The term “masheki” appears in several Old Testament scriptures and refers to individuals of high honor, status, and authority—those who are leaders, nobles, or princes in a society or nation. They are often seen as figures of influence and dignity. Let us look at some passages where this word appears: 1. Job 29:9–10 (NKJV) “The princes refrained from talking, and put their hand on their mouth;The voice of nobles was hushed, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.” Here, Job reflects on the respect and reverence he once commanded. Even the “nobles” (masheki)—people of status—fell silent in his presence out of admiration for his wisdom and uprightness. 2. Psalm 68:31 (NKJV) “Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.” In the original Hebrew, the word translated as “envoys” is mashekim—referring to dignitaries or high-ranking leaders. This verse prophetically anticipates a time when leaders from nations like Egypt and Ethiopia will submit to God. 3. Psalm 83:11 (NKJV) “Make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna.” This is a prayer for God to deal with Israel’s enemies and their leaders (masheki) as He did with the Midianite princes, highlighting God’s justice over proud and wicked rulers. 4. Psalm 105:22 (NKJV) “To bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom.” This verse speaks about Joseph’s elevation in Egypt. God granted him such authority that even princes (masheki) were subject to his decisions, emphasizing the divine empowerment of God’s chosen servant. Spiritual Meaning and Future Fulfillment The term masheki can also carry a prophetic and spiritual significance. When Christ returns to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), He will appoint rulers under His authority—saints who have overcome sin and remained faithful to Him. These will be the “princes” of His Kingdom: not by birth or earthly title, but through righteousness and victory in Christ. Revelation 2:26–27 (NKJV) “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father.” Revelation 3:21 (NKJV) “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” These are extraordinary promises! Those who overcome will rule with Christ, just as Joseph ruled over Egypt. They will be His co-rulers, sharing in His glory and authority in the coming Kingdom. A Personal Invitation So, the big question is: Are you among those who will overcome? Are you ready to live for Christ and reign with Him? If not yet, today is the perfect time to surrender your life to Jesus. He is ready to receive you, forgive your sins, and make you a part of His eternal Kingdom. Romans 10:9 (NKJV)“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Would you like to commit your life to Christ today? Prayer of Repentance (Optional to Include): “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I admit that I am a sinner and I ask for Your mercy. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I surrender my life to You. Please cleanse me, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and write my name in the Book of Life. Make me a part of Your Kingdom. I choose to follow You from this day forward. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.” May the Lord give us strength to overcome, that we may reign with Him in glory.
Ecclesiastes 7:20–22 (NIV) “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” A Word to the Wise The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are rich with wisdom for everyday life, not just spiritual matters. Both books were written by King Solomon, a man granted exceptional wisdom by God. Today, we focus on one important life lesson from Ecclesiastes 7:20–22—how to protect our hearts from unnecessary pain caused by others’ words. The Reality of Being Misunderstood or Spoken Against As we live among people—family, friends, coworkers, even fellow believers—we are bound to encounter criticism, gossip, or harsh words. Regardless of how good or righteous you strive to be, people will talk. Sometimes, these words may be unjust, unfair, or even deeply hurtful. But Solomon gives us sound advice: do not take everything you hear to heart. Why? Because not everything said about you is worth your emotional energy. Some things, even if offensive, are better ignored—for the sake of your peace and spiritual health. The Trap of Obsessive Curiosity Often when we hear a rumor or learn someone has spoken ill of us, our first reaction is to investigate. Who said it? Why did they say it? Who told them about me? Where did this information come from? Before long, we are on an endless trail of suspicion, interrogation, and bitterness. This can even lead us to resentment toward people we love or trust—spouses, children, siblings, church members, or friends. Solomon warns us: if we go down that road, we may end up hearing things we were never meant to hear. Even someone as close as a servant or a trusted friend may be overheard cursing us. The result? Unnecessary heartbreak. A Sobering Reminder of Our Own Imperfections Before rushing to anger or judgment, Solomon urges us to reflect:Have you never spoken negatively about someone in private?If you’re honest, you’ll admit—yes, you have. Perhaps you said something carelessly, or vented in a moment of weakness. Maybe you didn’t mean it with hatred, but the words came out anyway. That’s human nature—we are all flawed. So, if we know we’ve done the same to others, why then hold others to a standard we ourselves can’t meet? The scripture reminds us: “for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” (Ecclesiastes 7:22) The Spiritual Danger of Holding Grudges Many believers, unfortunately, allow these offenses to plant seeds of bitterness. They become consumed by anger, unable to forgive. Their prayers shift from praise and surrender to complaints and cries for vengeance. Their hearts grow cold, their joy disappears, and their faith begins to wither. Ironically, the person they’re angry at may not even be aware—or may have already repented and moved on. But the offended believer remains imprisoned by unforgiveness, all because they chose to dwell on a hurtful word. Let It Go—for the Sake of Your Soul The enemy (Satan) thrives on division and wounded hearts. When we dwell on gossip or negative speech, we are doing the devil’s work for him. We become bitter, paranoid, and emotionally exhausted. Instead, choose peace. Choose to focus on the weightier matters of your faith—grace, love, and spiritual growth. Choose to overlook offenses (Proverbs 19:11) and to forgive freely, as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). No one is perfect. If you’re looking for a friend, spouse, or church member who will never offend or disappoint you, you’ll never find one. Learn to release and walk in love. A Final Call to Salvation Friend, have you given your life to Jesus Christ? These are the last days, and the Bible warns us that the return of the Lord is near (Matthew 24:33, Revelation 22:12). If you’ve been living lukewarm—caught up in offense, unforgiveness, or sin—it’s time to come home. Salvation begins with repentance and a sincere surrender of your life to Jesus. He offers forgiveness, healing, and eternal life. Don’t wait until it’s too late. These are the “wounded minutes” of spiritual warfare. The King is at the door. Maranatha—The Lord is coming.
