The Struggle for Contentment

1 Timothy 6:6 NIV, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Do you sometimes find it hard to remain content? The responsibilities of life and the busy days that result can at times weigh on even the strongest of people. And the bar is constantly being raised because the world’s definition of success is constantly changing. The good news is that, we are only required to accomplish God’s will for our lives. He has a unique plan for each individual. Contentment comes when we choose to keep our eyes on His will.

Photo by: zhang kaiyv of China 🇨🇳

There is always something else we can do, but we only need to do what He has called us to do. Quality is better than quantity. Trust God to help you as you pursue His plans for your life. Growing in Jesus Christ and following His plan for our lives brings contentment.

His Light is Near

John 1:5 CSB, “That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

The light of Jesus shines through the darkness. No matter how dark things may seem, it will not overcome His light. His light is there to guide us and give us the hope we need to keep moving forward in faith. Are you facing difficulties? Whatever situation you may be facing, I pray that God’s light will shine on you today, and that His love will surround you. No matter how dark your circumstances are, remember, He will never leave you alone. His light is always near to shine direction, strength, truth, hope, and love into your life.

Photo by: Elianne Dipp

Suddenly!

Acts 2:2: ESV, “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.”

Suddenly! Sometimes God moves suddenly. That is something we should never forget. We never know when He will suddenly change our circumstances or bring unexpected blessings our way, and that is part of what makes our Christian journey nothing less than exciting. We serve a God that is full of surprises. As a matter of fact, one time while at church on Sunday these words came to me during the praise and worship service, “God is a God of surprises, so don’t limit His work in your life.” I believe the Lord was directing my thoughts, and reminding me of His ability to bring about good, and make sudden changes in any situation. I hope as you think on that statement, it brings you joy. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). He can move suddenly in your life!

Photo by: Engin Akyurt

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Love God, Love People

Matthew 27:37-39 NIV, “37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

I recently watched a testimony on YouTube of a young woman named Jackie Hill Perry who used to be a lesbian. Her testimony of her faith in Christ, and the love and healing that she found in Him was inspiring. You can check it out here: Testimony

A couple of points that Jackie made in her testimony that really stuck with me when it comes to winning souls to Christ were as follows:

1. Love God, love people, and remember that God is faithful. You never know how He is working in someone’s life.

2. Don’t be afraid to have those “tough conversations” when needed, because we can’t just gloss over things and act like they don’t exist. Glossing over things is not love, it’s hate.

We never know a person’s story until we take time to listen. Through our listening, we can understand them better and show concern for them no matter who they are or where they come from. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. We all need Jesus. Loving God and loving people will shine a light into the darkness of this world.

Photo by: PNW Production

Help in time of need

Psalm 121:1-2 KJV, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

Look up to Jesus in any and all circumstances. He is our help. He will never forsake us. Instead, He will walk with us and guide us through. We are blessed that we can look up to Jesus.

What we see with our natural eyes is not all there is. By faith, we can believe and receive all God has for us, so look up, lift your eyes up to the Master. He will take care of you, just trust Him.

Photo by: Max Andrey of the USA 🇺🇸

Don’t Conceal Sin

Proverbs 28:13 NLT, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”

The temptation to hide sin or make excuses for sin can sometimes arise. But God knows all. Unconfessed sin will surely hinder our progress in our walk with God. He understands our weaknesses, and is willing to forgive us when we confess. There is freedom in our repentance.

Photo by: Tima Miroshnichenko

Recognizing there is a problem, giving it to God in prayer, and then asking for His help to do better, frees us up to live boldly for Jesus. Confess all your sins and struggles to the Master, open your heart right now to receive His mercy in exchange for you confession. He will never stop loving you and will help you to do better.

His Presence is With You

Exodus 33:14 NIV, “And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

As we start each day, we can find comfort in the fact that God’s presence is with us. No matter what tasks we must complete or what situations we may have to face, God is with us and will help us. I pray that as you go through your day, you will sense God’s presence and walk in His peace.

Photo by: Min An