Christian Devotional - Contentment

October 26, 2010

Contentment
by Charles R. Swindoll
(Reading - Philippians 4)

Laurence J. Peter and I are close friends. Although I've never laid eyes on him, I've smiled at his comments and nodded at his conclusions . . . amazed at his remarkable insight into my own life and those around me.

The simple answer to the riddle is this: I own a copy of his book The Peter Prescription, and you should too! It's an insignificant looking paperback filled with significant, sound principles. He says it talks about "How to Be Creative, Confident, and Competent," but I think he overlooked a better word: how to be Content.

Isn't it strange that we need a book to help us experience what ought to come naturally? No, not really. . . not when we've been programmed to compete, achieve, increase, fight, and worry our way up the so-called ladder of success (which few can even define).

Face it. You and I are afraid that if we open the door of contentment, two uninvited guests will rush in: loss of prestige and laziness. We really believe that "getting to the top" is worth any sacrifice. To proud Americans, contentment is something to be enjoyed between birth and kindergarten . . . retirement and the rest home . . . or (and this will hurt) among those who have no ambition.

Stop and think. A young man with keen mechanical skills is often counseled against being contented to "settle" for a trade right out of high school. A teacher who is competent, contented, and fulfilled in the classroom is frowned upon if she turns down an offer to become a principal. The owner of Super-Duper Hamburgers on the corner has a packed-out joint every day, but chances are selfish ambition won't let him rest until he opens ten other joints and gets rich---leaving contentment behind.

Now, listen to Jesus: "Be content with your wages" (Luke 3:14). Hear Paul: "I am well content with weaknesses," and, "If we have food and covering . . . be content!" (2 Cor. 12:10; 1 Tim. 6:8). And hear another apostle: "Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have" (Heb. 13:5).

I warn you: This isn't easy to implement. You'll be outnumbered and outvoted. You'll have to fight the urge to conform. Even the greatest of all the apostles admitted, "I have learned to be content" (Phil. 4:11). It's a learning process . . . and it isn't very enjoyable marching out of step until you are convinced you're listening to the right drummer.

When you're fully convinced, however, you'll be free, indeed!

"Striving to better, oft we mar what's well" (William Shakespeare).

Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

Psalm 37 - Just seemed right

I just needed to post this one, because it seemed so right - to help me keep focus & to help keep my business thoughts on the right path...

Psalm 37

Of David.

1 Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy great peace.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;

13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.

15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;

17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD,
and their inheritance will endure forever.

19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish:
The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields,
they will vanish—vanish like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;

22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be cut off.

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way,
he makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.

27 Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.

28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29 the righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.

31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
seeking their very lives;

33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Wait for the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
there is a future for the man of peace.

38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
the future of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

October 11, 2010

Simplify!
by Charles R. Swindoll

John 17

High-tech times lead to high-stress tension. The never-ending drive for more, mixed with the popular tendency to increase production and intensify involvement, leaves most folks in the workplace not only exhausted but dissatisfied.

Instead of Saturday being a change-of-pace day, it has become an opportunity to squeeze in a second job. And Sundays? A time for renewal and refreshment? You're smiling. No, it's the day most type-A high achievers start another to-do list in preparation for the new week.

Every time I officiate at a funeral, I'm reminded of the things that really matter . . . things that last. Stuff that seemed so all-fired important yesterday loses its steam when you stand on a windswept hill surrounded by weather-beaten grave markers.

At that moment, something within you cries: Simplify!

Jesus mastered the art of maintaining a clear perspective while accomplishing every single one of His objectives. Though we never read of His hurrying anywhere, He managed to fulfill the complete agenda. Just before the agony of the Cross, He told the Father that He had "accomplished the work which You have given Me to do" (John 17:4). And only seconds before He drew His last breath, He made that epochal statement, "It is finished" (19:30). Nothing essential was left undone.

