Devotionals

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"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." First Timothy 6:6 -7 KJV

Are you content with your life today? If we polled most people, I believe most would say yes, but ... with the desire to change certain things. The aspostle, Paul, demonstrated and taught that he was more than okay, he was content whether he had money or not, rich or poor, walking or riding--he was content.

The scriptures go further with the discussion of "love of money." It is amazing to me to counsel with people who declare, "I don't love money." Adding that they see nothing wrong with wanting expensive automobiles, a larger house, designer clothes--you get the idea. These are the obvious choices of needing the money to buy the desires of our heart--it really does translate into "love of money."

What about other less obvious desires? Excessive credit card debt, closets that are so full of clothes, shoes, etc. that there are boxes in the attic and basement to store the excess. I believe we could say that excess and non-content is the "love of excess that money buys."

I remember as a child we had three closets in our house. You know the ones that are in older apartments and houses today. You didn't walk into them, but all of our clothes, including coats were in the closets, chest of drawers and a cabinet--for a family of five. We never went naked, never went hungry, never did without. We were taught to watch our money, save, care for, and appreciate what we had.

When I see the excess of what developing countries have, and the poor even within these countries doing without--I am saddened. When companies are springing up with new things that we can buy to store our excess, to spend our excess on, to keep the things from the poor "who we will have with us always." When will we become content and do the work of the Lord? One of the greatest ways to overcome the ills of society like oppression and depression is to reach out to others and give of yourself.

It takes love for others and the Lord to volunteer as a Big Sister/Big Brother, Literacy Volunteer, Red Cross, Salvation Army, local food bank, serving the city missions and other outreaches. Will you be content and reach out and serve others--as unto the Lord?

Shalom and greater journey,

Pastor S. Storm Smith

****** You can email me in a secure email from our website www.mudinternational.org I would love to hear from you, pray over your prayer request.

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