Ever had someone sneak up on you and suddenly scare you? You probably had a good laugh. Did it make you any less of a person because they tricked you? No. So if after reading this article you find that Discontentment has snuck up on you and it scares you, please don't feel like less than a human being. We can't see everything. We don't have vision like God. But we do have extra spiritual eyes. We have the Holy Spirit and the word of God that exposes everything. (Hebrews 4:12-13) If after doing some heartfelt soul searching you find that Discontentment has snuck up on you thank God for revealing it to you. Confess it, repent, and keep it moving. (Proverbs 28:13)

MY CHILDHOOD

How often have we heard someone say or said ourselves, “If I had been raised this way or that way,” or, “If my childhood had gone like this or that I would be better off?” Might this person be Discontented? Yes, especially if this is a pestering thought. Anyone annoyed by such thoughts is not happy or satisfied with themselves or their circumstances. Some of us see the deceptive trick the Devil has played on someone who feels this way. And remember, it doesn't make us any less of a person if that trick has been played on us. Discontentment is a tricky dude. He sneaks up on us all at one time or another.

Please Read Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 says that God has made the good time as well as the bad time. And no one can straighten what he has made crooked. So if we really believe what God's word says we will accept the good with the bad. That includes our childhood. If we believe God we will stop blaming our parents, our past circumstances, etcetera, for who we are today. Even if our parents sucked at raising us Jesus tells us to forgive them. (Matthew 6:14-15) We are now adults, and have way more control over our own lives. Changing for the better is a good thing. It is often hard but it's worth it. Our human nature though finds it a lot easier to blame others for what we don't like about ourselves. It's much easier to mope in self-pity. If this is how we feel deep down inside Discontentment has snuck up on us. God's word encourages us to deal with our feelings. Believing and following God will nullify all feelings of Discontentment and self-pity. (1 Timothy 6:8)

SHAKE IT OFF

Please Read Proverbs 28:13

The first step to overcoming any wrong thinking is to admit it. We must be honest with God and with ourselves by confessing any feelings of resentment we have towards our parents or anything else. Maybe you didn't have a normal childhood. Maybe there are things you wished you could have done as a child you never got to do. Be honest before God and tell Him how this made you feel. Then please follow His counsel and let it go. We can never change the past. But you can play a big part right now in choosing for yourself how life will be now and in the future. That doesn't mean it will be easy. But it can be done. Positive change is better than allowing resentment to secretly build up in our hearts and destroy us. (1 Peter 5:8-9) Self-pity is a trap of the Devil. Instead, if we delight ourselves in the Lord he WILL give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalms 37:4) Believe God. Don't believe feelings of Discontentment and resentment.

If you've noticed that Discontentment has snuck up on you and it scares you, good. It should scare you. But you can shake it off through confession and believing what the Bible says. Follow God's word not your heart. (Jeremiah 17:9) The human heart is the most treacherous thing of all. If you really want proof that negative things in one's childhood can turn out super good read what the Bible says in John chapter 9 about a man who was born blind, and how this brought glory to God. You are a unique human being. There is no one else on earth created exactly like you. Thank God for creating you and embrace who you are. With God's help make the changes that need to be made for His glory. Changes that will make you better not bitter.

Please Read Colossians 3:17 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The words above just don't seem like enough to tell God how grateful we are for His goodness. But they're all we have. “Thank You Lord,” should roll off our lips constantly. There is so much that God does, has done, and will do for us. We are blessed! It's interesting how it doesn't look that way here on earth sometimes. But looks have been known to be deceiving. No matter what you do, how much wealth you attain, or whatever you become in this world, it all means nothing in the eternal scheme of things if it's not rooted in God. (Mark 8:36)

SET FOR ETERNAL LIFE

Besides having our daily needs met God has given us eternal life. John 3:16 says that anyone who believes in His son Jesus Christ has eternal life. On the other hand every Jesus hater will perish. This life is so short. Can you imagine being shocked after waking up from your worldly dream, only to find out there really is hell to pay for being a God hater? We don't have that problem. We live in Christ and he lives in us. (John 15:5-7) Our future is set forever! We continue to live just as God continues to live. (John 11:25-26) That in itself is enough reason to say, “Thank You Lord!”

