Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.
Philippians 4:8
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.
Philippians 4:8
I have used Philippians 4:8 before for a Scripture Thursday post, but there is no other verse that comes to mind that so perfectly describes the content I feel passionate about writing today.
I was sitting in my town’s public library the other day when I overhead a woman asking if they had the book Fifty Shades of Grey (link will take you to “True Woman” blog where a Christian perspective on this is shared). The library worker responded that they did indeed have it but it was checked out. Her name was put on a list to be called when it became available. I later heard some women talking about the book that is said to be on every woman’s nightstand in America. It wasn’t on theirs, they told me.
After a little research, I found this book is a #1 bestseller at this time, the subject matter is Erotic Fiction, its fan base is mostly married women over 30, the book is dubbed “Mommy Porn”, it’s notable for its sexually explicit scenes, and its success is attributed to the discreet nature of e-reading devices.
The information we store and read on our e-devices affects how we think. Our thoughts affect the way we feel and act. Society has become desensitized to information our grandparents would have been appalled to hear or see.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
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| Compliments of Bumble Buttons |
A young woman I know wrote these words below – I think they speak volumes.
Shore up the foundation of my mind,
sealing every crack, supporting every stone,
Until nothing comes in that isn’t from you.
sealing every crack, supporting every stone,
Until nothing comes in that isn’t from you.
The foundation of our minds cannot be sealed if we fill it with material that does not honor God, ourselves, or our marriage. Please carefully consider what you absorb, and if you’re unsure – compare Philippians 4:8 (above) against what you’re watching or reading.
Thanks so much for stopping by to visit. Feel free to leave a comment, they are all read and appreciated.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 Amen, Abby! Thank you for your post and for standing firm for the Lord! Love the scripture you've selected and whenever I think of it, my mind automatically replaces the whatever with "whoever" and the whoever is always our precious Lord!!
ReplyDeleteIn the book of Job he states that he has "made a covenant with my eyes" which was in regard to looking upon other women. Good advice for us who live in such an immoral society. As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to purity. Matthew 5:8 says "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God" - I just taught on the importance of purity in our ladies Bible Study on Monday so this is confirmation to all of us that this issue is so important if we want to reflect the Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteThank you Abby for your discernment and being led of the Spirit.
Oh Abby you are so right - The Lord convicted me years ago about what I was reading, and to my shame I did not respond quickly, and since then there is one particular book that had 'haunted' me, and time and again I have had to take the memory of its content to the Lord and cleanse my mind.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this reminder.
Blessings
Maxine
You go, girl! Excellent advice for all of us, because it is right on target. And I agree with Maxine D., your third commentator re: books (or whatever medium), that we can retain graphic thoughts, words, pictures, etc., that have no place in our minds. I was taught long ago, "Lord take these thoughts (words, mental pictures, whatever ...) from my mind. I absolutely refuse them any place within my mind, in the strong name of the Lord Jesus Christ." This is a very powerful and effective prayer to pray. Some things have such a stronghold on us that we may have to repeat it again and again, any time one of them rears its ugly head!
ReplyDelete"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13 KJV
Love and Blessings from the coast of Maine . . . STH
Amen and amen, Abby! Thank you for being an encourager in faith, and a bold blogger for Christ.
ReplyDeleteNot that you are "an old woman" by any means, but you are a picture of a Titus 2 woman, and I thank God for that and for you!
(((HUGS)))
In agreement! Have not read it - don't want to read it!
ReplyDelete♥♥♥
Sue
Had never heard of it... I'm so glad that you'll still be here. I got nervous at first.
ReplyDeleteHope that the sun returns for us all very soon!
Thanks for being bold to speak truth in love sweet Abby! Echoing the comments already made Titus 2 women are a treasure and you certainly fit that bill! One of the first things I did as a new believer was to purge my book collection...but surprise, surprise I have had to do that 2 or 3 times since then as I have grown in the Lord and come to realize how narrow and precious TRUTH really is.
ReplyDeleteDear Abby! Thank you so much for your discernment and encouragement! The Lord a few years really showed me that I must be so very careful with what I feed my mind on and since then I have been continually cleaning house and am so careful with what I spend my time on. Colossians 3:17- If I do everything for Him, would I include him in what I'm doing....that goes through my mind all the time!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you're still going to do your devotionals! God Bless!
Hi Abby~
ReplyDeleteSuch an important post today. Thank you for speaking from your heart for it is full of God's Word. As you know, I love Philippians 4:8. In fact, I have it in several places in my home to remind me...and de-stress my Atheist husband.(Also a hint for him.)
When I was in high school I had a teacher who used to tell us not to fill our minds with the "stuff" on TV. He told us "Garbage in...Garbage out." That what we put into our mind...and what we have come out of our mouth shows who we are. And that is so true.
Thank you for speaking the truth!
He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather
You May Receive 1-5 Cards!
http://He-IS-Able.blogspot.com
God Bless you Dear, that is a wonderful verse.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful lesson to share, Abby. It's sad to know that so many women have this void in their lives that they would try to "fill" with this sad type of reading material when there are SO many positive materials out there to inspire us to live happier lives. Simply sad. The world changes, and Satan changes some of the influences around us. But, God's Word has never changed, and never will. It stands the tests of time, and is proven. This is where all happiness, knowledge and worth is found.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, Abby!
Blessings,
Karen L
Word Art Wednesday
This is the 2nd time today I have read negative report re: 50 Shades of Grey.
ReplyDeleteI hope many more Christian women will stand up and tell it like it is!
Christians are called to renew their minds with Christ and His Word - filling their minds with 50 Shades of Grey is outright defiance to God's Word... and will come at a price too!
Wow, I'm just catching up with my RSS mail from last week. It's so sad that this is the #1 selling book right now.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the Christian point of view, the effects beyond religion are so damaging on the physical/emotional level. I read the blog post you linked to and am glad that you spoke up about this.
If I hear anyone talking about this book, I will definitely be aware of what it is now and speak my mind.
I am so glad that you wrote this, Abby! I've been having very similar thoughts about this ever since I overheard a conversation in the break room at work just before school ended. I thought to myself, "These women are teaching CHILDREN?! I could never read something like that and come to work and teach children!" Thank you for your timely post--I appreciate all you've done with Scripture Thursday and will continue to read! HUGS! :)
ReplyDelete