July 11, 2016

“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” Philippians 4:12-13 Message

“I’ve learned by now” … is the transforming truth of your life. At each moment and circumstance .. crisis .. blessing .. overwhelming need .. abundant supply .. times of loneliness .. blessing and celebration .. great need .. comfort .. despair .. doubt and assurance .. there is the “One” who makes you who you are. Everything that you have .. that you are .. and that you achieve finds its full expression in Christ. It will only make sense and find it’s proper place in Him. Without Christ everything can overwhelm you .. leave you disillusioned .. and deceive you into thinking it is up to you to make life work. Paul shared the treasury of his life by saying he “had learned the secret”. Isn’t that what you find yourself wanting to know .. to be that content .. to know that kind rest and assurance .. and to live in the intimacy of Christ’s abiding strength and indwelling grace? This isn’t a reward for those who work the hardest. It isn’t a special gift to a select few. It’s not a secret secret. This is the life that Christ wants to live in you. A life where you receive and experience his amazing grace … deep within yourself. It’s no longer about what you have .. but about the One who has you .. freely and fully in His grip. It only takes a moment …

“Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.” Philippians 4:23 Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Recipes-of-Grace following Jesus (kchesterp1@gmail.com)