Think about these things

“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.

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

People can come back. Even those who have strayed far from God. They can.

God is in control. He is. He can do anything. Anything.

Pray for the ones you know who are far away, or who are struggling. Let them know you are praying for them (and, of course, really pray). It’s both very easy, and very hard. It’s warfare.

Let them know you miss them.

Leave the ninety-nine and go find the one. Sometimes the one is just waiting to be rescued.

Don’t ever lose hope. Never. Love always hopes.

We don’t see everything that’s really happening. We don’t see what springs into action when we pray. How could we?

We only see a very small percentage of reality. By design. But God sees it all.

Our patience is very thin. His is as wide and deep as the ocean. His purposes will be accomplished through the ages and the wheeling of the galaxies. If he has chosen to start a work in someone, he is faithful to complete it, though we might not be able to see it.

When we are discouraged, we can think of him, our great encourager – the one who fills us with courage. He is the commendable, excellent, praiseworthy one. Love hopes all things and believes all things, not because love is gullible, but because love hopes in the One who makes all things possible. There is no other One who we can turn to with that assurance.

So keep praying and keep hoping. And fill your mind with what is true, and just, and honorable, and praiseworthy, and excellent.

That’s my intention.

9 thoughts on “Think about these things

  1. i am getting around to trying to make a themee. im kinda scared. or should i wait till the next year.. i mean the next release 😉

    just kidding!!!! no rushing. i just thought id thank you for the bloo software /space on your server. and for being an amazing person who has kids who i like alot.

  2. Whenever I’ve missed reading Out of the Bloo for a few days, I sure am blessed when I return. Thanks for the excellent thoughts on never giving up on others, Bill. I’m so glad there’s people that don’t.

  3. I think I know where a lot of this post came from. While I’m not certain, there’s someone who I’ve hoped would come back – althought it’s taken reminders by certain someones.

    I’ve heard that the one will return to the 99 this weekend. I hope and pray that it’s true.

  4. Hi Bill,

    This is truly an encouragement for me. I have been praying for this person for ages on end and my patience is really, really, really running thin. Thanks for the reminders.

    God bless you,

    Maeghan

  5. Hey Kate!

    I miss you too, and hope to see you around. In fact, Jill and I owe you that meal we’ve been talking about for 2 years 🙂

    Write me!

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