So You Have A Problem.

So You Have A Problem.

Philippians 4:11-13NKJV

Rev. Mike Quarles writes, during the spring blizzard of 1993, our house was without power for a day. Therefore, I went over to my sons house. I was watching the video, Beauty and the beast with my four year old granddaughter Kaitlyn. In one of the scenes the beast was ranting and raving, breaking dishes and turning over furniture. Meanwhile, beauty was sitting quietly at the table and Kaitlyn turned to me and said, “Is it his problem or her problem?

Good question! What is your problem?

Is it sickness, addiction, your spouse or the lack of one, rebellious children, lack of finances, an overbearing boss, a sorry job?

What’s your problem?

Is it your problem, or their problem?

Do you have a problem, or are you the problem?

Most think others are their problem, or maybe some company that did them wrong is their problem. Something in the past, maybe even hearsay.

Anger resentment and anxiety have a hold of you. And it's time to take a hold of Jesus.

The apostle Paul writes in, Philippians 4:11-13NKJV “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Many times our problems come as we seek for acceptance and approval from others. We think if I can just get their respect.

The apostle Paul is saying, “Whatever state I am in, or condition, stable or unstable, I have learned to be content through Jesus Christ.”

Are you living anxious? Let me give you a matter a fact statement, “Jesus is bigger and better.”

1 Peter 5:7NKJV “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Jesus died, and forever lives for your cares.

Usually we are not the problem but we have a problem. If we are the problem, the only way to solve it is to get rid of ourselves.

Listen well, you’re not the problem! You have a problem, but never are you the problem. P.H

Colossians 2:9-10NKJV For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

The fullness of the godhead bodily dwells in Jesus Christ, and therefore, His fullness dwells in you. - You are complete in Him.

“If you have a problem, you need to know that you can seek God for the answer.” P.H

The prophet Jeremiah had a problem. In fact, He had a lot of problems, his biggest problem were the Israelites, they served idols etc...

Jeremiah 33:1-3NKJV “Moreover the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the prison, saying, “Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Maybe you’re one who has tried to control circumstances, or maybe manipulate people in order to meet your own needs.

The Lord gave me a word for you, “Stop frustrating grace.”

Galatians 2:21KJV I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

It’s simple, trust Jesus!

Philippians 4:11-13TLB Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; 13 for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

The opposite of Fruit is found in, Galatians 5:19-21NKJV Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The apostle Paul's relationship with Jesus was ongoing, Paul sates, I have no needs.

Jesus continued to strengthen Paul with might and power.

In, Galatians 5:22-23 one of the fruit of the spirit is, self control.

Not Spouse or friend control, or church control- It’s self control.

Galatians 5:22-23NKJV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”