Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Grilled Cheese

My nails are drying.

I sat down, lit my Woodwick and pulled my Bible out.

The boys are asleep.

My house is an explosion. That means I am overwhelmed.

One of my verses today is from Philippians 4.

Philippians 4 is like a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. A good go-to chapter of the Bible. I guess I was a little disappointed when I saw the verse because it's one I know by heart. I'm in the mood for something new and different today.

Before reading I whispered a quick prayer for God to show me something new in the verses. That it wouldn't be plain old Grilled Cheese but that there would be newness in it.

Last week my preacher started a series on theology. One thing he said that stuck out to me was when you read a verse, look at the verses surrounding it to get the big picture painted for you.

Here's a verse I'm going to throw out there for you today. I am sure you know it. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil 4:13.

Did you know that the surrounding verses are talking about being content. I've got a list building of things I've been discontent about lately. Some days I feel I live in plenty and some days I feel there is so much I want. Contentment doesn't seem to come naturally does it? But it is something that can be learned. Cultivated.

The learning process happens in your thoughts I think. Choosing to ponder things you are thankful for versus things you are unhappy about.

Paul could have been complaining that only one church helped him. Not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only...you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. I love that his perspective in on the provision and not how it came.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit today.

3 comments:

Rachel said...

I love this post... You have a way with words. Really made me think!

Becke' said...

refreshing word...love the part about the provision only coming from one place...yet he was content in that.

Savannah B said...

I'll have to go find it now, but one of my favorite memories from my high school K-Life days was a lesson from Paul- it was about how he was never complacent, but always content. I think you're right- "content" is a choice. Thanks for the reminder. :)