Continuing Thought for the Week [5.27.21]

I Timothy 6:6-10: 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. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Main Thought for the Week:

First of all, let me start off by saying that I don’t feel that it is wrong to have money or material things. I also don’t feel that money is evil in and of itself either. I believe that Paul is telling Timothy that the quest of anything without God being the center source of fulfillment and joy, can be a trap. I also believe that He is saying, allow God to be the source of all that you have or desire to have. Take note that in verse thirteen of this same chapter Paul says this to Timothy: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” In other words, pursue the things of God, those things that produce true fulfillment. Food will run out. Clothes will wear out. Money will will cease to be available at times. Houses will eventually fall down and cars will rust or fall apart after a period of time. Most things don’t last forever and being content with things, especially things that are temporal and fleeting doesn’t last forever either. Contentment is a choice and this week I want to talk to you about 5 ways that you can learn to be content.

 5 Ways to Learn to be Content:

1. Realize that contentment doesn’t come naturally for most.
2. Understand that there is a difference in being content and in being satisfied.
3. Be thankful for what you have.
4. Don’t compare.
5. Know that contentment is God’s plan for you.

Now let’s look at number four> 4. Don’t compare. Comparing is a sure way to rob you of your joy and it is a sure way for your peace to be taken. I like to say this: Don’t dare compare! If you are ever going to have a sense of contentment- you can’t compare who you are or what you have with who someone else is or with what someone else has. Have you ever compared yourself to someone else? Me too. We all have a tendency to compare. We compare everything from how well we do something, to how well we look or don’t look. We also compare what we do have and what we don’t have. The problem is, comparing magnifies insecurities and promotes criticism. It also steals your peace and it leaves you feeling discontented. I want you to know that you are wonderfully made. You are lacking nothing and everything that you have is from God. What you possess is unique. You are unique. I like to say it this way: your uniqueness is God’s expression. God has a plan and you have a purpose. Don’t compare yourself to anything or anyone. Be who you are where you are. When you learn to be grateful for who you are and for what you have- comparison will begin to dissipate and contentment will become a new reality for you. Don’t compare! Be content. See you tomorrow!

Key #1: Focus on what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have!

Key #2: If you’re never satisfied with what you have, you won’t be satisfied with what you get.

Key #3: God knows what you need, but He wants to know if you are thankful for what you have.

Key #4: Don’t dare compare!

Continuing Thought for the Week [5.26.21]

I Timothy 6:6-10: 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. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Main Thought for the Week:

First of all, let me start off by saying that I don’t feel that it is wrong to have money or material things. I also don’t feel that money is evil in and of itself either. I believe that Paul is telling Timothy that the quest of anything without God being the center source of fulfillment and joy, can be a trap. I also believe that He is saying, allow God to be the source of all that you have or desire to have. Take note that in verse thirteen of this same chapter Paul says this to Timothy: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” In other words, pursue the things of God, those things that produce true fulfillment. Food will run out. Clothes will wear out. Money will will cease to be available at times. Houses will eventually fall down and cars will rust or fall apart after a period of time. Most things don’t last forever and being content with things, especially things that are temporal and fleeting doesn’t last forever either. Contentment is a choice and this week I want to talk to you about 5 ways that you can learn to be content.

 5 Ways to Learn to be Content:

1. Realize that contentment doesn’t come naturally for most.
2. Understand that there is a difference in being content and in being satisfied.
3. Be thankful for what you have.
4. Don’t compare.
5. Know that contentment is God’s plan for you.

Now let’s look at number three> 3. Be thankful for what you have. Ron Carpenter Jr. says that gratitude is always the gateway for more. In other words: are you thankful for what you have? Because if you are, it will be an indicator that you will be thankful for more as well. Can you relate? Isn’t it more difficult to do something for someone who is not thankful for what you’ve already done for them or that is not thankful for what you have given them. Gratefulness, that is being thankful, many times is a matter of perspective. For example, everyone of us could probably think of something that we would desire to have. However, just because you have the desire for something new or different, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be thankful for what you already have. Be thankful for what you have, even if it is not enough or, even if it is not what you truly desire to have. Be thankful and don’t take anyone or anything for granted. Be thankful and realize that everything that you have is from God. And, remember, God already know what you need, but, He may just be waiting to see if you are thankful for what you already have. If you are ever going to be content, you will have to begin by being thankful for what you already have! See you tomorrow!

Key #1: Focus on what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have!

Key #2: If you’re never satisfied with what you have, you won’t be satisfied with what you get.

Key #3: God knows what you need, but He wants to know if you are thankful for what you have.

Continuing Thought for the Week [5.25.21]

I Timothy 6:6-10: 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. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Main Thought for the Week:

First of all, let me start off by saying that I don’t feel that it is wrong to have money or material things. I also don’t feel that money is evil in and of itself either. I believe that Paul is telling Timothy that the quest of anything without God being the center source of fulfillment and joy, can be a trap. I also believe that He is saying, allow God to be the source of all that you have or desire to have. Take note that in verse thirteen of this same chapter Paul says this to Timothy: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” In other words, pursue the things of God, those things that produce true fulfillment. Food will run out. Clothes will wear out. Money will will cease to be available at times. Houses will eventually fall down and cars will rust or fall apart after a period of time. Most things don’t last forever and being content with things, especially things that are temporal and fleeting doesn’t last forever either. Contentment is a choice and this week I want to talk to you about 5 ways that you can learn to be content.

 5 Ways to Learn to be Content:

1. Realize that contentment doesn’t come naturally for most.
2. Understand that there is a difference in being content and in being satisfied.
3. Be thankful for what you have.
4. Don’t compare.
5. Know that contentment is God’s plan for you.

So, let’s look at number two> 2. Understand that there is a difference in being content and in being satisfied. To be satisfied means that you are content or fulfilled, but usually only for the moment. Content however, means that you limit or control your own requirements, desires or actions. Meaning, you don’t have to continually strive for more, because you know that your sense of self worth and value doesn’t come from just having more of something. Especially something that doesn’t really satisfy or fulfill anyway. Satisfaction is momentary. Contentment is continual. Satisfaction is appeased outwardly. Contentment is something that is felt, sensed and known inwardly. If you are never satisfied with what you have, chances are, you won’t be satisfied with what you get. Remember yesterday how we talked about Paul saying in Philippians 4:11 that he doesn’t speak in regard to want? But, that he has learned that whatever state that he is in to be content. I pray that you and I will be able to say the same thing. Someone said that the grass may be greener on the other side of the fence- but it also may be artificial turf. Don’t seek after things that won’t satisfy in the long run. Learn in whatever state that you may find yourself in- to be content. It is my prayer that as we journey through this week that you will continue to find a greater sense of peace and contentment in your life! See you tomorrow.

Key #1: Focus on what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have!

Key #2: If you’re never satisfied with what you have, you won’t be satisfied with what you get.

Main Thought for the Week [5.24.21]

I Timothy 6:6-10: 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. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Main Thought:

First of all, let me start off by saying that I don’t feel that it is wrong to have money or material things. I also don’t feel that money is evil in and of itself either. Nonetheless this week’s Weekly Word is not about money- it’s about being content. Now, this is an interesting passage in I Timothy 6. And, this is actually where I was just choosing one verse, verse 6, to spend this week talking about being content. However, when I began to read the entire passage I started to see numerous applications. And, since this is the main thought to start off the week, I will start with a few of these applications. First, Paul is writing to Timothy, a young man in the faith called of God to be a preacher. He brings the issue of money and material things into the topic of being content. I believe that Paul is telling Timothy that the quest of anything without God being the center source of fulfillment and joy, can be a trap. I also believe that He is saying, allow God to be the source of all that you have or desire to have. Take note that in verse thirteen of this same chapter Paul says this to Timothy: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” In other words, pursue the things of God, those things that produce true fulfillment. Food will run out. Clothes will wear out. Money will will cease to be available at times. Houses will eventually fall down and cars will rust or fall apart after a period of time. Most things don’t last forever and being content with things, especially things that are temporal and fleeting doesn’t last forever either. Contentment is a choice and this week I want to talk to you about 5 ways that you can learn to be content.

 5 Ways to Learn to be Content:

1. Realize that contentment doesn’t come naturally for most.
2. Understand that there is a difference in being content and in being satisfied.
3. Be thankful for what you have.
4. Don’t compare.
5. Know that contentment is God’s plan for you.

So, let’s look at number one> 1. Realize that contentment doesn’t come naturally for most. I think it is human nature to desire more. Human desires and cultural consumption support the fact that most people aren’t satisfied with what they have and they typically desire more of something. There is nothing wrong with wanting more and there is nothing wrong with desiring to have something better. However, if you are never content and always trying to collect and consume more, you may need to think about your choices and motives. We live in a throwaway society and we have been trained to have a consumer mentality. What this leads to is a lack of commitment and a sense of feeling unfulfilled, that is, without the possibility of more of what we want. I want your contentment and peace to come from God and from knowing of His love for you. Paul says, in Philippians 4:11: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content.” Remember, he was writing this from a jail cell.  I think what happens is when you experience enough of things that don’t last and of the things that don’t satisfy, and then you taste of the things that God had for you- you experience a sense of true contentment. Notice that Paul said, I have LEARNED to be content. I really think a key to being content is to focus on what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have! I also believe that you have to learn to be content. Life has a way of teaching us what is most important and what truly matters and what is truly valuable. It is my desire for you that by the end of this week through prayer and soul searching and through these 5 concepts, that you will have a greater sense of contentment and peace in your life.  See you tomorrow! 

Key: Focus on what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have!

Continuing Thought for the Week [5.21.21]

I Samuel 17:50: So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck Goliath and killed him. – I Samuel 17:50  

As  I said yesterday, the story of David is probably a very familiar story to most of you reading this email. However, I want us to look at this story and it’s scenes this week in a different light in regard to how they apply to us in our everyday lives.

This week we are taking a look at these 4 simple scenarios:

1. David was chosen by God to be anointed as King.

2. David developed in obscurity what was eventually displayed publicly.

3. David had faith, confidence and courage.

4. David was a prophet, a king and a priest.

 

Today let’s look at scenario number four: 4. David was a prophet, king and priest. Yesterday we talked about how I believe that courage is the missing ingredient in most scenarios. I said that you can have faith. You can have skill, but if you don’t have the courage to act, your skill won’t be demonstrated and your faith won’t be activated. David knew that the giant had to fall because he was keeping the people of God from the promised things of God- the giants in your life have to fall as well. The giants of fear, doubt, hopelessness and unworthiness must fall, because they are keeping you from the promised things of God. You have the power and you are victorious through Christ Jesus. Jesus is the messiah, the savior of the world. He was born of a virgin and comes from the lineage that traces from the root of Jesse and from the House of David. Jesus was a prophet, king and priest. David was a prophet, king and priest. Jesus has made us prophets, kings and priests. A King has dominion and authority in the Kingdom. A Priest has access to God. And a Prophet has a voice to declare a future and a hope. You have been made a prophet, king and priest. Therefore, you have the ability as a prophet to use your voice to speak to those giants in your life. You have been made a king, therefore you have dominion and authority in the earth. You have been made a priest, therefore you have access to God- where you may cry, “Abba Father.” Therefore, giants have to fall if they are blocking the promised things of God- you have dominion and authority in the kingdom and in the earth, you have access to God and you have a voice to declare the truth and victory over your life. You must exercise your faith, stand in confidence and move in courage in the name of the Lord!

There are no giants in the wilderness, only in the Promised Land. Resistance only comes when you are close to the promise!!!  -Bishop Tony Miller

Continuing Thought for the Week [5.20.21]

I Samuel 17:50: So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck Goliath and killed him. – I Samuel 17:50  

As  I said yesterday, the story of David is probably a very familiar story to most of you reading this email. However, I want us to look at this story and it’s scenes this week in a different light in regard to how they apply to us in our everyday lives.

This week we are taking a look at these 4 simple scenarios:

1. David was chosen by God to be anointed as King.

2. David developed in obscurity what was eventually displayed publicly.

3. David had faith, confidence and courage.

4. David was a prophet, a king and a priest.

 

Today let’s look at scenario number three: 3. David had faith, confidence and courage. Yesterday we talked about how David was unknowingly developing his faith, courage and skill on the back side of a mountain, tending to his father’s sheep. David had faith in God, he had confidence in his skill and he had the courage to act upon what he knew had to be done. Nonetheless, I believe that courage is the missing ingredient in most scenarios. You can have faith. You can have skill, but if you don’t have the courage to act, your skill won’t be demonstrated and your faith won’t be activated. David knew what the reward was for killing Goliath and he knew that here was a cause. The cause was this: Goliath was defying his God and blocking the people of God from the promised things of God. Therefore, he had to respond in courage and do what needed to be done! He did it for the benefit of people and for the glory of God. What’s the reward? And, Is there not a cause? These are two good questions that need to be answered when trying to develop the courage that is needed- to do what needs to be done. David Possessed Faith! David Displayed Courage! David Manifested Confidence! David said: “You come to me with a sword and a spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord!” David said: “The Lord does not save with a sword and a spear, for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands, so that all the earth will know that there is a God in Israel!” David didn’t say: “I have a slingshot and 5 smooth stones, but I’m only going to need one!” There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence is in assurance in God. Arrogance is an assurance in ones self. You have to have the faith, courage and confidence to know that God is fighting for you. And, as the giants in your life fall, it’s so that everyone will know that there is a God- a God who is alive! A God who saves! A God who heals! A God who helps! And a God who delivers! Allow your confidence in God to be strengthened today! And, may that new found faith produce a courage that empowers you to do what needs to be done, in Jesus name, amen!

Continuing Thought for the Week [5.19.21]

I Samuel 17:50: So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck Goliath and killed him. – I Samuel 17:50  

As  I said yesterday, the story of David is probably a very familiar story to most of you reading this email. However, I want us to look at this story and it’s scenes this week in a different light in regard to how they apply to us in our everyday lives.

This week we are taking a look at these 4 simple scenarios:

1. David was chosen by God to be anointed as King.

2. David developed in obscurity what was eventually displayed publicly.

3. David had faith, confidence and courage.

4. David was a prophet, a king and a priest.

Today let’s look at scenario number two: 2. David developed in obscurity what was eventually displayed publicly. The story of David and Goliath may be one of the most popular bible stories of all time, or at least it is one of the most well known. What’s amazing about this story is, David unknowingly was developing his faith, courage and skill on the back side of a mountain, not knowing that one day he would use that faith, courage and skill to ultimately defeat the giant, Goliath and eventually become king of Israel. David fought lions and bears with his bare hands. And, when it came to conquering the giant, David gives all of the credit and all of the glory to God, concerning the triumphal defeats of these stray animals that were trying to attack and kill the sheep that he was attending to for his father. David was an example of a good shepherd. Anyway, David was developing in private what was about to be displayed in public. When he took out his slingshot and took down the giant, I’m sure it wasn’t the first time that he had ever used it. How many starry nights do you think David looked up at the sky and prayed to God? How many times do you think David practiced the skill of using his slingshot? Don’t underestimate what you are doing right now.  Don’t underestimate where you are right now. God doesn’t waste anything! He is using it all to develop your faith, your courage and your skill. He has a plan and a purpose. A time for everything under the sun. Don’t despise what you are doing. Develop your faith, courage and skill. You don’t know what giant may be lying ahead for you to defeat and conquer. God may be developing you in private to display His glory in public… be faithful!       

Here are 4 things to consider:

1. David tended to his fathers sheep faithfully and God was faithful to him.
2. David developed a relationship with God, that ultimately developed him.
3. David was faithful to take cheese and bread to the battlefield where the Israelites were battling the Philistines and fearing Goliath. And, because of that, he ultimately ended up defeating the giant.
4. David displayed faith and responded with courage. David had developed his faith, courage and skill. He had faith in God and confidence in his ability, but it took courage to release the stone in faith towards the giant.

You can have all of the faith in the world, but if you don’t have the courage to act upon what you believe, you will never see the result you are looking for!

Continuing Thought for the Week [5.18.21]

I Samuel 17:50: So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck Goliath and killed him. – I Samuel 17:50  

As  I said yesterday, the story of David is probably a very familiar story to most of you reading this email. However, I want us to look at this story and it’s scenes this week in a different light in regard to how they apply to us in our everyday lives.

This week I want to take a look at these 4 simple scenarios:

1. David was chosen by God to be anointed as King.

2. David developed in obscurity what was eventually displayed publicly.

3. David had faith, confidence and courage.

4. David was a prophet, a king and a priest.

So today let’s look at scenario number one: 1. David was chosen by God to be King. First of all, I want you to know that you have been chosen by God in Christ Jesus! Therefore, it doesn’t matter what rejection you may face, you have already been chosen by God. David was overlooked by his father when Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint a king. However, David was still anointed king. His dad chose his brothers over him, but the Lord said to Samuel, ask Jesse if he has anymore sons. And Jesse said, “Yes, as a matter of fact I do. He is out back tending to my sheep.” And the Lord said, “He is the one!” Remember, what someone else may overlook- God has in mind. If you feel like you are being overlooked, I want you to know that God sees and God knows. He is for you, not against you and He has plans to use you and to prosper you in all of your ways. Notice that David wasn’t standing idly by, he was tending to his fathers sheep- he was doing something and God saw him! He went on to tell Samuel that man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart. David was a man after God’s own heart and the lineage of Jesus came through the house of Jesse and the seed of David. Don’t underestimate what God wants to do through you! Be faithful and watch God move in faithfulness towards you. Samuel Anointed David as King. The Davidic covenant promises the messiah- Jesus Christ would come from the house and lineage of King David. David Was Chosen by God to Be Anointed. David was not chosen by his father as being first choice, his other brothers were chosen first, but then David was brought in and anointed in front of them. In light of this, here are 4 things that I want us to consider today:

1. Sometimes God will take you from the back of the line to the front of the line all in the same day!
2. Sometimes God will take you from being last choice to being first choice! 
3. Sometimes God will take you from being looked over to being sought after!
4. Sometimes God will anoint you in front of those who didn’t think you were worthy or able, just to prove that you are able and that you are worthy and to prove He is God and that He has the final say!