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Wednesday, July 2,
2008
Inside
Out
Philippians 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly,
that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were
also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. (11) Not that I speak in respect of
want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every
where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ
which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
Independent of external circumstances is what the word
content means, someone who doesn’t let outward things dictate the inward,
but rather the inward dictates the outward response and result. Are you a
person that has learned to be content, allowing the peace of God to rule in
your life or are you constantly looking for something in the outward fallen
realm to satisfy or you think can satisfy a spiritual need? Paul learned to
be content, it wasn’t something that just happened over night but it became
a way of life for him, an example each and every believer can learn from.
Paul knew that His strength was in Christ; the inner man working in him is
the same one working in you also so that you can learn to be content with
who you are in Christ, looking more to the inward and less to the outward.
So how do you judge your life? Is it by a job, possessions, houses, cars,
or do you judge things by your inward, growing stronger in the Lord on a daily
basis learning to hear the word of God and trust more in Him? Greater is
the life of God within me than anything or anyone that is still in this
fallen world. So don’t be taken in by the cheap imitations of the enemy,
but rather seek first the kingdom of God and what He is asking of you this
day, then all that is needed will be provided as He promised.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent
not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the
doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing,
but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy,
strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of
corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is
godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (KJV)
What man considers important and what God says is
wholesome is as different as night and day, because while many still chase
after the things of this life thinking it will bring them peace, the
doctrine of Christ clearly enlightens us to the things of the inward man,
the things that are eternal and not temporal. Without a wholesome diet many
become sick and weakly, frail and ready to perish because of a lack of
proper nourishment in the word of God. Temporal things can only provide a
temporary answer while those that seek spiritual things and make it their
priority will find their eternal answer and strength that will allow them
to endure to the end.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great
gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith
content. (KJV)
What do you think of when you think about making great
gain or as some refer, making great strides in their walk? A leap of faith
is another phrase that comes to mind. Some would think starting a church
would impress God or spending days and weeks studying the Bible would cause
one to make great gain in their walk. How about something so simple as
learning to be content, content with the fact that today I have salvation,
today right now my name is written in the Lambs book of life and knowing
that nothing else really matters. Have you forgot how you entered this
world wearing nothing more than a smile, and how you are going to depart
this world with nothing more than you came in with? Yet with all this in
mind, is all the fussing and fighting over worldly things really worth the
time and effort when all the Lord is asking of us is to fight the good
fight of faith? I personally have never seen or heard of a child born with
a U-haul trailer, which holds true for the hearse as well when we leave.
With that in mind have you learned to be content? Have you taken the time
to thank God for the food and raiment He has provided for you today or are
you like the children of Israel already out and about gathering manna for
tomorrow? I will give you a hint; if you wish to be content then the first
food and raiment you will be seeking on a daily basis will involve more of
the spiritual and less of the physical. When one trains themselves in the
things of the Lord they are able to learn to be content with who they are
in Christ and where He has placed them in the body of believers.
Williams New Testament translation for James 4:13-15
13. Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we
are going to such and such a city and stay a year, go into business and
make money," 14. although you do not have the slightest knowledge of
tomorrow. What is the nature of your life?
It is really nothing but a mist which appears for a little while and
then disappears. 15. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord is
willing, we shall live and do this or that."
Have you forgotten how long we are going to be here in
this realm, on this planet as compared to eternity? How about the fact that
we are just passing through this world and should not get so entangled in
the affairs of this life? Next time you spray something into the air think
of your life and how short it really is, and how if it ended right now it
would seem like just a moment. Now for a moment stop and ask yourself
honestly, have I really learned to be content or do I still overlook some
of the simple things in the word of God that would make my walk so much
simpler?
Williams New Testament translation Hebrews 13:5-6
5. You must have a turn of mind that is free from
avarice; you must be content with what you have, for God Himself has said,
"I will never fail you, I will never forsake you." 6. So we can
confidently say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can men do to me?"
Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without
covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said,
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The
Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV)
You know why you no longer fear what man does? Because
you are not looking to the outward to find peace and contentment with God,
but rather looking inwardly, and letting that peace rule. Who really has
the final say in your decisions, God or man? So rather than letting outward situations
and circumstances dictate your walk turn your attention to the inward so
that you won’t be left out of God’s realm and plan of salvation He has for
you.
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