Category Archives: Contentedness

Gain Or Loss??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #317

24 Friday Jan 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, A Witness--Good or Bad???, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Conformed to HIS image, Contentedness, Contentment, Courage, Every Knee Shall Bow, Evil and Adulterous Generation?, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fruit of the Spirit, Full Of what?, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Character, Godly Wisdom, Good Citizens, Good News

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Gain Or Loss???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #317

I have a hard word to share this morning, as we look at this winter Friday, after snows (or as they say in Louisiana “sneaux”—as in “geaux Tigers”), storms, inaugurations, governmental changes and a country that is almost gridlocked with a seeming inability to work together, I thought a brief word of simple advice from scripture might redirect our Friday thoughts.  We can deal with life differently, but there are some biblical principles that I pray will encourage your heart today.

The context of this passage is Paul’s message to his son-in-the-ministry, reminding us that life can be hard, but God’s ways ought to be our ways, not falling into the snares of worldly lies.

“And they that have believing masters,

let them not despise them,

because they are brethren;

but rather do them service,

because they are faithful and beloved,

partakers of the benefit.

These things teach and exhort.

3 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.

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.    (ouch!)

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.

12 Fight the good fight of faith,

lay hold on eternal life,

whereunto thou art also called,

and hast professed a good profession

before many witnesses.” 2 Timothy 6:2-12

Paul called Timothy to be wise and discerning about those things which are needful—they don’t consist of silver and gold, but rather they consist of the things that Paul has called Timothy and us to follow:

and follow after

righteousness,

godliness,

faith,

love,

patience,

meekness…. now, today, and each day!

And just a reminder of another contrast that Paul gave us in his letter to the Galatian believers; a very clear and concise contrast between the fruit/works of the flesh and the fruit/works of The Spirit. (and just FYI, there is no ‘s’ in the “fruit” of the Spirit.)

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,                                   lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,        23 Meekness, temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another, envying one another.”   Galatians 5:19-26

Are we willing to examine our hearts and ask God to help us be those filled with His Spirit and walking in the power of His Spirit, exhibiting the fruit of The Spirit and not our flesh.  Ouch!  I am praying even as I sit here writing this, that God will help me truly “practice what I preach”!  It’s seldom easy, but it is worth our effort and commitment to be all that God has saved us to be before a lost and dying world; before a world spinning like a top, right into hell.  Will you join me in recommitting to being salt and light in this world of darkness—it’s our calling, even when it’s not welcomed, wanted or accepted—our call is to “withstand in the evil day”!  May we be found standing on God’s Word!!!

“Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth:

but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out,

and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light unto all

that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”   Matthew 5:11-16

Amen and Amen!!!

Jesus Is Here For YOU!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #200

22 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, All About Jesus!, Believe God?, Born Again, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Come to Jesus, Comfort, Confidence, Conformed or Transformed?, Consider Your ways, Contentedness, Contentment, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Following Jesus or the World?, God Knows His Own, God's Faithfulness, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Mercies Are New every morning..., Great is Thy Faithfulness, You can overcome

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Jesus Is Here For YOU!!!   A Word from THE WORD!!! #200

Jesus really cares for you; He has cared for me and my family for many years, and my parents before me, and a grandmother, whom I never knew (because she died when my mother was young), but whose testimony of serving Jesus lives on in the stories of her work for The King.  And I pray that my service and ministry will live on in those God has touched through our service to The King for many years.

I want to share some truth from scripture to remind you that Jesus loves you, He cares for you, and He has promised to carry those burdens with you; and while He doesn’t always take them away, HE will “always walk with us” through them.

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;  

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

This Good Shepherd came to give us life, and to bring fulfillment of the New Covenant of the indwelling Holy Spirit who leads us into truth, grace, and gives us the power to live for Jesus; to be overcomers!  Jesus loves you so much that He shed His blood for your sin and mine.  Won’t you “Come unto” HIM?

“Then said Jesus unto them again,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me

are thieves

and robbers:

but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door:

by me

if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come

that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”  John 10:7-11

Jesus, The Great I Am, came to be the God-man Savior of all who would repent of sin, believe, and receive His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin.  It’s why Jesus came, and who He declared Himself to be! (I encourage you to read all of John 10, an amazing chapter of truth and the proclamation of who Jesus was, is and ever shall be.  Yet they tried to kill Him for saying it.)

