Author: Jayne Lawson

When I was a young girl, my friends and I often played a game called “Telephone”. We’d line up, and the first person would whisper a phrase into the ear of the person next to him or her. Then that person would repeat that same phrase into the ear of the next person in line, and so forth, until finally, the last person would receive the whispered phrase, and then repeat it aloud to the group. The end results were often hysterical as many times the recite phrases were nothing like the originals! Fortunately, the original phrase was always written down to compare the last person’s response to the original.

While studying Titus 1 today, I was reminded of this game when I read verse 9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” I need to remember what I have learned from the Bible, and use that as my standard by which to compare teachings that are presented to me by others.

There are many different “Interpretations” of the Bible, even when adhering to one version of the Bible. We get those interpretations via the messages presented in sermons, Sunday school classes, Bible college lectures, devotional study books, Bible commentaries, religious podcasts, even blogs like this one! This is not to say that those presenting the messages are deliberately trying to deceive, but we must all recognize that we are human and have our own unique experiences that influence what we share in the teachings of God’s Word as well as our own way of mentally interpreting what we hear!

This is not a new phenomenon. In Acts 17, Luke wrote about the Bereans. These individuals had the right idea. Verse 11 states, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” The Bereans compared what they heard preached to them with the Scriptures to know whether or not the message was of God or men. They were considered “more noble” and verse 12 tells us that “many of them believed”. They accepted their personal responsibility to take what they heard and ascertain whether or not it was aligned with the Word of God.

Many of us hold to the erroneous belief that if someone is standing in the front of the room teaching, i.e., pastor, teacher, author, etc., that the individual is absolutely correct in what they say. We must remember that only God is 100% correct in what He says. Humanity is tainted by sin… even those of us who are saved! We are still in fleshly tabernacles, influenced by our carnality in every area of our lives. Therefore, it is critical that each student, each listener… each person… compare what they are being taught to the Scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to verify the validity of the messages.  

Never assume that a person who seems to be knowledgeable in God’s Word and is sharing from their heart is 100% correct. Be like the Bereans! Search the Scriptures yourself and compare the spoken words of man to the written words of God. If they are in agreement, you will know that God’s Word has been appropriately shared. If they are misaligned, you can respectfully and privately ask the presenter to help you understand. You may have misunderstood something or there may have been an error in the presentation. Pray and ask the Lord to show you His truth. He will always answer that prayer!

We must determine to stand firm on the actual Word of God, not a facsimile or a vague representation. There is too much at stake to settle for a “good replica” of the Bible. It is only by referring to the genuine article that we can glean the truth that God has provided for us!

The B-I-B-L-E, yes, that’s the book for me,
I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.

The B-I-B-L-E, yes, that’s the book for me,
I rest my soul on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.

(from “The B-I-B-L-E” - author unknown)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

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Jesus said it is the Holy Ghost who brings His words to our remembrance. If we never put those words into our hearts, the Spirit doesn’t have much with which to work. Take time today to read the Bible. Become a modern day Berean!

If you’re like me, there are certain things in life that present themselves as a “thorn in the flesh” as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:7. Some are temporary, but others are long-lasting. Like Paul, I have prayed repeatedly for deliverance from these types of problems, but sometimes God doesn’t answer as quickly as I’d like or in the manner I desire. These “thorns” are not to be taken lightly; our faith can be shaken by them, but God never allows these “thorns” to continue without a divine purpose. No matter what your “thorn” may be, hold on to the hope that when you are on the other side of the trial, like Job, you “… shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

David is an example of someone who had many “thorns” with which to deal in his life. Psalm 31 is a renewal of David’s commitment to God, and his words are an encouragement to believers today who find themselves weary in on-going spiritual battles from those nasty “thorns”.

Verses 1-3

• David knows that God is the One who delivers. God is the One who protects, and in whom we can complete trust without hesitation. David seeks God’s guidance and protection.
• It is important to remember that God is ALMIGHTY. His power is without equal. He can protect and guide you through any adversity that comes into your life, whether it is something that quickly comes and goes or becomes a long-lasting “thorn”.

Verses 4-5

• David was often given bad advice from those around him, and those lies cost him greatly when he omitted God from his decisions. Here, David cried out to God and fully trusted Him, calling Him the “Lord God of truth”. David trust God and expected Him to provide redemption from the enemy.
• Sometimes the enemy that is the most difficult to overcome is the one within us. Our own heart is not to be trusted. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that our heart… our flesh… is “… deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” Whether from within or without, it is God who saves us from the temptations and troubles of life.

Verses 6-13

• Sometimes the enemy is Satan. Many of the troubles we have in life are a result of existing in a sinful world that tempts us to follow its ungodly ways. Satan knows how to make sin look attractive and innocent, but 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that the devil is “… as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Satan’s only desire is to take us away from God, destroying us for his own evil wicked ways. However, God in His infinite mercy, is faithful to remain with us and protect us from the hand of our adversary (v8).  
• God will never abandon us. This truth is a manifestation of His great mercy. We deserve to be left alone in our sin, but Jesus reminds us in Matthew 28:20, “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Even though we may be fighting a “thorn in the flesh”, we are not alone. No matter what the issue, God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Not only do we have His mercy, we have His grace and His strength!

