Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Unforgiveness: The most costly of all human faults
Unforgiveness means bearing grudge against another human being. It is not letting go of an offense toward us. It is very costly to our spiritual well-being.
There are 4 consequences of unforgiveness:
1. If you don’t forgive, you become unforgivable. God forgives forgivers only. Matthew 6:14-15.
2. Those who can’t forgive can’t receive from God. Unforgiveness is a hindrance to answered prayers. It shuts off God’s blessings. 1 Peter 3:7.
3. Your offerings are unacceptable when you harbor grudges. God only accepts gifts from those who forgive themselves and others. Giving is a sacrifice. Abel-like sacrifices come from those who forgive others. Matthew 5:23-24.
4. Unforgivers will not go to heaven. Why? Hebrews 12:14 declares that only those who are holy and follow peace with all men shall see the Lord. How do you go to heaven if you cannot see the Lord?
N.B. Forgiveness is for the benefit of the forgiver. It does not relieve the offender of the consequences of his/her actions. Forgiveness is different from trust. We are commanded to forgive everyone; we’re not asked to trust everybody. May we all increase in this grace in Jesus’ name, Amen.
There are 4 consequences of unforgiveness:
1. If you don’t forgive, you become unforgivable. God forgives forgivers only. Matthew 6:14-15.
2. Those who can’t forgive can’t receive from God. Unforgiveness is a hindrance to answered prayers. It shuts off God’s blessings. 1 Peter 3:7.
3. Your offerings are unacceptable when you harbor grudges. God only accepts gifts from those who forgive themselves and others. Giving is a sacrifice. Abel-like sacrifices come from those who forgive others. Matthew 5:23-24.
4. Unforgivers will not go to heaven. Why? Hebrews 12:14 declares that only those who are holy and follow peace with all men shall see the Lord. How do you go to heaven if you cannot see the Lord?
N.B. Forgiveness is for the benefit of the forgiver. It does not relieve the offender of the consequences of his/her actions. Forgiveness is different from trust. We are commanded to forgive everyone; we’re not asked to trust everybody. May we all increase in this grace in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Mistakes of Life
The wise men started with wisdom. God showed them a star which led them to Jerusalem. Methinks the same star could have led them to Jesus but they chose to consult with Herod. Why ask man for direction on a journey started by God? It’s like Abraham asking others for direction to the land of promise. How would they know? Were they the one that instructed him to leave his father’s house for a land “that I will shoe thee?” We all have a tendency to seek man’s help after starting with God.
The mistake of the wise men led to fulfillment of the Scriptures. The threat of Herod, the sojourn in Egypt, and the fury that led to the massacre of 2-year-old boys and under; all were foretold in the Bible. All things, our tests, trials, mistakes, blessings, testimonies and triumphs, work together for our good. Don’t be afraid to take risks and launch into the deep. Our mistakes are the necessary ingredients for divine intervention. The lies of Abraham made him richer. The adultery of David produced Solomon. The disgraceful lifestyle of Rahab routed her into the lineage of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not what you did in the past but how you respond to your future that matters.
Along the journey of life, there are booby-traps, bumps, curveballs, disappointments and unexpected snags. We need to remember that we have a high priest who is aware of our infirmities. Our role is to always look up to the Almighty God who is well and able to lead and guide us despite our failings.
The mistake of the wise men led to fulfillment of the Scriptures. The threat of Herod, the sojourn in Egypt, and the fury that led to the massacre of 2-year-old boys and under; all were foretold in the Bible. All things, our tests, trials, mistakes, blessings, testimonies and triumphs, work together for our good. Don’t be afraid to take risks and launch into the deep. Our mistakes are the necessary ingredients for divine intervention. The lies of Abraham made him richer. The adultery of David produced Solomon. The disgraceful lifestyle of Rahab routed her into the lineage of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not what you did in the past but how you respond to your future that matters.
