christ, you'll be at rest." How true! TheChristian life is not about escaping difficult circumstances. It is aboutexperiencing the presence of Christ in the middle of them. And it is not aboutbecoming independent of circumstances. It is about becoming dependent uponChrist.

Gospel contributors are captured by the Kingdom.

As Paul wraps up his letter to the Philippian Church, he not only thanks them for their financial gift, but leaves us with a life lesson on true contentment. The post The Secret of Contentment (Philippians 4.10-20) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

Pastor Vaughn Perez uses the first few verses of Philippians 4 to preach on the key to avoiding insecurity and promoting Christian unity and fellowship: finding your security in the identity Jesus has given you.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningPhilippians 4:6–7 — Let God's Peace Guard Your Heart Live from London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. Toronto • Lagos • Melbourne • Manila • Bristol Calm • Assurance • Hope Good afternoon, and welcome to DailyPrayer.uk. As the day reaches its busiest point, it's easy for our minds to become crowded with responsibilities and unanswered questions. Take a quiet moment now and remember that God's peace is available even in the middle of a demanding day. Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV) “Do not be anxious…” as God's peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Heavenly Father, thank You that we can bring every concern into Your presence. Nothing is too small for Your care and nothing is beyond Your power. Lord Jesus, lift every burden that has become heavy today and help us to trust You more deeply with every step we take. Holy Spirit, quiet our anxious thoughts, renew our minds and fill our hearts with the peace that only You can give. Teach us to pause, to pray and to remember that Your faithfulness has carried us this far and will continue to carry us through the rest of this day. May Your peace guard our hearts, shape our words and shine through our lives so that others may see Your love in us. From Toronto to Lagos, from Melbourne to Manila and Bristol, may every listener be strengthened by God's peace and encouraged by His faithful presence. Jesús, danos Tu paz para este día y fortalece nuestra esperanza. Amén. Senhor, guarda os nossos corações e conduz-nos com a Tua paz. Amém. Panginoon, punuin Mo kami ng Iyong kapayapaan at pag-asa. Amen.  Philippians 4, Midday Prayer, Peace, Hope, Trust, DailyPrayer.uk Episode Summary: Inspired by Philippians 4:6–7, this midday prayer encourages us to exchange anxiety for the peace of God, trusting Christ to guard our hearts and minds throughout the day. Continue Your Journey: Continue with DailyPrayer.uk and discover more Hidden Treasures, inspired by Isaiah 45:3. Explore a growing library of prayers and biblical encouragement as you continue your walk with Jesus.Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

Philippians4:11: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned inwhatever state I am, to be content.” Immediately Paul wants the Philippiansto understand something. He is not thanking them because he was desperate formoney. He says, "Not that I speak in respect of want." Paulcertainly appreciated their generous gift, but his joy did not depend uponwhether he had plenty or little. His happiness was not tied to his bankaccount, his circumstances, or his physical comfort. Thenhe makes one of the most remarkable statements in Scripture: "For Ihave learned...".  Noticecarefully what Paul does not say. He does not say, "I was borncontent." He does not say, "I have always been content." He doesnot say, "Contentment came naturally to me." No. He says, "Ihave learned." That one word is full of encouragement. Contentment is nota personality trait. It is not something only optimistic people possess. It isnot the result of favorable circumstances. It is something that every believermust learn in the school of God. Justas a child learns to read one lesson at a time, so God patiently teaches Hischildren contentment one experience at a time. Each circumstancebecame another classroom where God taught Paul to trust Christ.  Godoften teaches us His greatest lessons in the classrooms we would never choosefor ourselves. None of us naturally enjoys trials. None of us asks forsuffering. Yet many of the deepest truths we know about God's faithfulnesscould never have been learned any other way. James tells us in James 1:2-3: “Mybrethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that thetesting of your faith produces patience.” Peter reminds us that the trialof our faith is more precious than gold in 1 Peter 1:6-7: “In this yougreatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have beengrieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much moreprecious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found topraise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Godis never wasting our hardships. He is teaching us something that prosperityalone could never teach. Notice the next phrase. "...in whatsoeverstate I am..." Paul is not talking about geography. He is not speakingabout whether he is in Philippi, Ephesus, Corinth, or Rome, North Caolina orVirginia. He is talking about every circumstance of life. Whether life is easyor difficult. Whether his needs are met abundantly or barely. Whether he isfree or imprisoned. Whether he is applauded or criticized. In every situation,God had been teaching him. Thencomes the great lesson. "...therewith to be content." The word"content" carries the idea of being inwardly sufficient, satisfied,and at rest. For the Christian, however, our sufficiency is not found inourselves. Our sufficiency is found in Christ. As Paul wrote elsewhere in 2Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves... but oursufficiency is of God." The world says, "You will be content whenyou get more." God says, "You will be content when you discover thatChrist is enough." The world constantly tells us that happiness is justone purchase away. One promotion away. One new possession away. One bettercircumstance away. But once we obtain those things, we soon discover that theycannot satisfy the deepest needs of the heart. Only Christ can do that. Augustinewrote many centuries ago, "Our hearts are restless until they find theirrest in Thee." How true that is!Perhapstoday God has enrolled you in the school of contentment. Maybe your lessoninvolves waiting. Perhaps it involves illness. Financial pressure.Disappointment. Or unanswered questions. Do not despise the classroom. YourHeavenly Father is an excellent Teacher. Every lesson has a purpose. Everyassignment has eternal value. Every trial is designed to make you more like HisSon.

  Prayer with thanksgiving is key!Listen to what the Bible says, from Philippians.(click for podcast)o'r naas cuyir anxious, a' o'r everything, de prayer bal petition ti thanksgiving, let gar requests cuyir made known at God.In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.Online BibleListen to the Word, it reaches even to galaxies far, far away

Join us as Robert Hernandez teaches through Philippians 4! Click Here for July's SOAP scripture reading plan! For more information about Fusion Church, visit us on the web or follow us on social media here!

