Quote from Forum Archives on October 11, 2001, 9:15 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

Are you happy today? Are you content, right where you are, even
at this moment? If not, consider this message from Neil
Anderson. I think Neil describes the place where happiness and
contentment can be found: when we appreciate what we already have
- and also with God's purpose for our lives.

Do I ever struggle with this? Sure, I do. I am still searching
for a job, so there are things that I am not completely content
with. But even in that struggle, I do have comfort in knowing
that God knows precisely what He is doing with my life, at this
very moment. Not only that, I do greatly appreciate that I am
deeply loved, fully accepted, and completely forgiven. I know
that God is providing for me, at this very moment, and I trust
what He has already done, and what He continues to do.

If you happen to be struggling with something right now, do you
trust God to accomplish His will for your life - even if you have
to wait to see the result?

Dear Lord, please help me to continually seek You for all
things. When I cannot see what Your plans are for me, please
grant me a patient spirit, and guide me. When I am not content,
please remind me of Your great promises, which are right and
true, and always what is best, whether I see it or not.

Please encourage each of my friends today, no matter whether they
are in a great place, or struggling in a deep valley. I trust
You, and I remember Your great love. Thank You for Your wondrous
gift of love. Amen.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: Neil Anderson <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Tuesday, October 9, 2001
Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 05:08:10 -0400

N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

October 9

GOD'S CONCEPT OF HAPPINESS

Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV)

The world's concept of happiness is getting what we want. All
merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need
a flashier car, a sexier cologne, or any number of items that are
better, faster or easier to use than what we already have. We
watch the commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest
fashions, fads and fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we're
not really happy until we get what we want.

God's concept of happiness is summed up in the simple proverb:
"Happy is the man who wants what he has." As long as you are
focusing on what you don't have, you'll be unhappy. But when you
begin to appreciate what you already have, you'll begin to
experience the joys of life. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Godliness
with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the
world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and
clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV).

Actually, you already have everything you need to live a joyful
life. You have Christ. You have eternal life. You are loved by a
heavenly Father who has promised to supply all your needs. No
wonder the Bible repeatedly commands us to be thankful (1
Thessalonians 5:18). If you really want to be happy, learn to be
thankful for what you have and not covet what you don't have.

Father, today I want to seek first Your kingdom and Your
righteousness, knowing that You will add to my life all that I
need.

-----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by
Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at
< www.ficm.org >.

You can purchase "Daily in Christ" and other titles by Neil
Anderson at christianbook.com (Christian Book Distributors -
CBD).
< shopping.crosswalk.com/bye/devo_na >

Additional devotionals are available from Crosswalk.com:
< devotionals.crosswalk.com >.
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=====
--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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