I don't expect Jesus to lie for me

I called my blog Phillipians 4:8 because I think it captures much of what I hope characterizes the content of my blog. I'm certainly not claiming that I am always true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. But Christ is and I'm counting on Him to be my advocate when I have to stand before God someday.

I don't expect Jesus to lie for me though, so I'm depending on Him to change me and make me like Him. He needs to teach me how to die to self and live for God our Heavenly Father. Thanfully, He hasn't left me alone in this struggle though. He's given me His Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, to lead me, convict me, guide me, and reveal truth to me. He's also given me other brothers and sisters in Christ who I can learn from and grow with. It's a great deal! I give up my life (which I have already messed up) in exchange for Jesus Christ's life which He lived perfectly. He's true, He's noble, He's right, He's lovely, He's admirable, He's excellent, and He's praiseworthy. Think about Him.

"Finally, brothers, 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." Phillipians 4:8 (NIV)

P.S. Maybe when I'm standing before God with Jesus as my advocate, He'll simply tell the Father, "This is James. He trusted me and abided in me. He's family."