Thursday, Mar 20, 2008

March 20, 2008

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March 20, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 16; Ezekiel 20:1-26; Hebrews 11:1-19

Today is March 20, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day.

Yesterday I kept myself busy working on Easter again. It’s just not happening as fast as I’d like. It is a slow process working on such a huge power point project, but it is looking good. Bill stopped in to rake pine needles. He made a nice path of them down to the fire pit for Sunrise Service. I put a picture of him at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Don & Jayn stopped in to talk about Sunrise Service. Jayn is doing such a great job preparing the fire pit area for our service. They want everyone to make sure that they are dressed warmly for the service. And they brought me food! Now those are some great people! If you have food, please stop in to visit me! I spoke to Vicki about balloons for the balloon release and stopped over to visit with Evie. John stopped it to talk about EE. He asked me to teach it tonight, so that’s where I’ll head this evening. He has to fly. After work I ran home to eat dinner and then it was off to Bill & Helen’s for Bible Study. I called Doris at the Hospital and she is off the respirator and breathing on her own, but still is fighting off her infection.

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.

Yesterday we talked about contentment. The mystery of contentment solved is, “I can do it through Christ, who gives me strength.” Paul says, “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who gives me strength!” There are some situations that we struggle with, to such a degree that we despair of making it. “I don’t think I can take it anymore!” some people say. There is too much pain, too much pressure, too much ____________. Let me out! So, sometimes we quit a job, give up on a marriage, dump a “friend,” or do whatever is necessary to alleviate the pressure because we can’t handle it. We are filled with discontentment, anxiety, frustration and a hundred other feelings. We don’t like the situation we are in and we want God to change it for us. God will eventually change our situation, but what he really wants to change is US! We are the key to contentment. There are millions of difficult situations that will confront us in life, and the question we need to ask is, do I want to the strength to face the mountain, or do I want to live in fear that the mountain will crush me. That is our choice. We can carry the burden and grow stronger, or we can allow it to grind us to dust. No matter how difficult the task, or how painful the situation, or how tired we are, or how frustrating people can become, we need to cling to the promise “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ.” You can be content whether well fed or hungry. But to get their, it must be “through Christ.” Rely on Him, rest in Him, rejoice in Him! That’s the secret! More on that tomorrow.

Dear Father. Sometimes I face situations and people that destroy my contentment. I’m off my game and need your help. All too often I just want to run away and hide so that I don’t have to face the anxiety and pain. I know that difficulty makes me stronger, but the process leaves me aching and hurting. Help me. When I think I’m going under, I will trust in you and rely on your strength. I choose to face the mountain, rather than run. Meet me here, I pray.

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