“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1Timothy 6:6-10)
WELCOME to the month of November 2024 with our Focus: “Possessing the Spirit of Contentment”.
I decree and declare that in this Month, the grace to be contented with all that you have, be released upon you in Jesus Name. The grace to conquer greed and the spirit of covetousness be released upon you in Jesus Name. I pray that the Lord shall deliver us from falling into temptation, or any form of destruction or perdition, in Jesus Name.
Contentment is the cure to greed, covetousness, high blood pressure, worries and anxiety. The Bible said “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
What is Contentment?
* It is a state of happiness and satisfaction.
* It is accepting from God’s hands what He gives us per time because He is a good God and every perfect gift comes from Him.
* It is the state of being satisfied with what you have per time.
* Contentment is a virtue.
Introduction
Contentment is a great virtue that every Believer should desire and possess. It’s one of the character traits that’s lacking in the world today and has gradually crept into the Church. The reasons for all the ritual killings, armed robbery attack, banditry, prostitution, cybercrime, political thuggery and all manner of vices today is as a result of lack of contentment. There is godliness in contentment. You enjoy your life per time in your walk with God when you are contented.
One reason why we should be contented is because we came into this World with nothing and virtually we are not going to take anything back (1Timothy 6:7). Whatever God has blessed you with, be happy and serve God with all of your heart. He is a faithful God and anytime, you grow above a certain level, He makes resources available to meet that capacity of yours.
“And he said unto them, take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possessed. (Luke 12:15)”
Esther exhibited this virtue and qualities when King Ahasuerus was looking for a replacement for the dethroned Queen Vashti. Every maiden who came for the training under Hegai demanded whatever they wanted, but Esther asked nothing more than what was given to her. This speaks about the character of contentment and absence of vanity in the life of Esther. It also shows the level of her self-control.
Contentment is the cure to greed, covetousness, high blood pressure, worries and anxiety. The Bible said “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1Thessalonians 5:18)”
The scripture also tells us that we should be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication, make your request be made known unto Him. (Phil.4:6). Contentment can also deliver you from snare, hurtful lusts, foolishness, erring from the faith and many sorrows.
It is my prayer that we flee from every spirit of greed and covetousness and follow the path of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.
The grace to fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto we are called and profess a good profession before many witnesses, rest upon us, in Jesus Name. (1Timothy 6:11)
Contentment is the cure to greed, covetousness, high blood pressure, worries and anxiety. The Bible said “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
I pray that our conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5).
What Happens When You Are Not Contented as a Child of God
1. You are never satisfied or at peace with yourself and people;
2. It can lead to destruction, perdition and many sorrows (1Timothy 6:9-10);
3. It makes you take decisions against your will. Your sense of judgement becomes dull;
4. Compromise comes as a result of not being contented. Judas Iscariot sold Jesus for Thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15);
5. It can lead to temptation. The enemy can open a door of attack against you;
6. It can lead to anger, bitterness, sickness and eventually to untimely death;
7. It can cause you to derail from your purpose and pursuit in life. Judas Iscariot could not fulfil his purpose and eventually, hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5);
8. It hinders your sense of reasoning (creativity). You become bankrupt of wisdom;
9. It leads to greed and covetousness (Luke 12:15);
10. You become bankrupt of the fear of God (Psalm 36:1);
11. It leads to deception and depression; and
12. You begin to hoard from God. Giving to God becomes a challenge.
The Gains of Contentment
1. It’s the cure for greed & covetousness (e.g. Bribery & Corruption cases that is ravaging our World today);
2. It delivers you from temptations, troubles, destructions and sorrows;
3. It brings absolute peace of mind (John 14:27);
4. It brings godliness (1Timothy 6:6);
5. It is cure for anxiety and worries;
6. It brings satisfaction and inner joy (Isaiah 12:3);
7. It brings good health;
8. You radiate the love of God; and
9. It causes you to be humble.
Scriptural Examples of Contented People in the Bible:
Abraham: Contentment was a major character of Abraham in all his journey with God. He was always contented with what God gave him per time. (Genesis 14:18-24)
Joseph: Joseph was a man who passed through terrible external circumstances over and over again, but he was shown to be a man of contentment with God. Even when Potiphar’s wife offered herself for him to sleep with her, he said how can I do this great wickedness and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9);
Mordecai: He was so faithful and contented at his duty post that even when Esther was made a queen in Shusha, he didn’t relocate to the State House until God remembered him and prompted an ordinary security man to become a Prime Minister in a country that he wasn’t a citizen (Esther 6:10-12); and
Queen Esther: When King Ahasuerus was looking for a replacement for the dethroned Queen Vashti, every maiden who came for the training under Hegai demanded whatever they wanted, but Esther asked for nothing more than what was given to her. This speaks about the character of contentment and absence of vanity. It also shows the level of Esther’s self-control (Esther 2:15).
Solutions To Lack Of Contentment:
1. Repentance (first of all, repent from your old ways of greed and return to your first love which is in Christ Jesus; rededicate your life to God (2Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 18:27; Revelation 2:4-7);
2. Have absolute trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6);
3. Be satisfied and contented with what you have per time (Hebrews 13:5);
4. Be self-disciplined;
5. Planning (Proverbs 30:25-28; 16:1);
6. Hate greed and covetousness with passion (Proverbs 28:16);
7. Stop comparing yourself with others (2Corinthians 10:12)
Prayer:
* Ask God to grant you the spirit of Contentment.
* Pray and destroy every spirit of greed and covetousness;
* Pray for self-discipline & self-control
Prophesies:
* I decree and declare that in this Eleventh Month, your portion and inheritance shall be given to you, in Jesus Name.
* I decree and declare that you and your entire household is preserved, throughout this month and beyond, in Jesus Name.
* I decree and declare that the spirit of godliness and contentment shall be your portion; and the power to conquer greed is released upon you, now, in Jesus Name.
Happy New Month!
Pastor Onoja is of Global Impact Revival Assembly International, P. O. Box 16504 Zone 3, Wuse-Abuja, FCT, Nigeria. E-mail: onojaaf@yahoo.com; Tel. Nos: +234(0)8055842594; +234(0)7034893475.
