I CAN DO ALL THINGS [ T.D. JAKES ]

I can do all things through Christ who

strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Deception is a trap and stronghold that ensnares many, especially those not content with their own present state in life. The Bible instructs us that we must learn to be content in whatever state we find ourselves. The apostle Paul learned that lesson well: ". . . for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11 KJV).

This is not to imply that we should be satisfied with being bound by the devil or be content with complacency and mediocrity, thus not fulfilling the call of God on our lives. Not at all. We are to work to improve ourselves while at the same time remaining totally dependent on God.

Self-sufficiency means to be "sufficient in oneself" and not putting your faith in God's assistance. Contentment, on the other hand, is to know with certainty and absolute firm conviction that God is able to meet your every need; Jehovah is your all-sufficiency. Contentment means that you are aware that you don't covet another person's position, property, possessions, or personality. Why? Because you know and are assured that all you presently have and all that you are today is more than enough in the hands of God. Whatever you need to do to fulfill God's purpose you can do, not in your own strength, but through the strength and power of Christ that dwells within your innermost being.

The apostle Paul said:

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 be abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:12-13).

The Blessings and the Lessons (7-15-17)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

-ISAIAH 41:10 NIV

The Blessings and the Lessons (7-14-17)

Life is a series of tests, some harder than others. But we are always given exactly what we need to pass with flying colors if we trust in God.

God, it sometimes seems as though life is a big, giant classroom, filled with lessons that need to be learned. I ask that I be given the strength and courage to be up to the challenge of taking on each lesson as it comes. Let me learn from it so I don't have to repeat it. Even during the roughest of moments, help me understand that I am being blessed by the stress, so that I may pass each test with more wisdom, love, and faith in my heart.
 

The Blessings and the Lessons (7-13-17)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

-JAMES 1:17 NIV

Finding Peace in the Storm (7-12-17)

A heart at peace gives life to the body.

-PROVERBS 14:30 NIV

Dear God, I long to feel the peace you bring, the peace that passes all understanding. Fill my entire being with the light of your love, your grace, and your everlasting mercy. Be the soft place that I might fall upon to find the rest and renewal I seek. Amen. 

Finding Peace in the Storm (7-11-17)

Deep peace of the running waves to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the smiling stars to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you. Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.

---Gaelic Prayer

Finding Peace in the Storm (7-10-17)

 My Creator, blessed is your presence. For you and you alone give me power to walk through dark valleys into the light again. You and you alone give me hope when there seems no end to my suffering. You and you alone give me peace when the noise of my life overwhelms me. I ask that you give this same power, hope, and peace to all who know discouragement, that they, too, may be emboldened and renewed by your everlasting love. Amen.