“But I rejoiced in the Lordgreatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though yousurely did care, but you lacked opportunity.” Rememberwhere Paul is as he writes these words. He is under house arrest in Rome. Hehas been separated from the Philippian believers for several years. During thattime they had desired to help him, but because of distance, persecution, andlimited means of communication, they simply had no opportunity. Then God openeda door. The church gathered an offering and sent one of their own members,Epaphroditus, on the long journey from Philippi to Rome. It was a dangeroustrip of nearly eight hundred miles. Along the way Epaphroditus became seriouslyill and nearly died, yet he faithfully completed the mission God had given him.Through this faithful servant, the Philippian believers sent not only financialhelp but also encouragement, love, and fellowship to Paul. NoticePaul's first response. "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly." Hedid not merely rejoice because money had arrived. He rejoiced because he sawGod's hand behind the gift. His joy was centered "in the Lord." Thatlittle phrase appears throughout Philippians. Paul teaches us again and againthat our joy is never to be rooted in circumstances but in Christ Himself. Paulunderstood that people may give the gift, but God is always the Provider. Jamesreminds us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, andcomes down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). David declared inPsalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Paulsaw every provision of life as coming from the loving hand of his HeavenlyFather. Noticeanother beautiful expression. "Your care of me has flourishedagain." The word "flourished" pictures a plant thatblooms again after winter. The Philippians' love for Paul had never died. Ithad simply lacked an opportunity to express itself. Now their concern hadblossomed into visible action once more. How encouraging that must have been! Sometimeswe wrongly conclude that people no longer care because we have not heard fromthem for a while. But circumstances often prevent people from expressing whatis really in their hearts. Paul quickly removes any misunderstanding by saying," though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.” In other words,"I know you have cared all along. You simply had no way to help."What grace! Paul refuses to criticize them. He refuses to question theirmotives. He gives them the benefit of the doubt. Wouldn't our relationships behealthier if we did the same? How many misunderstandings could be avoided if weassumed the best instead of the worst? Remember 1 Corinthians 13: Love "believesall things" and "hopes all things." Love looks forreasons to trust rather than reasons to doubt. Thereis another wonderful lesson here. God's timing is always perfect. The gift didnot arrive early. It did not arrive late. It arrived exactly when God knew Paulneeded it. Our Heavenly Father is never in a hurry, but He is never behindschedule. Abraham learned that on Mount Moriah when God provided the ram. Israellearned it in the wilderness when manna appeared every morning. Elijah learnedit beside the brook Cherith and later through the widow of Zarephath. Paul nowexperiences that same faithful provision in a Roman prison. Perhapstoday you are waiting on God. You have prayed. You have trusted Him. Yet theanswer has not yet come. Take courage. If God knows how to feed the sparrowsand clothe the lilies of the field, He certainly knows how to care for His ownchildren. Often God's delays are not God's denials. He is preparing both theprovision and the person who will receive it.  When our eyes are fixed on Christ, every blessing becomes anotherreminder of His faithfulness. When we recognize that every good thing comesfrom His loving hand, gratitude replaces anxiety, and joy replaces worry.

Philippians 4:9:"Those things, which ye have both learned, andreceived, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be withyou."   Noticethe little command near the end of the verse: "Do." One simple word.Christianity was never intended to be merely something we know. It is somethingwe live. James reminds us of this in James 1:22, "But be you doers ofthe word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."  Knowledge without obedience only producesdeception. The goal of Bible study is never simply information. It istransformation. Paulreminds the Philippians of four ways they had received God's truth. First, theyhad learned it. That speaks of careful instruction. For several years Paul hadtaught these believers the Word of God. Second, they had received it. Thatmeans they welcomed it and accepted it as God's truth. Hearing truth is onething. Receiving truth is another. Third, they had heard it. Again and againthey listened as Paul preached Christ. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing bythe Word of God. Butthen Paul adds something remarkable. They had seen it in him. Paul wasn'tasking them to imitate a perfect man. He was asking them to follow a faithfulexample. He had already written in chapter 3:17, "Brethren, befollowers together of me." Not because Paul was perfect. In fact, hehad just admitted in chapter 3 that he had not already attained. But he wassincerely following Christ. Someonehas wisely said, "People may doubt what you say, but they usually believewhat you do." Augustine said, “Preach the Gospel, preach the Gospel, andif necessary use words”. Our lives either reinforce our message or contradictit. Paul could boldly say, "You've heard me preach it, and you've watchedme live it."Whata challenge for every Christian. Our children are watching us. Ourgrandchildren are watching us. Our neighbors are watching us. The people wework beside are watching us. Our lives become living sermons every single day. Paulthen gives this simple command: "Do." Put it into practice. Practicewhat you have learned. Practice what you believe. Practice what God has shownyou. Someone once said that the distance between heaven and earth is only abouteighteen inches—the distance from the head to the heart. But I might add thereis another distance—from the heart to the hands and feet. God wants His truthto move from our minds, to our hearts, and finally into our daily lives. TheChristian life is learned one step of obedience at a time. Thennotice the wonderful promise. Paul does not simply say that the peace of Godwill guard you. He now says, "The God of peace shall be with you."Back in verse 7, Paul promised the peace of God. Now he promises thepresence of the God of peace. What could be better than that? When we walk injoyful obedience, we enjoy the fellowship of God's presence in a very real way.The greatest blessing of obedience is not merely answered prayer, or even innerpeace. The greatest blessing is that we experience the nearness of God Himself.Jesus said in John 14:21, "He that has my commandments, and keeps them,he it is that loves me... and I will love him, and will manifest myself tohim." May each of us not merely know God's Word. May we live God'sWord. Asthe old hymn reminds us, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to behappy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."Let'spray.  Heavenly Father, thank You forgiving us Your precious Word. Help us not to be hearers only, but doers of YourWord. May the truths we learn each day shape the way we live, the way we speak,and the way we love others. Help us to be examples of faithful followers ofChrist so that others will see Jesus in us. Thank You for the wonderful promisethat as we walk in obedience, the God of peace will be with us. May we enjoyYour presence every day of our lives. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus.Amen.

The peace of God is present when we pursue the right priorities.


