~ Guarding the Heart and Mind ~

[Lani]

Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, 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.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.


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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)



I started the day with a heart as gloomy as the overcast sky outside. My brother was not doing well following major surgery. Our beloved aunt was unable to spend the holiday with us, and the news was full of stories of unthinkable evil.

Over my morning cup of tea, I reached for a Christian newspaper that had been delivered a few days earlier. I read of an army general who had met a young girl in Afghanistan. When shed asked him for a pair of boots like those he wore, he was touched and later sent her family a package of shoes, blankets and other gifts. On retirement, he and his wife founded an organization that helps needy families in Afghanistan and plans to build a school in the girl’s village.

As I read that story and others like it about everyday people helping those who are hurting, my attitude turned around. My self-defeating fixation on trouble was broken. Despite the many calamities that abound in the world, countless acts of compassion and courage change the world for the better. As we focus on good, the peace of God will guard our hearts and our minds against being overwhelmed by adversity.


Prayer: Our loving God, help us to see and celebrate all the good in the world, and to join in such efforts whenever we can. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: Those in the News today

Thought for the Day: Ultimately, our happiness depends on what we pay attention to.

Story shared by: J. Denton (VA)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 9/28/11

[ServeGod]

Jesus in all we do, may we be more like you.