Please Read James 3:2

Ever said something you wish you could take back? Hopefully we all have. Why do I say this? Because James 3:2 says we all offend others in what we say and do. If anyone doesn’t they’re perfect. And we know there are no perfect people. Don’t beat yourself up too much for a slip of the tongue. If you can apologize to those you have offended. We can always apologize to God; confessing our sins to Him. (Proverbs 28:13) He knows we fall short and gives us His grace freely. (Romans 3:23-24) No one can go without saying something wrong, it is impossible. Though we should strive to have excellent speech we all have a slip of the tongue now and then.

I think the person most widely known for slipping with his tongue in the Bible is Peter. And I think it’s very unfair. Peter said some of the most profound things in the Bible too. But they don’t get as much publicity. For example, Peter was the first among the disciples to openly acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-20) Peter also was the one who stood before the leaders of the early church and explained to them that God does not show partiality. He is not just the God of the Jews. He is the the God of every person in every nation that fears Him, and lives righteously. (Acts 10:34-35) Peter said and did so many wonderful things. These don’t seem to get the same coverage as Peter’s blunders. Our fallen sinful nature loves to harp on the shortcomings of others. Many so-called religious people today will wish they were like Peter. They don’t even come close to the Man Of God he was. Yet they find fault with him.

Please Read Proverbs 20:9 1 John 1:8-10

No one can honestly say, “I am pure and without sin.” That includes sinning with the words that come out of our mouths. If we say we are sinless we are deceiving ourselves and making God out to be a liar. The truth is not in us. God’s word is not in our hearts. But if we confess our sins (that includes what comes out of our mouths) God is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins. Let’s not pretend we never say anything wrong. Let’s go before the throne of grace and receive mercy from God. Words are very important to Him. If they were not Jesus wouldn’t have said that on Judgment Day people will have to give an account for every useless word that came out of their mouths. (Matthew 12:36-37) Let’s get ahead of the game so to speak. Let’s repent and ask God’s mercy when we have a slip of the tongue. And if we can apologize to others we’ve offended.

Please Read 2 Peter 3:3-7

Everyone is moving like nothing is going on. “All things are happening like they always have since the beginning of time,” they say. “Y'all been saying for years, 'Jesus is coming.' ” Where Is he?” They deliberately forget that God destroyed the world with a flood years ago. And He has appointed the present system to be destroyed by fire on the day of judgment.

Please Read 1 John 2:15-17

God tells us not to love the world. And anyone who loves the world doesn't have love for the Father. Then God describes to us what everything in the world is:

1. The lust of the flesh.

2. The lust of the eyes.

3. The pride of life.

All these come not from the Father but from the world. And they will pass away too. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. They have eternal life with God.

LUST OF THE FLESH

Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh as sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, witchcraft, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, discord, fits of anger, selfish ambition, factions, dissensions, drunkennes, envy, orgies, etcetera. Whoever has these as their lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of God.

LUST OF THE EYES

Some think they're good because they don't commit adultery. But Jesus said anyone who looks at a woman (or man) lustfully has already committed adultery with her/him in their heart. (Matthew 5:27-29) But “lust of the eyes” means way more than this. Coveting with our eyes what is forbidden has many forms.

PRIDE OF LIFE

'I got this, I own that, I'm great for this, I got money,' etcetera. Sounds like the lyrics to one of the latest rap songs. It's also the pride of life. The Bible says pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) The spirit of, 'I'm somebody important; I'm somebody because of this achievement, or that endowment,' has caused many to fall to their destruction. Those who think they're better than everybody else for any reason will not inherit God's kingdom. (Luke 18:9-14)

God breaks down the heart of the world into three components: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We must fight these like the plagues they are. All who stay away from them and do the will of God will live forever in the kingdom of their Father.