Over the past several days, we have been looking at one ofthe most important subjects in the Christian life, and that is the battle forthe mind. Today, we want to conclude our thoughts on Philippians 4:4–8 andbegin looking at verse 9. Paul has written in verse 8, “Finally, brethren,whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just,whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are ofgood report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on thesethings.” Paulhas reminded us over and over again that our thoughts matter. Today, we want toleave you with one simple statement that I trust you will always remember: Youcannot consistently live above the level of your thinking. Aswe have walked through Philippians together from chapter 1 all the way to thispoint, I've become increasingly aware that Paul is building a carefullyconnected argument. Sometimes we preach verses individually, and rightly so.But when you follow Paul's flow of thought verse by verse, you see thebeautiful progression that the Holy Spirit has inspired. Notice in Philippians4:4–9 how they fit together:Verse4—a joyful spirit: “Rejoice in the Lord always.”Verse5—a gentle spirit: “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”Verse6—a prayerful spirit: “Be careful for nothing.”Verse7—a peaceful heart: “The peace of God... shall keep your hearts and minds.”Verse8—a disciplined mind: “Think on these things.”Then,in verse 9, we'll see an obedient life: “Those things... do.” It'sreally like a staircase. Joy leads to gentleness. Gentleness leads to prayer.Prayer leads to peace. Peace prepares the mind. The renewed mind producesobedient thinking and living. The obedient life results in what we see verse 9promises—a continued fellowship with the God of peace. Idon't think it's incidental that the Apostle Paul changes expressions. In verse7, he promises the peace of God. In verse 9, he promises the God of peace.There's a subtle but profound difference in these two. When we pray, the peaceof God guards us. When we obey, the God of peace walks with us. That may becomeone of the key thoughts of this entire chapter.  Anotherobservation that has stayed with me all week is the progression throughout thewhole book of Philippians that we mentioned earlier in our study.Chapter1—the single mind: Christ first.Chapter2—the submissive mind: the mind of Christ in humility.Chapter3—the spiritual mind: pressing toward Christ instead of trusting the flesh.Thenchapter 4—the settled mind, or the secured mind: free from worry because it'sfilled with prayer, peace, and right living. Oh, what a beautiful progression! Now,one final thought before we finish our study on verses 4–8 and begin looking atverse 9. In verse 9, Paul gives us five verbs: “Those things, which ye haveboth learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do.” We see here thecomplete process of discipleship. You learn truth. You receive truth.You hear truth repeatedly. You see truth lived in someone else'slife. Then you do the truth yourself. Overmy 50 years of ministry, that's what we've attempted to do—to hear this truth,to receive it, to let it live in us as we meditate on it, and then to live itout before others around us. Paul said, “You have seen in me.”Paul set an example, and so should we. Let'spray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and for reminding us howimportant our thoughts are. Forgive us for the times we've allowed fear andworry and bitterness and impurity and discouragement to control our thinking. Helpus to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Jesus Christ.Renew our minds through Your Word. Help us to think on those things that aretrue, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. May our right thinkinglead to right living. May our lives bring honor and glory to You always. Wepray this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Send us Fan MailThis summer at The Village, we are practicing The Way of Wisdom through Scripture memorization.We are learning to carry God's Word with us; not as pressure, performance, or religious trivia, but as a way of being formed by Jesus. Scripture gives us language for prayer, courage for obedience, clarity in confusion, and truth when our emotions are loud.Our minds are always being shaped by something. This summer, we are choosing to be shaped by the words of God. Support the showPastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other Village leaders open the Scriptures as the witness to God's kingdom breaking into our lives. Scripture gives us more than abstract ideas. It is the Word of God, given to form us, confront us, comfort us, and teach us how to follow Jesus.Each episode invites us to listen and respond. We are learning to understand the Bible more faithfully; we are also learning how to live as God's renewed people.Week by week, our pastors and leaders talk about the practices of Christian discipleship, including prayer, fasting, generosity, Scripture memory, worship, and life together. These practices belong to a whole life formed around Jesus.The podcast also speaks to ordinary places where faith is lived; our relationships, finances, habits, struggles, joys, and decisions. The gospel speaks to what we believe. It also teaches us how to live in the present age as people who belong to the kingdom of God.The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

In the middle of anxious circumstances, Paul invites the Philippians (and us) to rejoice, be gentle, pray in all circumstances and live in the peace of God

Welcometo Pastor's Chat. Today we conclude our study of Philippians 4:8. For the pastseveral days we have carefully walked through this remarkable verse. Paul hasgiven us a divine pattern for guarding our minds. He has taught us to think onthings that are True... Honorable... Just... Pure... Lovely... Of Good Report...Full of Virtue... And Worthy of Praise. But before we leave this verse, I wantus to step back and see the big picture. Paulis not merely giving us a list. He is describing the mind of Christ. Earlier inthis letter, in Philippians 2:5, Paul wrote, "Let this mind be in you,which was also in Christ Jesus." Now, in chapter 4, he shows us whatthat mind looks like. Everything on this list perfectly describes our LordJesus Christ. He is Truth. Everything about Him is honorable. Everything Hedoes is just. He is absolutely pure. His life is altogether lovely. EverythingHe says is of good report. He is the very definition of virtue. He alone isworthy of all praise. The more we think about Christ... The more we become likeChrist. Paulunderstood something we often forget. Our lives move in the direction of ourthoughts. That is why verse 8 comes before verse 9. First comes right thinking.Then comes right living. Listen to the opening words of verse 9: "Thosethings, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me,do..."Noticethe progression. Think... Then do. Meditate... Then practice. Truth believedbecomes truth lived. Foryears I have been reminded that the Christian life is much like building ahouse. Our thoughts are the foundation. Our words become the framework. Ouractions build the walls. Our habits put on the roof. Our character becomes thefinished house. Everything begins with the foundation. No wonder Solomon wrote,"For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) Thebattle for the Christian life is truly the battle for the mind. That battle isbeing fought every day. It is fought by what we watch. What we read. What welisten to. What we meditate upon. What we allow to remain in our thoughts. Thewonderful news is that God has not left us defenseless. He has given us HisHoly Spirit. He has given us His Word. He has given us the privilege of prayer. Inverse 7 He promises the peace of God to guard our hearts.Inverse 8 He gives us the truth of God to guard our minds.Tomorrow,in verse 9, He gives us the God of peace to guide our lives. Whata beautiful progression! The peace of God guards our hearts. The truth of Godguards our minds. The God of peace guides our lives. Friend,this week, why not memorize Philippians 4:8? Write it on a card. Read it everymorning. Pray through each phrase. Use it as a filter for every thought thatenters your mind. As you do, you'll discover that God is not merely changingwhat you think. He is changing who you are. And when our minds become more likeChrist, our lives will become more like Christ. That is the goal of theChristian life. Tomorrowwe'll begin looking at verse 9 and discover that God's truth is never meantmerely to be admired. It is meant to be practiced. Let'sPray: Heavenly Father, thank You for this wonderful passage that teaches us howto guard our minds. Thank You for giving us the perfect example of the LordJesus Christ. May His mind increasingly become our mind. Help us to think Yourthoughts, love what You love, reject what dishonors You, and faithfullypractice what You teach us. May our lives point others to our wonderful Savior.In His precious name we pray. Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!

