New Living Translation (NLT)

The Message Translation (MSG)

As I'm recovering from a severe migraine, I'm reminded by the fact that to 'celebrate God' or 'Rejoice in the Lord always' is a choice. In good and bad times. And it's not always easy.

But neither was it for Paul. He was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. Still, this is his happiest letter that we know of. Cause he made a choice. He was committed! 🔥

He says in Philippians 4:6 NLT
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

And in Philippians 4:8 NLT
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

You see what I mean? These are actions, commitments. "Don't worry", "Tell God", "Thank Him", "Fix your thoughts", "Think about.."

Don't fill your mind with fear, anxiety, stress, bitterness, resentment, garbage. But instead fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent things.

You know what happens when you fill your heart with these things? You will become the kind of person God rejoices in. And in doing so, spreading a delicious fragrance, drawing people to God. Just like Jesus did.

That's why Jesus said:
"It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth."

Matthew 15:11 NLT
So next time you feel offended and compelled to leave a negative comment or put someone in their place, ask yourself, am I spreading a delicious fragrance right now, drawing people to God, or am I reeking?

Maybe it all comes down to what my mother used to say: "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." 😉