Last week it was our turn, myself and a friend, to plan the Sunday service. We are on the worship committee at our local congregation, and our turn comes around every two months or so. We usually try to plan the songs and scriptures to compliment the lesson the speaker will be giving, but last week we were to have a guest speaker, and we didn't know what he would be speaking on. So we got to choose our own favorites! For the scripture reading I chose my very favorite scripture from Philippians 4. When the young man we had asked to do so got up and read it aloud on Sunday morning, it struck me again how much I love those words, and how I truly would love to live by them.
Right now, it seems that so many people around me are living with negative thoughts ruling their lives; fear, anger, resentment, hatred. And it is easy to be affected by those 'vibes.' But just think how uplifting even a smile from a stranger can be, or the sight and sound of a flock of geese flying overhead, or the beauty of a small child's voice. How wise Paul was to remind us that these are the things that will give us joy, when we send our thoughts in that direction!
Do not forget today that, 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) Look around you, and notice the lovely things, and meditate on them, and the God of peace shall be with you. (v. 9)
1 comment:
I love these words too! It is like permission from God to go make art!! And a reminder to redirect- to not look on what is wrong with the world, but what is right and beautiful.
Post a Comment