2009--THE YEAR OF CONTENTMENT

My devotional today focused on discontentment. When is discontentment healthy and when is it unhealthy? God uses discontentment to get me back on track. To move me in a new direction. I'm discontent that I can't give financially to causes I find worthy, so I will take charge of my finances better. I'm discontent that my clothes feel tight, so I will exercise more and eat less.
Discontentment becomes unhealthy when my desire to have "more stuff" becomes the focus of my life. That "stuff" can be material possessions or recognition or whatever makes me feel better about me.
Rick Warren goes on to say that God gives us strength to be content. This is an important spiritual truth to learn because if wealth, good looks, and a star-quality spouse brought us lasting contentment, then Hollywood would be filled with some of the most content and happy people on earth.
The Apostle Paul taught that true contentment must be learned:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want Phillippians 4:12.

the REASON for the SEASON

It has been said "God works in mysterious ways". I've never found that in the Bible. I'm not so sure that He is really mysterious as much as He is just smarter than me. His ways are perfect. His plans do not fail. His purpose is far reaching. I just don't always "get it". I trust with my heart, but my head continues to try to provide answers. That's probably how Mary felt. Confused, scared, totally out of her comfort zone, but knowing in her heart that she needed to trust. She HAD to. There was only One big enough, smart enough, faithful enough to handle her problem. I have often thought that we don't honor Mary enough. Yet, I think that If I sat down to talk with Mary over coffee, she would be quick to point out that she just did what we all should do...Trust, Honor, and Obey the One who came to give us Hope and Life.

CHRISTMAS IS...

PEACE

I'm feeling a little indecisive these days. Perhaps it's because I've been out of my normal routine for the past 2 months. I feel a little unsure of myself. Afraid of doing the wrong thing. Making a decision that I may regret later. Not wanting to take the "next step" ...probably because I'm not sure what THAT is.
Yet, I feel a real peace in my spirit.
Sounds like a contradiction? Perhaps. Maybe not.
I think God is teaching me to depend on Him. I'm used to being very structured. I like things orderly. I like to have schedules and plans and routines. But I've read the Jeremiah verse a million times...ya know the one where God says He knows the plans He has for you, to give you a purpose and a hope.
I believe I have a purpose.
And I do have Hope.
Which brings me to PEACE.