Focus:
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) “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.”
Definition:
What does it mean to be praiseworthy? Anything worthy of praise is anything that is worthy of honor, admiration, celebration, adoration, thanks, or some sort of exaltation. It may just be something that tickles our soul, or sets a smile on our face. It is definitely worthy of praise if it sets us in “WOW” mode ooing and ahing. Sometimes those things that are praiseworthy just simply take our breath away. If it is something that gets us talking about it in a positive way consider it praiseworthy. Anything that draws us to what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, or virtuous deserves our praise.
Quotable Quotes:
Psalms 145:9-13
The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
My Heart:
Much of this chapter in Philippians is focusing on how we can have peace. Along with peace come contentment, joy, smiles and laughter. The last thing these verses encourage us to think on is things that are praiseworthy. These are some things that come to mind when I think of praiseworthy things: a child mowing the lawn or doing the dishes; a relative marked by positive thinking and words of encouragement; a stranger who returns a wallet exactly the way it was lost; the intricacy of a newborns tiny features; a baby’s first step or first word; A young one taking the time to check up on, help, encourage or just visit with someone of the older generation; The one who made the last shot to win the game or the linemen that blocked to help the quarterback to charge on through to make the last touchdown of the night. All these things tend to bring us warm fuzzies or sparkling faces. Psalm 145:10 “All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee” assures us that all we have to do is take a look around us to fill our thoughts with those praiseworthy things. All of God’s creation praises Him by just existing. A beautiful sunset, reflections in the stillness of a glassy lake, A shiny new foul in the coral with mom, a lovely rainbow reminding us to see the light through the rain, a giant size copper moon peeking through the trees, the strength of the waves beating on the shore or the crack of lightening splitting the night sky declaring the power of God, Even the glistening of the stars in the summer sky. Maybe it is the intricate beauty of a monarch butterfly landing in the yellow glow of the buttercups, or It may just be the freshness of the crisp breeze blowing on our face and through our hair. We don’t notice those things and curse God. We do the exact opposite as we smile deep down in our soul and take a cleansing breath giving Him the praise and glory right beside all those wonders of nature.
Something to think about:
Thoughts of things that are praiseworthy bring peace to the soul like things that are not praiseworthy produce turmoil.
Anything that draws us to what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, or virtuous deserve our praise.
Am I praising with my words?
Am I praising with my actions?
Am I praising with my expressions?
Am I praising with my attitudes?
If the answer to those questions is no, my thoughts need to be adjusted.
Do those around me feel peaceful or are they uneasy and looking for the quick escape route?
PEACEFULLY PRAISING OR CANTANKEROUSLY CHAOTIC
Both kinds of character are contagious!!!
PRAISE with a purpose of making God known to all men.
On your own:
Make it a point today to praise God for 10 things. Once you get started you may have a hard time stopping at just 10. I would love to hear about your praiseworthy thoughts. Watch the domino effect as those around you catch on quickly.
PROTECT YOUR POSITION OF PEACE or CHANGE YOUR POSITION OF CHAOS!!!!
P PAY SOMEONE OR SOMETHING A TRUTHFUL COMPLIMENT
R RECOMMEND SOMEONE OR SOMETHING
A ADORE SOMEONE OR SOMETHING
I INITIATE A DISCUSSION OR THOUGHT OF PRAISE FOR THE SCENE IN FRONT OF YOU
S SIMPLY CELEBRATE SOMETHING
E EXALT GOD FOR HIS CONTROL IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION
THINK ON THESE THINGS (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
Lovely post! It can at times be hard to focus on only the praiseworthy things, but what a good example that when we do, what joy it can bring!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for visiting my blog! I need to be better at paying visits also!
~Amber
There is so much ugliness in our world, it really does help our outlook and attitude if we keep our minds on lovely things! ;)
ReplyDelete~Angela Stahl