Please Read 2 Timothy 2:2

Timothy was told by his mentor the apostle Paul to teach God's word only to faithful, reliable men, who in turn would be able to teach others. This lines up with what is said at Proverbs 9:7-9 which says not to correct or instruct wicked men or mockers. That doing so brings abuse and insults to oneself. Instruct wise men and they will love you it says. Teach the wise and they will become more wise. This also lines up with what Jesus said at Matthew 13:11-12. There we read the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are given to some and not to others. And whoever has will be given more until he has an abundance. And those who do not have even what they have will be taken away from them. So it is clear that the gospel message is not for everybody. But if we have the privilege of sharing God's message with someone on a regular basis 2 Timothy 2:2 behooves us to ask God these questions, “Are we entrusting your word to the right person? Is this person reliable, faithful? Can they be trusted to pass on your sacred secrets to others?

Jesus said at Matthew 7:6 'Do not give what is sacred to dogs or cast your pearls before swine. If you do they will trample them under their feet then turn and tear you to pieces.' Yeah, Jesus said there are certain people we are not to teach the word. And if we ignore his advice we're putting ourselves in danger. People who trample God's words under their feet; who show no appreciation for His precious words, yet pretend they want to learn are dangerous.

Some folks will ask you question after foolish question after foolish question. And no matter how many times you give them solid answers from the scriptures here comes another foolish question. (Titus 3:9-11) What's interesting is they don't believe the answers you've already given them. So why are they still asking you questions? Is it because they really want to learn about God? Or are they slyly trying to teach you? Questions draw people in and keep conversations going. Are these minions employing on us the same evil tactic the Devil used on Eve in the Garden of Eden? (Genesis 3:1-5) You know, ask a controversial question to get the unsuspecting believer talking. Then throw in a statement in an attempt to cause doubt and trip up their faith. It's a smooth technique. But it only works on those who don't obey what God says at 2 Timothy 2:2, Proverbs 9:7-9, and Matthew 7:6. Those who obey God won't be harmed. What awesome power there is in obedience!

Please Read 2 John 1:9-11

God says anyone who does not continue in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. Whoever does follow his teaching has both the Father and the son. People who come to you with a different doctrine are to be shunned. We shouldn’t welcome them at all. God says don’t let them into your house or even say a greeting to them. Anyone who does is a sharer in their evil deeds. Let’s examine this for a moment.

To some this seems very harsh. But not when it comes to what’s important to them. To illustrate; let’s say you’re a parent. For many years you teach your children a set of values, things you know will help them make it through life. Then some unscrupulous person(s) comes along and bewitches your children with fancy words and promises. They turn your children completely against everything you taught them. They even turn them against you their parent. How would that make you feel? Now you know how God feels at 2 John 1:9-11.

When someone turns folks away from Christ by teaching false doctrines they are helping them go to hell. This is serious. Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him. (John 14:6) Hence our loving Father warns us to completely shun those who would dissuade us from him, and not to listen to any of their rhetoric. Sometimes this gets tricky because many proclaiming to follow Jesus are the very ones spreading untruth. They are being used by the Devil to enslave and kill people. When you really think about it, is avoiding these false teachers too harsh?

DON’T GREET THEM

Again, if you knew of individuals that messed up your children’s minds so bad that they threw away everything you taught them, and they now hate even you, would you have a nice warm greeting for them? Of course not. So God is not unreasonable when he says not to even greet those who’s business is to get us to believe anything other than the true doctrine of Christ. These people are instrumental in damning many souls forever. There are no warm welcoming greetings or feelings for such people by God or his servants. Anyone who welcomes these soul assassins are sharers in their evil work God says.

How much is your soul worth to you? Is it worth a new car? A big house? A great paying Job? The woman or man of your dreams? The best foods this world has to offer? Wearing the finest clothes? Maybe your soul is worth the latest smart phone, or the latest computer. Maybe you’re a real high roller and your soul is worth all the above and then some. I just have to ask you this question, ‘What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a person trade for their soul?’ (Mark 8:36-37)

Please Read Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus knew the value of his soul. He had a purpose in this life. He wasn’t about to let the Devil deter him from his mission. Towards the end of Jesus’ temptation by the Devil Satan finally gets to the point. He offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory, if he would do just one act of worship to him. That’s what he wanted all along; worship. How many wish they had that same offer today? Many. But Jesus knew his soul was worth far more than all the kingdoms of this world and their fleeting glory. Jesus basically told Satan to buzz off, and that he would worship only God. He later went on to fulfill his earthly mission and now sits at the right hand of God. Jesus now holds all power and authority (Matthew 28:18) and will one day destroy Satan once and for all. Amen!

