Contentment isn't a state that's based on circumstances; it's a state that's based on spiritual maturity. In the book of Philippians, Paul writes, "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." When we focus on God and His Kingdom, our lives cease to become ours and become His alone -- and no matter how much or how little we have, our contentment is found in Christ alone.

God freely gives His grace to us. He doesn't hold back, even knowing that we'll squander it and continue to struggle with sin. Now, we're called to live sacrificially in service to others, offering everything we have to be used by Him as the Spirit leads.

When Jesus died, He knew something that His followers didn't: He knew that God would raise Him from the dead and bring Him back to life. Because of His sacrifice, we're given the opportunity to be raised from eternal death and given eternal life in heaven, but accepting the salvation He so freely offers us is a choice that each and every person has to make.

The story of David and Goliath is a famous example of God defeating a literal giant. But there are countless stories throughout Scripture, throughout history, and throughout each of our lives where God has been faithful to defeat proverbial giants on our behalf. We're going to face trials and tragedies in this world -- Jesus assured us of that -- but instead of spending our time wrapped up in anxiety and fear, we can believe His Word and trust that He's greater than anything that comes against us.

God promises to supply all of our needs; if we doubt that, we just need to look at the countless examples in Scripture that demonstrate how He's cared for His people all throughout history. But Jesus teaches that we have more than just physical needs, and unless we eat the spiritual food that nourishes our spiritual needs, we will never be filled.

Examine your life as it is right now. Are you holding onto something -- and unwilling to give it to God so that He can bring healing and help you move on? Whether it's our own mistakes from the past, or the hurt caused by someone else's actions towards us, we have to be willing to let go if we want to step into and take hold of the fullness of life that God offers us.

Jesus spent His entire time on earth modeling for us what it looks like to live and love outside of the box. Obedience to God draws us out of our comfort zone by necessity, so that He may be glorified and His name may be made known to others. What "box" are you trapped in that's keeping you from surrendering in full obedience to Him?

Joseph was just an average guy -- until he decided to trust and obey God, and ultimately became Jesus' earthly father. We might not all be Joseph, but when we become Christians, we cease to become "average Joes". The moment we choose to follow Jesus, God dwells in us through His Spirit and works through us to accomplish extraordinary things.

Scripture's filled with stories that sound crazy on the surface, and none more so than the Gospel message of Jesus coming as the Messiah to die for our sins. In fact, 1 Corinthians 1:18 tells us that "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." We will never convince anybody to believe on our own, but the Holy Spirit can use us -- and our obedience in sharing the Gospel -- to reach people that they might believe and be saved.

Scripture assures us that all the pleasures of this world will never be enough to fix our own brokenness. While it's important to enjoy and appreciate the life that God gives us, we can never lose sight of our role in obeying His commands to pursue Him above all else. Only He can change us from the inside out, and give our lives purpose and meaning.