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Philippians 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. (11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
Independent of external circumstances is what the word content means, someone who doesn’t let outward things dictate the inward, but rather the inward dictates the outward response and result. Are you a person that has learned to be content, allowing the peace of God to rule in your life, or are you constantly looking for something in the outward fallen realm to satisfy, or you think can satisfy a spiritual need? Paul learned to be content, it wasn’t something that just happened over night but it became a way of life for him, an example each and every believer can learn from. Paul knew that His strength was in Christ; the inner man working in him is the same one working in you also so that you can learn to be content with who you are in Christ, looking more to the inward and less to the outward. So how do you judge your life? Is it by a job, possessions, houses, cars, or do you judge things by your inward, growing stronger in the Lord on a daily basis learning to hear the Word of God and trust more in Him? Greater is the life of God within me than anything or anyone that is still in this fallen world. So don’t be taken in by the cheap imitations of the enemy, but rather seek first the kingdom of God and what He is asking of you this day, then all that is needed will be provided as He promised. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (KJV) What man considers important and what God says is wholesome is as different as night and day, because while many still chase after the things of this life thinking it will bring them peace, the doctrine of Christ clearly enlightens us to the things of the inward man, the things that are eternal and not temporal. Without a wholesome diet many become sick and weakly, frail and ready to perish because of a lack of proper nourishment in the Word of God. Temporal things can only provide a temporary answer while those that seek Spiritual things and make it their priority will find their eternal answer and strength that will allow them to endure to the end. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) What do you think of when you think about making great gain or as some refer, making great strides in their walk? A leap of faith is another phrase that comes to mind. Some would think starting a church would impress God, or spending days and weeks studying the Bible would cause one to make great gain in their walk. How about something so simple as learning to be content, content with the fact that today I have salvation, today right now my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and knowing that nothing else really matters. Have you forgot how you entered this world wearing nothing more than a smile, and how you are going to depart this world with nothing more than you came in with? Yet with all this in mind, is all the fussing and fighting over worldly things really worth the time and effort when all the Lord is asking of us is to fight the good fight of faith? I personally have never seen or heard of a child born with a U-haul trailer, which holds true for the hearse as well when we leave. With that in mind have you learned to be content? Have you taken the time to thank God for the food and raiment He has provided for you today, or are you like the children of Israel already out and about gathering manna for tomorrow? I will give you a hint; if you wish to be content then the first food and raiment you will be seeking on a daily basis will involve more of the spiritual and less of the physical. When one trains themselves in the things of the Lord they are able to learn to be content with who they are in Christ and where He has placed them in the body of believers. Williams New Testament translation for James 4:13-15 13. Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to such and such a city and stay a year, go into business and make money," 14. although you do not have the slightest knowledge of tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? It is really nothing but a mist which appears for a little while and then disappears. 15. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord is willing, we shall live and do this or that." Have you forgotten how long we are going to be here in this realm, on this planet as compared to eternity? How about the fact that we are just passing through this world and should not get so entangled in the affairs of this life? Next time you spray something into the air, think of your life and how short it really is, and how if it ended right now it would seem like just a moment. Now for a moment stop and ask yourself honestly, have I really learned to be content, or do I still overlook some of the simple things in the Word of God that would make my walk so much simpler? Williams New Testament translation Hebrews 13:5-6 5. You must have a turn of mind that is free from avarice; you must be content with what you have, for God Himself has said, "I will never fail you, I will never forsake you." 6. So we can confidently say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can men do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV) You know why you no longer fear what man does? Because you are not looking to the outward to find peace and contentment with God, but rather looking inwardly, and letting that peace rule. Who really has the final say in your decisions, God or man? So rather than letting outward situations and circumstances dictate your walk turn your attention to the inward so that you won’t be left out of God’s realm and plan of salvation that He has for you. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (26) Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (27) Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (KJV)
