Today's Passage - Phil 4:11-13

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Philippians 4:11-13   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 everything through him who gives me strength.   "...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."  Paul was talking about a joy that no circumstance can take away, which is best characterized by highlighting the difference between the thermometer and the thermostat.  The thermometer merely measures the temperature around it; it goes up when it's hot and it drops when it's cool.  Many of us living in the world are much like thermometers; when the circumstance is good, we get excited and rejoice like we've won the lottery; when the going gets tough we get depressed and complain about everything and everyone.  A thermostat, however, is different, for it has a preset temperature, and no matter whether the weather is hot or cold, it will adjust the temperature until it is moderate.   Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?  Paul's life is like a thermostat.  He said "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty."  No matter how the circumstance changes, he said that "I have learned the secret."  What is the secret?  Is it to be content and thus happy all the time?  Not quite.  You will be happy if you are content, but the problem is how someone can be content all the time no matter what the circumstance is.  Everyone knows the truth about being content, but not many know how to gain the strength to be content all the time.   Paul said that "I have learned the secret," and the secret is the strength behind being content, which is in verse 13: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."  Do you know that God can give you strength?  When Paul was writing to Timothy, he mentioned about his experience at the trial in Rome: "At my first defense, no one came to my support...  But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength..."  God is not only the God who has mercy on us, but God also is the God who gives us strength!  Let's proclaim by faith that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength!"              Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord Jesus, I ask that you make me a thermostat in my daily life, but not a thermometer that changes with the circumstance.  Lord, give me strength as you promised, so that in all my weaknesses in life, you may show your power and glory.  I am willing to give my life to your hands.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!