Morning Moments

There is a disease in our world – it is the disease of discontentment.  It is a disease that has existed since the beginning of time.  For all of history, man has tried to cure the disease with excesses – money, drugs, power, possessions.  These are merely placebos that only cover the symptoms and sometimes give a degree of short-term satisfaction.  Sadly, rather than cure the disease, these things actually feed the beast and make it grow stronger.  By its very definition, discontentment can never be satisfied.

Discontentment is the enemy of joy.

In our final lesson of “Choose Joy” we going to learn that there is a cure to our discontentment and with that knowledge we will gain the power to live the victorious life Christ intends for us.  Paul writes “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11b).  In Principle 5 we’re going to look at some steps that can help us to get where Paul is, if we choose to take them; if we do indeed “Choose Joy”.

It is my prayer that you have gained from this study.  I pray that as you have studied the words of Paul to the Philippians, you have a greater understanding of the love of Christ, that He wants more for you; He wants you to enjoy an abundant life.  Remember Jesus’ words?

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”. (John 10:10)

Don’t be fooled, that’s not an if you type AMEN, LIKE this and click SHARE in 10 minutes you will get rich, have all your problems solved” kind of promise.  (It is so far beyond that I hesitate to make any comparison at all!)  This is a promise that comes with no strings attached and it is a promise that you can count on.

I hope you have enjoyed this study.  If you missed a lesson or would like to share the study with someone, it will continue to be available on the site for a while. (You can access the printable by clicking on the Bible Study Opportunities tab).

Thanks for coming,

Sandra

P.S. Encourage others by sharing here your experiences in “Choosing Joy”

Click here to “CHOOSE JOY”  Principal 5 – A Contented Spirit

There is someone who needs encouraging.  Someone who feels unworthy.  Someone who feels defeated.  Someone who feels they have failed – at work, in their family, with God.  Is that someone is you?

A favorite life verse for many is Jeremiah 29:11 in which God makes a promise to His people who are being held in captivity.  It is a wonderful promise.  If you’ve never noticed though, the promise is preceded in verses 8 and 9 by an important warning – a warning against discouragement.

So often, in spite of knowing better, you measure your life by the successes of others. To your way of thinking, your own accomplishments seem petty and insignificant. Write this down, make it bold, underline it:  That’s a lie!  Such a thought pattern is the work of the enemy.  You see, if Satan can convince you that what you do is unimportant, that even your best efforts fall short, he knows you will eventually become discouraged, give up and do nothing at all.  Satan is a messenger of defeat.  Satan is a liar!

God has a different message for you.  It is a message of truth.  It is a message of encouragement, a message of hope.  The Bible says that creation itself testifies to the glory of God.  Creation:  that includes you and me. (See Psalm 103).  You are created for God’s glory!  How awesome is that?  1 Samuel 2:30 says –  but now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor.  Think about that, the LORD God – Yahweh honors those who honor Him.  God gives us honor so that we, in turn might honor Him.  Who is man to discredit or dismiss that which GOD honors?

I hope you will begin this week’s lesson – “A Sense of Purpose”, with prayer for protection.  Ask God to protect your mind from the lies of the enemy.  Ask Him to keep you reminded of His truths – that He created you for His glory!  He honors you!  He always delivers on His promises.

Thanks for coming,

Sandra

P.S. You can encourage others by sharing here your experiences in “Choosing Joy”

Click here to “CHOOSE JOY”  Principal 4 – A Sense of Purpose