Category: Devotion of the Day

How To Be Independent

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:11

“Content” has been rendered “independent.” Paul has learned in any state to be self-sufficient, independent, not in the haughty worldly sense but in that he lives by inner resources. He can do all things through Christ. While he deeply appreciates and rejoices in the love-gift sent to him by the Philippian saints, his sufficiency is not in the Lord=s people but in God, who is able to supply every need.

The servant of the Lord who is looking to the Lord’s people instead of unto the Lord will be nervous and sometimes disappointed. But the man who is looking unto Jesus about his finances as well as everything else will not worry whether his remuneration be a Philippian love-gift or a puny stipend. Not all churches may be as generous as the Philippians, but God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus are as abundant as in Paul’s day.

Let us be independent of men, dependent on God.

The Departing Angel

And forthwith the angel departed from him.
Acts 12:10

The angel had brought Peter out of prison through the gate and safety outside. Now the miracle was over and the angel took his leave. Peter was on his own.

God intervenes by His angel many a time to loose our souls from prison. He does the supernatural thing when the occasion demands it. But He does not perform miracles when we can get along without them. He let us do the thing we can do for ourselves, all within the circles of His grace of course.

Peter shifted for himself when he came to and realized he was not dreaming. Some saints expect angels to wake them up and serve them breakfast in bed. Do not expect the supernatural when God would have you proceed in the normal natural course of things. Peter did not sit down and wait for another angel-he headed toward a prayer meeting.

Thank God for His angels, but they depart. Trust His indwelling Spirit to guide you every day, miracle or no miracle. Angels come and go, but He abides.