THINK" SERIES: PART 11 - "IF THERE IS ANY VIRTUE....."

"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)

Can an authentic, practicing Christian, live a virtuous life, full of every attribute called for in this incredible verse (Philippians 4:8), 24/7/365, that is – all the time? In the natural – it is extremely difficult. Led by the Spirit of Christ – we absolutely, 100% can do it.  Jesus Himself prayed in John 17:15 “ I do not pray that You should take them out of the world but that You should keep them from the evil one”.

 

This section of the verse makes the statement “if there is any virtue”….and therefore, it begs the question: what really is virtue? The Biblical Greek word is “arete”. It means the following in modern English: uprightness; a gracious act; moral goodness (which we would expect it to be); excellence and has the sense of the highest level of moral excellence, personal qualities, and attributes. You get the picture.

 

In Galatians, the Bible gives us a big contrast between the evil attributes of this world (click here) and the Fruits of The Spirit of which each and every Christian should be a live and living example.  Virtue is one of the foundational blocks that makes those fruits of the Spirit, shine Jesus’ shine!

 

Since virtue and integrity are closely parallel, they are both an adjective and a verb.  They are almost synonymous. However, while these incredibly admirable qualities reflect the honesty, kindness, graciousness, transparency, and love that we have for God and man, a high degree of maintenance is required. The minute we let our individual guards down, we are in trouble. If there ever comes a time we take a break from actively praying for all those qualities in Phil 4:8 to not just remain in us, but continue to seek the Face of God daily through:

• Mediating, reading, and digging into His Word. While we all love and acknowledge the Psalms, as the official “Prayer Book of the Bible”, other Books of the Bible are extremely beneficial. Not just Proverbs, but Isaiah especially. The Book of Isaiah is so rich that it could be considered five different books. The rich history of the people of God and the Mighty Hand of God throughout, from the personal to the prophetic, could and should drive you and me to our knees.
• We also maintain a lifestyle full of virtue and integrity by, believe it or not, serving others. We need to make ourselves available for those who are younger than us, in both chronological years AND the Faith, to be the best example of the Lord, as we can.  To that end, we should:
• Do random acts of kindness, love, and thoughtfulness. The vast majority of people do not send greeting cards or letters of encouragement. Therefore, why don’t you and I just continue being a living tradition of writing notes of faithful encouragement and hope to someone who needs it, for whatever reason? This is sure to buck them up, so they can know that when the chips are down, they have a friend who loves Jesus and talks with Him. I tell you what, boxes of Christian cards, for all occasions, can be purchased very cheaply at Hobby Lobby. One box, for $10,  can last you six months to a year. The joy of a recipient of one of your encouragements would be priceless!
• Speak what is virtuous. There are countless Scriptures about the power of the tongue. The old adage "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me, is Fake News!" Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit". What comes out of our mouths is, for the most part (not always), what is in our hearts. Therefore, let us be resolved to think biblically, so we can think righteously and act honorably. There is a pattern or sequence to this kind of living.
• Study the example of Jesus. While we are more headstrong or easily flummoxed by petty things like Peter, when he denied Christ, we can also be like the same Peter of whom it was asked and said in Acts 4:13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus". There is no greater virtue than to be like King Jesus!

There is more to be said on this subject. However, these five exhortations are a handful enough to keep us busy for half a lifetime, if we would just become very intentional about accomplishing even 85% of them. In all the commands, statutes and precepts of the Bible, we have the most difficult time keeping even the very few critical ones, were it not for God's Grace and the Holy Spirit. So, may we be resolved to bear down on these five listed above - and excel in them....like a virtuoso!

QUOTE DU JOUR ON VIRTUE FROM CS. LEWIS:

"Christianity seems at first to be all about morality, all about duties and rules and guilt and virtue, yet it leads you on, out of all that, into something beyond. One has a glimpse of a country where they do not talk of those things, except perhaps as a joke. Every one there is filled full with what we should call goodness as a mirror is filled with light. But they do not call it goodness. They do not call it anything. They are not thinking of it. They are too busy looking at the source from which it comes"

Heavenly Father, thank You in the Mighty Name of Jesus, for the simple tools, resources and guidance, which You have given, so that we may live honorable lives - upright in the sight of God and men, so that "if there is any virtue", may it be found in us. Amen.

