Whatever & Stinkin’ Thinkin’

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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. ~ Philippians 4:8

Ok, so I have been thinking about this one a lot lately. Did you know that what you think about in your mind can control the outcome of your day, week, month, year, and your life. Really, it can. I know that for many years I have “played” around with the whole WHAT-EVER! phrase and for a season is was really my “catch phrase”. Of course it was a playful and silly thing, but for some reason this past weekend it struck me that there is SO MUCH MORE to this whole What-Ever thing that we could all use to help us get a better idea of what we should be thinking about. So I am going to dig a little deeper here and we are going to walk through the “Whatever” verse, Philippians 4:8.

On top of that, I am not sure about you, but I know for me I can get stuck in the “stinkin’ thinkin’” phase sometimes for days so I pray that this is helpful for those of us who struggle with that and hopefully there will be something for each and every one of us to walk away with today to help us re-think this whole WHAT-EVER! thing in a whole new light!

1 Corinthians 14:20 – Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

I went through online on the Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary to look up the actual definition for each of these words then I am going to partner that up with what God’s word says about it. Have fun and enjoy…by the end I think we will BOTH have a better idea of how we should be thinking.

Whatever is True –
Definition – being in accordance with the actual state of affairs
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Whatever is Noble –
Dictionary – possessing outstanding qualities
Proverbs 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Whatever is Right –
Dictionary – conforming to facts or truth :
Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Whatever is Pure –
Dictionary – being thus and no other
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Whatever is Lovely –
Dictionary – eliciting love by moral or ideal worth
Psalm 84:1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!

Whatever is Admirable –
Dictionary – deserving the highest esteem
Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.

Whatever is Excellent –
Dictionary – very good of its kind : eminently good
Psalm 45:2 You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.

Whatever is Praiseworthy –
Dictionary – Laudable – worthy of praise
Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.

You see, everything we need to know on how to get rid of that “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” is right there in Philippians 4:8. God’s Word has everything we need to help direct us towards the right thoughts. I love this verse in Luke 5:22“Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” I don’t know about you, but there when I come face to face with the Creator of the Universe I want to make sure I have this “stinkin’ thinkin’” thing under control. I want to let the words of Philippians 4:8 soak up into every fiber of my soul so that they become second nature to me…I think you want that too.

Let’s both work on thinking on things that are TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, PURE, LOVELY, ADMIRABLE, EXCELLENT, and PRAISEWORTHY. Who knows what all this could affect; our family, our finances, our work, our purpose…I know that I sure want to find out…so come on, journey down the road together.

No more Stinkin’ Thinkin’ for me,
Melissa

8 Comments

  3. This post really speaks to me. It is too easy to let our minds run rampant and we need to control it. This verse surely speaks to the way to do it. Thanks Mel!

  4. I have to giggle a bit..When I catch my mind wandering where it really shouldnt I often tell myself “Lisa thats stinkin thinking get rid of it”
    I went back and reread my Joyce meyer and her notes on this really made sence. thank you for the reminder. God sure has a way a reminding and teaching us things when he knows we need it.

  5. Yes we need to control our thoughts!
    When we read His word, He has only great things to say about us, so why is there so much (stinkin’ thinkin’)?
    God only wants the best for us. . why is it so hard for us to believe that? Love that verse it definitely will help us. Thanks Mel.

  7. This is our wedding verse and in our vows – to always choose to see the good in eachother and not focus on the frustrating stuff. And, gotta say, it works!!!

    Thanks for sharing!!
    Becky Jo

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