Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | October 19, 2020

“whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, … dwell on these things.”

Today’s devotion comes from Philippians 4:8-9.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:8-9.

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We live in a world in which the Internet, TV, and other media provide content for which they demand our attention.  

And, if it were not enough to have boxes in our home from which it comes, there are cell phones in our pocket.

And, if it were not enough to have cell phones, there are smart watches on our wrist.

And, if it were not enough to have smart watches, there are air pods in our ears.

All of which demand our attention to their content.

Today’s Scripture commands us to choose our content.

“whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

God has helped us by setting aside the Sabbath so that we can focus on the worship of God.

There are also many other things that we can do.  

I am going to give some practical examples of things that help me, but the reader should not be tempted to try to do these things out of legalism, but pray and seek God’s help for how he or she can better dwell on good things.

Years ago, I do not know when or how I was led to do so, I began to not read nor listen to news on the Sabbath.

And, one thing that I started about one month ago is to listen to Scripture, rather than music, through my headphones when I walk.

Preparing and editing my Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions also help me.

What works for you?

And, there is help!

“2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3.

“4 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks understanding she (Wisdom) says,
5 “Come, eat of my food
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 “Forsake your folly and live,
And proceed in the way of understanding.”


9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:4-6 and 9-10.

“7 I will bless the LORD who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the LORD continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:7-11.



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