Battle-Ready

Posted on April 1, 2019 by America's Keswick in Victory Call

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

When circumstances scream at us, it can be difficult to think of what’s true or honorable in the moment – to shift our eyes and thoughts from our circumstances to that which is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise.  With a little research I offer this battle-ready starter package.  After all, we are to destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ… 2 Corinthians 10:5

Here are some gospel-weapons to get you started on your very own personalized battle-ready arsenal.

WHATEVER IS TRUE? In accordance with fact or reality, without deviation; being in accordance with the actual state of affairs, conformable to an essential reality, fully realized or fulfilled[i]

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

WHATEVER IS HONORABLE? Deserving of respect or high regard, consistent with a reputation that is not tarnished or sullied, characterized by integrity[ii]

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11

WHATEVER IS JUST? Having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason; reasonable; conforming to a standard of correctness; acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good; legally correct[iii]

But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. Psalm 9:7-8

Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O Lord, according to your justice give me life. Psalm 119:149

WHATEVER IS PURE? Free from what vitiates, weakens or pollutes; containing nothing that does not properly belong; free from moral fault or guilt[iv]

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times… with the purified you show yourself pure… the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes Psalm 12:6; 18:26; 19:8

WHATEVER IS LOVELY? Delightful for beauty, harmony or grace, attractive; grand, swell.[v]

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! Psalm 84:1

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4

WHATEVER IS COMMENDABLE? To entrust for care or preservation; to recommend as worthy of confidence or notice; to mention with approbation: Praise[vi]

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 straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1

IF THERE IS ANY EXCELLENCE: very good of its kind; eminently good, superior[vii]

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Psalm 150:1-2

IF ANYTHING IS WORTHY OF PRAISE: laudable; commendable, worthy of praise (to express a favorable judgement of, commend; to glorify especially by the attribution of perfections)[viii]

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6 (see entire Psalm)

When undesired circumstances come our way, worrisome thoughts swirl and spin in our minds, these thoughts do not let go easily. A battle rages in our minds. The only way to stop that runaway train is to reset it on the track of truth.  At first it will resist and fight to say on the runaway track but perseverance will redirect our thoughts to truth.  As you think upon these things and—practice these things,… the God of peace will be with you.

I know this has been a longer Victory Call, but I hope it will start you on your own resource journey so you will be battle-ready so you are prepared to filter your thoughts through the grid of truth.

Blessings,

Diane

[i] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true accessed 3.27.19

[ii] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honorable accessed 3.27.19

[iii] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just accessed 3.27.19

[iv] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pure accessed 3.27.19

[v] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lovely accessed 3.27.19

[vi]https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commendable accessed 3.27.19

[vii] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excellent accessed 3.27.19

[viii] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laudable; https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/praise accessed 3.27.19

Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 25-26, Hebrews 3| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “God’s Word must be so strongly fixed in our minds that it becomes the dominant influence in our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions. One of the most effective ways of influencing our minds is through memorizing Scripture. David said, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psm. 119:11).” – Jerry Bridges

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4