But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV
Have you ever had a need that was met by an unexpected source? The Philippians helped Paul when they had the opportunity. But Paul is sharing how he does not depend on this support. He has learned to be content in whatever state hes in. Can you say that about yourself? Our enemy likes to plant seeds of discontent into our hearts and mind. If were not careful, those seeds will grow into bitterness and resentfulness, which can ruin our lives. Paul says everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry. He can enjoy when he has plenty without seeking for more and he can tolerate being hungry without giving in to anger or frustration. A friend of mine told me about an acrostic H.A.L.T. Its like an early warning system, to help us recognize the enemys tactics in our lives. H stands for hungry. If youre hungry get something to eat ( Job 18:12 ). A stands for angry. If youre angry ask yourself why? Pray about it and ask God what the proper way for dealing with it is ( Ephesians 4:26 ). L stands for lonely. Remember we are not alone, even if theres no one around us, we have Christ living in us ( John 16:12-14 ). T stands for tired. If youre tired, maybe its time to rest. For even God rested on the seventh day ( Exodus 31:17 ). Care for yourself, if you dont, you will become weak and vulnerable. The enemy will have a field day with you. Ephesians 6:10-11 says Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Notice Ephesians verse says be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might? Its not be our efforts that we are strong. Paul tells the Philippians I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We can too!
Have you ever had a need that was met by an unexpected source? The Philippians helped Paul when they had the opportunity. But Paul is sharing how he does not depend on this support. He has learned to be content in whatever state hes in. Can you say that about yourself? Our enemy likes to plant seeds of discontent into our hearts and mind. If were not careful, those seeds will grow into bitterness and resentfulness, which can ruin our lives. Paul says everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry. He can enjoy when he has plenty without seeking for more and he can tolerate being hungry without giving in to anger or frustration. A friend of mine told me about an acrostic H.A.L.T. Its like an early warning system, to help us recognize the enemys tactics in our lives. H stands for hungry. If youre hungry get something to eat ( Job 18:12 ). A stands for angry. If youre angry ask yourself why? Pray about it and ask God what the proper way for dealing with it is ( Ephesians 4:26 ). L stands for lonely. Remember we are not alone, even if theres no one around us, we have Christ living in us ( John 16:12-14 ). T stands for tired. If youre tired, maybe its time to rest. For even God rested on the seventh day ( Exodus 31:17 ). Care for yourself, if you dont, you will become weak and vulnerable. The enemy will have a field day with you. Ephesians 6:10-11 says Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Notice Ephesians verse says be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might? Its not be our efforts that we are strong. Paul tells the Philippians I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We can too!
