Great Gain

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain…”

It is only in God that we find true contentment.  He is the One who fills us up and gives us true meaning for life.  There is a huge difference between contentment and happiness.  Happiness is a feeling.  You might feel happy today because everything has gone right and then tomorrow things might change.  That’s why God’s Word says contentment and not happiness.  God wants us to be content in Him because this is not dependent on how we feel.  This is dependent on what we have in God.  We can learn so much from what Paul writes in Philippians.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

Your contentment is not dependent on how many things you can collect.  It is dependent on God and all that you can be in Him.  What are you studying in God’s Word?  Who are you becoming in God?  Can you make a decision to be content in God, no matter what your circumstances are?

“…For we brought nothing into the world…”

It’s important to remember that everything you have is not your own.  You didn’t bring it with you when you came into this world.  Everything you have has been given to you through God’s providence.  There are many times I thank God for the roof over my head, the bed I sleep in, the furniture that fills my home, the car I drive, the computer that allows me to write these devotionals, and numerous other things I could list.  I realize that everything I have has been given to me through God’s hands.  I have been tremendously blessed.

I’m grateful for my family.  Their love and support means more to me than any possession I have.  I don’t take the relationships I have for granted, as those have been given to me as a gift too.  My friendships and family in Christ Jesus are a great blessing too.  God has been so good to me.  I have so much on this earth to be extremely grateful for.  What are you grateful for?

“…and we can take nothing out of it.”

Just like we brought nothing into the world, so also we can take nothing out of it.  The best thing that we can ever realize is that our possessions are meaningless.  They will not be coming with us when we leave this earth.  The only thing you can bring to eternity is the difference you make for God in someone else’s life.  Have you shared your personal testimony lately?  It doesn’t cost you anything, but it’s worth more than anything you will ever earn.  Have you prayed for someone lately?

If you are like me, the list of people to pray for is pretty long.  In fact, every day the list grows longer.  I would like to share with you one of the concerns on my heart.  Please join me in prayer for a young boy, Benny Castro.  He is 4 years old and was hit by a car last Tuesday, August 11th.  He is in critical condition and needs our prayers.  His parents are Jen and Richard Castro.  They are part of the worship team at a church I used to go to.

Benny has a broken leg, pneumonia, 2 fractures in his skull, fighting against swelling in his brain, fighting against fluid build up, and some other things he could use prayers for.  Please also pray for Jen and Richard at this time that they will have God’s peace and place their hope in God.  They also have a son named A.J. who could use your prayer at this time, he is 6 years old and trying to understand what his little brother is going through.  To find updates about Benny, please click on the following link Updates on Benny

Dear Father God, I lift up Benny to You tonight.  I continue to pray for complete healing for his body.  Please send Your angels to his room and watch over him in a special way.  Help the doctors and nurses to be wise in their decisions and give them the right words to say.  May You provide Jen and Richard with the peace that passes all understanding and renew their hope in You.  Please protect them from the enemy’s attacks and guard their hearts from the flaming arrows he may try to send their way.  May You be the One who reigns in their lives both now and forevermore.  Also, I pray for A.J., help him through this time and love his precious little heart.  I pray all of this in Jesus name, Amen.

Content in God,