Category: Inspiration

Cultivating Godliness with Contentment

1 Timothy 6:6 says, “But Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

We have goals to pursue, we have dreams to fulfill, and at times a never ending list of tasks to complete. With so much to focus on, it can be easy for the pursuit of our future endeavors to overshadow the enjoyment of our present reality, making it seem impossible to find peace with where we are today. Of course we can believe and have great faith for our tomorrows, but at the same time we must have balance, and be willing to accept where we are today and make the most of it.  We can always bloom right where we are planted.

The scripture says godliness with contentment in our lives is great gain. Finding contentment requires some intentional moves on our part, because contentment is not something the world willingly dishes out to us in generous portions. We must make a conscious effort to keep our lives simple and drama free. It is wise to ask God to reveal areas of our lives that could use more order, because there maybe things that need to be changed to better suit his plans for us. He can guide us by showing us the most efficient way to get things done. I’ve always been a firm believer in quality over quantity because more doesn’t necessarily mean better. We must be careful to make sure the things we are pursuing are God’s will for us.

Putting forth effort to experience contentment can be just as simple as having a talk with the Lord while you walk in the park (one of my personal favorites), or adding things to your calendar so you don’t forget to do them and get stressed out.  It may also mean cutting back on some of your activities so you can be more at peace, and have some time to yourself. Never forget to place Bible verses all around you where you can see them often (another one of my favorites), this way you can be reminded of who God is, this will also help to keep your soul content and cause you to grow in godliness.

I trust God daily to give me contentment with where I am in life, while at the same time giving me wisdom and motivation to take the necessary steps to accomplish my goals for the future. It’s always astonishing to see how he works to bring things together, even in the little ways, every day is a piece of the puzzle. Therefore, we must learn to rest in him and enjoy the journey.

Father,

Please help us to grow in godliness and experience the contentment Jesus died to give us. Every day is an important part of Your dream for us. When we are fully committed to you, we can be confident that the ambitions we have in our heart, originated in Yours. So please help us to trust You with our desires.

In the name of Jesus Amen.

The Last Will Be First

Matthew 19:30 reads, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”

Years ago I was traveling with my mom and daughter along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. We were on our way to our family reunion which was being held in Philadelphia. At some point, we came to a stretch of road on the turnpike that was lined with dead trees. The strange thing about it, was that although the trees on the front row were all dead, immediately behind them, as far as the eye could see, were beautiful, vibrant, healthy green trees. However, these lifeless trees on the front row, stood very tall and erect almost as if they possessed an inner confidence. Because of the green background behind them created by the other trees, they appeared to stand out even more. Odd as it may seem, even though these trees were dead, they were still very much alive. They had a mysterious beauty radiating from them that drew attention to their presence.

As I continued to observe this peculiar scene, God brought to my mind these words, “The first will be last and the last will be first.” I have no idea what natural events may have occurred that caused those trees to end up like they were. But to me they represent many people who may not measure up to the world’s idea of beauty. But because they follow God’s ways He has elevated them to a certain level. Like those trees, you may never know what someone has endured to get to where they are, but because they did endure, God has shown them favor. Never underestimate what God is doing in someone’s life just because things appear a certain way on the outside. As Christians, we should have an inner beauty that radiates from our hearts and changes the world around us. People should be able to sense a distinct difference and want to know more about us and our lifestyles. Ultimately who we are should lead people to want to know more about the God we serve.

Those of us who call Jesus Savior, need to take a stand and be all that God has called us to be for the sake of the cross and the glory of the One who died there.  2 Corinthians 6:17 says, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord, then I will receive you.”

If those trees could speak, I know the stories about life on the “Penna” Turnpike would be unforgettable. The good news is that you and I can speak. We can speak life to those around us. Not only with our words, but through our actions. We must let the life we live speak for us. Ask God to show you how you can “come out from among them and be separate.” When you are serving God, even if you think you are last, in God’s eyes you are first. We need to make sure that wherever we are standing, is the place God really wants us to be. When we are where we should be, we can then be effective and make a true difference.

Father,

Please let the beauty we have in you through your Holy Spirit shine brightly so that those around us may be inspired and changed. Help us not to get caught up in things that do not matter but instead to focus on what matters most to you.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength…

Isaiah 40:31

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

When a mother and father are expecting a little baby boy or girl they wait with excitement and anticipation. From day one when they find out a new life is on the way, they begin to prepare, even if it’s only mentally. They know in about 9 months their lives will be changed forever by their new tiny bundle of love. Sometimes those months as the baby grows inside of a woman can be easy, but other times it can be difficult. Some mothers go through so much sickness that they end up on bed rest or in the hospital. When I was expecting my daughter, I’m thankful my pregnancy never put me out of commission, and I never even had morning sickness. However, I did occasionally get migraine headaches. My doctors only solution to this issue was, “sometimes when you’re pregnant,  your body is going through so many changes and often times there is no explanation for the things that happen.” So at that point I figured, oh well, I’ll just have to endure these headaches until the baby gets here. Now to me,  it would have been much better if I didn’t have to wait and if there had been some type of instant fix but the doctor was basically saying I would just have to wait it out.

