CONTENTMENT

CHOICES THAT PLEASE GOD

2 CORINTHIANS 11:24-27; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-13

¿Have you ever wondered why life seems to be so hard and tough? Everybody goes through hard times, but some of them do not lose contentment. Paul, the apostle shares this about his life. (2 Corinthians 11:24-27):

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move.

I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.

I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

“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 all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

How can a person have contentment in such hard circumstances? He had way too much to complain and feel resentful about. What was the origin of his peace and contentment? Paul explains us that we can also have that kind of peace and contentment in the middle of the turmoil…

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Now that another year has started, let’s not forget Paul’s experiences and advice whenever we feel we need to change our attitude to face a terrible day. You are not alone and you can overcome everything on your way!

YES, WE CAN!

The current world population of 6 billion is predicted to increase by 50% to 9 billion by 2050.This means a lot of things to our world in the future. We are certain that a breed of curious, intelligent and industrious generation is coming. This is a breed of individuals whom the bible talks about when it says ‘In the last days I will pour my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young man will see visions, your old man will dream dreams’ [Acts 2 vs 17 NIV].

Our world will have young people, controlling and giving direction to very complex political mandates. Young woman will be in the lab, designing some of the fineness gadget known to mankind. Young men will be giving nation’s solidarity and vision through amazing ability never known before. Our old man will be solving riddles of life and shedding wisdom where the going gets tough!

The same goes on the opposite direction, as many people inhabit earth, competition will escalate, corruption will be evident in many parts of the world. People who live below the poverty datum line are likely to increase. Souls will be devastated! During this hard times, when the gap between ‘the haves’ and ‘have nots’ widens people want to hear some words, specific words. The truth of the matter is that sympathizing with them is not going to be of any value to their well being. These words are so powerful many great figures in human history (including Jesus Christ himself) can attest to the power bestowed upon these words. These are words which were common in American politics in 2008 presidential election race.

Friend, I want to categorically and otherwise make clear my voice that, we are living in a world where everyone wants to hear these words. The situation is so unbalanced that no one is ready to say these words to anyone, because they want to have someone say these words to them! Throughout the world, hearts are aching, hearts are broken into pieces, hope is gone, times are tough, it’s a total anarchy and the power behind these words can give hope and turn the situation around in the twinkling of an eye!

People don’t need to be given money or any form of hand outs to move from their frustrations. The current US President, Mr Obama knows these words. These 3 words stimulated American politics in what marked history in the US presidential race. My friend let’s start where we are, in whatever we do, to tell people these words! Our family, friends, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters are dying to hear you these words from you. Let us become part of a positive history. Tell her, tell him, tell them and tell yourself these 3 words.

YES, WE CAN!
Today’s thought: As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is.