Verses 13-16

• Again, David expresses his trust in God. He doesn’t depend upon his advisors or acquaintances. He turns to the Lord and seeks deliverance from Him only.
• While we may have those we seek out for advice when the “going gets tough”, we must never forget that man’s wisdom is nothing compared to God’s wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:25 tells us, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” We have a God who yearns for us to come to Him with all of our cares (1 Peter 5:7). Let prayer and the study of God’s Word be your first “go-to” when seeking deliverance because God’s guidance is never going to lead you astray.

Verses 17-18

• God has no regard for those who are against the righteous… His children. David knows this and calls upon God to pass judgment upon those individuals.
• God hates sin, and one day His judgment will come upon this sinful world in which we live. For those who have trusted in Christ as Saviour, that judgment and subsequent wrath is something we will never experience. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 states, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ”. However, for those who have rejected God and chosen to follow the ways of sin and unrighteousness, they will face the consequences of their wickedness when they stand before the Lord God Almighty one future day.

Verses 19-21

• Here the Psalmist recounts how God is faithful to deliver, and David rejoices in that.
• God’s goodness is available to all who call upon Him for salvation. As sinners, we need a Saviour. The Bible tells us who that Saviour is when John writes, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14).
• If you have never trusted Jesus and His forgiveness of sins, you can call upon Him at this moment. As a sinner, if you believe in Jesus died in your place on the cross, was buried and rose from the grave 3 days later to become the Saviour of the world as John wrote, simply bow your head in prayer, and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and come into your life as Lord and Saviour! You’ll never have to experience the judgment or wrath of God!

Verses 22-24

• David reminds those who trust and hope in God that the Lord hears them when they cry to Him, and that God will strengthen the hearts of those facing difficult times. He is the One who preserves and rewards His children.
• God has never broken one promise in His Word. Because of this, we have the assurance that He will always be faithful to what He has said in the Bible. David knew one day he would receive his reward from the Lord. As Christians, we also know that one day, we will stand before our Lord in heaven, having received everlasting life and a forever future in the presence of our sweet Saviour!  

My Hope is in the Lord, who gave Himself for me
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

(from “My Hope Is In the Lord” by Norman J. Clayton)

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13

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Don’t let God be your last hope; make Him your first and only hope!

I have never served in the military, so I don’t really understand what it means to be fighting in a battle where others are trying to kill me. My level of understanding comes only from stories I have heard from my family veterans or documentary and/or news programs I have seen on television. To say that my vision of combat is cloudy is a huge understatement. However, it occurs to me that I am involved in a fierce conflict in which my well-being is at stake. Therefore, I need a stronger grasp on what Paul means when he writes in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Several times in the Scriptures, Paul uses the analogy of fighting when describing a person’s spiritual life. In the past, my thoughts about this “fight” were more aligned with a sports contest, but with the recent outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, the Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to a deeper meaning to fighting the “good fight of faith”.

If a combat soldier is not vigilant in his or her duties, the enemy can get the upper hand resulting in serious injury or death to the soldier or others in the squad. Even if the soldier lays down his weapon for a moment to take a drink of water or wipe his brow, there could be disastrous consequences. There is no warning when an enemy is going to attack; it just happens, and a soldier has to be prepared at all times.

As a soldier in the Lord’s army, I must ask myself, “Am I ready at all times to fight my enemy?” The Bibles tells us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” When lions hunt, they don’t announce themselves to their prey; they just attack and kill their intended target, and they are relentless in the attack until they have achieved their goal. That is how Satan is toward Christians. He doesn’t take a day off; he doesn’t take a vacation; he doesn’t take a short nap. He is always on the prowl. If I am unsuspecting of him, I become easy prey, which can have horrific repercussions on me, my testimony, my life, and the lives of those around me!

It’s not enough for me to pray and read my Bible for a few minutes each day or simply attend church services once or twice a week. I have to be on guard 24/7 because that’s exactly when my enemy is actively working. Soldiers don’t do their jobs for only a few hours in the day; they are ready for the fight every moment. Even when sleeping, their weapons are close by in the event of a sneak attack. That is how I need to be! I must be on alert constantly. My mindset cannot be lulled into a false sense of security by the ways of the world or my own fleshly desires. I must be mentally alert and in tune with God’s will always. I must listen to my Commander-in-Chief and obey His commands. This can only be done purposefully each day through diligent Bible study and prayer.

Additionally, I must be equipped properly for the battle. Ephesians 6 details the garments of a soldier in the Lord’s army. Without the proper protection and weapons, a soldier is vulnerable to attack, capture, or death. Ephesians 6:14-17 describes the spiritual armor I must have. The battle in which I am engaged every day is ferocious and souls are at stake. Just like a soldier who is not equipped for the fight will surely go down in defeat, if I am not fully equipped for the spiritual battles I will certainly face, I will not prevail.

• As a good soldier follows the battle plans of the commander, so must I allow the Lord to order my steps each day.
  • “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)
• As a good soldier is prepared for battle, so must I be certain I am equipped for the battle.
  • “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
• As a good soldier is on duty 24/7, so must I stand firm in my faith and be on my guard every moment ever watchful for the enemy.
  • “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
    • Note: The word “quit” in this verse means to behave courageously, not to give up.