Along the journey of life, there are booby-traps, bumps, curveballs, disappointments and unexpected snags. We need to remember that we have a high priest who is aware of our infirmities. Our role is to always look up to the Almighty God who is well and able to lead and guide us despite our failings.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Seeing is believing
Provision follows vision. In order for the promises of God to come to pass in our lives, it is important that we believe them. To believe is to have an inner conviction (vision). There are 3 instances when God helped humans to believe by giving them an opportunity to preview the promises. The first involved Abraham. In Genesis 15:5-6, “He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness”. Genesis 15:5-6. Note the relationship between Abraham looking at the stars and his subsequent belief in God. The seeing preceded the believing.
The second occasion involved Moses. “Then the LORD spoke to Moses saying, Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel; you shall send a man from each of their fathers' tribes, everyone a leader among them." Numbers 13:1-2. The last example was described in Joshua 2:1. ”Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho " Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho " So they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lodged there".
While the Lord may have promised you certain things, have you prepared to receive such promises by spying them out? Can you see them within you? Preview precedes preoccupation. You must see to acquire. While the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, they need to be yea and amen in us (inner vision) before they come to pass in our lives. If you can’t see the mark, you can’t press towards it. (J. Mason). You pray until you see; your vision then leads to provision. The Lord Jesus taught the same principle in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you”. The sequence is pray, believe, and then receive.
What you see inside is what you get outside. You cannot receive from God without faith. What is faith? Faith is an internal photocopy (substance) of things you will see physically at a later date, the evidence (inner vision) of things not yet seen in the physical. Hebrews 11:1. You must take possession inside before you take possession outside because things which are seen are made of things which are not seen. Hebrews 11:3. In Colossians 1:17, we learn that the whole creation holds together in nature because the hold together first IN CHRIST. The cosmos will disintegrate if Christ lets go on the inside of Him. Therefore, your future should be a present reality within you.
How do we receive the vision for our lives? By waiting on God. Waiting precedes vision. The Bible is a vision generator. God, through His Spirit within is a vision manufacturer. Vision comes not by discussing with men but by discussing with God. If it comes from Him, He will bring it to pass. He gave Abraham vision in Genesis 13:14-17, “After Lot separated from him, GOD said to Abram, "Open your eyes, look around. Look north, south, east, and west. Everything you see, the whole land spread out before you, I will give to you and your children forever. I'll make your descendants like dust—counting your descendants will be as impossible as counting the dust of the Earth. So—on your feet, get moving! Walk through the country, its length and breadth; I'm giving it all to you."
Vision requires maintenance. There is no cruise control for it. No auto pilot. Vision dissipates over time. Circumstances often discourage vision. Learn to maintain your focus by a. writing the vision b. confess it over and over. This is equivalent to walking the land. c. Praise/worship. 2 Chronicles 20:15-19, “He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the LORD. Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout”
Your life is only as successful as the worship it generates. The battles of life are not mine to fight, the Lord fights for me. He is my Fighter, Warrior, General and Knock-Out Puncher. I have no way of paying Him but to praise Him. Praise brings you to God’s presence (you enter His gates with thanksgiving) and brings God’s presence to you (He inhabits the praise of His people).
My prayer is that you will learn to develop a God-given vision in every area of your life. The inner vision is what makes the Word of God flesh in us and activated the promise.
The second occasion involved Moses. “Then the LORD spoke to Moses saying, Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel; you shall send a man from each of their fathers' tribes, everyone a leader among them." Numbers 13:1-2. The last example was described in Joshua 2:1. ”Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho " Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho " So they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lodged there".
While the Lord may have promised you certain things, have you prepared to receive such promises by spying them out? Can you see them within you? Preview precedes preoccupation. You must see to acquire. While the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, they need to be yea and amen in us (inner vision) before they come to pass in our lives. If you can’t see the mark, you can’t press towards it. (J. Mason). You pray until you see; your vision then leads to provision. The Lord Jesus taught the same principle in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you”. The sequence is pray, believe, and then receive.
What you see inside is what you get outside. You cannot receive from God without faith. What is faith? Faith is an internal photocopy (substance) of things you will see physically at a later date, the evidence (inner vision) of things not yet seen in the physical. Hebrews 11:1. You must take possession inside before you take possession outside because things which are seen are made of things which are not seen. Hebrews 11:3. In Colossians 1:17, we learn that the whole creation holds together in nature because the hold together first IN CHRIST. The cosmos will disintegrate if Christ lets go on the inside of Him. Therefore, your future should be a present reality within you.
