Learning Contentment

Learning contentment is an amazing experience! At one point in my life I felt this was impossible! I thought it was all about me changing myself so that I could feel content.

Then one day while reading a book "Your Money Counts", I saw the uniqueness of the following verses and with prompting from the Lord, began to understand the truth that sets us free!

Let's look at what Paul says in Philipians 4:11-13 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

A couple of important points to think about. Verse 11 - Paul speaks of "learning to be content". Who is teaching him? How is he learning? What is his job in this?

This is Truth! Jesus is his teacher. Jesus is taking him through good times and bad, through hunger and being full. In his experiences, Paul has learned to be content in "any and every situation" through Christ who has given him strength! Through our situations in life we go through difficult and good times and as we go through them we can choose to cling close to Christ who is our teacher!

What is our job in that? Simply to learn - learning to trust God in every circumstance, knowing that our present circumstances exist to help us learn the Truth!

In trusting we demonstrate our faith. We come to know that He is faithful and worthy of our trust. Without faith it is impossible to please God, for He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!

Living from God

This is my first blog! Some may find this hard to believe, but it is true. I thought I would start this today based on my desire to live from God for God's purpose. You would be wise in asking the question, "How does one live from God?". In the days ahead, with His help, I hope to share with you what it means and how you too may live from God in your daily walk.

Let's get started with one verse today: Romans 12:1 NLT - And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Giving our bodies to God is an expression of our worship of God. We offer ourselves by simply speaking to God in prayer asking him to use our life today as a living sacrifice for his purposes and good pleasure. Daily I am learning to speak to God - in this simple manner - Lord be my life today, make it a living sacrifice for you and your kingdom work. Day by day, a little at a time, I see my life being transformed by the grace of God so that I am doing his work and his will in various capacities!

Make this simple prayer your one step of faith today and tomorrow and every day. You will see the work of God through Jesus Christ our Lord changing you! He is willing to be your life, your peace, joy, patience, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, love and self-control.