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Phil. 4:8 Finally, 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. (NIV)

Following Jesus should change the way we think, although not automatically, because thinking involves choices.

Choose to think about bad things and you will become shaped by evil desires.

Choose to think the way that Jesus thought, and you will start to see the world through… Continue

Phil. 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but ... present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Peace is not just a comfortable feeling: it is the absence of war.

Paul talks about peace with God as a legal statement (see Rom 5:1).

When we have surrendered ourselves to God, and accepted the sacrifice of Jesus as being in place of our punishment for sins, God declares that we are no longer… Continue

Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

Anxiety is very disabling: it is never a good thing.

Paul commands his readers that it should be expelled from their lives.

"Easier said than done", I hear someone say; and you are right ... but it is not impossible, otherwise this verse would not be in the Bible.

What is anxiety?

It is the fear-laden emotion of uncertainty about the future.

Sin infe… Continue

Phil. 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (NIV)

In many cultures, and especially in the world of business, gentleness is seen as weakness.

Of course it is valued in the caring professions: nobody appreciates a rough nurse or harsh child care worker. But gentleness almost seems out of place in the traditionally strong roles in construction or corporate management.

However, the Bible says otherwise.

Gentleness is the strong characteristic of God. It was part of… Continue

Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (NIV)

This simple instruction is a direct command.

Seeing God's goodness and celebrating with joy is not a Christian option, nor is it to be reserved for special occasions.

It is to be the everyday normality of living in Christ.

Yet that is not many believers' experience, either for themselves or of others, which is why we need to be instructed to rejoice.

However, looking at their circumstances, many might reply, "B… Continue