Category Archives: Contentedness

A Friday Boost!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #41

07 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Advice for the journey, All About Jesus!, Confidence, Contentedness, Contentment, Courage, Encouragement

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A Friday Boost!!! A Word from THE WORD!!!  #41

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

I would like to share a Friday boost for our hearts and minds to end our workweek on a positive note.  No matter how stressed or tired—how many crises arose in our paths—how confused we may feel in our current situations—how many answers we are wrestling with—God still reigns!  He is ever there for us no matter what the world or those around us may say—again, and again, and again!  So, let’s just take a few and look up, walk right, and press on with Jesus today…every day!

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6

And some of my favorite reminders from the Psalms:

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see

if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

“Create in me

a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.”   Psalm 51:10

How does God do this?  Only one way—through Jesus’ blood and righteousness!

“For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:21

Paul said it so beautifully—all because of Jesus, we can be– right with our God—at peace with God—recipients of HIS love and redemption:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also

we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:1-8

So, as we all know, even when it looks like HE is four days late—HE is always right on time.  Look up my friends—remember—We Win all because of JESUS!!!  Take heart for, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”, and HE will still be that “fourth man in the fire” with YOU TODAY!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

A Comfort In The Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #31

24 Wednesday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, Confidence, Contentedness, Contentment, Courage, Encouragement, HOPE

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A Comfort In The Storm???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #31

If you read Monday’s post, I mentioned my friend who was nigh unto death; well, she has gone into the presence of our precious Lord Jesus, and while my tears are still flowing for my loss, my heart rejoices, and the peace of Jesus overwhelms my soul to know that my dear, dear friend is now whole and free from pain and struggles.  So, I’d like to share a bit of scripture to help those of you out there with struggles and sorrow this morning, for it is God’s Word and the truth of it that pervades my life and brings the comfort in sorrow that only God can give.

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them

which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

The Psalms are replete with comforting words that sooth the weary, troubled soul; and I am so grateful that tears aren’t wasted energy, but a language that God understands completely!

“The LORD hath done great things for us;

whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth,

bearing precious seed,

shall doubtless come again

with rejoicing,

bringing his sheaves with him.”  Psalm 126:3-6

“Sing unto the LORD,

O ye saints of his,

and give thanks

at the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his anger endureth but a moment;

in his favour is life:

weeping may endure for a night,

but joy cometh in the morning.”  Psalm 30:4-5

Tears are their own language—there are tears of personal sorrow over a loss to death—tears of regret over sin and failure in our life—tears of loss over the absence of people, places or even things—there are tears of exhaustion, frustration or even fear from the puzzlements of life—yet God sees, hears and knows our heartache and sends HIS comfort if we will but receive it, in Jesus!  Praise His dear name for the comfort and joy that HE brings to our hearts in the midst of our greatest trials, tests, and encounters of life!  How? Because of the gift of salvation that Jesus purchased at Calvary!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died

for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

And while this is a lengthy passage, I felt that we needed to see it in its larger context than just the first five verses; for you see it’s all about Jesus and the peace that HE bought and paid for with His own blood—for you and me—for all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.  Please spend some time reading and pondering this passage phrase by phrase—it’s so amazing, and eye-opening, and brings me great comfort and I think it will you, if you will but take time to let it sink into your heart!  All because of that love of God and the payment for sin that Jesus made, we can come to The Father for salvation, peace, joy and hope for a future with HIM in eternity.  Are you ready?  Do you know HIM?  My friend did, and because of that I know I will be reunited with her (and so many more who have gone on before me) for all of eternity.  How about YOU?

In closing, a reminder that when we hurt too bad to know know to pray, God has that covered with His precious Holy Spirit who intercedes for us in those times (and times we aren’t even aware of!)!

“For we are saved by hope:

but hope that is seen is not hope:

for what a man seeth,

why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not,

then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:24-27

God’s got it!  Just let go of whatever you’re afraid of and rest in the arms of The Redeemer King and Savior, Jesus!

“All things are delivered unto me of my Father:

and no man knoweth the Son,

but the Father;

neither knoweth any man the Father,

save the Son,

and he to whomsoever the Son

will reveal him.

28 Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:27-30

I pray that you will let Jesus turn those tears into a peace and joy that the world will never understand—but it will sure get their attention, and then we may opportunity to share Jesus with them!

Amen and Amen!!!

