Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 25, 2015
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 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. Philippians 4:12
Gratitude and contentment go together like turkey and dressing. They feed each other, and are both fostered by faith. When I remember how God has so richly blessed me, I am overwhelmed by His generosity. For example, for my salvation by His son Jesus, I am eternally grateful. For His gift of grace: I am grateful for its freedom. For His forgiveness: I am grateful for guilt-free living. For His love: I am grateful for the ability to love and be loved.
For His holiness: I am grateful His character can be trusted and is transformational. Stuff is secondary, while the blessings of faith, family, friends and health grow our contentment. We may not have what we want, or even deserve, but in Christ we have all that is necessary. So, be humbly grateful to God, and contentment will increase its influence.
“The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23).
Contentment is to rest in Christ, trusting He is in control. Circumstances, good or bad, are an opportunity for Him to show Himself faithful. So, once you go to God in gratitude, you can live life in contentment knowing Christ is in control. Contentment is not passive and uninformed, but rather engaged and educated. It is not anxious. It replaces worry with work, pity with prayer, pride with humility, and grumbling with gratitude.
Your peace and stability is the fruit of contentment, which grows out of the ground of gratitude. Seed this soil in prayer, and you will see abundance abound. You are able to accommodate in adversity, because the Almighty has gone before you. You are able to bridle wants in prosperity, because gratitude to God and contentment in Christ govern your generosity. Thank God often, and trust Him to cultivate your contentment.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer: What are some reasons for my gratitude to God, and how can I express my contentment in Christ?
Related Readings: Job 1:21; Colossians 2:6-7; 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; Ephesians 4:20-24
Post/Tweet: We may not have all we want, but in Christ we have all that is necessary. #gratitude #WisdomHunters
Worship Resource: 4 minute video- Kutless: What Faith Can Do
Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Men. Pre-Order today!
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I wanted to let you know that your related readings the last few days have not been able to be read on your website because they are not coming through clearly but have extra digits when I try to read them on the scripture page. With that said I am really thankful for all your efforts! you have blessed me enormously!
I am very blessed and lifted by 25th Nov msg
We all need to love and be loved, we all need someone to give us affection, which we really like, without wanting anything in return, without vested interests or momentary conveniences in love
for what we are, with all faults, with all the virtues …