How do we receive the vision for our lives? By waiting on God. Waiting precedes vision. The Bible is a vision generator. God, through His Spirit within is a vision manufacturer. Vision comes not by discussing with men but by discussing with God. If it comes from Him, He will bring it to pass. He gave Abraham vision in Genesis 13:14-17, “After Lot separated from him, GOD said to Abram, "Open your eyes, look around. Look north, south, east, and west. Everything you see, the whole land spread out before you, I will give to you and your children forever. I'll make your descendants like dust—counting your descendants will be as impossible as counting the dust of the Earth. So—on your feet, get moving! Walk through the country, its length and breadth; I'm giving it all to you."
Vision requires maintenance. There is no cruise control for it. No auto pilot. Vision dissipates over time. Circumstances often discourage vision. Learn to maintain your focus by a. writing the vision b. confess it over and over. This is equivalent to walking the land. c. Praise/worship. 2 Chronicles 20:15-19, “He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the LORD. Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout”
Your life is only as successful as the worship it generates. The battles of life are not mine to fight, the Lord fights for me. He is my Fighter, Warrior, General and Knock-Out Puncher. I have no way of paying Him but to praise Him. Praise brings you to God’s presence (you enter His gates with thanksgiving) and brings God’s presence to you (He inhabits the praise of His people).
My prayer is that you will learn to develop a God-given vision in every area of your life. The inner vision is what makes the Word of God flesh in us and activated the promise.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The 3 Vices that block our receiving from God
There are three virtues that guarantee reward from God: giving, prayer and fasting. (Matthew 6:4,6,18).
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:3-4.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:6.
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:18.
While these Bible verses clearly state that God is a Rewarder of all those who pray, fast and give, there are certain vices that prevent a believer from benefitting from these rewards. Regardless of how much you pray, if you have an ulterior or selfish motive, you will not be rewarded. James 4:3.
When you fast but you remain tightfisted, stingy, and ungenerous, you do not get your reward. Isaiah 58:3, 6-10.
If you are generous but have a spirit of unforgiveness, you will not get a reward. Matthew 5:23-24.
Ponder on these truths as you pray, fast and give.
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:3-4.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:6.
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:18.
While these Bible verses clearly state that God is a Rewarder of all those who pray, fast and give, there are certain vices that prevent a believer from benefitting from these rewards. Regardless of how much you pray, if you have an ulterior or selfish motive, you will not be rewarded. James 4:3.
When you fast but you remain tightfisted, stingy, and ungenerous, you do not get your reward. Isaiah 58:3, 6-10.
If you are generous but have a spirit of unforgiveness, you will not get a reward. Matthew 5:23-24.
Ponder on these truths as you pray, fast and give.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Why do you work?
Work may be defined as a spiritual, physical, or mental activity directed toward the accomplishment of something. Many people work for money. They run around literarily until they drop dead or their health fails them. Such persons treat life as a rat race. The comedian, Lily Tomlin said, “The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.”
Why do you work? Is it for money, bill payments, punishment for the sin of Adam or provide for family and others? There is a biblical point of view for why we work. God requires us to work because it enables self-sustenance. It empowers us to provide for our families. Acts 20:33-35, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:8. When we do our work well, it brings glory to God. It enables us to give to others Ephesians 4:28. Finally, the outside world respects you for your work. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.
Who is your Employment Officer? God was man’s first employer. Genesis 2:15. He remains your ultimate employer regardless of who comes between you and Him. (Psalms 75:6). Work is not an end in itself but a means to an end. The ultimate goal for work is to sustain life to serve the Lord. Acts 20:18-24. You are better than animals. They hunt for food to sustain life as an end in itself.
Humans work to become, not to acquire. Your work tests your character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Every day at work is an opportunity to deepen character. Romans 8:28.
