Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:12
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Exodus 20:17
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Even the neatest, cleanest houses can have dust and the occasional pest issue.
In Exodus, the Lord tells, COMMANDS us NOT to covet what our neighbor has.
Our Father gives us what we need. He blesses us beyond measure. When we stop and think about it, isn’t the act of coveting like our children on Christmas morning, standing waist-high in gifts, complaining they didn’t get what they really wanted?
I don’t know why I didn’t think about it, or realize, not only in the same book, but within the chapter, both contentment and rejoicing always is mentioned.
This world is designed to keep us wanting, waiting, anticipating more. Colleges are packed with young men and women who study the art of encouraging and inspiring the public to seek out the next best thing, never be satisfied with the status quo.
PRAYER
Dearest Heavenly Father
Thank You for the day we have been given
For the past week and the days You allow us to come
Lord, please give us a heart and attitude of appreciation
Not for what we may get, but what we’ve been given
Father God
We look around and see newer cars, prettier clothes, larger, more elaborate homes
And perhaps we find ourselves wanting what we do not have
Yearning for things we have convinced ourselves we can’t do without
Please let us realize, Lord
Even the finest homes have dust somewhere
At some point, ants or “water bugs”, perhaps
Smudges on windows and mirrors and toilets needing to be scrubbed
Nothing is infallible but You
You Alone are Perfect
You Alone are All we should want
All we need
Everything on this earth is just STUFF, Lord
Anything of true significance is eternal
All that means anything is YOU
Let us live to serve You
In the Name of Jesus
Amen
Songs
Give Me Jesus
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
credits: God the Father, Jesus Holy Spirit Scripture
encouraging words
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