How Many Contented People Do You Know? 2/7/99

How Many Contented People Do You Know?
Do People Who Know You Know One?

Philippians 4:11-13
(Page 1718 Come Alive Bible)

JESUS CHRIST spoke often of qualities that produce contentment in life. He typified by His very life this desirable quality of contentment.

I. REPRESSION IS A REALITY
“WANT” is the word he used in the King James. It meant “need” or even “destitution” or “privation.” This need is described as being found in every circumstance possible. Paul described it as:

ABASED – ranked below another or to be brought low. Meager existence, humbling circumstances, or even abuse. Do you think it is hard to be content in such circumstances? Consider the other extreme.

ABOUND – to have more than abundance, to overflow. Some think it evil to have POSSESSION, POSITION, OR POWER. Some even suggest such assets should be given up or forsaken. It is much more challenging and demanding to have such, use it properly, and maintain a Christlike spirit than to give it up. In things GRAND and GRIEVOUS, Paul had contentment. These things often come in swift succession and thus further challenge contentment.

That is, those who have much and suddenly lose it are shocked. Those who suddenly obtain great wealth find themselves bewildered over how to control it without it controlling them.

In PROSPERITY and PRIVATION we can be content.

Our Lord may be laying at the door of the Christian community one of the greatest witnessing opportunities of our generation. Few things have caused broader concern and near panic than rumors circulating regarding the Y2K scare.

Attitudinal extremes exist regarding Y2K.
What is it?
I am sick and tired of hearing about it.
It will result in starvation, riots, anarchy, and martial law. It is God’s forthcoming judgement of America.

Can you be content in either case?

Members of the Christian community need at all times to be practical. It is always good to be prepared but never panicky. It is good to have reserves but not hoard. It is always good to have your house in order but not frightened.

Every household at all times should have an orderly file of hard copies of vital documents, such as, birth and marriage certificates, title deeds, bank balance, and inventory of items in a safety deposit box, etc.

Most folks keep a few days supply of food in the house. I say most because I went to the home of a former staff member who was having a party. He had misplaced something and asked me to look in the refrigerator to see if it was there. Upon opening the fridge I was amazed he didn’t know it wasn’t there. There was one item in the fridge —- a can of lighter fluid. Why lighter fluid?

With the approach of Y2K it would not be impractical to have a few extra days food on hand in the event there is a glitch that impacts for a few days.

There was a day when Y2K panic might have had a basis. About two years ago when the public first became aware of it things were far behind and looking gloomy. The concern expressed at that time was appropriate. Most of the panic of today is being fanned by data that is two or more years old. Much has been done to rectify that cause for concern. That extreme concern has motivated action to minimize the inconvenience.

Don’t pull yesterday’s clouds over today’s sun.

II. THE RIGHT RESPONSE
Paul said he had “learned” to be content. Have we? Do we evidence our discontent? Have you noticed a variety of bumper stickers stating, “I’d rather be…”. We evidence that we believe contentment is found in these things and circumstances.

Incidentally, be careful what bumper sticker you use. A car stopped at a traffic light was rear ended. The two drivers got out and a heated argument resulted. One driver said, “I really felt like running into someone today to vent my frustrations, and your bumper sticker has given me the right to crash into your car.”

It read: “If it feels good, do it!”

The “I’d rather be…” bumper stickers indicate a desire to change our status.

There once was a canary and a goldfish who were very good friends. They lived close to each other. One hot summer day as they talked the goldfish heard the canary singing and said, “I wish I lived in such a nice open cage and could sing like you.” The canary said, “I wish I lived in such a nice bowl filled with cool water.” Suddenly, they were transposed – the fish to the cage and the canary to the bowl of water. That which they each thought would bring contentment immediately became life threatening.

There once was a boy who wanted a marble. When he got it he desired a ball. Upon receiving it he wished for a top. He then craved a kite. With none or all, was he content?

There once was an adult who wanted money. Upon getting it there was an immediate desire for a sports car. When it was obtained, a desire for land developed. Next a craving for a house became prominent. With none, came contentment.

Trying to find contentment through external things is like trying to carry water in a sieve. It does not come from externals. Can your thirst be satisfied more from drinking from a silver chalice or a paper cup?

What are the potential reactions to repressive circumstances?