I believe that a major reason for His being able to say those things was that He simplified His life. Jesus followed His own agenda instead of everyone else's. He set predetermined limits: He chose twelve (not twelve hundred) whom He trained to carry on in His absence. He maintained His priorities without apology. He balanced work and rest, accomplishment and refreshment, never feeling the need to ask permission for spending time in quietness and solitude. He refused to get sidetracked by tempting opportunities that would drain energy and time. He was a servant of His Father, not a slave of the people.

He was firm yet kind and gentle, quick to hear and slow to speak. The complexities that tie us into knots never complicated His life or cramped His style.

What's happened to us? When did we buy into all this hectic hassle that steals so much of the joy of just plain living? Who convinced us to feel guilty for taking time to balance work with play? Get off the treadmill and reorder your life. Go back three spaces and clean out the clutter that led to all this nonsense of busyness. Simplify!

How much longer will we keep adding nonessentials to our agenda? Simplify!



Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

Gumption

Gumption
by Charles R. Swindoll

We don't hear much about gumption anymore. Too bad, since we need it more than ever these days. I was raised on gumption (my parents also called it "spizzerinctum")---as were my own children, especially when I was trying to motivate them.

Can't you just see it as a whole new academic field---"Gumptionology 101"---in some college catalog? That will never happen, however, since gumption is better caught than taught.

Most folks get a little gumption in their initial birth packet, but it's a tool that rusts rather quickly. Here are some pointers that will help you keep it well oiled:

Gumption begins with a firm commitment. Daniel "made up his mind" long before he was dumped in a Babylonian boot camp (Dan. 1:8). Joshua didn't hesitate to declare his commitment in his famous "as for me and my house" speech (Josh. 24:15). You want gumption to continue to the end? Start strong!

Gumption means being disciplined one day at a time. Rather than focusing on the whole enchilada, take it in bite-sized chunks. The whole of any objective can overwhelm even the most courageous.

Gumption requires being alert to subtle temptations. Gumption plans ahead, watching out for associations that weaken us (Prov. 13:20), procrastination that steals from us (24:30-34), and rationalizations that lie to us (23:4; 25:28). People who achieve their goals stay alert.

Gumption requires the encouragement of accountability. At David's low-water mark, his friend Jonathan stepped in. When Elijah was ready to cash in everything, along came Elisha. With Paul it was Timothy . . . or Silas or Barnabas or Dr. Luke. People need people, which is why Solomon came on so strong about iron sharpening iron (Prov. 27:17).

Gumption comes easier when we remember that finishing has its own unique rewards. Jesus told the Father He had "accomplished" His assignment (John 17:4). On more than one occasion, Paul referred to "finishing the course" (Acts 20:24; 2 Tim. 4:7). Desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.

If the journey seems extra long today, enjoy a gust of wind at your back from these words out of The Living Bible. It's one of those spizzerinctum Scriptures: "Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up" (Gal. 6:9).

Gumption may be hidden, but it always shows.



Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

The Main Thing...

Another great blog entry re-posted from Tony Wood's blog:

One of the troubles with launching a church (and I’m assuming launching anything) may be that at times the process gets so overwhelming you forget what you struck out to launch in the first place.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing is an old term. But, a good old term.

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul says that we can do lots of things, and in fact, many of these are great things. Feeding the poor, preaching great sermons, writing a few books, going to school, writing songs, making (and even giving) some money, putting on stellar events, and being a downright jolly-good human being.

But, he says if we forget love, we didn’t do much at all.

So, in your effort today, keep the Main Thing the Main Thing. And be sure that your Main Thing is love. A heart that views others as God views them and hands that hold others as only you may be able.

About Tony:
Tony has been part of the Crossroads Church team in Corona CA for 3 years and is the founder of Generate, a next-generational gathering that weekly attracts over 2000 students and young adults. Tony (and wife Bre) decided in early 2010 it was time to write a new story of hope and carry their passion to an ever expanding portion of Southern CA as the Teaching Pastor of the new Moment Church of Orange County, coming Spring 2011.

Check Him Out:
Facebook
Church Website
Tony's Blog

Great night at step study... City of Humble.

Great discussions on Victory and Amends tonight. One of tonight's verses really struck a chord with me:

"But he gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings.. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble, but sets himself against the proud and haughty. So give yourselves humbly to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7 TLB)

We discussed humility and what it means to be humble... and it was a tough one to solidly define.

