Growing in Grace

"I havre learned the secret of being content." -Philippians 4:12 Learning to be content with what you have is a secret few discover in this life. The apostle Paul is a wonderful example of someone who knew the contentment of having much or little when he said in Philippians 4:12, "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." The success of his ministry to the Gentiles wasn't dependent on his paycheck from tent-making; it was dependent on God. In today's language, Paul learned to be happy eating steak or eating macaroni and cheese for supper. Either way, he knew God was with him, providing exactly what he needed. Photo Credit Would you like to feel more content? Learn the art of appreciating life's simple pleasures. If you constantly struggle to obtain the biggest and best, you'll n

"Each heart knows its own bitterness." -Proverbs 14:10 The Bible warns Christians of a root that can destroy in a great way - the root of bitterness. In Hebrews 12:15, the writer says, "See. . . that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." As believers, we must forgive those who hurt or offend us. When we refuse to forgive, bitterness grows, intertwines itself around our Christian witness and chokes out our joy in Christ. Our lives become sour, and we see the world through critical eyes and speak with skeptical and sarcastic remarks. Not only is the Holy Spirit grieved, but also those we touch with the ugliness of bitterness. Photo Credit Has bitterness taken hold in your life? Perhaps you have a family member or friend who has hurt you deeply and you've refused to forgive him or her. Be careful that the anger you're holding on to doesn't lead to bitterness. Why not let God uprrot the pain and renew your bitter heart with a fl

"My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? " -John 14:2 Photo Credit The home is really God's idea, a wonderful structure that Satan has worked hard at destroying. The evils and perversions of a sinful society have eradicated God's perfect plan of one man and one woman marrying and living together under His authority with their children. Refusing to believe the mandates in God's Word, the world conjures up theories and philosophies (based on human reasoning) and side-steps the issue by counterattacking with offensive statements directed toward "intolerant" Christians. Thank God no human can redefine the home in heaven God has prepared for those who love Him. Next to salvation, Jesus' promise to prepare a place for us to live with Him in eternity has to be the greatest hope for every Christian (see John 14:3). Each night as we lay our heads on our pillows,

Photo Credit "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." -Matthew 6:24 Having two masters rarely works, and the Bible makes that clear. According to Luke 16:13, there are no fence riders in the kingdom of heaven. The choice is plain and simple. Either we choose to submit our lives to Christ, or we live for money and the pleasures it provides. Ironically, the lack of money can actually make us value money as much as a greedy person living in abundance. By making every penny count, we overdevelop our focus on purchasing necessary items for our home. We also begin to see a paycheck as our salvation, instead of trusting the Lord for provision. Money becomes our master - not because we have it, but because we don't. How much time to you spend thinking about money during your day? Do you wonder how you will make ends meet? If you're anx