Settling on Contentment

My husband and I have been going through difficult times since he was laid off in January. It has been tough, and we have had to deal with decisions we made too hastily. For instance, we both bought new cars last year. We never thought he would lose his job, so it never crossed our minds that it might be a mistake. Now, we are downsizing. We had gotten grand ideas of the big life we were going to live. I thought it was fine, but we were too focused on fleshly things. Our focus wasn't on God. I ran across a scripture today I had highlighted in my Bible. It brought me back into focus with what my life should be centered on.

Phillipians 4:11 says, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

To be content, I have to focus on God, not the things I can buy in this very temporary world.

Lord, you are the only thing I need. I bask in your glory, and that is all I need. Thank you for helping us realize the really important thing in this world. It isn't a car, it isn't a house. It is you. I love you, and thank you for all you do, that I don't deserve.

Needing a Moment

I am having a rough day today. This is my last week of school, and I have to work all weekend. I have so many last-minute projects and papers due. Why are there only 24 hours in a day? I don't understand how I'm supposed to do all of this.

Thank goodness God is always there. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." 

Lord, thank you for taking my worries from me and allowing me to live in peace. While trials come up against me, I know that I can always lay them at your feet. God, I want to take this moment to dwell in you and let your love and calm wash over me. I know you always provide me with what I need. Thank you God. I love you. Amen.

How many times in your life has your mom or dad given you a hug to make you feel better. Do you ever just go limp, and bask in their love? Well, God gives the BEST hugs. Try his on when you need it. You never have to look like that picture. In the five minutes it took me to write this blog, I already feel God's peace and calm. All better!

It's all About Perspective

Let me start of by saying the Lord is awesome! I've had an amazing day, and I must give Him all of the credit. Today, not to brag on myself too much, I won an award for something I had worked really hard on. I had put a lot of my heart and soul into this something, and it pleased me to be recognized for my efforts. Then I started thinking.

What do we do to compliment all of the hard work God does for us every day? I'm talking about the flowers in the field that he colors, and the beautiful sunsets that he paints - among all of the things he makes possible for us. His art deserves much praise. He has given us a beautiful landscape to inhabit, and we don't tell Him often enough of our appreciation. And if you don't appreciate it, you need a reality check. After months of dreary weather and barren winter lands, it is refreshing to see colors and warmth around us.

Psalm 145:3-5 "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works."

It is pleasing unto go to know that we see his works and take the time to tell him how great they are. 

Thank you, Lord, for all of your wondrous works. Every flower and tree you have created is a blessing which I cherish. Your works are great and their beauty is unmatched. To you be all of the glory and praise for the fine works of this world. I love you, God, and all that you do. Amen.

Weaknesses

I read something today that really made me think, and I wanted to share it with you. First, let me say I've had a stressful week and I let my temper get the best of me. I work in the restaurant business, where every day I work in a high-stress environment. I do my best to be a calm, Christian person, but I am human and my sinful nature sometimes - and regrettably - gets the best of me.

Okay, so I read a scripture today from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong."

Wow! I was weak when I let sinful nature dominate my actions Saturday night at work. I should have leaned on God for comfort and support, for in my moment of weakness, He would have made me strong. I am so excited that I never have to go through trials by myself. All I have to do is lean on God! As good as I try to be, there will always be moments where I'm weak and it is a joy to me to know that I have an infinite source of strength.

Praise God!

Lord, forgive me for my weakness, but thank you for being there for me to make me strong. Even after the fact, I know I am stronger now and I can withstand my sinful nature that much more. I love you so much for everything you freely give. God I lean on you now to make me a strong beacon of your love and life to those around me. Amen.

Sacrifice

Last Friday, my son got sick. We were eating lunch when my husband began telling me how he wouldn't get up that morning. He just lay in my arms limp. We didn't know what was happening, and I felt panic rising up in me as we rushed him to the doctor. It was Good Friday. As we sat in the waiting room I started thinking of the worst-case scenarios and losing my son. My panic rose even more. 

Then a statement hit me from out of nowhere. Jesus died on that very day some 2000 years ago. God had lost his son. No, God had given up his son ... for us. As I thought of losing my son, I couldn't even fathom giving him up. God sacrificed his most prized possession so that we might live forever. As much as I try to live my life right, there is no amount of people that I would give my son's life for. But God did. 

The Bible even tells us that God turned his back while Jesus was on the cross. I could never leave my son in a moment when he needed me. That is how awesome God is: He did whatever it took to ensure our chance at eternal life.

God, thank you for giving up so much for us, and thank you, Jesus, for sacrificing yourself willingly for our benefit. You bore our shame and sin out of love. My heart is full of sadness and shame that I had a part in your death, because I'm a sinner. Thank you for giving me such a perfect example in Jesus to live my life by. Lord, help me live my life right, so Jesus' death was not in vain. Give me a chance to tell your story to others who may not know what you have done for them. I love you. Amen.

Following

My dog, Roxie, has a cute habit of following me around in my house. She lays at my feet wherever I stop. In the bathroom, under my computer desk, on the couch: everywhere. I stopped to think about why she does this, and it occurred to me that I am someone she feels safe with. She follows me around because I take care of her, and she is never alone when with me. 

Isn't it wonderful that God works the same way? We can follow Him every day because we know we can rely on Him to take care of us and never leave us alone. What an awesome comfort! It is a great time to be a follower, if God is the leader. 

Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with the whithersoever thou goest."

God, thank you for always being there for us. It is great to share the joy we experience with you, and lean on you for support. Help us follow you always, as we know where you are is always a safe place. Thank you father for all of your blessings. Amen.