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Philippians 4:1-9 - Rejoice! The Lord is Near | Series: Philippians, Summer of Joy | Justin Hornsby | Preached Jul 12, 2026 How can you experience peace when relationships are strained, anxiety feels overwhelming, or your thoughts won't slow down? In this message from Philippians 4:1-9, Worship Pastor Justin Hornsby continues our Summer of Joy series by reminding us that lasting joy and peace are found in one powerful truth: the Lord is near. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to stand firm in Christ by pursuing unity, choosing reconciliation over division, and extending gentleness to others. He also calls us to replace anxiety with prayer, bringing every concern to God with thankful hearts. While God never promises a life without difficulties, He does promise a peace that surpasses understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, Paul challenges us to intentionally focus our thoughts on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. What fills our minds shapes how we live. Whether you're facing uncertainty, worry, conflict, or simply longing for deeper joy, this message offers biblical encouragement and practical hope rooted in the nearness of Jesus.

We often hear "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". A popular verse in this final sermon in our series on Philippians. A popular understanding of this verse might lead you to believe that if you succeed in an endeavor it must be God's will. But to think that this is what Paul meant as he writes this letter from prison is an obvious mistake. If you look at the letter as a whole, it's about un-circumstantial faith. Paul closes his letter with a thought on "contentment" and it's the real meaning behind this often misunderstood passage in scripture. To support the work and worship of Redeemer, subscribe to our channel and consider supporting us by giving a tax deductible gift at the link below. https://Redeemer-Church-Rockwall-517189.churchcenter.com/giving

Philippians 4:1-9 - Rejoice! The Lord is Near | Series: Philippians, Summer of Joy | Justin Hornsby | Preached Jul 12, 2026 How can you experience peace when relationships are strained, anxiety feels overwhelming, or your thoughts won't slow down? In this message from Philippians 4:1-9, Worship Pastor Justin Hornsby continues our Summer of Joy series by reminding us that lasting joy and peace are found in one powerful truth: the Lord is near. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to stand firm in Christ by pursuing unity, choosing reconciliation over division, and extending gentleness to others. He also calls us to replace anxiety with prayer, bringing every concern to God with thankful hearts. While God never promises a life without difficulties, He does promise a peace that surpasses understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, Paul challenges us to intentionally focus our thoughts on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. What fills our minds shapes how we live. Whether you're facing uncertainty, worry, conflict, or simply longing for deeper joy, this message offers biblical encouragement and practical hope rooted in the nearness of Jesus.

"The Pursuit ofMoral Excellence"Philippians 4:8 Welcometo Pastor's Chat. Today we come to the final two descriptions in Paul'swonderful list found in Philippians 4:8. "Finally, brethren, whateverthings are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whateverthings are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of goodreport; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on thesethings." Notice how Paul begins to summarize everything he has justwritten. "If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise."  Theword virtue speaks of moral excellence. It describes the highest qualities ofChristian character. It is the kind of life that reflects the excellence ofJesus Christ Himself. Peter uses this same word in 2 Peter 1:3 when he tells usthat God has called us "to glory and virtue." Then in verse 5he challenges us, "Giving all diligence, add to your faithvirtue..." God never saved us simply to escape hell. He saved us sothat our lives would increasingly reflect the character of His Son. That is whyPaul tells us to fill our minds with whatever is morally excellent. Thesecond phrase is, "If there be any praise..." This is notspeaking primarily about receiving praise from people. It speaks of whatever isworthy of approval before God. We should ask ourselves this question: "IfJesus were sitting beside me, would He approve of what I am thinking aboutright now?" That one question can become a powerful guide for dailyliving. Aswe have studied this verse together, Paul has given us a wonderful checklistfor every thought that enters our minds. Is it true? Is it honorable? Is itjust? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it of good report? Does it demonstrate moralexcellence? Would it receive God's approval? If the answer is yes... Paul says,"Think on these things."Thewords “think on” mean much more than having a passing thought. They meanto continually dwell upon these things. To weigh them carefully. Tointentionally fill your mind with them. Godmade us in such a way that our minds cannot think two thoughts at the sametime. If we are thinking what we should be thinking, we cannot be thinking whatwe shouldn't be thinking. Our minds are never neutral. If we do notdeliberately fill them with God's truth, the world will gladly fill them withits own values. Thatis why daily time in God's Word is not optional. It is essential. The psalmistwrote, "Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the LORD;and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2). Noticethe word meditate. God never intended His Word to be merely read. He intendedit to be pondered. Turned over in our minds. Applied to our lives. As wemeditate on God's truth, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms our thinking. Themore we think like Christ... The more we live like Christ. Yearsago, someone wisely observed, "You are today where your thoughts havebrought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." There ismuch truth in that statement. Our thoughts shape our choices. Our choices shapeour habits. Our habits shape our character. Our character shapes our influence.Thatis why the battle for the Christian life is first won or lost in the mind. Today,determine to make Philippians 4:8 your daily filter. Before you entertain athought, run it through Paul's checklist. If it passes...Think on it. If itfails... Replace it with the truth of God's Word. Let'sPray: Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to lives of moral excellence.Help us to measure every thought by Your holy Word. Renew our minds day by dayuntil our thinking reflects the mind of Christ. May our lives become worthy ofYour approval and useful for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name, Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!

