It has turned out to be a beautiful day here on the coastal bend of south Texas and I'm very thankful for the sunny skies. Though this morning it was thirty eight degrees, I was still content to just be alive.
Phil. 4:11-13
11"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
It does not matter here what Paul's circumstances were, but truly it is the condition in which he has addressed them. Here is a man whom has suffered much in the name of JESUS and has been at many times in peril for his life. Yet, he is saying that in no matter what situation he's in, he is content with it! Oh to be able to feel this way continuously. Not allowing the burdens of our health, surroundings or future to hold us down from enjoying the life that GOD has graced us with.
Paul speaks of it as a secret, yet it was all over the Bible, speaking of their ancient scrolls, but it was hidden from the eyes of most and ignored by others. We know today, that it is relationship with JESUS that is this great secret, a total dependence on HIM and HIS guidance within our lives! Yet if you look around or but listen to people, you don't see it or even hear it. Everyone is complaining about how hard their life is, or how unfair they're being treated by someone. Where, if we but took our eyes off the problems and focused on the source of relief from them, we'd have that relief that we so eagerly seek!!
Why then is it, that we can't obtain it, when it is truly so simple? (a two part question here) 1. We can't obtain relationship with the LORD when we won't take our eyes off of ourselves and all that is bothering us. We see only as far in front of us as the tips of our noses and no farther. That which is confronting us is the total sum of our life, nothing seems to exist beyond it. We tend to place so much importance upon our living this life, the here and now, that we've forgotten that this life isn't the one we're to look at, but that which is to come. I know it is next to impossible to focus on the life to come, when this life is so totally over whelming. But it can be done, if we will just allow the LORD to fully take over.
This brings us to part two of the question, or really the latter half was more of a statement, the simple how to do this. We must begin to draw on the power of GOD which we've been so graciously given(that is if you've given your life to CHRIST.) In the HOLY SPIRIT lies our strength, our wisdom and our understanding of all things. Now this is only if we let HIM be in control, for HE will not force us to do anything we don't want to. It is our choice alone to allow GOD's HOLY SPIRIT to control all that we are and do, not GOD's or anyone else. Once we've made this choice, which I pray you do, we begin to focus our prayers and all of our lives on that which HE leads us to focus on. Not whether the bills are paid or not, but on HIS leading and this only. Our prayers will begin to take on a whole different context. No longer will they be centered upon ourselves, but they will be for others, whether those we're in direct contact with or someone we don't even know. But our focus will no longer be centered on those things that are so important to us.
Most likely at this time you'll begin to get a craving for some food, not that which will satisfy the flesh, but that which will provide the spiritual food that is needed. You will begin to read your Bible with a hunger like never before. Seeking out all that GOD has for you, from within it wondrous pages. Yet this may not be enough, so you'll turn on the radio to a christian station for some inspirational music and talk. Or the TV, but not to normal programing, but to one of the awesome Christian stations that we are so blessed with these days. Gleaning all that you can from every song, word or picture that you see. With each moment you're growing in strength, wisdom and understanding as never before. Remember though, to always allow the HOLY SPIRIT to be your guide while doing this, for there are those out there, wolves in sheep's clothing, that are perverting the WORD of GOD and some will most likely to pass your way.
We have begun to fill our lives with the secret that had been hidden from our eyes for so long. We may begin to notice that our problems, though still there, are no longer key issues within our life. It is to know and experience JESUS and to let all the world know of HIS love for us and them also that has taken over. We are beginning to take on the likeness of our SAVIOR, where as the things of this world no longer matter and the things of the KINGDOM of GOD is all that is important. This is how Paul had learned to be content in all circumstances and a lesson that we should all take on within our lives. I choose this way, will you?
Other verses to seek out: Josh. 7:7; Prov. 13:25, 19:23; Eccl. 4:8; Luke 3:14; 1 Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5
Use these verses, but don't stop with them, cross reference and seek out GOD from within HIS WORD!!!
Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org
GOD bless and good day,
Rev. Marshall Barth
Vine of CHRIST Ministries
Vine Ministerial Network International
