Over the years I have had many people ask me why is it important to understand the last days, especially if we are not going to be here. What people often fail to realize is that over 70% of the Bible was written to share with the reader what is coming in the future, either for perspective or a call to repentance. For the believer, an understanding of what is coming and the world changes that are taking place is a reminder that God is in control and that these things point to the return of Jesus Christ. This provides hope for the follower of Christ that the world is not out of control, rather God is working toward that return. The Word of God gives a clear picture of what will be taking place when Jesus returns, and the world picture is not something to become overwhelmed by. For those who are not currently following the Lord, it is a reminder that God is moving toward a time when their repentance is no longer available, and they will be lost in their sin. These national and international events are a call to repent of their sin, and turn to … READ MORE

Contentment is difficult because we crumble and lose our sense of satisfaction and peace when we allow our circumstances to victimize us. Paul wrote Philippians 4:11, “… I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” while in prison in Rome. Contentment is not something that is tied directly to our circumstances, it is tied to our perspective. Our problem often is seen in that we are tied to the temporal, IN 1 John 2:15 we are told, “do not love the world, neither the things that are in the world …” Paul had run the gamut of extremes in his life, from great poverty to great wealth, and yet had learned to be content in the situation that he found himself. He3 writes in Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Paul endured many horrific circumstances but through them he learned to be content by having an eternal perspective. We must understand that all circumstances we face are only temporary, and it is keeping our focus on the prize that is set before us, that enables us to find the contentment that we long for in the midst of … READ MORE

Scripture reminds us to be satisfied with what we have, and where we are in life. This is a marked contrast to the attitude of our culture. People today are not content – with little or much. The more people have, the more discontent they seem to be. Mass media advertises items that are far more optional and discretionary, but you would never know it from the sales pitch. The media message is never, “wouldn’t you like to have this?” rather it is “You NEED this!” If we expose ourselves to this type of appeal, we will find ourselves “needing” things you don’t even want! To protect yourself, pay careful attention to whatever you are attaching the word “NEED” to. We will be satisfied with little when we refuse to depend on the luxuries of this world to define our “success.” We must “learn how to be content” and a key to that is learning to ve satisfied with the things that you have in life.… READ MORE