THINK" SERIES: PART 10 - "WHATEVER IS NOBLE OR OF GOOD REPORT"

" 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)

The world views "nobility" as royalty. The British royal family, or some European elites, are regarded as the "standard" in terms of class, wealth, and nobility. This is, of course, a product of centuries of class divisions, and in modern times, an obsession of the media and culture.

Nobility means something else to God. In our passage above from Philippians 4:8, the word "NOBLE" (or 'of good report') is an adjective with quite a punch. The original Biblical Greek is "euphémos". In this context, euphemos means of good report, reputable and praiseworthy (Strongs 2163).

If we look across the spectrum in public life, not many can fulfill the demands of these attributes. They are attributes. The original meaning of the English words found in this verse (Phil. 4:8) for "meditate or think on these things" imply action. The Biblical Greek word is "logizomai" which means reckon, conclude, decide, reason and more.....all verbs of action. We also get the word "logic" from this Bible word.

The Bible is not just true, inspiring, encouraging and more, but it inspires logic, thought, and positive action. I have a few friends who teach character development. One of them has made a living out of it, by developing an international ministry. Why is so much of the world, especially in certain areas of the United States, the Far East, and some developing countries, captivated by this concept of Nobility in thought, word, and deed?

Why? Because it is an attractive quality and leads only to good things - for families, churches, communities and business. People of Noble Character (which is the true meaning of GOOD REPORT) are:

- Pleasant to be around

- Dignified and courageous, yet as gentle as a lamb.

- Always willing to lend a helping hand of love, friendship and cheerful giving

- Genuinely generous with their time and resources

- Strong and humble. But do not mistake their humility and strength under control as a weakness. What they are exhibiting is the "meekness" which our Lord and Savior Jesus exhibited.

- Willing to mentor, share with, or instruct others in the paths which they can follow to become better-engaged and grounded children of God.

There are many more,  but these main qualities of Noble Character, inspired by Godly and a clean mind focused on making the main thing, the main thing, will not just glorify God through our actions, but they will serve to honor Him by showing His people as ones of people of truly "good report". 

As stated many times before, our actions are the results of our thoughts. Think on these pure and noble things, and we will stand before God and man, blameless and shining the Truth of His Gospel. Amen

Dear Father, in the Mighty Name of Jesus, help us to seal these truths in our minds: the Truths to the point where if any one of them is not yet second nature, that by the cleansing Blood of Jesus and the washing of Your Holy Word, each attributes or item listed in Philippians 4:8  will become to us, an integral part of our lives, in thought, word and deed, that we may glorify You and become living testimonies to the Glory of God, before God and man, in Jesus' Strong Name, amen.

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DISCIPLINE#5 OF 12 - SABBATH REST

                    THE BMIC BLAST - MARCH  2025

DISCIPLINE #4 OF 12 - WORSHIP

 THE BMIC BLAST - FEBRUARY 2025

DISCIPLINE#3 OF 12 - PRAYER

 THE BMIC BLAST: JANUARY 2025

THINK" SERIES: PART 10 - "WHATEVER IS LOVELY"

THINK BIBLICALLY - #6

 " 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)

 There is nothing more beautiful in this world than God's creation. From the tiniest ant, as annoying to the picnic basket as ants can be, to the red cardinal that buzzes your kitchen window and then flies around the backyard. From the faithful little yapper Schnauzer on your couch to the goldfish that swims around your aquarium. The Mighty Hand of God is evident everywhere - from the complexities of the human body to the sunset which seems to be completely different every evening...regardless of the opinions of mortal men, the handiwork of the Master Artist and Creator is evident. The Bible tells us so in Romans 1:20a "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power".

In the Arizona desert and in others where cacti live, there is a rare flower called the Cereus. This stunning and fragrant flower only blooms late at night. Read more about the Cereus flower here. This video shows the late-night blooming process in a controlled greenhouse environment. However there most regular sightings are done from the desert itself.

The ability of our minds, guided by a clear eye and spirit, to capture the beauty and majesty of Creation should inspire us to lift our entire outlook, thinking and perspective to the higher plane.

Be like King David who wrote in Psalm 8:3-4 "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him"?