Stop, freeze, put your hands up; now honestly ask yourself, what were you just thinking about, was it something that would be of benefit to you or something that you will end up throwing a fit about if you continue to try to figure it out? It’s time to embark on a new spiritual exercise program, one where you start out in small things and with practice you become perfect, mature in the things of our Lord. How often do you spend time thinking about the things of this life more than the things of the new life we have access to in Christ? How many different scenarios do you play out in your mind on a daily basis trying to figure things out that you claim to have given over to the Lord in prayer? Does it all sound to simple, to easy and elementary for those that claim they are walking in the Spirit, when all along they still have some leaven left over in the bread of life that will continue to rise and infect the whole lump if not dealt with. It is a total retraining program and so opposite from the realm we have lived in, and walked in for so many years where the focus was solely on the things of the flesh, but now we have turned it over to an unseen God in heaven who is asking us to let His thoughts and ways be ours as well. Matthew 6:28-31 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: (29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (KJV) Instead of the physical raiment we wear, how concerned were you today with your spiritual raiment, you know the armor of God that you should be wearing for your protection? How well dressed are you today, and did you take the time to double check to make sure you were ready before you left? With all the riches and wealth that Solomon possessed and the incredible things he built with it, how many would stop and truly observe something as simple as a lily and see the beauty of God? How much more could you grow spiritually if you did a lot less toiling and spinning in circles thinking about things that the Lord said He would give to His people? Something to think about. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV) Now really, did you think for one moment that God forgot about you, or maybe He forgot to write down your request? Sound silly or farfetched, but isn’t that what we are saying when we start allowing doubt and fear into His temple, which we happen to be? You know as a parent, or those who have been and raised children, was there ever a day that went by that you forgot about one of your own? Is there a day that goes by even when they are gone that you don’t still think about them and wonder how it is going with them as well as holding them up in prayer? How much more do you think your heavenly Father has considered His people, being the fact that He created you and planned your life before the foundation of this world, and then we have the nerve to doubt Him? Psalms 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (18) If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. (KJV) How about this, you have a heavenly Father that never sleeps, that is on duty all of the time and His thoughts toward us are nothing but precious, providing His people the good and perfect gift from above, access to His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. With this in mind and more importantly keeping this in mind, do you really know someone else that could do a better job watching out for us? When you really stop and think about it, wouldn’t you rather have someone like that in control, someone that can guarantee victory before it takes place? So now I ask you again, what were you thinking? Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV) How much better, how much more peace would there be in your life if you could just keep your thoughts in line with the Lord’s? No wonder the Lord said that His burden was easy and His yoke was light, because the more you give to Him the less you have to carry around yourself. For myself, sometimes I have acted like the Lord was a hit or miss thing, like He has let me down so many times in the past and that once in a while it would be nice to catch a break, when the reality is that I am the one that had let Him down and He was longsuffering enough and patiently waiting for me to come into agreement with Him. So for today, if you are thinking or entertaining any other thoughts than what is described in verse 8, let it go; sift through what is of God and what is of your own understanding so that you can move forward in your walk and not be weighed down by unnecessary baggage that causes more doubt than confidence. Psalms 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. (2) Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. (KJV) You know God heard your request the first time you made it; so now it is not a matter of asking over and over again, but thanking Him for His answer and patiently waiting for it to manifest. The enemy will try to introduce reasonable doubt into your mind during this trial of your faith, so it is a matter of you keeping your mind renewed with the truth so that you don’t end up letting a little doubt get in and distort the truth. Matthew 6:32-34 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) While the world and its worldly people are blindly running in circles chasing things of this life, the Lord is showing His people a better way of life by seeking those things which are above. The just shall live by faith; so if your first priority is the Lord then everything else that is needed will be added, completely opposite of everything we have learned in the past. Before you start thinking about tomorrow, you haven’t finished today yet, so stay alert and don’t get ambushed by thoughts and ideas that are not of God and are not peaceful. So now, this moment, what are you thinking? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV)
