five days with Paul {day two}

Today's Bible verses:

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.

~Philippians 4: 12-16

We're back in the book of Philippians today. 

It might be tempting to think that Paul was perfect, but he wasn't. He had struggles and limitations just like you and me. In today's portion of Scripture, he lets us in on what has sustained him through all of the ups and downs. Paul has learned the key...and, through Paul's letter, God is teaching it to us today. Ready? Here we go...

Contentment through Christ. Paul starts off today's verses by telling his friends that he is content in whatever situation he is placed in...whether he has much or little. He's learned something along the way, and he's putting it into practice. He has learned that, no matter what, he can "do everything through Christ, who gives me strength". 

Strength through Christ. You and I can't make it through this life without Jesus. Period. There is unlimited strength available to us if we but learn to lean completely on Jesus. I know that sometimes in life it's easier to lean on Christ. When things are tough, it's tempting to want to find strength elsewhere. But if we're going to learn anything to put into practice today, it's this. We can make it through whatever we face through Jesus. He will give us strength. 

Giving through Christ. When we are fully trusting Jesus, and our strength (and thus contentment) comes from Him, we can bless others. Paul's friends in Philippi had blessed him richly. They took care of him when no one else did. They were concerned about his welfare, and they ministered to him in an on-going way. They gave what they had, and it made an impact not only on Paul, but on those that Paul ministered to. 

So, today? Let's put this freedom-granting, life-giving lesson into practice. Let's find our contentment in Christ, our Source of strength. And, in return, let's give of ourselves to the cause of Christ. Those talents He's given you? Use them today for Jesus today. The treasures? Yep, those too. The time? We are all busy...but, when we all give the gift of our time, we are all blessed. 

Go for it. Today.

Many blessings,
Deni

{picture taken in the beautiful Fez House in Epcot's Morocco Pavilion.}