Sunday Words of Encouragement May 14, 2023 -- Contentment

We shared prayers in our Sunday School. Then our substitute teacher shared a powerful video on prayer and a personal testimony of God’s favor. We were reminded not to focus on our laundry list of prayer requests but to Praise God and trust he knows our needs and the desires of our hearts. Psalm 37:4

Our Pastor gave a wonderful sermon. It wasn’t focused on Mothers or Mother’s Day but on Contentment, sufficiency, and great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

Pastor noted that he had been observing a young mother at a store and the thought came to him: Does she believe she is sufficient? Or does her husband? Or teens?

God's plan is for us to be content. We might question why we are like we are. But we are chosen by God because He created each of us. We are each fearfully and wonderfully made; unique and special.

Like a stone mason or a carpenter, God uses the chisel or grinder to fit stone or wood to build His Church. God created us with a plan and then He works on us, like the potter works the clay, to use us as He wants. Jeremiah 18:1-6; Romans 9:19-21.

God's plan is for each person to live Godly life. We are to have a saving relationship with Him; to surrender to Him. We are to be a living sacrifice, focusing on God, rather than the world. Romans 12:1-2. We are to desire the things of God.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

God transforms as we pursue Him. We need to come to God with the attitudes: “Create in me a clean heart…” (Psalm 51:10-12) and make me the person you want me to be. We need to pray for God to change our view from the world view where we are self-focused, to an eternal view of God..

Spiritual exercise should be a priority. It is nice to look good but it is the character that matters most. As we seek treasure in the kingdom we will also see fruits of the spirit.

Godliness with contentment is great gain. We get there by:
1. Daily prayer time.
2. Daily time reading the word of God.
3. Pursuing a relationship with God

These efforts will lead to contentment. God will provide what we need. We don't have to do anything to impress another because we please God and will be find our worth in Him.

Great gain comes with blessings. Our lives can be sufficient serving Him. He provides the resources we need.
We brought nothing in our lives and can take nothing. 1 Timothy 6:7.
If we have food and clothing we can be content. 1 Timothy 6:8.
Our lives should be driven by eternity! God provides our needs when we are living to please Him.

I think this is a good song for today: Jireh.

Verses for Today:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
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.


Lord, I pray that you continue to allow me to draw closer to You and to find my sufficiency in You. Thank you for reminding me to be Content in You.