When Nothing Feels Like Enough: The Secret to Contentment

For America's 250th birthday, Greg Lorie For America's 250th birthday, Greg Lorie recommends a great film about the man recommends a great film about the man recommends a great film about the man behind the spiritual [music] awakening behind the spiritual [music] awakening behind the spiritual [music] awakening of our nation. Just as surely as George of our nation. Just as surely as George of our nation. Just as surely as George Washington is our founding father, Washington is our founding father, Washington is our founding father, George Whitfield is our spiritual George Whitfield is our spiritual George Whitfield is our spiritual founding [music] father. Two Georgees founding [music] father. Two Georgees founding [music] father. Two Georgees played a role in founding the United played a role in founding the United played a role in founding the United States. So find out more about George States. So find out more about George States. So find out more about George Whitfield [music] Whitfield [music] Whitfield [music] in this film that's called A Great in this film that's called A Great in this film that's called A Great Awakening and we'll send it to you for Awakening and we'll send it to you for Awakening and we'll send it to you for [music] your gift of any size. available [music] your gift of any size. available [music] your gift of any size. available on DVD at harvest.org. I was reading the paper today and I I was reading the paper today and I noted that there is a 24 million New noted that there is a 24 million New noted that there is a 24 million New York lotto ticket waiting to be claimed. York lotto ticket waiting to be claimed. York lotto ticket waiting to be claimed. So somewhere, I presume in New York, is So somewhere, I presume in New York, is So somewhere, I presume in New York, is some person walking around with a ticket some person walking around with a ticket some person walking around with a ticket in their pocket, in their wallet, in in their pocket, in their wallet, in in their pocket, in their wallet, in their purse. Who knows? They may have their purse. Who knows? They may have their purse. Who knows? They may have thrown it in the trash. If they can thrown it in the trash. If they can thrown it in the trash. If they can retrieve it and get it in on time, they retrieve it and get it in on time, they retrieve it and get it in on time, they will win $24 million. That's a lot of will win $24 million. That's a lot of will win $24 million. That's a lot of money. Have you ever wondered what it money. Have you ever wondered what it money. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to win the lottery? I read would be like to win the lottery? I read would be like to win the lottery? I read about one person, a couple actually, won about one person, a couple actually, won about one person, a couple actually, won 217 million, 158 million after taxes.

217 million, 158 million after taxes. 217 million, 158 million after taxes. One day you don't have that much money, One day you don't have that much money, One day you don't have that much money, the next day 158 million. And then the the next day 158 million. And then the the next day 158 million. And then the experts or the lottery officials told experts or the lottery officials told experts or the lottery officials told these people, take the money and hush these people, take the money and hush these people, take the money and hush because the moment it's announced that because the moment it's announced that because the moment it's announced that you have that much money, people come you have that much money, people come you have that much money, people come out of the woodwork. I read about one out of the woodwork. I read about one out of the woodwork. I read about one woman named Evelyn Bashore who won the woman named Evelyn Bashore who won the woman named Evelyn Bashore who won the lottery two times. She won $3.9 million lottery two times. She won $3.9 million lottery two times. She won $3.9 million the first time and $1.4 million the next the first time and $1.4 million the next the first time and $1.4 million the next time. Her observations, she said, time. Her observations, she said, time. Her observations, she said, "Everybody wanted my money." And then "Everybody wanted my money." And then "Everybody wanted my money." And then she said, "Winning the lottery as she said, "Winning the lottery as she said, "Winning the lottery as cracked up to me, I won the American cracked up to me, I won the American cracked up to me, I won the American dream and I lost it, too. It was a hard dream and I lost it, too. It was a hard dream and I lost it, too. It was a hard fall and I hit rock bottom." End quote. fall and I hit rock bottom." End quote. fall and I hit rock bottom." End quote. Curtis Sharp won 5 million in the Curtis Sharp won 5 million in the Curtis Sharp won 5 million in the lottery and according to the article he lottery and according to the article he lottery and according to the article he blew most of his cash on booze, babes blew most of his cash on booze, babes blew most of his cash on booze, babes and bad investments and he concluded a and bad investments and he concluded a and bad investments and he concluded a fool and his money are soon parted. fool and his money are soon parted. fool and his money are soon parted. Honey, I acted like a fool. Then there's Honey, I acted like a fool. Then there's Honey, I acted like a fool. Then there's the sad story of Jack Whitaker. You may the sad story of Jack Whitaker. You may the sad story of Jack Whitaker. You may have heard of him. He won $315 million have heard of him. He won $315 million have heard of him. He won $315 million in the lottery. Eight months after his in the lottery. Eight months after his in the lottery. Eight months after his big score, he was robbed of $545,000 big score, he was robbed of $545,000 big score, he was robbed of $545,000 in a strip club. You know, it's it's a in a strip club. You know, it's it's a in a strip club. You know, it's it's a bad idea to go to a strip club. Okay, bad idea to go to a strip club. Okay, bad idea to go to a strip club. Okay, can we just establish that? But to go can we just establish that? But to go can we just establish that? But to go into a strip club with $500,000 in a into a strip club with $500,000 in a into a strip club with $500,000 in a briefcase, even a worse idea. So, he got briefcase, even a worse idea. So, he got briefcase, even a worse idea. So, he got robbed. A month later, tragically, his robbed. A month later, tragically, his robbed. A month later, tragically, his granddaughter died of an overdose of

granddaughter died of an overdose of granddaughter died of an overdose of drugs bought with an allowance that he drugs bought with an allowance that he drugs bought with an allowance that he gave her after he won the lottery. And a gave her after he won the lottery. And a gave her after he won the lottery. And a short time later, his daughter also died short time later, his daughter also died short time later, his daughter also died of a drug overdose. He told reporters, of a drug overdose. He told reporters, of a drug overdose. He told reporters, "I wish I'd torn that lottery ticket "I wish I'd torn that lottery ticket "I wish I'd torn that lottery ticket up." And I bring this up because I think up." And I bring this up because I think up." And I bring this up because I think sometimes we may think, man, if I just sometimes we may think, man, if I just sometimes we may think, man, if I just had that much money, I know I would be had that much money, I know I would be had that much money, I know I would be content. If I just had this content. If I just had this content. If I just had this relationship, I know I would be content. relationship, I know I would be content. relationship, I know I would be content. And so, here's my question. Are you a And so, here's my question. Are you a And so, here's my question. Are you a happy and content person tonight? happy and content person tonight? happy and content person tonight? Because the theme of this epistle uh of Because the theme of this epistle uh of Because the theme of this epistle uh of Paul to the Philippians, to the church Paul to the Philippians, to the church Paul to the Philippians, to the church of Philippi, is how to be happy, how to of Philippi, is how to be happy, how to of Philippi, is how to be happy, how to be fulfilled, and how to be content. And be fulfilled, and how to be content. And be fulfilled, and how to be content. And you think, well, if I just had this, I you think, well, if I just had this, I you think, well, if I just had this, I know I would find contentment. I heard know I would find contentment. I heard know I would find contentment. I heard the story of a wealthy employer who once the story of a wealthy employer who once the story of a wealthy employer who once heard one of his employees say, "If I heard one of his employees say, "If I heard one of his employees say, "If I had $1,000, I know I'd be content." He had $1,000, I know I'd be content." He had $1,000, I know I'd be content." He said, "Really?" He walked over. He said, said, "Really?" He walked over. He said, said, "Really?" He walked over. He said, "You know, I've never found contentment "You know, I've never found contentment "You know, I've never found contentment for my money, and I'm going to reach in for my money, and I'm going to reach in for my money, and I'm going to reach in my pocket here and give you $1,000.

my pocket here and give you $1,000. my pocket here and give you $1,000. There you go." And and he walked away There you go." And and he walked away There you go." And and he walked away and overheard the person say, "I should and overheard the person say, "I should and overheard the person say, "I should have asked for $2,000." have asked for $2,000." have asked for $2,000." Right? I mean, that's uh human nature Right? I mean, that's uh human nature Right? I mean, that's uh human nature for you, isn't it? Uh experts have for you, isn't it? Uh experts have for you, isn't it? Uh experts have proven that getting more stuff does not proven that getting more stuff does not proven that getting more stuff does not bring happiness or contentment. One bring happiness or contentment. One bring happiness or contentment. One psychologist who had done a lot of study psychologist who had done a lot of study psychologist who had done a lot of study on what brings contentment concluded on what brings contentment concluded on what brings contentment concluded quote if people shoot for a certain quote if people shoot for a certain quote if people shoot for a certain level of affluence thinking that will level of affluence thinking that will level of affluence thinking that will make them happy they find that on make them happy they find that on make them happy they find that on reaching it they become very quickly reaching it they become very quickly reaching it they become very quickly habituated and at that point they start habituated and at that point they start habituated and at that point they start hankering for the next level of income hankering for the next level of income hankering for the next level of income property or good health. So it just goes property or good health. So it just goes property or good health. So it just goes on and on. The Bible says hell and on and on. The Bible says hell and on and on. The Bible says hell and destruction is never full and so is the destruction is never full and so is the destruction is never full and so is the heart of man never satisfied. But here heart of man never satisfied. But here heart of man never satisfied. But here in Philippians is a man who found in Philippians is a man who found in Philippians is a man who found satisfaction. And he's sharing the satisfaction. And he's sharing the satisfaction. And he's sharing the secret with us. Now remember that the secret with us. Now remember that the secret with us. Now remember that the theme of this book as I've already theme of this book as I've already theme of this book as I've already pointed out has been joy and happiness. pointed out has been joy and happiness. pointed out has been joy and happiness. And Paul had nothing to be happy about.

