JanBeek

Switch the Channel

Your mind is like a radio –
You can tune it as you like:
Rap or blues, talk or news,
Sadness of a virus spike.

Your mind has endless channels.
It’s a miraculous machine.
It can distort the truth and scare you,
Or explain what “Do Love” can mean.

Our Bible feeds our radio
With thoughts from God above.
He tells us to tune carefully
To the stations that spread love.

Philippians 9:8

“Finally, brothers, 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.”

This verse in Philippians got me to thinking.
What are the things that I would consider in these categories?
Think about them… add your thoughts after each word.
Where do these words take you? What is:

• true
• noble
• right
• pure
• lovely
• admirable
• excellent and/or praiseworthy

Lift your thoughts to the highest peak.
Let your mind’s radio tune in to the thoughts that are
uplifting and worthy of consideration.
I tried that this morning.
Here is what I came up with.
I encourage you to come up with your own.
How are your thoughts different from mine?

1. Think on things that are TRUE:
   a) The Bible
   b) The love of my family
   c) The need for friendship
2. Think on things that are NOBLE:
   a) Active, Honest, Capable and Fair government leaders
   b) Bob Goff’s “Love Does”
   c) The work of doctors, nurses, caregivers
3. Think on things that are RIGHT:
   a) The innocence of little children
   b) Agape Love (as demonstrated by the unconditional love of my pup, TazE… and my devoted spouse, Bob)
   c) The obligation to reach out and help the needy
4. Think on things that are PURE:
   a) The motives of devoted, loving friends
   b) The love of Christ for us sinners
   c) Blessings from heaven
5. Think on things that are LOVELY:
   a) Signs of spring = green leaves, daffodils, crocus, tulips
   b) Kisses from my grandchildren (and great-grandchildren)
   c) Phone calls, letters, texts from our children
6. Think on things that are ADMIRABLE:
   a) The work of classified staff (such as nurse’s assistants and custodians) in nursing homes and hospitals
   b) The volunteer work of pastors, elders, deacons, and others who give so much time/effort to the church
   c) The donations of those who give time, food, and resources to help the needy
7. Think on things that are EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY:
   a) The efforts of teachers who are committed to continue helping students learn via ZOOM and other technology during this pandemic
   b) The scientists who are working tirelessly to find a COVID-19 vaccine
   c) The dedication of people who continue to serve in spite of the virus – – – food service workers, truckers, pharmacists, etc.
   

Your mind is like a radio –
You can tune it to what’s good.
Find the Philippians 9:8 channel
And think of love. You should!

Change Your Mind’s Channel
to Thoughts of Gratitude

Thanks for tuning in to JanBeek.
Tell me about your uplifting thoughts
based on Phil. 9:8

See ya tomorrow.