A. BITTERNESS – Martha became bitter toward Mary because she sat the feet of Jesus and learned while she served.

B. DEPRESSION – The Psalmist (102:7) spoke of himself as being like “a sparrow upon the house top.” He felt isolated and depressed because of circumstances.

C. SELFISHNESS – Elijah has a victory over the 450 prophets of Balaal. He became selfish and complained he was the only one serving the Lord. The Lord had 7,000 other faithful servants.

A fourth response is possible. It is —

D. CONTENTMENT – The Greek word translated “content” is AUTARKES. It was a word meaning “to be entirely self-sufficient.”

Our self-sufficiency is to be found only in Christ’s sufficiency. Ancient Greek writers shared secular ways of having it.

One was to eliminate all desires. That is difficult. Contentment doesn’t come from possessing much but from controlling our desires.

A second way the ancients suggested of gaining contentment was to eliminate all emotions. Not a good idea.

For such persons love was rooted out of life and caring forbidden.

They suggested starting with a cup. Break it and say, “I don’t care!” Then move to a more valuable item and destroy it and say, “I don’t care!” Continue this process until you don’t care about anything. Then you are content. Not so. At that stage you are far from content you are indifferent and of all people most miserable. You have nothing of value, nothing for which to care.

It means self-sufficiency or self-sufficing, actually contained. It was a word used to describe a city needing no imports. In this light, contentment is seen to be an internal quality not dependent upon externals. Artificial pride, inordinate ambition, and gluttony rob us of contentment.

Critically some may think contentment robs us of ambition. NO, actually contentment enables us to struggle and achieve with composure. It is not intended to restrict our horizons. It is intended to enable us to live without our boundaries. The scripture speaks of some strong elements which rob us of contentment and gives advice how to respond.

Luke 3:14 – “…be content with your wages.”

I Tim. 6-10 (READ) “having food and raiment…”

Heb. 13:5 – “Be content with such things as ye have…”

Contentment comes from commitment to Christ and letting Him take away the cause of discontentment.

If you do not have Christ, the inward source and resource for contentment, you will never find it in people, places or things. There are only 5 senses, just 24 hours in a day, and 60 minutes in an hour. Sooner or later you will get to the end of your sensory and social pleasure. What then?

Christ knew this and therefore opened to us an entire world of spiritual challenges. It is an unlimited and fulfilling sphere.

NOTE: It has to be learned. Paul said, “I have learned…”

II Cor. 11: 24 – 27 (READ) describes the circumstances in which he learned contentment.

His tutor was the “God of peace.”

III. THE REASON FOR THE RESOURCES
Contentment comes from commitment to Christ and letting Him take away the source of discontentment.
He then develops within us a sense of:

AWARENESS: “I know whom I have believed…”

I recently shared the assurance contained in Hebrews 13:5 which literally means: “I will never, no not ever, no never leave you.” I did it in relating a frightening flight experience.

Incidentally, as we prayed those ninety minutes on our way back to Honolulu I kept my face to the window looking out. By the light of the moon I could see the clouds and watched as they either got higher or we got lower. I was hoping it was because we were lower remembering Christ said, “Low I am with you always…”

Flying is one of the greatest thrills known to humanity, but it comes in a far second to the thrill of landing.

A white knuckled friend said after that, “We are about to go on a long flight and I thought ‘I don’t need to hear about a frightening flight.’” Then she said, “Yes, that is exactly what I need to hear. Even in times of fright we can rejoice in the fact He said, “‘I will never, no not ever, no never leave you.’”

That gives contentment.

CONFIDENCE: “Cast your burden upon the Lord.”

Job records this encouragement: “Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace” (Job 22:21).

DILIGENCE: “Be diligent in business” (I Cor. 7:21).

SUBMISSION: “Thy will be done”
“Everywhere and in all things.”

With confidence born out of experience the Psalmist encourages us to “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently on Him, fret not…”

The Scottish people are often heard to say of a person who does not have contentment, “E’s a blooming fret…”

HOW and WHY did he have contentment?
A. He could accept all things (vs. 11),
“I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency.
“I have learned to make ends meet regardless of what situation I am in.”
“I AM SELF-SUFFICIENT IN CHRIST’S SUFFICIENCY.”
We are independent upon external circumstances because of being dependent on Christ in all circumstances.

