Contentment in Temperance

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 is undoubtedly one of the most quoted scriptures in the Bible. But it also might be the most misunderstood and misinterpreted.

Most people read Philippians 4:13 wrong. Taken out of context, Philippians 4:13 might give you the impression that God will empower you to do ALL things.

That's simply a wrong interpretation of the scripture.

We are human. We have limits. We CANNOT do everything. Trying to do everything is a sin, inasmuch as we are attempting to play God's role. God would not allow us to do everything. He wants us to be dependent upon Him. Only He is omnipotent. The notion that we can do everything is simply a lie.

Read in context, Philippians 4:13 actually refers to contentment. Paul is saying "I can be content in all things through Christ who gives me the strength to do so." Whether things are going right, or there's complete chaos in our life, Philippians 4:13 encourages us that we can have contentment no matter what the circumstances are.

Two points we should learn from this:

1. We should always read scripture in proper context.
2. Instead of praying that God allows you to do everything, Paul tells us to strive for temperance (Galatians 5:22-24, 2 Peter 1:5-6, Titus 2:12, Philippians 4:5). You were not called to do EVERY thing. Only the things God has called you to do.

Strive for temperance today!

God bless,
J.W.

Walking In Boldness

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

There will undoubtedly be times in life when you will feel pressure (internal or otherwise) to cower, comply, or avoid conflict. Most of us are conflict averse. Moreover, many of us have an underlying, hidden but often paralyzing fear of success, where we choose to play it safe rather than step out on faith and walk in the authority that God has given us.

None of that is God.

2 Timothy 1:7 says that God did not give us a spirit of FEAR, but of POWER. Romans 8:37 calls us more than conquerors. Philippians 4:13 confirms that we can do all things through Christ.

To walk with God, we will have to learn to walk in boldness.

God has things planned for you. He wants you to succeed. But accomplishing His purpose for you will require you to walk in a different spirit (Numbers 14:24).

Walk in boldness today.

God bless,
J.W.

Insignificant People

God doesn't make insignificant people.

However, we can make ourselves feel insignificant by not knowing who or what we are.

The only way to God out who (and whose) we are is to read and study God's word. There, you'll find amazing things about yourself like that you're more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37); you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13); no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17); and all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

So, pick up a Bible today and find out what God says about you.

God bless,
J.W.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Timothy 2:15

Who's Carrying Your Luggage?

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." ~ Matthew 11:28-30

The prideful, carnally minded declare "I can do all things on my own."

The humble, spiritually minded declare "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phillippians 4:13).

Christ asks us to give our burdens and cares over to Him so that He might carry them for us.

So who's carrying your stress today?

God bless,
J.W.

All-Powerful

Many times in life, we doubt ourselves.

We think we’re not good enough…

smart enough…

articulate enough…

strong enough…

fast enough…

But the good thing is that, when you’re a Christian, it’s not about your abilities, i.e. what you think you can do.

No, it’s about the fact that you have an almighty, all-powerful Savior who has promised to always be there and never leave your side.

“Can’t” isn’t in His vocabulary and He can do everything but fail.

God bless,
J.W.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13