...But God

James 1: 9-11

Creators & Guests

Host
Chad McBeam
Business Leader, Foster Advocate and Fighter of Human Trafficking, Chad enjoys hosting this podcast channel as a way to spread and highlight the great examples of those who live out their faith daily. He can also be seen on occasion on your TV or Film Screen or be heard narrating one of your books as his love of acting has stuck with him since his childhood.
Writer
Aaron Marcarelli
After getting his under-graduate degree from Cal State University San Bernardino where he played college baseball and received all American honors. he was a graduate assistant baseball coach at both Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, Tennessee, and at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.  He received his master’s degree in Teaching from Whitworth, with plans to someday be a head baseball coach at a university.  However, God had other plans.  Aaron started teaching English and History and coaching baseball and other sports at the high school level and found out how much he loves high school kids, and he has been doing that for the past 27 years.     Personally, heI has been married to his wife Sharon for 32 years, they have one daughter, Amanda Parrish, who has been married to Austin Parrish for 2 years. Aaron also has two grandsons Travis age 2 ½ and Aden who is 13 months and are blessed to have another on the way due in May. Aaron loves reading, golfing, and spending time with his wife and grandkids.
LC
Designer
Linda Cowen
Linda Cowen of San Antonio Christian School is our gracious and talented art designer for the But God, weekday morning devotional series.

What is ...But God?

A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam

“Now the brother or sister of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; but the rich person is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out.”
James 1:9-11 NASB2020
This scripture is not an admonition of the rich or poor it is a warning for us to be content in the circumstances that we find ourselves in. We only find that contentment in Christ. As Paul explains In Philippians 4:11-13

“Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 NASB2020
James is saying virtually the same thing. Following Christ does not mean we have to sell all our possessions and be poor, nor does it mean if we follow Christ, He will give us wealth and prosperity. God calls us to follow Him, God calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul mind and strength and to love others as we love ourselves. His will is known by acting according to those two commands. We love Him by having relationship with Him through prayer, reading and knowing His Holy word, and seeking relationship with others.
Therefore, we need not boast in our wealth or boast in our poverty. Because all we have or don’t have will be dust, but Christ’s love and relationship with Him is eternal. All we need do is seek Him first and call upon His name and He will give us perfect contentment in any and all circumstances.
Lord, we praise and thank you for your perfect and pleasing gift of salvation through Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension. Help us Lord to seek first and be thankful and content in any and all circumstances. In Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom, Shalom Blessings! Press In and Press On!