Week 5 - Philippians 4:8-23

"Finally, sisters...." Paul brings us around to the bottom line in verses 8 & 9: Practically speaking, we control our joy! Here is what I see him saying: choose what you put your mind on, "think about such things", put it into practice. Then, "the God of peace will be with you." Joy!

I have grown into the habit of watching TV at night. As a cable subscriber, you pay plenty of money each month, so you'd think there would be something worth watching. Sadly this is not the case. In fact, most programming is not "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy!" This concerns me, as I see the flavor of entertainment really going, well, dark! And not dark chocolate, but gross and spooky dark. This to me is not lovely or excellent, but a waste - even a danger - for my mind. So, as Fat Tuesday approached, I decided to give up TV for Lent. I will choose 'excellent' activities to fill that time now. I will 'think about' what we've been learning in Philippians - pursuing a true knowledge of our Lord Jesus, and 'practicing' joy.

• How about you? There's plenty to worry about in a day, are you practicing joy? These two verses make an excellent prescription for worry. Choose, think, practice and the God of peace (ah, blessedness!) will be with you!