Word For Today: Have A Simplicity To Your Life

Let your 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).

There’s something every child of God needs to understand: we’re not all at the same level at the same time. At a point in time, there may be things someone else can afford that you may not be able to afford at that stage of your life. There’s no need to keep fighting yourself and trying by all means to get those things. Have a simplicity to your life. Never stretch yourself to do things that are actually "beyond you" at the moment, just because you want to identify with a certain group.

For example, there’re people who want their children to be in certain schools just for the simple reason that they want to "measure up"; meanwhile, they may not be able to afford the fees at the time. They put themselves under undue pressure, struggling to keep up, just to be like someone else. Don’t stretch yourself too thin financially, because you’re doing things you shouldn’t be doing at the moment. That’s not so wise. Don’t place yourself under that kind of pressure. Make your life easier.

If you want to measure your life by looking at others, you could be frustrated. Follow the guidance of God’s Spirit. There’s a time for everything; what you may not be able to afford today, leave it for next time. Be content with what you have.

The word, "conversation" in our opening verse actually means "manner of life," or "way of life." Don’t indulge in an extravagant lifestyle just because you want others to think "you’ve arrived." Be modest. Don’t crave something that belongs to other people, because God can do for you whatever you require Him to do for you. He’s your satisfaction. Have faith in Him; trust Him; and your life will be glorious.

Prayer

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits! He’s crowned me with loving-kindness and tender mercies; and satisfied me with good things! My life is free of struggles, because the Lord is my satisfaction! He’s all I crave, and I’m guided and propelled by His wisdom always. Amen.

Further Study:1 timothy 6:6; Luke 12:15; Proverbs 16:18
: Colossians 3:1-4:1 Isaiah 50-51

: John 5:1-9 1 Kings 16

Word For Today: Knowledge Makes The Difference

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee… (Hosea 4:6).

Many years ago, Malaria was dreaded as a deadly disease, because it was said to have no cure. If somebody contracted it, it was like a death sentence. Many missionaries from Europe who came to Africa contracted it, and didn’t survive. But because man discovered the cure, when one is infected with Malaria, it’s no longer dreaded as a terminal ailment. It was the same with Tuberculosis: those who were infected had to be quarantined or ostracized. But when man discovered the cure, it ended the fear of Tuberculosis.

Man fears what he has no knowledge of. Once he understands it, the fear is gone. The mystery is taken away once knowledge arrives. It’s the same thing with the matters of faith. When we don’t understand how to apply our faith in a given situation, we become skeptical, judgmental, afraid, and unbelieving. But once we understand how it works, the confusion is removed, the mystery is taken away.

All you need is the knowledge of God’s Word so you can put the Word to work. Once you have the accurate knowledge of the Word, nothing in this life will mystify or discomfit you; no matter what the problem is, you just know that you’ll come out victoriously.

Those who don’t know the Word are the ones who get overwhelmed by trouble and defeated by the crises of life. Get to know the Word. Have an insatiable appetite for God’s Word. Hosea 6:3 says, "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord…." Getting the knowledge of God’s Word is one of the most important things you can do for yourself; that’s what will put you over in life, and keep you on the offensive, against the adversary.

Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you for filling me with the knowledge of your Word in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Nothing is a mystery to me, because as I meditate on your Word, the Holy Spirit unveils spiritual realities to me, enlightening the eyes of my understanding to know and apprehend my inheritance in Christ! I live triumphantly because I live by the knowledge of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:2 Peter 1:2-3; Proverbs 11:9

: Colossians 4:2-18 Isaiah 52-53

: John 5:10-18 1 Kings 17-18