The Beauty of God's Word

Good Morning,

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, 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. 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.

Sometimes I'm amazed, overjoyed, and even a bit shocked at the marvelous beauty and wonder of Scripture. These feelings come over me even when I reread Scripture that is very familiar and have read any number of times. It is one of the mysteries of God that He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit with what He wants us to see and know...at some particular point in time.

I know that we are all very familiar with these verses that we read today. We've all read them before and we've heard any number of messages that refer to them. That doesn't make them any less extraordinary or awe inspiring. Maybe, because we are so familiar with these words, they can become so very special if we will take some time to allow them to truly enter our hearts and minds and fill us with the understanding that God wants us to have through them.

"Rejoice in the Lord!...Rejoice!" "Let your gentleness be evident." "Do not be anxious." "By prayer and petition, present your requests to God." "The peace of God...beyond understanding...will guard your hearts and minds." "Whatever is true ... noble ...right ... pure ... lovely ... admirable ... excellent ... praiseworthy ... think about those things." "Whatever you have learned...put into practice." "The God of peace will be with you."

Each of these short statements is worth a message all on its own. I know that. However, when we see and read them all together and allow God to speak to us through them, I think they are even more meaningful and they can have an even more wonderful effect on us. It would be good for us to write these words down and have them with us throughout this day. Look at them. Read them. Bask in their beauty. Allow them to fill you. Listen for God to speak through them.

I'm thrilled today to have been led to these verses...once again. Thank you Lord.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David