My victory is not to be casually assumed for my enemy is not like any enemy on this planet. Satan is quite formidable and relentless. Ephesians 6:12 explains the enemies that I face. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

I can never be “at ease” in my faith. I must always be “battle ready” for my enemy is continually before me. It is not just the lives of others that is at stake, but the eternal status of their souls.

Am I a soldier of the Cross— 
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause, 
Or blush to speak His name?
Since I must fight if I would reign, 
Increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, 
Supported by Thy Word.

(from "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?" by Isaac Watts)

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” – 2 Timothy 2:3-4

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“When God’s warriors drop to their knees, the battle isn’t over; it’s just beginning!” – author unknown

I think if I were to conduct a random survey and ask people if they had ever prayed, most of them would answer, “Yes”. If I asked the reason for the prayers, the most common answer would probably be that the person had a need that was beyond their capability to meet, so they turned to God.

As I reflect on my own prayer life, I am so humbled by the thought that God wants to hear from me. Why? Because as I pondered this unfathomable concept, I thought about the majesty of the Lord, the relative insignificance of me, and this desire of this Almighty God to have a personal connection with me. The Lord desires to be my prayer partner! Completely mind-blowing!

What do I know about this divine prayer partner of mine?

• My God is the CREATOR of everything!
  • “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” – John 1:3
  • Truths worth pondering:
    • God made the universe. All the stars and planets, comets and meteors, and all that is beyond the universe’s expanse of which we have no knowledge of the vastness.
      • “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1
      • “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.” – Genesis 1:16
    • God created life from nothing. He simply spoke these into existence.
      • Plant life: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.” – Genesis 1:11
      • Birds and sea creatures: “And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:21
      • Land animals: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.” – Genesis 1:24
      • Mankind: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” – Genesis 1:27
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is OMNIPOTENT… all-powerful!
  • “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
  • When I ask God for something, I am asking the One who can do ANYTHING! Think of what that means! ANYTHING! God can do anything, therefore, He can answer any prayer I bring before Him!! Nothing is outside of His power to do!
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is OMNISCIENT… all-knowing!
  • “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” – 1 John 3:20
  • If I ask amiss, God speaks to my heart through His Word. He teaches me what is right in His sight and gives me a better understanding of how to pray in accordance to His perfect will. I know that He will answer in ways that are best for me and for those for whom I intercede in prayer.
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is GOOD!
  • “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” – Nahum 1:7
  • God will never answer OR withhold an answer to prayer to harm me. He is my SAVIOUR! He died for me on the cross to provide a way for me to have an eternal relationship with me. He didn’t save me to abandon me, reject me, or ignore me. Jesus said He came to give me an abundant life full of joy! (John 10:10, 15:11)
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is GRACIOUS!
  • “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” – Ephesians 2:8
  • God’s grace means that He has given me what I definitely don’t deserve, and that is salvation through His precious Son, Jesus Christ. There is nothing I could ever do to earn His forgiveness for my sins, yet He forgave me at the cross of Calvary simply by my acceptance of His Son, Jesus, as my Saviour and Lord. I now have eternal life and a promised forever home in heaven!
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is MERCIFUL!
  • “O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.” – Psalm 136:3
  • God’s mercy means that the punishment I deserve for my sins, He withholds. I deserve death and hell because of my sinful state, but because of His mercy, He offers me forgiveness and everlasting life instead!
  • I don’t deserve an answer from God, much less the “right” to even approach Him with what is on my heart, but because of His mercy toward me, I am told I can “boldly” come to God.
    • “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
  • This is my divine prayer partner!
• My God is LOVE!
  • “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
  • God doesn’t listen to and answer my prayers because…
    • I deserve it. I don’t.
    • I earned it. I didn’t.
    • He needs to do it. He doesn’t.
    • He has to do it. He doesn’t.
  • God answers my prayers because He loves me! He wants the best for me; He delights in my joy; He sees His beloved Son in me… oh, this list could go on and on. The fact that the God described above knows my name is astonishing; the fact that He desires me to pray to Him without ceasing is incredible, and the fact that He loves me with an everlasting love is overwhelming. (Jeremiah 31:3)
  • This is my divine prayer partner!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the attributes of God! I could list so many more! But even this short list makes me pause and ponder about the Lord I love and serve. The God who spoke ALL things into existence, who could create anything His mind could conceive, who lacks nothing, who needs nothing from me at all, created me because He wants a unique personal relationship with me, and He wants to bless me! All He asks of me is to ask of Him!

Prayer is direct and personal communication between God and His children. It is not something to take lightly. The Lord is not a magic genie who grants wishes whenever I feel like asking Him. Prayer is my way of connecting with the heart of God, and then He speaks to me through His Holy Word. Whether I offer up prayers of praise and worship, petitions for help, or just sharing what’s on my heart, my prayers to the Lord never fall on deaf ears. Instead, they fall upon a heart whose love knows no bounds!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 
Thy wings shall my petition bear  
To Him whose truth and faithfulness 
engage the waiting soul to bless.           
And since He bids me seek His face, 
believe His Word and trust His grace,     
I’ll cast on Him my every care, 
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!     

(from "Sweet Hour of Prayer" by William Bradbury)

“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” – Psalm 116:1-2

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God is waiting to hear from you. Why not have a chat with Him right now!