Secular versus Spiritual Work
One of the common misconceptions regarding work is the notion that certain jobs are spiritual while others are secular. The idea behind this categorization is that spiritual work is by divine appointment, while physical work is not. Due to this understanding, some are waiting to really serve the Lord when they become full time ministers. You see a different picture however, when you considered the lifestyle of Apostle Paul.
“After Athens, Paul went to Corinth. That is where he discovered Aquila, a Jew born in Pontus, and his wife, Priscilla. They had just arrived from Italy, part of the general expulsion of Jews from Rome ordered by Claudius. Paul moved in with them, and they worked together at their common trade of tent making. But every Sabbath he was at the meeting place, doing his best to convince both Jews and Greeks about Jesus.” Acts 18:1-4.
The Apostle continued to work as a tentmaker during the week while he served at the temple on the Sabbath day. He may have touched other lives during the week if the opportunity came up while he made tents. There was no demarcation between when he carried out spiritual and secular work. Assuming the tent making was done unto the Lord, he had no secular job at this point in his life. The idea of spiritual and secular jobs is recent and unbiblical.
Which of the following is a secular job?
A security man does his work as unto the Lord.
A preacher with 20 years of experience preaches from 10-year-old notes without praying or any other form of preparation.
A pizza delivery person carries out all deliveries as unto the Lord.
A Sunday School Teacher resigns “to spend more time with his family” because he did not get recognition for her efforts.
It is not the nature of a job that makes it spiritual or secular but whether it is done unto the Lord or not. Any job carried out as unto the Lord is not secular. The following 2 bible passages reveal fundamental truths that should shape our attitude to our work:
“Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22-25.
“Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.” Ephesians 6:5-8.
The following important facts can be gleaned from this passage:
We must approach every work as a God-given job.
There is a reward from God for every work beyond the earthly compensation.
Our real Boss, Supervisor or Manager is God Himself. Our earthly boss is just a representative.
Give your best at your job.
There are several examples of good works in the Scriptures. In 1 Timothy 5:10, we read, “well reported for good works: if she has brought up children (child rearing), if she has lodged strangers (hospitality, hotels, nursing homes), if she has washed the saints’ feet (all church-based ministries), if she has relieved the afflicted (medical, nursing, social work, public service, prison), if she has diligently followed every good work.
Summary:
No job is secular if it is done unto the Lord. Do your work as someone attempting to please God. If the nature of your job is such that it cannot be done unto the Lord, you need a different job.
Recognize God as your ultimate Employer. Ask Him to lead you to a job that you really enjoy and that will be an expression of your natural and acquired abilities. The more a job utilizes your areas of strength, the more fulfilled you will be at doing it.
Have a positive attitude at your workplace. Your job provides opportunities for character development. Don’t complain about everything, backbite with others and get involved in activities that do not glorify God.
Aim to be the best at what you do. God deserves and demands it.
You work on earth carries rewards that are both temporal and eternal.
Why do you work? Is it for money, bill payments, punishment for the sin of Adam or provide for family and others? There is a biblical point of view for why we work. God requires us to work because it enables self-sustenance. It empowers us to provide for our families. Acts 20:33-35, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:8. When we do our work well, it brings glory to God. It enables us to give to others Ephesians 4:28. Finally, the outside world respects you for your work. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.
Who is your Employment Officer? God was man’s first employer. Genesis 2:15. He remains your ultimate employer regardless of who comes between you and Him. (Psalms 75:6). Work is not an end in itself but a means to an end. The ultimate goal for work is to sustain life to serve the Lord. Acts 20:18-24. You are better than animals. They hunt for food to sustain life as an end in itself.
Humans work to become, not to acquire. Your work tests your character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Every day at work is an opportunity to deepen character. Romans 8:28.
Secular versus Spiritual Work
One of the common misconceptions regarding work is the notion that certain jobs are spiritual while others are secular. The idea behind this categorization is that spiritual work is by divine appointment, while physical work is not. Due to this understanding, some are waiting to really serve the Lord when they become full time ministers. You see a different picture however, when you considered the lifestyle of Apostle Paul.