And Paul had nothing to be happy about. And Paul had nothing to be happy about. He was actually under house arrest at He was actually under house arrest at He was actually under house arrest at the time. He didn't know how things were the time. He didn't know how things were the time. He didn't know how things were going to turn out for him. He might be going to turn out for him. He might be going to turn out for him. He might be acquitted or he might be beheaded. Yet acquitted or he might be beheaded. Yet acquitted or he might be beheaded. Yet in the midst of all of this, he writes in the midst of all of this, he writes in the midst of all of this, he writes in the book of Philippians, "Rejoice in in the book of Philippians, "Rejoice in in the book of Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always." And again, I say the Lord always." And again, I say the Lord always." And again, I say rejoice. So what is the secret to Paul's rejoice. So what is the secret to Paul's rejoice. So what is the secret to Paul's happiness and contentment? Well, the happiness and contentment? Well, the happiness and contentment? Well, the answer to that is found in a word that answer to that is found in a word that answer to that is found in a word that is often repeated in the book of is often repeated in the book of is often repeated in the book of Philippians. It's the word mind. He uses Philippians. It's the word mind. He uses Philippians. It's the word mind. He uses the word mind 10 times and also the word the word mind 10 times and also the word the word mind 10 times and also the word think five times. Add to that the times think five times. Add to that the times think five times. Add to that the times he uses the word remember and you have he uses the word remember and you have he uses the word remember and you have 16 references to the mind. So simply 16 references to the mind. So simply 16 references to the mind. So simply Paul is telling us we need to learn how Paul is telling us we need to learn how Paul is telling us we need to learn how to think right. We need to learn how to to think right. We need to learn how to to think right. We need to learn how to think biblically. We need the right think biblically. We need the right think biblically. We need the right mind, attitude, and outlook as we have mind, attitude, and outlook as we have mind, attitude, and outlook as we have God's joy in a troubled world. So let's God's joy in a troubled world. So let's God's joy in a troubled world. So let's read together Philippians 4 starting in read together Philippians 4 starting in read together Philippians 4 starting in verse 10. But I rejoice in the Lord verse 10. But I rejoice in the Lord verse 10. But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for greatly that now at last your care for greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again. Though you me has flourished again. Though you me has flourished again. Though you surely did care, but you lacked surely did care, but you lacked surely did care, but you lacked opportunity, not that I speak in regard opportunity, not that I speak in regard opportunity, not that I speak in regard to need, but I have learned in whatever to need, but I have learned in whatever to need, but I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content. Underline state I am in to be content. Underline state I am in to be content. Underline that verse. I've learned in whatever that verse. I've learned in whatever that verse. I've learned in whatever state I'm in to be content. For I know state I'm in to be content. For I know state I'm in to be content. For I know how to be a base. Verse 12. I know how how to be a base. Verse 12. I know how how to be a base. Verse 12. I know how to abound everywhere and in all things.

to abound everywhere and in all things. to abound everywhere and in all things. And I've learned both in being full and And I've learned both in being full and And I've learned both in being full and being hungry, when I'm abounding and being hungry, when I'm abounding and being hungry, when I'm abounding and when I'm suffering need. Verse 13, I can when I'm suffering need. Verse 13, I can when I'm suffering need. Verse 13, I can do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Great verse. We think strengthens me. Great verse. We think strengthens me. Great verse. We think we're going to find that contentment we're going to find that contentment we're going to find that contentment from a bigger home, a nicer or faster from a bigger home, a nicer or faster from a bigger home, a nicer or faster car, a higher sp a higher salary, or car, a higher sp a higher salary, or car, a higher sp a higher salary, or maybe a new spouse, or a new face or a maybe a new spouse, or a new face or a maybe a new spouse, or a new face or a new body because the grass is always new body because the grass is always new body because the grass is always greener on the other side. Right? But greener on the other side. Right? But greener on the other side. Right? But real contentment according to the Bible real contentment according to the Bible real contentment according to the Bible is not a state of account. It's a state is not a state of account. It's a state is not a state of account. It's a state of heart. Let me repeat that. Real of heart. Let me repeat that. Real of heart. Let me repeat that. Real contentment according to the Bible is contentment according to the Bible is contentment according to the Bible is not a state of account. It's a state of not a state of account. It's a state of not a state of account. It's a state of heart. There's a Japanese proverb that heart. There's a Japanese proverb that heart. There's a Japanese proverb that says, quote, "Even if you sleep in a says, quote, "Even if you sleep in a says, quote, "Even if you sleep in a thousand mat room, you can only sleep on thousand mat room, you can only sleep on thousand mat room, you can only sleep on one mat." And that's true. And as I one mat." And that's true. And as I one mat." And that's true. And as I pointed out, Paul was uncertain about pointed out, Paul was uncertain about pointed out, Paul was uncertain about his future. And and if this wasn't his future. And and if this wasn't his future. And and if this wasn't enough, uh, the believers were sort of enough, uh, the believers were sort of enough, uh, the believers were sort of divided on Paul. Man, you would think divided on Paul. Man, you would think divided on Paul. Man, you would think everyone would think Paul was the everyone would think Paul was the everyone would think Paul was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I greatest thing since sliced bread. I greatest thing since sliced bread. I mean he's like the living breathing mean he's like the living breathing mean he's like the living breathing apostle reading giving scripture to us apostle reading giving scripture to us apostle reading giving scripture to us but some had turned against Paul some but some had turned against Paul some but some had turned against Paul some were critical of Paul there was some were critical of Paul there was some were critical of Paul there was some division about Paul and then others of division about Paul and then others of division about Paul and then others of course loved him deeply and uh so he's course loved him deeply and uh so he's course loved him deeply and uh so he's facing all of this yet he has found this facing all of this yet he has found this facing all of this yet he has found this great contentment listen contentment can great contentment listen contentment can great contentment listen contentment can come not just because we have conquered

come not just because we have conquered come not just because we have conquered our circumstances but because we have our circumstances but because we have our circumstances but because we have learned to live with him I want to say learned to live with him I want to say learned to live with him I want to say that again contentment can come not that again contentment can come not that again contentment can come not because we have necessarily conquered because we have necessarily conquered because we have necessarily conquered our circumstances but because we have our circumstances but because we have our circumstances but because we have learned to live with them. I read about learned to live with them. I read about learned to live with them. I read about a man who had this very beautifully a man who had this very beautifully a man who had this very beautifully groomed front lawn. It was just groomed front lawn. It was just groomed front lawn. It was just absolutely perfect. And then a heavy absolutely perfect. And then a heavy absolutely perfect. And then a heavy crop of dandelions showed up and uh he crop of dandelions showed up and uh he crop of dandelions showed up and uh he tried everything he could to get rid of tried everything he could to get rid of tried everything he could to get rid of them and nothing worked. And so he wrote them and nothing worked. And so he wrote them and nothing worked. And so he wrote a letter to the school of agriculture uh a letter to the school of agriculture uh a letter to the school of agriculture uh telling him all the things he had tried telling him all the things he had tried telling him all the things he had tried looking for some advice of how to get looking for some advice of how to get looking for some advice of how to get rid of the dandelions. And they emailed rid of the dandelions. And they emailed rid of the dandelions. And they emailed him back and said he where he said what him back and said he where he said what him back and said he where he said what should I do now? And they emailed back should I do now? And they emailed back should I do now? And they emailed back this response. We ju we we suggest you this response. We ju we we suggest you this response. We ju we we suggest you learn to love them. learn to love them. learn to love them. And sometimes we we have dandelions in And sometimes we we have dandelions in And sometimes we we have dandelions in our life. We have problems in our life our life. We have problems in our life our life. We have problems in our life and we say how do I get rid of this and we say how do I get rid of this and we say how do I get rid of this problem? Maybe you need to adapt. It was problem? Maybe you need to adapt. It was problem? Maybe you need to adapt. It was on this very platform that I interviewed on this very platform that I interviewed on this very platform that I interviewed Johnny Ericson Tatada. You may recall, Johnny Ericson Tatada. You may recall, Johnny Ericson Tatada. You may recall, in fact, it's on the radio today, in fact, it's on the radio today, in fact, it's on the radio today, yesterday, and today my conversation yesterday, and today my conversation yesterday, and today my conversation with her. And as I relisted to it, I was with her. And as I relisted to it, I was with her. And as I relisted to it, I was just stunned by what she said sitting in just stunned by what she said sitting in just stunned by what she said sitting in that wheelchair as a quadriplegic for so that wheelchair as a quadriplegic for so that wheelchair as a quadriplegic for so many years now. She said, "I thank God many years now. She said, "I thank God many years now. She said, "I thank God for this wheelchair." And I'm thinking, for this wheelchair." And I'm thinking, for this wheelchair." And I'm thinking, "Wow." And the reason she can say that "Wow." And the reason she can say that "Wow." And the reason she can say that is because she has come into a such a is because she has come into a such a is because she has come into a such a deep relationship with Jesus that she's

