Living in Praise

Did you ever notice that Paul was the eternal optimist? The man worked hard, almost died several times, was stoned, shipwrecked and in the sea a day and night, constantly in danger, sleepless, hungry and thirsty, and exposed to both hot and cold elements (2 Corinthians 11:22-28).

Yet, he told us to rejoice always; to pray without ceasing; not to quench the Spirit; and to give thanks in everything: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).

Does this mean to give thanks, because everything that happens to us is God's will for us; or that giving thanks is God's will for us? Either way, it is worth paying attention to this verse.

If giving thanks is God's will, then when we praise the Lord, we are in God's will; and when we do not praise the Lord, we are out of God's will for us.

If Paul is saying that we should give thanks in good times and in adversity, because all of these circumstances are the will God for us, then when we do not praise Him, we are missing out on part of the miracle, which God has for us through this trial.

Recently, our air-conditioning was out for two days during the hottest November on record in southwest Florida. I was dripping sweat, irritable and claustrophobic - because the heat imprisoned me and I could not escape it.

This caused me to remember my childhood and first pregnancy; when we had no air-conditioning at all, because of our lack of income. My mom used a wet wash cloth on her neck, so I did too. It helped this time too.

As I prayed during this inconvenience, God brought Paul's exhortation to my mind. I realized that I was not to grumble or to allow my flesh to get the better of me; and I was to walk in the Spirit and praise God, even in the suffocating heat.

Easier said than done; but I have been learning to live through my spirit and not my flesh and this was just another opportunity to practice. I truly was thankful that the circumstances were not even more dreadful.

Prayer:

Father God, I really wanted Your permission during this trial to be grouchy and to feel sorry for myself. I wanted to complain and gain sympathy from family and friends. However, I knew this would only make others miserable too, and I would not grow in my spirit with negative behavior or remain in Your will without praising.

I know that You were building character in me and preparing me for future events in my life; therefore, I chose to change my focus and to praise You with each drop of perspiration. I was even able to thank You that it cools down in southwest Florida on November evenings, and that I still had electricity and could run the fans. Thank You for living through this trial with me.

Thought for the Day:

Regardless of the circumstances, we learn to do all things without grumbling and complaining (Philippians 2:12-16), and to walk in the Spirit each moment of the day (Galatians 5:15-25).

Many thanks to Matt Milligan for the use of his photo.

God's Deliverance

God does not only deliver us from bondage to sin, Satan, the world and the flesh, He also brings us into rest and victory in the name of Jesus. He does not do this one time, but continually, day after day as we sit in His presence throughout our busy schedule. He takes our anxiety, stress and responsibilities on His shoulders and gives us His Spirit to comfort and direct us.

So often, we get so settled in our mediocre life that we loathe to leave it behind and walk deeper with God. However, when we finally weary of our wandering in life’s wilderness and call out to God, then He delivers us from all of our enemies. He showers us with His presence and faithfully provides for all of our needs.

If we are spending more time out of God’s presence than in it, He is calling us to completely surrender to His will for our life. It may be scary. It may be nerve wracking. It may be inconvenient and take us out of our comfort zone. However, we find a new serenity and comfort in God’s presence that is never available to us outside of His daily fellowship.

Walking away from the flesh and into the presence of God by the direction of His Holy Spirit brings us more freedom, joy and peace than we ever thought possible. We submit our will and goals for our life to God and embrace His will for us instead. He guarantees that we will love His plans much better than our own plans. He will amaze us with His kindness and love.

Prayer:

Father God, we are wholly willing to completely follow Your plans for our life (Ephesians 2:10). We know that the result of our plans and dreams bring endless futility and frustration to our life. Thank You that Your law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus is greater then the law of sin and death, which reigned in our body and soul prior to our salvation (Romans 8:2). Help us to get rid of the residue of the flesh in our life. Teach us to live as spiritually-minded children who walk only in Your ways (Romans 8:6-10).

Thought for the Day:

God helps our unbelief (Mark 9:23-25), and leads us on a level path because of our enemies (Psalm 27:11).

A Contented Heart

When we suffer, we often accuse God, as if it is entirely His fault that we are inconvenienced. As if He caused it. However, we can put suffering in its proper perspective, when we see that Jesus also suffered. He suffered for our sins. He was made perfect through His suffering. Everyone suffers physically, mentally, emotionally or financially in one way or another. Only those who turn to God, however, will also receive His comfort and grace during our trouble (Romans 8:28).

God gives us eternal life from the moment we come to Him in salvation (John 17:3). Therefore, we can give Him thanks regardless of our circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This thankfulness gives us a happy life, even if we are experiencing unhappy conditions (Psalm 103:5). Our situation in life does not define our character or our identity. We can live above these natural issues, by finding our strength and joy in Christ who is our all in all (Colossians 1:17).

Having a Godly attitude along with contentment helps us to grow in Christ (1Timothy 6:6). We brought nothing into this world, and we must leave everything behind. Therefore, we find our contentment in God’s provision of food and clothing (1Timothy 6:8). God gives us everything we need to find joy, even in our tribulation. He also uses our discomfort to comfort others. Having worldly riches and a love of money presents a trap and a temptation. They cause us to entertain many worldly desires, which may plunge us into ruin and destruction.

God encourages us to pursue eternal life and to flee from worldly gain. Instead, he wants us to seek His holiness, faith, love, gentleness and endurance to run the race (1 Timothy 6:6-12). Possessing Christ is the main ingredient in living a joyful life (Romans 5:3). His grace is all we really need to have power, which is perfected in our weakness. He teaches us contentment even in the face of insults, sorrow, trouble and persecution for Christ’s sake. Christ in us is strong even in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Dishonest gain is a reproach, as is greed and materialism (Luke 3:14). If we covet our neighbors’ possessions, the envy will rot our bones; but a contented heart gives life to our body, as well as to our soul and spirit (Proverbs 14:30). As we respect and obey the Lord, He leads us into life and godliness, so that we can rest in contentment so sweet that we are not even disturbed by trouble anymore (Proverbs 19:23). As we serve the Lord first, He provides everything we need (Psalm 34:10; Matthew 6:33).

Prayer:

Father God, teach us to be content no matter what situation we encounter. Help us to prosper in spirit even in humble physical means; and keep us humble in prosperous physical means as well. Christ in us provides the inner strength to endure any hardship (Philippians 4:11-13). Christ in us is our only true source of contentment. Remind us to walk in Your ways and to seek Your face, and You will provide everything we need.

Thought for the Day:

Like Job, we will find that God will provide for us more than we ever lost through our trials and tribulation.