Trust Brings Contentment

Each day that goes by God continues to show me more reasons why He places trials and tribulations in the lives of His children. If everything in life were a smooth and easy path with no bumps along the way, there would be no reason to trust God through anything. Can you imagine what life would be like if we didn’t have to wait for anything? God has ordained that we walk through difficult times so that we may draw closer to Him. He uses those circumstances to grow faith in our hearts and to remind us that He fits all things together even when we cannot see it!

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14- “Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.”

As we learn to trust God in all things, contentment will become an act of worship. The soul worship of God is to be content with what He gives. When we humbly yield to God’s plan and purpose for our lives, He is pleased, and most of all, He is glorified! How wonderful it is to think about the fact that our lives can bring worship to His Holy name! When we give all our questions to God, when we don’t grumble about the past or become anxious about the future, when we place our tomorrows in God’s hands, we are free to wake up every morning and say, “Lord, this is the day that You have made. Show me ways I can glorify You in it!”

Let's read through Philippians 4:11-13 one more time….

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

As we journey through life day to day, let’s remember Paul’s example of contentment in the Lord and ask God for help when temped to grumble or complain about His chosen portion for us!

Just for Fun

Here's some recent pictures...

Content with My Role

Do you believe that God is the Blessed Controller of your roles? Has He given His best to you?

Jesus said, He came not to be served but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). He asks you and me to live our lives with the same purpose. Jesus humbled Himself and took the role of a servant. He used His assigned role to minister to those around Him and to give the ultimate gift of His very life.

If we want to be ones of contentment, we must choose to acccept our portion, our assigned roles from God. We must make the choice to dwell on the positive aspects of our roles in life. If we don’t, we’ll be discontent, always wanting something different from what we’ve been given.

We’ve been given a trust. We’ve been entrusted with many things: our natural gifts, our spiritual gifts, our financial resources. Our greatest role in life is to trust God! In His sovereignty, He has said it is in this role that we can best glorify Him. Will you trust that your assigned cup and portion come from His loving hand? Will you choose to use your role as a place to serve others?

Let’s pray and ask God to help us!

Hope you all have a blessed weekend! Check back on Monday for more on contentment! =)

Content to Be Me

Psalm 139:1-5, 13-16, 23-24- “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me….For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them….Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me (verse 1). Every aspect of David’s life was searched out and controlled by what God knew. God was intimately acquainted with all of David’s ways (verse 3), even before He created him. David said God’s knowledge was so complete that it was as if He has scoured every detail of David’s life. God knew David’s actions, but more incredibly, He knew his thoughts.”

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (verse 14) Have you ever thanked God for His loving supervision of your creation? Have you praised Him for creating your personality? Can you say with David, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made?" When God fashioned us in our mother’s womb, He embroidered us with great skill. If we are displeased with our physical form, we’re really arguing with God. God wants each of us to praise Him for His workmanship in creating us.

“I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of; for to have been thought about, born in God’s thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, and most precious thing in all thinking.” –George MacDonald

God has a plan- a purpose- for each life: “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them (verse 16). The Almighty Creator of the universe has a prepared purpose for us to walk in. He created us because He had a plan for us to fulfill. How loved and unique we are! All of our abilities and disabilities were created to fit the unique plan God has. Every circumstance we encounter God is using to do what He desires in and through us.

“God created our inmost being and fashioned us in our mother’s womb so that we might be equipped to fulfill the plan that He set out for us even before we were born. Who you are is not a biological accident. What you are is not a circumstantial accident. God planned both for you.” –Jerry Bridges

In Ephesians 2:10 we read, that you and I “are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” When we’re not pleased with the talents, gifts, and abilities that God has Sovereignly placed in our lives, we are not convinced that God is the blessed controller over ALL things.

“God invited you to cooperate with Him to form the canvas of your life. If you yield to His artistry, the character of Christ will be reflected through the picture of your life. Stand back and look at the picture. What do you see reflected? Do you see the character of Christ, or do you see frantic activity? Do you try to paint with colors of character or colors of accomplishment?”

Let us remember that our inward character is our adornment (1 Peter 3:3-4)!

Content with Circumstances

Most of us can categorize our lives in both positive and negative ways. We could write a glowing list of the positives in our lives, and could then write a list of all the sobering negatives. Both the lists are most likely true, but our view of each list should be different.

How do you categorize your life? Let me encourage you to list the positives and negatives in your life and then let’s ask ourselves, which list do I spend the majority of my time dwelling on?

“Two women looked through prison bars
One saw mud the other saw stars”

When you look at your two lists, is your gaze looking down at the mud or is it lifted to the stars?

I’m sure that every one of us, at some point in our lives, has been in/are in circumstances that appear to be prison bars. God wants you and me to learn to be content in the “prison bar” circumstances because after all those circumstances are what God has Sovereignly ordained we walk through so that we may draw closer to Him. How do we learn to be content in those circumstances?....

We learn in Philippians 4:11 about Paul’s contentment “in whatever circumstance.” In the beginning of chapter 4 Paul describes our part and God’s part. First, our part, “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Basically what that verse says is, don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything and tell God all your needs.