deep relationship with Jesus that she's deep relationship with Jesus that she's saying, "I wouldn't have it any other saying, "I wouldn't have it any other saying, "I wouldn't have it any other way." Boy, you talk about adapting. So, way." Boy, you talk about adapting. So, way." Boy, you talk about adapting. So, I don't know what you're facing right I don't know what you're facing right I don't know what you're facing right now. I don't know what new problem has now. I don't know what new problem has now. I don't know what new problem has come into your life, but I want you to come into your life, but I want you to come into your life, but I want you to realize that you can adapt to it and you realize that you can adapt to it and you realize that you can adapt to it and you can find a state of contentment. Listen, can find a state of contentment. Listen, can find a state of contentment. Listen, Paul says, "I've learned in whatever Paul says, "I've learned in whatever Paul says, "I've learned in whatever state I'm in therein to be content." state I'm in therein to be content." state I'm in therein to be content." Notice he says, "I've learned." Know Notice he says, "I've learned." Know Notice he says, "I've learned." Know this, contentment does not come this, contentment does not come this, contentment does not come naturally. Selfishness comes naturally. naturally. Selfishness comes naturally. naturally. Selfishness comes naturally. Just watch children. You can have a Just watch children. You can have a Just watch children. You can have a child playing with a couple of toys, child playing with a couple of toys, child playing with a couple of toys, just as happy as can be, content. just as happy as can be, content. just as happy as can be, content. Another child walks in the room with a Another child walks in the room with a Another child walks in the room with a different toy, and suddenly that child different toy, and suddenly that child different toy, and suddenly that child with the other toys is no longer happy. with the other toys is no longer happy. with the other toys is no longer happy. Right, boy? I am sure glad we outgrow Right, boy? I am sure glad we outgrow Right, boy? I am sure glad we outgrow that, aren't you? Oh, wait a second. We that, aren't you? Oh, wait a second. We that, aren't you? Oh, wait a second. We don't. don't. don't. What's that saying? The only difference What's that saying? The only difference What's that saying? The only difference between the men and the boys is the between the men and the boys is the between the men and the boys is the price of their toys. Haven't you ever price of their toys. Haven't you ever price of their toys. Haven't you ever had something you say, "I love this.

had something you say, "I love this. had something you say, "I love this. This is so great. I'm so happy with it." This is so great. I'm so happy with it." This is so great. I'm so happy with it." And then you see someone with maybe a And then you see someone with maybe a And then you see someone with maybe a newer version, a faster version, and newer version, a faster version, and newer version, a faster version, and suddenly you're no longer happy with suddenly you're no longer happy with suddenly you're no longer happy with yours. Maybe you go to a store and yours. Maybe you go to a store and yours. Maybe you go to a store and there's something there you don't really there's something there you don't really there's something there you don't really want it, but there's only one left and want it, but there's only one left and want it, but there's only one left and you think, "I might buy it. I don't you think, "I might buy it. I don't you think, "I might buy it. I don't think I'll buy it. I don't really care. think I'll buy it. I don't really care. think I'll buy it. I don't really care. And as you walk away, someone else And as you walk away, someone else And as you walk away, someone else reaches and grabs it. And suddenly you reaches and grabs it. And suddenly you reaches and grabs it. And suddenly you want it. Why? Because it became more want it. Why? Because it became more want it. Why? Because it became more valuable. No, because somebody else valuable. No, because somebody else valuable. No, because somebody else wanted it. This is human nature. Let me wanted it. This is human nature. Let me wanted it. This is human nature. Let me restate it. It's sinful human nature. restate it. It's sinful human nature. restate it. It's sinful human nature. But we have to learn how to be content. But we have to learn how to be content. But we have to learn how to be content. You have to teach a child how to share. You have to teach a child how to share. You have to teach a child how to share. And in the same way, we need to be And in the same way, we need to be And in the same way, we need to be taught, we need to learn how to be taught, we need to learn how to be taught, we need to learn how to be content. It's interesting the word Paul content. It's interesting the word Paul content. It's interesting the word Paul uses here for I have learned to be uses here for I have learned to be uses here for I have learned to be content is a word in the original content is a word in the original content is a word in the original language that could be translated I've language that could be translated I've language that could be translated I've attained or been initiated. attained or been initiated. attained or been initiated. It's sort of a phrase that would be used It's sort of a phrase that would be used It's sort of a phrase that would be used at the time of by the pagans even to at the time of by the pagans even to at the time of by the pagans even to talk about attaining sort of a hidden talk about attaining sort of a hidden talk about attaining sort of a hidden truth. So Paul's almost having a little truth. So Paul's almost having a little truth. So Paul's almost having a little fun with this and he's saying, "Hey, I fun with this and he's saying, "Hey, I fun with this and he's saying, "Hey, I found the hidden truth. I've been found the hidden truth. I've been found the hidden truth. I've been initiated. I know the secret. What is initiated. I know the secret. What is initiated. I know the secret. What is it? I've learned in whatever state I'm it? I've learned in whatever state I'm it? I've learned in whatever state I'm in therein to be content. But but how in therein to be content. But but how in therein to be content. But but how did you learn this Paul? Verse 12. I did you learn this Paul? Verse 12. I did you learn this Paul? Verse 12. I know how to be abased and I know how to know how to be abased and I know how to know how to be abased and I know how to abound. In other words, how to be low abound. In other words, how to be low abound. In other words, how to be low and how to be high. Everywhere and in and how to be high. Everywhere and in and how to be high. Everywhere and in all things I've learned to be full and all things I've learned to be full and all things I've learned to be full and to be hungry, to abound and to suffer to be hungry, to abound and to suffer to be hungry, to abound and to suffer need. Another translation puts that

need. Another translation puts that need. Another translation puts that verse this way. Actually, I don't have a verse this way. Actually, I don't have a verse this way. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. sense of needing anything personally. sense of needing anything personally. I'd learned by now to be quite content. I'd learned by now to be quite content. I'd learned by now to be quite content. Whatever my circumstances, I'm just as Whatever my circumstances, I'm just as Whatever my circumstances, I'm just as happy with little as with much, or with happy with little as with much, or with happy with little as with much, or with much as with little. I found the recipe much as with little. I found the recipe much as with little. I found the recipe recipe for being happy, whether full or recipe for being happy, whether full or recipe for being happy, whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Hey, hungry, hands full or hands empty. Hey, hungry, hands full or hands empty. Hey, I've learned it, Paul says. And he I've learned it, Paul says. And he I've learned it, Paul says. And he wasn't angry when he couldn't make ends wasn't angry when he couldn't make ends wasn't angry when he couldn't make ends meet. At the same time, he he was not meet. At the same time, he he was not meet. At the same time, he he was not uneasy when God was blessing him with uneasy when God was blessing him with uneasy when God was blessing him with more than he needed. He had found the more than he needed. He had found the more than he needed. He had found the balance. It reminds us of what is said balance. It reminds us of what is said balance. It reminds us of what is said in Proverbs in Proverbs in Proverbs uh in Proverbs 30:8 it the writer says, uh in Proverbs 30:8 it the writer says, uh in Proverbs 30:8 it the writer says, "Give me neither poverty nor riches. "Give me neither poverty nor riches. "Give me neither poverty nor riches. Give me just enough to satisfy my needs, Give me just enough to satisfy my needs, Give me just enough to satisfy my needs, Lord. For I for if I go rich, I may deny Lord. For I for if I go rich, I may deny Lord. For I for if I go rich, I may deny you and say, who's the Lord? And if I'm you and say, who's the Lord? And if I'm you and say, who's the Lord? And if I'm too poor, I may steal and insult God's too poor, I may steal and insult God's too poor, I may steal and insult God's holy name." Listen, God knows just the holy name." Listen, God knows just the holy name." Listen, God knows just the right amount to give us in every area of right amount to give us in every area of right amount to give us in every area of our life. Okay? So what is the secret of our life. Okay? So what is the secret of our life. Okay? So what is the secret of his contentment? It came down to who he his contentment? It came down to who he his contentment? It came down to who he knew, not to what he had. The secret of knew, not to what he had. The secret of knew, not to what he had. The secret of contentment is found not in what you contentment is found not in what you contentment is found not in what you have. It's found in who you know.