B. He could do all things (vs. 13),
“I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ.”
I AFFIRM CHRIST, I BELIEVE CHRIST, I CHOOSE CHRIST.
The word translated “content” was used to describe a city needing no imports. With Christ we are all sufficient. We have stored the resource for all circumstances.

C. He had all things (vs. 18), “I have all, and abound.”

Experience Mercy, Peace, and Love

The little book of Jude opens with a treo of blessings provided believers by the Lord. “Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” (Jude 1: 2)

The great God of the universe Who puts seven colors in every ray of light, and causes it to travel at 186,000 miles per second, has no trouble keeping His promises to you. Let your mind marinade in these three.

God, who gives you close attention, provides:

Mercy, which means deep concern. It reveals a real need on behalf of the one receiving it and real resources on behalf of the one giving it.

Mercy describes God’s attitude toward those in distress.

God is rich in mercy. (Ephesians 2:40).

There is a delightful illustration in the Old Testament of mercy.  Mephibosheth was crippled as a result of an injury.  He was only five years old when Jonathan, his father, and Saul, his grandfather, were both killed in a battle on Mount Gilboa.

David took Mephibosheth into his palace, gave him an inheritance, and gave him a place at his table.  That’s mercy.  That’s how God treats us.

Peace is contentment of mind, a state of tranquility in turbulent times.

Shalom, or peace, is not only the absence of conflict, but also the presence of connection and completion. 

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

The peace offered by the world is an empty promise and can only bring temporary comfort. God’s peace is a permanent peace offered by the only One who can be trusted to keep his Word and heal our sin.

We have peace when there is no condemnation before God.

Our God offers peace in the midst of chaos. His peace doesn’t change with the circumstances; it is secure in spite of the circumstances.

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)

Love of God is freely given.  The love of God, and love for God, results in showing love to one another. Jesus said,“Love the Lord your God, with all of your heart and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:24) Having received it, go do it.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8a)

We are Called, Consigned, and Conserved

Jude 1:1

This little book, which consists of only one chapter, is a composite of challenges to serve and confirmations of strength to serve.

Like Jude, we are called to be a servant. (Vs. 1)

The Greek word translated “servant” is DOULOS.  It was the word for a servant who is the prized purchased possession of his master.  That is us. 

To such we are “called” as servants.  That’s our role.

The master also had a responsibility for the servant.  

Like Jude, we are consigned. (Vs. 1b)

The Greek text uses a word that can appropriately be translated “sanctified.”  It can and is translated in some version “beloved.”  We are His beloved.

If you have a long-range goal, it keeps you from being frustrated by short-range failures. In Jesus you are consigned to heaven. Live like it.

In England some years ago, an illiterate couple was saved through the witness of some street witnesses.  Their symbol was red sweaters with slogans of testimony sewn on them.

The illiterate couple were reluctant to admit their inability to read or write, yet they wanted to fit in. The wife saw a slogan in a window a few days later that seemed easy to duplicate, so she sewed it on their sweaters without knowing what it said.  The group was so approving that the couple finally gave way to their pride and asked what the slogan said.  Their friends replied with delight: “Under New Management.”  That is true of every believer.

Like Jude, we are also conserved. (1c) A synonym for the Greek word translated “preserved” is simply “kept.”  You are “kept” by God. This is a fact to be enjoyed.

In the Greek this is in the perfect tense, meaning we are “continually kept.”  Even when it may seem you aren’t — you are.

The word “kept” means to continually give close attention.

Man, mere mortal man, through his spectrograph has learned the constituent elements of the remote astral bodies.

By means of the telescope, man has looked into the infinitely large universe, learned the schedule of the planets, and viewed the landscape of heavenly bodies millions of miles distant.

By means of the microscope, man has looked into the infinitely smaller world and seen in the atoms in a particle of dust on a moth’s wing, electrons, protons, and neutrons whirling like bees around a hive.

God gives you even closer attention.  He does it continually. He loves you and awaits your loving response.

Who Needs the Church Anyway? 11/7/99

Ephesians 4:15c-16

JESUS CHRIST is lovingly spoken of as “the head” of the church. Where there is a head there needs to be a body. The most flattering title granted the followers of Christ is “the body of Christ.”

