Below is a great email devotional from Pastor David Jeremiah, particularly in light of November 11th’s “Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church,” for our brothers and sisters around the world who daily must rely on God as their “source” for provision and safety.
The Source of All
“Give me neither poverty nor riches — feed me with the food allotted to me.”
– Proverbs 30:8b
There is little in our culture today that encourages contentment. We are constantly bombarded with messages to make more, get more, and have more. Certainly, we should maximize the gifts and abilities God has given us, but not for the sake of personal indulgence. Every blessing of God is meant not only for our sustenance but also in ministry to others — and all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
A wise man in the Old Testament, Agur (Proverbs 30:1), prayed that God would bless him with just the right amount — not so much that he forgot to acknowledge God as the source and not too little that he might steal to get more (Proverbs 30:9). It would have been Agur’s responsibility, of course, to honor God in the midst of much and refuse the temptation to steal in times of want. That was the perspective Paul took — he said he had learned to be content in times of plenty and want (Philippians 4:12). Paul’s entire life was in service to Christ and so he trusted God to provide what he needed.
Contentment — trusting God for daily bread, as Jesus taught the disciples to pray (Matthew 6:11) — is the best way to be reminded daily that God is the source of everything.
“Contentment is an inexhaustible treasure.” – Unknown
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The picture above of a Rwandan child is from World Help’s African Director, Cyrus Mad-Bondo. Additional photos of Cyrus’ current trip can be viewed on Cyrus’ facebook page