“After Athens, Paul went to Corinth. That is where he discovered Aquila, a Jew born in Pontus, and his wife, Priscilla. They had just arrived from Italy, part of the general expulsion of Jews from Rome ordered by Claudius. Paul moved in with them, and they worked together at their common trade of tent making. But every Sabbath he was at the meeting place, doing his best to convince both Jews and Greeks about Jesus.” Acts 18:1-4.
The Apostle continued to work as a tentmaker during the week while he served at the temple on the Sabbath day. He may have touched other lives during the week if the opportunity came up while he made tents. There was no demarcation between when he carried out spiritual and secular work. Assuming the tent making was done unto the Lord, he had no secular job at this point in his life. The idea of spiritual and secular jobs is recent and unbiblical.
Which of the following is a secular job?
A security man does his work as unto the Lord.
A preacher with 20 years of experience preaches from 10-year-old notes without praying or any other form of preparation.
A pizza delivery person carries out all deliveries as unto the Lord.
A Sunday School Teacher resigns “to spend more time with his family” because he did not get recognition for her efforts.
It is not the nature of a job that makes it spiritual or secular but whether it is done unto the Lord or not. Any job carried out as unto the Lord is not secular. The following 2 bible passages reveal fundamental truths that should shape our attitude to our work:
“Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22-25.
“Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.” Ephesians 6:5-8.
The following important facts can be gleaned from this passage:
We must approach every work as a God-given job.
There is a reward from God for every work beyond the earthly compensation.
Our real Boss, Supervisor or Manager is God Himself. Our earthly boss is just a representative.
Give your best at your job.
There are several examples of good works in the Scriptures. In 1 Timothy 5:10, we read, “well reported for good works: if she has brought up children (child rearing), if she has lodged strangers (hospitality, hotels, nursing homes), if she has washed the saints’ feet (all church-based ministries), if she has relieved the afflicted (medical, nursing, social work, public service, prison), if she has diligently followed every good work.
Summary:
No job is secular if it is done unto the Lord. Do your work as someone attempting to please God. If the nature of your job is such that it cannot be done unto the Lord, you need a different job.
Recognize God as your ultimate Employer. Ask Him to lead you to a job that you really enjoy and that will be an expression of your natural and acquired abilities. The more a job utilizes your areas of strength, the more fulfilled you will be at doing it.
Have a positive attitude at your workplace. Your job provides opportunities for character development. Don’t complain about everything, backbite with others and get involved in activities that do not glorify God.
Aim to be the best at what you do. God deserves and demands it.
You work on earth carries rewards that are both temporal and eternal.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Gratitude
Gratitude is having a great attitude in all circumstances. It is refusing to be small when the times are hard. It is the ability to see the cup half full rather than half empty. It is giving God praise when your flesh says otherwise. It is magnifying God and minimizing problems. After all, God is eternal, challenges are not. Luke 17:12-19.
Many of us see the need to pray but don’t see the need to praise. We do not understand the importance of praise in the spiritual world. Life is controlled by a gate. “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it”. Matthew 7:13-14. This life gate opens to praise because praise is a gate opener. You “enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! ….” Psalm 100:4a. Anytime you want to approach God, remember that praise is a gate lifter to God’s presence.
There is an important secret the Devil does not want believers to understand. In the Old Testament times, whoever controls the gate controls the city. This is because the gate of the enemy is its control center. Just as praise is a gate lifter into God’s presence, you can use praise to control the gates of your enemies. Genesis 24:60. When you gain access to the Lord by praise the same can bring God down to your situation. Such was the case with Paul and Silas who worshipped God at midnight and experienced a great deliverance.
Contentment
One of the reasons we are often ungrateful is discontentment. If you are not content with less you will never be content with more. There are many who live in a world of “If onlys.” If only I had this.... If only this were different.... If only I could do that.... If only this had not happened in my life....Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).
Don’t postpone joyfulness until your situation changes, or you have acquired a certain thing. If you cannot be joyful now you will not be joyful then, for joy is not a matter of what you have, or what situation you are in. It is a matter of who you are and how you respond to life.
