"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Sometimes we forget to be thankful.

Read some of these statistics from Greg Easterbrook's book The Progress Paradox:

*Life expectancy has nearly doubled in the last 100 years.
*Real capital outcome doubled since 1960.
*Price of foods and durable goods have stayed the same or declined.
*Standard of living has risen to a plae our own great grandparents could not have imagined.

*Number of people who say they are happy has not increased since 1950.
*Number of people who say they are "very happy" has declined.
*25% increase in depression.
*7% of Americans say they have at least one period of debilitating depression yearly.

We don't even know how good we have it.

Intentionally cultivate a heart of thankfulness.

#1 Change of Focus from what I don't have to what I do have.
Greed is the opposite of gratefulness.

"Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:9-10

They want God to serve them. They don't get it. It's not about getting what you want. It's about loving and serving God. 

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

Greed dulls our appetite for God.

This is a life choice (gratefulness) -- to focus on God and be grateful. 

#2 Change our focus from getting a blessing to being a blessing.

The only way to find meaning in our lives is to have a purpose in being used by and serving and loving God.

Often, the more we get the more we want. Then we hoard. Our worth is not based on $.

People in poverty often give more than wealthy people. 

Unless we are being used by God we will not be content. An unbroke, untrained horse is not happy.

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:39

Jesus
-- No one had more right to be served, yet He chose the life of a servant. We are meant to serve.

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”" Mark 10:43-45

Jesus and the demon-possessed man: This was man was out of control, wild man. Once healed he wanted to go with Jesus. But Jesus understood his healing was not complete. He said to him:

"Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." Luke 8:37-39

His healing would be complete when he was serving Jesus by proclaiming what God had done for him.

#3 Change our focus to servanthood.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

We find identity in the job we do. It doesn't matter what we do, we can do it for Jesus.

"The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" Matthew 25:40

#4 Change our focus from earth to eternity.

If the world is all we have we have nothing but despair. It all means nothing in the end if you just live for this life.

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." 1 Corinthians 15:19

We serve a God who has overcome the world. God wants the best for us.

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth." Hebrews 11:13

"Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:16

#5 Focus our eyes on Jesus.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;" 2 Corinthians 4:8

"speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20

#6 A Change of Mindset.
​
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:6-8

It doesn't matter what's going on. You can be thankful. Live the life you were meant to live. 



"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:1-3

Insurance -- we have insurance for everything. We get to just in case something happens. 

Assurance -- God paid the "policy."

We are called the children of God. We didn't earn this. What that means is we have no worries. Faith in Father. When you're a child it's natural to have faith in your parents. We need to hve this same kind of child-like faith (or even greater) in our Father.

It's not about you or me. God loves you.

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law." 1 Corinthians 9:19-20

So often we feel worthyless -- the world reinforces this feeling. This is a lie! I am valuable to God. You are valuable to God.

No matter what you think He says you're worth it.

"Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings." 1 Corinthians 7:21-23

God freed us to be more than who we are. God will correct us because He loves us. Celebrate His love for us.

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

The Example of Gideon: Gideon was not a man of strength or wisdom or vision or anything. He was the weakest member of the weakest clan.

"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'" Judges 6:12

Gideon recognized the Israelites abandoned God.

"The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?'" Judges 6:14

I want you to go! I'm sending you. It isn't aobut your abilities. It is about Me (says God) and your willingness to go.

Gideon's faith and approval -- 32,000 down to 300 men -- this was God's plan (and of course it worked).

Gideon doesn't do it all super confidently -- he does what God tells him to do in the middle of the night so no one sees him....but he still does it.

And Gideon, in faith uses the 300 and the enemy is destroyed. Israel is freed!! He believed in the One who can change things. He used his own history to remember God is faithful.

Where's your faith coming from?

"For we live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Our faith must be deeper than the surface. God doesn't bargain with us.

"know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified." Galatians 2:16

All God asks is that we believe in Him.

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:31-34

Our Assurance.

God doesn't want us to try and work things out without Him. What are we to do?

Draw Near to Him! That is assurance.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8

"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
Hebrews 10:22

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

"I, in my Savior, are blessed." 

Insurance is doubt. Assurance is faith.

We are at war with the world. Jesus says rest in Me. The world wants to deny it all. Jesus is our battle standard. If you keep your eyes on Jesus....It's God's battle. Not ours. Draw near to Him.

"Filled with His goodness. Lost in His love." 

"This is My story!"

Each of us has a story, unique and precious. God has a story being written in my life, in your life. Common thread -- Jesus!

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—" John 1:12

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15

Read the story God is writing in your life rather than trying to write it yourself.
​

"Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
 Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court." Psalm 127:3-5

Parents' Responsibilities:

#1. Nourish their children.

"Fathers,do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

#2. Educate.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

#3. Discipline.

"Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
    do not be a willing party to their death." Proverbs 19:18

Lack of discipline will cause pain. Be a good example. 

"They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11

It isn't fun to discipline. God doesn't find great joy in disciplining us but He knows it is necessary.

The Truth about Children:

1. All children are born sinful. All people are born sinful.

 "As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;" Romans 3:10

2. All are rebellious.

"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
    but the rod of discipline will drive it far away." Proverbs 22:15

Rebellion is natural to us all.

3. Self-Absorbed.

 "In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord." Genesis 4:3

Cain got angry at God rather than trying to do better or asking God what he needed to do to do it right. There is a natural selfishness built into us. You must learn to share and cooperate.

4. Children are pliable -- they seek influence.

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:102

Sometimes they grow in spite of us. They are seeking to be influenced. They will mimic you. 

5. The world is a dangerous place.

The world is getting worse and worse. We have to protect them. They will be under peer pressure to accept all that society accepts. We must be their strongest influece. We have to outvote all their peers.

"A discerning son heeds instruction,
    but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." Proverbs 28:7

What is the prescription for good parenting?

1. Be right with God.

"By wisdom a house is built,
    and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
    with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4

If you build a foundation and you don't follow through that foundation will crumble and be destroyed.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33

God has an answer. He will guide you. Just ask.

2. Be the example of what you want your children to be.

"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
1 Peter 3:7

 "Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children," Titus 2:4

If parents abuse, the children will abuse. What we are is reflected in our children. Love between parents is so important. Have an open relationship with your kids. If you mess up, apologize.

3. Examples we should be:

"He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect." 1 Timothy 3:4

"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
    but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." Proverbs 10:17

Sheep go astray. Lambs don't. They follow the sheep. The children are watching. We all are responsible.

Practice what you preach!

1. Start Early:

If you let them develop bad habits you have to get rid of these first before you can start training.

2. Discipline.

"Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him." Deuteronomy 8:5-6

3. Be Consistent.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a] Fathers,[b] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4

4. Stay in the Community of the Church.

"For lack of guidance a nation falls,
    but victory is won through many advisers." Proverbs 11:14

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

You're not alone. We're here to support each other. The world is going down and Jesus is coming back. Live in expectation of Jesus returning. Be a safe place for each other. Seek the family.

"Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

We have a tendency to panic and fear. This doesn't need to be how we react. God gives us a better way.

Why should we fear God?

3 kinds of Biblical fear:
Terror: fear of the power of God
Respect: as a servant servicing a master.
Reverence: Understanding who He is and who we are.

Reverence is a deep, deep respect. Knowing who God is, who we are -- what God is capable of.

The benefits of fearing God (as in the reverence kind):
1. Hate Evil.
"To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
    I hate pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech." Proverbs 8:13

The world has a problem of saying something is evil -- like sin. We need to look at the world through God's view. We get understanding when we look with God's perspective.

2. Live a "Long" Life (abundant, full life)
"The fear of the Lord adds length to life,
    but the years of the wicked are cut short." Proverbs 10:27

When God disciplines us He is loving us.
 "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all." Hebrews 12:7-8

"Because He said so" is somehting we should accept from God.

Healthy vs. unhealthy fear:

Healthy fear: "Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction." Proverbs 13:15

Unhealthy fear: "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”" Genesis 3:8-10

Unhealthy fear can be based in shame or blame or condemnation.

We continue to hide in sin. You can't hide anything from God. 

Godly sorrow vs Worldly Sorrow:

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10

Choose Him or don't choose Him. Admitting sin is uncomfortable. We have a choice on what or who we fear. We can fear God or fear people. If I hide the good news from other people, if I don't share the "Cure" to fallenness, I am a coward, a selfish coward (those are Jane's words speaking to herself). 

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32-33

Those verses should scare us!
When we fear God we don't need to fear anything or anyone else. If we fear the world more than we fear God we distance ourselves from Jesus.

Jesus came to bring us home.

 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30

Am I gathering or scattering?

It's not multiple choice. It's true or false. Is there something stopping us from living for God?

The fear of God leads to a life of fearlessness! Halleluia!!

"The fear of the Lord leads to life;
    then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23

If we find contentment in God everything will be provided. We serve a living God who is here right now.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
 As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;" Psalm 103:11-13

"For those who fear Him" has to be part of the equation. It's okay to "rock the boat." It's okay to "stand alone." If you fear God, He'll take care of everything. We need not to have any fear of Satan or the future:

"We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them." 1 John 5:18

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

God is a jealous God. He won't let anyone take you from HIm.

#1. Everything we do is seen by God.
#2. If I repent God will take care of me.
#3 We have to choose to fear God and not people. God or people. That's it.

Who do you choose to fear?

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15