have. It's found in who you know. have. It's found in who you know. Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your way of Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your way of Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your way of living be without coveting. And be living be without coveting. And be living be without coveting. And be content with such things as you get, for content with such things as you get, for content with such things as you get, for he has said, I will never leave you or he has said, I will never leave you or he has said, I will never leave you or forsake you." When you have Christ in forsake you." When you have Christ in forsake you." When you have Christ in your life and you're having a close your life and you're having a close your life and you're having a close friendship and relationship with him, uh friendship and relationship with him, uh friendship and relationship with him, uh praying and digging into his word and praying and digging into his word and praying and digging into his word and becoming more like him each and every becoming more like him each and every becoming more like him each and every day, you'll find that contentment day, you'll find that contentment day, you'll find that contentment because he is with you. This is what because he is with you. This is what because he is with you. This is what David meant when he wrote, "The Lord is David meant when he wrote, "The Lord is David meant when he wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want." my shepherd. I shall not want." my shepherd. I shall not want." Only the person who can say the Lord is Only the person who can say the Lord is Only the person who can say the Lord is my shepherd can then say I shall not my shepherd can then say I shall not my shepherd can then say I shall not want. And if you're saying to me right want. And if you're saying to me right want. And if you're saying to me right now, you're always wanting. It always now, you're always wanting. It always now, you're always wanting. It always has to be the next thing, the bigger has to be the next thing, the bigger has to be the next thing, the bigger thing, the latest thing, or whatever. Is thing, the latest thing, or whatever. Is thing, the latest thing, or whatever. Is the Lord really your shepherd? Have you the Lord really your shepherd? Have you the Lord really your shepherd? Have you really come to know him the way you need really come to know him the way you need really come to know him the way you need to? Contentment is not a state of to? Contentment is not a state of to? Contentment is not a state of account, as I said, but a state of account, as I said, but a state of account, as I said, but a state of heart. Real contentment is found in heart. Real contentment is found in heart. Real contentment is found in making the most of the least.

making the most of the least. making the most of the least. Real contentment is found in making the Real contentment is found in making the Real contentment is found in making the most of the least. Now look at what Paul most of the least. Now look at what Paul most of the least. Now look at what Paul says in verse 13. I can do all things says in verse 13. I can do all things says in verse 13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can through Christ who strengthens me. I can through Christ who strengthens me. I can do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Now understand, Paul had strengthens me. Now understand, Paul had strengthens me. Now understand, Paul had the very unusual experience of dying and the very unusual experience of dying and the very unusual experience of dying and going to heaven and coming back to earth going to heaven and coming back to earth going to heaven and coming back to earth again, which you know actually wouldn't again, which you know actually wouldn't again, which you know actually wouldn't be that great of a thing. I mean, can be that great of a thing. I mean, can be that great of a thing. I mean, can you imagine dying and going to heaven you imagine dying and going to heaven you imagine dying and going to heaven and having to come back to earth? You and having to come back to earth? You and having to come back to earth? You know, we often wish our loved ones who know, we often wish our loved ones who know, we often wish our loved ones who have preceded us to heaven would come have preceded us to heaven would come have preceded us to heaven would come back to us. But they can't. And they and back to us. But they can't. And they and back to us. But they can't. And they and I don't think they would if they could. I don't think they would if they could. I don't think they would if they could. And I don't think if you were in heaven, And I don't think if you were in heaven, And I don't think if you were in heaven, if given a choice, you would want to go if given a choice, you would want to go if given a choice, you would want to go back either. Uh, but here's Paul. He he back either. Uh, but here's Paul. He he back either. Uh, but here's Paul. He he dies. We don't know when exactly it dies. We don't know when exactly it dies. We don't know when exactly it happened. We assume it may have been a happened. We assume it may have been a happened. We assume it may have been a stoning in Antioch where he was thought stoning in Antioch where he was thought stoning in Antioch where he was thought of as dead. So it may have been at that of as dead. So it may have been at that of as dead. So it may have been at that moment he entered into God's presence. moment he entered into God's presence. moment he entered into God's presence. And there he is and he's welcomed by the And there he is and he's welcomed by the And there he is and he's welcomed by the Lord himself. Welcome to heaven, Paul.

Lord himself. Welcome to heaven, Paul. Lord himself. Welcome to heaven, Paul. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done, good and faithful servant. Lord, it's great to be here, Paul. I've Lord, it's great to be here, Paul. I've Lord, it's great to be here, Paul. I've got some good news and some bad news. got some good news and some bad news. got some good news and some bad news. What's the good news, Lord? Well, you're What's the good news, Lord? Well, you're What's the good news, Lord? Well, you're coming back again. Back again? Yeah, coming back again. Back again? Yeah, coming back again. Back again? Yeah, that brings me to the bad news. I'm that brings me to the bad news. I'm that brings me to the bad news. I'm going to send you back to planet Earth. going to send you back to planet Earth. going to send you back to planet Earth. But Lord, why? Well, there's some But Lord, why? Well, there's some But Lord, why? Well, there's some believers down there praying that you believers down there praying that you believers down there praying that you will be raised from the dead. Lord, will be raised from the dead. Lord, will be raised from the dead. Lord, don't listen to their prayers. don't listen to their prayers. don't listen to their prayers. Paul might have said they're sinners. I Paul might have said they're sinners. I Paul might have said they're sinners. I don't want to go back. Oh Lord, uh Paul, don't want to go back. Oh Lord, uh Paul, don't want to go back. Oh Lord, uh Paul, I have a work for you to do still. So I have a work for you to do still. So I have a work for you to do still. So meanwhile, back there in Antioch, maybe meanwhile, back there in Antioch, maybe meanwhile, back there in Antioch, maybe they're praying for Paul. Oh Lord, help they're praying for Paul. Oh Lord, help they're praying for Paul. Oh Lord, help Paul. Lord, we love Paul. And all of a Paul. Lord, we love Paul. And all of a Paul. Lord, we love Paul. And all of a sudden, you know, this the color comes sudden, you know, this the color comes sudden, you know, this the color comes back into his face and he his eyes back into his face and he his eyes back into his face and he his eyes flutter and his hand turns into a fist flutter and his hand turns into a fist flutter and his hand turns into a fist and boom, he hit someone. I mean, that's and boom, he hit someone. I mean, that's and boom, he hit someone. I mean, that's what I would have done. Like what are what I would have done. Like what are what I would have done. Like what are you doing praying for me to come back? you doing praying for me to come back? you doing praying for me to come back? But he had been to heaven. But he had been to heaven. But he had been to heaven. Interesting. He didn't write a book Interesting. He didn't write a book Interesting. He didn't write a book about it. So many people have gone to about it. So many people have gone to about it. So many people have gone to heaven. I'll put that in quotes. And heaven. I'll put that in quotes. And heaven. I'll put that in quotes. And written books about it. Do you believe written books about it. Do you believe written books about it. Do you believe these stories, Greg? You want my honest these stories, Greg? You want my honest these stories, Greg? You want my honest opinion? Generally, no. Well, don't be a opinion? Generally, no. Well, don't be a opinion? Generally, no. Well, don't be a doubter. Well, how about if I be a doubter. Well, how about if I be a doubter. Well, how about if I be a skeptic? The only reliable source on the skeptic? The only reliable source on the skeptic? The only reliable source on the topic of heaven is the book I'm holding topic of heaven is the book I'm holding topic of heaven is the book I'm holding in my hand, the Bible. This is in my hand, the Bible. This is in my hand, the Bible. This is trustworthy.

trustworthy. trustworthy. [applause] [applause] [applause] Someone writes a book and says, "I went Someone writes a book and says, "I went Someone writes a book and says, "I went to heaven. and I saw unicorns and to heaven. and I saw unicorns and to heaven. and I saw unicorns and rainbows and ice cream. You know, rainbows and ice cream. You know, rainbows and ice cream. You know, wonderful. Maybe that happened, maybe wonderful. Maybe that happened, maybe wonderful. Maybe that happened, maybe that didn't happen. I have no way of that didn't happen. I have no way of that didn't happen. I have no way of quantifying your statements, but I know quantifying your statements, but I know quantifying your statements, but I know this book is true. So, I'm not really this book is true. So, I'm not really this book is true. So, I'm not really going to attach a lot of importance to going to attach a lot of importance to going to attach a lot of importance to what you are saying, but I am going to what you are saying, but I am going to what you are saying, but I am going to attach a lot of importance to what the attach a lot of importance to what the attach a lot of importance to what the Bible is saying. And here's what Paul Bible is saying. And here's what Paul Bible is saying. And here's what Paul said. He he went into God's presence. He said. He he went into God's presence. He said. He he went into God's presence. He says, "Now look, if I was in the body or says, "Now look, if I was in the body or says, "Now look, if I was in the body or out of the body, actually, I'm not out of the body, actually, I'm not out of the body, actually, I'm not really sure, but I I'll tell you this. I really sure, but I I'll tell you this. I really sure, but I I'll tell you this. I heard things that that I can't even heard things that that I can't even heard things that that I can't even explain. And what I saw was paradise." explain. And what I saw was paradise." explain. And what I saw was paradise." He uses an interesting word in the He uses an interesting word in the He uses an interesting word in the Greek. It was a paradise, which was a Greek. It was a paradise, which was a Greek. It was a paradise, which was a word that was used to describe the royal word that was used to describe the royal word that was used to describe the royal garden of a king. So, think of a garden of a king. So, think of a garden of a king. So, think of a magnificent estate uh with beautifully magnificent estate uh with beautifully magnificent estate uh with beautifully manicured gardens that went on forever. manicured gardens that went on forever. manicured gardens that went on forever. Paul uses that picture to describe what Paul uses that picture to describe what Paul uses that picture to describe what he saw. But then he goes on to say in he saw. But then he goes on to say in he saw. But then he goes on to say in the book of Corinthians uh that the Lord the book of Corinthians uh that the Lord the book of Corinthians uh that the Lord sent him a thorn in the flesh to keep sent him a thorn in the flesh to keep sent him a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble after having a revelation of him humble after having a revelation of him humble after having a revelation of this kind. And uh three times he asked this kind. And uh three times he asked this kind. And uh three times he asked the Lord to take it away and the Lord the Lord to take it away and the Lord the Lord to take it away and the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you."

