Thursday, February 15, 2018, 12:10

Good afternoon dear ones

Do you remember a few days ago when I mentioned that "I die" was to become my personal vow? I had no idea, at the time, that these two little words would lead me on a journey toward contentment. I just didn't corelate the two together. I pray that Holy Spirit is teaching you wonderful new lessons in your walk with the King of Kings.

A couple of days ago I also told you about a missionary from Africa named Ella. She had made a list to live by. Remember? Well, today, I have thinking why this list disturbs me. I was praying and the Lord reminded me of where I came from. My life growing up in church was legalistic in so many ways. Ways that gave me the impression that I could never please God or be like His Son. Never be special and inherit the Kingdom. Never a princess of a King. It was easier to give up trying.

So, I got to this thought...that I needed to apply grace to truth. The very thing that I had never heard about. The enemy had his fingers in my ears, I am sure! This seemed to make a lot of sense to me. Putting it all together now. The first thing on Ella's list was, "Never allow yourself to complain about anything---not even the weather." Hey! It's not the weather I have a problem with! It is my body dealing with pain. After another night of tossing and turning trying to get comfortable and pain free, it is difficult to know how to answer positively when your loving husband asks, "Are you okay?" Especially when you know he slept the night away, while you got up and walked, prayed and tried to give thanks for the great things God has done. Maybe, God had a purpose for me being awake?

That is where I realized that I needed to speak Grace over my life in place of complaint. I think I may be hanging out in Philippians for quite some time! Paul knew his stuff and dealt with a whole bunch of trouble. Here in Philippians 1:21 he shares the 'Key' to this letter. We will see how he unlocks this door to contentment. It begins..."For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity]." 

Not too many words there but, they come power packed with insight if, we take the time to meditate on them. Maybe, this is why I have been having so many thoughts about Jesus our Shepherd. Music brings remembrances of times past where I knew He was holding my hand. Sweet times of letting go of all the little ducks I had in order. Taking them out of my backpac and setting them free where He leads me beside quiet waters. Our feet resting together, His and mine. That is just one place I was being taught to let it go. There are others, all with the same theme. Trust.

So it is with contentment. A huge lesson in not complaining and whinning. Today, I know I can learn this. The Bible tells me so. If it weren't possible then why would it be written clearly that to live is Christ? His life in me? When we truly belong to Him, relating intimately with Him; then He lives in us, right? I find this exciting! The enemy deals punches below the belt, yes. That is why we put on the belt of truth everyday! So, his knuckles will be busted! 

His life in me. The very key to contentment. When I believe it then, I can live it. Let me add...!!! I once was blind by my inadequacy but now I see. Now, I can replace my negative thinking because my mind is renewed in Christ Jesus! I don't have to conform to what the world's attitude and responses are or be like I was before. Now, I can agree with Romans 12:1-2 and be that living sacrifice in exchange for His life in me. "I die" takes on a whole new meaning for me today!

Maybe you are tired of being who you are? Might be that you find yourself trying to be the man or woman of God you have read about.  There aren't too many Ella's and Paul's out there. Life hits hard most times. It might be the sorrow of self, something more personal. A loss, an unhealthy body or relationship. Whatever it is we can walk with our hand in the Shepherds and trust Him to carry us on. When we are too weak, He will carry us on His shoulders till we heal. Regardless, He will always be beside us! 

My soul rejoices in the Lord my Savior today! No, it sure didn't start out that way. But, as I press into His side, the weariness does lessen and I find His strength being my own. It's is okay to be weak. As long as He is my strength. In weakness I do search for Him with a heart of passion. A good thing after all!

I hope you are encouraged today. I wish we could sit together in one place, in person, shoulder to shoulder and pray for each other. You are in my thoughts today as I look at all the nations representing Heartstrings. Let us press on to know contentment shall we? To know the Lord. With Him all things are possible! We really can rejoice when we would rather give in to complaining and discontent. We come boldly before the throne of Grace and give honor to our King, Master and Lord of all. In Jesus name, amen!

Abundance is...He Lives in me!


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