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them out

of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

If you are one of Jesus’ sheep, won’t you take His yoke and walk “with Him” instead of alone.  Jesus never called us to walk alone, and He said he would never leave us—stop letting Satan lead you away from His yoke and His loving arms of comfort, grace, strength, and wisdom.

“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.”  Hebrews 13:5-6                          (And remember that “conversation” means lifestyle.)

If you’re not one of His own, I invite you to call upon Him today in repentance (turning away from sin) and faith (turning to Jesus) in His payment of your sin debt at Calvary.  He did it all for you and me!  He cares for you, don’t miss this amazing gift!  Today is the day of salvation.

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you be subject

one to another,

and be clothed with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:5-11

He truly loves and cares for you; won’t you keep your eyes on Jesus—look up, not around at the lions!

“Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:2-3

Amen and Amen!!!

Redemption Or Rehearsal??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #194

06 Wednesday Mar 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abundant Life In Jesus, Confidence, Contentedness, Contentment, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Greed, Green pastures, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, I will lift up mine eyes, Inspiring Others, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redemption or Rehearsal?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Reflecting HIS glory

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Redemption Or Rehearsal??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #194

 

We live in a culture of “rehearsal”, in my opinion!  What do I mean?  Well, people are practicing to be someone else, to get to somewhere else, to work up to some other level of accomplishment, to be the fastest, the prettiest (and these days that is a totally subjective thing), the richest, the best, the most popular, the one with the most toys, awards, money, media presence, time in the spotlight, and of course most are working to get to heaven.  So, people rehearse for the role they have chosen.  I miss the days when you could just be “you” and take the ups with the downs; a day when friends loved you with or without the warts; a day when truth was more important than illusion, or facade, or performance, or “imitation anything”.  Jesus calls us to follow HIM, not the world, no matter the call of the glitter or the glamour.

One of the things that Jesus repeated over and over was and is the call to “follow me”; what followed may have varied, from person to person, but the call was to “follow” Jesus; so let’s consider a few of those calls.

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren,

Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,

casting a net into the sea:

for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them,

Follow me,

and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And

they straightway left their nets,

and followed him.  

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren,

James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,

in a ship with Zebedee their father,

mending their nets;

and he called them.

22 And

they immediately left the ship and their father,

and followed him.”  Matthew 4:18-22

“And he that taketh not his cross,

and followeth after me,

is not worthy of me.”  Matthew 10:38

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 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?”  Matthew 16:24-26

In “Blanche’s Paraphrase”, you can’t rehearse your way into heaven!  There is only “One Way” to heaven and His name is Jesus; and only when we answer His call to salvation can we truly have abundant life, clear direction, and eternal life.  You can never make your own way, or rehearse to “be” good enough, rich enough, powerful enough, or successful enough to make your way into the “heaven awards”!

Paul has a lot to say about following Jesus as well.  Oh, that I had learned to follow HIM more closely and not been caught up in the rehearsal of the world!  How about you?  Have you been distracted from following Jesus by the world’s glitter—it’s a lie and not truth.  We must draw close to our Lord and Savior to know truth, seeking HIM in HIS WORD!  Help us Jesus, to hear your voice and draw nearer to You!

“Be ye followers of me,

even as I also am of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul gave a great word of encouragement and challenge to his son-in-the-ministry, Timothy, from which we can learn a lot, if we will but take heed and examine ourselves rightly.

“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.”  1 Timothy 6:6-11

Contentment is almost a lost virtue, will we learn to be content rather than greedy (and yes, we all are afflicted with the ‘greedy bug’ from time to time—an affliction that we need to recognize and avoid); are we truly pursuing “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness”?

What are we praying for?  Are we focused on wealth more than holiness; focused on greed more than righteousness; has our heart been side-tracked by the world?  Jesus’ simple model prayer can be a great help, may we seek Him and His ways—following our Lord.  And if you don’t know Him, you can come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in HIS substitutionary (in your place), atoning (making payment for a debt) sacrifice (the very payment with HIS own blood at Calvary).  If you hear His voice don’t turn Him away!

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is

the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

May our hearts be totally devoted to HIM who redeemed us with His own blood; rehearsal may work for a “performance”, but it won’t bring you eternal life—only Jesus can do that.  Won’t you come to Him today?  If you are HIS, won’t your draw near to Him who loves you and gave Himself for YOU?  May we live like we are part of the Redeemed of The Lord.

“And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons judgeth

according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,” 1 Peter 1:17-20

Praise to our Redeemer—forever and ever!  He’s coming for us soon!

“And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us

to God by thy blood out of every

kindred,

and tongue,

and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.”  Revelation 5:9-10

Amen and Amen!!!

Contentment Or Greed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #185

14 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Contentedness, Contentment, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Greed, Growing in Jesus!, Idolatry, If not now? When?, IN Jesus!, Laying up treasure in heaven

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Contentment Or Greed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #185

We live in a “grab it while you can” world, and it doesn’t even matter what you’re talking about; if I see it, if I want it, then I am “entitled” to it!  As I used to hear when I was young, “Taint necessarily so!”  Not good grammar but you get the point.  We have created at least two generations who have been brought up with this mentality, and we have forgotten that scripture says different, but then we have written scripture off as “fairy tales” rather than the truth of God!  It breaks my heart, so I simply want to share some truth from God’s Word that may remind us to reevaluate our ideas, our mindset, and our attitude toward material gain—or you could say material greed!

Paul warned his son-in-the-ministry to beware of the dangers of the “pursuit” of wealth rather than the “pursuit” of godliness.  While this is a bit of a lengthy passage, I pray that it will call us all to reassess our focus, our desires, and our stewardship, especially toward our Lord.

“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.

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.

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.”  1 Timothy 6:3-11

What is greed? Not just wanting what we don’t have, we can have desires that aren’t greed, but appreciation and desire to have beautiful things around us; but greed is setting up our desires as the “prime directive”, or in biblical terms, “idolatry”—making “my desires” being fulfilled the great goal and pursuit of our lives (and remember Paul didn’t say that money was evil, but “the love of money”—be careful what steals your “love”).  And often once we get it, we find that “all that glitters is not gold” (from William Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice)!  For one of the saddest episodes in all of scripture, we can look to the story of Tamar, Absalom, and Amnon in 2 Samuel 13.  I would encourage you to spend some time in this story, for it contains some important lessons that we can all learn from.

Paul also wrote some things in regard to possessions and our regard for them—people, places, or things!  And in light of eternity and the fact that we will leave all of this world’s goods behind, it would seem that our focus ought to be heavenward and laying up treasure in heaven rather than totally focused on earthly things.

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear,

then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;

fornication,

uncleanness,

inordinate affection,

evil concupiscence,

and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God

cometh on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked some time,

when ye lived in them.” Colossians 3:4-7

The new life in Jesus is not to be a match to the life we lived in the flesh—as Paul also told the Galatians we are called to “walk in the Spirit…not the flesh”.  I just want to share some other scriptures for you to consider.  My words mean little without God’s own words to rely on, and base our life on.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.”                   Hebrews 12:1-2

And Jesus’ own admonition to us to be heavenly minded rather than earth bound, keeping our eyes on Jesus not our flesh, greed or earthly pleasures, and yes, there is “pleasure in sin for a season”—but that season is short-lived and the bill will come due, and we will never find it agreeable, for “sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay” (attributed to R. Zacharias).

“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.”  Matthew 6:19-21

So where’s your heart?  May we remember Paul’s simple words to Timothy:

       “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Amen and Amen!!!

What Am I Thankful For??? A Thanksgiving Word for today! #7

07 Monday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Contentedness, Encouragement, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Thankful, Thanksgiving, That They May Know, Weather

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What Am I Thankful For???  A Thanksgiving Word for today! #7

As most of you know, we live in Oklahoma and drought is a regular part of our lives, so rain is a real “biggy” for most of us here; and when the rains come, we are grateful.  I have a dear friend, and I’m always telling him that if nobody else in Oklahoma is praying for rain, I know that he and I are!  And that is true, for I pray for the rain continually—both asking God and thanking HIM when it comes.  In fact, I am often heard to say, “My confidence isn’t in the government nor the weatherman!  But my confidence is in Jesus Christ my Lord!”  God is the giver of sunshine and rain.  And for that I’m grateful, and we’ve had some wonderful rains of late, and I almost always smile and say, “Thank YOU, Jesus!”

How about you?  Have you considered that God is the One who is in charge of the weather?  I trust HIM with a grateful heart! How about you?

“And it shall come to pass,

if ye shall hearken diligently

unto my commandments

which I command you this day,

to love the LORD your God,

and to serve him

with all your heart

and with all your soul,

14 That I will give you the rain of your land

in his due season,

the first rain

and the latter rain,

that thou mayest gather in

thy corn,

and thy wine,

and thine oil.”  Deuteronomy 11:13-14

May you enjoy your day, thanking God for sunshine and rain!

Amen and Amen!!!