March 2024

Sisters and 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.

-Philippians 4:8-9

For a long time, a friend of mine has been texting me Scriptures and encouragement at the beginning of every day. Most of his texts arrive before I’ve gotten out of bed, and nearly all of them end with the phrase “don’t forget to thank God for another day.” It’s such a kindness, and yet often I rush through his texts in favor of the daily news or my “to-do” list.

Our focus tends to determine our reality. Without some overarching mission or beautiful goals, I generally end up meandering aimlessly though the day, surviving rather than living, allowing circumstance rather than God to guide my steps.

How different things are when those first moments of the day are spent in quiet, thoughtful meditation about God’s love and promises. Rather than allow Apple News to hold my heart for those early minutes, what if I allow Jesus to hold me? Jesus reminds me who I am and (more importantly) who God is. Jesus is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Have I forgotten?

Knowing the character of Jesus doesn’t make the news or the daily routine any less challenging, but it does keep things in perspective. We are not alone and we are not without a guide. We have good things to do each day. Breathing slowly alongside Jesus at the start of the day is empowering. Practices such as that allow us to respond in healthier ways to the “daily grind.”

What if, in our interactions with others, we were more aware of their true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy qualities? After all, we believe that all people are created in the image of God.

Yes, there is plenty of work to be done. Yes, there are problems all around. But love is the deeper and higher reality to which we are invited to align our thoughts, words, and actions. May God’s Word nourish us and keep us grateful to the Lord every day. My friend keeps sending me those texts. Thank you, God, for those people in our lives who keep us anchored in the excellent and praiseworthy things.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matthew