Tom Watts Series: To Live is Christ Philippians 4:2-9 Sunday 12th July 2026

"Whatever things are lovely...""Whatever things are of good report..." The word lovely means that which is pleasing, gracious, winsome,and worthy of love. It describes whatever draws us toward God's goodnessinstead of pulling us toward sin. Thephrase "of good report" speaks of that which is admirable,commendable, reputable, and worthy of being spoken well of. Together thesewords teach us an important lesson. The Christian life is not merely aboutavoiding evil. It is also about delighting in what is beautiful. Sometimesbelievers become so focused on everything that is wrong with the world thatthey forget to enjoy everything that God has made right. Think about thebeautiful gifts God has placed all around us.  Thebeauty of His creation. A sunrise that reminds us of His faithfulness. Thesound of children laughing. A godly marriage that reflects Christ's love. Afaithful church family. The testimony of a missionary. The faithfulness of anelderly saint who has walked with God for decades. The joy of seeing someonetrust Christ as Savior. These are the kinds of things Paul says should occupyour minds. Davidoften filled his heart by meditating on God's works. Psalm 19 begins, "Theheavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handywork." Creationitself points us to the greatness of our Creator. Every beautiful flower. Everymountain. Every ocean wave. Every star in the night sky reminds us that our Godis both powerful and good. No wonder David could say in Psalm 27:4,"One thing have I desired of the LORD... that I may behold the beauty ofthe LORD."  Thinkabout that phrase. The beauty of the Lord. The loveliest person in all theuniverse is the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything about Him is beautiful. Hiscompassion. His humility. His holiness. His mercy. His grace. His truth. Hislove. The more we meditate on Christ, the more our own lives begin to reflectHis beauty. This also affects the way we listen to others and speak aboutothers. Paulsays to think on things that are of good report. Our world thrives on bad news.Every day the headlines remind us of crime, disasters, conflict, corruption,and tragedy. Social media often magnifies criticism, arguments, gossip, andoutrage. If we're not careful, we can become so absorbed with everything thatis wrong that we forget all that God is doing that is right. That doesn't meanwe ignore reality. It means we refuse to let negativity become the atmospherein which our minds continually live. Paulis teaching us to intentionally notice God's grace. Notice answered prayer.Notice faithful servants. Notice transformed lives. Notice opportunities toencourage someone. Notice evidences of God's goodness. Hebrews 10:24 says, "Andlet us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works."We should become students of encouragement. Instead of looking for reasons tocriticize, look for reasons to give thanks. Instead of dwelling on failures,rejoice in God's victories. Instead of repeating gossip, repeat God'sfaithfulness.  Someoneonce said, "The bee can find nectar while the fly can only findgarbage." Both live in the same world. They simply look for differentthings. The same is true spiritually. We can spend our lives looking foreverything that is wrong. Or we can train our minds to recognize thefingerprints of God's grace all around us. That doesn't mean life is alwayseasy. Remember where Paul was when he wrote these words. He was in prison. Yethis mind was not imprisoned. His circumstances did not determine his outlookbecause his thoughts were centered on Christ. Today,ask the Lord to help you see His goodness. Notice His blessings. Meditate onHis beauty. Encourage someone with words that build them up instead of tearthem down. When we fill our minds with what is lovely and of good report, wediscover that joy begins to replace bitterness, gratitude replaces complaining,and peace replaces discouragement.

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https://ascensionpc.org/audio/sermons/20260712.mp3 The post Philippians 4:23, “The Grace of the Lord” appeared first on Ascension Presbyterian Church.

7/12/26 Sunday Morning message

My name is Rev. Alvin Lewis of Power To Change Ministry. Thank you for sharing your day with us, we would love to hear from you, your feedback is very important.Philippians 4:1 (CWSB)“Rejoice in the Lord”1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.Power To Change Ministry           Rev. Alvin LewisPowertochangeministry@gmail.ComPowertochangeministry.org973-583-7482

Saturday July 11“Whatever things are pure." Thisword speaks of that which is morally clean, undefiled, innocent, and holy. Itdescribes a life that has not been contaminated by the pollution of sin. Welive in a world that has almost lost the meaning of purity. Every day we aresurrounded by images, conversations, advertisements, movies, televisionprograms, websites, and social media that appeal to the lust of the flesh, thelust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Impurity has become so common thatmany people no longer blush at what once brought shame. ButGod has never lowered His standard. Jesus said in Matthew 5:8, "Blessedare the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Notice He did notsimply say, "Blessed are the pure in conduct." He said, "Blessedare the pure in heart." God is always interested in the condition of theheart because the heart determines the conduct of the life. That is why Paul istalking about our thinking. Long before sin becomes an action, it usuallybegins as a thought that has been entertained. Someonehas wisely said, "Sow a thought, and you reap an action. Sow an action,and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character,and you reap a destiny." Everything begins with what we allow our minds todwell upon. Job understood this battle. In Job 31:1 he declared, "Imade a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?"Job recognized that what entered through his eyes could influence what remainedin his mind. How much more important is that principle today? Neverbefore in history have people carried around in their pockets devices that caninstantly expose them to almost every form of impurity imaginable. That is whywe must be more intentional than ever about guarding our minds. David prayed inPsalm 101:3, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes." Whata wonderful commitment! Imagine how different our lives would be if everybeliever prayed that prayer each morning. Paulgives similar instruction in Romans 13:14, "But put ye on the LordJesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the luststhereof." Notice he doesn't simply say, "Don't sin." Hesays, "Don't make provision for it." Don't feed it. Don't encourageit. Don't place yourself where temptation is invited to stay. Instead, fillyour mind with Christ. The wonderful truth is this: The more room God's Wordoccupies in your mind, the less room sinful thoughts have to remain. Lightalways drives out darkness. Truth always exposes lies. Purity always overcomescorruption. This does not mean that believers will never experience temptation.Even our Lord was tempted. But temptation is not sin. Sin begins when we chooseto entertain what God tells us to reject. Every time an impure thought entersyour mind, immediately bring it before the Lord. Replace it with Scripture.Turn your attention to Christ. Sing a hymn. Quote a Bible verse. Begin thankingGod for His goodness. The battle is won not merely by resisting evil but byfilling our minds with something far better. Perhapsthe greatest motivation for purity is not fear. It is love. When we truly lovethe Lord Jesus Christ, we want our thoughts to be pleasing to Him. David prayedin Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of myheart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." Whata wonderful prayer for each of us. May the meditation of our hearts bring joyto the heart of our Savior. Today, ask yourself this question: "Would I becomfortable if the Lord Jesus could visibly read every thought that passesthrough my mind today?" The wonderful news is that He already does. Andyet He loves us enough to forgive us, cleanse us, and transform us. As we yieldour minds to Him, He continues making us more like Himself. Remember, God'sdesire is not merely clean hands. He desires clean hearts, pure minds, and holylives.

