Daily Bread 4-26-17

Philippians 4:11-13

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: everywhere 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 who strengtheneth me.

ref - 1 Ti 6:6 - But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Cor 4:11 - Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place;

John 15:5 - I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bright forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.

Paul had gone through a lot of things. He had been a great leader, he had also been cast into prison. He had been honored and he had been stoned. What Paul was trying to reach out to the Philippians and say was this; We have to find a way to be content in any situation. Whether bad or good, rich or poor, sick or healthy, we have to find a way to be content. Now, worldly people will say foolish things like, "Just make up your mind and be happy in all things. You can do it! Today is the day that we turn this all around and find contentment in any situation!" They offer worldly things such as drugs, alcohol, worldly pleasures and comforts, but all in all they only offer things that are temporary. In Paul's circumstance and in his example we learn that the only way to find contentment in any situation is through Jesus Christ. We also are taught and must know that through prayer and faith this inner strength will come. It is easy to get angry with God when things don't go the way the world thinks they should, it is also easy to forget about God when we are on the mountain. But in all things, giving thanks to the Lord and worshipping him in any situation is the way that we need to go. Some, today, are in a position where they say, I can't bring myself to be content. I am hurting, I am lonely, I am poor, I am sick...........These people are correct and so are you if you feel this way. Not one, no, not one person can do it on their own. If it took Jesus Christ to do it for the Apostle Paul, it will also take Jesus Christ to do it for us! So, let us work towards our heavenly calling today and every day, striving to reach a level of godliness where we praise him in whatever situation we are in and in whatever state we find ourselves in. Let us seek to sanctify our lives through the word of God, praying in the Spirit to be obedient to his will, and let God turn us int these peculiar people that are zealous of good works like Paul spoke about. We can achieve contentment in anything, but only through Christ who gives us strength! He is the vine!! We are the branches!! And together we can bring forth fruit!! Without him we can do nothing!! Have a great day!!!