said, "My grace is sufficient for you." said, "My grace is sufficient for you." And Paul says, "So I'll boast of my And Paul says, "So I'll boast of my And Paul says, "So I'll boast of my infirmities that the power of Christ may infirmities that the power of Christ may infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." So are these the words of rest upon me." So are these the words of rest upon me." So are these the words of a mad man? No. than the words of a man a mad man? No. than the words of a man a mad man? No. than the words of a man who had found contentment in fellowship who had found contentment in fellowship who had found contentment in fellowship with God regardless of problems or with God regardless of problems or with God regardless of problems or circumstances. Listen, contentment is circumstances. Listen, contentment is circumstances. Listen, contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want. not the fulfillment of what you want. not the fulfillment of what you want. Contentment is the realization of how Contentment is the realization of how Contentment is the realization of how much you already have. Let me say it much you already have. Let me say it much you already have. Let me say it again. Listen to this. Contentment is again. Listen to this. Contentment is again. Listen to this. Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want. It not the fulfillment of what you want. It not the fulfillment of what you want. It is the realization of how much you is the realization of how much you is the realization of how much you already have. Contentment is already have. Contentment is already have. Contentment is understanding that if I'm not satisfied understanding that if I'm not satisfied understanding that if I'm not satisfied with what I have, I'll never be with what I have, I'll never be with what I have, I'll never be satisfied with what I want. And here's satisfied with what I want. And here's satisfied with what I want. And here's what the Bible says. 1 Timothy 6:6, what the Bible says. 1 Timothy 6:6, what the Bible says. 1 Timothy 6:6, godliness with contentment is great godliness with contentment is great godliness with contentment is great gain. We brought nothing into the world gain. We brought nothing into the world gain. We brought nothing into the world will carry nothing out. So having food will carry nothing out. So having food will carry nothing out. So having food and clothing, be content. Do you have a and clothing, be content. Do you have a and clothing, be content. Do you have a meal in your stomach? Do you have meal in your stomach? Do you have meal in your stomach? Do you have clothes on your back? some form of clothes on your back? some form of clothes on your back? some form of transportation that got you here to this transportation that got you here to this transportation that got you here to this service. Be content. Stop looking over service. Be content. Stop looking over service. Be content. Stop looking over your shoulder and saying, "If only I had your shoulder and saying, "If only I had your shoulder and saying, "If only I had this or I had that because I could just this or I had that because I could just this or I had that because I could just as easily say, why don't you come with as easily say, why don't you come with as easily say, why don't you come with me over to the hospital and we'll visit me over to the hospital and we'll visit me over to the hospital and we'll visit this person that is facing cancer right this person that is facing cancer right this person that is facing cancer right now." Or why don't we go over here and now." Or why don't we go over here and now." Or why don't we go over here and have another conversation with Johnny have another conversation with Johnny have another conversation with Johnny Ericson Tada who has spent most of her Ericson Tada who has spent most of her Ericson Tada who has spent most of her life in a wheelchair. And after that, we life in a wheelchair. And after that, we life in a wheelchair. And after that, we can go over here and talk to someone who can go over here and talk to someone who can go over here and talk to someone who just lost a child. And you're talking

just lost a child. And you're talking just lost a child. And you're talking about how hard you have it. Look, we all about how hard you have it. Look, we all about how hard you have it. Look, we all have our trials and tribulations, but no have our trials and tribulations, but no have our trials and tribulations, but no matter what, we can find our contentment matter what, we can find our contentment matter what, we can find our contentment and our relationship with God. Be and our relationship with God. Be and our relationship with God. Be content. content. content. [applause] Again, it does not come from what you Again, it does not come from what you have. It comes from who you know. have. It comes from who you know. have. It comes from who you know. There's an Arabian proverb, very There's an Arabian proverb, very There's an Arabian proverb, very profound. I'll put it on the screen here profound. I'll put it on the screen here profound. I'll put it on the screen here so you can take it in. Arabian proverb. so you can take it in. Arabian proverb. so you can take it in. Arabian proverb. Better Better Better to have a handful of dry dates and be to have a handful of dry dates and be to have a handful of dry dates and be content therewith than to own the gate content therewith than to own the gate content therewith than to own the gate of peacocks and be kicked in the eye by of peacocks and be kicked in the eye by of peacocks and be kicked in the eye by a broody camel. a broody camel. a broody camel. Is that not awesome? Is that not awesome? Is that not awesome? Better a handful of dry dates and Better a handful of dry dates and Better a handful of dry dates and content therewith than to own the gate content therewith than to own the gate content therewith than to own the gate of peacocks and be kicked in the eye by of peacocks and be kicked in the eye by of peacocks and be kicked in the eye by a broody camel. a broody camel. a broody camel. I have no idea what that means, I have no idea what that means, I have no idea what that means, but I just like but I just like but I just like the idea of being kicked by a broody the idea of being kicked by a broody the idea of being kicked by a broody camel. camel. camel. I think the gist of it is pretty clear.

I think the gist of it is pretty clear. I think the gist of it is pretty clear. That's a real proverb, by the way. I That's a real proverb, by the way. I That's a real proverb, by the way. I think the gist of it is clear. Just be think the gist of it is clear. Just be think the gist of it is clear. Just be content with what you have. I'm not sure content with what you have. I'm not sure content with what you have. I'm not sure about what the gate of peacocks is or or about what the gate of peacocks is or or about what the gate of peacocks is or or who this broody camel is. I've met a few who this broody camel is. I've met a few who this broody camel is. I've met a few moody camels. I've met even more moody camels. I've met even more moody camels. I've met even more spitting camels. Uh if you've ever been spitting camels. Uh if you've ever been spitting camels. Uh if you've ever been to Israel, they'll spit right in your to Israel, they'll spit right in your to Israel, they'll spit right in your face. Um, but be content with what you face. Um, but be content with what you face. Um, but be content with what you have. Now, verse 13, a a keeper verse. have. Now, verse 13, a a keeper verse. have. Now, verse 13, a a keeper verse. Every believer should commit this one to Every believer should commit this one to Every believer should commit this one to memory. Let's say it out loud together. memory. Let's say it out loud together. memory. Let's say it out loud together. Verse 13. I can do all things through Verse 13. I can do all things through Verse 13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Let's say it Christ who strengthens me. Let's say it Christ who strengthens me. Let's say it again. I can do all things through again. I can do all things through again. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Love that Christ who strengthens me. Love that Christ who strengthens me. Love that verse. Don't forget that verse. You verse. Don't forget that verse. You verse. Don't forget that verse. You might need it before the night is over. might need it before the night is over. might need it before the night is over. The JB Phillips which is a paraphrase The JB Phillips which is a paraphrase The JB Phillips which is a paraphrase puts it this way. I'm ready for anything puts it this way. I'm ready for anything puts it this way. I'm ready for anything through the strength of the one who through the strength of the one who through the strength of the one who lives within me. Ready for anything. I lives within me. Ready for anything. I lives within me. Ready for anything. I can do all things through Christ. Take can do all things through Christ. Take can do all things through Christ. Take out the word Christ and put in another out the word Christ and put in another out the word Christ and put in another word and everything fails. I can do all word and everything fails. I can do all word and everything fails. I can do all things through drugs and alcohol that things through drugs and alcohol that things through drugs and alcohol that strengthen me. Some actually believe strengthen me. Some actually believe strengthen me. Some actually believe that. something. If I just had a good that. something. If I just had a good that. something. If I just had a good stiff drink, if I smoked another joint, stiff drink, if I smoked another joint, stiff drink, if I smoked another joint, if I had another hit, everything will be if I had another hit, everything will be if I had another hit, everything will be fine. But of course, it isn't fine. I fine. But of course, it isn't fine. I fine. But of course, it isn't fine. I just read about a lead singer of a rock just read about a lead singer of a rock just read about a lead singer of a rock band that just committed suicide. And he band that just committed suicide. And he band that just committed suicide. And he uh talked about the fact that he had