I grew up as an only child, and as a result, I do not like to be alone. Loneliness is not a pleasant feeling, and I used to do anything to avoid that feeling. After I got married and had children, being alone was never an issue, but now in my “golden years”, times of loneliness often revisit me. The difference between then and now, is that when I feel lonely these days, I remember I have a faithful friend who is always with me. That friend is Jesus, and He reminds me in His Word of why I never have to fear being lonely again.

1. God’s Presence – He is always with me! – “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” – Isaiah 46:4
   1. When it comes to God’s presence in our lives, age is irrelevant. God is omnipresent, all the time!
   2. Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul assures us that nothing – not even our age – can separate us from the love of God.
   3. Throughout Biblical history, God cared for his people and sustained them, regardless of circumstances. The number of people living in your home doesn’t negate God’s promise of everpresence. The doors of an assisted living community certainly don’t change anything about this promise either, and you can rest assured that God will continue to be with you regardless of where you are or where you go.

1. God’s Purpose – He has work for me to do! – “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” – Philippians 1:6
   1. Regardless of our age, if we are saved, God has a purpose for us to be on this earth. Just because we are elderly doesn’t mean we are useless.
   2. Finding yourself in your senior years doesn’t mean you can no longer serve God. The Bible tells us that He is continuing His good work in you and will continue to do this until He calls you home to heaven. Sometimes we don’t know exactly what God wants us to do, but there are always some things that everyone should do for Jesus.
      1. Share with others what Jesus has done for you.
      2. Invite others to join you in faith-based events such as ladies’ meetings or holiday gatherings at church.
      3. Pray for others.

3. God’s Peace – He comforts me in times of uncertainty. – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”- John 14:27
   1. Change is difficult, but not impossible. We may not even like the changes that we are experiencing. It is not easy to go from an independent life in your own home to living in a place where there are schedules to follow, others dictate what you can do, and your personal space is limited to a single room. This can be frightening, depressing, and very lonely. This is the time to tap into the peace that only Jesus can offer.
      1. As we get older, our world seems to get smaller.
         1. Children grow up and leave the home.
         2. We retire and leave our workplace.
         3. Friends and family may move away.
         4. Spouse/family members/friends pass away.
      2. Our personal situation changes.
         1. Our independence shifts.
         2. Our health begins to decline… joint issues, oxygen needs, even forgetfulness and more! We may find we need help in our daily activities.
      3. Finances are tight; we can no longer afford to do things we once did or buy things we once never gave a second thought to purchasing.

These are all unsettling, but it is possible to have peace when that peace comes from God. The peace Jesus promises us is a benefit we receive once we’ve trusted Christ as our Saviour. Relying on God’s peace during times of change, insecurity, fear, or loneliness can help people of any age overcome serious challenges in life and find contentment in any situation. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

How can we have this peace in the midst of loneliness and uncertainty in our lives?

1. Pray for God to show you what He wants you to do here. – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end . Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13.

1. God hears every prayer you pray. He promises to answer. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

2. Be a friend. – “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24

1. Get out of the rut in which you may find yourself. Make it a point to step outside your comfort zone and meet others. Take a class at a community center; attend an activity at your church outside of the worship services; join a gym… there are so many things you can do! Be bold!

2. Invite someone to come to an activity with you… maybe go to the library together or walk around the mall and do a little people watching! Ask a friend to join you in a time of worship at your church or in the facility in which you live if they have devotions or times of Bible study.

3. Reach out to someone who may feel alone and scared. Perhaps a new widow or widower in your neighborhood, church, or circle of influence is yearning for the companionship of a new friend! That could be you!

4. God’s Promise – He is faithful to His Word

1. When we are going through a major change in life, it can be tempting to fall into despair or worry. Perhaps this isn’t how you saw your golden years playing out. It’s okay to have a time of grief for things you’ve lost, but it’s important to remember that grief is only for a time, and joy is coming. In Psalm 30:5, God promises, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” The truth is that God takes any situation in our lives… good or bad… and is able to use that for His good. It is in these hard times that our faith grows as we learn to trust God.
2. We don’t have to wait for the eternal joys that Jesus promises, either; we can look for things to be grateful for daily and experience joy in those discoveries.
3. Lastly, the Bible reminds us in Nehemiah 8:10, “…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” My challenge to you is to determine to be STRONG IN THE LORD (Ephesians 6:10) for that is where you will find your joy, your peace, and your contentment.

Are you weary, are you heavyhearted? Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus;
Are you grieving over joys departed? Tell it to Jesus alone.

Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus, He is a friend that’s well known;
You’ve no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

(from “Tell It To Jesus” by Jeremiah Eames Rankin)

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”- 2 Corinthians 1:20

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What joys in the Lord strengthen you in times of loneliness?

 

No matter where anyone goes, they are being watched. It could be a sports event where people will share their opinions on what a particular athlete should or shouldn’t have done during the competition. It could be at a work meeting where people are mentally reflecting on someone’s composure, dress, or even their suggestions as ideas are shared for a specific project. It might even be at a grocery store where a mama may be scrutinized for her control of or lack thereof regarding her young children. No matter where we go or what we do, we should be mindful that we are always under the critical eyes of others.

