Weekly Inspiration (11/19/16)

Riverfront Park   Kittanning, PA   November 4, 2016   12:34 P.M.

I chose this shot because of its contrasts:  highlight and shadow, bright red and normal yellow, leaves intact and leaves fallen, leaves turned color and leaves still to change.

I've been a slow learner in life, yet I'm sure about this: life is full of contrasts.  Experiences which are high, bright and colorful we savor thoroughly.  Might we need help to realize the benefit of experiences we label as low, dull or ordinary?  One side makes the other valuable.  Without "ordinary" we have little context for "stunning."  Without "dark" we have little appreciation for "radiant."  Without "low" we have little gratitude for "success."

What do you do in circumstances that easily accentuate the "negative"? Divert your attention from the barren-branch difficulties, even for a few minutes. Yes, it's a discipline.  Now talk to God. Where to begin?  I suggest reading aloud Habakkuk 3:17-19; Lamentations 3:21-25 and Philippians 4:6-8. God hears you when you vocalize His Word and it is good for you to hear yourself speak truth.

My Prayer (10/7/15)

"Do not let your heart be troubled" (Jn. 14:27, MEV).

Please forgive me, Lord.  You know there is no possibility I can say, "What trouble?  I'm not troubled."  I chose, quickly as it was, to look at the problem or shortage or inadequacy instead of You.  I became ruled by pressure instead of peace.  You can have the pressure.  I release it to You right now.  May Your "peace that surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7, NASB) now guard my heart and my mind as I fix my eyes on You (Heb. 12:2a).  Holy Spirit, please remind me to exercise disciplined thinking (Phil. 4:8).

Reaching Upward (Phil. 3:14)

Cathedral Ledge, N. Conway, NH.   8.22.13

When I first saw these climbers I thought, "They're crazy!"  Then I realized they were a picture of perseverance.  (Incidentally, notice the group is climbing together.)

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14)
 

Lessons in Contentment (Phil. 4:11)

Friday, I went for a walk at Northmoreland Park.  Here are some things I noticed about these ducks.

• They were the only two ducks on the lake.
• They didn't make any noise.  Perhaps they normally do, but not at that time.
• They weren't afraid of me.  They let me get within ten feet.
• They didn't seem concerned by the elements.  It was 28 degrees with a slight breeze.  A skim coat of ice was on the shallow places.  The sun wasn't bright.

Lessons about contentment:  

• Contentment is a choice, not a feeling.
• Contentment doesn't require ideal circumstances.
• Contentment is an individual pursuit.  No one can be content for you and you can't be content for anyone else.
• Contentment requires intention.  You will never accidentally be content.
• Contentment means more than not complaining.  Contentment also means enjoying.

"...I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (Phil. 4:11)