Good morning, today's encouragement is to be content with such things as you have.
If you would like to download a copy click on the Daily Bread For Life Archive link above to access the link to get your downloaded copy. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Contentment 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) Contentment in verse 6 means sufficiency. Content in verse 8 means be enough, suffice, or be sufficient. Our sufficiency (ability) is of God. Jesus Christ gave us the ability to become the sons of God; now it is up to us to walk by faith knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. He gave us the ability to overcome the world and its ways just as He did. He gave us the ability to be free from the fear of death; to have that confidence that we are one of His having done the will of God from the heart. This is great gain. So you ask then, what is the will of God? Take some time and read these scriptures (Romans 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Peter 4:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17) knowing that these are just a few that talk about His will; then allow the Holy Spirit to expound on them or add to them, and lead you into all truth of what our Father in heaven is asking of you personally. Knowing this, His will for you is anything that will bring you into a deeper relationship with Him, and that will lead you out of this world and into His eternal kingdom. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation (manner of life) be without covetousness; and be content (suffice, enough) with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV) The eyes of man are never satisfied; the natural man is covetous, it wants not only its own things but also the things of others; it is not satisfied with just food and raiment which is our basic need. If you give it an inch it wants to take a mile; it wants to be first, not last; it wants to be known, not unknown; it wants the approval of man, not of God only; it wants to be admired, not despised; it wants more and more. As Solomon wrote: vanity, vanity, all is vanity. All that is in this life will not satisfy the natural man, which is why we are encouraged to be content with what we have; because as 1 Timothy 6:7 states, we brought nothing into this world with us and it is certain we will carry nothing out. Now think about that, are you satisfied with what you have knowing that all your need (not wants) has been supplied, spiritually and physically by our Father in heaven? And if you don’t have what you need, did you ask? If God knows what we have need of and has provided in advance all that we need, why should we have to ask? Because in this is our Father glorified, through His Son Jesus Christ; and in this we acknowledge that we cannot get through this life on our own and that our Father will know best the need and how to supply it. It keeps us humble to know that our sufficiency is not of ourselves, knowing that without Him we can do nothing. Also remember, that if we don’t get what we ask for right away, examine first if it is a need or a want, is it the best thing for me (I might think it is but does my Father in heaven think so), is it in line with the will of God for my life, will it put me under bondage to this world to have this thing? It might well be that it is not the right time for it to come to pass as yet, because as we know He makes everything beautiful in its time. So seek the Father’s will first and if you believe it is in line with God’s will then continue to hold fast in faith, and remember to always thank our Father that He has supplied the need and for the manifestation thereof, and let patience have its perfect work. Know this also, that our Father in heaven is able to grant you the desires of your heart as long as those desires are not harmful to you spiritually or physically; He is not being mean by withholding, He has a reason, and besides His thoughts and ways are higher than ours; He sees and knows all things before they come to pass. His desire is that you would have life and life more abundantly in and through His Son Christ Jesus. So, is your soul worth selling out to the world for? To follow and seek after the things of man, and not the things of God? Can you be content with food and raiment, and such things as you have? Can you enter into His rest and cease from your own works knowing that God our Father has your best interests at heart? Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV) Having an eye of abundance (the natural man says we don’t have enough), the spirit man renewed in the things of God, will always see that we have enough and more left over, our cup running over. Dearly loved brethren, we have been given an abundant life in Christ Jesus our Lord, all that we need to make it through this life here on earth with strength and wisdom to overcome the world within us and to make our way in patient continuance with contentment in the kingdom and righteousness of God which is great gain in the sight of God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless and remain content in Spirit and in truth. Amen. 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. (24) Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation of 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 23. You have been bought and actually paid for; stop becoming slaves to men. 24. Brothers, each one must continue close to God in the very station in which he was called. Have you ever heard the term live within your means? Now translate that into the realm of God and ask yourself, do you truly know what that means? Like with a prepaid phone card you are given an allotment of minutes to use and speak with, something that has been prepaid and determined beforehand. You too have been bought and paid for with a price, that being the sacrifice of Jesus Christ once and for all to ransom us back to the Lord and provide fellowship with our Father again. Today I would like to cover the financial aspect of these verses, keeping in mind too that we are bought with a price, that our Lord has all our need covered, spirit, soul, and body. Did you realize that like with a prepaid phone card you have been given an allotment to live by from our heavenly Father; in other words as long as you live within His means then you will never come up short? Remember, no man can serve two masters; we cannot