Reading your Bible for today June 9

June 9: Philippians 4:10-13 

KJV Key Verse: Philippians 4:11
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned , in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content.

Devotion:
If we were to live with our parents in a country where we hardly ever got to see or hear how anyone else lived, I'm pretty sure we would live being content with what we have. But when we mix with others and see all manner of luxuries on film and television, then we learn that there is so much more out there and begin to be tempted to want what we cannot have. That desire becomes stronger all the time our desires turn us away from what is right and we start bending the rules to get what we want!

It is little wonder then Satan used this tactic to tempt Eve with the forbidden fruit. All he had to do was to plant the seed into Adam’s and Eve's heads that there could be so much more than they had now and their minds and desires took over and the rest is history. You may think you will never be tempted from what is right... Adam was right next to Eve and knew what was right, and yet he followed Eve. Our minds and bodies by themselves are no match for the wiles of Satan. But When Christ is on our side, we find a new strength.

God does not promise us a life without pain and suffering here on earth; in fact, He warns us of the exact opposite – that we will have pain and suffering in our lives. But He continues to allow this to happen so we can become stronger. It is unfortunate that we are surrounded by people who have let go or who are evil so things do seem out of control! But, once we realise we cannot do it by ourselves and we call upon Christ to strengthen us, then we find the true strength and learn the right ways of doing things; we need to make sure we do call upon Christ for this strength! Without it, we are nothing...

What we also need to remember is whatever comes our way is what Christ has deemed allowable to come our way. Therefore, we need to be content with what Christ is allowing our way, knowing full well He does know best and it is, in some way, for our own good!

Points to Ponder:
How often are you upset by what your friends allow to happen to you?

How often do you allow Christ to strengthen you?