Contenment Part 2

Luke 12:15

15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of

greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

 

Have you ever thought………

If we just had a little more money, not a lot, just enough to___(fill in the blank)_____ (vanity of pleasure Ecclesiastes 2;10,11)

 

If we could just have a simple life, with fewer gadgets, more free time, less hustle and bustle……. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Ecclesiastes 7:10)

If I had a college education……….. (grief of worldly wisdom Ecclesiastes 1:12-14 vs value of practical wisdom Ecclesiastes 2:14; Ecclesiastes 7:12 )

If I were just a little prettier, or had a better body, if my eyes were only blue, if I didn‘t have gray hair….……..

If the house was just a little newer, or the living room was just a little bigger, or we just had________ like the Jone’s have.

If I could just be popular among my friends and family……. (Popularity passes away-)

Have you ever said (or thought) any of these ??? Could these signs of being discontent?

What are some causes of discontentment?

*improper expectations- Acts 8:14-24 Simon the Sorcerer

Simon was likely accustomed to being the center of attention. He in some way expected to be like the apostles and be able to impart the Holy Spirit, although he was obviously a babe in Christ. Verse 20 gives us the idea that Simon may have wanted it for monetary gain. Peter told Simon that he had no part in this matter and that he needed to repent. Simon’s expectations were improper weren’t they?

*lack of humility- Esther 6: 6-12 Haman 

 

Philippians 2:3,4

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
*Comparing yourself to others- 2Corinthians 10: 12-17 

12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you) for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another mans sphere of accomplishment. 17 but he who glories let him glory in the Lord.

*dissatisfaction with being a simple human being? Eve- Genesis 3:1-7
 

3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

Contentment: To be sufficient, to be enough to a thing, to be satisfied, willing to accept circumstances

What really makes us comfortable in this life?

Food, clothing, shelter- 1 Tim. 6:8; Hebrews 13:5,6

What are some practical ways to avoid discontentment?

 

Count your blessings; Ask yourself- WHY do you need it?; embrace humility; recognize what is enough; surround yourself with happy people; express appreciation;

Philippians 4:11-13: 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 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[a] who strengthens me.

Luke 12;15: 15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”


Psalms 37:3-5: 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding

Proverbs 30: 7-9 : Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): 8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches—

Feed me with the food allotted to me; 9 Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contentment Part 1

Our Attitude towards different situations we face everyday of our lives is really what makes us stand out.  Let take a look at contentment and how our attitude towards it can change how we see ourselves, and how we deal with the problems of life.
 

***Fine as frog hair split four ways: A man once laid in ICU after a serious heart surgery. He couldn’t move his arms, he couldn’t turn his head because of the wires and tubes, yet he explains to a visitor that he is feeling “as fine as frog hair, split four ways”.  Lesson-A difficult situation can be improved with a good attitude.
 

Proverbs 26: 13-16

13 A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” 14 As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. 15 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. 16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly

 

I understand the sluggard here has made an excuse by saying there is a lion in the road. The sluggard only sees the problems of life and it gives him an excuse for being lazy. Maybe he imagined there was a lion in the road. Sometimes our minds can play tricks on us. We see things that are not there.

It doesn’t matter if life’s problems or actual or imagined does it? We all have problems. However, those who get up in the morning and decide to face any problem with the best attitude possible are the ones who will have a better day than those who only see the glass as half full.

***A few days after the heart patient got out of ICU someone asked him how his recovery was going. He answered “Better than I deserve, but not as well as I hope to be” What can we learn from the attitude behind this response? “Better than I deserve,” is a clear admittance that if he got only what he deserved it wouldn’t be much. It is through the grace of God that he has been blessed with what he has. Yet he also honestly acknowledges his hope for something a little better than his current state “not as well as I hope to be.”

 

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will

be opened to you.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 Difficulties teach us to be happy and they can make us a better person.

James 1:2-4

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature complete not lacking anything. 

James 4:1-3
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 

Contentment- Its all in your mind! ??? Its all in your mind is only true when we are talking about the heart, our attitude. So what about our attitude towards our life, what we have, how we look, where we live….. Am I content? Are you content? How can I

know if I am discontent? What can I do to improve my attitude towards what I have, or who I am?

