“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.” (Philippians 4:8) What if you challenged yourself to only think and say good things for one entire day. Could you do it? For one 24-hour period could you focus exclusively on things that are true, honest, righteous, pure, acceptable, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy? As I wrote those words, I immediately thought, “There goes most news reports, political talk, and social media.” We might also need to tune out some conversations with coworkers, friends, or family members if they tend toward the negative, argumentative, or profane. But having one full day in which we concentrate on only good things sounds wonderful. No negativity, no hurtful gossip, no hateful words or cutting remarks allowed. Philippians 4:8 is often quoted, but I wonder how often we really take time to “think on [consider, meditate on] these things.” Another question to consider is how much of the music we listen to, the literature we read, and the things we watch would pass the “4:8 test.” If it doesn’t, perhaps it’s time to change some of our media habits. Do we want such things to…

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3, NKJV)  Several years ago, a friend and I took a driving tour through Scotland. Friends from that lovely country drove us, so we were able to just be tourists instead of worrying about maps and directions. By the end of the week, I’m certain the couple thought me strange if not downright crazy. Whenever we passed a field with grazing sheep, I wanted to stop and take photos. It was a common sight for them, but not for this city girl. Perhaps I was also remembering all those Bible passages I’d read about shepherds and sheep. How old were you when you first memorized Psalm 23? Most of us can recite this well-known passage word-for-word. King David, who had been a shepherd long before he became a king, starts this psalm by saying the Lord is his shepherd, showing a personal, loving relationship. David wasn’t the first or only one to compare the Lord to a shepherd. From Genesis…

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV) Are there certain verses in the Bible that have become your favorites? Do they hold special meaning for you because God used them to sustain you and bring you through a difficult situation? I think we each have those special verses that speak to us in a special way. Several encouraging Bible passages are often quoted and have become very familiar to us. Perhaps they are so well known because of the comfort and hope we feel as we meditate upon them. Many contain words of promise. One such verse is Isaiah 40:31. When life drags us down, we love its promise of strength to soar like an eagle. An eagle in flight is a majestic sight. Eagles can rise 10,000 to 15,000 feet by using thermal air currents to soar. They can fly above the dark clouds and storms below. Although eagles fly at 20 to 40 miles per hour, while diving an they can accelerate to 100 mph. Their wings symbolize strength and power.…

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 This verse tells of the many wonderful attributes of God.  First, He is wonderful. The definition of wonderful is “inspiring delight, pleasure or admiration. Extremely good; marvellous” Doesn’t that sound just like God?  Next, He is our counsellor. We can bring our needs, hurts, dreams, and worries to Him, free of judgement and only given love in return. He is always listening and waiting for us to call to Him. Third, He is mighty. We serve a strong and powerful God who always has been victorious and will always be victorious. Fourth, He is God. There is none beside Him and He is unrivalled. Next, I learn that He is everlasting. He always has been and always will be. Psalms 90:2 tells us that “before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.” Then I see that He is our Father. Some of us may not have ever had a good experience with…