Lost?

This road doesn't look right with all these old houses. And the new houses? They were not here yesterday. Where are the curves on your old road? And the speed bumps and potholes?

But this road is so smooth, straight, and easy to drive!

You check Facebook to see if your friends have noticed the changes. You check your text messages. Has anyone alerted you? 

You don't check your smartphone's GPS app. You don't look at a paper map to see where you are. And heaven forbid you would be so 'old school' as ask the man in his front yard for help.

The fact is you are on the wrong road.

But how could such a good road be wrong. It feels so good. You are not working hard at driving. On this road you can go fast. There is no need to be alert or careful. How could a straight road without speed bumps be wrong?

The Bible tells us of good roads and bad roads. It tells us the best way is a challenge.  The road to great living (and ultimately eternal life) has curves, bumps and potholes. You must be cautious and controlled. Some of it may not paved and muddy. It tells us of the easy, fast, interstate-quality drives that go to the bad life (and ultimately THE bad place). 

Why should you check the electronic Bible app on your smart phone, or the 'old school' printed Bible that warns us? Be careful: You might discover your are on the wrong road.

So, where are you going?

Whatever is ... (8)

How long is the worm in the cocoon?
How long is needed for an ugly duckling to become a swan?
My mother is still one of the best cooks ever. Often she cooks s-l-o-w.
Fellow American's, speed is not everything. The best things can not be rushed.

Paul's efforts to create a metamorphosis of the mind does not happen immediately. He decelerated, caught his breath, and carefully chose the best verb possible to motivate his brothers at Philippi to search out honorable ideas, truth and truthful people, pure, lovely, or of good repute. He longs for them to be completely changed, so he included anything excellent and anything worthy of praise.
He chose 'DWELL'.
Jack McKinney, the same Greek teacher from Harding previously mentioned, explained the word as meaning to take up residence, to live somewhere long enough to 'put down roots'. 

But the word Paul selected was a different Greek work, but with some of same flavor. Logizomai means to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over; to take into account; weigh the reasons, infer, meditate on, suppose, judge, determine, purpose, or decide.
Strong's Dictionary of Greek words added this footnote. “This word deals with reality. If I 'logizomai' that my bank book has in it, it has in it. Otherwise, I am deceiving myself. This word refers to facts not suppositions.” So DWELL deals with facts, not with anyone's opinion.
Paul wants to properly re-train their minds. He calls on them to spend time thinking about each item in his powerful list. He knows it will take time to develop these mind-correcting qualities. Each one must be factually, thoughtfully considered.
“Thought control is clearly the practice Paul enjoined here.” (Burton Coffman Commentary)
This one strong verb, dwell, requires calculation and computation. The benefits of each quality will provide reasons why it should be adopted.
Our success at properly re-training our minds will be directly proportional to our success at weighing reasons. We must infer results and meditate on the benefits of every quality. If we properly determine the outcomes, we then can plan, purpose, and decide to implement these wonderful traits.
“We are responsible for our thoughts and can hold them to high and holy ideals.” (Robertson's Word Picture of the New Testament).
Yes, Paul could have simply made the list and told them to become such. He also knew the likelihood of failure. Developing these qualities in their minds would subsequently cause a metamorphosis of their lives.
How beautiful the butterfly is. How great mom's soup is. How elegant a swan is.
Slow down, re-think, and become true, honorable, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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Study truth, honor, things pure, lovely, of good repute, excellence and praiseworthy.

Whatever is .... (7)

Jack was struggling to explain the scope of “no.”

Professor Jack McKinney, Harding University Greek instructor, was attempting to explain the Greek negative found in 1 John 1:5 (“...and in Him there is no darkness at all.”). He reminded us of a bright summer day with its shadows. Then he asked what it might look like if there were no shadows, or any other forms of slight darkness. He added the ideas together to show us how bright the world would look. He concluded that God was brilliant, with no shadows (evil) of ANY kind or amount. There was not a hint of darkness.

If there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, ….

Paul wanted his point thoroughly made in Philippians 4:8. He wanted it complete. He added to the list two “shadow” areas: excellence and praise. He combined both ideas.

Paul was emphatic. He added ANY excellence and ANYthing worth praising. He urged them to search out ANY virtuous thought, feeling or action. Seek ANY amount of moral goodness. Find ALL modesty and purity. He added ANY thing worthy of approval or sanction. Hunt ALL things worth endorsing or recognizing, commending or praising.