Cell Phones in Worship

Cell phones ringing and people texting during services is not only distracting to other members who are trying to listen to the lesson, it can be a source of discouragement for anyone who has taken the time to study and prepare a lesson or sermon.
We all need to ask ourselves what  kind of example am I to others who see my behavior during worship? Can those around me tell by the way I sit and listen that I believe that God’s word important (2 Tim 3:16)?
Texting and accepting phone calls during bible classes or sermons is just as disrespectful as filing ones finger nails, balancing ones check books or reading secular materials. You can also be cold hearted and distracted with a pencil and paper! What kind of message are you sending when you do these things? Are you showing others that God is first in your life?
Are you showing others that what happens in God’s church is completely different that what happens in the world?
Hebrews 12- Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

How do we KNOW we are Saved?

Thanks to Pat Donahue for writing this one!

Many religious people say they know they are saved because they feel saved, or they have had some “better felt than told” experience. But I John 2:3 reads “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” So we don’t know we are saved based upon our feelings, but instead it is based upon whether or not we are obeying God’s new covenant law.

Remember the story in Genesis where Joseph’s brothers smeared blood on his garment so their father (Jacob) would think Joseph had been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-34)? It worked - Jacob mourned, just as if Joseph was dead. But the reader knows Joseph was still alive. Jacob’s feelings were based upon false information, and were therefore unreliable. So might our feelings be unreliable about our own salvation – if they are not based upon the truth of God’s word – only the truth will make us free from sin (John 8:32).

Revelation 22:14 makes it clear that our salvation is dependent upon our obedience to God’s word, as it reads “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (referring to heaven). Our feelings are unreliable as they can be deceived. The only way to be sure of your salvation is to keep God’s commandments.

Back to I John 2, verses 4-5 read “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” So keeping God’s commandments is how our love for God is completed, and is how we know that we are in (fellowship with, a saved relationship with) him.

For more information on how to be saved see links below

How to be Saved

What Must We do?

For more about Pat Donahue go here Bible Debates.info

Too Long to be Wrong!

By Keith Sharp

I saw a great quote on a church sign last week: “Eternity - Too Long to Be Wrong!” How true!
This life is so brief, like the early morning fog over the river (James 4:13-14). But after this life is
over, you and I will either be in heaven or in h-e-l-l, and that forever and ever, either eternal joy or
unceasing misery (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; 1 Peter 1:3-5). The statement correctly implies
there is both truth and error, that we must know and believe the truth to be saved (John 8:31-32;
14:6), and that believing falsehood will condemn us (Matthew 15:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Wouldn’t it be terrible to rest your hope for heaven on believing a lie? For example, many
believe the false doctrine of salvation by faith alone. What is the truth? “Not everyone who says
to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in
heaven” (Matthew 7:21). “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only”

(James 2:24). Likewise many cling to the lie of “Once Saved - Always Saved.” What is right?

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). “You are
severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace”

(Galatians 5:4, English Standard Version). Friend, eternity is too long indeed! Don’t rest your hope for heaven on lies

