JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the peace of a faith-focused thought life.

In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul listed a number of healthy habits that lead to peace with God.

One healthy habit was to rejoice in the Lord always.

Another healthy habit was to present our prayer requests to God with thanksgiving.

Another thing we can do is learn from those in places of spiritual authority-to listen to their teachings, to watch how they live, and follow their example as they follow Christ.

Verse 8 talks about yet another healthy habit that brings peace to our soul. “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.”

When we think about Jesus, we are thinking of these qualities, because He defines them. When our minds are focused on Christ, we remember that our lives are in the hands of Someone who loves us very much and has proved it at the cross and empty grave.

The peace of a faith-focused thought life is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com