Series: It's All Good
Message: The Art of Contentment
Preacher: Dena King
Daily Walk: Dena King

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 117.

Read: Philippians 2:14-16 (ESV). As you re-read the text for the final time this week in the English Standard Version, what new insights did you discover about God’s character?

Reflect: Read any book about marriage and relationships and you will see that it is important to lift up your significant other with your words. If you are constantly complaining to friends about them or putting them down, your relationship won’t last long. If one is constantly talking about the things they don’t like in their spouse it will soon be the only things they can see. 

Similarly, our relationship with God must be filled with words of appreciation and love both in praise and gratitude to Him but also in witness to others about His goodness. I believe this is key to growing closer to Him.

I once had a boss who asked Elia, “Did you know that Dena is always bragging about you?” I realize that he probably found this to be an obnoxious trait but it is still one of the best compliments I’ve ever been given. I hope that people have a great impression of Elia based on the things I say about him.

In this way, Paul encourages us to be “shining lights in a crooked and twisted generation.” In living a life of contentment, free of complaining, we will give a positive impression of our Father to those who don’t yet know Him. 

Recalibrate: ​​​What kind of impression of God do you think you give to others?

Respond: Take a moment to simply tell God how wonderful you think He is.

Research: Read “Jesus Always” by Sarah Young, page 105 (April 10)