October 22 | Philippians 4:10-13

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Pray out loud for God to speak to you through your reading. Thank God for giving us His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you read with faith, and to live out what you hear from God through the passage.

DAILY READING

Philippians 4:10-13

REFLECTION

Contentment

by Pastor Jeff Morlock

We humans are born dissatisfied.. From infancy we want what we want… now! By nature we tend to seek what’s new and better and more. Biblical contentment is the opposite, though – not having everything you want, but wanting everything you have! Like God’s love, grace, peace, hope,  forgiveness, and more. Contentment is resting in Jesus and his gifts. But our fallen hearts tend toward restlessness, and the desire to acquire, which sometimes looks like loving things and using people.

Notice how the sneaky apostle tries to subvert that tendency here by thanking the Philippians for their concern on his behalf, and by reminding them that, though he is in prison, he is completely trusting God to provide for all his needs. And why wouldn’t he? If God sent His Son to suffer, bleed, and die to save Paul from condemnation on account of his sins, how could he not thank and trust God for the present and future, too? Though Paul was encouraged by and thankful for the gifts delivered to him by Epaphroditus on behalf of the Philippian congregation (v. 18), he wants them to know that his well-being is not dependent on outward circumstances; that neither being in want nor having plenty can meet the deep needs of his heart, or theirs.

In fact, Paul equally regards poverty and wealth as trials! We continually seek the latter, of course. But Paul portrays both poverty and wealth as demanding extremes that can weigh heavy on the human spirit, wreak havoc on our emotions, and distort our personalities.

In fact, Paul equally regards poverty and wealth as trials! We continually seek the latter, of course. But Paul portrays both poverty and wealth as demanding extremes that can weigh heavy on the human spirit, wreak havoc on our emotions, and distort our personalities. Yet the secret to victory over both of these challenging circumstances is Christ, who supplies strength. A life lived in and through the Lord is a life without strife, a life adequate to meet any demand placed upon it, because of the sufficiency of Jesus. He is more than enough for every situation, and continually available to those who believe
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For your prayer time today, consider this: The opposite of contentment is covetousness. Is there anything you’re coveting today that you need to confess? Something you want, something you’re waiting for, or something you feel like you’ll never have that has become an idol? Spend some time meditating upon Psalm 23:1. “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want” (I lack nothing).

Prayer: Thank you, God, for not always giving me what I want, for my desires are deceitful. Empower me to let go of what my flesh desires and the world tells me I need so that I may be completely satisfied in you and your provision. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

To Share and be Content

Acts 4:32, 34 (NIV) All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had…There were no needy persons among them. 

The words in verse 34 are striking. "There were no needy persons among them." This sounds like contentment to the max.

The lesson today is pointing to the fact that everyone had everything they needed to survive and thrive. At first read, I am thinking of money to purchase the necessities, but after prayerful consideration I think it means that there were no needy persons among them, because they took care of any need that may arise. They genuinely loved and nurtured each other. The love the Believers had for one another was complete. They took care of each other. They loved one another as Jesus did.

It is difficult to imagine a society that would sell their possessions for the greater good. It is next to impossible to dream of a civilization that cares for their neighbor’s needs before their own. There was no one in need of the basics of food, clothing, and shelter among them, “they were one in heart and mind.” They nurtured one another, complimenting, walking alongside and generally sharing their lives. They loved each other.

It is when we don't feel loved that we crave affection, and we go after that attention in ways that could be considered 'needy'. We can all learn a lesson from the early church members. Life lived for our neighbor is life lived for Jesus and it can be ultimate contentment.

Caught Napping

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction. Does this definition fit your feelings?

In Ronnie Sellers' book, Cat Naps, the Key to Contentment, he proclaims every cat is a master when it comes to the art of relaxation. The sweet idleness of the kittens and cats embrace contentment, and remind us that few things in life are so important that they won't wait until after a good nap!

I must admit, I do enjoy a nap now and then, especially in my hammock on a sunny summer afternoon. This act definitely shouts "Contented". But, as humans, we have desires to be better, to have more and to feel accomplished. Contentment doesn't always have a place among all our dreams and goals.

Contentment is a choice. As I age, I realize that I have choices. Contentment is one of them. I know that once I accomplished a goal, got that promotion, lost the weight, I didn't necessarily feel different. I worried I would not be good enough to keep my job, or I'd regain the weight. If I only would accept where I was and enjoyed the moment, contentment would be mine. 

I think it is time I chose happiness and satisfaction with every task I pursue. Money, fame, or popularity don't foster contentment. But rejoicing every morning just to be alive is contentment. Smiling my way through a difficult situation and meaning it, now that is contentment. 

How are you registering on the contented meter?

Hebrews 13:5-8

It is always a Choice

Contentment is an elusive feeling for many, myself included. But I am learning as I get older that contentment, once define correctly, is all around me. The word means, happiness, serenity, gladness, satisfaction, pleasure. But what of those things is important you? If you had asked me this question 30 years ago I would have given a different response.

Thirty years ago, happiness and serenity were not part of my vocabulary. Thirty years ago I felt that if I were rich I would have no problems and everything would be perfect. But, when my family's financial situation improved, I realized I still did not feel content.

These verses point out that having food to eat and a place to sleep signals contentment. I had all those things, but I was not content. So, is contentment a choice?  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:8 (NIV) 

The point I make is, for me, once I encountered Jesus in a real way, once I desired a personal relationship with Him, contentment became natural.  But...I find I must fight for this contentment every day, because for me, it is a choice. I can choose if I am going to buy things I don't need and pursue them at the expense of my budget.

I must chose if I am going to be happy and content to have my bills paid and food on the table and a roof over my head, or if I am going to covet that new car, that exciting vacation and more. Not that any of these things are bad, but I must not allow them to get in the way of my contentment, my peace and serenity...or take away my joy in living.

1 Timothy 6:6-9

The Serenity Prayer

1 Timothy 6

 

Reinhold Niebuhr is given credit for writing the Serenity Prayer in 1943. It is one of the most popular prayers known, and has been made famous by AA and other twelve-step programs. However, did you know that the version used by most of these groups is an abreviated one. Here is the complete prayer:

 

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.”

 

Obviously, you don’t have to be an addict to benefit from this prayer. Serenity, or contentment, is a fleeting experience in all of our lives. Think about how many times a day you complain about something: the weather, the traffic, your boss, your co-workers, your spouse, your kids, your food, your self, your health, your church, your house, your car… God. The list is undending.

 

In today’s chapter Paul wrote to Timothy about being content.

 

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that”.            Verses 6-8 NIV

 

People have been discontented since the Garden. Satan sowed discontent in Eve’s heart, and it’s been a part of the human condition ever since. In fact, it’s such a problem of the human condition, that God devoted one whole commandment to it.

 

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”           Exodus 20:17 NIV

 

Why else do we covet unless it is because we are not happy with what we have? We are not content. So what is the key to finding contentment in our lives? To help answer this question, here are Paul’s words to the Philippians:

 

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.

Everything that we try to gain in this world stays here unless it is eternal. The only things that are eternal are our souls and God’s word.”        Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

 

So let us learn to focus on what is eternal – our souls and God’s word. The Serenity Prayer speaks not of perfection, but of growth; of surrender to God and trusting Him. Doing this leads to contentment. The same contentment that Paul wrote about. What more do we need?

 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20timothy%206&version=NIV;TLB

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/1Tim.6

 

 

 

 

 

A Lesson Learned from Clark Kellogg

Philippians 4

　
　
Clark Kellogg is an announcer for CBS Sports. He was an All-American basketball player at Ohio State and went on to play in the NBA. He is also a solid believer in Christ who shares his faith by word and deed.

Last week there was a short article in The Columbus Dispatch about Clark. Apparently CBS switched him from the lead game analyst to a studio anchor. I don’t know how Clark actually felt about this change. The article said it was a "surprise he wasn’t expecting".

It’s possible that he could have felt like it was a demotion. He could have taken it that his bosses lost confidence in him. He might have felt like someone beat him out of his position. Maybe he loved and preferred doing the live game analysis. He could have felt angry and resentful.

Instead, here is Clark’s response: "Organizational change is inevitable. My job is to embrace and do my best in whatever job I’ve been given. I’ve always felt that nobody’s indispensable. I’m a team guy. The Bible says be joyful, prayerful and thankful at all times. That’s how I try to live."

There are changes that come along in all of our lives. Expectations are not met. It might be at work or in our marriage or with our kids. Maybe it’s a personal disappointment about ourselves. Life is dynamic, not static. It is constantly changing and we don’t have control over it as much as we would like to. So the question for us is how do we respond to these changes?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Paul was under house arrest when he wrote this. I’m pretty sure he could have thought of a thousand other places he would rather have been. I’m pretty sure he didn’t expect to be there. I’m pretty sure that this is one change that was a "surprise he wasn’t expecting".

"I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation."
And what is that secret?

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice."

　
　http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%204&version=NIV;TLB
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Phil.4

Psalm 126

Prayer is Laughing

Have you ever had dreams you wish would never end? Have you woken up and become extremely disappointed because the dream you were absorbed in was far beyond the pleasures of your reality? Perhaps those are glimpses of what is to come. Joy beyond words, happiness and laughter that compares to nothing else you have experienced before.

God is our Father! Like all (most) fathers, He wants us to be filled with joy and happiness. Laughter is an honest and sincere display of pleasure. Our Lord is pleased when we have feelings of joy and contentment.  

Psalm 126: 1-3

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

According to GotQuestions.org

“Zion meant Jerusalem and later, Israel as the people of God."

We often read of the daughter of Zion. 

“Daughter” infers that God is a loving father. He cherishes and loves His people, even while they reject Him. By using the metaphor “daughter of Zion,” God showed how He felt for the rebellious Israelites: frustrated, angry, but always with an eye to the future when the relationship would be restored, and He could once again return to them and welcome them into His arms (Zechariah 2:10)”

This week as we pray, let’s incorporate joy, celebration, worship, gratitude, and hope. Let’s also be keenly alert to the multitude of pleasures God has placed in our lives, and use joy and fun as triggers to remember to thank God for His gifts.

Read/Listen to Psalm 126

Content in God's Love, 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. (1 Corinthians 7:17 Message)

Have you heard the phrase, “The grass is always greener on the other side?” So many of us grow up thinking this way. My four year old frequently wants what his friends have. He’ll ask, “Can I have_____ it will make me so happy.” I respond by telling him that I love him, but no he already has enough of toys.

Our passage today says, “Where you are right now is God’s place for you.” If we truly believe that then we believe God is in total control and has us where He can use us. God is calling us to be content with what we have or in some cases what we don’t have.

Our passage also says that there is a “marvelous freedom” in serving God right where we are. Believing we are loved by God breeds contentment. In order to understand God’s love we must stay connected to Him.

We need to get in his word, be in fellowship with other believers, and talk with Him each day. Then we will know God’s love for us and that leads to satisfaction.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Love of Money - 1 Timothy 6:3-10

Ever wonder what happens to people who win big money in a lottery? Many use their money to benefit family, friends and community. Some lose their money and themselves to worldly desires. Stories tell of hopes to buy a mansion, take a cruise, buy an expensive car…long lists of wants. In the end: Money runs out, people fade away, and some end up on destructive paths.

When we rely on worldly wealth to provide our needs we continually feel the need to have more and more for ourselves.

However, Paul reminds us even if we’re godly, going to church and praying regularly, giving to the poor, and supposedly doing all the things we should be doing as Christians, we miss the point if we’re not content with what God gives us!

God wants to bless us; take care of us. He is generous. Contentment comes from our faith when we let God dwell in our hearts. We believe God is good. He knows our every need. We choose to commit our trust to God’s goodness, care, and love to provide for our needs. He is all we need.

Paul states that we brought nothing with us when we came into the world and we can take nothing out of it. Our hope must rest in God. It's His love that can’t be taken away. His love is the one thing we can carry with us throughout our lives in this world and into the next.

Everything the Lord gives us is good. He’s so good to us all the time it's almost unbelievable, but that’s what makes Him God. Out of His goodness, He even gave us His own life!

Read today's text, 1 Timothy 6:3-10, on Biblegateway.