"Jesus is not concerned with me having money. He is concerned with money having me."
Last Sunday our pastor preached on contentment. I must admit I was convicted and definitely changed. I had to be honest and transparent and truly ask myself, "Am I content?" Do I want, want, want justifying it as a need? Or am I grateful for all I have, not just the material?
I am a "perfectionist" if there really is such a thing. I don't necessarily want something because Joe down the street has it. I want it because it will make that room look more perfect or put together or I can cross it off my list of things to do or get. In our fourteen year relationship, Scott has thankfully taught me to somewhat overcome this.
When we were first married we had NO money, and I mean NONE. We had just paid both our ways through college and paid for a wedding not to mention some other hefty debts we brought to the marriage table. We were digging ourselves out of debt and barely had money for groceries. I had to wait. I had to be patient. I had to go without. I didn't have a choice. It was tough at times but the best lesson ever and I am BEYOND grateful for the experience today. Scott and I communicate so openly about finances and rarely have an argument over money. I also have a better appreciation for all God has given us in this life from the material to that which you cannot put a price. God, life, and Scott, have taught me to be content with what I have. That doesn't mean, however, that the temptation of that new shiny object doesn't get me every now and again.
I am going to share with you the six key points Pastor John touched on. If you want to listen to the entire message, go to www.hopefellowship.net. The message was preached on February 28th.
Mark 12:41-44
1. Contentment is Relative
~relative to how God has chosen us to live; this may be in a hut in some remote village or in a mansion in the hills
~Quit judging others for how they live-there's two principles here...one being that we have no idea how they are using their money/blessings. They could be giving more than we know. Second, we judge others lest we be judged.
~STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS!
1Tim. 6:6-10
2. Contentment is Perspective
~All we have is temporary...we can't take it with us
1John2:15-17
~DON'T PUT YOUR HEART AROUND YOUR STUFF
Hebrews 13:5; Eccc. 5:10; Proverbs 23:4
3. Contentment is Satisfaction
~Opt out of the upgrade. You don't really need it.
~BE SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE!
4. Contentment is Gratitude
Phil. 4:11-13
~Am I thanking God for EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME???
~Do I have an attitude of gratitude and humbleness for all He has done for and given to me?
Phil. 4:19
5. Contentment is Trust
1 Tim. 6:17
~Make sure THINGS don't have YOU
~Don't trust in money or even yourself. Trust in God NO MATTER the circumstance!
6. Contentment is about Priorities
Matt. 6-33-34
~GOD FIRST and everything else follows
~Put God at the top of the list and all will be right in your life regardless!
Last Sunday our pastor preached on contentment. I must admit I was convicted and definitely changed. I had to be honest and transparent and truly ask myself, "Am I content?" Do I want, want, want justifying it as a need? Or am I grateful for all I have, not just the material?
I am a "perfectionist" if there really is such a thing. I don't necessarily want something because Joe down the street has it. I want it because it will make that room look more perfect or put together or I can cross it off my list of things to do or get. In our fourteen year relationship, Scott has thankfully taught me to somewhat overcome this.
When we were first married we had NO money, and I mean NONE. We had just paid both our ways through college and paid for a wedding not to mention some other hefty debts we brought to the marriage table. We were digging ourselves out of debt and barely had money for groceries. I had to wait. I had to be patient. I had to go without. I didn't have a choice. It was tough at times but the best lesson ever and I am BEYOND grateful for the experience today. Scott and I communicate so openly about finances and rarely have an argument over money. I also have a better appreciation for all God has given us in this life from the material to that which you cannot put a price. God, life, and Scott, have taught me to be content with what I have. That doesn't mean, however, that the temptation of that new shiny object doesn't get me every now and again.
I am going to share with you the six key points Pastor John touched on. If you want to listen to the entire message, go to www.hopefellowship.net. The message was preached on February 28th.
Mark 12:41-44
1. Contentment is Relative
~relative to how God has chosen us to live; this may be in a hut in some remote village or in a mansion in the hills
~Quit judging others for how they live-there's two principles here...one being that we have no idea how they are using their money/blessings. They could be giving more than we know. Second, we judge others lest we be judged.
~STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS!
1Tim. 6:6-10
2. Contentment is Perspective
~All we have is temporary...we can't take it with us
1John2:15-17
~DON'T PUT YOUR HEART AROUND YOUR STUFF
Hebrews 13:5; Eccc. 5:10; Proverbs 23:4
3. Contentment is Satisfaction
~Opt out of the upgrade. You don't really need it.
~BE SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE!
4. Contentment is Gratitude
Phil. 4:11-13
~Am I thanking God for EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME???
~Do I have an attitude of gratitude and humbleness for all He has done for and given to me?
Phil. 4:19
5. Contentment is Trust
1 Tim. 6:17
~Make sure THINGS don't have YOU
~Don't trust in money or even yourself. Trust in God NO MATTER the circumstance!
6. Contentment is about Priorities
Matt. 6-33-34
~GOD FIRST and everything else follows
~Put God at the top of the list and all will be right in your life regardless!
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