uh talked about the fact that he had uh talked about the fact that he had been using drugs ever since he was a been using drugs ever since he was a been using drugs ever since he was a young man. Here's a guy with his fame young man. Here's a guy with his fame young man. Here's a guy with his fame and his fortune and and just at a and his fortune and and just at a and his fortune and and just at a concert last night, and then he took his concert last night, and then he took his concert last night, and then he took his own life. And when are we going to get own life. And when are we going to get own life. And when are we going to get the memo that these people in Hollywood the memo that these people in Hollywood the memo that these people in Hollywood have nothing to tell us? Nothing. Uh we have nothing to tell us? Nothing. Uh we have nothing to tell us? Nothing. Uh we admire them. We follow them on admire them. We follow them on admire them. We follow them on Instagram. We think they're our friends. Instagram. We think they're our friends. Instagram. We think they're our friends. A and we talk about them and and you A and we talk about them and and you A and we talk about them and and you look at the empty lives so many of them look at the empty lives so many of them look at the empty lives so many of them live and how some of them become strung live and how some of them become strung live and how some of them become strung out on drugs and alcohol. Some of them out on drugs and alcohol. Some of them out on drugs and alcohol. Some of them take their lives. They can't keep a take their lives. They can't keep a take their lives. They can't keep a marriage longer than like a day. And why marriage longer than like a day. And why marriage longer than like a day. And why do we look to them as our examples? do we look to them as our examples? do we look to them as our examples? These people really have so little to These people really have so little to These people really have so little to offer us. I can do all things through offer us. I can do all things through offer us. I can do all things through drugs and alcohol. No, I can't do drugs and alcohol. No, I can't do drugs and alcohol. No, I can't do anything through drugs and alcohol. In anything through drugs and alcohol. In anything through drugs and alcohol. In fact, they'll make my problems even fact, they'll make my problems even fact, they'll make my problems even worse. How about this? I can do all worse. How about this? I can do all worse. How about this? I can do all things through education that things through education that things through education that strengthens me. I have a good education. strengthens me. I have a good education. strengthens me. I have a good education. I have my degree that I can face I have my degree that I can face I have my degree that I can face anything. No, not really. That won't do anything. No, not really. That won't do anything. No, not really. That won't do it either. As wonderful as a good it either. As wonderful as a good it either. As wonderful as a good education is, how about this? I can do education is, how about this? I can do education is, how about this? I can do all things through money that all things through money that all things through money that strengthens me. Well, you can do some strengthens me. Well, you can do some strengthens me. Well, you can do some things with money, but you can't do all things with money, but you can't do all things with money, but you can't do all things, can you? I can do all things things, can you? I can do all things things, can you? I can do all things through success that strengthens me. No, through success that strengthens me. No, through success that strengthens me. No, that doesn't work either. I can do all that doesn't work either. I can do all that doesn't work either. I can do all things through friends who strengthen things through friends who strengthen things through friends who strengthen me. Well, sometimes friends abandon you, me. Well, sometimes friends abandon you, me. Well, sometimes friends abandon you, don't they? How about this one? I can do don't they? How about this one? I can do don't they? How about this one? I can do all things through politics that all things through politics that all things through politics that strengthen me. Not at all.

strengthen me. Not at all. strengthen me. Not at all. You can do some things through politics. You can do some things through politics. You can do some things through politics. There is a place for politics. I think There is a place for politics. I think There is a place for politics. I think it's a great thing when people want to it's a great thing when people want to it's a great thing when people want to run for office and help our country. run for office and help our country. run for office and help our country. Though I have to wonder why anyone would Though I have to wonder why anyone would Though I have to wonder why anyone would want to be in elected office these days want to be in elected office these days want to be in elected office these days and the political climate that we're in and the political climate that we're in and the political climate that we're in and and the ranker and the hostility and and and the ranker and the hostility and and and the ranker and the hostility and the venom that's out there. But there's the venom that's out there. But there's the venom that's out there. But there's some things you can do, but not all some things you can do, but not all some things you can do, but not all things. But Christ fits perfectly. I can things. But Christ fits perfectly. I can things. But Christ fits perfectly. I can do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That fits, doesn't it? strengthens me. That fits, doesn't it? strengthens me. That fits, doesn't it? Haven't you found that to be true? Haven't you found that to be true? Haven't you found that to be true? Because no thing or no one can empower Because no thing or no one can empower Because no thing or no one can empower and enable us to do what God wants us to and enable us to do what God wants us to and enable us to do what God wants us to do except him. It's him working through do except him. It's him working through do except him. It's him working through us. And this, by the way, brings the us. And this, by the way, brings the us. And this, by the way, brings the perfect balance. It shows the place of perfect balance. It shows the place of perfect balance. It shows the place of God's power and man's response. It does God's power and man's response. It does God's power and man's response. It does not teach the Christian does everything not teach the Christian does everything not teach the Christian does everything for themsself. Nor does it teach that for themsself. Nor does it teach that for themsself. Nor does it teach that God does everything for the Christian.

God does everything for the Christian. God does everything for the Christian. It teaches that the power and resources It teaches that the power and resources It teaches that the power and resources that we need are there, but I must that we need are there, but I must that we need are there, but I must appropriate them. I can do all things appropriate them. I can do all things appropriate them. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It through Christ who strengthens me. It through Christ who strengthens me. It doesn't even say Christ does everything doesn't even say Christ does everything doesn't even say Christ does everything and I do nothing. It says I do all and I do nothing. It says I do all and I do nothing. It says I do all things through Christ. But the flip side things through Christ. But the flip side things through Christ. But the flip side of that is according to Jesus in John of that is according to Jesus in John of that is according to Jesus in John 15, apart from me you can do nothing. So 15, apart from me you can do nothing. So 15, apart from me you can do nothing. So on one side of the coin, apart from him on one side of the coin, apart from him on one side of the coin, apart from him I can do nothing. On the other side of I can do nothing. On the other side of I can do nothing. On the other side of the coin I can do all things through the coin I can do all things through the coin I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I love it. Christ who strengthens me. I love it. Christ who strengthens me. I love it. It's just the perfect balance as we It's just the perfect balance as we It's just the perfect balance as we learned earlier in Philippians. Work out learned earlier in Philippians. Work out learned earlier in Philippians. Work out your own salvation with fear and your own salvation with fear and your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that works in trembling. For it is God that works in trembling. For it is God that works in you both through will and do of his good you both through will and do of his good you both through will and do of his good pleasure. So there's God's part and pleasure. So there's God's part and pleasure. So there's God's part and there's my part. work out my own there's my part. work out my own there's my part. work out my own salvation conveys the idea of going into salvation conveys the idea of going into salvation conveys the idea of going into a mine, discovering the gold or the a mine, discovering the gold or the a mine, discovering the gold or the silver and bringing it out. So work it silver and bringing it out. So work it silver and bringing it out. So work it out. Not work for your own salvation. out. Not work for your own salvation. out. Not work for your own salvation. That's impossible. It's a gift, but work That's impossible. It's a gift, but work That's impossible. It's a gift, but work it out. Work it out in your life. But it out. Work it out in your life. But it out. Work it out in your life. But then it goes on to say, for it is God then it goes on to say, for it is God then it goes on to say, for it is God that works in you both to will and do of that works in you both to will and do of that works in you both to will and do of his good pleasure. So God will give you his good pleasure. So God will give you his good pleasure. So God will give you the power, but you must appropriate that the power, but you must appropriate that the power, but you must appropriate that power in your life. If you if you get power in your life. If you if you get power in your life. If you if you get the fastest car on the road, you know, the fastest car on the road, you know, the fastest car on the road, you know, most horsepower of anyone on planet most horsepower of anyone on planet most horsepower of anyone on planet Earth, if you don't fire that car up and Earth, if you don't fire that car up and Earth, if you don't fire that car up and put your pedal to the metal, nothing's put your pedal to the metal, nothing's put your pedal to the metal, nothing's going to happen. And a lot of us are are going to happen. And a lot of us are are going to happen. And a lot of us are are in this fast car, so to speak, this

in this fast car, so to speak, this in this fast car, so to speak, this wonderful Christian life with all the wonderful Christian life with all the wonderful Christian life with all the resources we need, and we never start resources we need, and we never start resources we need, and we never start the car and accelerate. And God has the car and accelerate. And God has the car and accelerate. And God has given you what you need, but you need to given you what you need, but you need to given you what you need, but you need to apply it. Listen to this. This might apply it. Listen to this. This might apply it. Listen to this. This might surprise you. surprise you. surprise you. There are some things only God can do There are some things only God can do There are some things only God can do and some things only you can do. Some and some things only you can do. Some and some things only you can do. Some would disagree. No, God does everything. would disagree. No, God does everything. would disagree. No, God does everything. No. No. Actually, it's not true. Maybe I No. No. Actually, it's not true. Maybe I No. No. Actually, it's not true. Maybe I should restate it another way. There's should restate it another way. There's should restate it another way. There's some things only you can do and some some things only you can do and some some things only you can do and some things only God will do. It's not that things only God will do. It's not that things only God will do. It's not that he can't, but he's given you a free he can't, but he's given you a free he can't, but he's given you a free will. Let me illustrate. Only God can will. Let me illustrate. Only God can will. Let me illustrate. Only God can guide. God will point me in a direction. guide. God will point me in a direction. guide. God will point me in a direction. Say, "Go there." But is God going to Say, "Go there." But is God going to Say, "Go there." But is God going to airlift me over there? Even if I don't airlift me over there? Even if I don't airlift me over there? Even if I don't want to, I don't want to go. I'm air want to, I don't want to go. I'm air want to, I don't want to go. I'm air lifted over. There you go. No, he lifted over. There you go. No, he lifted over. There you go. No, he points. I follow. Only God can guide. points. I follow. Only God can guide. points. I follow. Only God can guide. Only I can follow. Only God can convict Only I can follow. Only God can convict Only I can follow. Only God can convict me of my sin. Only I can repent of my me of my sin. Only I can repent of my me of my sin. Only I can repent of my sin. God will not repent for me. And the sin. God will not repent for me. And the sin. God will not repent for me. And the problem is we often try to do God's part problem is we often try to do God's part problem is we often try to do God's part uh instead of letting him do it. And by uh instead of letting him do it. And by uh instead of letting him do it. And by that I mean if we know someone is not a that I mean if we know someone is not a that I mean if we know someone is not a believer, you know, we get a little believer, you know, we get a little believer, you know, we get a little impatient with them. And so we start impatient with them. And so we start impatient with them. And so we start manipulating a little bit or or uh manipulating a little bit or or uh manipulating a little bit or or uh pressuring them too much and actually pressuring them too much and actually pressuring them too much and actually make the situation worse. We need to make the situation worse. We need to make the situation worse. We need to leave it in the hands of the Lord. Now leave it in the hands of the Lord. Now leave it in the hands of the Lord. Now we get down to some nittygritty stuff as we get down to some nittygritty stuff as we get down to some nittygritty stuff as we wrap up the book of Philippians we wrap up the book of Philippians we wrap up the book of Philippians because we can talk all day about because we can talk all day about because we can talk all day about walking with God and being strengthened

