Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Philippians 4

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at Philippians 4 and how Paul's God-divined words help us battle unbelief which we are likely to experience when we focus on love of money or other earthly matters that are not eternal.  Looking specifically at verses 11-12, Piper kicks off today's devotion by sharing that "God’s provision of day-by-day future grace enables Paul to be filled or to be hungry, to prosper or suffer, to have abundance or go wanting."  He then points to verse 13 where Paul describes how "[he] can do all things through him who strengthens [him]."  Piper writes that when Paul says that he can do all things - this includes not just easy things, but difficult ones also.  He then points to verse 19 and describes the promise made there as "stunning" as he shares how Paul claims that "God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  This is emphasized as the power of future grace - that faith in God's promises enables future grace as the power behind both good times and challenging ones. As a corollary, Piper then points us to Hebrews 13:5 where the author encourages us to avoid the love of money - as such covetousness is emblematic of unbelief.  Seek God, understand and appreciate how much God loves us, and how as Hebrews 13:5 also says how God will never leave or forsake us - also an incredible promise - which will also press us into God knowing that He is faithful.

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My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are SO good as You DO supply for every need - in all times good and bad!  Thank You Jesus - I also know You will never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings and love.  My sin is great and it continues...please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days. The Philistine commanders continued to go out to battle, and as often as they did, David met with more success than the rest of Saul’s officers, and his name became well known.

1 Samuel 18

When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days. The Philistine commanders continued to go out to battle, and as often as they did, David met with more success than the rest of Saul’s officers, and his name became well known. v28-30

Envy and jealousy are powerful forces - driven by selfishness, greed, etc.  I have often felt these forces myself - particularly around other believers because I see them in positions in ministry that I covet for myself or I covet other people's faith (or my perception of it), etc.  Over time, God however has worked on this I while these forces are still at work within my, I do believe that God has helped me recognize that there is no competition and that if work on my relationship with God, He will bless me - and HOW God blesses me is up to Him.

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:1-3

 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has worked miracles in my heart and life - thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.