Entries by tag: contentment
Scripture reading for January 2nd: Genesis 3-5; Luke 2
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203,4,5;%20Luke%202
S:
Genesis 3: 5,6 (NIV) "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.
O:
The best lies contain some truth. The serpent told a great first lie because it had some truth in it, "you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Eve desired to be more like God, desired his wisdom, so she gave it a try.
A:
This speaks to my battle with being content. God has given me some of Himself, His image. Whatever wisdom or ability or godly character I have, I got from him. Yet, I find myself wanting more. And I want more in a quick and easy way, not the hard way (like learning patience through waiting). There's something in my flesh that is like Eve. I want what seems good to me, pleasing, desirable for gaining wisdom. God insists he knows what's best for me. He knows what I can handle and what I can't. He wants me to trust Him, to agree with Him that He can fill in the gap between what I know or can do and what I don't know or can't do or understand or whatever. I don't need more knowledge or more stuff. What I really need is more faith.
P:
Lord, help me to stop trying to be and get "more." Help me to be content with who you made me to be and to trust you for everything. Amen.
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203,4,5;%20Luke%202
S:
Genesis 3: 5,6 (NIV) "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.
O:
The best lies contain some truth. The serpent told a great first lie because it had some truth in it, "you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Eve desired to be more like God, desired his wisdom, so she gave it a try.
A:
This speaks to my battle with being content. God has given me some of Himself, His image. Whatever wisdom or ability or godly character I have, I got from him. Yet, I find myself wanting more. And I want more in a quick and easy way, not the hard way (like learning patience through waiting). There's something in my flesh that is like Eve. I want what seems good to me, pleasing, desirable for gaining wisdom. God insists he knows what's best for me. He knows what I can handle and what I can't. He wants me to trust Him, to agree with Him that He can fill in the gap between what I know or can do and what I don't know or can't do or understand or whatever. I don't need more knowledge or more stuff. What I really need is more faith.
P:
Lord, help me to stop trying to be and get "more." Help me to be content with who you made me to be and to trust you for everything. Amen.
For Today's Bible reading, click the link.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
Scripture reading for November 17th: 2 Corinthians 7-10
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%207,8,9,10&version=NIV
S:
2 Corinthians 8:15 (NIV) as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
O:
Paul is quoting Exodus 16:18 (NIV) And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. He is applying a principle God established back in the days of Moses, that each one should have just what he or she needs. Proverbs 30:8b (NIV) reads, "give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." Paul uses this type of argument to encourage the church at Corinth to give generously.
A:
I have been spending a great deal of time on this topic lately. The approaching holiday season always brings this topic to mind. A major problem in our society is that no one is taught to seriously ask this question: "How much is enough?" We don't really know when we have enough because we are conditioned to always want "a little bit more." I wrestle with this every day. I've got a car, a phone, clothes, a house, and much more. I am rich! Yet I always want a better one, a newer one. Paul knew what he was saying to Timothy when he wrote to him, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV).
I was blessed with a similar exhortation from one of my professors at Denver Seminary years ago. He said that he and his wife had prayed about it and talked to God early in their marriage about what standard of living God had called them to. They agreed together with God what that was and covenanted to stay there, no matter how much God blessed them beyond that. Anything extra, they would give away! I believe they now live on less than 1/2 of what he makes and they give all the rest away for kingdom of God work, locally and around the world. That is how I long to live. Inspired by my professor, Penny and I had that conversation too. We are trying hard to live that way. We know the joy of giving, but I also know the ever-present temptation of getting more and better stuff. I need reminders from the Apostle Paul and Proverbs and people around me who know how to live with perspective and experience the joy of generous living.
P:
Lord, help me to keep saying "no" to the temptation to satisfy my never-ending craving for "more." Give me contentment and help me to bless others generously so that they too can have all they need.
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%207,8,9,10&version=NIV
S:
2 Corinthians 8:15 (NIV) as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
O:
Paul is quoting Exodus 16:18 (NIV) And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. He is applying a principle God established back in the days of Moses, that each one should have just what he or she needs. Proverbs 30:8b (NIV) reads, "give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." Paul uses this type of argument to encourage the church at Corinth to give generously.
A:
I have been spending a great deal of time on this topic lately. The approaching holiday season always brings this topic to mind. A major problem in our society is that no one is taught to seriously ask this question: "How much is enough?" We don't really know when we have enough because we are conditioned to always want "a little bit more." I wrestle with this every day. I've got a car, a phone, clothes, a house, and much more. I am rich! Yet I always want a better one, a newer one. Paul knew what he was saying to Timothy when he wrote to him, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV).
I was blessed with a similar exhortation from one of my professors at Denver Seminary years ago. He said that he and his wife had prayed about it and talked to God early in their marriage about what standard of living God had called them to. They agreed together with God what that was and covenanted to stay there, no matter how much God blessed them beyond that. Anything extra, they would give away! I believe they now live on less than 1/2 of what he makes and they give all the rest away for kingdom of God work, locally and around the world. That is how I long to live. Inspired by my professor, Penny and I had that conversation too. We are trying hard to live that way. We know the joy of giving, but I also know the ever-present temptation of getting more and better stuff. I need reminders from the Apostle Paul and Proverbs and people around me who know how to live with perspective and experience the joy of generous living.
P:
Lord, help me to keep saying "no" to the temptation to satisfy my never-ending craving for "more." Give me contentment and help me to bless others generously so that they too can have all they need.
For Today's Bible reading, click the link.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
Scripture reading for August 19th: Jeremiah 45-47; Psalm 105; John 21
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2045,46,47;%20Psalms%20105;%20John%2021;&version=51;
S:
Jeremiah 45:5a (NLT) "Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't do it!"
John 21:21-22 (NLT) "Peter asked Jesus, 'What about him, Lord?' Jesus replied, 'If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.'"
O:
God knows that Baruch is concerned for his own safety. He also knows Baruch is concerned about his own career advancement. As the assistant to God's number one prophet of the day (Jeremiah), what was in store for Baruch? God assured him that he (God) would protect Baruch's life, but also warned Baruch about his sinful ambition.
Jesus reveals some of Peter's future to him and Peter expresses his curiosity about his friend, John. Jesus redirects Peters mind and heart. His job is to follow Jesus, not to be concerned with what God has in store for others.
A:
These two passages beside each other fascinate me, because they reveal a tendency I have (maybe we all have). I want to know what God has in store for me. Will he protect me? my family? Will he provide for me? prosper me? Sometimes I might worry a little too much about these questions. More often, I have confidence that God will take care of those things. But then comes the next layer of musings. Will I be great or famous or well-known? What will others think of me? How will my story and achievements compare to my contemporary peers or to others throughout history? At best, God says such thinking is a waste of time, a distraction (like with Peter). Worse, it may become a temptation or outright sin (like with Baruch). God wants me to simply seek his kingdom first and trust him to take care of the rest of my needs ( see Matthew 6:33,34). But even more, he wants me to be content with his plans and work in and through me. I am reminded of Paul's words to Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV). Contentment for me means also not worrying about 'the other guy' and how I stack up against him. His story is between God and him and should have no bearing on my ability (or inability) to walk obediently with God.
P:
Lord, help me to find contentment with my life. Help me to dream your dreams for me and not the delusional dreams of selfishness and grandeur I am tempted to dream. Help me too, not to play the comparison game or wonder about others' stories. Help me to trust them and myself fully to you each day. Amen.
(Journal Key)
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
For Today's Bible reading, click the link.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
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We just recently started attending PRC regularly and one of the things that we most appreciate and resonate with is the openness and authenticity of the leadership. The fact that you posted…