Monday, February 1, 2010

His Grace is sufficient for this day......

So here’s the thing……I’m in the middle of a long-awaited, two-week vacation in Florida, just the man I love and me. In anticipation of turning sixty next summer (a future topic), I have embarked on a sensible eating campaign and exercise (thanks to my personal trainer and daughter-in-law Jenny). There is a half-mile walking track that encircles our resort and today, I reached 2 ½ miles. That is a major milestone for me--did I mention that I HATE to exercise? I am determined, though, to be healthier at sixty than I’ve ever been in my life! Jesus continues to be faithful; I will do my part.

But I digress, that’s not the topic for today. For the past few days, it has been dreary here, gray and chilly. I came here for sunshine and freckles! So, during my self-imposed morning walk today, God gently chastised me and put the word “contentment” on my heart. Those of you who know me personally, know that I often make reference to how blessed I am. So, why would I allow myself to bemoan the weather (especially considering how cold it is in Ohio right now) and how fast this time is going? I indulged myself in a sinful little pitty-party.

I was reminded once again that His grace is sufficient for this day, and I began to rejoice and be glad in it. I was humbled as my friend, Bishop Henry Mulandi, sent me an article regarding the hardship of young girls in Juba, Sudan, surviving by using the only thing they have, their bodies. My discontent today--that I can’t lay in the sun and that next week, I have to return to the cold (where a beautiful, warm home and my wonderful family awaits me). Forgive me, Jesus (He has).

Let’s talk about contentment. I would love to hear what you have to say about the following scriptures (I learn from you as you listen to the Holy Spirit):

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Philippians 4:12 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.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. [8] But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Matthew 6:33-34 [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I am not promised tomorrow; I will rejoice in this day. I am content; I am loved. How about you?

3 comments:

  1. In Hebrews 13:5 (The Message) It says, "Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you."

    As I read this - my first thoughts were, "Yeah, right. Wait. Be content with what we have? You'll never let me down? For real???" God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and beautiful girls and a home. We have great health. And yet, I wake up in the morning and I want more. More weightloss. More hours in the day. More sleep!!! If only I could focus on God. My first thought when I wake shouldn't be - "If only I could get MORE sleep." But instead it should be, "God, I can't wait to see what you want me to do today!"

    In Hebrew 13:20 (Msg.) "May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole." There are NO possessions that will ever fill the cross-shaped hole in my heart.

    In Jeremiah 29:11-13 (MSG.) "I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, WHEN YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT FINDING ME AND WANT IT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE. I'LL MAKE SURE YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED." So, you see? I guess when we are willing and ready to come to Him. I mean REALLY ready to come and except Him with open hearts, we will find true contentment....

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  2. Proverbs 19:23
    "The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble."

    So much of Proverbs & Psalms begin with "the fear of the LORD". It is something that I am continually seeking a deeper understanding of in my life. It seems that the good things (joy, health, contentment, wisdom, life, blessings, family lineage, hope, fulfillment....) begin with fear of the LORD.

    - Jenny

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  3. Thank you both. I wish I had the kind of longing and understanding that you have when I was your age and raising my children. I was a believer, but the idea of relationship, of true contentment, of the fear of the Lord was foreign to me. But, oh, how He is faithful. Thank you, Jesus!

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