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Good day dear hearts, I love you. Are you content? What does contentment look like to you? For some it's having a lot of money in the bank, or to kick back from the table after eating your favorite meal made by your wife or mother, and for others to let their circumstances dictate their attitude. If life is going smoothly, they feel content. But when things run rough, our attitude changes, our contentment goes down the drain. The word contentment describes being at peace, no matter how things are.

The world view in finding contentment in life is a journey that appreciates what you have and finds joy in the present moment. Here are some worldly tips that might help give you contentment. Practice Gratitude: Regularly take time to reflect on the things you're grateful for. This can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Stay True to Yourself: Understand what truly matters to you and align your actions with your values. Nurture Relationships: Spend quality time with loved ones and build strong, supportive relationships. Care for Your Health: Physical well-being can significantly impact your mental state. Pursue Your Goals: Set realistic goals and work towards them. Achieving milestones can bring a sense of accomplishment. Let Go of the Past: Holding on to past regrets or grievances can hinder your ability to enjoy the present. Note in all these tips there is a strand of, "it's all about you", it's about life today, not what happens after death. All these tips work well until something goes terribly wrong and our contentment is out the window.

Every now and then I remind you of why I believe God calls me to write Pastor's Corner; to bring to your attention a different way you look at life, God's view. Yes, I know you believe in God but some of you choose the world's way, such as I just described, however there is another way which I will now explain, and you will see the difference. Finding contentment in God is a profound and fulfilling journey. Here are some key principles to help you cultivate this contentment. One key element to consider here is the focus is not totally on you. Your contentment comes from your relationship with God. Trust in God's Provision: Trust in the Lord your God. We have a God who created us and considers each one of us His masterpiece. He knows our needs and provides for them. In times of good and bad you can be assured no matter what the circumstance, God will be there for you. This thinking means learning to allow God's power to come into our weakness so we can accept and adapt to changing circumstances. When we respond to life with that kind of thinking, we move beyond living by feelings to living by faith. There is reference to this in 2 Corinthians 5:7. Cultivate Gratitude: Develop a habit of thanking God for His blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's Will for you in Jesus Christ." Avoid Comparison: Focus on what God has given you rather than what others have. Galatians 6:4 advises, "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else." Emphasize Eternal Values: This is the crux of the difference from the worldly view to a Godly view. Keep your eyes on eternal rewards rather than temporary. Remember you're just passing through this world. This world is not eternal and not the end. Matthew 6:19-21 is a recap of Jesus reminding us to not store up for ourselves treasures on earth, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Learn Contentment in All Circumstances: Like Paul the apostle, learn to be content in every situation. Paul writes in Phillippians 4:11-13 and I'm paraphrasing, I have learned to be content in all circumstances. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Surrender to God's Plan: Trust that God's plan for your life is perfect. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Focus on Spiritual Growth: Prioritize your relationship with God and spiritual growth. 2 Peter 3:18 encourages us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." As you can see with God, we don't go it alone to find contentment. Paul submitted his life to God and trusted Him. He faced insults, rejection and many difficult trials but was still content. When we surrender control to God and believe He has our best interests at heart, we will experience true contentment. God bless.

O Lord as we give you praise, honor and glory we ask your Spirit to descend upon our little town. Touch the broken-hearted, give peace to the sick, bless the poor. Amen.

Please join us Saturday, October 19th from 12:00 to 1:00pm to celebrate the good work of the Sabers, Cheerleaders and Band at our free Community Dinner. We will be serving beef and chicken tacos with sides and dessert.

Contact me anytime. Pastor Vince Chiaramonte, 570-853-3988, Susquehanna Christian Community Church, 1361 Main Street, clearmountain2158@gmail.