CONTENTMENT

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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In our devotion today, we focus on the meaning and calling of Jesus Christ’s teaching to bring our daily needs before the Lord. In his instructions on how we ought to pray, Jesus made it plain that we should be bold in our time of prayer and ask the Lord to supply our daily bread. This call to rely on the provision of the Lord is a call toward being content with the life that the Lord provides. 

We can hear this message on praying for our daily needs in verse three of the following:

1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 GIVE US EACH DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation (or lead us not into the time of trial).”

(Luke 11:1-4 NIV11 – parenthetical translation from Ryan Laden)

Need

In this message on prayer, Jesus makes it clear that his people should boldly bring their daily needs before the Lord. The idea of “daily bread” has been used to reference that which is needed for our day to day life.

•   What are some of your most pressing needs?
•   Are you able to clearly identify what you need most?
•   Are you willing to bring this need before the Lord in a time of bold prayer?

Asking

One of my favorite questions to ask of those who come to me seeking help with the challenges and decisions that lie before them is, “What do you want God to do about your situation?”

This question often helps get those before me to see their need in a different way. When we seriously consider what we are asking the Lord to do about our need or situation, we are often able to get past our simple desires and wants and therefore get to the heart of the actual need that we are asking the Lord to address. 

Paul

In the passage that follows we can hear a powerful message from the Holy Spirit to the church that was given through the work of the apostle Paul. In this message, we can hear more about what it means to be clear about our real needs as we come to the Lord in prayer. 

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 

9 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. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

(1 Timothy 6:6-11 NIV11)

Contentment

All people, rich and poor alike, are seeking satisfaction and contentment. We all have a hunger to be at peace with our circumstances. As you probably know, money and possessions often bring bigger and more complicated worries and fears rather than bringing us a sense of safety and satisfaction. 

In this teaching, we are challenged to see that success in this life comes not from our worldly position but from the pursuit of Christ-likeness. The more that we seek after the things of God, the more likely that we will be to find real contentment and satisfaction. 

Traps

All around us there are traps that can snare us and keep us focused on the wrong values in this life. These areas of temptation often come tied to the promise of increased wealth and worldly success. If we are to escape these snares, then we must see them for what they really are. 

Focusing on service to the Lord, caring for our family, showing love to the people of God, and enjoying that which the Lord has provided us in this life most often protects us from the dangers that come from a love of money.  

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I desire to be content with what you supply in this life. I admit that I often dream of more and better things and am susceptible to envy. I need you to help me set aside these false priorities so that I can discover the joy of godliness and contentment in Christ. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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