Posted on

Don’t waste away – Be renewed!

2 Corinthians 4:16 (AMP) “Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.” As we age, it becomes apparent that our bodies go through various aging processes. Things that we once took for granted like running, recovering from hard exercise, endless energy, etc., now become more difficult to achieve. Paul knew this truth, but he also did not let that disappoint or discourage him. Instead, he renewed in inner self daily by his relationship with God, and his faith in God’s promises. Life throws many challenges at us that tend to make us afraid and discouraged and if we do not have a vibrant, daily immersion of who we are in Christ, these challenges can deplete our faith to the point where  we become spiritless or lose all sense of hope. This is why Jesus taught us to pray DAILY. Our daily spiritual disciplines are more important than many realize. In the same way that we get re-energized when we eat and sleep, we also receive new strength when we spend quiet time alone with God in personal prayer and daily meditation on His word. His word is spiritual food for us, and prayer is spiritual exercise. We draw confidence and increase of faith as we spend time with God. His Presence is life to us. Determine to be like Paul. Although he naturally aged, his inner self was continually renewed day by day!

2 Corinthians 4:16 AMP) “Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.”

Posted on

In whatever state I am, I have learned this!

*** Please see my special invitation to you below the devotional Blessings.

Today, most of western society is super busy trying to achieve more. They are not satisfied or content with what they have, or who they are. They are trying to be the next “American Idol.” Only then will they be happy. The scriptures speak cautions against this mindset. Paul said: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Phillipians 4:11). John the Baptist told the soldiers “….be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14). When we get caught up in always wanting more, desiring more, chasing after more, it constantly stresses us out and continually disappoints us. I am not saying that you shouldn’t want to be the best you can be. What I am saying is to be content where you are now. Be at peace in the present. Do your best, but know that happiness doesn’t come from having more. You need to be satisfied now. If you can achieve more, amen, but do it from a place of peace. Say like Paul, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Life is too short to spend all your time stressed out because you don’t have this, or you aren’t as good as that one. Do your best, and know that God loves you for who you are, not for what you can achieve. Be content NOW! All is well with your soul. He is with you.

Phillipians 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”

Don’t miss this Sunday’s service at 11 am. Our guest speaker will be Bishop Joseph Mattera. He is an internationally sought out speaker, who flows with prophetic insight. His teachings on the Kingdom of God are being taught in in cooperation with Oral Roberts University. His articles can be seen in Charisma magazine. He is the founder of Christ Covenant Coalition, an international network of networks.