Detailed Depth

"'Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.'"

Matthew 10:29-32 

What I love most about God, which is among an endless list of things I love about Him, is that He takes care of every detail when I trust Him with my life.  Even the most infinitesimal detail is in the great hands of God.  Nothing gets by Him.  Nothing He can't handle.

I believe God desires for us to notice how He takes care of every detail of our lives.  I think it gives Him great pleasure when we do because praise immediately follows recognition of His part and presence in the workings of our lives.  I think He wants to show us more of who He is and what He can do and what He wants to do for us.  

When we begin to notice all the ways God cares for us, especially in the ways we don't even ask for Him to, then we will begin to understand the depth of God's love for us and the worth we are to Him.

The Flaw Fight

The flaws I know I have, I so easily recognize in others.  As a teacher, I passionately try to fix those flaws in my students because I know the struggle, the burden, and the beastly side of those flaws.  It's funny how so quickly we want to change someone else that has the same identical flaws that we battle within ourselves to change.  Like the oxygen masks on an airplane, if we don't first help ourselves, we won't be able to help anyone else.  So, how do we do it?

First, identify one flaw.  Notice I said one.  If you try to take on more than one at a time, you will be defeated before you can conquer any of them.  Begin with one.  Focus on one opponent a time.

Second, pray.  Pray daily for God's help to fight the flaw.  Pray for God's strength, for His army, for His guidance to overcome, and for Him to change your heart and your habits.

Third, go against every natural, easy behavior that feeds that flaw.  For instance, if your flaw is messiness, then go against throwing clothes on the floor or leaving dirty dishes on the counter.  Follow through where clothes go or follow through washing the dishes.  Fight that flaw.

Fourth, fill yourself with knowledge.  Read Scripture, self-help books, and do Bible studies that all relate to that one flaw.  The more you know and understand that flaw, the better equipped you'll be to fight it.

Fifth, find support.  Ask friends or family to hold you accountable.  People want to feel useful and helpful, and if you give them an opportunity to aid you in bettering yourself, they will take it.  We all want to feel like we're making a difference.  Don't let the fear of burdening someone to keep you from asking him/her to hold you accountable.  Satan does not want you to be better, and he will lie to get what he wants. 

We all have flaws we would like to fix.  It is possible.  You are not alone, and you do not have to fight alone.  The God of angels' armies is always on your side.

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 

2 Corinthians 10:4

Content with "No"

I believe true contentment is attainable.  True contentment is being able to accept if and when God says, "No."  True contentment is not changing your feelings about God no matter what the outcome.  True contentment is saying, "God, you are Master of the Universe.  I trust and accept whatever answer you give me to my prayer request and to my heart desire."  True contentment is praising God no matter the circumstance.  True contentment allows God to have full control and to know you are just along for the ride.  "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)

Yes, true contentment is attainable.  Are you ready to let go?  Are you ready to let God?  Are you ready to accept in full faith whatever the outcome?  If you said, "Yes!", then get your praise on!  God is going to do mighty wonders in your life.  How sweet is the taste of satisfaction!

 

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content
whatever the circumstances."

Philippians 4:11