Advent Messages from YOU, MMM 12-6-2010

ADVENT IDEAS FROM YOU! 

Monday Morning Message, December 6, 2010

Many of you send me messages each week with great pictures and wonderful ideas.  It is my pleasure to share two of them with all of you today.  The first comes from my friend Glen Repple who sends out a daily devotional that I look forward to receiving because of its spiritual depth.  Here is a recent example reprinted with his permission:

What is the secret?
Are you learning contentment or worry? What is the secret to being content?
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. Philippians 4:11-13
For I have learned to be content flying coach, seated in the last row middle seat, between two pleasantly plump people, next to the restroom, with no window and the engine roaring loudly and I have learned to be content flying first class with full service and a steak dinner.
For I have learned to be content with a dial-up internet connection getting bumped off the internet every 10 minutes and I have learned to be content with lightning-fast high-speed internet with a stable connection.
For I have learned to be content with an unreliable 15-year-old car and I have learned to be content with a brand new Mercedes.
For I have learned to be content when someone is cursing, insulting and rejecting me and I have learned to be content when I am praised.
For I have learned the secret which is to be content in Christ Jesus and not the problem or circumstance. Contentment in Christ Jesus is the antidote to worry and anxiety. I am anxious when I am trusting the problem or circumstance more than God. The problem or circumstance becomes my idol or focus of worship more than HOLY GOD.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
God wants to give you HIS DAILY BREAD. HE wants you to totally trust HIM. Go to HIM with you circumstance in prayer, petition, and with thanksgiving and present your request to HIM as a dearly loved child of God. HE wants to give you the peace which transcends all human comprehension and understanding. Submit yourself to the Lord today. The secret is Christ Jesus. HE is enough. You do not need anything else to meet your need. You can be content and rest in HIM because HIS burden is light. HE is life and nothing else can give you life, peace and rest.

Another friend, Cliff Gill sent me this YouTube video and I can’t think of a better way to move further into the Advent Season!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

This week is also where I apologize to all of you who wrote to me last week to explain how you are both brave shoppers and good stewards of God’s resources as you buy things on sale on Black Friday.  The best of these was to stretch scarce resources as far as possible especially in the areas of technology purchases for ministry purposes.  Many of you also pointed out that my description of Black Friday defied the real source of the name which has to do with when merchants sell enough stuff to get into the “black”. I did know that but that definition didn’t work into my MMM as well as my slant.  Despite my apologies, I will still likely stay home next year! 

In this busy time of year, remember to enjoy the journey!  Take your kids or your spouse or both to a quiet personalized event that does not require consumption.  Send me stories about your journeys of joy for a future MMM! 

 Matthew 5:15 (RSV) “…Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”

We apologize for the sporadic service in delivering the MMM to all of you.  Pls know we are working to deliver each of you the message that God lays on my heart to share with you each week! 

Don't forget to order copies of Kingdom Gains for your Christmas gifts to all of your family and friends who have an interest in investing: www.kingdomgains.com 

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