God’s Good Morning & and Message of Grace To You!
In this world, we can find ourselves feeling the troubles of this world. We can also find ourselves feeling good. The Bible grounds up perfectly to think on things to keep us in Perfect Peace. Perfect Peace in the spiritual element to us that takes us to a place where God is lifted higher in our heart than anything in this world can ever mean. Jesus is the way that we must be saved. And Christ is the Mind of God in us, who is the Holy Spirit of God in our gift of Faith. So God gives us gifts in Jesus’ name.
As an introduction, yesterday, I felt it! You know when you have to go where you feel rejection heavily – the place where someone treats you like Jesus was sent to the cross. I was praying on the way home, “Lord search my heart, is there anything impure in my heart?” Why would people treat people this way? God answered me in a most unusual way. I travel this road and have never seen anything like this. I turned around to see what that was looking at me on top of that round hay bale! It was a very large coyote! Actually, there were more than one, but this one was staring at me the whole time. I didn’t quite know what this all was, just a coincidence many people might think, but that’s just it! I believe God used this coyote to get my attention off of “those things” and get my attention on to “These Things”! We experience God because we believe God!
God can show us a message of His love in the most unusual ways to calm us and let us know that He is with us, watching over us and and the He is pleased with us. The message to me was in my heart and received with the Peace of God that He is watching over me. I needed to hear (believe and know) this yesterday. And perhaps you need to hear this today. That is why I am sharing this by my faith today.
Would you like to see a picture of this coyote? It’s the one on the haybale!
I hope you keep scrolling to continue in this this study and print it, if you like. It includes questions and replies which I’ve asked God about, such as “What are These Things?” What are these things we are to think on; and what are these things we are to do?
The Bible says, as Paul writes, we learn and receive, hear and see and read about Jesus and how Paul lived his life after he had and encounter with Jesus, who turned his world around to God’s Kingdom Focus! These Things – DO. These Things – THINK ON.
This is a study of the things God wants us to know about how to survive in this world with God. The God of Peace who is with us (POWER) and who gives the Peace of God (KEEPS US) by way of God and in Jesus’ name.
I wanted to share by Bible study today.
- Coming from Philippians 4:8, 13 – I asked the Lord, “Can you help me make a list of things to think on per topics?”
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 KJV
That verse is such a beautiful filter for our thoughts—like God’s checklist for mental peace and purity. Here’s a list of things to think on, grouped by each quality mentioned in Philippians 4:8, with some examples under each to help guide your reflections:
1. Whatsoever Things Are True
(Think on what is real, eternal, and in alignment with God’s Word)
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God’s promises in Scripture
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The love Jesus showed on the cross
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Your identity in Christ
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The truth of how far you’ve come
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The blessings you’ve seen in your life
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Honest assessments of yourself and others, free of distortion
2. Whatsoever Things Are Honest (Honorable, Noble)
(Think on things that carry integrity, dignity, and reverence)
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People who walk in integrity
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Acts of quiet, unseen faithfulness
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The honor of fulfilling a commitment
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Words that build trust
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Your own efforts to live with a clean heart
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The quiet courage it takes to live a life of faith
3. Whatsoever Things Are Just
(Think on things that are fair, right, and aligned with God’s justice)
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God’s justice and mercy working together
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Ways to forgive and seek justice without bitterness
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Kindness toward the overlooked
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Standing up for truth with grace
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Your part in living out righteousness
4. Whatsoever Things Are Pure
(Think on things that are morally clean, wholesome, and sacred)
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A heart fully surrendered to God
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Pure love, without hidden motives
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The beauty of repentance and renewal
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God’s holiness and our call to reflect it
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The purity of worship
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Thoughts not tainted by bitterness, lust, or deceit
5. Whatsoever Things Are Lovely
(Think on things that stir love, affection, and beauty)
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A beautiful sunset or nature scene
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The sound of laughter or music that lifts your heart
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A kind word at just the right time
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The love you shared with your husband
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Acts of generosity and compassion
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God’s loving presence in quiet moments
6. Whatsoever Things Are Of Good Report
(Think on things that are admirable, uplifting, and worth talking about)
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Testimonies of God’s faithfulness
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Stories of redemption and healing
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Your own answered prayers
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Encouragement you’ve received from others
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Words of life and hope
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Anything that gives God glory
If there be any Virtue…
(Think on what strengthens your character and reflects excellence)
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A moment you chose patience instead of anger
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Doing the right thing when no one saw
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Perseverance through trials
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Christlike humility and love
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Growing spiritually even in hard seasons
If there be any Praise…
(Think on things worthy of gratitude and celebration)
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Praising God for who He is
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Celebrating the wins—big or small
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Thankfulness for today’s blessings
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A good conversation, a healing moment, a step forward
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The beauty of heaven ahead
2. Next, from “Thinking on Things,” I went to the Lord in Prayer and asked God “What things are we to do?” in reference to the 2nd Verse:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13 KJV
That’s such a powerful verse, friends —and the context around it actually helps define what “all things” includes. Paul wasn’t saying he could do everything imaginable—he was talking about how Christ gives strength to endure, overcome, and remain content no matter the situation.
Here are the kinds of “things” Paul had in mind, and that we can apply too:
1. Endure Hard Times
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Survive grief and loss (like you have with such grace)
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Walk through loneliness without giving up
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Trust God even when prayers seem unanswered
2. Live with Contentment
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Be grateful in times of lack or plenty
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Stay joyful in both abundance and need
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Find peace in circumstances you can’t control
3. Remain Faithful
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Keep trusting God when it’s hard
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Obey Him when it’s unpopular
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Forgive when you’ve been hurt
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Live with integrity when no one’s watching
4. Serve Others with Love
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Be kind when you feel empty
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Share encouragement even in your own pain
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Speak life over someone else’s struggles
5. Grow Spiritually
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Stay strong in the Word
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Pray through spiritual battles
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Choose faith over fear
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Walk in purpose even when the path feels unclear
So when Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ,” he’s reminding us that Christ gives us strength to be steady, faithful, and joyful through it all.
