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.

A Saving Voice Needs a Willing Mind
Philippians 4

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. v8

Today's devotional triggers thoughts about how I came to be a believer....many people come to believe in Jesus through crisis and by seeing how God rescues them grow in their relationship with Jesus.  Yet I came to Jesus not so much through crisis but through a desire to live with a higher purpose...I was doing OK but felt God's hand.  Unfortunately, even with crisis in my life I never REALLY got to know Jesus (see also yesterday's post).  I am extremely grateful for Christ's patience with me as I got to know Him better by trying to make "every effort".  

We MUST be rooted in Christ during all times to be prepared for the times when we are tested.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are that You are my protector and I can trust in You to protect me in all things at all times.  You are for me and jealous FOR me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God - I fail to be bold in Your service in many ways - including sharing the Good News of You to others...forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and all side effects from chemo and radiation.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin and serve You! Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Revelation 3

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. v19

Whatever our circumstances we should be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and see our circumstances as discipline, training and as preparation for what God wants for us as part of His plan.

See also:
- Prov 3:11-12 (NIV) My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
- Prov 15:5 (NIV) A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

This link also provides a great number of excellent examples on this topic.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, capable of all things and full of mercy, compassion and patience for me...despite knowing everything about me including my sin!  Thank You Jesus!  What a great God!  I am not worth such a God and the many blessings You pour out on me.  I am NOT in action as You desire for me...You say "make every effort" but I fail to do this!  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me "make every effort" and help me see Your rebuke and discipline as coaching and training for my good and Your glory!  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.