With resolute determination Christ promised to build His church. Being a part of that process is an exciting blessing.

The church is not simply buildings. That is the church house.

The church isn’t merely a series of meetings. Those are church services.

The church is a group of people interacting in the name of Christ to meet one another’s spiritual needs, challenge each other to holy living, and bring influence on society that enhances community life by holding up the standards of morality.

Every week in the U.S. 40% of the adult population attends a house of worship.

There are more ministers in America than there are Ford and Chrysler employees combined.

If religion in America were a business, it would rank number five in the Fortune 500. Its $50 billion income would put it just behind IBM and ahead of GE.

If the volunteer hours rendered through churches were calculated, they would total over $75 billion a year.

However, the real importance of the church isn’t indicated by these facts. The basic nitty and fundamental gritty regarding the importance and impact of the church is found in the loving relations between the Head, Jesus Christ, and the body, His loving followers, and how they interrelate compassionately.

It is expressed in the comfort given in time of grief, the reassurance afforded in times of loss, the support given in hours of extenuating circumstances, the cup of cool water given on a hot day, a warm coat given to protect against the winter’s chill, a shelter on a stormy night, a hot meal, a missionary sent to a spiritually dark corner of the earth, a holy embrace for an exhausted friend, and a warm smile for a wounded colleague.

It is the gospel explained, the truth exposed to an inquiring mind, morality stimulated, and ethics inspired in the market place.

It is souls saved from an eternal hell, families bound together in love, broken lives restored, people stabilized when their dreams are broken, the sick visited, a fallen brother or sister restored, and the prayer circle activated in support of a need. That is the church.

Galatians 6:2 gives insight into a functioning body: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you can fulfill the law of Christ.”

IT IS THE JOYFUL SHARING OF OUR COMMON LIFE IN CHRIST.

Let’s play the devil’s advocate for a moment. What would you do if you wanted to stop Christ’s church from achieving that which pleases Him? Here is what I would do:

Under the guise of wanting to popularize Christianity, I would make it a pop church in which:
A. I would make the basis of faith something other than the Word of God. Secular psychology would be a good basic core curriculum for Sunday School classes, pulpits, and seminaries. I would provide a smorgasbord of entertainment instead of teaching people how to apply the Word to daily living.

B. I would move the focus of faith away from Jesus Christ. This fantasy-faith would be based on health, wealth, and prosperity. Thus, I would appeal to the flesh.

C. I would advocate something other than holy living as the result of faith.

D. I would cause every person to have an unpleasant experience at church. I am going to be transparent. I have had a bad experience at church and I am no different from most people. As a matter of fact I have had more than one unhappy experience at church. The first one I remember was as a teenager. Our church was in a revival. The preacher preached over 90 minutes every service. That in itself is a bad experience. Our church had posts along the side. I was sitting with friends in the area behind a post. The preacher was a screamer and had been blazing away for over an hour. As a youth I was trying hard to stay with him. I leaned forward and propped up on my hand. Evidently only half my face was visible to the preacher. My finger slipped over one eye and it was the eye he could see. Assuming I was asleep he pointed at me and said, “A lot of you are going to hell like this kid sitting over here sleeping.”

I didn’t want to go back the next night. As a matter of fact I didn’t ever want to go back to church.

Honestly, I had a bad experience at church.

I felt like the man whose wife was begging him to get up and go to church. He said, “I don’t want to go. People don’t like me. Some don’t even speak to me. They criticize me and say bad things about me. I don’t want to go.” His wife said, “But you’ve got to go, you’re the preacher.”

I am going to be transparent. I have had some bad experiences at church. Let’s be open. If you have ever had a bad experience at church would you lift your hand.

Most people have. We just have to get over it and quit punishing ourselves by staying away. If you have been inactive and you resolve to resume involvement, I guarantee you Satan is going to do everything possible he can to make your return unpleasant. He doesn’t want you involved in church. Anticipate it and recognize it as his plot. Your former unpleasant experience was his work. If your unpleasant experience has caused you to drop out or become less active that means Satan’s strategy is working.

If you resolve to resume involvement the Lord is also going to be at work to encourage and enable you to find the joy of involvement. Trust Him and try it!

