Daily Devotional

-January 25, 2021-

Good morning, happy Monday,

-Meditate On Christ And His Word-

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy— meditate on these things.”

(Philippians 4:8).

Meditation is so important in the Christian life. Other religions also have meditation but the big difference is that we meditate on our Lord and the Word of God not just humanistic thoughts. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Meditate on these things; give yourselves entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:15).

In Joshua 1:8, the Lord said, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.” The Bible is not just for leaders, pastors, preachers, teachers, and missionaries, it is for all of us. Meditation goes beyond just reading it and even studying it; it involves thinking about it and applying it to our lives. Meditation takes time and produces great results in our lives with Christ.

As we read the Word, we can take a verse or part of a verse or thought from verse or subject from a passage to muse over. Here in our text today, Paul mentions eight qualities that we can think about and apply to our lives. These represent the life of Christ and how He wants us to live. Christ is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.

We need to make these qualities prevalent in our lives: true – tell the truth and stand for the truth; noble – be dignified and respectful of all people; just – be fair and righteous, treating people equally; pure – be holy in our thoughts and actions; lovely – having a beautiful spirit and a smile on our faces; good report – be positive and look for good things in every situation; virtue – having spiritual and moral excellence and high standards in all areas of life; praiseworthy – praise God daily and thank Him for what He has done for us.

To be like Jesus, to speak like Jesus, and to live like Jesus should be our continual goal. As we read about Him and meditate on Him and His Word, we will grow spiritually and be more pleasing to Him. In writing about verse 8, Bill MacDonald said, “A person cannot entertain evil thoughts and thoughts about the Lord Jesus at the same time. If, then, an evil thought should come to him, he should immediately get rid of it by meditating on the Person and work of Christ.”

Have a blessed day meditating on Christ and His Word and being positive in our thoughts. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean