June 20 - June 23, 2019 Whatever - Lovely & Admirable GETTING STARTED God commands us to think about what is lovely and admirable, but we often think ugly thoughts and admire things that are not worthy of our admiration. Ugly thinking is one of the primary reasons for relationships fall apart. Something happens and we stop thinking lovely thoughts about another person. When we do not think lovely thoughts, we stop doing lovely things. When we stop doing lovely things, we start having ugly thoughts. And when we have ugly thoughts, we do ugly things. Think about what is lovely in others and you are more likely to love them. We tend to pursue what we admire. There are times when we choose to admire things that are not really admirable and that can lead to all kinds of sin. If we admire possessions, it can lead to materialism and greed. If we admire physical beauty, it can lead to vanity and lust. If we admire power, it can lead to manipulation and abuse. Consider what is truly admirable and do not give your life for less than God’s best. PERSONAL REFLECTION 1. Think about a broken relationship you have experienced. Was there ugly thinking involved? What were some ugly thoughts you had about the other person? 2. How do you feel when people focus on your worst moments and think ugly thoughts about you? 3. What do you admire? Make a list. 4. What do you think God sees as admirable? T ake delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 Admire God. Think like He thanks. Want what He desires to give you. Ask God what is truly admirable. MEMORY VERSE: 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. Philippians 4:8 SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Philippians 4:8, Ephesians 5:15-17, Ephesians 5:18-20, Ephesians 5:21, Psalm 37.