What will we do for fame and fortune? Some seeking these pledged their allegiance to the evil one, and now wish they hadn’t. They didn’t know that one act of worship would result in more acts, and many sadistic rituals. They live in fear that if they try to leave their cults there’s only one way out; a painful death. Lets pray for those who have been seduced by the Devil. Some of you know who they are. Some of them are considered the movers and shakers of this world. You see a number of them on TV daily, hear them in popular music, etcetera. While hating the evil they do we should also pity and pray for them. They are headed straight for hell if they do not repent. And I wouldn’t wish hell on my worse enemy. These people are slaves; prisoners of darkness. They have been taken captive by the evil one to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:25-26) They may smile for TV cameras and photo ops but they hardly enjoy life and the fancy trinkets they’ve acquired for doing the Devil’s bidding. Many now know it wasn’t worth it. They need our prayers.

Please Read 1 John 2:15-17 2 Peter 1:10-11

Don’t be a sucker. Hold out like Jesus did for the real kingdom; for the eternal prize. Whatever you are offered in this world, if it involves giving up faith, that involves giving up your soul, and is of the Devil. If we have slipped in this area (and all have slipped) we can get back up through confession and repentance to God. (Proverbs 28:13) We can also confess our sins to one another. Praying for one another during these moments is powerful and effective. (James 5:16) Don’t be fooled into thinking God won’t forgive you. He will forgive all who repent. (Proverbs 28:13) He is rich in mercy, and loves lavishing it on people. Don’t fall for the okie-doke. Like Jesus tell Satan to buzz off! Serve only God. The reward is eternally and tremendously great!

Please Read Ephesians 6:10-12

What if I told you a significant amount of attacks from the evil one will come through those who claim to be Christians? The apostle Paul faced attacks from false believers all the time, (2 Corinthians 11:26) so did Moses, so did Jesus, and many others. It's nothing new. It's a war plan of the enemy. He hopes the aggressive actions of false believers will make us dwell on things like, “Man, if you can't trust a Christians who can you trust?” But many of them are not really Christians. They're just wearing the name; a clever plan. If we harp on the sins of others too long we fall into a trap. And we can become just as unloving and hypocritical as those whose conduct we despise. Has the sins of others affected us to the point of not following God? This is a war plan of the enemy.

I meet many folks who say they are believers in Jesus. After conversing with them for a while I can see that their hearts are broken into many tiny pieces because of past hurts. Many of these hurts are from those who professed to be Christians. This can make the experience feel worse. I go through it sometimes myself. As a young man I remember being devoted to a particular religion that claimed to follow Christ. I (like so many others) had been duped into thinking I was serving God. Later I painfully found out I was tricked, and was following doctrines of men. How did I respond to this news? I became mad at the world. I hated everybody including myself. My wreckless lifestyle even contributed to the loss of my marriage. Hence I believe I can relate to the war plan of hurt and disappointment. And again these missiles seem to be most effective when fired by those who claim to worship God. How can we defend ourselves against these attacks of Satan? By deciding not to love people anymore? By doing what I did and becoming mad at the world? No. That's walking right into Satan's trap. Let's get some encouragement from God's word on how to fight back.

DEFENSE

Please Read Ephesians 6:16

The Bible says when we use our large shield of faith it is so powerful it can defend us against ALL the enemy's attacks. Wow! Then what does our faith say about people who hurt and offend us? Matthew 6:14-15 says if we forgive others who sin against us God will forgive us for our sins. On the other hand if we do not forgive others God won't forgive us. Don't you see? If we hold on to grudges the devil has already won, because he's got us to disobey God. Is the stupid, terrible, thing that somebody did to us, worth losing eternal life? Is holding a grudge really that important? No! When hurt by people let's pray earnestly to God, and beg Him for help to forgive. This is critical. That's our war strategy; living by our faith, not by our feelings. Our Commander and Chief Christ Jesus has ordered us to believe and obey the good news. And forgiving others (though a basic teaching) is a powerful weapon.

