It's hard to be content nowadays. Constant marketing encourages us to crave what's next and stay on trend. Upgrade your clothes. Upgrade your home. Upgrade your car. Upgrade your friends and even your spouse. Materialism is so out of control, that it has humanity barreling downhill like a rolling stone.
None of this was God's design. He wanted people to live in contentment. He wanted human beings to appreciate what He gave and lean on Him for whatever else they wanted, knowing He would not leave them without. This is why Psalm 23:1 announces "the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Sheep are well cared for. They are led to verdant pastures where they have their fill and are guided to still waters to drink and rest. Their Shepherd wrestles the bears and lions that seek to snatch them away, keeping His flock safe from attack.
Sadly, most do not understand the relationship between a Shepherd and His sheep. The idea of such contentment and security is foreign because eyes are blind, ears are deaf and minds are closed to the reality that it is God's job to satisfy us. This applies to non-believers and believers, who must also be weaned from that erroneous mindset. Thankfully, God is more than able.
He wants His own to step into godly contentment. Such contentment is wrapped in the assurance and knowledge that God is steering His children to what He has for them at His appointed time. It means that those who belong to the Lord know that the fat of the land shall be theirs as they continue walking with Him. They therefore do not despise their current state, knowing that it is merely a rung on the ladder to the more He has apportioned for them. Zechariah 4:10 - Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the LORD that search all around the world.)
First Timothy 6:6 is real to those with godly contentment - But godliness with contentment is great gain. It turns them away from the path of complaining and grumbling, ushering them into praise and worship even in dire circumstances.
Further, it prevents God's children from bowing to the spirit of Mammon, which pushes others to seek wealth nonstop though and they never arrive at satisfaction. This endless quest for riches brings destruction into their lives and the lives of those around them. Hence, the Bible warns, "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9). Since God doesn't want this for His own, He builds them so He can usher them into the more when they are well-trained to withstand the temptations that will surely come.
We can never arrive at a point of godly contentment that blesses us and others till we are in a committed relationship with God. This requires a desire to know Him intimately and to grow in His word. Until God becomes enough, nothing will ever satisfy. For those in this category, personal and spiritual fulfillment will always evade them. Their lives will lack that one thing they desire. They don't realize that the one thing they need is the Lord Almighty. He alone is the source of true and lasting contentment. He wants everyone to experience godly contentment and the comfort and security that stem from it. He is willing to give and when you pray for it, you will not be denied if you are willing to receive.
Please join us at Noon EST when we shall give God glory and pray for other people before we ask to be filled with godly contentment. God bless you.
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LAST 10 MINUTES
Glory to God!
By now, we understand the importance of godly contentment. We also understand that we might not always have it. Sure we may feel content in certain areas, but there may be aspects of our lives that leave a lot to be desired.
Let's pray to have godly contentment in every area of our life. Let us pray to desire more of God and fewer things. The more of Him we have, the more we win, conquering all the issues of life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy upon us. Lord, we look to You and pray to receive more of You. We know that as we are filled with You, our taste for discontent will diminish and disappear. So we call on You to fill us up. Grace for godly contentment that honors and pleases You, Father. Fill us up, Lord, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Father Lord I thank you for sis @FFJ. I pray that you continue to increase her in supernatural wisdom, knowledge, favour and understanding. I pray that you continue to bless her and her loved ones. I pray that you continue to guide her as she steers this community forward IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I thank you for how you are teaching, transforming, renewing and pruning me for your purpose and glory. Even when I fall short, I am grateful that you pick up with your mighty right hand. Thank you Father for helping me become the woman you have created to be and not what the world requires of me. Thank you for grace, mercy and love over me. I commit my needs to you, I pray that your will be done IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for my siblings that you will continue to work through them. I pray that you will continue to fill them with the fruits of the spirit. I pray that you continue to take care of every situation or concern in their lives. I pray that you will supply all of their needs. IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for everyone celebrating their birthdays in this month of August. I pray that you will bless them beyind their expectations. I pray that you will continue to strengthen and renew them for your purpose and glory. I pray that they feel loved and supported by you and their loved ones. I pray that you gift them the best birthday surprises IJMN Amen
God, I thank You that You are heavily invested in families coming to know You. You aren't just interested in a few people, You want all to choose You.
You the God who leaves the 99 to rescue the one sheep from the fangs of the predator. Thank You!
Lord, I want to pray for families. I pray that where only a few have chosen to walk humbly before You their loved ones will come to meet and know You intimately.
Father, let these families be known as Yours. Let their family name come to represent You here on earth. Let these families reflect You and obey Your instructions.
Lord, the prison guard wasn't the only one who came to know You the day You broke the prison to set Paul and Silas free. The Bible teaches that the man and his entire family believed and were baptized. The Bible teaches that You chose Abraham because You knew He would steer His family to You. We trust that this is what You are doing in families and thank You in advance as our loved ones come to honor and stand firm in the knowledge of You.
Glory be to You, Almighty God!
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling with homelessness and poverty. I pray that you surround them with help that will elevate their quality of living. I pray that you open them to opportunities to thrive and flourish. I pray that you bless them with resources to move forward in their lives. IjMN Amen
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people struggling with their mental health. I pray that they experience your everlasting peace. I pray that you disrupt every cycle of depression, anxiety, self doubt, self criticism and hatred. I pray that you fill them up with the Fruits of the Spirit and help them navigate healing IJMN Amen
From JIR - I pray for those going through struggles. I pray that they pray to you steadfast and never give up praying to You. I pray that You bless them with love, peace, comfort, strength, courage and protection. Please bless them through strength and courage to withstand what they are going through. Please place Your hands on them and pull them out of their current situation. IJMN. Amen.
Lord, the earth belongs to You. Everything we see and don't see is subject to Your dominion. Hallowed be Your Name.
Dear God, the United States is hurtling forward toward presidential election day. Lord, I submit the nation to You and say the word of Your Son - Thy will be done on earth as in heaven.
Father, give us the leadership You choose at every level of authority. It is by You that kings reign and create just rules. We need leaders who serve and honor You. Those who fear You.
I pray for leaders who put You first. Who will be like David that strove to care for His people out of a desire to please and serve You. I pray for leaders who are not swayed by ego, pride and the plans of the devil. I pray for leaders with godly wisdom who believe in justice and will not surround themselves with or strive to unduly benefit the wicked.
Lord, still, not my will but Yours be done in this land. IJMN I pray, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for countries ravaged by war, famine and natural disaster. I pray that you put an end to these cycles of instability and chaos. I pray that you touch tht hearts and minds of leaders, communities, organizations and institutions to provide long-term solutions that will help stabilize these regions. I pray that you will help citizens rebuild and restore everything they have lost. I pray that they will experience your everlasting peace IjMN Amen
From JIR - I pray for those experiencing domestic violence. Please Lord watch over them and give them the strength they need to overcome their situation. Please touch their hearts to turn to You Lord and receive Your love. A love that can’t be denied. A love that can’t be expressed with words. I pray that they turn to You and make You their refuge for comfort, protection and solace. That they turn to You and make You their Savior, their Redeemer. IJMN. Amen.
From M22 - Father I pray for children across tht world. I pray that you continue to shield and preserve them from harm, violence, intimidation and abuse. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of parents, caregivers, guardians and teachers to nourish and nurture them in your ways. I pray that you will help them to fulfil their destinies IjMN Amen!!!
From M22 - Father Lord I thank you for our wonderful community. Thank you for expanding us and strengthening us. Thank you Father for how you have been seeing us through since August started. Thank you Father for supplying all of our needs. Thank you Father for what you have done, what you are doing and what you are yet to do in our lives IJMN Amen
PRAYER TIME
It's time to turn down your worship music and turn your attention to praying.
We need to pray for others the way we'd want someone to pray for us.
Let's be serious and really cry out to God to help people.
Don't worry about your own needs. Focus on others because Christ literally was dying and still had the presence of mind to pray for you instead of Himself.
Praise God we can take the next 25 minutes to emulate Him, ignoring our troubles to lift up the needs of others instead.
You are all-knowing. All powerful.
From the beginning to the end. The Alpha and Omega.
Thank You for being the I AM that I AM.
Forever. You never change.
Beautiful God. I bow before Your throne and honor Your word and excellent name.
Thank You for this great grace.
Father, thank You for being the God who watches over us.
Thank You for being our provider.
Thank You so much that our shortcomings never cause You to fall short.
Mighty God!!!
From M22 - Thank you Heavenly Father for my brother. He turned a year older yesterday. I pray Father that you help him to rest in your comfort. Father Lord I pray that you take charge of his life. I pray that you provide him with the wisdom he needs to progress after his degree completion. I pray that you provide for him and settle debts IjMN Amen
YOUR GOODNESS IS RUNNING AFTER MEEEEE