Life is not about achievements or accomplishments.  It's about relationships.

Being content does not come naturally to humans.  Being content is a learned habit for most of us.  Many people in the U.S. have a lot more than other third-world countries could even imagine as far as tangible things.  Yet, you will find that most Americans are not satisfied with what they have.

My fellow Christians know that when we leave this world, we won't be taking any of these tangible possessions with us to heaven.  So why not focus on your relationships with people and most importantly, with God.

For myself, I value my relationship with God and my relationships with my family and friends.

Be content with what God has given you and look to Him for everything you need.  God will provide.

Philippians 4:12-13 says, “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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” 

The definition of confidence is the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.

We have a choice.  We can either have confidence in man, which may or may not work out.  Or, you can have confidence in Christ, knowing and believing that by acknowledging and believing in Christ, we are saying that we believe and trust that He can make all things work out for the good.

If you're trusting that God provides, then your confidence in it coming to fruition will help strengthen your faith.

It's like watching God in action in your life.  You look to Him for guidance. You have faith and confidence that He will provide.  This not only makes you a stronger Christian, it brings you closer to God.

Stand firm in your belief in God.  Acknowledge where your confidence comes from and honor the God that gave it to you.

Psalm 14:2 – "The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God."

Are you letting Satan steal your joy today?  Are you so consumed with worry that you can think of nothing else?  I've been there.  I know what this feels like, but when it's you that's going through it, it can be overwhelming.

The Bible says this: "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

I know how hard it is to overcome depression.  Two years ago, it almost killed me.  But I persevered.  I did what my church family was telling me to do.  I started praying.  I started reading my Bible.  And you know what?  Within a few months, the situation started to take a turn for the better.  Little by little I came out of that dark time.  Satan lost that battle.

God didn't create us to be fearful of man.  He gave us power and love and a sound mind.

If you remember anything from this blog today, remember this:  The more we dwell on the terrible things that are going on, the less we have room for God to step in and take control of the situation. 

So why not try something different this time.  Praise God.  Not for what's going on in your life, but for Him being near.  Praise God for all the good things in your life.  God promises you that His plans for you are to prosper.

Let God be God.

After coming home from my second mission trip to Peru, I've found that no matter what skills or talents I possess, none is more important than telling people about Jesus.  Given the language barrier in a third world country, this can be a difficult task.  Without our translators, any spoken word was virtually impossible to convey.

So, the next time you're thinking about going on a mission trip and you're worring about what you would do or how you could contribute, just know that God works out the details.  You just have to be available and open to God's plans.

Don't undervalue your presence in any God-given situation.  All God asks us to do is to prepare the harvest. 

This doesn't just mean on the mission field.  I'm referring to anywhere you are where you have an opportunity to speak up and tell your story.

Romans 8:28 – "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."

I was recently in a Sunday School class and we were discussing how we as Christians can be known for our fruit.  Meaning, as we witness to others and tell them about Jesus, are we creating a harvest atmosphere where God can step in and meet them where they are?  Or, how do we feel when we establish a relationship with someone, slowly encouraging them to go down a different path and then someone else steps in and leads them to Christ?  Are we happy for them, or are we upset because someone picked our fruit?

God expects us to be productive and get results.  But we must make God our main focus in this journey of producing spiritual fruit. 

Sow the seeds.  It's not up to us to decide if the soil is good or not.  Be fruitful.  Show love to others.  Let them see the peace in your speech.  God will take care of the rest.

Colossians 1:10 – “So as to walk in a manner worth of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

I saw this in a recent online reading: "If God only used perfect people to do His will, the Bible would be a very short book."

We all know that there's no perfect person out there. Some people can hide what's going on the inside, when on the outside they look perfectly normal.

It's when God uses the broken people, the people that have lost it all, the people who appear as if there's no where else to turn, that miracles happen.

I have so many stories from my own life, that I could write a very thick novel. I've seen so many times where I have been at my lowest in spirit, disappointed by someone or something not happening when God stepped in and turned it around.

God doesn't make junk. He made us in His image. The next time you feel discouraged or angry at someone, turn to God. Turn to His Word. Read the Bible and learn how His word applies to your life, your situation.

God is ready to work in you today. When you miss getting with God, acknowledging the creator of the universe for who He is, then you miss out on the blessings from above.

You miss the gifts of God when you fail to get with God.

John 14:12 - "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father."

God is a good God and has mercy on His followers.  But God is a just God and will punish those who blatantly sin.

If you think about God being like a mother and father to us, you can see it this way: When we obey and follow the rules, God smiles on us like a mother, but when we disobey God, He is like a father and will reprimand us.

God's righteous disposition is free of any elements of offense.  It is holy and flawless.  Although we can be faithful and follow God's commands, if we sin against God, He will judge us according to His righteous disposition.

Just as we like to obey our parents and feel the love from them, we should be even more motivated to do the same for God.

God loves us.  Show your love by obeying Him today.

Psalm 1:6 – "For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction."

I saw this on a poster yesterday and couldn't stop thinking about it.

I've had times in my life where I've wanted another job, something to change in my personal life, etc. but nothing seemed to be happening. Then, suddenly, a door opened, so to speak. I'll admit, I didn't think about it at the time being God that opened the door, but that's exactly who opened it.

The one thing I've learned over the years is that if there's a possibility for a door to open that I need to be more aware of God's presence, and not just rely on my own wishful thinking.

Until God opens your next door, meet Him right where you're at today. He will be pleased that you're trusting Him with this next step.

John 10:9 – "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture."