Whatever is True

My friend once told me that she created a list of things she could think about that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8) so she could have something specific to concentrate on when negative thoughts infiltrated her mind. I thought this was a great idea and made a mental note to do the same. Well, it has taken me a while, but I have been researching and meditating on what God has instructed us to think about.

Whatever is true . . .

true. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/true
1. Consistent with fact or reality; not false or erroneous. 2. Real; genuine. 3. Reliable; accurate: a true prophecy. 4. Faithful, as to a friend, vow, or cause; loyal.

Psalms 33:1-6 "Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."

Reading that passage reminds me of several cds (http://www.seedsmusic.com/) we own that simply put scripture to cool music. They are made mostly for kids' enjoyment and easy memorization of God's Word. But, the music is good and catchy, so not only do the kids love the songs, my husband and I like them and have found that we can now recite verses because of the songs. And, this helps us keep whatever is true in our minds.

When I get discouraged, feel defeated, confused or overwhelmed, this true word comes to mind:
Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."

Don't be deceived by Satan - lies are from Satan. Jesus and all that He did and does for us is true.

Acts 14:22-23 "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said."

It will not always be easy to remain true to God and His Word (our fleshy desires and pride often get in the way), but Jesus called us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23).

2 Corinthians 13:5-8 "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth."

We have Christ in us through the Holy Spirit. We must ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in us that is not true (sin, false beliefs) so we are not working against the Truth in us.

Finally, a lesson I learned about whatever is true that has impacted me the most. This reveals some of that sin that has been holding back my ability to grasp what is true. But, now that I am aware of my pride and judgmental attitudes, I am able to turn from them and behave differently (repent). But, even in my sharing this with you (whoever may read this), I fear I am committing the very thing I have just learned to not do.

I was drawn to 2 Corinthians 12:6 "Even if I should boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say." What I take from Paul's words is that whatever is true can be between me and God - I can refrain from boasting or preaching it, but instead will live it. Through this blog, my intentions are not to boast about what I am learning, but humbly want to share the joy I have of growing closer to God.

And, ironically, what I have learned over the past few weeks is that I don't have to try to make someone see what I consider truth. Specifically, I am speaking of politics and a specific issue (abortion) related to this upcoming Presidential election. I have restrained myself and not tried to debate certain issues with my parents whom I would alienate. They see things differently and are not open to suggestion or debate. You may not see this as unusual, that I would not discuss something I know we disagree about. But, it has been my nature to do just that. I love to talk things out, debate and try to convince people to see things from my perspective. But, I have been convicted to simply love my parents and not try to have those lively discussions.

So, whatever is true . . .

• fact - don't let Satan fill my mind with lies and "what ifs"
• His Word - sing it, memorize it, keep a favorite verse ready to fight off negative thoughts
• God's love for me, Jesus' sacrifice for me, Holy Spirit in me
• examine my heart ask God to reveal my true heart so I may repent
• the transformation God is creating in me every day - I am not the same person I used to be, but I still have a lot more to learn and change

Wow, that was more than I thought it was going to be, but I now have a clearer understanding of what is true. Hope it made sense to y'all.