When we are found and rescued by Christ, our greatest need has been met for all eternity.  Is this not greater than the perceived lack of any of those areas?  Paul was a man who experienced great abundance and accolades and yet had also endured hardship and persecution.  What was his secret to contentment?  Focusing on His greatest need being met in Christ. We ought to do the same. 

When Jesus is in this rightful place and our hearts are content in Him, we are at peace. Yes the light bill still needs to be paid, the car still needs new tires, but our hearts are filled with joy that surpasses any need. May you be found filled with that joy today!

Reflection

What are you most content with?

What if Christ was really the #1 object of your affection and source of contentment? How would your life be different?

Prayer

Father, we are so easily distracted by the physical realm. Open our eyes to see the amazing eternal gift in Christ.  May our hearts be filled to overflowing with joy in every area of our lives. Let us be content above all else in Jesus.  Give us this day our daily bread that it may not distract our worship but expand it all the more.  We trust in you and love you LORD!  We lift this to You in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Recently my two boys were wrestling on the trampoline. It got a little rough; one of them ended up getting thrown off and bumped his head.  This moved him to a place of vengeance coming after his brother. Took about 20 to 25 minutes to disarm and settle down. Had I not intervened, more damage most likely would have been done.

When it comes to the family of God, the same thing can happen, even as adults.  People can sometimes get a little rough and end up hurting one another.  Despite this reality, the church body is critical and part of God’s plan of redemption and our growth (See Ephesians 4).

If you’ve had an injury from the church as I have had, you may be tempted to take out your vengeance.  I urge you instead of repaying evil for evil, do good to your brothers and sisters.  For perhaps God is teaching you the truth that vengeance is His. For when we repay with evil we simply do more damage. We do not restore anything, God desires restoration and wants us to desire it also.  The verse above is sandwiched between appreciating those who lead and that familiar passage of rejoicing and praying without ceasing.

Personal Reflection

No doubt that following the Lord’s instruction takes rejoicing and prayer.  You see when we are hurt we usually shift our focus to ourselves and thereby skewing our perspective.  We stop rejoicing, start complaining and devise plans of revenge or watch and wait for whoever wronged us to fail.  Sometimes, we even invite others to take our side and are used as Satan’s instrument to divide the family of God. Put an end to the evil by desiring restoration, rejoice in all that the LORD has done for you, and pray without ceasing that your focus would be there.  You will not heal if you are clinging to your hurt like a security blanket and hurt never comforts. God does!

Prayer Focus

LORD help us to let go of the chains of hurt that bind us and corrupt our desires.  May we find forgiveness and release at the cross. Draw our eyes to you and all of what you have done for us.  Let our lips overflow with your praises! May we desire restoration, rejoice, and pray without ceasing; In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#forgiveness #novengeance #truthtalk4life

Not only by thinking on the excellent things of God and practicing them will we have the peace of God, but the very presence of the God of peace will be with us!   Part of practicing is training our eyes to stay fixed on Christ the author and finisher if our faith.  

Why should we be shaken? If we follow the very one who holds all things in his hands.  We need not be anxious, but simply make our requests made known to our loving Father trusting in His answer.  How freeing this truly is!

Personal Reflection

Notice Paul urges them to practice the things:

1.  What was Learned

2. What was Received

3. What was Heard

4. What was Seen in him

So his ministry of what he taught was consistent with what he knew, lived and spoke. So much so that he felt comfortable asking others to see the Christ in him and practice that living.  

This is challenging as I continue to practice walking closely with Christ.  If I’m honest with myself, there are days where I wouldn’t want anyone to watch and imitate what I’m doing. 

How does this truth move in your heart to desire change in yourself? Again don’t be anxious about it, bring even this to your Loving Father trusting in Him to bring you to this place of maturity 

Prayer Focus

God Almighty, we want to be like Paul, knowing, living, and speaking the truth.  Our only hope is you.  As we open our lives for others to see may they see the work of your love in a sinner’s heart that they may have hope in you also. Teach us to surrender and to do your will; all to the glory of Christ, Amen! 

@brianfriedl

#practicelivingforGod #Christinme #truthtalk4life