Think On Such Things

While life can kick the breath out us and those we thought we could depend on prove otherwise, God always provides.

Philippians 4:8

Transcript

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Philippians 4 8 says 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. Hey, French, thanks for tuning in to Unfiltered with Jesse B. And before we get started, I want to do a quick shout out to listeners in Ontario, California, and Houston, Texas. If you enjoy listening to this content and think others would too, go ahead and share it with them. And if you aren't already subscribed, please go ahead and do so. So yesterday I took some time to visit with my aunt and cousin, which the three of us get together every so often. I always enjoy the fellowship and conversations that are always filled with laughter, the occasional tears, but it's always a great time, great advice, and at least I walk away with uh tidbits and little things that I can take with me that help me along my journey with the Lord. So yesterday was no exception. So we were sitting at lunch and my cousin and aunt asked how my 50th birthday festivities went and how it felt to be officially a half century old. Now my aunt is in her mid-60s, and my cousin is in her late 60s. Sorry, ladies, but this is unfiltered and I just tell it like it is. But anyway, um, I told them that there were pockets of celebration with friends and co-workers and extended family, but for the most part it was pleasant and with the exception of a small portion of it that was not. And without getting into too much on here, my cousin said, Well, you just need to focus on the parts that were fun and enjoyable. And later on, my aunt told me a story about a couple who had lost two children. One child was lost from a rare disease as a baby, and then another child was killed, I think she said, as a teenager in a car accident. So for years the parents, understandably so, grieved the losses of their two children until it dawned on the husband, well after their other children had become adults and had lives and families of their own, that they had missed out on so much because of the grief of the two children that were no longer with them. And they just failed to enjoy the children that were living. So during a family gathering, the dad at the head of the table said that he had a confession to make and that he owed everyone a sincere apology because of missing out on their lives because of grief. So I say that to say this there are times when life just kicks the breath out of you, whether it's through the loss of a job, a relationship, health, uh, an accident, natural disaster, whatever the case may be. However, if there's any good in life, we need to focus on that. And I will go on to say that my aunt said, just because there were a couple of relatives close to you who may have chosen not to acknowledge your birthday for whatever reason, and that hurts, but don't forget that God provided you with tons of other friends and relatives who did rejoice with you, so be thankful for that. So, and she's right. And again, I will close it with this finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and whatever is admirable. If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Love you guys. Good night.