Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008

March 19, 2008

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March 19, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 15; Ezekiel 19; Hebrews 10:15-39

Today is March 19, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.

Every day is new and different. Yesterday was like that. It was a day that had lots of folks traipsing in and out of my office. First there was Ed Farr – he came to make certain that our pins were set right for our boundary line adjustment. I went out to help and got soaked in the downpour of rain. Then it was Carl and Cary. We talked about parenting and jobs. Later it was Bill and Helen. They stopped in to make copies for Good News Club. Dave also stopped in with the propane, er I mean helium for Easter Balloons. Dave was thinking about lighting up our balloon release. I have a picture of Dave and bill at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Later in the day, after dinner, I ran to our men’s meeting. Dave had us falling on the floor with laughter at his escapade with a shock collar and one of his dogs. He once had a retriever he was training, and he put the controller in his pocket. He went to the table to get something to eat, and as he leaned over the table, he pressed the controller against it, shocking the dog over and over! At one point the dog even did a back flip. Dave, kind of look over and thought, “Hmm, that’s interesting!” I’m Glad God’s not like Dave!

This week’s theme verse. Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… thanks for sharing, Paul! Now what did you say the secret is??? Let’s try to find out. Contentment is good. Contentment is a state of mind which is characterized by the mind at ease. It is a mind that is strong enough to ward off the invisible attacks of disheartening thoughts and situations that would drag it down into anxiety, frustration or despair. It is a mind at peace. Sounds good. So how do we get this peaceful contentment. With all the worries of life that attack me like invisible arrows to the heart, how can we get this chunk of heaven for ourselves? Paul uses two words to explain how he got this ability. The first word is “learned.” It must be learned. That is good news. That means that even if I don’t have it now, I can get it. The idea of this word is that contentment comes with practice and experience. Sometimes experience is the best teacher. If I stress too much and get myself sick, if I am wise, I will remember not to stress next time, because, like touching a hot stove, I don’t want to get burned again. Experience is important. The second word is “secret.” This word in the Greek language almost translates “mystery.” A mystery is something only the initiated knew. In Christ, “we are the initiated!” We have been given the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven. The mystery of contentment solved is this, “I can do it through Christ, who gives me strength.” Rely on Him, rest in Him, rejoice in Him! That’s the secret!

Dear Jesus, my savior, I cast all my cares on you. I want this secret of contentment. I want my mind to be at ease. Though all the world may be going crazy around me, I want the peace that passes all understanding. I am ready to learn. I realized that in the past I have worried my way through life… that experience has taught me that I need you and your strength. Thanks for the promise. I’m ready to receive it!

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