How Fast Are You Going??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #25

03 Wednesday Aug 2022

Posted by in Apart from ME you can do nothing, Approved Unto God, Contentedness, Contentment, My Grace Is Sufficient, Never Alone

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How Fast Are You Going???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #25

As I just sat down after watering my flowers before the temperatures soar, I can’t help but thank God for HIS amazing grace, mercy, and love towards us. It’s so easy (muchly because Satan is always nudging that jealousy and discontent button when we see our friends and loved ones in cooler places—in less stressful situations than we are in—doing things we’d like to do, but can’t—you fill in the blank) to grovel in discontent when God calls us to exercise the fruit (no ‘s’) of The Spirit not just once a week as a ‘workout’, but moment by moment as we walk through each day; be it in the heat, in the sorrow of loss, in concern over economic issues, or just the demands of ‘LIFE’!  It’s not an easy task, but it is a doable way of life through Jesus!

“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.

9 But they that will be rich

fall into temptation

and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men

in destruction

and perdition.

10 For the love of money

is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God,

flee these things;

and follow after

righteousness,

godliness,

faith,

love,

patience,

meekness.”  1 Timothy 6:6-11

And as Paul put so aptly in many ways and places, I want us to ponder all the things that we speed through rather than taking each moment as God leads, directs, prompts, and directs; determining not to be rushed by the enemy of our souls.

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13

“But my God shall supply

all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:1-5

Also, in my opinion, one of the most neglected passages of Paul’s today; for instead of “name it and claim it”, God responded to Paul’s prayer with “my grace is sufficient”!  Remember, “not my will but thine by done….”!

“And lest I should be exalted above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan

to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted

above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory

in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Is God’s grace sufficient for you and me?  We can find power to be spiritually successful in JESUS’ power and the work of The Holy Spirit producing the “Fruit of The Spirit” working in and through us, as we yield to HIS work, and HIS power in all we do “Moment by Moment”—no matter the circumstances!!!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23

In closing, here’s a great old Hymn that says it way better than I can, I pray that it will encourage you today and point your heart and mind toward Jesus—every moment of every day!  Amen!!!

Moment By Moment by Daniel W. Whittle

1 Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

 

Refrain:
Moment by moment I’m kept in his love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

 

2 Never a trial that he is not there,
Never a burden that he doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that he doth not share,
Moment by moment, I’m under his care. [Refrain]

 

3 Never a weakness that he doth not feel,
Never a sickness that he cannot heal;
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus, my Savior, abides with me still. [Refrain]

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s HIS Time, Not Mine??? A Word from THE WORD!!!

15 Friday Jul 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Assurance IN GOD!, Attitude of Gratitude, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentedness, Doubt and Confusion?, Encouragement, God of all comfort!, God Still Reigns, God Who Sees, God's got you and me!, God's ways are not our ways, HE makes all things beautiful, IN HIS TIME!, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Sovereignty, Stand Fast, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, The Love of God

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It’s HIS Time, Not Mine???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #21

I have another brief word this morning—one that is precious to my life—my heart!  In fact, I have a painting in my home that has this very sentiment, and it is so true, and brings confidence, comfort, and assurance to my heart.  Assurance that GOD IS in control—that GOD IS still GOD—that GOD IS still good—and that I still love and trust HIM, no matter what my eyes may see, my ears may hear, or my heart may momentarily “feel”!  It’s those times when heartache, tears, confusion, and doubt assail our lives that we absolutely must stand—must camp—on what we KNOW to be true about our GOD, NOT what we “feel”!

We live in a culture that runs on ‘feelings’, ‘desires’, and ‘instant’ everything; from orange juice to happiness (so called)!  But to have the joy and confidence that only God can give, and HIS “peace that passeth all understanding” will get us through every issue that confronts us in this life.  Remember, We Win!

“I have seen the travail, which God hath given

to the sons of men

to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful

in his time……”  Ecclesiastes 3:10-11a

Nehemiah’s word of encouragement to the people of Jerusalem when their challenge had been provided by The Lord God Almighty, is the same word that you and I can camp on today.

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD

is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

Amen and Amen!!!

A Timing Chain??? A Word form THE WORD!!! #16

24 Friday Jun 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Consider Your ways, Contentedness, Contentment, Courage, God Is In Charge, God Knows, God Still Reigns, God's Faithfulness, God's got you and me!, Kindness, King Jesus, Praise God Today!, TODAY, Today is the day of Salvation, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth is True, Yesterdays made Todays!

