Here’s a link to last week’s devotion in the series, “One Thing Leads to Another”.
Our photos today show the lifecycle of an average star, beginning with a Stellar Nebula.
So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.
Philippians 4:1 (CSB)
This devotional series is not about stars or even about creation. Simply, it is about the growth and change of our lives as believers. That growth happens as we study and love God’s Word.
God has provided us with His Word to learn about Him, allowing us to develop the spiritual traits of our Father. These traits appear when we are saved and separate from the world.
In the devotional today we are going to see a list of character qualities of God that should be evident in the lives of His sons and daughters.
There are lists in the Bible that are like footprints Jesus leaves for us to follow. These steps lead us to the right place and help us develop Godly character.
Following them makes us more like the Savior and less like the world, guiding believers to Christ-like behaviors that bring joy, peace, and contentment.
But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James 1:22 (CSB)
Red Giant
These lists are not rigid formulas for success, nor do they prevent hardship; instead, they clarify true joy, peace, and contentment, found only in Jesus, not in people, things, or circumstances.
Here is today’s list found in Philippians 4:8. Prayerfully study and apply it. Watch how it enhances your life with God. Beside each character quality is a linked verse that is similar, showing how God’s Word is endlessly cohesive.
whatever is true John 17:17 (KJV)
whatever is honorable 2 Timothy 2:21 (KJV)
whatever is just Romans 1:17 (KJV)
whatever is pure Matthew 5:8 (CSB)
whatever is lovely Isaiah 52:7 (CSB)
whatever is commendable Psalm 37:23 (NET)
—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8 (CSB)
Can you honestly say that you exemplify these character qualities or virtues in your words, thoughts, deeds and motives?
See what your answers are to the questions below the next photo.
Planetary Nebula & White Dwarfs
The bright “small” points of light are the third stage of the life cycle of a star called White Dwarf. This picture is also showing a supernova.
Whatever is true.
Do you tell the truth? Has honesty enhanced your reputation?
Being truthful can be costly, stripping away false pride and exposing your missteps. Admitting mistakes is hard, but cowardice doesn’t abide in the heart where truth is resolute.
Whatever is honorable.
Are you honorable? Do you keep your promises? If you say you are going to be somewhere, are you there and on time? Do you keep your word? Or are you apathetic, putting your convenience ahead of all else. Even simple things mean so much in service to our Savior. When others speak of you, do they use words like trust, kindness, wisdom, and dependability? Notice how truth and honor are linked; you can’t have one without the other.
Whatever is just.
Do you stand for moral absolutes, or do you soften your ethics to avoid appearing too religious? Do you stand up for those who can’t fend for themselves? Are you straightforward in business? If you are a just person then you understand that mankind’s sense of justice cannot break God’s law. Being just by God’s standard lends itself naturally to truth and honor.
Whatever is pure.
When your spouse thinks of you do they count on your fidelity? Does your speech convey respect and dignity? Is God’s name honored by the way you speak about Him? Or do you laugh at crudity? Are you perverse? What entertains you? Can you see the correlation between purity, honor, truth and justice?
Whatever is lovely.
The beauty in a believer’s life shines through their love for God, His Church, and others. They share the Gospel, act selflessly, and follow God’s moral law, exemplifying purity, truth, justice, and honor as they share Jesus from their hearts. Sharing the Gospel is the loveliest act that a person can offer.
Whatever is commendable.
Believers should be commendable to God. As noted in Acts 20:32, (KJV), when a believer serves God and follows the Spirit, they are empowered to complete their spiritual tasks. That makes them able to be commended by God in service to others. But you will never be commendable unless you are true, pure, just, honorable and lovely.
For additional reading, click the link below to understand more about God’s beautiful creation, stars. Stars answersinGenesis.org
King James Version (KJV)
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
New English Translation (NET)
NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 
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