Please Read Matthew 3:1-12

Who would have thought that a guy who lives in the wilderness, who ate bugs (locusts), and dressed weird, would turn out to be one of the most important figures in history? Jesus called him the greatest man born of women. (Matthew 11:11) Wow! That’s saying something. Jesus was talking about none other than John The Baptist. John preached a message of repentance from sins, and pointed people to the coming Messiah. Many flocked to him confessing their sins and were baptized. John helped turn many hearts to the Lord. He prepared the way for Jesus who came on the scene right after him.

What’s interesting about John is he never claimed to be a prophet though he was one. But he did say he was not fit to carry the shoes of the Messiah. John had a low estimate of himself. He was a humble man; a true man of God.

I remember speaking to a believer who had to temporarily live with a friend because she was going through some tough times. She said, “I sometimes feel like; how can I help somebody else when I look at my situation.” Basically she was starting to believe her circumstances rendered her usesless when it came to helping people for the kingdom of God. I couldn’t let that go so I reminded her of how Jesus had NOWHERE to lay his head (Luke 9:58), and asked her, “In spite of His circumstances how many people did Jesus help?” She lit up and said, “Many.” I then asked her, “You remember the homeless lady, you know the one you talk to every morning? Do you know what she told me? She said the first day y’all met you noticed something was wrong with her and started encouraging her. But what you didn’t know was she had decided to kill herself that day. And if not for you talking to her about God she would have done it.” The sister looked at me in amazement. She was already helping people in a big way, but just didn’t know it. Satan was trying to drown her in self-pity, just like he had done to the woman who was about to commit suicide.

What if John The Baptist had gotten swallowed up by self-pity because of his living conditions? He could have dwelled on stuff like, “I live in this crazy wilderness. I don’t have a normal life. I feel so different from other people. I’m homeless. I don’t own anything. I’m just a loser.” If John had thought that way just think of how many lives he would not have touched for the better. John was used to save souls. He would not have been the powerful force he was had he been swallowed up in feeling sorry for himself. John’s life proves that personal circumstances don’t keep us from helping people for The Kingdom Of God. All we need is a good heart that loves people, and God.

The more you focus on the needs of others the less time you have to feel sorry for yourself. Instead we are filled with an awesome joy, because we know our lives have purpose for God’s kingdom, which is also our kingdom. (Ephesians 2:6-7) I must be straightforward here: some of us are not confused like our sister was about our contribution to the kingdom of God. Some of us are just plain selfish. We are too in touch with our image, our looks, our desires, our comforts, etcetera. This is not who we were called to be in Christ Jesus. God called us to be soldiers of Christ, living for the welfare of others ahead of ourselves. (Philippians 2:3-11) If we don’t wake up and repent from selfishness we will soon miss the bus. We must be willing to serve others regardless of our circumstances, just like John.

Please Read 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 2:13-14

God saw fit in His great wisdom not to allow mankind through it's wisdom to know Him. He also was pleased to let what people call foolishness (believing in Christ death for the sins of the world) be the only way to be saved. God is spirit. He can only be discerned by His spirit. (John 16:13 Luke 10:22) So many have tried to figure God out through human brain power. It is most frustrating. Everything about God goes against man's logic. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God's ways higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)

I've heard many controversial questions raised about God. Some of them seemed to make a lot of sense (humanly). The Bible just doesn't add up to some, and it never will. They are examining Almighty God from a mere human standpoint. Can what is created sit in judgment on it's creator? No. But the arrogant do just that to their demise.

ASK SEEK KNOCK

Please Read Luke 11:13 Matthew 7:7-11

Only God's spirit can open our minds and hearts so that we may know Him. Jesus says the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who earnestly ask Him. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. For all who ask receive, those who seek find, and for those who knock the door is opened. (Hebrews 11:6)

Please Read Proverbs 2:1-6