serve God and mammon or riches at the same time, so we need to make the choice and stay with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-11 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (KJV) Let’s be honest today; haven’t we all thought at times that if we just had more money it would solve all our problems? In the realm of this fallen world lotteries are a big hit because those that win them do have part of their problems solved, that being the financial one. But that is not the answer to a spiritual issue, one that many of God’s people are actively pursuing after and have gotten out of balance thinking it will solve all their issues as well. Have you ever given thought to the fact that like a parent with a child, you have been given an allotment for which you are to live with, something our heavenly Father chose for you before the foundation of this world? So anytime we wander off the path of life and go pursuing after the things of this world as we see in verses 9&10, then we have stepped out of the will of God and into our own will. Then that life you claimed was committed to the Lord is now taking on a life of its own, with a love of God being drowned out by a love for this world and the things of it. We are no longer living within our Father’s means and what He intended for us to live peaceably in, but rather having the life choked out of us with the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things have entered into the heart and blinded us spiritually. In essence, by going out on our own and trying to improve, or what we think is improving ourselves financially, the reality is we are telling God He is a liar and didn’t provide our need. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV) Oh but I prayed and prayed, and nothing happened, doesn’t God care for me? Well He does and He did before the foundation of this world; He planned your life and the provisions that it would take to get you through it and into His eternal kingdom, but did you follow through with what He is asking of you, or how He is asking it of you? Are you and the Lord still in one accord, you know of one mind and one heart, or has there been some waffling and staggering on your part, maybe some double minded doubt has crept in, or you decided to take matters into your own hands to try and work your way out of a situation instead of being still and letting patience have its perfect work. Sometimes the wisdom of God really does go beyond our way of thinking because He is not limited to this carnal realm, but is able to do things that are impossible to man, but totally possible to those that believe. So, is God truly your source, and are you living within His means of what He is asking today, or have you stepped out of the realm of faith and into doubt and fear? Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV) The above example shown gives us an accurate illustration of someone that knew their rights and authority in the word of God as well as the promises of God. This man Jesus Christ knew that by seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that anything that was needed here on earth was provided, no matter how or what manner. This man, Jesus Christ, lived by faith knowing God was His source, and that He had a plan for His life before the foundation of this world; and by knowing He was on the path that God chose for Him, God would confirm His word and supply all His need. The question today is, are you on the path God chose for you; and is the kingdom of God which is spiritual your first priority as well, or have you stepped out of the realm of faith and into a realm of darkness and despair? Luke 16:10-13 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (12) And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? (13) No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) What mankind says is so important is actually least important to God; while what God says is the most important is actually considered least to mankind; you know, like the last shall be first and the first last? So what is your priority today and what is it that you are seeking first and foremost; is it the things of God and His kingdom, or are you more concerned with building up your own little kingdom on earth? God promised to supply all our need, the most important need being spiritual; now the question is, are you living within His means and still walking the path He chose for you before the foundation of the world, or have you stepped out of His will and are building a foundation on the shaky sandy one of this fallen world? People, if there is a shortage or what you consider a shortage, keep in mind it is not on our Father’s end, but rather may just be a reflection of a lack of commitment on this end. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV)
Remember what you brought with you when you arrived into this world? If you are not sure you can try to ask someone that was there when you were born, or you could spend some time around the maternity ward to see what is brought into this realm by newborns. According to the word of God there will be no carry-on luggage, which includes your departure from this world also. So with this in mind, what is it you were fussing and fretting about today; was it really something that involved your spiritual life, or are you still consumed and being eaten alive with the cares of this life? Sound silly, to simple, well believe it or not that is the part most people miss and stumble over, the simplicity of the gospel. According to God’s itinerary, the same things you arrived into this world with are also what you will depart with in the end. The question is will you be bringing something spiritual with you on your way out? In other words we came into this world with nothing, but we have the opportunity to leave with everything, the catch is that it has nothing to do with this world. I use the phrase catch, because I still see so many who claim they are one of the Lord’s who say they are totally committed to Him only to see them still caught up and snared with the things of this world, which are drowning them in destruction and despair. Have you learned to truly be content, or will you be content some day when you get everything you think you need or desire? After all you may not think having food and raiment is such a big deal, and are more interested in other things. So let me point this fact out, just try going a day, a few days, or even a week without food and raiment, and then let’s see if it is not such a big deal. Suddenly everything you have taken for granted and overlooked is now more appreciated, with a few thank-you’s added in for good measure. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV) Talk about going off the deep end, how would you feel if you had just pulled a drowning person out of the water only to see them jump back in again? God’s plan of salvation is to deliver His people from this present evil world, which we see in the verses above is described as being the love of money, only to see them turn around and jump right back into the cesspool of this fallen world again. Now stop and think how you would feel if that person you saw jumping back into water and drowning again was one of your own children? How quickly mankind jumps ship; the only problem is the ship they jump into has some major holes in its doctrines and is ready to go under. Will you stay afloat and rise above the cares and concerns of this world, or will you end up going deep sea diving for fool’s gold and miss your lifeboat when it comes by? Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (KJV) God’s plan of salvation is a way of escape, an escape from this present evil world into a realm of the righteousness of God. How is one ever going to find this path of life, let alone ever stay on it, unless they make it a priority in their walk? A spiritual path requires a spiritual light, and without the true light shining in their heart it will be replaced with a false one. Matthew 6:19-24 The lamp of the body, that which receives and dispenses the light, is the eye. If the eye, used here figuratively for one's spiritual understanding, be single (opposite of "twofold"), not afflicted with double vision in this matter of treasures —an affliction which is evil —then the individual can regard riches in their proper perspective. The impossibility of serving two masters in a slave relationship is a graphic illustration. Mammon. Though its derivation is uncertain, it appears to be an Aramaic word for wealth, here personified. Note that Jesus condemns not wealth but enslavement to wealth. (from Wycliffe Commentary) Many are called, but few are truly chosen by our Lord because many a well-intentioned Christians have replaced their love for the Lord with another love. So like with a cheating spouse in a marriage relationship, or drinking and driving, eventually there is going to be a heck of a wreck. Some of these piercings and sorrows you are experiencing have been a result of your shield of faith, or lack of it, which is allowing the enemy to have a clear shot at the heart with his fiery darts, starting a fire in a place that has dried out because of a lack of living waters. Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) The point of this week’s studies is a reminder of the simplicity of the gospel and how important it is to learn to be content. Yes we are in this world, and there are needs that have to be dealt with, both spiritual and physical, the point is getting and keeping your priority right so the things of this life don’t become too big of a distraction. God promises His people He will supply all their need, and as a parent you would never forget your children, so what makes you think God does His? The Bible is specific in how we are to access God and get the provisions needed, which first and foremost it needs to be spiritual, thus why many miss the mark, getting it backwards, or the cart before the horse. Your message for today is to keep in mind that your arrival and departure are similar in the fact that you came here with nothing and will depart with the same luggage as well. So with this in mind why are you so concerned with things you can’t take with you, instead of with something that you can, that being eternal salvation? John 19:23-24 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. (24) They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (KJV) This man that is described for us in the above verses is now seated at the right hand of God; and as we see He didn’t leave much behind when He left, at least not in the physical realm. Jesus Christ didn’t entangle Himself with the affairs of this life, which allowed Him to partake of the new life, the one that lasts for eternity. Now it’s your turn, what do you truly treasure, and where is it leading you today? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. (KJV)
The just or justified shall live by faith; so in order to find the proper balance or rightly divide the word of truth one needs to hear the Lord for themselves on how to remain justified on a daily basis in order to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. What the world says is righteous is often determined by the outward and not the inward, and what our Lord considers righteous is determined by the inward and not the outward, the secret hidden man within where our Lord chooses to operate. When a person is able to see clearly through the eyes of the Lord it is at that point that they are able to see the one path that He is asking them to walk this day, right now, the one and only path that leads to salvation. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV) Moth and rust usually gathers and builds up on things that are no longer in use, but have been discarded. The reason these things end up discarded is because you are now off and running, chasing after something else you think will make you whole. That thief that has broken into your house and is in the process of stealing, that thief is spiritual in nature, a fallen one actually, one who has influenced you to chase after temporal things, and not seek the eternal things of God. So a new life you told the Lord would be your only treasure is now replaced with some cheap imitation of the enemy, fool’s gold comes to mind, something that looks good and glitters on the outside but is worthless on the inside. Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) What happens when a person gets double vision? Things start to get blurry, unrecognizable and distorted. That path of life you were once following is gone, out of sight, replaced with some wide super highway leading to destruction. What you thought would be the so called light at the end of the tunnel is actually leading you into a darker realm, like the blind leading the blind and everyone ends up in a ditch. So whose eyes are you seeing with today, and what is enlightening your path? Is it truly the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, or is something else getting more of your attention? Proverbs 27:19-20 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. (20) Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (KJV) Why does man keep looking to man to find the answer to salvation when our Lord tells us specifically that all the true treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ? No matter how many times you look into the water the only reflection you will see is what is in front of it. No matter how many times you go to mankind and their ways all you will ever get is a carnal answer to a spiritual question. No matter how many times you look at situations in your life and try to analyze it according to your carnal thinking it will never satisfy and provide a peaceable solution. We have talked this week about the word content, which godliness with this contentment is great gain. So if you are still more apt to be treasuring the things of this life and looking to find fulfillment in this realm you will never be satisfied. However, if one chooses and makes it more of a priority to seek the things of God then they will find the one true joy and peace, spiritual satisfaction they were looking for. Years ago a famous rock band sang a song called “I can’t get no satisfaction”, which became a big hit for them, and still is. These were people that had all the fame, fortune, and anything else this fallen world has to offer, and yet with all that they still didn’t find satisfaction. And how could they when our Lord said it isn’t in this realm. Sad to say we have many standing in pulpits preaching a prosperity message that is based on the same premise, getting people all caught up in a fallen realm instead of the one our Lord intended for His people to operate in. James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV) No man can serve two masters; oh and don’t forget what happens to a house divided, yeah it takes a tumble as well. When I think of someone double minded, someone wavering back and forth it reminds me of someone in a drunken stupor. How quick are you going to be handing over responsibility or something of importance to someone who is falling down drunk and staggering around in confusion? Well our Lord doesn’t consider that a very good place to be in either. Someone that should be walking by faith is getting a beat down by winds of doctrines of mankind, choosing temporal over eternal riches. I know for myself I am not one that enjoys a ride on a ship, especially when there is a storm blowing, because it can toss one back and forth, let alone make them nauseous. 1 Timothy 6:8-11 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (KJV) If your vision is distorted and is what is described as evil then the root of all that stems from the love of money. Your love for the Lord, which is what you pledged to Him in the beginning of your walk, is now growing colder and being replaced with something else, something that will never satisfy or bring peace. You are no longer content with food and raiment, the bread of life and the armor of God, but rather looking elsewhere in a fallen dead realm to find life. In closing today keep in mind, that which is highly esteemed or a priority with man, is an abomination in the sight of God. Our Father’s vision is single, and so are His children’s, those who would rather follow a path that leads to life, and not some dead end cheap imitation that many are following to destruction. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. (11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
Independent of external circumstances is what the word content means, someone who doesn’t let outward things dictate the inward, but rather the inward dictates the outward response and result. Are you a person that has learned to be content, allowing the peace of God to rule in your life, or are you constantly looking for something in the outward fallen realm to satisfy, or you think can satisfy a spiritual need? Paul learned to be content, it wasn’t something that just happened over night but it became a way of life for him, an example each and every believer can learn from. Paul knew that His strength was in Christ; the inner man working in him is the same one working in you also so that you can learn to be content with who you are in Christ, looking more to the inward and less to the outward. So how do you judge your life? Is it by a job, possessions, houses, cars, or do you judge things by your inward, growing stronger in the Lord on a daily basis learning to hear the Word of God and trust more in Him? Greater is the life of God within me than anything or anyone that is still in this fallen world. So don’t be taken in by the cheap imitations of the enemy, but rather seek first the kingdom of God and what He is asking of you this day, then all that is needed will be provided as He promised. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (KJV) What man considers important and what God says is wholesome is as different as night and day, because while many still chase after the things of this life thinking it will bring them peace, the doctrine of Christ clearly enlightens us to the things of the inward man, the things that are eternal and not temporal. Without a wholesome diet many become sick and weakly, frail and ready to perish because of a lack of proper nourishment in the Word of God. Temporal things can only provide a temporary answer while those that seek Spiritual things and make it their priority will find their eternal answer and strength that will allow them to endure to the end. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) What do you think of when you think about making great gain or as some refer, making great strides in their walk? A leap of faith is another phrase that comes to mind. Some would think starting a church would impress God, or spending days and weeks studying the Bible would cause one to make great gain in their walk. How about something so simple as learning to be content, content with the fact that today I have salvation, today right now my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and knowing that nothing else really matters. Have you forgot how you entered this world wearing nothing more than a smile, and how you are going to depart this world with nothing more than you came in with? Yet with all this in mind, is all the fussing and fighting over worldly things really worth the time and effort when all the Lord is asking of us is to fight the good fight of faith? I personally have never seen or heard of a child born with a U-haul trailer, which holds true for the hearse as well when we leave. With that in mind have you learned to be content? Have you taken the time to thank God for the food and raiment He has provided for you today, or are you like the children of Israel already out and about gathering manna for tomorrow? I will give you a hint; if you wish to be content then the first food and raiment you will be seeking on a daily basis will involve more of the spiritual and less of the physical. When one trains themselves in the things of the Lord they are able to learn to be content with who they are in Christ and where He has placed them in the body of believers. Williams New Testament translation for James 4:13-15 13. Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to such and such a city and stay a year, go into business and make money," 14. although you do not have the slightest knowledge of tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? It is really nothing but a mist which appears for a little while and then disappears. 15. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord is willing, we shall live and do this or that." Have you forgotten how long we are going to be here in this realm, on this planet as compared to eternity? How about the fact that we are just passing through this world and should not get so entangled in the affairs of this life? Next time you spray something into the air, think of your life and how short it really is, and how if it ended right now it would seem like just a moment. Now for a moment stop and ask yourself honestly, have I really learned to be content, or do I still overlook some of the simple things in the Word of God that would make my walk so much simpler? Williams New Testament translation Hebrews 13:5-6 5. You must have a turn of mind that is free from avarice; you must be content with what you have, for God Himself has said, "I will never fail you, I will never forsake you." 6. So we can confidently say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can men do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV) You know why you no longer fear what man does? Because you are not looking to the outward to find peace and contentment with God, but rather looking inwardly, and letting that peace rule. Who really has the final say in your decisions, God or man? So rather than letting outward situations and circumstances dictate your walk turn your attention to the inward so that you won’t be left out of God’s realm and plan of salvation that He has for you. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (26) Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (27) Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (KJV)
Stop, freeze, put your hands up; now honestly ask yourself, what were you just thinking about, was it something that would be of benefit to you or something that you will end up throwing a fit about if you continue to try to figure it out? It’s time to embark on a new spiritual exercise program, one where you start out in small things and with practice you become perfect, mature in the things of our Lord. How often do you spend time thinking about the things of this life more than the things of the new life we have access to in Christ? How many different scenarios do you play out in your mind on a daily basis trying to figure things out that you claim to have given over to the Lord in prayer? Does it all sound to simple, to easy and elementary for those that claim they are walking in the Spirit, when all along they still have some leaven left over in the bread of life that will continue to rise and infect the whole lump if not dealt with. It is a total retraining program and so opposite from the realm we have lived in, and walked in for so many years where the focus was solely on the things of the flesh, but now we have turned it over to an unseen God in heaven who is asking us to let His thoughts and ways be ours as well. Matthew 6:28-31 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: (29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (KJV) Instead of the physical raiment we wear, how concerned were you today with your spiritual raiment, you know the armor of God that you should be wearing for your protection? How well dressed are you today, and did you take the time to double check to make sure you were ready before you left? With all the riches and wealth that Solomon possessed and the incredible things he built with it, how many would stop and truly observe something as simple as a lily and see the beauty of God? How much more could you grow spiritually if you did a lot less toiling and spinning in circles thinking about things that the Lord said He would give to His people? Something to think about. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV) Now really, did you think for one moment that God forgot about you, or maybe He forgot to write down your request? Sound silly or farfetched, but isn’t that what we are saying when we start allowing doubt and fear into His temple, which we happen to be? You know as a parent, or those who have been and raised children, was there ever a day that went by that you forgot about one of your own? Is there a day that goes by even when they are gone that you don’t still think about them and wonder how it is going with them as well as holding them up in prayer? How much more do you think your heavenly Father has considered His people, being the fact that He created you and planned your life before the foundation of this world, and then we have the nerve to doubt Him? Psalms 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (18) If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. (KJV) How about this, you have a heavenly Father that never sleeps, that is on duty all of the time and His thoughts toward us are nothing but precious, providing His people the good and perfect gift from above, access to His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. With this in mind and more importantly keeping this in mind, do you really know someone else that could do a better job watching out for us? When you really stop and think about it, wouldn’t you rather have someone like that in control, someone that can guarantee victory before it takes place? So now I ask you again, what were you thinking? Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV) How much better, how much more peace would there be in your life if you could just keep your thoughts in line with the Lord’s? No wonder the Lord said that His burden was easy and His yoke was light, because the more you give to Him the less you have to carry around yourself. For myself, sometimes I have acted like the Lord was a hit or miss thing, like He has let me down so many times in the past and that once in a while it would be nice to catch a break, when the reality is that I am the one that had let Him down and He was longsuffering enough and patiently waiting for me to come into agreement with Him. So for today, if you are thinking or entertaining any other thoughts than what is described in verse 8, let it go; sift through what is of God and what is of your own understanding so that you can move forward in your walk and not be weighed down by unnecessary baggage that causes more doubt than confidence. Psalms 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. (2) Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. (KJV) You know God heard your request the first time you made it; so now it is not a matter of asking over and over again, but thanking Him for His answer and patiently waiting for it to manifest. The enemy will try to introduce reasonable doubt into your mind during this trial of your faith, so it is a matter of you keeping your mind renewed with the truth so that you don’t end up letting a little doubt get in and distort the truth. Matthew 6:32-34 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) While the world and its worldly people are blindly running in circles chasing things of this life, the Lord is showing His people a better way of life by seeking those things which are above. The just shall live by faith; so if your first priority is the Lord then everything else that is needed will be added, completely opposite of everything we have learned in the past. Before you start thinking about tomorrow, you haven’t finished today yet, so stay alert and don’t get ambushed by thoughts and ideas that are not of God and are not peaceful. So now, this moment, what are you thinking? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 16:13-15 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (14) And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (15) And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)
Is there anything more highly esteemed and sought after by mankind than the riches of this life; which many are led to believe that by someday acquiring enough of them they will find peace in their life? As we see again in verse 14, the Lord addressed and warned those that were covetous, which is just another form of idolatry. This get rich mentality has crept into the teachings of many; so in order to justify their lifestyles they become people pleasers with prosperity messages limited to the realm of the flesh that promise so much and deliver so little. No wonder our Lord was derided and chastised for teaching against these false doctrines, trying to point the people to the realm of the Spirit by forsaking the things of the flesh. Matthew 19:16-24 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? (17) And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (18) He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, (19) Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (20) The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (21) Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (22) But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (23) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (24) And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV) Why are so many people preaching and teaching a doctrine today that can be detrimental to ones spiritual well being? No man can serve two masters; in order to grow and mature in the Lord one has to forsake the things which are highly esteemed here on earth to partake of the heavenly gift. The Lord instructed the rich man to go and sell out to this way of thinking; and rather than continue seeking the treasures of this earth become a follower of Christ and begin partaking of His spiritual treasure. If you notice to, the Lord didn’t try to get Him to donate all his riches to the Jesus Christ worldwide evangelical association, but rather distribute it to the poor. How few true teachers do we have left today who are more interested in the spiritual welfare of the congregation and not for their own personal welfare, who are willing to lay down their lives and desires for the sake of others. The eye of the needle has been described as a smaller opening in the large gates which go into the city. In those times the cites had walls surrounding them with a large gate in front that had a smaller opening just big enough for quick access into it. In order for the camel to enter in it would have to crouch down on all fours having had all the cargo it was carrying removed before it could get through. The same holds true with the believers; we humble ourselves before the Lord, and before entering into His realm we leave all the old baggage and what we thought were priorities behind us and walk in a newness of life. Anytime we try to hang onto the old and enter into the new, any excess baggage and cargo will get in the way and block ones entrance and not allow them to continue forward, which is what the rich man in the above parable was experiencing. Is there something you are hanging onto today that is keeping you stuck in the realm of the flesh and not allowing you to move forward on the path of life? That thing that has been eating at you, something you have been trying to justify before men may just be what is now an abomination in the sight of God and needs to be discarded and left behind so that you are not the one that ends up left behind and on the outside looking in. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) All these things that are so highly esteemed among mankind and highly sought after look good and sound good to our carnal senses, but make no sense to the spiritual ones. If your love and affection is more toward the world and the things of it, which are in the process of dying and passing away, then you too will end up passing away with them. It’s only those that are willing to forsake these things, take up their cross and crucify the flesh and its carnal desires, who will be allowed access into the realm of God, and who will continue in the truth grounded and settled and not moved away by cheap imitations of the devil. No man can serve two masters; double minded, unstable, and unable to move forward in their walk: like the old time prisoners which had the ball and chains attached to them to keep them bound. 1 Timothy 6:5-8 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) While the world and its worldly preachers will tell you the importance of giving so that you can acquire more, the simple truth is in being content; content with the fact that you are a part of the kingdom of God and an inheritor of His eternal life, having forsaken the desires of this temporal one. While so many that have been called to teach and preach the things of God end up to be nothing more than cheap hucksters peddling the word of God and giving special treatment to the highest bidders, simple contentment is where one will find true peace, and the joy of the Lord. You came into this world with nothing and you have the opportunity to leave it with everything. The question is, ‘what is highly esteemed in your life today, and is there anything you are coveting after that is causing you to err and miss the mark?’ Anything other than contentment is idol worship, and it will keep one idling instead of moving forward and maturing in the Lord. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:3-4 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (4) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (KJV)
The word deliver in verse 4 means to rescue; and being that we live in a fallen world we are constantly surrounded by its influences and cheap imitations of what we think will bring peace and fulfillment to our lives. Where you look and what realm you look to, will be the determining factor of where you will spend your eternity. So will you continue looking to this world for the answer or will you seek those things which are above, to find an eternal one? It is the Lord’s will that none should perish but that all would come to repentance. So now the question is, are you willing to continue in this plan of salvation or have you been sidetracked with the cares of this life? What would you think if you saw one of your own children drowning and when you threw them the life preserver they ignored it and perished? Basically that is what mankind has done to their heavenly Father; they ignore His plan of salvation and His spiritual life preserver that was sent to us, and they end up over their head drowning in destruction and despair. So how are you doing today? Are you keeping the ship afloat and heading in the right direction, or have you gone off the deep end and going under? 1 Timothy 6:6-9 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (KJV) Have you forgotten how you arrived in this realm, wearing nothing but a smile? All those things you have been fussing and fighting over, not a one of them are going with you when it is time to depart this realm either. Have you learned to be content with the fact that today you have food and raiment? If not, just try going a day without them and see how overlooked and taken for granted some of these simple things we have are discounted as nothing. The food and raiment is not just limited to the physical either; have you taken the time to seek your spiritual meat as well as being dressed in the full armor of God so that you can quench all the fiery darts the wicked one will fire your direction? Stop and ask yourself this honest question, are the things that I am so concerned with today, the priorities I have established in my life, really leading me to a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father? Or is it something in this realm that may actually be drawing me away from Him; something that I am getting so wrapped up in, and has nothing to do with my eternal life? Matthew 16:25-26 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (KJV) You have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realm in Christ, and yet do you hang onto the things in this world thinking it will fulfill and bring peace and joy? Can you even imagine for a moment what it will be like to stand before our Father some day and see all that was available in His kingdom only to find out that you missed out on it because you decided to hang onto the things of this life? Can you name one thing that is really worth hanging onto in this world that would keep you from inheriting your eternal reward? It’s only those that are willing to let go of their own life and desires that will find a new life in Christ and be able to inherit His eternal reward; those that were willing to look above and beyond what this world would ever have to offer. So can you honestly say that the will of God, His desire for you and your desire to serve Him are one in the same? Or are you still hanging onto something in this world that is choking the life from you slowly but surely? Is it worth exchanging your soul, which translates to eternal separation from God? A question that is not only being asked today, but one that will be asked again someday when we stand before Him and give an account of how we walked in His plan of salvation; was it truly a walk, or just a lot of talk. Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV) You wonder why your life seems stagnant and unfulfilled at times, it’s simple, you keep looking to stagnant and unfulfilling things to bring you joy. Right now, this moment, there is a God who is able to do above and beyond what you could have ever thought or imagined; but how would you ever know this or experience this unless your priority is with the spiritual things which are above and beyond anything you will experience in this realm. When you pray and seek God and His answer, are you truly expecting the best, are you experiencing the love of Christ which goes way beyond our knowledge and limited carnal thinking? Do you know God hears you, and do you expect nothing short of victory in your life? Or are you still settling for the leftovers of this world and whatever they are willing to hand out? God has never failed His people and never will. So why are so many still hesitant to seek His counsel and deliverance from this present evil world; hanging onto the anchor instead of the life preserver? Are you yoked together with Christ today, letting Him handle the burdens, or have you unhooked yourself having decided you can handle things by yourself, and then wonder why you are so worn out and frustrated? Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV) Do you desire better results? Do you seek a more confident prayer life? Then start looking above and don’t limit yourself to this realm if you truly wish to have our Father’s results which are above and beyond anything we could ever ask for or think of. We as humans had been limited to this carnal realm, and could only operate according to what our outward vision and senses would dictate. But now in Christ we are able to see the things of God, and operate in a truly higher dimension; one that will bring joy, peace and an eternal victory to those of us that look to the Lord for His answer. Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV) In order to be risen with Christ it means you have let go of your life and its desires, and to have chosen a new life in Him. We are in this world, but we don’t have to be in agreement with it, or limit ourselves to what this world has to offer and its cheap imitations. Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. So if you wish to experience something that is out of this world, then start looking beyond this realm so that the Lord can open the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing above and beyond what you could have ever thought or asked for. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV)
Your conversation refers to your manner of life; so the more confident you become in your walk, the less likely you are going to lose sight of the path of life. The Lord promised He would never leave or forsake us; in fact Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday today and forever. So if you find yourself staggering around trying to find the answer, it is not the Lord that left the path, but rather it is us trying to establish some other way into His kingdom. The more you stay on the narrow path of life, the more confidence and boldness you will have because you have allowed the Lord to be your source of strength, and are not looking for something else to satisfy a spiritual need. So let’s face the facts, if you don’t become established in the faith here, knowing boldly who your helper is, you certainly are not going to be able to stand before the Father and give a bold account of your walk come the day of judgment. James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) Some people actually blame God by claiming He tests people; so when something bad happens in their life, they think it is God’s way of testing them. Instead of keeping the shield of faith up and operational, they let down their guard, and get ambushed, then have the nerve to point the finger upward. God has done everything on our behalf to give us the strength and confidence to withstand this present evil world and make a way of escape for us. Why would He turn around and tempt us with something evil? Parents, would you do that to your children, take them down to a busy intersection, then see if they could cross the street on their own? Would you not do everything you could to protect them and keep them from harm? So if you are losing sight of your Father, if you are quickly forgetting what manner of man you saw in the mirror, if the confidence and boldness you once walked in is waning, remember it was not God that was drawn away, but rather a result of your own lust, which if not dealt with manifests into sin, which can lead to death, separation from God. Luke 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (12) Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (KJV) We are the ones with the fallen lower nature, the ones that sin and fall short of the glory of God. So when we see the illustration in verse 13 how even a fallen mankind would do what is in the best interest of their children, how much more above and beyond has our Father done on our behalf so that we could partake of His heavenly kingdom, as well giving us the Holy Spirit to keep us from evil? Sure there are persecutions and afflictions for the Word’s sake; for those that take a stand for the Lord, there will be opposition. You need to be aware of the fact that God will not use something evil to test His people anymore than you would to your own family as well. God may ask of us things that may seem impossible to the outward man, but peaceable to the inward man, which is a step of faith to those that are willing to walk with Him. With God all things are possible to him that believes, for without Him I can do nothing. Genesis 3:8-10 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. (9) And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? (10) And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. (KJV) So how do you deal with issues in your walk; are you drawn to the voice of God, or are you running and hiding from His calling? And then when you realize you are caught, when your heart starts convicting you, are you going to blame someone else like Adam did, or will you listen to the voice of truth and take an honest look in the mirror to find the answer? Back in the 70’s when I was in high school, streaking was popular. Someone would run through a crowded area unclothed and try not to get caught. Today there are a lot of spiritual streakers running to and fro, spiritually naked trying to cover their backsides as well, not wanting anyone to see their true identity. Adam realized he was spiritually naked and exposed, and that he could not hide from God. Revelation 3:16-18 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (KJV) Ever wonder what lukewarm is? Someone who thinks they can mix and match; those that try to partake of the tree of life and dabble in the things of this life, things that are pleasant to the outward man, but an abomination to the inward. So let’s face it, we are either with Him or against Him. So time to get dressed with His robe of righteousness and return to the path of life where you belong so that you don’t end up dying of exposure to the elements of the world. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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