Monday, February 21, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: Psalm 50, 53
SCRIPTURE READING
Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV); I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
We’ve already seen how Paul was able to say, with firm conviction, that he considered everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus. It was foreign for him to speak of his being in need. He honestly did not suffer a life of worry, whether he was in a prison cell, shipwrecked on an island or fellowshipping in a home. A life so surrendered to the Lord is capable of consistent joy in the face of all things because that joy is founded completely in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever!
This is such an obvious truth when we actually think about the promises given in Scripture, yet we rarely act out of it. Imagine how differently the world would look if Christians actually lived lives of consistency in all circumstances! The effectiveness of the gospel would increase dramatically! Yet we are so wishy-washy when it comes to our attitudes and actions. We change like the wind depending on who we are with, what they say, what mood we’re in, what our spouse said last night, where we are, what we ate for lunch, the colour of our socks… you name it! It is so easy to find something to complain about, and such a chore to find something to be grateful for. How pathetic we can be sometimes! However, Paul saw the sufficiency of God as a powerful thing; he himself may have had great moment of weakness, but he was not hindered because the strength of God enabled him to trust, and continue walking in obedience.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) What kind of things have you been complaining about lately? Spend some significant time in thanksgiving today. Ask God to open your eyes to the many blessings in your life.
2) Are you abounding or being brought low right now? Do you feel content? Ask the Lord to speak into your level of contentment. What does He say?
3) What do you need strength for? Spend some time praying about it!