Christians are also subject to the ever-present ever-probing observations from others, but there are two other spectators in the life of every Christian in whom must be recognized as having vast importance when it comes to the manifestations of our faith. Luke 7:1-10 reveals these three spectators in a meeting between a Roman centurion and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Three Spectators in a Christian’s Life

1) Others – The first spectator is anyone other than ourselves. Our testimonies are carefully watched by other individuals all the time. These people can be in or out of the church community. They can be the folks who live next door or the ones you sit next to in the pew on Sunday. Their observations of us either manifest Jesus or the world.  What others see in us can be a deterrent to the cause of Christ or an inspiration for others to follow Him. Our testimony is extremely powerful and very influential to those around us when it comes to sharing Jesus with others.

One such individual is found in Luke 7. In this narrative, Jesus is approached by the servant of a certain centurion who lived in Capernaum. Of behalf of his master, the servant is asking for Jesus’ help in healing another servant of the centurion. The residents of Capernaum told Jesus that this centurion was a man who was worthy of Jesus’ attention and action.

Luke 7:4-5 records the elder Jews intervention on behalf of the centurion. “And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” Although a Gentile, the centurion was loved by the Jews for his actions.  The evidence in these verses indicate that the centurion may have adopted their religion and as a result, he built Capernaum’s house of worship.

2) Ourselves –  The second spectator is oneself. What do we see when we look at a mirror? If the centurion had a mirror, he would have seen a very humble man. Despite the fact that he was a highly trained Roman warrior, who was most likely decorated for valor in battle and respected by many, he was not a proud man. He didn’t believe that was he was worthy of Jesus coming to his home. He said in Luke 7:6-7, “…Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.”  He held such high regard for Jesus and yet, despite his position of authority, he felt unworthy to approach the Lord on his own behalf.

It’s important to realize that we are ALL unworthy to be in the presence of Jesus. God’s precious Son is the only One worthy to be honored and praised. Isaiah reminds us that all of our own righteousnesses are as filthy rags before the Lord. Everything we have is undeserved, unearned, and unmerited. It is only through the grace of God that we have the riches of heaven available to us through Jesus. Proverbs 27:2 instructs us, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth…” James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

3) God – The third spectator is the Lord. When Jesus heard the things spoken about the centurion, the Bible tell us that He marveled at the soldier’s faith. Here was a Gentile who lived in Israel, a religious nation, but a nation that refused to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah. The centurion demonstrated a faith that Jesus stated he has not seen in all of the land (v9). Jesus commended the faith of this centurion.

What does God see when He looks at you or me? Is He well-pleased? Is He honored and glorified through our lives, or is the Lord grieved at how our faith is manifested to others? Our responsibility as Christians is to serve God to the best of our ability, according to His Word. As servants of God, we should strive to please Him in everything we do. Galatians 1:10 states, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” God should see His Son reflected in our lives at all times.

Every moment of our lives is under continual surveillance by these three spectators. How you show yourself to each one speaks volumes. What story does your life tell?

I saw Jesus in you, I saw Jesus in you,
I could hear His voice in the words you said
I saw Jesus in you.
In your eyes I saw His care, I could see His love was there,
You were faithful, and I saw Jesus in you.   

 (from “I Saw Jesus In You” by Ron Hamilton)

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:22-24.

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Does your life exalt Jesus or you?

(Special thanks to David Wade for sharing his thoughts on “Three Spectators” and allowing me to expound on them.)

 

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” – 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Paul is writing to the believers at the church in Thessalonica, recognizing their faithfulness to the work of the Lord and thanking God for them. As I read this chapter, I was immediately reminded of several women in my life, whom I can remember “…without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father”. What special ladies they were to me!

One such sweet lady was Mrs. Dot (pictured above). She was in her seventies when I met her. I don’t know a lot of her personal history except that she had been raised in an orphanage. (Her favorite song was “The Family of God” – especially verse 2!) She had eventually fell in love, married, and had children… one of whom taught the 2- and 3-year-olds in Sunday school with her. I do know Mrs. Dot had many health issues. She had crippling arthritis, which resulted in her spine and legs slowly being broken down, and she struggled to walk. She was also a brittle diabetic, and by the time she passed at the age of 86, she was nearly blind.

What I remember most about Mrs. Dot is her faithfulness to the Lord. I do not recall a Sunday when she wasn’t in church, faithfully teaching her little ones, two of which were my granddaughters. I have a picture, which I cherish, of her praying with my eldest granddaughter in her class. Despite the pain she experienced in walking, she would climb up and down the stairs that led to her Sunday school room every week to minister to the children. Her determination reflects the instruction in Hebrews 12:1, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Regardless of her physical challenges, Mrs. Dot ran her race with patience and great resolve.

Another area in which she served was AWANA, our mid-week children’s ministry. She came to my class of kindergarten through 2nd grade children to help listen to them say their verses. She once told me that she couldn’t do a lot, but she could sit in a chair and help children learn their memory verses. What a lady! This is truly a godly heritage, and her legacy lives on in the Sparkies whose lives she impacted.

When I reflect upon what the Lord has done for me, how can I strive to be a godly woman like Mrs. Dot? How can I not serve Him to the best of my ability? 1 Samuel 12:24 states, “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” When I am feeling tired, overwhelmed, or suffering from joint pains, I am reminded of women like Mrs. Dot, who fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished their course strong (I Timothy 4:7). Their examples remind me that even at the age of 70, I potentially have many more years to serve Jesus if the Lord so wills. Right now, I am not really limited in my areas of service, but that may one day change. Will that be time for me to stop working in the church? I think not! It may be time to find another area of service that is more conducive to what this earthly vessel can do as it ages, but I believe without a doubt, I will always be able to sit in a chair and listen to children say verses!