"Whatever things are just..."Each of these qualities is anotherfilter through which every thought should pass before it is allowed to remainin our minds. First, we asked, "Is it true?" Then we asked, "Isit honorable?" TodayPaul asks another important question: "Is it just?" The word justmeans righteous, upright, and in harmony with God's holy standards. It speaksof what is fair, right, and pleasing in His sight. Our world no longer agreeson what is right. People often say, "Do whatever feels right." Otherssay, "You have your truth, and I have mine." But God has neverchanged His standard. Malachi 3:6 says, "For I am the LORD, I changenot." Because God never changes, His standards of righteousness neverchange. Psalm119:172 declares, "All Thy commandments are righteousness." EverythingGod commands is right. Everything He forbids is for our good. Everything Heteaches reflects His perfect character. That means when we examine ourthoughts, we should ask, "Would this thought be approved by God? Does itagree with His Word? Does it reflect His righteousness?" That questionalone can save us from countless sins. Manytemptations begin long before an action is ever taken. They begin with athought. James tells us in James 1:14-15, "But every man is tempted,when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hathconceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forthdeath." Notice the progression. The thought comes first. Then desiregrows. Then comes the action. Then come the consequences. If we learn to rejectsinful thoughts at the beginning, we prevent sinful actions later. Yearsago someone wisely said, "You can't stop a bird from flying over yourhead, but you can stop it from building a nest in your hair." Temptingthoughts may come unexpectedly. Even our Lord was tempted by Satan in thewilderness. But Jesus never entertained those temptations. Instead, Heimmediately answered each one with the Word of God. Three times He declared, "Itis written..." Our greatest weapon against wrong thinking is the truthof God's Word. Davidunderstood this battle. In Psalm 19:14 he prayed, "Let the words of mymouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, mystrength, and my redeemer." Did you notice that? Not only the words ofmy mouth... But the meditation of my heart. David realized that God examineswhat no one else can see. People see our actions. God sees our thoughts. Thattruth should both humble us and encourage us. It humbles us because we realizehow desperately we need God's grace. But it also encourages us because the HolySpirit is able to transform us from the inside out. Asbelievers, we should never be satisfied merely with doing the right thing outwardly.God wants us to delight in what is right inwardly. He wants our minds to loverighteousness. When we read Scripture, meditate on God's character, rememberHis promises, and walk with Him daily, our thinking gradually begins to change.Webegin to love what He loves. We begin to hate what He hates. Our values becomeHis values. Our desires become more like His desires. That is the work ofspiritual maturity. Sotoday, whenever a thought enters your mind, pause for just a moment and askyourself, "Is this thought righteous? Would the Lord Jesus dwell on thisthought?" If the answer is yes, continue thinking on it. If the answer isno, surrender it immediately to Christ and replace it with the truth of HisWord. Remember, the Christian life is not simply avoiding wrong actions. It iscultivating a mind that delights in God's righteousness. Tomorrowwe'll come to one of my favorite words in this verse: "Whatever thingsare pure." In a world filled with moral confusion and impurity, Godstill calls His children to think pure thoughts.

Theword honest in our King James Bible means much more than simply telling thetruth. It carries the idea of whatever is honorable, noble, dignified, worthyof respect, and deserving of reverence. It describes that which lifts our mindsupward instead of dragging them downward. Paul uses this same Greek word inspeaking about the qualifications of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, where they areto be "grave," or dignified. Titus 2:2 uses the same idea to describeolder men who are to be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, love, andpatience. The Christian should have a mind that delights in things that arenoble. Thatraises an important question.  Whatoccupies our thoughts? Much of the entertainment in our world today feeds theopposite of what Paul is describing. We are surrounded by mockery instead ofrespect, vulgarity instead of purity, violence instead of kindness, andfoolishness instead of wisdom. It seems that many people today laugh at whatGod calls sacred and celebrate what God calls sinful. As believers, we must becareful about what we continually allow into our minds. Remember, whateverfills the mind eventually shapes the life. Solomonwisely wrote in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; forout of it are the issues of life." The word keep again means to guard.We guard our homes by locking the doors. We guard our valuables by placing themin a safe. Should we not be even more careful to guard our minds? Someone oncesaid, "You become like what you admire." There is a great deal oftruth in that statement. If we continually admire what is worldly, our thinkingwill become worldly. If we continually admire what is holy, our thinking willbecome holy. Oneof the greatest examples of honorable thinking is found in the Lord JesusChrist Himself. Every conversation He had was marked by dignity. Every actionreflected the holiness of His Father. Even when He rebuked sin, He did so withperfect righteousness and perfect love. Peter tells us, "Christ alsosuffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps."(1 Peter 2:21) If Christ is our example, then our thoughts should increasinglyreflect His character. Thisalso affects the conversations we enjoy. Have you noticed that people usuallytalk about what they think about? If our minds are filled with things that aretrivial, foolish, or corrupt, our speech will reveal it. Jesus said,"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew12:34) What fills the heart eventually comes out through the lips. Perhaps onepractical application today is this: Ask yourself, "Does what I amwatching, reading, listening to, or thinking about encourage dignity,reverence, and respect for God? Does it help me become more like Christ?" Ifthe answer is no, then it probably does not belong in the mind of a believer. TheChristian mind should never be captivated by what is cheap when it has beeninvited to dwell upon what is noble. Paul is reminding us that our minds shouldcontinually rise above the gutter of this world to the greatness of our God. Themore we fill our minds with Christ, His Word, His works, and His glory, theless attractive the things of this world become. That is why the greatestsafeguard for the Christian mind is not merely saying "no" to thewrong things. It is saying "yes" to the better things. Fill your mindwith Scripture. Fill your mind with the character of Christ. Fill your mindwith the greatness of God. Then you will discover that honorable thoughtsproduce honorable living. Tomorrowwe'll look at the next filter Paul gives us: "Whatever things arejust." We'll discover that God not only wants us to think nobly, butHe also wants us to think righteously.

