Waterfront Church

DAY 16

I choose Contentment.

"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 all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13)."

Let's start with a definition: Contentment is satisfaction in God's sufficient provision. Talk about going against the grain of the culture. Contentment brings a settled sense of sufficiency and a peaceful pace that proves “more” is not the focus of our thinking. Contentment brings blessings, such as joy in the present and satisfaction in the simple things of life.

But contentment doesn't just happen, it's a choice. And when you choose it repeatedly, you create a lifestyle of being content. We don’t wake up one morning and say, “Wow, I think I got contentment last night." Paul says he learned to be content. He figured out how to be content in highs and in lows, in abundance and in need, in plenty and in hunger.

The secret of Paul's contentment was actually rooted in wanting more - more of Christ and less of everything else. That's why he says earlier in his letter to the Philippians, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:20-21)."

When we choose contentment then our hearts are like wells that bubble up with gratitude for every small thing: for a day of opportunity to bring God glory with our attitude. The secret is in learning to lean on the source and not the supply.

Pray

I am chosen by God and I choose contentment. I come to you now, empty-handed but with a full heart. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may know what it means to be content whether I have plenty or I'm in need.

DAY 17

I choose Trust.

"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10)."

We're tempted to think of heroes like Daniel as supermen. People who have no fear and are born with great faith. But it wasn't superpowers that gave Daniel his courage. He was already in the habit of prayer. This verse reminds us that he was in the habit of walking with God daily. He submitted himself to God's authority, trusting Him to override anything that was contrary to His will.

The word prayed in verse 10 translates a Hebrew word rarely used in Scripture. It means "to limp as if one-sided." In his own strength Daniel knew he was too weak to walk the path before him. Through prayer he leaned into God and took one step at a time like a person who puts their weight on a crutch.

I believe he was scared. But he had no intention of turning his back on God. My favorite part of the story is that Daniel didn't receive the kind of help he anticipated. He probably asked for the decree to be overturned. Maybe he simply asked for courage to die with dignity. I doubt he prayed for God to shut the lions' mouths. God doesn't always provide the sort of help we anticipate, but His method always provokes the most glory.

Pray

I am chosen by God and I choose trust. Today, I will lean into you Lord and trust you even though I am afraid. My security comes from knowing that the same God who met my needs yesterday will meet them today.

DAY 18

I choose to Imitate Christ.

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (I Timothy 4:12)."

Paul knew that discipleship involved imitating Jesus. He also knew that believers needed living examples, and he was willing to be such an example and encourage others to follow his lead. In his letter to a young pastor named Timothy, Paul wrote that he should set an example for those who had been entrusted to his care.

Many people today are quick to say, “Don’t look at me, look at Jesus.” While it is true we must all look to Jesus as the ultimate Author and Finisher of our faith, every follower of Jesus should also strive to become a living example of what it looks like to imitate Jesus. Paul seemed confident that there was something in his pursuit of Jesus that was worth modeling and imitating. This doesn’t mean that he was perfect by any means but it does mean that he understood his responsibility to set an example.

The million-dollar question we must all ask is: If someone follows you will they end up at Jesus? Think about that as you seek to abide in Him today.

Pray

I am chosen by God and I choose to imitate Christ. Father, we can’t be perfect like Jesus, but we should also not be afraid to invite others to follow us as we seek to follow Him more closely. Help us Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live out our faith with such devotion that it truly is worth imitating by others.

DAY 19

I choose Generosity.

"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:24-25)."

When asked to picture a generous person, most of us usually think of someone rich who has excess money, material resources, or time. We might even think to ourselves, "If someday I had some extra, then I would be generous, too. But right now, I have to concentrate on taking care of myself."

Sometimes people think it is money, education, upbringing, social standing that makes someone generous. But these things are not the major reasons people become generous. There are many people who have some or all of these things and have not yet learned to be generous. The secret to generosity can be found in one's understanding of ownership.

King David says, "Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand (1 Chronicles 29:13-14." What David is saying here is that everything belongs to God and when we give, it's simply sharing what has already been shared with us first.

Pray

I am chosen by God and I choose generosity. Father all that I am is Yours, all that I have is Yours, and all that I hope to be is Yours. Help me to trust that You will provide all that I need as I give to You for Your work here on earth.

DAY 20

I choose Forward.

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:18–19)."

In the world around us, voices for personal growth and well-being are almost unanimous, calling us to dig up our past so we can do better in the future. But God’s Word through Isaiah is clear: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” Apart from the lessons we’ve learned, there is nothing to gain by staring in the rearview mirror.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God wants us on His newness program! This shouldn’t come as a surprise; the Creator of the universe is constantly in creation mode. And His resurrection power can change every circumstance He touches.

Can you perceive the “new thing” God is doing in your life? Are you discerning the opportunities and open doors that “spring forth” from His hand? Sadly, not everyone who follows Christ has eyes to see His newness. If you’re busy looking over your shoulder in regret or fixating on If only, you’ll be blindsided by a new thing—or miss it altogether.

God will make a way where there is no way. He can transform a lifeless desert into life-giving opportunity. We serve a living Savior—and everything He touches is new. Let's choose to live forward and not go back to the way things used to be.

Pray

I am chosen by God and I choose forward. Help me to entrust what feels hopeless into Your life-giving hands. Convict me when my eyes start looking back in regret and cause me to keep them fixed on Your Son Jesus, my Savior, who makes all things new.