As long as a Christian is living, he or she can be used of God. In fact, when my work for Jesus is complete, I believe that is the moment He will take me home to heaven. Until then, it is my responsibility to keep my eyes on the prize set before me and run the race He has given me with patience and endurance.

I praise the Lord for the faithful women He has placed in my life to be examples for me. Their legacy lives on in the lives of the children they have touched and the women they have inspired. May I, through God’s strength and guidance, serve Him faithfully as long as He gives me breath.  I pray that I will “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14) as Mrs. Dot and so many other godly ladies I have known, and “… be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Lord, we ask for courage to face our struggles each day.

Fears of the past shall not last if we faithfully stay.

Let Your passion consume us, as to the truth we hold.

With our calling so sure, victory secure, steadfast we press to the goal.

Keep the race before us; keep our hearts turned toward the prize

With patience and endurance, the cross standing firm in our eyes.

Keep the race before us; and reward us, Lord, by Your grace

With crowns of righteousness from the righteous Judge,

When we have finished the race.

(from “Keep the Race Before Us” by Ron and Shelly Hamilton)

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24

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Imagine the joy in her heart when Mrs. Dot heard Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant...” (Matthew 25:23). One day, may we hear those same words spoken by our Saviour!

 

 

 

 

 

It’s spring! I love this time of year! It’s starting to warm up; tiny green leaves are making their appearance on branches of trees, and multi-colored flowers are beginning to bloom! Everything is so beautiful!

Another thing that often happens at this time of year is my annual spring cleaning! I “invite” my granddaughters to help me clean the dusty nooks and crannies, wash the curtains, and vacuum under the bed and behind the furniture! It’s a job, but when we are done, everything sparkles!

I can clean just about anything I want… my house, my car, my clothes, my dishes… I could list a bunch of things, but there’s one thing that I cannot get clean no matter how hard I try or how many cleaning supplies I use.

I cannot clean my heart. I don’t mean my physical heart that is beating inside my body. When I talk about a heart that is unclean, I am referring to my life, which is dirty with sin. It doesn’t matter how much I try to “clean up my act”… the truth is I cannot get rid of the darkness of sin that lives within me.

Even if I try and do good things, like obey the speed limit, or give money to charities, or even by coming to church, my heart doesn’t get clean from sin. Isaiah 64:6 states, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”  All my good works, my works of “righteousness”, are like dirty rags to God! Can you imagine that? There is nothing I can do that will make me clean in God’s eyes! That also means that I cannot get into heaven with a dirty sinful heart because God doesn’t allow anything that isn’t clean into heaven. You see, heaven is perfect and without the presence of sin all the time. There are never any messes to clean up… no garbage cans, no muddy floors, no filthy hands, and NO DIRTY HEARTS!

But there’s good news! There is someone who can clean up a dirty heart! That someone is the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son! He alone can make a sinful heart clean! When Jesus died on the cross, taking the burden of all our dirty sins upon Himself, He made a way for us to become clean and be acceptable to God! The Bible says that Jesus is the only way to obtain salvation – the forgiveness of sins. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

However, there is one caveat. This doesn’t happen automatically. When my house is dirty, the broom and duster don’t start cleaning all by themselves. I have to take action to clean the dirty places. It’s the same for getting the dirty sin out of my heart. Even though it is Jesus who washes away my sins, I have to take action first, but it’s super simple!

Once I realized that my heart was filled with sin, my action was to ASK Jesus to forgive me, and in doing so, He “washed away” those dirty sins and made me sparkling clean forever! Isaiah 1:18 states, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” And when Jesus forgives, it’s for all sins, past, present, and future! I am saved forever through Jesus! Now, when God looks at me, He no longer sees a dirty sinful heart. He sees someone who believed in Jesus to save her and chose Christ to be her Saviour! One future day, God will welcome me into His heaven because of my faith in His Son. Psalm 51:10 states, “Create in me a clean heart, O GOD, and renew a right spirit within me.” It is Jesus who makes our hearts clean and right in God’s eyes.

I am so glad my heart is no longer dirty with sin. Jesus “washed away all the filthiness of sin” the moment I asked Him! I now have the assurance that one day, I will live forever with Him in heaven.That is salvation! Jesus has saved me from the punishment of my sins, which is separation from God forever  in hell, a place that God actually prepared for Satan and the fallen angels. By accepting Jesus as my Saviour, I am assured of an eternity with Him in His perfect sinless heaven!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Have you ever asked Jesus to wash away all the dirty sins in your heart? Maybe you’d like to do that now. It’s really simple. All you need to do is understand that you are a sinner and believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for those sins and rose again to become the Saviour of the world! Then you simply need to ask Him for His forgiveness! That’s it! Jesus promises to save all those who call upon His name! Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Cleaning up a dirty sinful heart is just a prayer away!

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;

Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.

See if there be some wicked way in me;

Cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free.

