One of the books I am reading right now is “Contentment” by Richard Swenson. The byline is “The Secret to a Lasting Calm”. One of the recent passages of scripture he cited recently was from Paul’s letter to the church at Phillipi.
In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul shared a profound truth about contentment that resonates yet today. At least it should. He speaks not from a place of ease, but from the depths of experience.
Contentment, he teaches, isn’t contingent upon our circumstances but stems from a profound trust in God’s provision and strength.
Paul’s life exemplifies resilience in the face of plenty and scarcity, showing that true contentment transcends material wealth or comfort.
It’s a state of being anchored in faith, capable of weathering life’s storms with unwavering peace. Isn’t that a something you could use today as well? I know I could.
As followers of Christ, let’s apply Paul’s wisdom. Let’s embrace the lessons learned in both abundance and need, knowing that our strength lies not in our circumstances nor in our own abilities, but in Christ who gives us a strength not our own.
With this mindset, we can navigate life’s highs and lows with grace, finding contentment in every situation.
We know, can trust and believe that through Him, we can do all things, and that can bring us contentment and a lasting calm.
Aristotle’s timeless wisdom reminds us that our habits shape who we become. So, harness the power of positive habits to cultivate excellence in your life.
Often, the first, and most important step in that may be breaking old habits to make room for new, positive ones.
Start by identifying one area where you want to excel, whether it’s in your career, relationships, personal growth, or spiritual growth.
As you think about what you want to do, take a hard look at what you’ll need to not do to make room for what you want to do. Those two things can’t exist together.
Then, commit to taking consistent action steps towards removing the nefativethabits and then adding the positive habits.
First, set specific, achievable goals related to your chosen area of excellence. Break them down into smaller tasks to make them more manageable. If there are negative habits holding you back, such as procrastination or self-doubt, recognize them and actively work on replacing them with positive ones.
Second, establish a daily routine that supports your goals. Whether it’s dedicating time each day for skill-building, reflection, or practice, consistency is key. As you break old habits, be patient with yourself and celebrate each small victory along the way.
Remember, excellence isn’t about instant success; it’s about the journey of continuous improvement. Embrace the process, win the moments, stay committed to your habits, and watch as excellence becomes a natural part of who you are.
And one last word. Aristotle was wise, but there is one who is wiser. Whatever habits you need to put aside, or those that you want to add, let Romans 2:12 help to guide you.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
His will will lead you to true excellence and habits worth having.
As we wrap up our section of “The Pursuit”, thinking about our dreams, I want to challenge you with one final thought. What dreams do you have in front of you today?
You probably already know there is no magic formula to make them a reality. Sorry, you won’t find it here either.
Everybody has dreams but very few have the perseverance to continue to pursue them. If your dream is worth it here is what I suggest you do.
Get up!
Show up!
Keep moving!
Chase it!
Pursue it!
If you think you can achieve your dream without doing any of those things then your dream is not big enough and you need to enlarge what it is that you are pursuing and dreaming of doing.
There are lots of dreams out there. Very few dreams are ever realized because we think the dream should happen in our timing.
The dream will happen when we’re ready and when the time is right. Our job is to be faithful to today by showing up, doing the work and continuing to run toward our dream.
The time will be right when the time is right. Keep moving. Keep showing up, and keep hustling.
I’m cheering for you.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How do you maintain motivation and perseverance while pursuing a dream that seems distant or uncertain? What strategies can help you stay focused and resilient during challenging times?
2. Reflecting on your current dreams and goals, do you feel they are ambitious enough? If not, how might you expand your vision to pursue something that challenges you and encourages personal growth?
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV [1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Pursuing a dream is much like running a race—it takes focus, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Hebrews 12:1-2 draws a vivid picture of this journey, urging us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”
When you’re chasing a dream, you need to identify and remove anything that might slow you down or divert your attention. This could mean breaking bad habits, confronting fears, or moving past setbacks.
But running this race isn’t something you do alone. Hebrews reminds us that we’re surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses.”
This cloud can be your friends, family, mentors, and even your spiritual community—those who inspire, encourage, and support you along the way.
As you pursue your dreams, keep your eyes fixed on the ultimate goal. The passage calls us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
This focus can guide you through the most challenging parts of the journey, providing a source of strength and a reminder of why you’re running in the first place.
No matter how difficult the path, perseverance is key. When you’re tempted to give up, remember that achieving your dream requires endurance and faith.
Just as the race has a finish line, your dream has a destination. Stay the course, knowing that with perseverance, you’ll reach it.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. In what ways do you need to “throw off everything that hinders” as you pursue your dreams? Identify one habit, mindset, or obstacle that you can start working on to make your path to success smoother.
2. Who are the key people in your “great cloud of witnesses” who support and inspire you on your journey toward achieving your dreams? How can you strengthen these relationships to build a more robust support system as you persevere toward your goals?
In moments of trial and uncertainty, silence can be our greatest strength. When Jesus stood before Herod, He chose silence over defense, knowing that true power doesn’t always need words.
His stillness wasn’t weakness—it was a demonstration of profound trust in God’s plan. Christ lived in perfect peace, and offers peace to each of us too.
Psalm 46:10 invites us into that same stillness: “Be still and know that I am God.” It is in our quiet moments that we connect with him. By cutting through the noise and distractions of life, we create space to truly experience God’s presence.
Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and embrace the quiet. Let the stillness remind you that you’re not alone, and that there’s a higher power guiding your path.
Through silence, we find clarity; through stillness, we find strength. Allow yourself to be comforted and consumed in the calm, and let God’s Spirit refresh your soul.
There is so much to unpack in these four lines. These four lines could easily be turned into a monster discussion, writing or podcast.
Today though, think about your dreams, your story and how what has happened to you has lined up to put you on the path you are walking.
Trust that the things that have happened to you have happened so you can use them for your good and to also help you to help others.
As you reflect on your dreams and your story you can then live your life on purpose and with a purpose.
You have been given a sphere of influence that is directly related to your dreams and your story.
You are where you are right now for a reason doing what you are doing with the people who need you to do it. Be faithful to that.
I’m Cheering For You.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How can reflecting on past experiences and understanding their impact on your journey help you find a sense of purpose and direction in life?
2. In what ways can recognizing your unique story and sphere of influence inspire you to make a positive impact on those around you?
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Remember that you are not here by chance. You are God’s handiwork, crafted with care and intention.
Ephesians 2:10 is an encouraging reminder that you were created in Christ Jesus to do good works that God has prepared in advance.
This truth means that your story, your dreams, and your unique path are part of a greater plan.
Each experience you’ve had, every challenge you’ve faced, is a piece of a puzzle that God is piecing together.
Don’t underestimate the impact of your journey. Your life has purpose and meaning. You were designed to be a light in the world, to bring hope, and to make a difference.
Embrace your God-given gifts and talents. Let your faith guide you as you step into the works that God has prepared for you.
Be bold, be courageous, and trust that He is leading you in the right direction. Keep walking in His purpose, knowing that you are exactly where you need to be to fulfill His divine plan.
Be Blessed!
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How can the understanding that we are “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” change the way you view your own value and purpose in life?
2. What are some practical steps you can take to discover and fulfill the “good works” that God has prepared for you in advance?
Made For This Moment 