It is beneficial to the Church when one can accurately share their experiences with the Lord for the benefit of the body and not just a testimony to make themselves look special. A true man of God will point the people to the Lord and His work, and not toward mankind and what they claim they are doing for God. Paul was able to accurately describe his own personal experiences and insights with the people because it was done in humility and love, and not to build up his own following. Some think just because they have had a personal experience with the Lord that they are something special, and what was based on grace is now of works, or so they think. Some people hear the Lord through other people that God chose to speak through and thus base their salvation on the person, or denomination they belong to, rather than realizing it is God that was personally reaching out to them. And then we have those that think just because they spoke a word that brought life to someone, or even led to their conversion, it was their doing; thus causing them to think that in order to hear the Lord they have to listen to them. It’s the grace of God that allowed you to have access to His kingdom in the first place; and only His grace that will keep you there. So the more you realize this, the better relationship you will establish with the Father. Galatians 1:13-16 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: (14) And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. (15) But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, (16) To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (KJV) Paul realized for himself that when he tried to establish a relationship with the Father based on his own works and zeal, what he thought was profitable, was actually a hindrance to the Lord’s plan of salvation. Once he realized that his calling was of grace and not of works then he was able to allow the Lord to make the changes necessary in order to walk with Him. Is your walk today based in Spirit and in truth or are you still holding to traditions that actually draw one away from the Lord rather than closer? Is it God’s plan of salvation still, or have you come up with an alternate plan or route that you think will draw you closer? Acts 9:3-6 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (6) And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (KJV) Acts 9:5 [It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.]. This is a proverbial expression, which exists, not only in substance, but even in so many words, both in the Greek and Latin writers. Kentron (grk 2759), signifies an ox goad, a piece of pointed iron stuck in the end of a stick, with which the ox is urged on when drawing the plow. The origin of the proverb seems to have been this: sometimes it happens that a restive or stubborn ox kicks back against the goad, and thus wounds himself more deeply: hence, it has become a proverb to signify the fruitlessness and absurdity of rebelling against lawful authority, and the getting into greater difficulties by endeavouring to avoid trifling sufferings. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) Maybe that thorn in your flesh, the thing or area in your own walk that keeps you from drawing closer to the Lord, is just your own stubbornness and ideas; things you think will be pleasing to God. You know, if you left the ox on their own they wouldn’t plow a very straight path but rather end up doing more harm than good, thus why they need someone to keep them in line. You may not always like the path the Lord is leading you on, but rather than fuss and rebel it is simple obedience that is pleasing in His sight. Sometimes one becomes unequally yoked with unbelievers and the world’s way of thinking, and rather than working in the field they end up off course and confused. Is it the grace of God through faith that is guiding you, or are you zealous and set in your own ways on how things should be done and end up kicking against the goad yourself; the more frustrated you become the harder you kick? I know for myself when I truly look honestly at some of the things I have done or ways I thought would be pleasing to the Lord, I cringe at how foolish my thinking was at the time and yet humbled that I am still a part of His inheritance despite myself. Actually sometimes when I have thought back on some things I am actually embarrassed to think that my right standing with God had anything to do with my own strength or abilities, which can at times prick the heart and be a healthy reminder of our own weaknesses. So I can understand that when Paul looked back on some of the things he did, and then was willing to share those experiences, it could have easily been described as a thorn in the flesh and yet a reminder of how weak one is when left to their own devices. Not that we spend our time in the past, but sometimes it can be a healthy reminder, or like the Lord described humility, coming to Him as a child. Titus 3:1-7 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (3) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. (4) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (7) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (KJV) Today can be described as a bit of a reminder of where we came from and how we got to this point in our walk. It is good to keep in mind what your source of strength truly is, and that your salvation has never been nor ever will be based on your works, but according to a plan that was developed for you by a loving merciful God of grace that allowed us to be partakers of His divine nature by the perfect sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ our savior. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:1-5 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. (2) I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. (3) And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) (4) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (5) Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. (KJV)
