The word “whatever” is used six times in this one verse, and then we find it again in verse nine. They are as follows:

1. Whatever is true
2. Whatever is noble
3. Whatever is right
4. Whatever is pure
5. Whatever is lovely
6. Whatever is admirable
7. Whatever you have learned

The Greek word for “whatever” is hosos, meaning how great; how much and everything. The word “whatever” is not used in a dismissive or arrogant manner. Moreover, it is used to draw attention to the leading statements, “whatever is…”, and “whatever you have learned.” Therefore, we can see that though the world has tried to hijack the word “whatever” and use it with a negative connotation, God has used it in a positive way.

The apostle Paul goes on to use the word “whatever” like a jewel in a crown in these two verses of Scripture, to highlight a glorious principle of Kingdom living. The Bible says in Philippians 4:9 (NIV), “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Notice if you will, the four things Paul puts emphasizes:

1. Learned
2. Received
3. Heard
4. Or seen in me

In other words, Paul is saying, “Whatever Christ-like attributes, whatever fruit of the Holy Spirit, whatever Godly lifestyle has been in any way reflected in my life, imitate and put into practice.”

My friend, the word “whatever” is one which will cause us to stop and focus our attention on the next word or action. The Apostle Paul, in our text for today, is asking us a leading question, with the word “whatever”. Paul does not elaborate on the attributes or qualities that we are to put into practice, rather, he mentions them only briefly, thereby drawing us, enticing us, as it were, to take a closer look and examine them, and then work them into our own lives. Whatever is found within Jesus Christ can be found in everyone one of Paul’s statements. Furthermore, he then goes on to say in Philippians 4:9 (NIV), “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” When we think upon Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds, which will promote a more Christ-centered life.

God bless you my friend, Pastor Matthew.

I have often thought to myself, “I wonder if springtime is God’s best-loved season.” For when springtime comes, so does the beginning of new things; all the seeds giving birth, as they spring into life. The first of the flowers to show are the little snow drops, followed by the tulips and daffodils all golden with velvet petals. At the dawn of each fresh day of spring, the earth is blessed with the dew of heaven which leaves little droplets upon the grass as they sparkle, like beautiful diamonds glistening as the sun shines off them. There seems to be a symphony of sweetest praise, a choir as it were, of birds which burst into joyful songs, all singing from the same hymn sheet in their praise to God.

I have also wondered if springtime was on God’s mind when he thought of hope. No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. This is the outstanding hope which holds you steady during the long dark nights, the hope that is certain, as surely as the day follows the night so does springtime follow winter. The dormant trees come to life with fresh buds as the earth opens up its treasure trove filled with precious jewels of every color as it dresses the world in garments of splendor. The hope of spring brings a smile which cheers the heart and lifts the soul.

In our text for today from Zechariah 10:1 (NIV), “Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime.” Rain and springtime walk together hand in hand as one. So let us ask the Lord for the rain to water your soul, as times of refreshing through the season of spring bring a new beginning to new things in your life. The Bible says in Isaiah 43:18 to 19 (NIV), “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up.” Forget the disappointments of winter, for God is doing a new thing in your life. Just as springtime will bring new hope, so God will do a new thing in your life so it will spring up and give birth to new seasons of blessing which God has in store just for you.

My friend, as our text for today say in Zechariah 10:1 (NIV), “Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime,” ask the Lord for the rain of His blessing to water and refresh you as you enter into a season of springtime for your life; a season of new blessings, a season of giving birth to new things and seeing fruit grow, a season of a new direction and a season of praise to God for the new hope which He has blessed you with this springtime.

God bless, Pastor Matthew