I am really content — until I start looking through the Costco catalogue. I liked my car — until I saw the new Mercedes Benz. I am satisfied with my clothes — until I stroll through Macy’s. I love our home — until I think of what it would be like to own a log cabin on the shore of some remote lake. I am satisfied with every area of my life — until I start comparing with someone else’s life. I feel like I have enough of everything — until I see someone who has more.
Contentment comes from God. “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Notice that it does not say “Prosperity with contentment is great gain.” Contentment comes from seeking God, not things. Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). If you are not happy with what you have, why do you want more of that which cannot satisfy? “Keep your lives free from the love of money and are content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Your contentment comes from God, not things.
If we seek God the way we seek after other things many of our problems would disappear. It is our relationship with God which is the source of contentment, and nothing else can take his place. The Bible says, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
One of the secrets of contentment is to seek God’s face, not just His Hands. Seek Him, not His gifts. Run after God, not just His goodies. The Psalmist, when thinking of heaven, said, “I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15).
I really appreciated how much I’m blessed the other day when I listed what I have. Below are my assets:
A gracious God
A wonderful wife
A flourishing family
Abundant life (Eternally and materially I am filthy rich compared to the rest of the world.)
A meaningful vocation
Friends
Today (Ps 118:24).
Opportunities to grow in grace, knowledge, and experience
An attitude of gratitude is an act of faith. It means you are unafraid to live and be happy because you have faith in a God who cares for you and provides for you. He is faithful and his promises are true. He never fails. Dare to be grateful at all times.
Many of us see the need to pray but don’t see the need to praise. We do not understand the importance of praise in the spiritual world. Life is controlled by a gate. “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it”. Matthew 7:13-14. This life gate opens to praise because praise is a gate opener. You “enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! ….” Psalm 100:4a. Anytime you want to approach God, remember that praise is a gate lifter to God’s presence.
There is an important secret the Devil does not want believers to understand. In the Old Testament times, whoever controls the gate controls the city. This is because the gate of the enemy is its control center. Just as praise is a gate lifter into God’s presence, you can use praise to control the gates of your enemies. Genesis 24:60. When you gain access to the Lord by praise the same can bring God down to your situation. Such was the case with Paul and Silas who worshipped God at midnight and experienced a great deliverance.
Contentment
One of the reasons we are often ungrateful is discontentment. If you are not content with less you will never be content with more. There are many who live in a world of “If onlys.” If only I had this.... If only this were different.... If only I could do that.... If only this had not happened in my life....Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).
Don’t postpone joyfulness until your situation changes, or you have acquired a certain thing. If you cannot be joyful now you will not be joyful then, for joy is not a matter of what you have, or what situation you are in. It is a matter of who you are and how you respond to life.
I am really content — until I start looking through the Costco catalogue. I liked my car — until I saw the new Mercedes Benz. I am satisfied with my clothes — until I stroll through Macy’s. I love our home — until I think of what it would be like to own a log cabin on the shore of some remote lake. I am satisfied with every area of my life — until I start comparing with someone else’s life. I feel like I have enough of everything — until I see someone who has more.
Contentment comes from God. “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Notice that it does not say “Prosperity with contentment is great gain.” Contentment comes from seeking God, not things. Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). If you are not happy with what you have, why do you want more of that which cannot satisfy? “Keep your lives free from the love of money and are content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). Your contentment comes from God, not things.
If we seek God the way we seek after other things many of our problems would disappear. It is our relationship with God which is the source of contentment, and nothing else can take his place. The Bible says, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
One of the secrets of contentment is to seek God’s face, not just His Hands. Seek Him, not His gifts. Run after God, not just His goodies. The Psalmist, when thinking of heaven, said, “I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15).
I really appreciated how much I’m blessed the other day when I listed what I have. Below are my assets:
A gracious God
A wonderful wife
A flourishing family
Abundant life (Eternally and materially I am filthy rich compared to the rest of the world.)
A meaningful vocation
Friends
Today (Ps 118:24).
Opportunities to grow in grace, knowledge, and experience
An attitude of gratitude is an act of faith. It means you are unafraid to live and be happy because you have faith in a God who cares for you and provides for you. He is faithful and his promises are true. He never fails. Dare to be grateful at all times.
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