Now turn with me to our text in Ephesians 4 and let’s apply it to the process in which our Lord wants you to become involved simply because it will add meaning to your life.

With Christ as the head of the body, let’s evaluate it.

I. UNIFYING “JOINED AND KNIT TOGETHER”
This speaks of the skeleton of the body. The skeleton gives structure to a human body. Likewise, there are certain things that give structure to the church.

Verses 3 and 13 speak of the “unity.” With all of our diversity, unity is a miracle. It is only possible where there is “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Vs. 3), and “unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God” (Vs. 13).

A structure is something on which you build. The church must have unity on certain structural beliefs in order to build.
A. The Virgin birth.
B. The Virtuous life.
C. The Vicarious death.
D. The Vindicating resurrection.
E. The Valedictory ascension.
F. The Victorious return.

Everything the church is and does must be built on those structures.

II. SUPPLYING “BY WHICH EVERY JOINT SUPPLIES” AND “BY WHICH EVERY PART DOES ITS SHARE”
The Greek text speaks of “every joint of supply.” That is, the joints of supply are the bonds that bind the members of the body together, and the channels through which the source of supply of life comes from the Head. This energy joins believers close together and enables their growth.

In reality we don’t attend church because of what we get out of it but because of what we can contribute to it.

When the word contribute or contribution is mentioned, many people think of giving money. That is merely a byproduct of giving of ourselves. If we haven’t given our self to Christ and His body, the church, we sure won’t give our money. If we aren’t giving our money, we might need a spirituality check.

Students of the new tax laws say they are likely to increase giving to charitable causes by $1.6 billion this year. It will be to your tax advantage to give more than ever to your church this year.

The Scripture says where a man’s heart is, there is his treasure. Think about it! Don’t stop there, do something about it.

However, money is only one way of giving. Your regularity in public worship is a form of giving testimony.

In another state I preached a series of services. There was a gracious lady at every service. She was hearing impaired. I like that term better than the old terms “deaf and dumb.” Incidentally, our friends visiting here from Israel recently often used words that were almost right. For instance, they referred to a person who was “deaf and numb.” I thought that sounds like some congregations I have preached to – – – in other places.

Near the end of the week it was explained to me this lady could not hear a word I had said all week. Instantly, the question came to my mind as to why she had attended. An explanation came immediately. I was told she said she always attended public worship even though she could not hear because it was a way in which she could let others know of her faith. She was contributing by being present.

That reminds me of a sign in front of a church: “We hold sit-in demonstrations every Sunday.”

Another I saw speaks of the church’s purpose: “Come in and let us help prepare you for your final exams.”

How can the church demonstrate to the lost world it has the answers to their many bewildering needs? James gives the answer in chapter 2, verse 14: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” Then he added, “…faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead” (Vs. 17).

He adds a challenge, “Show me your faith without your works…” It can’t be done.

If in New York City, one delightful place to visit is Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan. There is a lovely plaza with a sunken garden. The place is alive with flowers and flags and in winter, skaters. One focal point is a plaque inscribed with the personal creed of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., a Baptist. It might well appear in any church.

“I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, and obligation; every possession a duty…”

That is a commentary on the clause “every part does its share.”

The spirit of the body should be one of joy, love, and cheer. Christ said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

What part are you supplying to the body of Christ?

The church must be big enough to provide for you and small enough to care about who you are. One role of the church is to tell the lost world God knows you and cares about you.

After World War I the American government brought four bodies of unidentified servicemen to Washington, D.C. Sgt. Edward Younger randomly selected one of the four to be buried where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was later built. Inscribed on that tomb are these words: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”

That grave marker notes a great truth. It indicates we are known to God. That is our message to people apart from the Lord. God doesn’t only know you, He loves you.

III. MULTIPLYING “CAUSES GROWTH OF THE BODY”
Notice in the text, it isn’t until the body is unified and supplied that it is multiplied.

Spiritual and numerical growth are both incorporated in this statement.

The First Century church would have been given little hope by an objective observer. Its leader was executed as a common criminal. The eleven wavering students who had followed Him for three years had only one in their rank with the equivalent of a college degree, Matthew.

At the time of Christ’s death His followers numbered less than 100. The population of the Roman Empire was about 120,000,000. The civil and religious leaders who opposed them imposed sanctions such as executions, imprisonment, and public beatings.