walking with God and being strengthened walking with God and being strengthened by him, but if it does not affect the by him, but if it does not affect the by him, but if it does not affect the way that we live and specifically way that we live and specifically way that we live and specifically according to Paul, the way that we give, according to Paul, the way that we give, according to Paul, the way that we give, it means nothing. Philippians 4:14. it means nothing. Philippians 4:14. it means nothing. Philippians 4:14. Nevertheless, you've done well that you Nevertheless, you've done well that you Nevertheless, you've done well that you share in my distress. Now, you share in my distress. Now, you share in my distress. Now, you Philippians know that in the beginning Philippians know that in the beginning Philippians know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from of the gospel, when I departed from of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me Macedonia, no church shared with me Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving, but you concerning giving and receiving, but you concerning giving and receiving, but you only. Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid only. Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid only. Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not once and again for my necessities. Not once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek a gift, but I seek the fruit that I seek a gift, but I seek the fruit that I seek a gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. And indeed that abounds to your account. And indeed that abounds to your account. And indeed I have all and I am abound and I am full I have all and I am abound and I am full I have all and I am abound and I am full having received from Apapraditis a having received from Apapraditis a having received from Apapraditis a friend of Paul the things that you sent friend of Paul the things that you sent friend of Paul the things that you sent to me which were a sweet smelling aroma to me which were a sweet smelling aroma to me which were a sweet smelling aroma and acceptable sacrifice well pleasing and acceptable sacrifice well pleasing and acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God and God shall supply all of your to God and God shall supply all of your to God and God shall supply all of your need according to his riches and glory need according to his riches and glory need according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus. You know we quote that by Christ Jesus. You know we quote that by Christ Jesus. You know we quote that verse a lot that God will supply all of verse a lot that God will supply all of verse a lot that God will supply all of our needs according to his riches and our needs according to his riches and our needs according to his riches and glory. But we need to see it in its glory. But we need to see it in its glory. But we need to see it in its context. Now I mentioned earlier getting context. Now I mentioned earlier getting context. Now I mentioned earlier getting more stuff does not bring happiness and more stuff does not bring happiness and more stuff does not bring happiness and contentment. Let me make another contentment. Let me make another contentment. Let me make another statement now. Giving more stuff does.

statement now. Giving more stuff does. statement now. Giving more stuff does. Getting more stuff will not make you Getting more stuff will not make you Getting more stuff will not make you happy. Listen, giving more stuff will. happy. Listen, giving more stuff will. happy. Listen, giving more stuff will. Oh yes. Someone say, "Oh, no, no. It's Oh yes. Someone say, "Oh, no, no. It's Oh yes. Someone say, "Oh, no, no. It's all about getting, getting, getting." all about getting, getting, getting." all about getting, getting, getting." No, actually it's about giving, giving, No, actually it's about giving, giving, No, actually it's about giving, giving, giving. Jesus said, "It's more blessed giving. Jesus said, "It's more blessed giving. Jesus said, "It's more blessed to give than to receive." Or a better to give than to receive." Or a better to give than to receive." Or a better way to translate it, it's happier to way to translate it, it's happier to way to translate it, it's happier to give than it is to receive. It's a happy give than it is to receive. It's a happy give than it is to receive. It's a happy thing to give. And so Paul is bringing thing to give. And so Paul is bringing thing to give. And so Paul is bringing this up now as he's talking about these this up now as he's talking about these this up now as he's talking about these believers. He's commending the believers believers. He's commending the believers believers. He's commending the believers in Philippi who are not that well off in Philippi who are not that well off in Philippi who are not that well off financially for helping him out in a financially for helping him out in a financially for helping him out in a pinch. He needed some help financially. pinch. He needed some help financially. pinch. He needed some help financially. He needed food, clothing, other things. He needed food, clothing, other things. He needed food, clothing, other things. And uh and he's saying, "Man, you guys And uh and he's saying, "Man, you guys And uh and he's saying, "Man, you guys came through for me even though you came through for me even though you came through for me even though you really couldn't afford to come through really couldn't afford to come through really couldn't afford to come through for me. And I want to just thank you and for me. And I want to just thank you and for me. And I want to just thank you and tell you this fruit is going to abound tell you this fruit is going to abound tell you this fruit is going to abound to your account." Verse 17, it's not to your account." Verse 17, it's not to your account." Verse 17, it's not that I want the gift, but I seek the that I want the gift, but I seek the that I want the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. See fruit that abounds to your account. See fruit that abounds to your account. See what we need to understand is when we what we need to understand is when we what we need to understand is when we give of our finances to the work of the give of our finances to the work of the give of our finances to the work of the kingdom kingdom kingdom uh we invest spiritually and that will uh we invest spiritually and that will uh we invest spiritually and that will be spiritual fruit to our account. Some be spiritual fruit to our account. Some be spiritual fruit to our account. Some are very able to do a lot and they don't are very able to do a lot and they don't are very able to do a lot and they don't do much. Heard about a wealthy man who do much. Heard about a wealthy man who do much. Heard about a wealthy man who was approached about making a was approached about making a was approached about making a contribution to some cause. the urgent contribution to some cause. the urgent contribution to some cause. the urgent need was stated to him and and he said, need was stated to him and and he said, need was stated to him and and he said, "Now, I know why you think that I can

"Now, I know why you think that I can "Now, I know why you think that I can write you a check for $100,000 write you a check for $100,000 write you a check for $100,000 because I'm a man with my own business because I'm a man with my own business because I'm a man with my own business and and I have all the signs of and and I have all the signs of and and I have all the signs of affluence, but maybe there's some things affluence, but maybe there's some things affluence, but maybe there's some things about my life that you did not know." He about my life that you did not know." He about my life that you did not know." He said, "For instance, did you know that said, "For instance, did you know that said, "For instance, did you know that my mother is in an expensive nursing my mother is in an expensive nursing my mother is in an expensive nursing home right now?" They said, "No, we home right now?" They said, "No, we home right now?" They said, "No, we didn't know that. Sorry." Yeah. Well, didn't know that. Sorry." Yeah. Well, didn't know that. Sorry." Yeah. Well, maybe you didn't know that my brother maybe you didn't know that my brother maybe you didn't know that my brother recently died and left a family of five recently died and left a family of five recently died and left a family of five without insurance. Wow, we didn't know without insurance. Wow, we didn't know without insurance. Wow, we didn't know that either. Yeah, you probably didn't that either. Yeah, you probably didn't that either. Yeah, you probably didn't know that my son, who has a lot of know that my son, who has a lot of know that my son, who has a lot of faith, has gone in the mission field and faith, has gone in the mission field and faith, has gone in the mission field and makes hardly any money and he needs the makes hardly any money and he needs the makes hardly any money and he needs the needs of his family met. No, we didn't needs of his family met. No, we didn't needs of his family met. No, we didn't know that either. And then he says, know that either. And then he says, know that either. And then he says, "Well, if I didn't give any of them a "Well, if I didn't give any of them a "Well, if I didn't give any of them a penny, why should I give you anything?" Oh, there's people like this. lots of Oh, there's people like this. lots of people and they miss out on the people and they miss out on the people and they miss out on the blessing. That's all I'll say. But I blessing. That's all I'll say. But I blessing. That's all I'll say. But I have found that often those that have have found that often those that have have found that often those that have the least will give the most. And the least will give the most. And the least will give the most. And sometimes those that have the most will sometimes those that have the most will sometimes those that have the most will give the least. So what Paul is saying give the least. So what Paul is saying give the least. So what Paul is saying is, hey, remember the work of the Lord.