Pregnancy, like life is unpredictable. We try to make plans, but many times things can occur that alter those plans and we must wait to see what will happen. There is not always a course of action we can take, we must simply wait. As a mother waits, the baby continues to grow and her body continues to change. Her body is a safe place for the baby to develop by helping to create an environment suitable for growth. She can’t do anything to make the baby grow faster, but there are things she can do to help the baby grow healthier. Even so, at times things may still go wrong with the baby that are beyond her control.

As we wait for God to work in our circumstances there is also growth and change going on in our hearts. We are growing stronger as we learn to wait on God and to trust in God. We may not always perceive what he is doing in our situation at the time, but there will come a time, maybe even sooner than we think, that God’s resolution and his truth will be revealed. We will be able to look back and see the difference he has made. In the meantime, we must believe that he is stretching us by creating an environment in our lives that will promote our maturity in him.

So what do we do as we wait? We pray, we keep trusting God, we meditate on his word. And as he leads us, we can take any necessary actions that will help our journey. We should be like that expectant mother and father who wait each day with joy. Regardless of any pain they may experience during the wait, they know in the end it will be so worth it to see and hold their new baby.

I’ve heard it said that anything good is worth waiting for. Well we know that God is good, and everything good comes from him. So as we wait,  we can rest knowing that he is worth waiting for. It may not be a new baby you are waiting to give birth to, but whatever it is you are waiting for God to birth into your life,  wait with joy. He has your best interest at heart,  his intentions are good, and he has promised to renew your strength as you wait.  So do not worry about anything. Be strong and courageous. Everything will work out well for you.

Father,

Thank you for renewing our strength as we wait on you.  All that we experience, rather good or bad, is part of the environment that you are creating in our lives to help us to become all you want us to be. Help us to wait with joy, expectancy, and trust.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

In the morning, O Lord, hear my voice

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, hear my voice. In the morning I lay my needs in front of you, and I wait.

Psalm 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

There is something special about the stillness and the quietness of early Morning Prayer. Because everything is so still and so quiet it seems I am able to sense the presence of the Lord more easily and hear his voice more clearly. I’ve also noticed that since the tasks and concerns of the day haven’t had the chance to clutter my mind yet, I feel more free to just place all my focus on the One who so loving delights in being with me during this time. Once I finish praying there is a peace and assurance that comes because I know I have laid my needs in front of the Lord and asked him to help me, as the Psalmist mentioned. I also love the way he ended by saying, “and I wait”. I believe that there was something that happened inside of his heart during his time in prayer, which gave him the assurance that he could now wait in expectation for the Lord’s answer, because he was confident that the Lord had heard his voice. That’s one of the great things about prayer, as we do it we become more confident in our relationship with Jesus.

In Mark 1:35, it tells us that even Jesus rose early to pray. It says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Of course prayer is something that we can and should do throughout our whole day; we can pray at any time. However making it first place in our day, brings order to the rest of our day and puts our focus in the right place. Even if difficulties arise during the day, which they sometimes do, being covered in prayer helps us to deal with them in a godlier manner. I’ve prayed often and asked God to help me to spend time with him in the morning before I start my day and he has done it. If it’s a struggle for you to do this, don’t hesitate to pray and ask God to help you to do it, because it does make a difference not only in your day but in your relationship with him. Although you can always learn from others, your relationship with the Lord is personal so in asking him to direct your prayer life you can find the specific plan he has for you. Enjoy your time talking with the Master, he is always delighted to hear from you!

Father,

Thank you for the gift of prayer. Please help us to develop and enjoy the prayer life that Jesus died for us to have. It’s an awesome privilege to be able to talk to you anywhere at any time about anything.

In the name of Jesus. Amen

 

 

One Touch of His Garment

Matthew 14:35-36

And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Just one touch of Jesus will make us perfectly whole. In him we lack nothing. Have you ever thought about the power in that truth? It’s easy to feel inadequate or incomplete, but his touch brings healing to our soul.

The word broken comes to my mind as I think about this. Sometimes being broken may not be a bad thing because it causes us to see our need for Jesus. In these verses 35-36 they were broken in their bodies and they besought Jesus, which means they urgently went after him. Throughout the course of our lives we may experience brokenness is many different areas. It could be relationships, finances, health issues, or even our self-worth, the list is endless. However, when we run to Jesus by faith like they did, just one touch of him will make us whole. Sometimes the wholeness you are looking for may come through God’s peace. Even though you may still be navigating your way through a difficult problem, when you have touched the hem of His garment the peace he gives you sets you free.  In Philippians 4:7, it says “his peace surpasses all understanding.”

Every day we should be seeking the Lord and reaching out to touch him because it is his touch that gives us strength to live. The best way we can reach out to him is by first accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Then to develop our relationship with him we need to talk to him constantly about everything. One of my favorite verses is 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that says, “Pray without ceasing”. As we reach out and touch the hem of his garment everyday by faith, we will be made perfectly whole.

