I Timothy 6:6-10
But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
When I’m discontent . . .
I rush from one stop to another
And forget to enjoy the sights.
And miss all the wonderful and good
While checking out Mr. and Miss Right.
When I’m discontent . . .
I feel “I must have more to be happy” -
More pay, more say, more my way.
But chasing after the wind is tiring,
And keeps us from living each day.
When I’m content . . .
In spite of my needs, wants, and lack,
Size, shape, portion and lot -
I’m saying, “My heavenly Father sees . . .”
“Knows what { who} I can and cannot.”
When I’m content . . .
I reflect God’s abundant grace,
All mine, strong and sufficient.
And have time to breathe and play,
And enjoy every conversation.
Be content, says Jesus.
There will be enough, I promise you,
No, it’s enough, let tomorrow be.
Only a few things are important,
They’re right before you, they’re free.
“Why do you labor for what is not bread?”
And live long, bone-exhausted days?
Stop. Take a break. Eat with the ones who love you,
Say no. Switch it off. Be content in me. Obey.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
REFLECTIONS FROM THE BEATITUDES
The world says, “Hooray for the A-listers, the ones who get the nods.”
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who know they are nobodies, and can do nothing apart from God.”
The world says, “Don’t worry, be happy, let’s party, life is short.”
"Blessed are those who grief for their sins, and fast for eternal cause.”
The world says, “Go. Fight. Take short cuts. You go nowhere if you are weak.”
"The gentle shall inherit the earth, control your temper, be meek.”
The world says, “Blessed is he who says, ‘I am strong, I have no need.’”
“Satisfaction comes to those who ask to be filled, who pray, knock and seek.”
The world says, “Remember those who hurt you. Complain. Keep score. Make them pay.”
“You are smart if you show mercy, turn the other cheek, do it God’s way.”
The world says, “It’s all about what people see, so look good, be cool, be sharp.”
“It’s all about what God sees in you, and Who you see in your heart.”
The world says, “Look away. Mind your own business. Live a life that’s trouble free.”
“Speak up for the fatherless, stand up for the lost; the sons of God are those who bring peace.”
The world says, “Be a Christian, but play it safe, make everybody happy, win the vote.”
“There’s no such thing as a popular believer. Walk in the light. Speak truth. Take the narrow road.”
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who know they are nobodies, and can do nothing apart from God.”
The world says, “Don’t worry, be happy, let’s party, life is short.”
"Blessed are those who grief for their sins, and fast for eternal cause.”
The world says, “Go. Fight. Take short cuts. You go nowhere if you are weak.”
"The gentle shall inherit the earth, control your temper, be meek.”
The world says, “Blessed is he who says, ‘I am strong, I have no need.’”
“Satisfaction comes to those who ask to be filled, who pray, knock and seek.”
The world says, “Remember those who hurt you. Complain. Keep score. Make them pay.”
“You are smart if you show mercy, turn the other cheek, do it God’s way.”
The world says, “It’s all about what people see, so look good, be cool, be sharp.”
“It’s all about what God sees in you, and Who you see in your heart.”
The world says, “Look away. Mind your own business. Live a life that’s trouble free.”
“Speak up for the fatherless, stand up for the lost; the sons of God are those who bring peace.”
The world says, “Be a Christian, but play it safe, make everybody happy, win the vote.”
“There’s no such thing as a popular believer. Walk in the light. Speak truth. Take the narrow road.”
Sunday, February 3, 2013
GIVE OF A WILLING HEART
When it was time for the tabernacle to be built,
God could have made all the bronze, silver and gold;
But He said, “Bring to me only what you got . . .
“Offer at my altar what you own.”
When it was time for the tabernacle to be built,
God could have forced, ordered, and charged,
“Do what I tell you!” “Obey my command!”
Instead He said, “Give of a willing heart.”
So when it was time for the tabernacle to be built,
The people responded – those whose hearts were stirred;
Seven times, it was said, in Exodus 35, 36,
“They came, they brought, they spun, they served.”
The heart of the matter of the building of the tabernacle,
Is, in my humble opinion, a matter of the heart.
Teach, lead, speak, give – just do it,
But don’t go through the motion, don’t just play the part.
For when God calls us to build the tabernacle,
He doesn’t care if we can do little or much;
Things, time, talent, treasure, He made it all –
He only wants from us a willing heart.
God could have made all the bronze, silver and gold;
But He said, “Bring to me only what you got . . .
“Offer at my altar what you own.”
When it was time for the tabernacle to be built,
God could have forced, ordered, and charged,
“Do what I tell you!” “Obey my command!”
Instead He said, “Give of a willing heart.”
So when it was time for the tabernacle to be built,
The people responded – those whose hearts were stirred;
Seven times, it was said, in Exodus 35, 36,
“They came, they brought, they spun, they served.”
The heart of the matter of the building of the tabernacle,
Is, in my humble opinion, a matter of the heart.
Teach, lead, speak, give – just do it,
But don’t go through the motion, don’t just play the part.
For when God calls us to build the tabernacle,
He doesn’t care if we can do little or much;
Things, time, talent, treasure, He made it all –
He only wants from us a willing heart.
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