Without Murmuring

 Philip 2:14, Col 3:15
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:..And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Murmuring is a subdue or private expression of discontent or dissatisfaction. Complaining is also an expression of dissatisfaction, but is expressed more openly. Whether we find ourselves murmuring or complaining it is an indication that we are not content with the situation or how God is working on our behalf. Granted, there are levels of expression that don’t necessarily reflect on our trust in God. I often wake up in the morning with a headache, and complain about the pain. The weather is often a point of contention with many people. Many complain about being too cold, or too hot. Such expressions are acceptable unless they become excessive. Moving from the milk of the word to the meat of the word is learning how to shine for Christ. Learning to be thankful in all things and do all things without murmuring is to rethink and evaluate God’s purpose in our lives. We are the light of the world, a reflection of Jesus. How we react to negative and undesirable situations will cast a shadow on our witness for Christ. Paul goes on to say why it is important, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” (vs15). Let God’s peace rule in your heart. He alone can calm the storms of life and give peace. Next time we are tempted to murmur or complain, ask God to give you peace, submitting to His perfect will for your life.

A Merry Heart

 Proverbs 11:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

God created us with a body, mind, and spirit. But most important is that we have the breath of God in us,  God gave us a soul that will live on forever. Without going into a deep dive, suffice to say that our soul is a separate entity from what is visually observed through human observation. Jesus makes this distinction when He said, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” The condition of our soul should always be top priority. This is not to say that we should not care for the well being of our body, mind, and heart (emotions). We are the temple of God, earthen vessels that God desires to fill and use for His glory. In our humanity, we represent Christ in every aspect of our lives. How we treat our body, the thoughts we think, and how we express our emotions (spirit). Our attitude in life is a manifestation of our spirit. We do live in troubled days, and having a cheerful and merry heart is made difficult with the sadness that surrounds us. Having a merry heart comes with believing God is the source of our contentment, He alone can bring true joy to the heart.  With purpose, we rejoice in the Lord, we find that God is good, and can make the heart glad. “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it”- Psalm 118:24

Real Happiness

  Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
The question is often asked, “Are you happy?” the dictionary defines happiness; “Happiness is a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment.” People seek happiness by gathering things, material possessions. Some seek happiness in emotional or freshly gratifications.  They may also seek happiness in connecting with others, a meaningful relationship. What does it mean to be truly content with life or your circumstances? Paul acknowledged his desire for earthly things, want of food, water, shelter, and connecting with people, but he realized that there are times that these things are out of reach. Ultimately, contentment is a choice, a learning process to focus on God’s desire. Submitting your life and life’s circumstances into the hands of God. Having the Peace of God in the storms of life, knowing that God is in control, and He cares when life throws you a curveball.  Seeking happiness is not the goal of life, seeking God’s will, trusting and obeying His voice will bring real contentment. It is not wrong to desire what God has created and find pleasure in the desires that God has put in our hearts. Doing good for others, caring for each other, and being loved by others brings contentment, but lasting joy and contentment comes only by knowing God and being loved by Him.

Contentment

 1 Timothy 6:1

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

People seek many things to find contentment. Like the rich man in the Bible, they seek to build greater “barns” to store the things of the world they have gained. The love of money is said to be the root of all evil. Seekers of earthly things. Houses, cars, computers, phones, clothes, and all that money can buy cannot buy contentment. The love of family is to be cherished, but even with that, true contentment cannot be obtained. We all enjoy our creature comforts, they do bring a measure of contentment and a sense of safety. But we bring nothing into this world, and we will leave this world empty-handed. Like the rich man, Jesus says. “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of you.” Our contentment is found in knowing Jesus, knowing that our treasure is not of this world, but of the other world. Living a life of godliness and righteousness towards God. Knowing that each day we live to please and glorify God. Knowing that our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus, and our names are written in the book of Life. This is real contentment with great gain.

Contentment in Life

Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect to want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”-

Contentment in life seems to come when all is going well and everything is at peace in our lives. No conflicts, no stress, the bills are all paid up, and tragedy has not touched our lives. We sit on our porch drinking our favor beverage and contemplate the goodness of God and His blessings. Unfortunately, this is not the real world we live in. Conflicts and stress happens. We don’t always get our way, and things take place in our life’s journey that frustrates or irritates us. The circumstances we face can cause us to complain and grumble. Life is somehow not fair, and bad things are happening when we seek to do that which is good and pleasing to God. Real contentment is a process, it is a willingness to grow and trust God that He is doing what is best for us. Circumstance do not dictate whether a Christian is content or not, As we submit to the will of God, He fills our heart with contentment. We learn that giving it all to Him and resting in the arms of Jesus brings a peace that passes human understanding. Human nature, the natural man, finds contentment in the circumstance of life, but a life committed to God will learn and find contentment in the center of the will of God.

Admonitions for the New Year

 Admonitions for the New Year

Philippians 4

Ten Admonition of the Lord

1. Stand Fast in the Lord

In the face of difficult times, hold steady

Hold on to the promise of God’s Word

2. Rejoice in the Lord

Overcome by rejoicing and praising God

Rejoice that your name is written in the Book of Life

3. Do all things in Moderation

The Balance life is to do all to the Glory of God

Conduct your life is a way that you reflect the image of Christ

4. Fret not- Don’t worry about “things”

Be anxious for nothing. Human nature is concern about human comforts

That “problem” you face? Let go and let God have it. “Fear not”

5. Pray that God will supply all your needs

Bring your request to God and trust Him to supply your needs

Ask anything in my name. He knows what is best.

6. Keep your mind and thoughts pure

The thermometer that guides your conduct in whatever you do.

“Let this mind be in you that is also in Christ Jesus”- 

7. Apply God’s Word to your life- Doer of the Word

Read the Word of God not only for inspiration, but for practical living

Let the Holy Spirit apply the truth to your heart, and follow.

8. Be content with your station in life

Understand, Life is a rollercoaster- Be prepared to make adjustments

If you are living in the will of God, be at peace with your situation

Happiness is an attitude. Attitude is a choice. 

Don’t let circumstances dictate your happiness

Contentment is gained when we put our trust in Christ to accept our circumstances

9. Don’t be a pessimist – Approach challenges in your life with confidence.  “I CAN”

Godly attitude will focus on what you Can do, and not “I Can’t”

God does use your strengths, but only when then are submitted to Him

In our weakness, He is made strong. Give Him glory.

10. Give liberally to the cause of Christ.

God does not need your money. He is the giver of all things

God has chosen through the sacrifice of giving to spread the Gospel

We miss a blessing from God, when we fail to help others or support those who are willing to give of their time to spread the gospel.

God’s Promises

1. He will supply all our needs
2. The Peace of God will be given to you
3. God Peace will be with you
4. He will keep your heart and mind
5. He will give us the strength to do His will- we can overcome any obstacle or adversity.
6. The grace of God will be with you. The favor of God. He will always be at your disposal when you need Him the most.