Weekend Words

From Be Still and Know...

"And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an alter unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord." (Genesis 12:8)

When God called Abraham to Canaan, he became a "pilgrim", living in a tent the rest of his life.  He could not become too deeply attached to any place, for he had to be ready to move at God's command.  "It was faith that kept him journeying like a foreigner through the land of promise, with no more HOME than the TENTS" (Hebrews 11:9, Phillips).

Abraham was not concerned with earthly possessions, but by faith he looked to a life beyond.  "For he was waiting expectantly and confidently, looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10, Amplified).

Abraham built an alter wherever he pitched his tent.  He was not only a pilgrim, but a worshipper.  Worship and communion with God had priority in his life.  He made room in his life for God.

We, too, are pilgrims on this journey of life.  "For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven" (Hebrews 13:14, LB).

As earthly pilgrims, we, too, must live 'tent lives', ready to move at God's will.  Sometimes He has to uproot us, moving us to a new place to prevent our becoming too attached to our present surroundings.  He may move our 'tent' to a new city, a new place of employment, a new neighborhood.

Not only are we pilgrims, but also worshippers.  We must build an alter wherever we pitch our tents, giving God place in our lives.  We must take time to worship Him.  One definition of worship is "being occupied with God."  It is easy to become so engrossed with earthly things we forget to take time to be occupied with Him.  Wherever we live, we must give Him place in our lives.  "That in all things he might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18).

Does God have room in your life?  In all of it?  Or only part?

From Beside the Still Waters...

True Contentment - Read: Romans 12

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." - Romans 12:12

Contentment can be defined as the state of being satisfied, and in many ways it contributes to happiness.  Some people strongly associate wealth with happiness, and wealth does have some positive aspects, but true contentment lies in being happy with whatever we have.  Paul wrote, "Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). 

Many people look for contentment in riches and worldly pleasures,  but contentment is not found in material things.  Seeking contentment in anything other than godliness is vain.  True contentment comes when we walk with our Saviour and let Him choose the way.  He may lead us through dark valleys of sorrow and up steep hills of hardship, but we are always assured of His love as we continue to walk with Him.

What should we do when someone wrongs us or speaks evil of us?  We should be content to give it to Jesus and let Him guide us in how to respond.  True contentment is not easily offended, but responds in godly wisdom.  "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).

Contentment means more than just being satisfied with little; it also means being content to suffer for our Lord.  When we consider all that He suffered for us, how can we do otherwise?  Jesus gave us an example to follow when He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).  Godly contentment brings a gentle peace and a spirit of wellbeing that can never be gained by pursuit of earthly pleasures or possessions.

Fred Beachy - Crofton, KY

A man content in poverty is wonderfully rich.