Yesterday we learned that if we are goingto enjoy the peace of God guarding our hearts, then we must also guard ourminds.  TodayPaul gives us the first test for every thought that enters our minds: "Whateverthings are true." Everything begins with truth. We live in a worldwhere truth is often questioned, ignored, or even rejected. We hear people say,"Well, that's your truth," or "This is my truth." But theBible teaches that truth is not something we invent—it is something God reveals.Jesus declared in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: noman cometh unto the Father, but by Me." Later, as He prayed to theFather, Jesus said in John 17:17: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy wordis truth." God'sWord is the absolute standard of truth. If we are going to think correctly, wemust think Biblically. Why does Paul begin here? Because Satan's greatestweapon has always been deception. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent did notbegin by denying God. He began by questioning God's Word. "Yea, hathGod said...?" (Genesis 3:1) Then he contradicted God. "Youshall not surely die." (Genesis 3:4) A lie believed always leads tobondage. But the truth believed always leads to freedom. Jesus said in John8:31-32: "If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed;and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Thinkabout how many lies Satan tries to whisper into our minds. He says, "Goddoesn't really love you." The Bible says, "The LORD hath appearedof old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love."(Jeremiah 31:3) Satan says, "God has abandoned you." God says, "Iwill never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) Satan says,"Your failures define you." God says, "If any man be inChrist, he is a new creature." (2 Corinthians 5:17) Satan says,"There is no hope." God says, "Blessed be... the God of allcomfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3) Yousee, every temptation begins with believing a lie, and every victory beginswith believing God's truth. That is why we must continually fill our minds withScripture. Someone once compared the mind to a garden. If you do notintentionally plant flowers, weeds will naturally grow. The same is true of ourminds. If we neglect God's Word, the weeds of fear, doubt, bitterness, lust,pride, and anxiety will quickly take over. David understood this. He wrote in Psalm 119:11, "Thy word haveI hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Noticehe didn't simply read God's Word. He hid it in his heart. He stored it there sothat when temptation came, truth was already available. That is exactly how ourLord defeated Satan during His temptation in the wilderness. Every time Satantempted Him, Jesus answered with the same words: "It iswritten..." He responded to every lie with the truth of God's Word.Ephesians 6:13-14 says: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that youmay be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Standtherefore, having girded your waist with truth…” Friend,one of the greatest habits you can develop is to begin every day reading,meditating on, and memorizing Scripture. Throughout the day, ask yourself,"Is what I'm thinking true according to God's Word?" If it isn't,reject it and replace it with what God has said.  Remember, God's peace guards our hearts, butGod's truth guards our minds. Today,determine that your mind will be anchored—not in your feelings, not in theopinions of the world, and not in the changing circumstances of life—but in theunchanging truth of God's Word. Godbless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!

Thinkfor a moment about how many thoughts enter your mind every day. Researchersestimate that thousands of thoughts pass through our minds daily. Some arehelpful, many are harmless, but others can be destructive. Satan knows that ifhe can capture your mind, he can influence your emotions, your decisions, youractions, and eventually your character. That is why the battle for theChristian life is largely the battle for the mind. Noticethe connection with the previous verses. In verse 6 Paul tells us to prayinstead of worrying. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayerand supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”. Thenin verse 7 he gives us God's wonderful promise: “And the peace of God, whichsurpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through ChristJesus”. The word guard is a military term. It means to guard or stand watchover. God's peace stands like a soldier around our hearts and minds. Butnow Paul tells us something else. While God guards our hearts with His peace,we have the responsibility to guard our minds with His truth. God neverintended for our minds to remain empty. An empty mind quickly becomes occupiedby fear, temptation, discouragement, resentment, lust, pride, or worry. Theanswer is not merely to stop thinking wrong thoughts. The answer is to replacethem with right thoughts. This is a principle found throughout Scripture. InProverbs 23:7 we read, "For as a man thinks in his heart, so ishe." Ourthoughts eventually become our character. The Lord Jesus emphasized the sametruth. In Matthew 15:19 He said, "For out of the heart proceed evilthoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,blasphemies." Everything begins on the inside before it ever appearson the outside. Paul also wrote in Romans 12:2, "And be not conformedto this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Noticethat transformation comes through the renewing of the mind. Theworld says, "Follow your heart." God says, "Renew yourmind." The world fills our minds with fear, anger, impurity, selfishness,and confusion. God fills our minds with truth, hope, purity, love, and peace. Someonehas wisely said, "You cannot keep the birds from flying over your head,but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair." We cannot alwayscontrol the thoughts that suddenly enter our minds, but we can choose whetherwe dwell on them. A temptation may come, but we do not have to invite it tostay. Paulends this verse with a command: "Think on these things." Thephrase means to deliberately dwell on them, to continually consider them, tocarefully evaluate them, and to let them shape your thinking. The Christianlife is not lived by accident. It is lived by intentionally filling our mindswith God's truth.  Overthe next several days we are going to examine each of these wonderful qualitiesPaul lists. They provide a divine filter for every thought that enters ourminds. Before we allow a thought to remain, we should ask, "Is it true? Isit honest? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it of good report? Does itdisplay virtue? Is it worthy of praise?" If the answer is yes, dwell onit. If not, replace it with God's Word. Remember, if you want to enjoy thepeace of God in your heart, you must also guard your mind with the truth ofGod. Let's ask the Lord today to help us win the battle for our minds. Let'sPray: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word to guide our thinking.Forgive us for allowing worry, fear, bitterness, impurity, and worldlyinfluences to occupy our minds. Help us, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, tothink on the things that honor You. Guard our hearts with Your peace, renew ourminds with Your truth, and transform our lives for Your glory. In Jesus' name,Amen. Godbless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!

Once we were at war with God, but now we have peace with God. How do we live in this world and age of anxiety and experience that peace? Usually we try to remove things that destroy our peace or numb ourselves to our anxiety with medicine. But the only way to experience the peace of God is to "Stand firm in the Lord". And how you "Stand firm in the Lord" is what this sermon on Philippians 4 is all about.

