Philippians 4:8

Scripture: 

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything work of praise, dwell on these things (NASB). 

Observation:

It starts with one look and then a desire to see more. I bet when you read that, you immediately thought I was speaking of looking at a woman or man in an unholy way, but what if our initial thought was one of reading God's Word? You see that's how sin takes a hold of us and gets us to think one thing when it could be something entirely different. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to ask men what their biggest problem is in walking the walk. Without a doubt, it's usually the same answer: pornography. It has crept into their lives and found a home. Fire fighters, men who show "true masculinity," seem to somehow get drawn to that bad place - they wear a patch on their shoulder that says "that others my live," but forget that being truly masculine is having the ability to ask for help when the battle becomes too much. Sometimes short circuiting porn's power means admitting we need help. Do we need to take the first step and ask for help? If we are going to live today's scripture, we need to make sure that we are walking by the Spirit with a little help from other men who have gone down that path.  

Application:

• Personal Application: Continue spending time with the Lord daily. Sow righteousness and reap the fruit of God's unfailing love.
• Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we continue to spend time with the Lord and keep our hearts focused on His plans and purposes. Pray for them.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network.