“Be careful [Greek, merimnaō, anxious] for nothing” (Philippians 4:6 KJV) means we shouldn’t worry about anything. It’s practically impossible not to worry, unless we’re really persuaded God is listening to our prayers. “But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 KJV). We ask and petition God with gratitude concerning whatever is on our mind. Not only does He supply our needs, but it fortifies our faith, when we are doing whatever we can cooperating with God. What a wonderful exchange! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 KJV). And, God is always giving more than we know to ask (Ephesians 3:20)!
Looking for the Promise
Health of My Countenance
The wonders of a vibrant auto immune system, medical science understands its underlying importance. Good clean living, others attribute to their longevity. Who or what holds us together? Our God. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11; 43:5 KJV).
An Economist’s Lament
“In the long run we are all dead,” said John Maynard Keynes of ‘buy now pay later’ fame. If death is the end of it all, then humanity’s long term outlook is dismal. But, hope can only spring from an unlimited, everlasting, all caring God. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13 KJV).
Behavior: Ten Minute Rule
I knew a person who overcame a lifelong smoking addiction after committing their life to Christ. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). I read a story of another individual, who was told by his doctor he would probably die, if he didn’t quit smoking. He was instructed to commit himself to not smoking for only ten minutes, and occupy himself with something else during those ten minutes. Repeat the process until a habit formed, likely a month or two later. The man surprised the doctor exactly a year later with a smile and mission accomplished! How much more any behavior can be conquered through Christ!
Addiction: The Bad and the Good
“They have addicted [Greek, tassō, devoted] themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1Corinthians 16:15 KJV). The concept of dependency is a negative addiction, if I am “brought under the power of any” (1Corinthians 6:12 KJV) thing but Christ. On the other hand, an addiction is positive, if the dependency brings us under the influence of Christ and His ministry. O LORD, addict us to Yourself and Your ministry. May we never withdraw from our dependency upon You! Help us exchange our addiction for anything to dependence only upon You! Amen.
Support Your Local Church (Part 2)
Contributing to your local church not only pays the rent, keeps the lights on, provides a place to teach your kids, provides a place to interact with fellow disciples, gives a way to hear the preaching of God’s Word, but it is a place where Jesus said He would be especially present. Sure, He is everywhere because He is God, but He was especially present in the OT Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple, just as He is now abiding in His NT disciples. But, He is, again, especially present in the assemblies of the local church, where the Holy Spirit can specially minister to us and through us, like in Matthew 18:20. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 KJV). Keep this special assembly alive with your tithes and offerings.
Blessings, Desire, and Hope
“Blessings are upon the head of the just. The desire of the righteous shall be granted. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness” (Proverbs 10:6, 24, 28 KJV). If we do the right thing because of God’s Spirit working in us, we are righteous. Blessings or happiness will characterize us. Our righteous desires will be granted, and our righteous hope will make us glad.
All Things Are Yours
All things are yours, because the Father proved it by not withholding His Only Son. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). All things belong to us by faith, since all things belong to God. “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours” (1Corinthians 3:21-22 KJV).
Finding God
Where is God when we need Him in this crazy, complex world? “And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 KJV). The wearisome of time and religion forces our isolation from one another, but from especially God. In His masterful plan for the universe, He is quietly moving us together, but particularly to Him.
Happiness Is A Choice
Happiness is a personal choice, but only Yahweh can persuade and aid us at being so blessed. “Kiss the Son [Messiah, Christ], lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him” (Psalm 2:12 KJV). In both Hebrew and Christian Scriptures “blessed” and “happy” are translation equivalents. Bless us, O LORD, and we shall be blessed. Amen and amen.
We Need A Miracle 
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