And
now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is
true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think
about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8
Right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Focus on those qualities. We always want to be
right—at least generally speaking. That is what so many arguments or
disagreements are about…selfishly wanting to be right…whether they are or not.
Some people go to court knowing that they are not right…but wanting to be
proven right. In this context right is right.
Like righteousness—right living before God. It is associated with purity, the
quality of being lovely and admirable.
Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live
according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor
you. Psalm 86:11
We prove ourselves by our purity, our
understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by
our sincere love. 2 Corinthians
6:6
Loveable and
gracious.
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who
brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who
announces salvation, and says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7 NASB
Admirable…of
good repute or a good reputation.
My son (grandsons, daughter, granddaughters) do not
forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days
and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth
leave you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths
straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from
evil. Proverbs
3:1-7 NASB
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation. Proverbs 3:4 NLT
These are
qualities that are all worthy of us investing time and energy…and prayer. As
James taught… applicable prayer can achieve great results.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and
pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a
righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 NASB
Put these qualities into practice...think about what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Prayer
~ Lord, we are filled with hope and look forward to the glorious resurrection
that You have promised. May more and more people open their hearts to You—even
today—to understand the Scriptures. Give us all wisdom to understand You more
fully and grace to seek and apply the qualities of righteousness, purity,
loveliness and admiration to our lives.
Daily
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm
136
Today is Grandgirl Lydia’s Birthday. Her
favorite meal is smoked ribs. How’s that for a seven year old’s birthday wish! Look at the size of that rib!
Smoked
Ribs
Allow a rack of beef ribs, uncut, to come
to room temperature while you are preheating the smoker to 220 degrees F. Rub
the ribs with olive oil and then a dry rub mixture of herbs and spices. Smoke
for several hours until the internal temperature is at least 160 degrees. Cook
to 195 degrees, when the meat is fatty, as that it will make it even more mouthwatering.
Allow the meat to rest for about ten minutes before serving with a tossed green
salad, potato salad, baked beans, cornbread and herbal iced tea. Enjoy! Hmmmm--what's for dessert? Strawberry shortcake?
Dry Rub Seasoning - You can use a commercial seasoning—but making
your own is economical Vary the seasonings to suit your own taste..
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground yellow mustard
2 tsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp sweet paprika
1 tsp ground dried rosemary
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp dried ground thyme
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp sugar
Mix seasons thoroughly and store in an
airtight container for up to 1 year.
Happy 7th Birthday,
sweet grandgirl Lydia!
© 2019 Text and
photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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