When confronted with negative circumstances, we have a choice: Will we pray about the problem or will we worry about it? As I’ve recently learned, when we make the choice to pray instead of worry, we will personally experience God’s peace (God's part- Philippians 4:7). What a promise! Let’s learn to take our thoughts captive and dwell on the positive!

“Beware of what you dwell on for that you shall surely become” – Ralph Waldo

Today let’s choose to give our anxieties to God, choose to pray sacrificially, choose to be thankful, and choose to dwell on the positive! We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

My Journey to Contenment

Recently I’ve been doing a study on contentment out of Linda Dillow’s book, “Calm My Anxious Heart”. I've been freshly provoked as I think about the many things in my life that at times, I’ve failed to find contentment in…Please join me over the next couple weeks as I expound on what I’ve learned in the areas of finding joy and contentment in the midst of all God ordained circumstances. My prayer is that through the posts you’re encouraged as we embark on a journey to contentment together, finding God as our blessed Controller over all things!

Philippians 4:11-12- “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In every circumstances, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Just looking at Paul’s life shows us how amazing these verses truly are. Paul lived a life full of anything but positive circumstances. He wrote them while imprisoned in a dark, dreary dungeon. He was chained, he was lonely. I’m sure he wondered if all he had done to serve Christ really mattered. Paul’s life was anything but perfect and controlled; yet he said, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” Amazing!

“I know of no great simplifier for all of life. Whatever happens is assigned. Does the intellect balk at that? Can we say that there are things that happen to us that do not belong to our lovingly assigned “portion”? Are some things, then, out of the control of the Almighty? Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good. As I accept the given portion other options are canceled. Decisions become much easier, directions clearer, and hence my heart becomes inexpressibly quieter. A quiet heart is content with what God gives.” – Elizabeth Elliot

The following is a list provided from the study. Practicing them has helped me tremendously in my daily fight to grow in contentment though ALL circumstances. Let me encourage you to do the same. It is difficult at times, but as we read out of Philippians, we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us and God’s grace is ALWAYS there to pick us up when we fall and fail to recognize the GOOD in our circumstances…

-Never allow yourself to complain about anything- not even the weather.
-Never picture yourself in any other circumstance or someplace else.
-Never compare your lot with another’s
-Never allow yourself to wish this or that has been otherwise.
-Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that [tomorrow] is God’s, not ours.

At all times, in all circumstances, Christ is able and willing to provide the strength we need to be content!

Father, I thank You that You are Sovereign over every situation and circumstance that go on each and every day. I pray that you would grant me the grace to find You as the blessed controller over all circumstances. In every situation may I be one who points my gaze to the cross, and just as Paul did, learn to find contentment in the most dreary circumstances in life.

Faithful Shepherd

“There is nowhere we can go that He has not been there before us… We walk always in the shadow of His presence and His care… for the Shepherd doesn’t call His sheep to unfamiliar pasture- He has promised that, where we are, we will also find Him there.” –B.J. Hoff

Have you recently seen Christ in your circumstances? Do you see Him at work when things don’t go as planned? How about when running late and stuck in traffic?....

Isn’t it comforting to know that God is Sovereign over ALL circumstances (relationships, work, finances, etc.)?! It bring much joy to my soul when I remember that He’s graciously ordained every step we take even if it’s not an easy step. The best part about it all is that every circumstance we walk through whether easy or hard, all serve two purposes… they are for our GOOD and God’s GLORY!

Something that has helped me keep my gaze on Christ in the midst of stressful circumstances is quoting Psalm 118:24- “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Every time I quote that scripture verse I’m freshly encouraged and reminded of God’s Sovereignty over all circumstances. I’m reminded to take a step back and find the good in the stressful moments rather than complaining about the circumstance.

Let’s learn to be grateful for ALL God has provided for us (even troubled circumstances) and remember that “THIS is the day that the Lord has made…Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!”

Rest In God's Presnece... Exodus 33:14

Please read through and find rest in God through the following encouraging words from Charles Spurgeon…

Nothing can harm you if God is your refuge. David said, “You are my rock and my fortress” (Ps. 32:3), and every believing child of God may claim the same promise. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Ps. 46:2-3), “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Ex. 33:14). May these inexpressibly precious promises be fulfilled in your life today.

What could your heart desire or your mind conceive beyond the blessedness of these assurances? God’s presence and God rest is a ring of finest gold set with the choicest pearl. This blessing is worthy of God, and only His boundless love could proclaim.

Think these promises over. Chew on them as food for your soul. Let the Holy Spirit speak these words with power and your innermost soul will be satisfied with the best of heaven’s food.”

Happy Birthday Christine!

Happy Birthday, Christine! Thank you for the faithful woman of God you are and the example of one who trusts in the Lord! You’re friendship is a blessing! I love you!!!

Still Here...

