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 his heart and mind in the daily battle of his life. Ah, now that... 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 peace and pointing the thoughts to truth. It does not come naturally... 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 baited hook over and over in a day and I must reel it in and then replace... 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 the Prince of Peace and to operate from the position of unity/harmony... 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 real. Talk, ask, listen, cry, yell, be still, laugh with your Friend... 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 and can I rejoice always? Because I am IN the Lord. All the events are... 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 it? Paul said he had learned a secret…… the secret of being... 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 easier. Each choice (good OR bad) makes a groove, and two of the... 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?) plans — “No more pop.” “I’m going... Read More
October 5 – John 14: 21; 15: 9; 16: 27; 17: 23, 26
No comments today. I just want you to hear Jesus’ words. Find time if you can to read the whole verses. John 14: 21; 15: 9; 16: 27; 17: 23, 26 Amp …whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him… I have loved you [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love. For the Father Himself tenderly loves you, because you have loved Me… (to His... Read More
Recent Comments