Whenever we are down and depressed and/or tempted to lapse into pitiful or stinking thinking, immediately go outside in your garden and watch the bees gathering wild honey in your pumpkin patch or the squirrel gathering nuts. Or grab your bible and open to the book of Psalms and worship the one True God of Heaven, Who made us a little lower than the angels, that we may magnify and adore His precious and holy Name. All around us, are the evidences of lovely, pleasant, and acceptable things and even people, of whom the Lord will absolutely approve. There is absolutely no reason to live in a state of hopelessness. Hope is palpable and literally within reach. Take THAT thought captive.

Father in Jesus' Strong Name may Your Name be magnified, glorified and praised throughout the earth. Holy is Your Name. All power and glory belongs to You. You told us in Philippians 4:8 to think on whatever things are lovely, pleasant, wonderful and pleasing to both You and mankind. More than that Lord when we consider the complexities of the human body and the Mind that created every living cell, fiber and muscle in us, how can we not think of lovely, stunning thoughts of You, oh Great God of Heaven. May our puny little lives be acceptable unto Thee and may our worship, made from repentant and obedient hearts bring glory to You, in all that we do, in Jesus' Strong Name. Amen.

Image Credit: Epic Gardening

THINK" SERIES: PART 9 - "WHATEVER IS PURE"

 THINK BIBLICALLY - #5

 " 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)

For decades in America, Ivory Soap was considered the purest soap in the market, for sale to anyone. Of course, it was not actually 100% pure. There is no such thing. Ivory was sold as 99 44/100% pure. Today, organic and homemade soaps lack any chemical impurities and may claim the same - pure.

The Scriptural exhortation in our key verse - Phil. 4:8 - is even more intensely pure than the most natural soap which can make the physical clean. The Biblical Greek word for "pure" is hagios which has a distinctive meaning. It is not just to be free from sin, impure thoughts and conduct, or just plain innocent, but to be free from defilement. You and I may think we do not defile God or ourselves. So what does that even mean?

Actually, Jesus Himself told us! He says in Matthew Chapter 15. He says two important things about what defiles a man (person). In Verse 11, Jesus says "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”

Even if people say the first thing that comes to their heads, they will still have to briefly consider that thought. In verse 15, Jesus is talking about a thought that is NOT good, which will defile the person.

Then, a few verses later, He got even more specific and scary. Scary in the sense of this: we had better pay attention to our thoughts, even if we consider ourselves above the fray and free from all evil. Jesus says in Verses 18-20a "Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man."

But there is more to it than that. Not everyone walks around with the thoughts that Jesus describes above.  Maybe at one time, we violated every one of those sins. But there are thoughts that we cannot control that invade our minds at the most inopportune time, especially when we are praying!

Many of us prayer warriors remember this one - we would be deep in prayer and boom! Out of the blue, a completely unrelated worldly thought comes across our minds and threatens to almost disconnect our conversation with our Heavenly Father. We do have the power within us, due to being born-again and indwelled with the Spirit of Christ, to cast that thought out and get back on track!

There is no Christian who ever lived, who has never had that happen to them in prayer. So keep control of the narrative. Stay in the Scriptures. The evil one, the devil and accuser of the brethren's job is to take our joy, our journey with Jesus and the fact that we are joint heirs with Christ - away from us. 

Keep your mind on Christ. Keep praying to Him and staying away from disputes, indiscretions and even disgusting people. Focus on the good of anything - food, nature, your co-workers, your family, God!  The more you fellowship with the good, the easier it is to maintain a good, clean heart and one that will be open to what the Lord is doing today in your life. Amen

Father in the Mighty Name of Jesus, I thank You that through it all, you were with us even in the depths of our depravity. Even in our depraved thoughts, words, and deeds. But You saved us. You pulled us out of the muck and the mire and put a new song in our hearts. A hymn of praise to our God - You, oh Lord, our Heavenly Father and King Jesus the Savior. Thank You again, Lord, and keep working in us, to make us more like You, in Spirit and in Truth, in Jesus' Strong Name amen. 

Image Credit: Free Christian Illustrations

THINK" SERIES: PART 8 - "WHATEVER IS JUST"

 THINK BIBLICALLY - #4

" 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)

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Micah 6:8 and for good reason. The Bible says "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

One of the many attributes of Yahweh - YHWH - is just. Justice is almost His middle Name. His Justice is swift against rebels and evil, just as He opened up the earth to swallow up Korah and the 250 rebels and their families who had challenged Moses' and Aaron's call as God's representatives. God's fury and judgment were swift and definitive. The earth opened up and many went down to the place of the dead, still alive.