Today we come to one of the most amazing promises in all ofScripture as we look at Philippians 4:7. After Paul tells us to pray abouteverything, he now tells us what God gives us in return. Verse 7 says: “Andthe peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your heartsand minds through Christ Jesus.” Noticethat Paul does not promise that every problem will immediately disappear.Instead, he promises something even greater. God will give us peace—a peace inthe midst of the trials, the challenges, the problems, the disturbances, andeven the tragedies that come into our lives. This is not merely peace with God,which we receive when we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior. Romans 5:1 says: “Therefore,being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord JesusChrist.” No, this is the peace of God—the very peace that fills Hisown heart. Rememberwhat Jesus said to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. Theirhearts were deeply troubled as they gathered with Him in the Upper Room. Jesussaid to them in John 14:1: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe inGod, believe also in Me.” Then, in verse 27 of that same chapter, He said: “PeaceI leave with you.” Remember Jesus was about to leave them, yet He said, “Ileave My peace with you.” Why? Because He had just promised them the HolySpirit, who would come and dwell within them. The peace that comes from theHoly Spirit—the fruit of the Spirit—is the peace of Christ abiding in ourhearts. Jesus continued: “My peace I give unto you: not as the worldgiveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it beafraid.” Oh,what a wonderful peace God gives us! It is a calm assurance that He is incontrol. Paul says this peace passes all understanding. The world cannotexplain it. It simply does not make sense from a human perspective. How can wehave peace when we are facing cancer? How can we sing while sitting beside ahospital bed? How could Paul and Silas sing in prison after they had beenbeaten and their backs were bleeding? It is because our peace does not comefrom our circumstances. Our peace comes from God. Pauluses a military term when he says God will keep our hearts. The word literallymeans "guard." It pictures a soldier standing watch over a city or anarmy. Paul was writing this letter from a Roman prison, undoubtedly seeingRoman guards every day. He says that God's peace stands guard over our heartsand minds. It protects us from fear. It protects us from despair. It protectsus from becoming overwhelmed. And He does it all through our Lord Jesus Christ.He is the source of our peace.  Isaiah26:3 gives us this wonderful promise: “You will keep him in perfect peace,whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.” My friend, whenyou put your trust in God, you are trusting the One who is in complete controlof all things. You yield everything to Him—your possessions, your health, yourfuture, your family—everything. When we cling too tightly to the things of thisworld or become consumed with material gain, it often reveals that we have notfully surrendered those areas of our lives to the Lord. Andwhen anxiety begins to fill our hearts, remember the words of Psalm 37: “Fretnot thyself because of evildoers.” When we find ourselves fretting, it isoften an indication that we are not trusting the Lord as fully as we should.But when we know Him—when we truly know His character and trust His promises—wediscover that He will guide us, keep us, and fill our hearts with His peace. Oh,what a wonderful, wonderful peace! Todaywe may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who holds tomorrow. God bless!

I Can Do All Things… Philippians 4:10-23 Big Idea: Access to the super power of joy in all circumstances is through Christ and not our strength! 1. True Joy: Choose the Right Attitudes (10-11) 2. True Joy: Choose the Right Banker (12-13) 3. True Joy: Choose the Right Initiative (14-16) 4. True Joy: Choose the Right Goals (17-20) 5. True Joy: Choose the Right Family (21-23)

Today we discover God's replacement for worry—whatwe are to do instead. Paul continues: "But in everything by prayer andsupplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God."Notice the contrast. Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray abouteverything. Paulnow mentions four beautiful words that describe our conversation and communionwith God.  First is the word prayer. Thisspeaks of our general fellowship with God. Before we ask for anything, wesimply come into His presence and worship Him as our loving heavenly Father.Remember, Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew chapter 6: "Our Father whoart in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." Holy is Your name. Our Father. WhenJesus says, "Our Father," in teaching us to pray, we are not onlypraying corporately with other believers, even though sometimes we are. We areactually praying alongside Jesus Christ. He is praying with us. He isinterceding for us. He is helping us as we pray. We pray with Him. We haveaccess to the Father because of who Jesus is. That is why we say, "OurFather." Prayeris our connection to God. It is our communion with Him. It connects us toheaven itself and all the resources of heaven. Prayer is vitally important inour walk with God as we learn more about Him, discover His will, and fulfillHis purposes for our lives. We need to learn how to pray. The disciples neversaid, "Lord, teach us to preach," or, "Teach us to teach."But they did say, "Lord, teach us to pray." That should be our prayertoday. Second,we see the word supplication. This refers to earnest, heartfelt petitions. Itbrings our specific needs before the Lord with humility and dependence. It isrecognizing our need. In James chapter 1, we are told that if anyone lackswisdom, let him ask of God. We need wisdom. In James chapter 4, we learn not toask for things to satisfy our own lusts or selfish desires, but to ask for thethings that please Him. James writes: "Cleanse your hands, you sinners,and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Draw nigh to God, and He will drawnigh to you." That happens as we find cleansing through the blood ofChrist.  Then,in James 5:16, we read: "Confess your trespasses one to another, andpray for one another, that you may be healed." Notice the next words: "Theeffective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." That iswhat supplication is—earnestly praying, both for ourselves and on behalf ofothers, as we fervently seek God's face and His resources. Third,we see the word thanksgiving. How important this word is! Nothing drives awayworry like a thankful heart. When we remember God's past faithfulness, we findconfidence for today's problems. Perhaps before asking God for something new,we should first thank Him for all He has already done. Thankfulness. How weneed to cultivate hearts of gratitude for the wonderful blessings we enjoyevery day. Thenfinally, Paul says: "Let your requests be made known unto God." Remember,Jesus taught us to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread." Dailywe can pray: Father, protect us. Guide us. Provide for us. Help us. Empower us.Fill us. God invites us to tell Him exactly what is on our hearts. Not becauseHe does not already know—He knows before we ask—but because He desires arelationship with His children. He delights in our coming to Him with our needsand bringing every concern before Him. Thinkabout that. The Creator of the universe invites you to bring every concern toHim. Nothing is too small, and nothing is too great. If it matters to you, itmatters to your heavenly Father. What a privilege, my friend! When anxietycomes, do not rehearse the problem over and over in your mind. Turn it intoprayer. Every worry can become an invitation to draw closer to God. Tomorrow wewill look at God's wonderful promise to everyone who does just that.

Find more at http://www.burgessministries.com and http://www.TheManChurch.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find more at http://www.burgessministries.com and http://www.TheManChurch.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.