“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.” (Phil. 4:8 NASB)

True: being in accordance with the actual state or conditions; conforming to reality or fact; not false; real; genuine; authentic; accurate; valid; right; the truth. 

The Spirit of truth

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13 ESV) 

Jesus is the truth

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) 

The truth will set you free 

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 ESV)

Worship Him in spirit and truth

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24 ESV)

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him in truth

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 ESV)

Speak the truth in love

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” (Eph. 4:15 ESV)

Walking in truth

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4 ESV)

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Gen.  50:20 NLT).

We can rejoice knowing God will help us when we run into problems 

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance” (Rom. 5:3 NLT)

God causes all things to work out right

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Rom. 8:28 NLT)

Because God is faithful

“God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:9 NLT)

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)

Everybody stumbles  

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. (James 3:2 ESV)

Deal with it! Don’t deny or cover it up

When you have made a mistake, you can handle it by denying it and covering it up, or by recognizing it for what it is and taking proper steps to correct the situation as best you can. It may involve the need to repent from sin, make restitution, and seek forgiveness from others you have harmed and from God. There is an example in the Bible of King David who committed adultery and then, to cover it up, had the woman’s husband murdered. In Psalm 51, David prayed, “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2 NLT). 

Humble yourself

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

Therefore

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)

“Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:24 ESV)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Rom. 1:20 ESV)

The Grand Canyon

While passing through beautiful Arizona, Susan and I visited the magnificent Grand Canyon. And it was a breathtaking and awe-inspiring site to see! I experienced vertigo as we walked along the steep edges with mind-blowing drop-offs; most trails were without barricades! Later, as we drove away from it, I reflected on the greatness of God, the creator of all things, including the Grand Canyon!

He made all things

“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3 ESV)

All things were created through Him and for Him 

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Col. 1:16 ESV) 

And God preserves all of them

“You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” (Neh. 9:6 ESV)

Therefore…

“Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” (1 Cor. 8:6 ESV)

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11 ESV)

“Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock?” (Jer. 23:29 NASB)

The Word of God is God-breathed

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, 

correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17 NIV)

The Word of God is alive, active and sharp 

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

The Word of God put into practice is wise

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24 NIV) 

The Word of God is a light for your feet

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:109 NIV) 

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV) 

The Word of God is the path to purity

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9 NIV)

The Word of God endures forever

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isa. 40:8 NIV)

“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.” (Psalm 16:1 NIV) 

God’s angels will protect you

“For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 81:11 NLT)

God is an ever-present help in the time of trouble

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NIV)

God goes with you, so don’t be afraid

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6 NIV)

Weapons formed against you will fail

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,”declares the Lord.” (Isa. 54:17 NIV)

Therefore

“So we say with confidence,  “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb. 13:6 NIV)

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:5 NLT)

Someone has said

“You aren’t what you think you are, but what you think, you are.” In other words, if your thinking is dominated by sinful things, you are carnal and not pleasing God. If, on the other hand, your thoughts are controlled by the Holy Spirit and you think about spiritual things, you then please the Spirit. It is important to know that you do control what you think about. Thoughts are like birds; they may fly over your head, but you don’t have to let them build a nest in your hair! When you get a negative thought, recognize it for what it is and then bring it under control. Additionally, keep in mind that the content you expose your mind to shapes your thoughts. If you listen to music with sinful messages and watch R-rated movies, your thoughts will be filled with those things. If you listen to praise music and fill your mind with God’s Word by reading and studying the Bible, you will develop a spiritual mind.

Take every thought captive to obey Christ

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” (2 Cor. 10:3-6 ESV)

Renew your mind

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)

Think about good 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.” (Phil. 4:8 ESV)

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32 ESV)

Kindness benefits you

“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” (Prov. 11:17 ESV)

Put on compassionate hearts

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Col. 3:12 ESV)

Therefore…

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” (Luke 6:35 ESV)

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Pet. 3:8 ESV)

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

His lovingkindness is everlasting

“O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (1 Chron. 16:34 NASB)

His kindness is meant to lead us to repentance

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4 ESV)

We are examples of His incredible kindness 

“God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7 NLT)