Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. The first time I remember studying this verse was on a mission trip to Camden NJ, a struggling inner city area near Philly. We were painting at an after school site that frankly needed a lot more than just a new coat of paint. It could be frustrating at times to make such little progress and see so much need.
But man, were the kids and staff amazing! There was so much that was "praiseworthy" to think about that God had done in the city that week. The next time I encountered this verse was at a Friday staff meeting after a long week of camp. The staff were exhausted, not everything had gone according to plan, and we were ready for a well-earned break. But man, were the kids and staff amazing! There was so much that was "praiseworthy" to think about that God had done at camp that week! The wondrous thing about our holy scriptures is that God's word works in new ways across all times and places. When we go to a quiet place away - Caroline Furnace brings out new insights from this holy book. The same passage sounds different when read at the top of Kennedy Peak, or in front of babbling Passage Creek, or lying on our back looking up at the endless vastness of the night sky. In new ways we are inspired for new service in God's world. What ever is praiseworthy, let us think about such things!