Be Careful Little Eyes

One of the songs we teach little children reflected in the title of this article, warns them to be careful what they do with their eyes. All of us need to remember this lesson as we decide which TV shows and movies to watch, which books to read, which songs to listen to, and what to do on the Internet.
Recent Studies
U.S. News and World Report reported that teens who watch sex on TV are more likely to start having intercourse (USNews.com, 9/7/04).
Researchers at the RAND corp., the study referenced in the US News and World report above, found that it didn't matter if kids watched sexual behavior or if people just talked about sex on TV; the result was the same — kids who watch TV shows with sexual content are more likely to be sexually active.
The conclusion in the RAND study states that "watching sex on TV predicts and may hasten adolescent sexual initiation." Also that "reducing the amount of sexual content in entertainment programming, reducing adolescent exposure to this content, or increasing references to and depictions of possible negative consequences of sexual activity could appreciably delay the initiation" of sexual activities (PEDIATRICS, Vol. 114, No. 3, September 2004, pp. e280-e289).
A new study released in Pediatrics this month concluded that "exposure to sexual content in music, movies, television, and magazines accelerates white adolescents' sexual activity and increases their risk of engaging in early sexual intercourse" by as much as 2.2 times (PEDIATRICS Vol. 117 No. 4 April 2006, pp. 1018-1027).
Jesus Said It
These studies prove what we already know to be true. Jesus said, "The eye is the light of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. . . ." (Matt. 6:22-23).
Jesus tells us that we will become what we watch with our eyes. If we view good things, this will help us be good. But if we view evil things, this will encourage us to be evil.
Evil Companions
Paul warns us, "Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals'" (1 Cor. 15:33).
If we watch evil entertainment, we are prone to imitate the evil things we see. If we watch sexual content, we are prone to imitate the sexual behavior we see. If we watch violence, we are prone to imitate the violent behavior we see.
All of us should determine to turn from the deception of Satan, turning away from wickedness that corrupts good morals.
Be Committed, Like David
David's commitment was, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" (Ps. 101:3).
All Christians should make the same commitment. It's not possible for us to avoid all the evil that is in the world. But we can avoid evil in many respects, including TV, movies, the Internet, video games, books, magazines, and music.
If you haven't made the same commitment as David, why don't you make it today? Set no wicked thing before your eyes!

Teaching Your Children to be Reverant in Worship #1

John 4:23,24- But the hour is coming and now is when the TRUE worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is a spirit, and those that worship him MUST worship him in spirit and truth.

If we are to teach our children to be reverant in worship, we must first be reverant ourselves.  Despite what most people will tell you, God IS interested in the little details!  In Old Testament times worship was very ritual and detailed.  Today God looks at our character....where our heart is. He knows how many hairs are on your head. Details are still important! 

1 Tim. 1:17- Now to the King Eternal, immortal, invisiable....be honor and glory forever and ever.  How would you conduct yourself in worship with a great king were there, or the president?  God is always with us!  He is eternal, immortal and invisible.  He deserves the best we can give!

John 3:16- For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son....That same King Eternal gave his only Son to save you.  Do you think he deserves a TRUE WORSHIPPER?

Hebrews 12:28,29-let us have grace....serve God acceptable with reverance and godly fear. 

I found three Greek definitions for reverance:

1.  to feel respect for, defer to-much like we would a king or president

2. fear-as a wife does her husband-a good wife does things to please her husband because she is afraid of dissapointing him.

3.  Caution- as used in Hebrews 12:28,29- If we love God we will use caution in our worship.  We want to be sure that we worship Him in the way He wants to be worshipped. 

A TRUE worshipper will serve God with complete devotion.  A TRUE worshipper will show respect for God's word with it is being read, taught or sang.

Remember---"where two or three are come together in my name, there I am in the midst of them"

Once we have taught ourselves to worship God the way GOD wants to be worshipped, then we teach that same reverance to our children.