is, hey, remember the work of the Lord. is, hey, remember the work of the Lord. You know, you set money aside if you're You know, you set money aside if you're You know, you set money aside if you're smart for taxes. smart for taxes. smart for taxes. You set money aside for savings. Uh and You set money aside for savings. Uh and You set money aside for savings. Uh and I hope you set money aside for the I hope you set money aside for the I hope you set money aside for the Lord's work. You know, when you go and Lord's work. You know, when you go and Lord's work. You know, when you go and you get your latte in the morning, as I you get your latte in the morning, as I you get your latte in the morning, as I do, you know, you give a tip to the do, you know, you give a tip to the do, you know, you give a tip to the server, the the barista, right? Here's a server, the the barista, right? Here's a server, the the barista, right? Here's a tip. Thank you very much. Or in the tip. Thank you very much. Or in the tip. Thank you very much. Or in the restaurant, you give a tip. But then restaurant, you give a tip. But then restaurant, you give a tip. But then when we're in church and the offering is when we're in church and the offering is when we're in church and the offering is being received, you're like mystified by being received, you're like mystified by being received, you're like mystified by these weird bags. What what what are these weird bags. What what what are these weird bags. What what what are these? And why are they here? And what these? And why are they here? And what these? And why are they here? And what does this mean? You're supposed to put does this mean? You're supposed to put does this mean? You're supposed to put money in them. That's what it means. money in them. That's what it means. money in them. That's what it means. So you can have fruit abound to your So you can have fruit abound to your So you can have fruit abound to your account. So you can be invested in the account. So you can be invested in the account. So you can be invested in the work that God is doing and every work that God is doing and every work that God is doing and every believer should give. That's what Paul's believer should give. That's what Paul's believer should give. That's what Paul's pointing out and he's commending them pointing out and he's commending them pointing out and he's commending them for giving. Now with that backdrop, we for giving. Now with that backdrop, we for giving. Now with that backdrop, we understand verse 19 which is a very understand verse 19 which is a very understand verse 19 which is a very important verse. My God shall supply all important verse. My God shall supply all important verse. My God shall supply all of your need according to his riches in of your need according to his riches in of your need according to his riches in glory by Christ. Now understand this glory by Christ. Now understand this glory by Christ. Now understand this verse does not float out in space all by verse does not float out in space all by verse does not float out in space all by itself. For every promise of God, there itself. For every promise of God, there itself. For every promise of God, there is a premise. Let me say that again. For is a premise. Let me say that again. For is a premise. Let me say that again. For every promise of God, there is a every promise of God, there is a every promise of God, there is a premise. This promise is embedded in the premise. This promise is embedded in the premise. This promise is embedded in the context of chapter 4. What is the context of chapter 4. What is the context of chapter 4. What is the context? The context is be content with context? The context is be content with context? The context is be content with what you have. Be generous. Give to the what you have. Be generous. Give to the what you have. Be generous. Give to the work of the Lord and my God shall supply

work of the Lord and my God shall supply work of the Lord and my God shall supply all of your needs according to his all of your needs according to his all of your needs according to his riches and glory in Christ. Now, we riches and glory in Christ. Now, we riches and glory in Christ. Now, we generally apply this verse to financial generally apply this verse to financial generally apply this verse to financial challenges. You know, maybe when an challenges. You know, maybe when an challenges. You know, maybe when an unexpected bill comes due or uh there's unexpected bill comes due or uh there's unexpected bill comes due or uh there's some financial crisis, we'll say, "Well, some financial crisis, we'll say, "Well, some financial crisis, we'll say, "Well, the Lord will provide because he the Lord will provide because he the Lord will provide because he promises my God will supply all of my promises my God will supply all of my promises my God will supply all of my needs according to his riches and glory needs according to his riches and glory needs according to his riches and glory in Christ." And that's true, but it's in Christ." And that's true, but it's in Christ." And that's true, but it's not limited to finances. You could apply not limited to finances. You could apply not limited to finances. You could apply it in other areas as well. For instance, it in other areas as well. For instance, it in other areas as well. For instance, if your marriage is in trouble, you if your marriage is in trouble, you if your marriage is in trouble, you could also say, "My God will supply all could also say, "My God will supply all could also say, "My God will supply all of my needs according to his riches and of my needs according to his riches and of my needs according to his riches and glory in Christ." Hey, if you're a glory in Christ." Hey, if you're a glory in Christ." Hey, if you're a single person looking for the right single person looking for the right single person looking for the right person, you could apply this verse. My person, you could apply this verse. My person, you could apply this verse. My God will supply all of my needs God will supply all of my needs God will supply all of my needs according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. If there's a need for Christ Jesus. If there's a need for Christ Jesus. If there's a need for maybe a physical healing, you could maybe a physical healing, you could maybe a physical healing, you could apply it there as well. My God shall apply it there as well. My God shall apply it there as well. My God shall supply all of my needs according to his supply all of my needs according to his supply all of my needs according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. And riches and glory in Christ Jesus. And riches and glory in Christ Jesus. And certainly you can apply it to your certainly you can apply it to your certainly you can apply it to your financial need as well. My God will financial need as well. My God will financial need as well. My God will supply all of my needs according to his supply all of my needs according to his supply all of my needs according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. So riches and glory in Christ Jesus. So riches and glory in Christ Jesus. So this has been all about happiness and this has been all about happiness and this has been all about happiness and contentment. And here's what we've contentment. And here's what we've contentment. And here's what we've learned. Happiness does not come from learned. Happiness does not come from learned. Happiness does not come from seeking self-fululfillment. It comes seeking self-fululfillment. It comes seeking self-fululfillment. It comes from seeking the fulfillment of others.

from seeking the fulfillment of others. from seeking the fulfillment of others. It doesn't come from seeking It doesn't come from seeking It doesn't come from seeking self-fululfillment because then you're self-fululfillment because then you're self-fululfillment because then you're like the proverbial dog chasing its like the proverbial dog chasing its like the proverbial dog chasing its tail. Cuz when you get what you think tail. Cuz when you get what you think tail. Cuz when you get what you think will make you happy, you'll just want will make you happy, you'll just want will make you happy, you'll just want something more. Or you can find it in something more. Or you can find it in something more. Or you can find it in your relationship with God and serving your relationship with God and serving your relationship with God and serving others. Happiness does not come from others. Happiness does not come from others. Happiness does not come from seeking happiness. It comes from seeking seeking happiness. It comes from seeking seeking happiness. It comes from seeking God. when you seek him first in his God. when you seek him first in his God. when you seek him first in his righteousness, which means his rule and righteousness, which means his rule and righteousness, which means his rule and reign in your life. All these things reign in your life. All these things reign in your life. All these things will be added to you. And what are those will be added to you. And what are those will be added to you. And what are those things? What you'll eat, what you'll things? What you'll eat, what you'll things? What you'll eat, what you'll drink, what you wear. Jesus says, "I'll drink, what you wear. Jesus says, "I'll drink, what you wear. Jesus says, "I'll take care of that for you. You just put take care of that for you. You just put take care of that for you. You just put God first and you honor the Lord first God first and you honor the Lord first God first and you honor the Lord first and he'll take care of that." Happiness and he'll take care of that." Happiness and he'll take care of that." Happiness does not come from getting. It comes does not come from getting. It comes does not come from getting. It comes from giving. Contentment does not come from giving. Contentment does not come from giving. Contentment does not come from getting, it comes from giving. from getting, it comes from giving. from getting, it comes from giving. Listen to this. No one has ever been Listen to this. No one has ever been Listen to this. No one has ever been honored for what he received, honored for what he received, honored for what he received, but rather for what he gave. Think about but rather for what he gave. Think about but rather for what he gave. Think about it. Has anyone ever been honored for a it. Has anyone ever been honored for a it. Has anyone ever been honored for a great gift they received? No. But they great gift they received? No. But they great gift they received? No. But they are honored when they gave something.

are honored when they gave something. are honored when they gave something. And that's the point that is before us. And that's the point that is before us. And that's the point that is before us. Listen, you can't take it with you, but Listen, you can't take it with you, but Listen, you can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. you can send it on ahead. you can send it on ahead. And the way you do that is when you live And the way you do that is when you live And the way you do that is when you live your life for the glory of God and your life for the glory of God and your life for the glory of God and dedicate every aspect of it to him. Hey dedicate every aspect of it to him. Hey dedicate every aspect of it to him. Hey everybody, thanks for listening to my everybody, thanks for listening to my everybody, thanks for listening to my podcast. Before you go, I wanted to let podcast. Before you go, I wanted to let podcast. Before you go, I wanted to let you know about the important work we're you know about the important work we're you know about the important work we're doing here at Harvest. You know, we've doing here at Harvest. You know, we've doing here at Harvest. You know, we've had the same goal these last 50 years, had the same goal these last 50 years, had the same goal these last 50 years, which is simply this. We want to know which is simply this. We want to know which is simply this. We want to know God and we want to make him known. And God and we want to make him known. And God and we want to make him known. And we do that in a lot of ways. Documentary we do that in a lot of ways. Documentary we do that in a lot of ways. Documentary films, animation, radio, television, films, animation, radio, television, films, animation, radio, television, large-scale evangelistic events, and large-scale evangelistic events, and large-scale evangelistic events, and more. If you want to be a part of what more. If you want to be a part of what more. If you want to be a part of what we're doing to fulfill the great we're doing to fulfill the great we're doing to fulfill the great commission, you can support us with commission, you can support us with commission, you can support us with whatever you can give at whatever you can give at whatever you can give at harvest.org/donate. harvest.org/donate. harvest.org/donate. Again, that's harvest.org/donate. Again, that's harvest.org/donate. Again, that's harvest.org/donate. And thanks so much.