”If anything is excellent - think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
The word ‘excellent’ means more than what is superb or great. It refers to one with such high moral virtue in character (words & deeds) that true authority and power flow from it. This was seen in the excellence of Jesus. When He spoke, the crowds marveled at His anointing. As He ministered, some would do anything to catch a glimpse (Zacchaeus) of Him. Others swarmed Him just to touch His garments. It was His excellence of being which drew thousands to God. As we become more virtuous (moral excellence), we too will walk in more power and authority with God and others, which will help usher people into…
GOD’S PRESENCE…
”This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.” I John 3:19-20
There is no rest for us unless (until) we come to know and rely on God for all our issues in life. From the sins of our past, to our present joy and future prosperity, reliance on God is the only pathway to peace. Relying on ourselves or any others for anything is foolish and it causes us to be uncomfortable in God’s presence. This is because we know He knows. Trusting in God proves we belong to the truth and it puts an end to our self-condemnation and the accusations of Satan. It is in God’s presence where we realize He is greater than any condemnation we feel.
…TO KNOW HIS POWER.
”Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from Him anything we ask…” I John 3:21-22
Because we believe in God’s power and willingness to forgive, we have confidence (boldness or power) to speak freely with God about any and everything. As a result, fear and shame are replaced with an ease in God’s presence due to His mercy & grace. Because we belong to Jesus, (truth) who won the war over sin, we are forgiven and no longer need to battle (condemn) with ourselves. We can also stop battling because we think differently about sin. Now we simply go to our Father and ask Him for what we need.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
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