¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² 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. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phi 4:11-13

This is the wisdom of God through Paul to the Philippians. It is written not in vain for a church long ago, but for a person like myself on a morning when the Lord will inspire. On a morning when praise to God is the first thought escaping my heart. I love and I grieve, I am full yet I hunger, I self-deprecate and I abound in His light. I see there is contrast in much of God’s wisdom and it is in contrast that confusion occurs. However, with the Spirit, our Helper, and through the immersion of our life in Jesus Christ, we can see the beauty of His wisdom. We grow in His word.

For I am full of His love. I see His work and I am satisfied that my life in Christ is not in vain. It flourishes when I choose to look beyond my selfish needs. One small word of kindness, one small gesture of kindness, erases and crushes the wall of self-absorption.

So I am full. But I seek Him more because God’s perfect plan has me on a pilgrimage. I am on a path between the point of birth and the point of death. I do not seek tomorrow nor regret yesterday: This is my plight. God is infinite wisdom and love. I shall never tire of seeking Him ever sifting through His thoughts upon mine.  I continue in the strength of Jesus and I am encouraged in a new day, as a new creation, and a new song in His glory.

So, abound and suffer. Hunger and be satisfied. Feel sorry for yourself and then wake up on a new morning uttering His name.

The Lord is my Father to whom I pray that when He meets me at the seat of judgement, He will count my life as good and call me His good and faithful servant. I continue to strive in the direction that is on a lit path that is before me now. Following on in perseverance and in the strength of Jesus Christ through whom all things are possible. Thank you, Paul and thank you, Father.

Happy Birthday, my love, Dana. You are richly blessed in the Lord. You are a blessing to me.

Rick

November 8, 2011