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A Timing Chain???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #16

Most of us who drive cars have probably heard that dreaded phrase, “You need a new ‘timing chain’!”; but I want us to consider a different ‘timing chain’ today—God’s “Timing Chain”!

“But when the fulness of the time was come,

God sent forth his Son,

made of a woman,

made under the law,

5 To redeem them that were under the law,

that we might receive

the adoption of sons.”  Galatians 4:4-5

God, in HIS own time, sent Jesus—I am amazed at the timing– God’s timing—think about it!  The Romans had built roads and travel was more common than ever before, there was a common language of business, Greek—one of the most precise and lovely languages for communicating God’s love and salvation to a lost and dying world.  Israel was in her land, and Jesus’ birth, life, and death were all accomplished “according to the scripture”, for our salvation!  Not one day late—not one day early!  Oh, to learn to rest in God’s timing chain—the timing chain for “my life” and for “your life”, when we will but learn to hear, heed, and WAIT!

“But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up

with wings as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Oh, that we could learn to “wait upon the LORD” in our daily lives!  We are so rushed, consumed with getting somewhere else, getting ahead!  For what?  When will we learn?  Paul told his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, that contentment in God and HIS plan should be our way of life, rather than the hustle and bustle of the world!

“But godliness with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain

we can carry nothing out.”  1 Timothy 6:6-7

Ouch!  This disproves the common adage, “The one who dies with the most toys, wins!”; not so!  Jesus sums it all up for us today—for the toys, and the times are in God’s hand, not ours!  And without Jesus, it doesn’t matter how many ‘toys’ you have—alive or dead!

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man

shall come in the glory of his Father

with his angels;

and then he shall reward every man

according to his works.”  Matthew 16:24-27

What are you doing with your soul?  Will you heed the call of God upon your heart?  If you are already born again, are you living like God’s child?  Are you waiting on HIS timing, or running ahead rather than waiting on God?  I’d like to share a simple testimony this morning—for the awe of it amazes me to my toes!

As some of you already know, due some health issues we moved into an assisted living facility some time ago, so that I could have the help I needed with my husband.  It was a difficult move, but one that we knew God was leading us to; and HE was!  I was really struggling with trying to minister to those there, I was trying to be God’s witness in a very sad place, and it was a lot to carry; and I had no close friend there.  BUT GOD!  God, with HIS “timing chain” brought about events that I truly didn’t understand at the time, but they have become so clear in recent days.  God sent me a friend—a sister in The Lord—one who seemed to come ‘just for me”!  Yet, God had even more!  We became true and fast friends very quickly, and I often told her that she came just for me; to which she’d always reply, no, God sent me there for her!  Needless to say, we enjoyed one another and thanked God often for His sweet care of our heart’s desire for fellowship with one of like-mind!

To make a “long story short” (as they say), my friend declined, and we talked and prayed and knew her time was probably short.  About that time God opened a door for us to be on our own again, and when I told her we would be leaving it was difficult for both of us—yet little did we know that God would change her address as well!  Within a week of each other, she went to be with Jesus, and we moved to our next place of service.  Oh, how grieved I was to lose her—and then it came to me, GOD had it all in HIS amazing hands of love, and HE knew the times, which we didn’t know when we met, and HE had put us together to care each for the other for this brief time—but such a sweet and purposeful time!

How I thank HIM for my friend and the joy that we shared—though often through tears!  How could we know that God’s timing included encouraging two little ‘grandmothers’ who were in need of a friend and one to walk beside each other through the times and circumstances that we were in!

Oh Jesus, praise to YOU in all your care for us, if we will but take the time to see Your hand in all things!  And I thank You JESUS, for my sweet friend, and YOUR loving care to send us each to the other when we had no clue of what would transpire in a relatively short time!  Don’t miss the blessings of God my friends, by spending your time “missing” God’s ‘timing chain’ of events!  HE’s at work if we’ll but ‘stop, look, and listen’!  What blessings are you not recognizing?  Wake up!  God loves you, and He is working on your behalf and mine!  Praise Him, wait on Him, and walk forward!

Don’t miss the blessings of today, by spending all your time running ahead to tomorrow.  Live today—no one is promised tomorrow!  Enjoy the opportunities and blessings that God is sending—don’t miss today’s gifts!  His ‘timing chain’ is at work!

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not

what a day may bring forth.”   Proverbs 27:1

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

Amen and Amen!!!