Of course the dictionary defines humility as "a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride;"... but how do you define humble? Again, the web dictionary defines humble as "a modest man of the people"... but that still is vague.

After confused looks, textbook answers and jumbled words, we discussed it, and in the context of Christianity, and our goals to live a selfless life; 'humility' - the disposition of being humble, can be summed up as (in my summation, that is):

1. Life is not about me.
2. Live a selfless life.
3. Live a life without judging.

Gonna try...every day, to live this way.

Humble... funny how God reminds us in many ways to live this way (take for example these hard times)... and funny how most of the time we don't listen.

Maybe one day listening to Him will be easier for me.

Stuff They Don't Tell You #2 (thanks Tony)

(BY TONY WOOD) original post on tonywood.tv

http://tonywood.tv/uncategorized/stuff-they-dont-tell-you-2/

A few more things they don’t tell you in “launch-school” about starting a new organization, church, initiative, or ministry. If you have more please share them to encourage us all!

1. There is no perfect decision. Prayer is important, wise counsel is mandatory, and patience is key but end of the day you’ll trek more ground by 100 revised imperfect decisions then nailing the perfect big daddy. So get incremental and advance the ball! The world of “new” has plenty of creatives but needs more creators. My discipline of late is learning how to limit my reactive work, (i.e. emails, facebook, Twitter, THIS BLOG) where I feel busy but didn’t produce one darn thing, and focus on proactive work where I move something or inspire someone.

2. Everything rises and falls on KIND leadership. Sorry to change this age old Maxwellism but dictatorial leadership is out and relationship is in. People no longer slave long hours out of fear or money but will follow someone anywhere for cause. Learn to be kind. I’m trying to truly talk and care more for flight attendants, call centers, front desks, assistants, grocery checkers, etc. Kindness is king so bind it around your neck!

3. Poo Poo on Popular. If you’re launching something new to be popular you got a train wreck coming! When critics come, learn to find the truth behind criticism, while also learning to ignore the assault that’s out front of it. I think it’s funny that even the most popular U.S. president’s had half the country despise them. Comes with the territory, be prepared.

4. Look for lasers. There’s an often used analogy that shares how light dispersed (like the sun) can be useful but not powerful compared to light focused (like a laser) which can cut steel. New things are certain to attract some bright lights, big talent, motivated promises, and influential people but be careful and be sure to invest mostly in the lasers. Those who show up daily are focused, available, giving, and ready to do their job. Bright lights rarely cut long term impact.

5. Don’t quit. One of my favorite leaders (as you may be able to tell) is Perry Noble and he always says that around every corner you’ll find a reason to quit. Don’t! Might as well quit because I’m broke. Don’t! Might as well quit because I’m tired. Don’t! Might as well quit because my board is upset. Don’t! If you’re doing this for God it’s not about you and YOU can’t quit HIS vision!

Stuff They Don't Tell You

Here are a few things no one tells you when you launch something that you believe is valuable, important, and critical to the welfare of the human soul. This could be a church, initiative, small business, or organization…

Just be aware.

1. Your own soul will be attacked daily. There isn’t one day that the demons of pride, jealousy, lust, defeat, or pity don’t creep their very unsterile head into the dark cabin of your heart.

2. Many close to you won’t necessarily stay close. When you start something new, by definition, you step on the toes of what was old. Most people are comfortable in the old (just try on new socks or undies) and don’t like what you’ve made them wear.

3. Those far from you come close. Around every corner is a new friend, ally, teammate, and mind. If you share vision and share it passionately you’ll find dozens of new best friends.

4. God feels more real. The truth is that God is way real. In fact, more real than you or I. However, when we’re comfortable He’s easy to forget. There’s no question that His proximty seems ever more dear when launching something daring and formidable.

5. You have to ask a lot. There isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not asking for something (money, people, ideas, or encouragement). I’ve never had to do this, didn’t like it, and now am growing to accept and appreciate it a little. If you can’t ask for things forget getting things.