Sorry for the lack of posting recently… I can’t believe it’s already half way through March... This year has been flying by! I’ve been incredibly busy lately, but I’m loving every bit of it! I’ll be honest, there’s been a bit of stress in the midst of the busyness, but God is always faithful to sustain when walking through those circumstances. He’s provided much time recently for serving projects which has been an answer to prayer. I know God has me exactly where I’m supposed to be right now and I feel as though He has many things in store for the rest of this year! Hopefully this week I’ll be able to do some more in-depth posts so ya'll come back now! =)

Expect Trials to Multiply

The following quote from Charles Spurgeon has brought much encouragement to me today. I pray it does the same for you!

“God does not put heavy burdens on weak shoulders. God educated and tests our faith by trials that increase in proportion to our faith. God expects us to do adult work and to endure adult afflictions only after we have reached a mature status in Christ Jesus. Therefore, beloved, expect your trials to multiply as you proceed toward heaven…

Do no think that as you grow in grace your path will become smoother and the sky calmer and cheerer. Quite the contrary! As God gives you greater skill as a soldier of the cross, He will send you on more difficult missions. As He more fully equips your ship to sail in storms, He will send you on longer voyages to more boisterous seas, so that you may honor Him and increase in holy confidence.”

You're So Good to Me!

“Though troubles fall like rain, this precious truth remains…Lord You’re so good to me!”

Does that ring a bell for you? That line from the Sovereign Grace song “You’re So Good to Me” has been my theme song lately. Why? Because it speaks such gospel truth! Every time I’m tempted to despair or forget God’s faithfulness through troubled times, He asks, “Have I not been good to you in the past”? If He was good and faithful then, He will most certainly be good and faithful today and forever!

Maybe you too have been prone to doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness through troubled times... Let me encourage you to find a song to sing or a verse to recite in your head when fighting that temptation. Today when unexpected circumstances arise, what will I sing? “Lord You so good to me!!!”

Romans 8:28- “For we know that for those who love God ALL things work together for GOOD, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

The Time is Now!

Over the past couple weeks on the girl talk blog they’ve been doing a series of posts on single woman finding the best deals of the single season. “Best deals” meaning all the different opportunities that we should be taking advantage of. Deals that bring glory to God and will help prepare us for the season of marriage and motherhood.

In today’s post Janelle Bradshaw wrote, “Bringing up children, showing hospitality, caring for the afflicted—these aren’t things the godly woman does one time, like a community service requirement. Good works are what she is giving her life, energy, time, and heart to. Good works are what she is all about.”

Have you ever heard anyone say, “My life will start once I get married”? Sad, but true, I’ve heard that saying many times and that is the mentality of many single woman today. I myself have been tempted to think that way before, but by God’s grace He kindly corrected my thoughts. My single friends, the time is NOW, it is THIS very day that we are to be preparing for the time when Lord willing we will be wives and mothers. Being a submissive wife and nurturing mother is not something that will happen overnight. It takes time and work! One way we can test how submissive we are is by our response to our dad or other godly leaders in our lives. The way we respond to them will most likely be the way we respond to our future husbands. Are we loving towards our siblings or children in our churches?

Are good works what you’re all about? Let me encourage you to take a step back and look at all the ways you’ve been serving or where you need to pick up the slack. Writing things out always helps me. Is there a family you know in need of a babysitter or a mom who needs an afternoon off? It doesn’t take much time… Let’s think and then take action! Let us not wait! Let’s seek every opportunity we can to do good works!

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can.” -John Wesley

Be Thou My Vision

Over the past couple days I’ve not been able to stop singing the familiar hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” Part of the reason why is because I was deeply ministered to while singing this song Sunday night. I was freshly provoked to point my gaze to the cross in ALL situations, even the very small ones. After doing much meditating on the lyrics I’ve searched for some different scripture verses that tie in with the song… Hope they encourage you today!

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Psalm 34:1- “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be on my mouth.”

Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Psalm 111:10- “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding, His praise endures forever!”

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

1 Timothy 6:12- “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Ephesians 6:11- “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Matthew 6:21- “For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.”

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

Even so...it is well with my soul!

This past weekend Amber and I went down to Orlando and what a wonderful time it was. The whole time there we felt like we were on a retreat…We were able to catch up with many friends we don’t get to see very often and during all the meetings (singles, church, and a worship and ministry night) the Lord was faithful to meet us. We both realized that we needed to break away from all the chaos of life for a couple days. I came home very refreshed (and tired, but thank God for caffeine!) and ready to take on a busy week….

Over the past couple weeks the Lord has delivered me from many challenging obstacles and turned them into joyful circumstances. I’m becoming more and more aware of why God had me where I was over the past couple years even though, at times, it made absolutely no sense. Though I’m still just as busy and maybe even busier than I was, the Lord has brought much joy to my soul and has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. Things are still kind of crazy for my family. It’s especially hard not having dad at home, but God continues to be faithful. He has been our rock during troubled times! Words do not express how overwhelmingly wonderful His love has been to me recently. I’m continuing to see glimpses of His faithfulness and learning to rest in the arms of my Daddy in Heaven through difficult times. Though still walking through a season of the unknown…strength is rising as I wait upon the Lord! How kind He is!

Psalm 62:5-8- “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”

Lamentations 3:22-23- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”