Philippians 4:4-13 New International Version (NIV)
Final Exhortations
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
THANKS FOR THEIR GIFTS
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
WHAT DID I LEARN ~
Through all situations of life, we can learn from it. We can grow into a better person and allow God to move in new ways in us, plus through us. Things don't stay the same and we might find ourselves a little lost with a new normal of life. Verse 11 above talks about learning to be content whatever the circumstances. That's a big statement and so powerful. I find it important to see the good in the bad stuff. Trusting God through it all and leaning not to my own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
WHAT DID I LEARN ~
I have learned that God is forever present in my life. My own wrong choices have taken me away from the power of God. I had to turn from negative thoughts and put in positive ones. Asking Jesus to forgive me for lack of faith and trust in him. Starting over and new relationship with Jesus. I remind myself I am human and will make mistakes. God forgives and forgets our sins of life. It is time to live in this day and give thanks unto a God who remains the same for each of us.
My thoughts and prayers continue for the readers of my blog, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie