Open Heavens 16 September 2016: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Source of Satisfaction

Topic: The Source of Satisfaction [Friday 16, September 2016]

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

Read: 1 Timothy 6:3-11 (KJV)

3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 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.

10 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.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Psalms 60

MESSAGE:

Satisfaction is a state of contentment or fulfilment that only God can bring into reality. The scripture advocates that children of God should cultivate contentment. We are therefore expected to be contented spiritually, financially, materially and in our marriages. We should be contented with the things and people that God has put around us. Satisfaction is made possible as a result of God’s good provision made available through the atoning death of our Lord Jesus Christ.Ecclesiastes 3:13 says:

“And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”

The above passage indicates that contentment or satisfaction is a gift from God; it does not develop from the desire of man. As a matter of fact Ecclesiastes 5:10says,

“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”

Covetousness and accumulation of wealth has its attendant problems. One of such problems is a lack of satisfaction. Those who love money will never be satisfied with what they have, no matter how much they have, they will continue to desire more. I once had a friend, who at the age of 70 had so much money in one of his several bank accounts; he could not exhaust it for another 200 years. Whenever you visit him, you will meet him planning to invest some more. The rich are ever striving with each other. They will say, “Mr. A has just built another house or bought another car, I must follow suit”. They are never satisfied. Satisfaction is a precious virtue that every believer must have. Are you caught in the rat race for earthly possession? Ask God to give you satisfaction or contentment without which that wealth will become a deadly trap.

Whenever wealth comes as a blessing within the context of holiness and the fear of God, such wealth is always accompanied by contentment or satisfaction. This is whyPsalms 17:15 says:

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

Because the source of the blessing is God, satisfaction is naturally inclusive in the package. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 goes on to say:

“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

This passage shows that a child of God should be more concerned about the source of blessing and the attending satisfaction than accumulation of wealth.

Prayer Point: Father, you are my Source, please let my propensity come with contentment in Jesus’ name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries