In His Word Sunday- contentment

Contentment...

contentment: (noun) the state of being contented;  satisfaction; ease of mind. (dictionary.com)

From Our Daily Bread Devotional,

"A poet once wrote: “As a rule, man’s a fool. When it’s hot, he wants it cool. And when it’s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting what is not.”

What an insightful observation on human nature! So when we read in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible?

For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “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 everything through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ."

If there is something I struggle with greatly, it is this.  The Lord has done a mighty work in my heart and continues to as He gently shows me my heart attitude, convicts my thoughts and my words and shows me the mirror through my little ones.  Growth happens when, at least speaking for myself, when we are able to humble our selves and listen to the words being spoken by a loved one (in love); to take these words and learn and not harden our hearts is through the strength and wisdom of God and the laying down of our sinful selves.  Peace is found in Him, contentment is peace found in our precious Jesus with the renewing of our minds in and by Him.

I recently read a blog post by a homeschooling mama (not sure where now!) and she wrote about falling into the trap of comparing herself to other homeschoolers.  In her journey of hearing the Lord in her home and schooling, she said she had to put the blinders on, as a horse would have, that she wouldn't be distracted by everything else, even the good.  She had to find what the Lord was calling HER to do and not everyone else.

I think of this often, not just in homeschooling but in the other areas-put the blinders on- His yoke upon me, His will and not mine, be content in all things...and a huge amen- His love endures forever :)  The many times I stumble and regress, He is there, to gently lead me back, to forgive, to love, to extend grace and mercy when not deserved.  He is our loving Creator.

Finding peace in being content with where we are at, for His plans are so much greater than mine could ever be and I have to trust that.  Let go and let God :)

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:12-13

He strengthens me...

In His Word Sunday-the love of money (part 1)

I've decided to pick a word on Sundays that the Lord has been working on my heart with...today is Money.  Leave me a note if He is doing the same in your heart and you write about it-how we can learn from one another!  Blessings!

The Lord is continually teaching us.  Teaching us who He is, who we are, who we are in Him...
This week, I sat down with our boys to begin a study on money.  After hearing, "I want..", "can I have...", "can we go to...", "when I get..." continually, woo-wee it starts to wear on you precious nerves.  And I will admit it isn't just the continual asking for more and more and the seemingly ungrateful attitudes...it is also the part of having to say no majority of the time.  But dear ones, can I say how good our God is, when we say (or type) it out loud (confessing, if you will), He sure is awesome in revealing sinful nature there.  For me to be able to say yes to everything, would we be able to teach a grateful heart?  Would we be able to teach a content spirit?  Would we be able to teach a generous hand?

He is good :)

Okay, so that was a some what side note but, praise the Lord-I have to share what He reveals!  Anyhow, we started to read about God's money.  I took the big concordance out and we found verses on money.  Where did we end up?  Here:

1 Timothy 6:10
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.


The earlier part of the verse speaks foundational wisdom and roots:  1 Timothy 6:6-10


 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 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. 10 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.

We will be studying this for a while.  Not only for them but for myself as well.  I didn't learn how to handle money well and it has been an ongoing lesson (and sometimes battle) for me.  I can't emphasize enough the amazing gift and responsibility we have as parents to teach our children how to handle God's money.  When we instill in them the truth of being God's stewards when they are young, prayerfully they will continue on that path as adults, avoiding unneeded hardships that come with unhealthy views and handling of finances.

Deuteronomy 15:6

6 For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.

Psalm 37:21

 21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, 

   but the righteous give generously;

Romans 13:8

 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Also,

Here is a great series on Revive Our Hearts (Calling Women to Freedom, Fullness and Fruitfulness in Christ):  Financial Wisdom for God's Glory with Jan Thompson (a 4 part series that is downloadable, I believe.)


Praying for the Lord's hand upon you, learning His ways, teaching them to your young, and being good stewards of what He has entrusted to your care.

Most importantly,

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

to be continued...