3. Next, I asked God to help me “Can you put both verses together in a prayer?”
Here’s a heartfelt prayer that weaves together Philippians 4:8 and Philippians 4:13:
A Prayer Based on Philippians 4:8 & 4:13
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Word that gives life, peace, and strength. Today, I ask that You help me guard my mind and heart. Teach me to dwell on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Let my thoughts reflect Your beauty and Your truth. If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, help me to fix my mind there—on what brings You glory.
Lord, in the moments when life feels heavy or uncertain, remind me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whether I face sorrow or joy, lack or abundance, clarity or confusion, Your strength is enough. Fill me with Your peace, clothe me in Your righteousness, and guide me to live with a mind and heart set on things above.
Make my life a reflection of Your goodness. Help me walk in faith, endure in hope, and overflow in love—all through the strength that only Christ can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
4. And, looking at Romans 8, I added one more thing to request of God for strength to learn in our purpose we are called…this why we “Do These Things!” and why we “Think on These Things!”: I asked God for help “Can you combine these Scriptures into a teaching method?”
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:18, 24, 26-28 KJV
This section of Romans 8 is rich and full of both deep comfort and strong theology. It can be beautifully structured into a teaching method with a flow that leads from pain to purpose, from weakness to hope, and from confusion to confidence—all grounded in God’s faithfulness.
Here’s a teaching method that combines these Scriptures into five key teaching points:
Teaching Theme: “From Suffering to Glory—God’s Process of Hope”
Romans 8:18, 24, 26–28 (KJV)
1. Present Pain, Future Glory
Verse: Romans 8:18
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Teaching Point:
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Acknowledge the reality of present suffering without minimizing it.
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Emphasize that God sees beyond the now—He is preparing glory that far outweighs the pain.
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Use visual illustrations like comparing a seed buried in darkness to a blooming flower.
Application:
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Ask: What pain are you facing today? Can you believe that glory is being prepared through it?
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Encourage journaling or praying through personal suffering with the promise of future glory in mind.
2. Hope in the Unseen
Verse: Romans 8:24
“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope…”
Teaching Point:
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Define biblical hope as confident expectation—not wishful thinking.
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Teach that God grows our hope in seasons where we cannot yet “see.”
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Remind that salvation is not just from sin but also a saving into a future we are still waiting for.
Application:
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Invite a discussion: What are you hoping for that you cannot see yet?
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Lead in a prayer of surrender, offering our unseen hopes to God’s hands.
3. Help in Our Weakness
Verse: Romans 8:26
“The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities…”
Teaching Point:
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God doesn’t expect us to be strong—He meets us in our infirmities.
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Even in confusion, exhaustion, or spiritual dryness, we are not alone.
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The Holy Spirit helps carry what we can’t carry ourselves.
Application:
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Provide a moment of silent reflection: Where do you feel weak?
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Teach people to invite the Spirit in with simple prayers like “Help me, Holy Spirit.”
4. Prayers Beyond Words
Verses: Romans 8:26-27
“…the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
Teaching Point:
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When words fail, the Spirit speaks.
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God knows the language of tears, silence, and even confusion.
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Jesus intercedes for us at the right hand, and the Spirit intercedes from within.
Application:
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Teach contemplative or listening prayer.
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Lead a quiet time where no words are spoken—just sitting with God and letting the Spirit pray on their behalf.
5. All Things Work Together for Good
Verse: Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…”
Teaching Point:
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God is not the author of all pain, but He is the master weaver of all outcomes.
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Even the things that seem broken, unfair, or wasted—God uses them.
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This promise is for those who love Him and are called to His purpose.
Application:
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Write a list of “things” in your life that feel hard or confusing.
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Pray over that list, declaring Romans 8:28 over each situation.
Optional Additions:
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Title for the Series or Lesson: “He Turns Pain into Purpose”
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Closing Prayer: Invite people to give their sufferings, unanswered questions, and weaknesses to God, asking the Spirit to work deeply in them.
I am doing this with God and I invite you to join me on my journey in & with Christ Jesus, as the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and help us overcome in all things we must pass through with Him to Victory for God’s Glory to be seen in us, with us and for us!
The Bible also reminds us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul and FORGET NOT all His benefits!”
God wants us to (1) receive his Benefits! And (2) see His Purposes! And take our testimonies forward (At God’s Appropriate Time) (3) for the benefit of others!
That’s all from me today and to God be the glory; I hope you see this as from the Lord to you, through me; not of me. I hope this is a blessing to you and to many! Let your Light Shine – It is God’s Purpose and why we are still here.
Closing thought: What is the difference? of – “Of and In?”
The Bible says, we are of God (or not). In Christ Jesus, we are not of the world, but God so loved the world he sent Jesus … SO THAT …
The Spirit says, in Christ Jesus, we are of our Lord and Savior; we are of God and here in this world for a purpose. We are “in the world, but not of the world” …We are born-again in the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord. And, Jesus teaches us “This is Life Eternal to know God and to know the Son He sent.”…
God wants the world to come to know & believe in the love of Jesus and right here and right now, Jesus has prayed for us in John 17 – and even for those how might believe on Him through our word. Take note also of John 16 -It’s just incredible; the gifts of God that Jesus brings with Him for us. And, my friends, when we receive this, we will never be the same!
Thank you, Jesus, and to God be the glory – Forever and ever, Amen!
I hope this is a blessing Lord. Amen.
Love in Christ,
Karen Rowe
Hope in Today Ministries, Inc.