(from “Search Me, O God” by J. Edwin Orr)

“Create in me a clean heart, O GOD, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

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If you just asked Jesus to forgive you and save you from the sins of your dirty heart, please let me know! I will pray for you to grow in your new faith and relationship with Him! And I’ll look forward to meeting you in heaven one day!

 

“For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?” – Romans 11:24

Today, I was out in my flower garden admiring all the blooms, and I noticed an oddity. My white rose bush had some pink blooms growing among the white ones. I did a little research and discovered that a white rose bush can develop a few pink roses due to grafting or a mutation. Since I had never grafted any other rose plant into my original white rose bush, the pink roses were a delightful surprise for me!

As I admired them, I was reminded (I love how the Holy Spirit does that!) that I am not part of God’s chosen nation, Israel, but I am part of His family because I have been grafted into His family through Jesus! In Romans 11:24, the word “graffed” is used. It is an archaic form of the word “grafted”, and means “to unite a bud or a plant shoot with a different growing plant by inserting the piece of the original plant into the second plant”. Upon salvation, I am “grafted” into the Saviour. Jesus refers to Himself as the Vine and His followers as the branches. John 15:5 records His words. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” As a branch separated from its host plant, I would surely die, but once I am grafted into the living Vine, I am given a new life with the opportunity to grow. But there’s more!

As a “grafted” branch in Jesus, I also become a joint-heir with Him! “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” – Romans 8:16-17. This means that what Jesus inherits, so do I and all other true believers.

This inheritance is two-fold. First, since Jesus suffered, I will also suffer, and being in this fleshly tabernacle, I constantly face struggles, challenges, and illnesses. Romans 8:18 states, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” When I read about people in the Bible like Mary (Jesus’ mother), Stephen, Paul and others, I see how they suffered physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. However, I also read how God was always with them every step of the way, providing His strength and the truth of His Word to get them through every difficulty. This is a comfort to me knowing that when I go through hard times, God will always be faithful to help me as well.

The second aspect of being a joint-heir is also seen in Romans 8:18. God’s glory will one day be revealed in me when I am raised to eternal life and glory just like Jesus was! Because I am still in my sinful carnal body, this second part of my inheritance is yet to be. However, as a saved child of God, I have a new life in Jesus and my mind is being transformed in this life! Romans 12:2 states, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within me! Through God’s Word, His Spirit teaches, convicts, and renews me, making me more like Jesus every day!

Eventually, I will be transformed spiritually when the Lord calls me home, either by death or the rapture, and then I will receive everything that Jesus receives! My inheritance will be “…incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:4). That is when I will experience the glory of God face-to-face in heaven! What an amazing day that will be!

Whatever else God has for me… and there is more… I cannot even begin to fathom. 1 Corinthians 2:9 states, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Finally, God does make a last comment about my inheritance. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” – Revelation 21:7. All things! Wow! What an inheritance awaits me!

I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God

I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood

Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod

For I’m part of the family, the family of God!

(from “The Family of God” by Bill & Gloria Gaither)

“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:7

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Are you a joint-heir with Jesus? If not, I’d love to tell you how you can be!

 

The Problem

Recently, I was struggling with a situation in my life and pondered what the Lord was trying to teach me through the experience. After some prayer and contemplation, I thought that perhaps I should just be satisfied with how things were and not take any action. After all, I reasoned, perhaps this was just a “thorn in my side”, and I should merely be content and not dwell on the issue. However, the more I reflected on this, the more the prospect of simply becoming resigned to the circumstances came to mind, and I had to ask myself if I was being content or just complacent.

According to Merriam-Webster, “complacency” is defined as “self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies”. It is also described as “an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one’s situation or achievements”. Any time I see the word “self-satisfaction”, a red flag goes up! In this case, the definition of complacency sounds suspiciously like a synonym for being prideful or arrogant in one’s status or situation to the point where it’s fine to just sit back and do nothing because we are “satisfied” with the ways things are.

Conversely, the definition of “contentment” is “the state of being satisfied with one’s possessions, status, or situation” and that everything needed to fulfill the biblical responsibilities that God has for one to accomplish, He will provide. Notice, the prefix of “self-” is not attached to the word “satisfied” in this definition. Contentment involves acknowledging certain circumstances are beyond one’s own control and trusting God to achieve that particular goal or purpose through His power working in you. It is the acceptance that, as Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

So, how can I be content without becoming complacent?

One of the most familiar verses about contentment is Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” One of the most important words in this verse is “learned”.  Contentment is not automatic. It is a learned response.

The Preparation

Preparing to learn is critical if understanding and growth is the desired outcome. The Bible states in 1 Peter 1:13, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”

1) I must be a student who has a heart that is open and desiring to learn.

• “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” – Psalm 25:5
• An active faith is demonstrated by seeking God and His wisdom.

2) I must have a teacher who is knowledgeable.

• “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” – John 14:26
• With God as my teacher, I can rely on every morsel of knowledge He gives as truth because He is truth!

3) I must have a reliable textbook.

• “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:15
• The Bible is the Word of God. It is essentially “The Lord in print”. No errors; no lies, and it will endure forever.

