October 11 (B) – Potential Power

The Secret of Being Content: Potential Power Devotion by Shelly Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength. Some may find this statement prideful, but Paul was standing side by side with his best friend, the Prince of Peace and as he looked at the world from this position he spoke with the confidence of one that knew the true peace of walking so closely... Read More

October 11 (A) – Plenty or Want is Fine

The Secret of Being Content: Plenty or Want is Fine Devotion by Shelly Philippians 4: 11-12 Paul says that he practiced these very things and that over time he learned to be content. He practiced in every kind of circumstance until his position of peace with the Prince of Peace became so solid that it didn’t matter what the situation was, he was at peace and that peace guarded... Read More

October 10 (B) – Practice!

The Secret of Being Content: Practice! Devotion by Shelly Philippians 4:9 Yes, being a growing and obedient Christian takes work, it’s not for pansies. Paul says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into Practice.” One must practice the Presence of God, Praying, seeking Protection from a position of God’s... Read More

October 10 (A) – Pointed Thoughts

The Secret of Being Content: Pointed Thoughts Devotion by Shelly Philippians 4:8 So from our protected position of peace with the Prince of Peace we choose to point our thoughts to what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. I don’t know about you, but for me that is a full time job. I find my thoughts have taken off like a fish on a... Read More

October 9 (B) – Protected Position of God's Peace

Devotion by Shelly The Secret of Being Content: Protected Position of God’s Peace Philippians 4:7 And the Peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. When you pray about everything to the One that is always present, His peace guards you. We need a guard because we are in a daily battle to find our way to PEACE to... Read More

October 9 (A) – Prayer with Thanksgiving

Devotion by Shelly The Secret of Being Content: Prayer with Thanksgiving Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Since the moment Adam and Eve left the garden and no longer physically walked with God they called on Him in prayer. It’s talking to the One whose presence is... Read More

October 8 (B) – Presence of God is Real

The following devotion is part of a ten-post series by Shelly. The Secret of Being Content Philippians 4:4-12 Presence of God is real. Verse 4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always.” I’ve always read that with the emphasis on Rejoice and Always. Read it out loud again with the emphasis on “In the Lord” …… I said out loud! 🙂 Why do I... Read More

October 8 (A) – The Secret of Being Content

The following ten posts are from Shelly, a dear friend of the family who watched us grow up. She is the organizer of the 27 in 2011 challenge that I have (sporadically!) updated in the sidebar of the blog. Thank you for these posts, Shelly! The Secret of Being Content Hello Annie! What if I said I had a secret to tell you? It makes a person lean in more closely, doesn’t... Read More

October 7 – Mom's aside

Mom’s aside You know, Annie, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and I know from experience that when a person is walking in the Spirit, that self-control comes so much easier. But also, remember when we were talking earlier about each small decision being important? That’s so true with self-control, and it builds. Each tiny right choice makes the next right choice... Read More

October 6 – Proverbs 25: 28

Proverbs 25: 28 He who has no rule over his own spirit [NIV – lacks self-control] is like a city that is broken down and without walls. The walls give safety from outside influences and dangers. Nothing is safe inside if those walls aren’t sound. That’s what ruling our own spirits does for us. In our enlightened moments (!) when we make our wise (are they do-able?)... Read More