February 21, 2021
Philippians 4:11, "I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content."
This verse shows that it’s not natural for us to be content. Instead, our default disposition is more inclined to worry, complain and be unsettled. This can be very distracting and destructive to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. I used to worry that I was worrying too much. And I’ve also worried that I wasn’t worrying enough. Sounds funny but it’s true, and it feeds on itself and creates doubt and the slow death of a thousand concerns, and 7 ulcers. No one needs to teach us how to stress out.
But thankfully there is a cure, and it begins with putting your trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And then slowly and surely, day by day, learning to lean into the loving arms of the Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
As a Christian, God imparts His nature in us and the ability to overcome all that would keep Him from conforming us into His image. When we catch ourselves stressing out and complaining we need to remind ourselves, “This is not who I am anymore. God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead of worrying, I’ll cast my cares upon Him because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). I’ll praise Him for my situation and trust and obey.”
Just like Paul, it’s going to take a lot of painful life lessons to get us to the place of maturity and contentment that God wants for us. There are no shortcuts in the process of being content without learning, or to learn without discipline. It’s not a power that may be exercised naturally, but a new character trait to be acquired gradually. If there was a better way, then God would have told us.
Amen
Your brother in Christ,
- Sean
This verse shows that it’s not natural for us to be content. Instead, our default disposition is more inclined to worry, complain and be unsettled. This can be very distracting and destructive to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. I used to worry that I was worrying too much. And I’ve also worried that I wasn’t worrying enough. Sounds funny but it’s true, and it feeds on itself and creates doubt and the slow death of a thousand concerns, and 7 ulcers. No one needs to teach us how to stress out.
But thankfully there is a cure, and it begins with putting your trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And then slowly and surely, day by day, learning to lean into the loving arms of the Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
As a Christian, God imparts His nature in us and the ability to overcome all that would keep Him from conforming us into His image. When we catch ourselves stressing out and complaining we need to remind ourselves, “This is not who I am anymore. God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead of worrying, I’ll cast my cares upon Him because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). I’ll praise Him for my situation and trust and obey.”
Just like Paul, it’s going to take a lot of painful life lessons to get us to the place of maturity and contentment that God wants for us. There are no shortcuts in the process of being content without learning, or to learn without discipline. It’s not a power that may be exercised naturally, but a new character trait to be acquired gradually. If there was a better way, then God would have told us.
Amen
Your brother in Christ,
- Sean
TODAY'S PRAYER REQUESTS:
Juliet - Please continue to pray for our dear sister who will be having surgery on Tuesday, February 23. The surgery is scheduled to be 8-10 hours long; portions of the bone of her spine need to be removed in order to take out a portion of her tumor and immediately test if for cancer. The removal of the mass depends on if it is entangled in her nerves or not; there is a risk of paralyzation. After this procedure they will reconstruct her spine. After her results, she will then know what the next steps will be.
Baby NORAH RAE – (UPDATE) We are rejoicing!!! Norah Rae is home now !!! Please continue to pray for Mommy, Daddy, and baby Norah Rae. Ultimately we are trusting in our LORD’s perfect plan! Overwhelmed with the goodness of our LORD!!!!!!! Keep on praying prayer warriors!!! Thank you !!! (submitted 2/20)
PLEASE keep a young man (age 48) in prayer; was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer-stage 4, which has metastasized to his lungs, spine and liver. His mother is a devoted Christian and has asked for prayer. Please pray for the entire situation and for this young man’s salvation; that the whole family will be completely united and will get along through this very trying time. Thank you. (submitted 2/19)
Juliet - Please continue to pray for our dear sister who will be having surgery on Tuesday, February 23. The surgery is scheduled to be 8-10 hours long; portions of the bone of her spine need to be removed in order to take out a portion of her tumor and immediately test if for cancer. The removal of the mass depends on if it is entangled in her nerves or not; there is a risk of paralyzation. After this procedure they will reconstruct her spine. After her results, she will then know what the next steps will be.
Baby NORAH RAE – (UPDATE) We are rejoicing!!! Norah Rae is home now !!! Please continue to pray for Mommy, Daddy, and baby Norah Rae. Ultimately we are trusting in our LORD’s perfect plan! Overwhelmed with the goodness of our LORD!!!!!!! Keep on praying prayer warriors!!! Thank you !!! (submitted 2/20)
PLEASE keep a young man (age 48) in prayer; was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer-stage 4, which has metastasized to his lungs, spine and liver. His mother is a devoted Christian and has asked for prayer. Please pray for the entire situation and for this young man’s salvation; that the whole family will be completely united and will get along through this very trying time. Thank you. (submitted 2/19)
Today at Calvary Chapel El Monte
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Sunday Service - 9AM
Sunday Service - 11AM
We will be studying Revelation 21 if you would like to read ahead.
Sunday Service - 9AM
Sunday Service - 11AM
We will be studying Revelation 21 if you would like to read ahead.