6. Your family fans the flame. I’ve never loved and needed Bre more. I’ve never loved and cherished my kids more. When you have nothing but future you’ll learn to stop more and appreciate the now.

7. Failure isn’t an option. When there is nothing you have nothing to lose. When you leave it all, risk it all, and jump out of the plane you get to wake each day expecting a fun view of the clouds because if it doesn’t work there’s only one big splat! Sounds morbid but end of the day it’s exciting, fresh, and enlightening.

8. Sacrifice isn’t new. Ask Jesus, Paul, the disciples, or 200 million martyred christians throughout time. Homelessness, poverty, persecution, and suffering is part of the game. Start living the uncomfortable life and thank Jesus everyday that you get to.

From Tony Wood's blog...

http://tonywood.tv/uncategorized/stuff-they-dont-tell-you/

THINK before you speak...

another gem from the Central Christian Church service this weekend...

THINK before you speak.

T: is it True?

H: is it Helpful?

I: is it Inspirational?

N: is it Necessary?

K: is it Kind?

http://www.centralchristian.com/home.asp

...anyway

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
(Forgive them anyway.)

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
(Be kind anyway.)

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. (Succeed anyway.)

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
(Be honest and sincere anyway.)

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
(Create anyway.)

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
(Be happy anyway.)

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
(Do good anyway.)

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
(Give your best anyway.)

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
(It was never between you and them anyway.)

-Mother Teresa

The Oak Tree...

A neat tidbit I read in "Boundaries With Kids - How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children":

"You are like an oak tree that the child runs her head into over and over again, until she realizes that the tree is stronger than she is, an she walks around it next time."

and this is prefaced by the words: "No amount of nagging or lecturing would have ever accomplished this result." How true.

This passage was describing how as parents, we need to actually fulfill our words of established boundaries, by enforcing them. It may hurt a bit when our kids hit those boundaries, but eventually they'll learn that hitting those boundaries have consequences. And if they don't like the consequence, then they need to change course.

How easy it seems (in words), but it actually can work. With patience, of course.

Great book by Cloud & Townsend - glad I'm finally reading it! (Thanks, Lisa)
:-)

Another Repost from Tony's Blog...

Each second trillions of ideas explode in brains across the planet. 99.9% of these ideas are never acted on, never worked towards, never realized.

I should have called her. He married her.

I wanted to invent that. He’s rich.

I should have saved her. She’s gone.

I hate death. He cured the disease.

I love the mixture. Peanut Butter & Jelly.

The difference between the 99.9% and the .1% is execution. There is plenty of inspiration in our world but who will go out and be diligent to see that inspiration become a reality?

(ORIGINAL POST)

Give thanks...

Words to live by - revisiting Paul, giving thanks to the Philippians...

¹⁰ How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. ¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² 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. ¹³ For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ¹⁴ Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Proverbs 3 (NLT)

Proverbs 3 (New Living Translation)

Trusting in the Lord

¹ My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
² If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
³ Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
⁴ Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

⁷ Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
⁸ Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
¹⁰ Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.

¹¹ My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
¹² For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

¹³ Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
¹⁴ For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
¹⁵ Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
¹⁷ She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
¹⁸ Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.

¹⁹ By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
²⁰ By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

²¹ My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
²² for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
²³ They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
²⁴ You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
²⁵ You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
²⁶ for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

²⁷ Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
²⁸ If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

²⁹ Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
³⁰ Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.

³¹ Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
³² Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.

³³ The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.

³⁴ The Lord mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.

³⁵ The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!

Original Post on Tony Wood's Blog: HERE

Awesome picture!

Some people run away from lions and bears. Others choose to go wrestle with them. Like David, these are great and courageous people who protect their families, jobs, and dreams (1 Samuel 17).

But, not many people choose to walk towards a giant.

Walking towards a giant takes lots of courage and a little insanity. Ignoring armor and bending over to pick up pebbles is a whole lot more insanity. Not only do people question your motives, they laugh behind your back, and take bets on the odds that stand against you.

Are you content today, tackling a few lions, or going after your giant?

“You come at me with sword and spear but I come in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel whom you have defiled…”

Go After Your Giant