“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.” (Phil. 4:8 NIV)

The Bible says that we are what we think about (Prov. 23:7). And, that we talk about what we think about (Luke 6:45). That is probably why we are told to think about good things!

We need to continuously put good things into our minds if we want good things to come out!

There are eight things in this passage you are told to think about. I have included some definitions and/or synonyms to add clarity.

• True - correct, accurate, faithful.

• Noble - righteous, virtuous, good, honorable, upright, decent, worthy, moral, ethical, reputable.

• Right - just, fair, proper, upright, lawful, legal.

• Pure - unadulterated, uncontaminated, unmixed, undiluted, flawless, perfect, genuine, real.

• Lovely - beautiful, pretty, attractive, good-looking, appealing, handsome, adorable, exquisite.

• Admirable - commendable, praiseworthy, laudable, estimable, meritorious, creditable, exemplary, honorable, worthy, deserving, respectable, worthwhile, good, sterling, fine, masterly, great.

• Excellent – extremely good, outstanding, superb, exceptional, marvelous, wonderful, magnificent, preeminent, perfect, matchless, unbeatable, peerless, supreme, prime, first-rate.

• Praiseworthy – worthy of praise, admirable, laudable, meritorious, estimable, exemplary.

Guard your heart!

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov. 4:23 NIV)

Many today are unfortunately filling their minds with just the opposite through what they watch on television, online, pornographic sites, or video games. The Bible warns about the “blindness of heart” in the following passage.

“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” (Eph. 4:18 KJV)

Plant, watch, recognize and weed!

You have to watch what you are thinking about continuously to keep garbage from creeping in! Your brain is like a garden that you have to tend constantly by making sure the right things are planted and growing in there and weeds are recognized and pulled out! It is a constant renewing process! (Phil. 1:6)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2 NIV)

“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you!” (Prov. 19:17 NLT)

A few years ago, when my office was located downtown, pan-handlers would sometimes come into my office and ask for a handout. One young fellow was a frequent visitor and always said, “could I please borrow a couple of dollars?” I knew he wasn't actually “borrowing” because he didn't have a job and no ability to repay.

One morning, during my personal Bible study, I read a passage in Proverbs 19:17, that said, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you!”

 You are lending to God!

I thought about what that scripture verse appeared to be saying! “You are ‘lending’ to God when you help the poor, and God will pay you back for it!”

Wow, thatis a huge promise for God to make! Could it actually be true?

Then, as though right on cue, my borrowing friend walked into my office and said, “I really need to borrow five dollars to get a used tire for my car. I will pay you back as soon as I'm able.”

Was this a test? I wondered to myself.

I said, “Okay, I will help you out today, but only if you agree to this one condition; that the five dollars I give you will not be a loan, but will instead be a gift!”

I held out the five dollars and he reached out and took hold of the edge of it, but I did not let go.

He tugged on the bill and said, “No, I promise to pay you back!”

But, I kept a tight grip on the five dollar bill andsaid, “look, you have heard my terms, I'm not letting go until you agree!”

He said, “But why?!” And, he looked genuinely puzzled.

Itold him about the verse of scripture I had just read shortly before he came in. I said I knew he didn't have a job, he was apparently poor, and that he hadn't ever paid me back for any of the other previous “loans” I had given him. I explainedthat I would rather take my chances with God returning my five dollars than on him ever doing so.

So, he finally said, “Okay” and I let go of the money.

I then asked him where he was going to get a five dollar tire and he said he could get it from the local salvage yard nearby. I knew where it was and offered to give him a ride there. On the way I told Him how God could make a big difference in his life as He has done in mine. But, he said he had never personally seen any evidence of God’s existence and wasn't interested.

We arrived at the salvage yard, and on our way into the building, we passed an old friend of mine, Grandpa Gundy, who was on his way out the door. We briefly said hello and he proceeded on to his car. Then suddenly, he turned back around and yelled loudly, “Wait! Wait!” And both my “borrowing friend” and I turned around to see what he was saying to us.

Grandpa came rushing over to us, pulled a five dollar bill out of his pocket, thrust it towards me, and said, “Jesus told me to give this to you!”

I took the money, thanked him for it, and turned to look at my friend who was standing aghast with his mouth open in surprise.

I said, “Wow, that didn't take God long, did it?”

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8 ESV)

“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.” (Phil. 4:9 NIV)

Three frogs were sitting on a branch by a pond. One decided to jump. So, how many frogs are left on the branch?

The answer is three!

The reason? Just because one decided to jump doesn't mean that it actually did!

The Bible has thousands of promises, commands and good instructions for living life abundantly! Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)

What does abundant mean?

It means: plentiful, copious, ample, profuse, rich, lavish, abounding, generous, bountiful, large, huge, great, bumper, overflowing, prolific, teeming, in plenty, in abundance.

Just do it! 

That describes the kind of life Jesus intends for you to have. But, in order tohave it you must not be complacent! “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.”

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  (James 1:22 ESV)

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." (Ephesians 1:7 NIV)

This is a promise of paid for redemption, the forgiveness of sins, according to God’s riches of grace (unmerited favor to you from Him).

God’s graceis like, but more powerful than, a presidential pardon

In some ways “God’s Grace” is like a presidential pardon. U.S. presidents have wielded the power to issue pardons since it was granted to them in 1789 by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution. The number of pardons issued by a president has varied considerably. President George Washington issued 16 pardons between 1789 and 1797. Franklin D. Roosevelt granted the most, 3,687 pardons. The president chooses to pardon guilty individuals and that act immediately removes the person’s penalties.