They grew by faithfully proclaiming a simple message of God’s love. At the Feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem, over 3,000 Greek speaking Jewish pilgrims from Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome were converted. In one day the church body had become international.

Notice how they multiplied. They started with 120. On the day of Pentecost 3,000 were saved (Acts 2). A few days later 5,000 more came to the Lord (Acts 4). A short time later 20,000 were saved (Acts 6). In one generation they numbered over 100,000 in Jerusalem alone.

They built on the framework, the skeleton. That is the only way we can grow.

IV. EDIFYING “EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE”
The warm, sweet spirit of a Spirit-filled church is good for you in every sense. It has been demonstrated that isolated and neglected babies don’t grow properly and are more subject to disease. Apart from the loving environment of a caring fellowship, a babe in Christ does not develop properly.

We are to build up each other.

Scientific evidence now exists that proves it is advantageous to have a strong personal faith and express it by regular worship attendance. David B. Lawson, a senior government research advisor in Washington, D.C. and senior research consultant for the National Institute for Health Care Research has done research that demonstrates this.

He reviewed numerous psychiatric journals for empirical evidence to see if the facts show religion has influence on individuals. What the research showed was that religion was highly beneficial in more than 80% of the cases found in psychiatric research. He also said his study shows the exact opposite is taught in schools.

Lawson further found empirical evidence that persons with a strong faith in God who experienced a crisis were much better able to cope with it.

His research found that 19 of 20 studies he researched showed that religion appears to prevent problems. In light of our social ills and mounting costs, this is meaningful.

He also found a clinically significant difference in blood pressure levels between churchgoers and non-goers, with those who have strong faith having lower rates.

Religious faith has dramatic positive influence in lowering post-operative depression.

If you are part of an edifying church body, they will build you up in love and hold you up in prayer.

Those are mere physical side benefits to having a strong personal faith. Come let us help prepare you for your FINAL EXAMS.

Verses 11 and 12 notes our Lord has given certain gifts to build up his church. Some are preacher/teachers. (Apply Granville Sharp’s Rule) A role of the preacher/teacher is to build up the body for the work of ministry.

I want to appeal to you to identify with the only organization that has a supernatural head, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1: 22, “He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body…”

Become a functioning part of the body.

Hope Helps

Psalm 31:19 – 24

Hope is the happy anticipation of good, favorable and confident expectations. It is earnestly anticipating and expecting through experiencing delay and disappointment.

Little wonder God calls hope “the anchor of the soul.” (Hebrews 6:19 NASB)

Hope realizes that it sometimes takes God time to work. It is the catalyst which makes divine ferment possible. It is the incentive which leads to unrealized perfection. Without hope man is less than a beast, he is a malfunctioning organism.

The media has exposed us to persons devastated by hurricanes, tornadoes, raging fires, floods, and crimes in homes, schools, and streets. Many have been absolutely inundated with sorrow and grief resulting from these tragedies. Some have rebounded, some have not. Often one thing makes the difference —- hope.

Doubts often slip into our lives like termites in a building. These termite-like thoughts eat away at our faith. This happens when:

Things I think should not happen, happen.

When things I think should happen don’t happen. Then what do you do?

When things I think should happen NOW, happen later.

God knows what He is doing regardless of the waiting period.

These three things cause termites of doubt to work.  It is then that the All-Pro of termite extermination is needed. That is, hope. 

Famed American cardiologist, Dr. R. McNair Wilson, remarks in his autobiography, Doctor’s Progress, “Hope is the medicine I use more than any other …. Hope can cure nearly anything.” 

“Saturday Review” reported “Hope …. is medicinal. This is not merely a statement of belief, but a conclusion proved by meticulously controlled scientific experiments.”

To be most effective this hope must be Christo-centric. Timothy expresses this in four all-inclusive words: “Christ Jesus our hope….” (I Timothy 1:1).

There are two ways of looking at life’s defeats and delays:

THE WAY OF THE DISILLUSIONED – Some become disillusioned because of the three factors mentioned above. 

They fail to realize hope in the future fills the present with energy.

THE WAY OF THE CHRISTIAN – Hope accepts trials. It exists alongside the potential for despair. Hope isn’t blind – it sees through the eyes of God.

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”