Contentment

The dictionary defines being content as "desiring no more than what one has; satisfied" and "ready to accept or acquiesce; willing". Both definitions can speak to our attitude - "Am I satisfied with what God has graciously given me (whether emotionally, relationally, materially or spiritually) or do I envy what others have?" and "Am I content, ready and willing to accept the place where I find myself today knowing that God loves me and is in control?"

I am reading a great book, "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl," by Lysa Terkeurst, president of Proverbs 31 ministries. The following insight touched my heart - "Maybe this is the true secret to being fulfilled and content -Living in the moment with God, defined by His truth and with no unrealistic expectations for others or things to fill me up. Not reaching back for what was lost in my yesterdays and not reaching for what I hope will be in my tomorrow, but living fully with what is right in front of me and truly seeing the gift of this moment."

Proverbs 19:23 (ESV) "The fear of the Lord leads to life and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."

Jesus, you came so that I might have life and have it more abundantly! Lord, true contentment rests in You!! Help me each day to look up and not around me to find contentment. Then help me to reach out to those around me with gentleness, kindness and love directing them to you as the Source of contentment!

The Test of Three

How to Handle a Rumor: The Test of Three

In ancient Greece (469-399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It is called the Test of Three."

"Three?"

"That's right." Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it is true or not."

"Now, let's try the second test, the test of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you are not certain that it is true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really..."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

The man went away defeated and ashamed!

Dear Lord - May every thing I say today pass all three tests: Truth, Goodness and Usefulness!!

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Psalms 141:3

God's Handiwork

"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” - Revelation 4:11

I am constantly amazed at the intricacies of nature and how creative God is. From the millions of stars in the heavens to the gossamer strands of a spider's web, His glory and power are seen. With his Word, God spoke everything around us into existence. Yet when He created man, he bent down and "formed" him from the dust of the earth. How lovingly He created humankind! What amazes me most is that He loves me and knows me by name!!

"O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!" - Psalms 8:9

Songs in the Night

Have you ever felt like the night was so long that morning would never come? These past few nights my sleep has been interrupted and I have found myself awake in the very early hours of the morning. During those wakeful hours, I find myself in a constant battle with the Enemy. The Father of lies - the one who seeks whom he may devour. His battleplan: Discouragement, Doubt, Worry, Anxiety and Bitterness. My weapons: God's Word, God's Spirit, Faith, Hope and Love. Sometimes I am so weak and it seems that he is winning, but I am reminded of Exodus 14:14 -"The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace." I don't fight alone. Sometimes I don't fight at all, but the Lord fights for me and the victory will be won. Paul said in Romans 8:35 and 37 -"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us!" The victory has already been won. In this present trial, I can be more than a conqueror because of Jesus who loves me so!!

While lying awake in the darkness and pondering the valley that we walk in, a sound caught my attention. Birds were singing at the top of their lungs outside our window. How can that be I thought - it is not even close to morning yet. There are several hours to go! That is when my Father spoke to my heart and said, "No, but they have learned to sing in the night while looking forward to the promise of morning." Psalm 30:5 says, "For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor a lifetime. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning."

Gracious Father - Teach me to sing in the night. Beautiful things can happen in the night time - Strength is renewed, love is rekindled and rest is given. Thank you that the victory is already won through the sacrifice and love of your Son, Jesus the Christ!! You are my hiding place. To you I will run!!

Today's quote: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain!!!"