When Ananias and Sapphira lied to Jesus' Apostles about the amount of money they sold their property for, in order to puff themselves up before the just-created Body of Christ, God did not wait to deal swiftly with their deception. There is no instance in the past, where God instituted Worship, and where mortals took it upon themselves to speak for Him that God did not punish the perps.

However, this verse from Philippians 4:8 speaks more about our human conception of how to treat others justly rather than about being a Holy, Righteous Judge like our heavenly Father.

As we think Biblically and come to the realization that we are not God Who judges righteously, we need to grasp the true meaning of the original Biblical Greek word for "whatever is just" and its definition. The word is "dikaios" and means upright, just, right before God, and more. It does NOT mean we are to contemplate the mighty, and swift justice of God as if we are His executioners. Our job is to love unconditionally, to live the Truth, and to share the good news. 

The "Think on Whatever is Just" call to Biblical Thinking is personal and internal. It is not about corporate or group identity or something we wish others should do, although that is an amazing goal. It is a call for us as the original, Holy Spirit-inspired word, indicates, to fully comprehend the righteous and upright character of the Lord, and think, live, and obey  - likewise.

Father, in the Mighty Name of Jesus, may we, who are called by Thy Name, come to fully grasp what a Holy, righteous, and just God You are. Help us to comprehend even one-tenth of Your Character so that we may live lives that are above reproach before the world and before You, in Jesus' Strong Name. Amen.

Image Credit: Free Christian Illustrations

"THINK" SERIES: PART 7 - "WHATEVER IS NOBLE"

 THINK BIBLICALLY - #2 

" 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)

Most Christians know the Bible's great examples of character, dignity, gravitas, and honor. Men like Enoch, who the Bible says "walked with God" (Genesis 5:24) all the days of his life, and God thought so much of him that He took him to heaven as a very young man. How about Daniel, the prophet who inspired the Magi of the Christmas story? Daniel was so full of integrity, character, and love for God, that he refused to bow down to King Darius of Babylon's edicts and ended up in the lion's den (Daniel 6 here).

The man or woman of God who thinks and lives Biblically and stays diligent to that calling has a special place in the Heart of God. Look at what the Lord sent His chief warrior Angel Michael to say to Daniel, for his faithfulness and honor (Daniel 10:12) "“Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words". What words, you ask? Please read all of the book of Daniel, but especially Daniel's prayer in Chapter 9.

Our key verse for thinking Biblically - Philippians 4:8, has as its second exhortation from heaven: "Whatever things are noble". The original biblical Greek word here is "semnos" which means honorable, dignified, worthy of respect, and noble. 

It is not enough to be a faithful believer who lives right, pays taxes, obeys the law, goes to work, does a great job, loves God, and loves other people, primarily your family. It is not enough to do all of those wonderful things. We must carry ourselves - men and women - in such good repute that we not only NEVER bring the Name of Jesus to disrepute as too many Christians do these days, but there should be no doubt about who we are when we walk into our workplace, church, or community gathering, that this is a person who walks the talk.

Being a person of noble character also carries the moniker of one who does not gossip or engage in double-speech. This person is also temperate when everyone else is losing their collective minds. He or she is sensible and calm, gentle and firm, yet full of Truth and love. Being of noble character begins with THINKING God's thoughts. 

This is how Daniel's character shined so much that God took note and rewarded him with a special blessing from the Heavenly Throne. You and I can have that same favor with God that Daniel had.

All that you and I will need to do is have the same reverence, awe, respect AND self-respect which Daniel exhibited.  It all began with his thought life or his extremely high view of God. The meaning of the word "noble" in our verse, reminds us that we are commanded to think, and therefore act differently than the world around us.

Thinking Biblically by being in awe of God, by having the ultimate respect and reverence for Him and by living this way, is the true sign of a thoughtful lifestyle, based on Truth - His Truth - the Only Truth. Amen

Father, just as You have done in ages past, please give us the courage and boldness to live like Daniel did, the Courage to bow the knee to no one but You; the courage to proclaim Your Name to a dying corrupt world and the courage to live every moment with our guard up, so that we will never slip up in public or private. May we have those thoughts, beliefs, and actions which are consistent with the Truths of Scripture and walk with and in them all the days of our lives, in Jesus' Strong Name amen.

Image Credit: Free Christian Illustrations