“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.” (Proverbs 15:16) I recently experienced an “aha” moment while reading the Bible and meditating on contentment. Just to clarify, contentment is not the same as happiness, even though the thesaurus lists them as synonyms. Think of it this way. Happiness is short-term, so we crave “more” to sustain that feeling. Contentment, however, is long term. It doesn’t require a constant push to have more to be satisfied. That “aha” moment I had? I realized that discontent dates back as far as the Garden…
“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:24-25, NLT). Many times, when we think of generosity, we think of money. Does that mean we cannot be generous if we have no money to share? Absolutely not! A generous spirit is possible, even if we have zero money in our pocket. What is a generous spirit? It has been defined as “doing or giving more than is usual or expected” (collinsdictionary.com). Although an accurate definition, this description does not go far enough. Someone with a generous spirit lives life with an open hand. They give without any thought or expectation of receiving something in return. Their focus is on helping others. Generosity takes many forms. We can show it by how we use our time, our talents, and even our words. Kind and encouraging words, a listening ear, and warm hospitality all demonstrate a giving spirit. It is evident when we show love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. Matthew 10:42 says that offering a cup of cold water is a mark of true discipleship and a generous spirit. The Bible gives numerous examples of how…
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” (Proverbs 4:7, ESV) When I’m not too sleepy to completely open my eyes, I read the small motivational messages printed on the little yellow packets of sweetener I use in my morning tea. One day I learned, “Every day is a new opportunity.” Another morning I was advised to “Replace I wish with I will.” The one that said, “The perfect moment is now” seemed like a good sermon title. These catchy sayings don’t rival biblical wisdom, but some do contain good advice. Still, I prefer the wisdom I find in God’s Word. One of my favorite books of the Bible is Proverbs. Within its thirty-one chapters we can find verses which provide practical advice for everyday living. Whether relationships, finances, childrearing, integrity, or diligence, we can discover wise and sensible advice within this book. Does someone want you to co-sign a loan? According to Proverbs 11:15, that is not wise. “There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt” (NLT). Feel a nudge in your spirit to help someone in need? That generosity will return to…
Romans 2:7 “He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.” I have two young children, and as a parent, I carry a huge responsibility and burden for raising them in this day and age. I’m sure that those of you reading this devotional also carry such burdens. It seems like anything moral is being torn apart and reduced to ashes by people who want to live their own life, their way. People are fueled by hate and anger. Sin is running rampant. It is difficult…
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Proverbs 16:3-4 ESV I am so thankful for the strength and assurance that I find in God’s word. Life can often be confusing, but I have learned through the years that only God remains constant and steadfast. His majesty never has been and never will be diminished in any way, and He is always near to us. According to Dictionary.com, one definition of “commit” is “to give in trust or charge, especially for safekeeping.” This tells me that I can experience peace knowing that whatever season of life I am in, I can confidently hand it over to Him because there is a purpose in it. My daughters love to hold my hand whenever we go out. They automatically know that their Mama is going to hold their hand securely and tightly as we go about and that they are safe with me. They trust me to protect them as I lead them across the street. In the same sense, I trust God to lead me into my future knowing full well…
“The angel of God that had been leading the camp of Israel now shifted and got behind them. And the Pillar of Cloud that had been in front also shifted to the rear. The Cloud was now between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The Cloud enshrouded one camp in darkness and flooded the other with light. The two camps didn’t come near each other all night.” Exodus 14:19-20 MSG We often sing songs in church that tell of God going before us, behind us, and around us. We read scripture that explains that we are never alone and that He fights on our behalf. When the going gets rough though, and we are in the trenches of difficult seasons, we often tend to become distracted by the chaos and forget that He is for us. The Angel that had been leading the Israelites out of Egypt (in front of them) shifted and got behind them, as did the Pillar of Cloud. What was leading them disappeared from their direct line of sight, and I imagine panic and a sense of abandonment began to creep in. There were uncrossable waters in front of them and a determined,…