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20th July 2024
SaturdayReflection
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Bishop Tim (Bishop Pettiford) offers
Sound Truth Ministry
'Learn To Be Content and Happy With Your Life'
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Learning to be content as well as happy with your life is not an easy task.
I say this because we are constantly faced with ads, commercials, etc. that promote wanting better or newer versions of what we have or desire.
In many cases, before we get used to a mobile phone, for example, a new version is advertised or seen so it makes you feel that yours is old or out of date.
Please take time to read and study this lesson with an open mind.
I have a seed of faith and knowledge to sow in your thoughts before we begin the lesson.
This practice has helped me remain stress-free in an increasingly stressful world.
Jesus said (in simple terms): Matthew 6:31-33
"So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?'. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek [be concerned with] the Kingdom of God [give him first place in your life] above all else, and live righteously [his way of doing and being right], and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)
At times Paul experienced definite financial and material needs, and at other times he had an abundance (v. 12).
He learned how to cope with both need and plenty.
Paul said he could do everything - including handling poverty and living in abundance - through Him who gave him strength.
This was not an expression of pride in his own abilities but a declaration of the strength provided by Jesus.
One challenge in life is learning to be content.
Of course, some may not accept this concept and do not think they are greedy or coveting when they dream of or desire what they believe is better than what they have.
The goal is not to criticize or intentionally offend anyone but to inform.
This is ironic because godliness, along with contentment, does put us ahead but not in the ways some imagine.
Some already have wandered away from the true faith because they craved what it had to offer; but when reaching for the prize, they found their hands and hearts pierced with many sorrows. (VOICE)
So, are you content, satisfied, or happy with your life?
This extends beyond things, consider your marriage, are you content with your spouse?
Oh, we can probe into the most intricate areas of our life to see in what areas we have learned to be content.
Think about it, are you completely content?
Read Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by harm. (CEB)
Do you ever feel that you are not content with what you have because you always want more?
Let the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 6:9 speak to you:
So it is better to be happy with what you have than always to be wanting more.
Always wanting more is useless- like chasing the wind. (ICB)
Have you ever felt like you are just settling and lack ambition?
James 3:16 has advice for you: Be happy with your life as it is, and focus on pleasing God!
Read James 3:13-18
Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others.
It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.
You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honour. (MSG)
Some soldiers on duty also asked him, "And what must we do [i.e., to demonstrate our repentance]?"
And he answered them, "Do not force people to give you money or accuse them falsely, and be content with your pay." (AUV)
Read Hebrews 13:1-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you."
I hope that this message from God will teach us to value who we are, what we have, and how unique we are to the One who provides for all of our needs.
Most importantly, He helps us learn to be content and joyful in spite of the situation or condition.
Thank you for taking the time to read this Bible lesson.
Please take full advantage of it.
Blessings to you and your loved ones - Tim.
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Bible references available on request
'Hello and welcome to Sound Truth Ministry.'
You can call me Tim, but some, particularly those to whom I minister, choose to call me Pastor or Bishop Tim.
I am an ordained Elder/Bishop and called to be an Apostle.
If I were to wear a title it is "Servant".
Too often people get hung up on titles and even offended if addressed otherwise.
I realize I am no one other than the LORD's instrument.
So, I strive to allow Him to use me.
Like Paul, I consider it an honour that God has chosen and entrusted me to be His servant and to preach and teach His word.
About Us - Our Goal
One of our goals is to help teach the people of God to use the indwelling Spirit to teach them the Word of God.
We do so by teaching willing people "how to study God's Word" and not relying on people to do so.
The Scriptures support other Scriptures.
When we take the time to read enough Scriptures we will ultimately get an understanding of any topic or subject.
Contact the Rector
The Revd.
Nic.Edwards
The Rectory,
Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE,
Northampton,
NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 - 815496
(Can be accessed from the mobile device)
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E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Contact the Benefice Office
Sunday School Rooms, Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE, Northampton, NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 830373
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
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9:00am to 11:30am
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an appointment.
Who Made This?
Seeing as you asked, if you can give helpful
advice or report factual corrections and
'deliberate mistakes',email:-
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