There are a lot of books and articles on the benefits of positive thinking and having a positive outlook. But few really have insight or guidance on how to change our deep inner selves where attitudes are generated. Paul’s challenge and encouragement is quite different. Writing from a cold, dark prison cell, where he is imprisoned for his faith, Paul challenges people facing adversity and even persecution, to anchor their faith and life in Christ, who alone can hold us secure through any of the storms of life. Only Christ can give a deep peace through the most turbulent times. With that in mind, Paul challenges us to focus on what is true and noble and all the positive aspects of life, confident that God has a plan and a purpose and God has the power to see us through. Listen again to Paul’s words of challenge and encouragement:
(scripture of the week)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4–9 NIV11)
(prayer of the week)
Gracious God, in this new year, help me to have confidence in your plan and purpose for my life, even when buffeted by the storms of life. Let my life be anchored in Christ, knowing you alone bring peace amid the storm. Give me vision to see the plan you have more my life, and faith to trust you to fulfill it, through your power and to your glory, amen.
Blessings –Pastor TJ
(quote of the week)
Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe—St. Augustine
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us
(scripture of the week)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4–9 NIV11)
(prayer of the week)
Gracious God, in this new year, help me to have confidence in your plan and purpose for my life, even when buffeted by the storms of life. Let my life be anchored in Christ, knowing you alone bring peace amid the storm. Give me vision to see the plan you have more my life, and faith to trust you to fulfill it, through your power and to your glory, amen.
Blessings –Pastor TJ
(quote of the week)
Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe—St. Augustine
Listen to recent sermons by Dr. TJ Jenney at http://inspiresundaymessages.blogspot.com/
Check the latest leadership blog by Dr. TJ http://www.drtj.us
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