The Precedent

Complacency stifles spiritual understanding and growth. It is characterized by a spirit that is noncommittal, accepting what is without any aspiration to become all that you can be… all that God desires for you to be. This is the “whatever” mentality, and Jesus speaks to this in Revelation 3:16 when He addresses the church in Laodicea, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Complacency is being lukewarm. It is also NOT a learned response. It is part of the sin nature of humanity. Complacency stops us from becoming all that God intends for us as we go through our lives. Becoming satisfied in the “whatevers” of life is not glorifying to God, nor is it an attribute He desires to see in us.

On the other hand, I may be unsure of what to do in a given circumstance, but learning contentment allows me to have a mindset that regardless of who I am, where I have, what I have… God has a purpose for me, and He will equip me to do the work. Contentment gives me enthusiasm and excitement in serving the Lord regardless of what challenges I may face in my life because I am consciously aware that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). The ONLY way I can learn this is through experience.

God allows challenges in my life to help me learn some very important concepts that will help me develop a deep satisfaction with my life in Him, and that will lead to a strong and abiding contentment in my heart and soul.

Here are three Biblical examples of individuals who learned contentment through adversity:

• Joseph – This young man was hated by his brothers, sold into Egyptian slavery, falsely imprisoned, and forgotten by all except God. Eventually, he became a ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, and saved his family from famine. Joseph endured great hardships in his life, but through it all, he held on to his faith, trusting God for the outcome. Genesis 50:20 records his words, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Joseph’s life is a picture of contentment in the Lord regardless of the circumstances.
• Ruth – This young Moabite woman had gone through the loss of a husband, a father-in-law, and a brother-in-law. Now, she was facing a future of poverty and rejection from a culture that was an enemy of her homeland when she accompanied Naomi, her mother-in-law back to Israel. Because of her faith and trust in the true God, Ruth demonstrated contentment to go wherever He would lead her when she said to Naomi, “… for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:” (Ruth 1:16). Her contentment resulted in her becoming the great grandmother of David.
• Paul – A few of the experiences that Paul endured included being beaten with rods, stoned, imprisoned, and shipwrecked, still he continued to do God’s will in his missionary journeys. Additionally, Paul stated he had a “thorn in the flesh” that God did not remove despite his praying for deliverance from it. Through all adversities, Paul stated he had learned to be content in all situations (Philippians 4:11). His contentment resulted in the gospel message being shared with the Gentile nations.

Notice that each of these three individuals (as well as others in Scripture) went through difficult times that they were not able to control; they had to rely on God, but that did not stop them from taking action. They didn’t just sit back and take a “whatever” attitude. They never allowed their circumstances to replace or even dampen their faith in God or their service to Him. They may have had moments when they cried out to God in anguish, but they were always accepted His decisions, and they chose to obey and keep going. Through their experiences, they learned to be content, not complacent.

To be content like these Biblical examples, I, too, must have a pro-active faith. I must do what God directs me to do; I must trust Him to do that which I cannot; and I must be willing to allow Him to be holding the reins at all times. Never should I never usurp His position as God for He reminds me, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The Plan

Here are the four steps of the Biblical formula for contentment.

1) Trust in the Lord – “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” – Psalm 37:3

• Placing my trust in the One who will never make a mistake in guidng me is the first step. Knowing God will always lead me in His paths of righteousness toward what is best for me and to what His will is for me gives me peace and contentment.
• My faith must be actively “doing good” to perpetuate contentment. Passivity only breeds complacency.

2) Delight in the Lord – “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” – Psalm 37:4

• Delighting in God means to take great pleasure in Him! When I immerse myself into my relationship with Jesus, and my will begins to align with His, I find my heart and soul experience unexplainable contentment. The closer I am with God, the greater the contentment.

3) Commit My Plans to the Lord – “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” – Psalm 37:5

• Committing my plans to God means I must partner with Him via prayer and Bible study.  I must direct my actions to bring Him glory and honor! I must share my heart with Him and then rely on Him to guide me throug His Word to a successful outcome. Without His involvement in my plans, I will become complacent, satisfied with the world’s view of “whatever”, and miss out on God’s blessings through His interactions with me.
• Whatever I am facing in this life, when I seek God’s will and guidance, dedicating my actions to bringing Him glory (refocusing from me to Him), God will make it happen. He brings to pass my safe navigation through whatever challenge or struggle I am facing. There is no obstacle too great for God to overcome. The key to contentment is letting God make it happen in His time frame.

4) Rest in the Lord – “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” -Psalm 37:7

• This is perhaps the most difficult step of all for me. Resting in God means trusting Him to meet all my needs and surrendering control to Him. It means to trust Him to leadand release all anxiety and worry in that trust.
• Waiting patiently on God is another area of difficulty for me. It is good to remember that longsuffering is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which means that I need to cultivate it by striving to wait patiently on God to direct me on how to proceed as I face challenges in my life. This is done through His Word and prayer.

The Payoff

Contentment in the Lord doesn’t mean that my life is void of conflict, struggles, or frustrations. It means that despite these things, I am content because I have shifted my focus from me to Him. When I am content in the Lord, I have the following:

• Joy – “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” – 1 Peter 1:8
• Peace – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” – Isaiah 26:3
• Hope – “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13

Have I mastered the art of contentment? Not at all. It is, and will continue to be, a continual learning process for me that will most likely continue until God calls me home. The good news is I am actively learning that “… in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

(from “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio G. Spafford)

“And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” – Isaiah 58:11

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Where’s your focus today? Are you looking inward or upward?