God's Grace (Greek Charis)

Grace may be defined as “the unmerited or undeserving favor of God to those who are under condemnation.”

More verses about God’s grace:

Grace came through Jesus

"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17 NIV).

 Grace gives you the gift of salvation

 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV)

Grace gives you the gift of righteousness

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" (Romans 5:17 NIV)

“to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:23-24 NIV)

To be made new in the “attitude of your minds” is interesting when you consider the definition of the word “attitude”. The definition is typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior. So, this could mean to be made new inthe “behavior” of your mind. Some synonyms for attitude are: viewpoint, outlook, perspective, stance, standpoint, position, and inclination.

It is a doable choice!

This verse also says to “put on the new self”. This means you can choose to put it on! You can choose how you think and respond to things. You can choose to have a good attitude (a good viewpoint, outlook, perspective, stance, standpoint, position or inclination) in any circumstance if you decide to and just put your mind to it! You can choose to “put on” a good attitude.

The Bible puts it this way

 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom. 12:2 NIV). Then, as our promise at the top says, you will be able to be “like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

- SELF-CONTROL  -  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23 NIV)

Jesus promises that if you abide (remain) in Him you will produce this kind of spiritual fruit as a direct result. (John 15:4)

Self-control is the ninth of the nine fruits of the spirit listed in this passage. Each one is a promise!

Self-controldefined

Self-control: the ability to control oneself, in particular one's emotions and desires or the expression of them in one's behavior, especially in difficult situations.

synonyms: self-discipline, restraint, self-possession, self-command, willpower, composure.

Self-control is often paired with “sober-mindedness” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Titus 2:2; 1 Peter 4:7), and in several places the language of “self-control” applies especially to the mind. Mark 5:15 and Luke 8:35 characterize the healed demoniac as “clothed and in his right mind.” Paul uses similar language to speak of being in his right mind (2 Corinthians 5:13), as well as not being out of his mind (Acts 26:25). And, Romans 12:3 exhorts every Christian “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think,” but to exercise a form of self-control: thinking “with sober judgment.”

Bible verses about self-control

“but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled.” (Titus 1:8 NASB)

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” (2 Peter 1:5-9 NASB)

- GENTLENESS  -  "But the fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23 NIV)

Jesus promises that if you abide (remain) in Him you will produce this kind of spiritual fruit as a direct result. (John 15:4)

Gentlenessis the eighth of the nine fruits of the spirit listed in this passage. Each one is a promise!

Gentlenessdefined

Gentleness: the quality or state of being gentle; especially mildness of manners or disposition.

Synonyms: meekness, carefulness, caution, kindness, tenderness

Gentleness, also translated “meekness,” does not mean weakness. Rather, it involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior toward others. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement.

Two Bible verses about gentleness

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Eph. 4:2 NIV)

“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:5 NASB)

- FAITHFULNESS  -  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23 NIV)

Jesus promises that if you abide (remain) in Him you will produce this kind of spiritual fruit as a direct result. (John 15:4)

Faithfulnessis the seventh of the nine fruits of the spirit listed in this passage. Each one is a promise!

Faithfulness defined

Faithfulness: reliable, steadfast and unwavering.

Synonyms: loyal, true, constant, fast, steadfast, staunch.

God is faithful!

Faithfulness is an essential part of who God is (Psalm 89:8; Hebrews 13:8). In His faithfulness, God protects us from evil (2 Thessalonians 3:3), sets limits on our temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), forgives us of sin (1 John 1:9), and sanctifies us (1 Corinthians 1:9; Philippians 1:6).

Faithfulness is a gift from God. When we receive Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit indwells us and brings the blessings of love, joy, peace and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22). The fullness of these blessings depends on walking with God and yielding to His Spirit. We should be faithful to read and abide by God’s Word and to seek the Lord in prayer (Psalm 1:1-2; Ephesians 6:18).

Two Bible verses about faithfulness

"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deut. 7:9 NASB)

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:23 ESV)

 - GOODNESS  -  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23 NIV)

Jesus promises that if you abide (remain) in Him you will produce this kind of spiritual fruit as a direct result. (John 15:4)

Goodness is the sixth of the nine fruits of the spirit listed in this passage. Each one is a promise!

Goodness defined

In Scripture goodness always involves particular ways of behaving. Because God is good, he is good to his people; when people are good they behave decently toward each other, based on God's goodness to them. Moses' invitation to Hobab expresses this emphasis: "Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel" (Num. 10:29 NIV). The general biblical words for "good/goodness" include this idea of right behavior, although the idea is often expressed by means of a more specific term like "upright/uprightness" or "righteous/righteousness."

God’s goodness appears most clearly in his dealings with people. He is not only good in general, but he is good to us (Psalm 23:6; 68:10; 73:1; 119:65; 145:9; Lam. 3:25; Luke 6:35; Rom. 2:4; 11:22;  Eph. 2:7; Titus 3:4). God's goodness is a bedrock truth of Scripture. His goodness is praised in the psalms ( 25:8 ; 34:8 ; 86:5 ; 100:5 ; 118:1 ; 136:1 ; 145:9 ). Jesus affirms the Father's goodness when speaking to the rich young ruler ( Matt 19:17 ; Mark 10:18 ; Luke 18:19 ). In 1 Peter 2:3, Peter echoes the language of Psalm 34:8: "Taste and see that the Lord is good!"

Human goodness is modeled on divine goodness (Matt 5:48). For human beings goodness involves right behavior, expresses itself in kindness and other praiseworthy qualities, includes avoiding evil, and springs from the inner person.

Two Bible verses about goodness

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalms 23:6 KJV)

 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  (Gal. 6:10 ESV)