Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." NIV
My five pound Yorkshire terrier, Sienna made me laugh the other day when I
glanced up and saw her struggling and staggering around the yard carrying a
bone. The bone was meant for the large outside dogs who weigh seventy to eighty
pound and it's mammoth size was too large for her to even get her little mouth
around it properly to have the enjoyment of a good gnaw.
As I watched and contemplated this scene it made me consider the importance of
thankfulness: being thankful for what we have instead of always wanting
something bigger or better or different than what God has supplied.
Sienna had literally, by snatching up this large bone, bitten off more than she
could chew or enjoy. In fact this bone was nothing more than a big burden for
her something which she eventually realized and thus laid aside.
Likewise when we are always wanting more than what we have, we too are biting
off more than we can chew, some might even call it a bone of contention. For a
discontented spirit leads us away from God not closer to Him. Why? Because
regular discontentment with our lot eventually takes us along the paths of envy,
self pity, depression, discouragement, anger, hatred and yes, for some people,
even thievery or murder to get more of the things we think we should have or
want.
Whereas a thankful spirit draws us closer to our Lord for it produces joy, hope,
encouragement, generosity and inner peace, the very spirit of the Living Christ
within us, which is indeed the best gift of all. For has he not promised that he
will never leave us or forsake us? And with Christ within us we do indeed have
everything we need to fill our lives with contentment and joy whether we have
much or little in regards to the things this world offers.
So today let us choose to consider carefully: Discontentment or thankfulness?
Ones' a burden, the other a gift.
Prayer: Father God thank you for your wonderful gift of Jesus who is able to
fill us up with all that is necessary for us to live joyful lives filled with
inner peace and contentment amidst every and all situations. In Christ's name we
pray. Amen
Lynne Phipps Atlin, B.C.
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.