Pastor Tim told the story about a man who was asked what would make him happy: the man stated " When I make a million dollars.". A man that makes a million dollars was asked what would make him happy; The man stated " When I make two million dollars, then I will be happy."
What does make us happy or content with our lives. Is it the things we accumulate, the keeping up with the Joneses, the big car in the garage, or could it be the large home and our fancy clothes? As Pastor Tim said, "We came into this world with nothing and we will leave with nothing". He then went on to say that it is alright to want to provide for our family but we should be content if we have clothes and food to eat. The things we have do not bring contentment.
The Gospel lesson was Luke 21: 1-4
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. And he said, " Truly, I tell you, this poor widow had put more in than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Pastor Tim then told of a woman who attends the Thursday "Table" meal and worship. This woman, because of hard times, lives in a motel with her husband. She told the story of sharing her "home" with others that live under a bridge. She invites them over for showers and fellowship. She, who has so little, shares the MOST!
The sermon ended with three ways to contentment:
PRAYER- Live a life of prayer.
PRAISE- Pray unto God then give him praise.
PERSEVERANCE- Persevere and Proclaim the Love of Christ.
As you know, I do not Blog about my Faith or Religion, today this touched me and in these tough times it is nice to be reminded what, and Who, is important.
I couldn't agree more with what you and Pastor Tim had to say about the subject of contentment and I'm glad you shared these wise words with us. I grew up with parents who professed to be devout Baptist Christians but yet they were as materialistic as could be and they flaunted their wealth to everyone who could stand to pay attention to them. I never saw them donate any of their wealth to those in need(they claimed no one would want their used clothing/furniture, etc.) and instead had a whole basement that was never emptied. I admire the lady who reached out to the people who lived under the bridge because she gave them what was important to them...a genuine concern for their well being.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for responding, I do not want to make fellow bloggers uncomfortable, but I felt this is a message that needs to be repeated over and over!
ReplyDeleteI love this, I think that it is wonderful that you wrote about this. You don't get to hear about it enough. Lately all you hear about are the bad things. I just wanted to say thank you.
ReplyDeleteAs an afterthought I am
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That was lovely! I am so glad you shared! That was quite a sermon your pastor gave! I feel that I am content, but it is still so important to remember those keys that you shared: Prayer, Praise and Perseverance. :) Have a wonderful week!
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