"I've Been Thinking" - Week 6 Bible Reading Plan

Devotional Guide “Whatever Is Admirable”

(Philippians 4:8)

Day 1 – What We Dwell On Shapes Us

Scripture: Philippians 4:8


Reflection: Our thoughts are like soil — whatever we plant will grow. If we plant weeds of negativity, gossip, or shame, our hearts will be cluttered. But when we plant seeds of what is admirable, we reap peace and joy.
Buying a new car makes you notice that same model everywhere. It was always there, but now your attention is tuned to it. When we choose to focus on what is admirable, we begin to see it more often. 

Application: Write down one admirable thing you noticed today — big or small.

Day 2 – Defining “Admirable”

Scripture: Acts 4:36 — “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘Son of Encouragement’).” 

Reflection: The Greek word euphēmos means “commendable, of good repute.” Admirable things are those that would bring honor before God and blessing to others. Barnabas was admired not for power but for encouragement and generosity. Barnabas believed in Paul when others doubted him (Acts 9:27) and encouraged John Mark after failure (Acts 15:37–39). His admirable spirit gave others a second chance. 

Application: Who around you consistently encourages or uplifts others? Thank God for them — and consider sending them a note today.

Day 3 – What We Admire, We Imitate

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–2 

Reflection: Admiration leads to imitation. Heroes of the faith — the “great cloud of witnesses” — inspire us to persevere. When we admire people of faith, we naturally begin to mirror their courage and consistency. A child unconsciously imitates the walk, tone, and gestures of their parent. So too, what we admire in others becomes part of us. 

Application: Identify one godly quality in someone you look up to. Practice it intentionally this week.

Day 4 – Pushing Out Negativity

Scripture: Philippians 2:14–15 

Reflection: Complaining shrinks the soul. Admiration expands it. When we fill our minds with toxic criticism, gratitude dies. But when we admire what is good, we leave less room for what poisons the spirit.
As week we learned Corrie Ten Boom once gave thanks for the fleas in her concentration camp barracks. Later, she discovered the fleas kept guards away, allowing secret Bible studies to happen. Her gratitude for the unthinkable opened the door for God’s work. 

Application: When you’re tempted to complain today, stop and name one admirable thing God has done in your life recently.

Day 5 – Ordinary Lives, Admirable Impact

Scripture: James 1:17 — “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” 

Reflection: God’s fingerprints are on every admirable deed: a kind word, a courageous stand, a quiet act of faithfulness. We glimpse Him in every good gift. A man once said of his grandmother, “She never preached a sermon, but her life was the best sermon I ever heard.” Admirable lives often preach louder than words. 

Application: Think of one person whose steady faith has quietly shaped you. Say a prayer of thanks for their influence. 

Day 6 – Practicing the Admirable Mindset

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 — “Encourage one another and build each other up…” 

Reflection: We practice admiration by noticing, naming, and nurturing it. Encouragement multiplies what is good.
 Johnny the Bagger — a young man with Down syndrome who slipped daily encouragement notes into grocery bags. His simple habit transformed a store into a place of joy. 

Application: Speak or write one word of encouragement today. Tell someone you notice their admirable quality.

Day 7 – Fixing Our Eyes on Christ, the Admirable One

Scripture: Philippians 2:5–11


Reflection: Jesus is the most admirable of all. His compassion, courage, truthfulness, and sacrificial love embody everything Paul describes. To think on what is admirable is ultimately to fix our eyes on Him.
On the cross, the world saw shame — but heaven saw the most admirable act of love ever displayed. 

Application: Spend 10 minutes today reflecting on Jesus’ admirable qualities. Write them down as a personal prayer of admiration.  

Weekly Challenge