Great Gain!

“But godliness with contentment is a great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

Several years ago we pastored a church within five miles of a gambling casino. An occasional attendee once said to me, “Pastor, I hope I win a million dollars at the casino. Wouldn’t the tithe on that help our little church!” As far as I knew, she had not given a tithe of her normal income. Ironically, a few years later, she won a $50,000 payout and it was reported in the areas newspapers. The church never received a penny.

Everything I Need

“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” Psalm 23:1

Our 20 year-old daughter called me in tears on her way home from work and college. Living 20 miles down a winding road that hugs the curves of the Columbia River, Washington Highway 4 sees its share of vehicle accidents. Sarah had hit a huge rock only about five miles from home and damaged her tire. Since I was sick in bed with the flu, her mom drove out to keep her company until AAA arrived.

Satisfied With What I Have

“And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have.” Philippians 4:11

I wish I could throw four or five rose bushes in the ground, nicely rowed in front of my house, and they would produce a rainbow of delight to the senses: the petals, soft to the touch, awakening to the morning sun, the aroma wafting through the first breeze of the day into my open windows, and the blooms ranging from the first buds barely revealing the colorful treasure within to the mature blossom heavy from overnight dew.