Enemies of Contentment
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11 Oftentimes I find myself struggling to remain content. It seems I forget to be happy with what I have because my eyes keep seeing and ultimately wanting the latest and greatest. There is nothing wrong with having things and enjoying activities in this life, even Abraham and Job are described as wealthy men but the problem comes when I can’t be content and become obsessively covetous. Contentment is a learned attitude (Phil 4:11). One way to learn this trait is to...
Read MoreScenes at Judgement
This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecc 12:13-14) The judgement scene is one we struggle to comprehend, seeing as we never have experienced such a thing, yet it is to be the focus of our lives (Ecc 12:13-14). Everything we do here is in preparation for this moment. Let’s just consider a few points to help settle our minds on living each moment for that day! Judgement is certain. Hebrews...
Read MoreFinally Brethren
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Eph 6:10) One of the phrases that appears in scripture multiple times is “finally brethren”. In our language today, we’ll say “and one last thing”. This often indicates that what we are about to say is as important or many times more important than anything else we’ve stated inside that conversation. In Phillipians 3:1, we are told to “rejoice in the Lord”. Here, Christians are encouraged to take joy in the fact they are right with God. Many things in life are very troublesome to us. One thing that helps us during...
Read MoreBe Careful How We Speak
“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1) There is much given in scripture concerning not only being careful but constructive with our words. We know that our tongue can, and maybe has at times gotten us into trouble. It is even referred to as fire and hard to tame (James 3:1-12). One of the best ways to remedy this is to focus on using our words to do good. I definitely have the power within myself to say the things I should and use my words to the benefit of those around me. Don’t say things that are useless. Sometimes we can talk for hours about nothing and...
Read MoreBe Careful How We Hear
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20) As the above scripture indicates, it is very important to be careful in how we hear. Being a good listener will often aid in not only a growth in knowledge (Rom. 10:17), but often will help in keeping one from speaking foolishly or becoming angry. A good listener will be willing to hear what is said and will realize the need for even the simplest instruction. I will sometimes, in a joking way, tell someone “explain this...
Read More