Be Content

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:11.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

What does it mean to be content? Some words that remind me of what it means to be content are satisfied, pleased, or happy.

In chapter four of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul was rejoicing because the Philippians cared enough for him to help support him financially.

The Philippians lost touch with Paul for two years, while he was in prison for sharing the Gospel. They didn’t know where he was. Once they heard that Paul was in prison in Rome they reconnected with him and continued supporting him.

It is important for people in ministry to have people who support their work both through prayer and financial support. When people dedicate their lives to serving God and sharing the Gospel, many times the financial support they get from those who care for them is the only means they have of caring for their own personal needs and the needs of the ministry.

Paul had learned whatever state he was in to be content. Paul knew what it felt like to be satisfied and he knew how it felt to be hungry. There were times in his life when he had plenty and times when he was in lack. He learned through it all to be content in Christ.

This is a lesson we can learn from Paul. It is easy to be content when things are going good in our lives and we have everything we want and need. It is much harder to be content when life is difficult and we are in want or lack the essentials. We need to learn to trust God enough to be content no matter what our circumstances.

Sometimes when we’re having difficulty we learn to trust God more. If life was always easy we would think we didn’t need God and that we could do everything by ourselves. Sometimes in the difficult times we learn to become more dependent on God. We learn we can’t always do things in our own strength, but we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

That reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures, which is also from this chapter, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This verse has given me strength from time to time in my life. I have quoted this Scripture over and over during difficult times and it helped me to get through some of the battles of life.

Another one of my favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” I remember claiming this verse when I lost my job. I was concerned about the future and it comforted me and soothed my spirit. It reminded me that I could trust God to supply all of my needs. When we know that we can trust God we can be content.

The writer of the book of Hebrews, which some believe may have been the Apostle Paul as well, reminds us not to be greedy or covet things we don’t have, but to be content with what we have. In Hebrews 13:5-6, he says, ”Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

Things to think about:

In what ways do you depend on God to meet your needs?
In what ways do you lean on God for strength?
In what ways have you become content in Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture that reminds us to be content. We see that Paul learned to be content with his life no matter the circumstances. Help us to be content in Christ. Paul was thankful for the Philippians and their contribution to his ministry. Help us to be thankful for the people You bring into our lives to help support us and lift us up to You in prayer. Paul trusted You to supply all of his needs. Help us to have the same kind of faith and trust in You as Paul did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verse for Journaling and Memorization:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

– Philippians 4:11

Have you read: The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Deborah

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Recipe for Life

Little is Much

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 17:1-7. In this Scripture, we are reminded that it is better to have a dry morsel of bread, and have peace and quiet, than a full house of sacrifices with strife.

A wise servant will have rule over a child that causes shame, and will have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tries our hearts.

A wicked person listens to lies; and a liar listens to a naughty tongue.

Whoever mocks the poor reproaches their Maker: and those who are happy about calamities will not go unpunished.

Grandchildren are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Excellent speech does not become a fool: neither does lying lips become a prince.

We are reminded in this Scripture that it is better to have a little and live in peace than to have a lot and live in strife. Many times we put so much emphasis on getting things that it causes strife in our homes. The truth is we would be happier and live more peaceful with less.

We cause ourselves so much stress trying to keep up with other people. If we would learn to live within our means we would be happier and not be so stressed out because we are having trouble making ends meet.

Have you ever known somebody who never seemed to be content? They seem to always want something and are never satisfied no matter how much they attain. Have you ever noticed the more you attain the more responsibility you have to take care of it all. Don’t get me wrong, I like nice things, but sometimes we never seem to be satisfied.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

This Scripture reminds us that if our basic needs are taken care of we should be satisfied. But, for many of us that is not enough. We are always striving to attain more. Why can’t we learn to be content with what we have?

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 17:1-7

1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

Things to think about:

Why is it better to have a little and peace than a lot with strife?
Who tries our hearts?
What is the crown of older people?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read and study this Scripture in the book of Proverbs we are reminded that it is better to have a little and have peace than to have a lot and live in strife. Help us to be content and grateful for what we have. Help us to live peaceful lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. – Proverbs 17:1

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Christian Music Video: “Little is Much When God is in It” – Gaithers

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

(Daily Bible Reading Series Book 2)

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Esther from the Old Testament of the Bible.

In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who told her maybe she was born for such a time as this.

God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this.

Available on Amazon