Paul the Apostle, a man God used to write a good portion of the New Testament, a man who had some up close and personal experiences with the Lord; from his conversion on the road to Damascus as well as what we see described in the above verses. What some refer to today as an out of body experience, which could have occurred when Paul was stoned and left for dead; which back in his time was usually the case with those that suffered a stoning; and we see Paul didn’t base his strength or glory in his abilities and boast about these experiences, but rather in his infirmities or weaknesses he did glory in the Lord. While many base their strength in what they claim they are accomplishing for the Lord, Paul realized that there is strength in humility; the more he stayed out of the way, the more the Lord was able to work in and through Him. So what source are you drawing your strength from today? Is it according to your abilities, or are you drawing strength from a well of living waters which should be springing up and flowing through you? 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. (7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV) Did you ever imagine that your strength would be made perfect in weakness? Talk abut a total contradiction to what we have been taught all of our lives, especially when it deals with the image of what a real man is; take it like a man, be strong. How many action movies have you seen growing up where the main character is depicted as a humble servant, one that takes pleasure in weaknesses and infirmities? Most of these depictions are those of someone who is muscle bound and bullet proof, someone who relies on their own strength and abilities and certainly not on anyone else. Paul realized that when he was weak, then he was strong. Our carnal minds are what is enmity with God and what leads to doubt and confusion with those that rely on their own strength. If you want something to glory in, how about our infirmities; how the grace of God allowed someone like me into His kingdom and to be a partaker of His inheritance, despite myself and all the ways I thought I could help Him out. Are you being led by the Spirit of God today or are you the one trying to lead and guide Him, telling the Lord how He should be providing your way of escape from whatever may be a thorn in your flesh, or as some refer, a pain in the backside? When you share the word of God with people are you able to give an accurate account of what the Lord has done in your life or are you like so many who act like they have done so much for the Lord and that He literally couldn’t operate without their help? James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (KJV) When you have prayed about a situation that requires attention in your walk, which at times is painful, do you wait on the Lord and His way of escape or do you try to figure out an alternate plan based on your own thinking? This is the trial of your faith, an area where the Lord is working in you and desiring to see you move forward in your walk, while at the same time the enemy is doing all he can to keep you in bondage. So when the enemy comes in like a flood and tries to keep you from being set free in an area you have been seeking an answer in, the question is, ‘now will you endure patiently and wait on the Lord to find the answer and renew your strength or will you take an alternate route and end up on a dead end path’? Do you let the peace of God rule in your decisions and don’t make a move until you have that peace and confidence, or do you look for a quick fix that is less hassle? Remember, there is only one way, by the truth that will set you free and allow you to partake of the life of God which is given to those that walk by faith and not by sight. 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) Remember the old song ‘make the world go away’? While many look for quick fixes and escapes from reality the Lord teaches us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The more you rely on the Lord and the power of His might, the more you learn to deal with life in this fallen world and become an overcomer despite the daily temptations that surround you. So whatever the thorn in the flesh Paul was referring to, whether it was something from his past that was pulling him down or the devil reminding him of his shortcomings, Paul patiently endured and waited on the Lord for His way of escape and learned to bear it and not let it stop him. So this thing you have sought the Lord for, are you waiting and enduring patiently on His way of escape, or are you plotting your own way which will eventually lead you right back where you started from? Do you glory in your weaknesses; a phrase I like to use is ‘despite myself God still considers me one of His’, or are you one of those that think they are doing God a favor by what they are doing for Him? Galatians 4:12-14 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. (13) Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. (14) And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (KJV) You know, believe it or not, the people God used throughout the Bible are no different than you and I; but like we just read we all have the same common human infirmities to work through and overcome. Despite how mankind teaches that strength is something derived from our own doing, the truth be known, that when we are weak it is then that we truly are strong in the Lord and the power of His might. While many may think God used Paul because of his own abilities the truth be known, it was just the opposite; Paul realized there is much strength in humility. 1 Timothy 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; (13) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (KJV) Talk about a possible thorn or thorny issue to have to deal with; the very people you persecuted in the past are the ones you are now preaching to. God did not have Paul cut and run from the situation, but rather gave him the strength to deal with it so that what was once a hindrance to the body of Christ had now become a real asset to the body. So what are you dealing with today and what source will you draw your strength from? His grace is sufficient to make a way of escape no matter what the circumstance is. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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