Part Two-Suggestions

Coming to the Defense of Sin and Error by Jonathan Perz

A common problem that always seems to surround sin and sinners is the need for people to come to their defense. We see this clearly in the controversy surrounding President Clinton and we see it in churches and homes. Often times, people will soften the blows of truth to comfort those they deem afflicted. Too often, people will condemn the righteous while comforting the sinner. Many times, excuses are made for sin and error. Is this God’s wisdom or is it man’s? Is this what the Bible teaches we should do or do we have things backwards? What does the Bible have to say regarding the defense of sin and error?
Exposing Error
When one is steeped in sin and error, the last thing they want is someone to expose their error, even though it is what they need (Ephesians 5:11-12). In John 3:20-21, it is written, “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Clearly, when a person has sin in their life, their eternal soul is in jeopardy. We know sin separates man from his God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Therefore out of love, both for God and man, friends and loved ones must seek to expose those who are in error and save them from hell. In Galatians 6:1, the Bible says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted” (see also James 5:19-20; Jude 22-23). These are the commands of God. Yet, this becomes extremely difficult when men come to the defense of sin and error.
Softening The Blows of Truth
Under the guise of love, defenders will seek to soften the chastisement of men who are speaking the truth in love. They themselves neglect to affirm the truth. Rather than admonish those in error, they comfort them. Rather than save them from eternal destruction, they let them fall headlong into it. This is tragic!
What defenders of error and sin fail to realize is that when a man speaks the words of God, it is the chastisement of God they reveal. In Revelation 3:19, the Bible says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (read also Hebrews 12:5-11). This is what the word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, has the power to do (Hebrews 4:12; Romans 1:16).
Yet, men dull the blades of truth by softening the blows of God. Defenders of sin and error use words like humbled, broken, crushed, distressed, and contrite to describe the sinner and pull emotion and pity from the hearts of those who must expose their error. Sometimes, such words are fitting and true and manifest themselves in godly sorrow and repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8-11). However, more often than not the sinner—when confronted and exposed—becomes angry, upset, puffed-up, prideful and defiant. These are not the fruits of humility. These are the fruits of a man lost in sin. These are the signs of a man who does not need watered down medication to cure the woes of his soul, but strong doses of truth to humble and heal him (James 4:4-10; 1 Peter 5:6-9).
Condemning The Righteous
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. (Prov. 17:15)
Another problem with those who defend sin and error is that they condemn those who are standing for truth and righteousness. Those who justify wickedness attribute names and motives to those who seek to uphold the word of God (1 Kings 18:17-18). They are called mean-spirited, evil, unloving, and unkind. They are likened unto bulldogs, vultures and carnivores. They are accused of attacking innocent people, making a big deal out of nothing, hitting men when they are down, and focusing on trifles and small vices of others. All of this, whether intended or not, clouds the waters of righteousness and diverts attention from those in sin. Why can’t men understand how God feels about such evasive and unrighteous maneuvering?The wise man wrote in Proverbs 17:15, “He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just, even both are abomination to the Lord.” Again, in Proverbs 28:4, the Bible says, “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” The apostle Paul asked of the Galatians in Galatians 4:16, “Therefore, have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”
This attitude needs to be likened unto one who despises a doctor for saving their life. Or a child who says ‘I hate you’ when they do not get their way. In a very physical sense, would I be despised of you for breaking your arm by pulling you out of the way of an oncoming car? It is the same thing as condemning the righteous.
Never Make Excuses
Sin and error do not need excuses, they need exposure. They do not need defense, they need truth. There is no excuse that will make sin and error right in the sight of God. For that matter, there will be no excuses or defenders in the judgment—only the Lord, yourself and the life you have lived. There will be no loopholes, gray area or confusion—only a righteous and just examination of your life and a speedy judgment.
When we make excuses for sin and error, we do a grave disservice to the guilty. The Bible says, “Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal wrongfully, and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah” (Isaiah 26:10). Again, in Jeremiah 23:14, the Bible says, “I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.” Excusing sin now prolongs justice until the end, when it is too late.
Conclusion
It would be unfair to say that there are not cases of people suffering “unrighteous judgment.” It happens often. There are many false accusers who will give account of themselves before God. But, the apostle Peter gives the righteous man the correct attitude to bear in such cases (read 1 Peter 2:19-20).
Overall, in Ecclesiastes 8:11, the Bible summarizes the danger of defending sin and error in one statement: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Next time we decide to take up the fight for those who commit sin and teach error, let us think hard on these words.

Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were brought forth,

Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,

Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

 
 

We had a gospel meeting this week and on one of the nights, the preacher, R.J. Stevens, preached about the wonders of the Bible. In his message he quoted the verse above. For me the lesson was very encouraging. This verse is one of my favorites. It is very comforting and reassuring. It tells me that no matter what has happened here on earth, no matter what MAY happen in the future GOD IS THERE! He is there and he is unchanging. The preacher also quoted another verse this week that I had not thought about in a long time. 1John 4:4

 
 

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

 
 

As long as "HE" is in me I truly "can do all things!" (Phil. 4:13) He that is in me is stronger than Satan! So when life gets hard and things seem to be falling apart remember IF the "HE" is in you, you CAN NOT loose!

 
 

Here is the link for that sermon! The Wonders of the Bible