What have you learned this past year? Part 1

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".                       Philippians 4:10-13   NKJV

Paul here, is talking about being content in all he has, no matter what state he is in or wherever he may be at the time. He's just grateful for what God has blessed him with. The secret to contentment is knowing that Jesus Christ is your Saviour and, whatever state you may be in or, wherever you may be, He is right there with you. You may be flat broke, Jesus isn't, not at all, and if you trust in Him He will share some of His riches with you too. If you're hungry, He will also meet that need. It is the same for sickness and the feeling of hopelessness. He doesn't want you sick and He doesn't want you broke either. It all comes down to being content with what you have and where you are right now.

Paul, even though he had been hungry and without food at times, was able to say that he was content. He had been in prison with no hope at all, but his trust was in Jesus, no one else. This was his secret. It's easy to think that he was asking for money here when he wrote this; but that was not so. Of course, he wouldn't have turned down a gift if someone gave it to him. But, he was more interested in teaching to his followers the secret of being content. 

This past year, you may have been in financial problems. You may have suffered a great loss and through all of this, you have made it through. Think back to how you felt at the time. It may have been scary because you had no idea of what to do or how to solve the impossible. But Jesus pulled you through. You may not have fully recovered your predicament yet, but you're on the way. As we saw in yesterday's teaching, the disciples were panicking because they thought the boat was going to sink. But remember, Jesus was there with them and He resolved the situation.

Jesus wants us all to be worry free. We accomplish this by being totally sold out to Jesus. This is the place He wants us to be - a place of peace and contentment and we receive this by putting Him in first place in our lives. You may have done this but, when a crisis has come your way, you may have been like the disciples that day in the boat - totally full of panic. What did Jesus say to them? 'Where is your faith?' And, this is what He is saying to you today.

No matter what the future is saying, think big and think Jesus and be content in the knowledge that, your friend Jesus, is right in there with you.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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