Paul had told them, and us, to consider carefully whatever is of truth, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute. Now he adds ANY area that might be closely associated with ANY of the powerful qualities. His thoughts must be complete.

Paul is challenging you to look for excellence or moral goodness ANYwhere it might be found. This creates a mind set always aware of the good, commendable things.

Then, as the chain reaction continues, genuine praise will flow. We will speak well of good organizations or people. We praise good behavior.

Some are elevated from their muck and mire, and others develop a new attitude as well.

Are you looking for ANY thing excellent or ANY thing praiseworthy? Think about it!

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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Study truth, honor, things pure, lovely, of good repute. And thank you for considering ANYthing excellent or praiseworthy.

But now would be the WORST time to stop reading. The most powerful thought of this series will be discussed: the verb. Please read the final link, coming very shortly.

Whatever is ..... (6)

JF: “Hey! How is everyone. Haven't seen some of ya'll in a while. Is Tiger here?

DP: “No. He is riding over to the cemetery with TwoLane and Creek. And how are you, Geezer?”

JF: “Not bad. Hey, where is that Screaming Eagle, or are you in a cage today?”

DP: “Traded in my Screaming Eagle for a Harley Fatboy. I like the way the pipes sound -- mellow and deep.”

JF: “What is up with Harley's anyway? I mean, Tiger traded his Heritage Classic for a Goldwing.”

DP: “Did he tell you why?”

JF: “He said Harley's shake too much. He was always taking it to the dealer to have everything re-tightened. I think he just couldn't keep his new dentures in his mouth.”

DP: (laughing). “Well, that new Goldwing with its 1800cc's won't vibrate. Those opposing cylinders make it run so smooth. Didn't you put a pair of Vance and Hines pipes on your bike?”

JF: “No. I don't have $600 to spend on pipes and a re-jet kit. But I have been looking at adding a Cobra light bar to add some lights. But I can't decide to use them or get a pair of bullet lights from Show Chrome to add to my highway bar, or to get the new windshield and lightbar from National Cycle. Which would you get?”

DP: “Hey, is that Scooter coming. She hasn't been at a mission in a long time. Let's go see her!”

These guys know motorcycles. They enjoy comparing different cycles and cycle parts. Nothing negative, but a constant admiration and appreciation for each bike's strong points. They would welcome the chance to tell you about their bikes, rides, and experiences.

Whatever is of GOOD REPUTE.

It is good to talk about the things we enjoy, take pride in, or promote. They have valuable qualities we admire or enjoy. We would do ourselves a favor to explore, analyze and determine what makes them attractive.

There is a direct relationship between the amount of time we concentrate on the worries, disappointments, or disillusionments, and the resulting negative mindset. Reducing the time reduces the anxiety and depressive negativity.

Carefully watch and consider. We speak highly of Toyota cars or trucks for their dependability. Then, when auto shopping, what do we search for? Or, after watching the children or grandchildren, we pridefully talk about their successes.

We contemplate the good qualities of organizations like the Red Cross, the Marines, Alcoholics Anonymous, or St. Jude Research. Then we promote their efforts. They are of a good repute.

We consider how successful each has been and we consider their efforts for good.

We watch and think of successful things, people, and organizations. Result: We become successful people ourselves or become part of organizations that serve others. We not only increase our own self-esteem, but contribute to the welfare and success of others.

We become of good repute.

Isn't God of good repute. Are we becoming like Him? Isn't that the point, Paul?

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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We are continually coached by Paul. Let's study honor, truth, pure, lovely and of good repute.

Whatever is ...... (5)

Whatever is LOVELY.

What happens when we continually concentrate on things pleasant and acceptable?

Phil 4:8 is the only time this word is used in the New Testament. What value is in exercising your mind in this way? The key is in focusing on anything God finds acceptable, pleasing or winsome in individuals.

A former boss made demands for extreme excellence. I received frequent 'butt-chewings' before attaining his level of quality. Daily practice made 'extreme excellence' routine. I became excellent at video tape editing. Consistent high expectations brought high quality results. My thinking changed.

If I demand myself to consistently search for what is lovely, I will find it. I will enjoy it. I will raise my personal expectations to match.

First, I will identify what is needed to be quality, to have ideal family time, to accomplish great community service, and valuable service to God.