Dear Father,

Thank you for the wholeness we have in you. Every good and perfect gift comes from you (James 1:17). Please help us to reach out to you by faith each day and receive the gifts you have for us.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

Trust, Lean Not, Acknowledge & Believe

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.

Recently while meditating on this verse I decided to look at it closer to make sure I was getting all God wanted me to. Countless times over the years I’ve read, quoted, and heard Proverbs 3:5-6. It’s a very well-known passage of scripture from the Bible. For those of us who are familiar with it, it probably comes to our minds quickly and often especially during stressful times. While some of God’s promises are unconditional there are those that are conditional and this is one of them. There are actions we must take in order to experience the privilege of having God direct our paths.

Trusting God with all of our heart is a decision that we must make. Even after making a decision to trust God, we cannot accomplish this in our own strength.  We must pray and ask Him to help us. Whatever it is we may be going through we must learn to immediately turn it over to Him. That’s the great thing about prayer, we can do it wherever we are. Even if we are at work, we can say a quick, simple prayer and ask God to help us to trust Him to get through our day. There have been many days I didn’t even feel like going to work, but I thank God I have a job and ask Him to energize me and give me grace and a right attitude. Usually after a short time, I can look back and see a change in how I feel and I thank God for helping me.

God then tells us to lean not on our own understanding. A lot of the times we want to know exactly what is going on. We want to know how things will work out, but in scripture we are told God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says 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.

God is working things out in ways we simply cannot understand. Sometimes He will choose to reveal to us what He is doing, but others times we must trust Him for the results and try not to figure everything out on our own.

Lastly, we must acknowledge him in all of our ways. We can do this by making God a priority in everything that we do, which means we must include him in every part of my lives. We must pray often, and ask Him to show us areas of our lives where we are not trusting Him and He will. Fear can hold us back from trusting in God with all of our heart,  so praying and asking Him to take away fears would also be a big help.

All that is left for us is to believe that once we have done our part, he will then direct our paths. When God is directing our paths, we can rest assured that everything will work out for our good (Romans 8:28).

Dear Father,

Please help us to trust in you with all of our hearts, lean not on our own understanding, and acknowledge you in all of our ways. Thank you for directing our paths as You promised You would. Please remove any fears that are holding us back from trusting in You.

In the name of Jesus. Amen

Loving God and Enjoying Life

When I first graduated from college I was so excited to be able to finally have more time to spend in God’s Word. I had a deep desire to know him better and I knew that his word would be the way I could do that. Not that I didn’t read my Bible while in school, it was just that now I knew I would be able to dedicate much more time to developing a better relationship with him.

Getting closer to the Lord is like most other relationships, as you spend time with him and get to know him you grow closer to him and love him more.  Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” I’ve definitely come to understand that learning to love God is a process. I’m surely glad that everything God ask us to do he is willing to help us with through the work of his Holy Spirit our divine helper, and I’m ever so grateful for his patience. As he guides us and teaches us we become more of who God wants us to be. Submitting to God’s will is a choice we have to make daily but ultimately it leads to days filled with peace, joy, and direction. As we begin to see him work more in our life we begin to love him more.

The days that I enjoy the most are the ones where I can sense his presence the most. But fortunately even on days when I may not feel as close to him I know he is still there because he promises in his word to never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Over the last several months God has illuminated the word “joy” to me. I think his reason for doing that is because He knows joy is a key factor in enjoying life. Joy is something that can be experienced regardless of what difficulty we may be facing. Our hearts are joyful when we love God and are aware of the fact that he is always in control of our circumstances. When we encounter life’s setbacks joy says, “My God will never fail me, his love for me is greater than my problems so I don’t ever have to worry. He will take care of me.”

It’s so true, God will take care of all your needs, so do not despair! Reach out to him in good times and bad. Learn about who he is through his word and talk to him throughout your day and watch your love for him grow. As our love for him grows, we will have the contentment that comes from facing each new day aware of his presence with us and his love for us. As we look out and look up we can see the beauty of God’s love all around us, especially through his creation that he has given us to enjoy. Many days I just look up at the sky and I say, “Thank you Father for this beautiful day and for being here with me, I love you”. I certainly know that he loves me and being sure of his love for me causes me to enjoy my life more. He has given us all things to enjoy. In 1 Timothy 6:17 it reads,” Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

What’s your greatest fear or worry? As you ponder this question just realize that whatever the answer may be through the love of God you can still find peace and enjoy your life. With all that is going on around us, it may be hard sometimes to understand that our main focus should be on loving our God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). It amazes me that he first loved me, even before I knew him. My prayer for my life and yours is that we will love our God with all our heart, soul, and strength and enjoy the life he has given us!

P.S.

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

Dear Father,

Thank you for giving us all things to enjoy! May you be glorified through the lives we live here on Earth. Please teach us to love you with all of our heart, soul and strength. Help us to walk in the joy that comes from understanding in our hearts that you love us and want us to enjoy life.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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