Second, I will induce others to that same level of acceptance. I will demonstrate joy and pleasantness gained from quality.

Third, I develop an admiration for anyone who does anything well. I can enjoy watching a backhoe operator or a cable television repairman. I will develop the ability to learn desirable ways from just about anyone who exemplifies quality.

Thinking about anything that is lovely, quality, or acceptable is good for us, our families, and our friends. Whatever is LOVELY....

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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Paul is perpetually preparing us. Let's study truth, honor, pure and lovely.

Whatever is .... (4)

The world was shocked in 1939. Clark Gable uttered his now-famous word in Gone With the Wind.

Richard Pryor, the so-called comedian, made a healthy living using profanity and irreverence.

What is Ax Men about? I watched to find out. I did not. There were not enough sentences that made sense. What they saying got lost in all the bleeps.

Is this entertainment? Or are we not thinking at all? Either way, it leads to people holding nothing sacred, modest or clean. Carnality reigns.

Paul is persuading the Philippians to adopt a refreshing thought pattern. It requires considerable time appraising whatever is PURE.

What could happen for a Christian if they spent time thinking of the sacred, modest, and clean?

Name anything that is modesty, chaste, or venerable. What about professions working at rape crises centers or battered women's shelters? Remember Iwo Jima. Describe the character of the men that raised the flag? What makes Abraham Lincoln so revered? Why is the Nobel Peace Prize cherished? Why is the silence deafening at the Vietnam Memorial? Why are Red Skelton, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball still popular? Why do soldiers salute a flag-draped casket as it moves? These are special. Chaste. Revered.

Will a man with pure thoughts curse? Will purity-pursuers defraud an insurance company, or the government, or the grocery store clerk?

To establish why these are important to us will take some time. Inspection of pure lives will cause us to practice purity and reverence.

Becoming venerable is achievable if we will constantly look for whatever is pure, and decide to emulate those qualities. Think about purity and become pure.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

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Paul continues to train us. Let's study truth, honor, and purity.

Whatever is ... (3)

“Two boys were walking along a road through a field, when they came upon an old coat and a badly worn pair of shoes. Off in the distance a farmer was working his field. The younger boy thought it would be fun to hide the coat and shoes, and then wait in the bushes to see the farmer's expression upon finding his things missing. The older boy thought about that, but then told his friend that the farmer must be awfully poor to have clothing so worn. Instead he suggested that he would put a silver dollar in a shoe, then they could hide and watch the expression on the farmer's face,. Silver dollars were worth a lot to a boy in those days, but the boys agreed that this was a good idea so they each did it. By and by the farmer came out of the field and put his foot in one shoe. He pulled his foot back out, reached into the shoe, and withdrew the coin with considerable surprise., The farmer looked around and couldn't see anyone, so proceeded to put on the shoe again, and then to try the other one. Finding the second silver dollar, the farmer knelt on the ground and prayed aloud to the Lord, rejoicing because he would now be able to help his wife, who was sick, and his children, who had no bread.

That lesson was worth far more to the boys than $2.00.” (borrowed from http://user.xmission.com/~wake/honor.html)

Whatever is honorable.

Do you see honor in the story? Do you get a lump in your throat when you read stories about people doing the right thing, the honorable thing?

What if you inspired reverence and admiration? The aged should be respected and admired. It is better to be younger and still command respect and admiration because of personal dignity and the sharing of dignity.

Spend some time considering:

• What happens when we are consistently treating others with dignity and honor?
• What results from refusing association with unsavory individuals and questionable activities?
• How will we be treated if we promote reputable places instead of unwholesome bars, above-board business practices instead of questionable accounting, fair play as opposed to cheating, clean talk as a replacement for obscene language and dirty jokes, and preferring kindness over meanness?
• Do you see Jesus paying taxes?
• Why did Jesus honor the centurion?
• Why did parents want their children near Jesus?
• What happens to us when we think about honorable events? If we keep thinking about honor, will we do what is honorable?
• Do we revere dignified individuals? How about those who dignify others?
• Who do you admire, and why? Is it because of acts of kindness or generosity? Or because of their character?

Look long and hard for people to do honorable things. You will find them. Then study what they did to

receive your honor.

Did Jesus do the honorable things as a child? Was his life honorable? Was his death honorable in spite of a dying with thieves?

Study honor. You will become what you study.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Paul is training us. Let's study honor and truth.