The term “fear” in Scripture often refers not simply to being afraid, but to a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority. This is especially true when we encounter phrases like “the fear of the Lord”—it signifies a heart posture that acknowledges who God truly is and responds with humility, obedience, and worship. Let’s explore what this means using several passages from the Bible. 1. Ephesians 5:21 (NIV) “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Here, the Apostle Paul calls believers to mutual submission—not from compulsion, but from a shared fear (or reverence) for Christ. This fear isn’t terror, but rather awe of Christ’s lordship that leads us to treat others with respect and humility. 2. 2 Samuel 23:3 (NIV) “The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God…’” In this verse, the “fear of God” is presented as a necessary quality for righteous leadership. It implies governing with integrity, justice, and a constant awareness of being accountable to God. The Fear of the Lord in the Early Church Acts 9:31 (NIV) “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” The early Church thrived spiritually and numerically as believers lived in the fear of the Lord. Their reverence for God fostered unity, obedience, and spiritual growth, all while being empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Fear of the Lord Brings Worship and Obedience Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Here, “reverence and awe” are equivalent to the fear of the Lord. Our worship should not be casual or thoughtless, but should stem from gratitude and recognition of God’s unshakable majesty. Fear of the Lord Prevents Sin Without the fear of God in our hearts, we become prone to sin—whether lying, stealing, sexual immorality, or worse. A person who does not fear God will live without boundaries. But when the fear of God dwells within us, we are cautious not to displease Him, knowing He is a righteous judge who sees all and will hold us accountable. Jeremiah 5:22-24 (NIV) “Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord. “Should you not tremble in my presence?… But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’” These verses show God’s disappointment in a people who have lost their fear of Him. Despite His providence, they rebel. This warns us of the danger of taking God’s mercy and power lightly. Other Supporting Scriptures Deuteronomy 7:21 – We are told not to fear enemies, because God is with us, mighty and awesome. Deuteronomy 28:67 – Describes the dreadful fear that comes as a curse for disobedience. Job 15:4 – Rebukes the person who undermines the fear of God and restrains prayer. 2 Samuel 23:3 – Shows that just leadership is rooted in the fear of God. Conclusion: The Fear of the Lord Leads to Godly Living The fear of the Lord is not the fear of punishment alone, but a holy, reverent awe of God that leads to wisdom, obedience, and worship. As Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Let us therefore pray that the Lord will instill His fear within us—so that we may walk uprightly, serve Him faithfully, and reflect His holiness in our daily lives. May the fear of God shape our hearts, decisions, and relationships. Amen. Shalom.
Question: What does the word “skirts” refer to in Jeremiah 13:26? Biblical Context and Symbolism Let’s first examine the biblical passage for context. Jeremiah 13 speaks of God’s judgment on the people of Judah for their persistent unfaithfulness. The passage from Jeremiah 13:24–27 (NKJV) reads: “Therefore I will scatter them like stubble that passes away by the wind of the wilderness.This is your lot,The portion of your measures from Me,” says the Lord,“Because you have forgotten MeAnd trusted in falsehood.Therefore I will uncover your skirts over your face,That your shame may appear.I have seen your adulteriesAnd your lustful neighings,The lewdness of your harlotry,Your abominations on the hills in the fields.Woe to you, O Jerusalem!Will you still not be made clean?” Understanding “Skirts” The word “skirts” or “the lower garment” in English. In the context of Jeremiah 13:26, it refers to women’s clothing that covers the lower body specifically, a part of the clothing that symbolizes modesty and dignity. To “uncover the skirts” is a symbolic phrase used in ancient Hebrew culture to refer to exposing someone’s nakedness, which was a form of shame, judgment, and disgrace. In Scripture, exposing nakedness is often used figuratively to describe the public shame or punishment of a person or a nation due to sin. Theological Significance: Israel as God’s Unfaithful Bride In Scripture, Israel is often depicted as a woman – particularly as a bride or wife to God. When Israel turned to idolatry and false gods, God described their behavior as spiritual adultery. This allegory is used throughout the Bible: Jeremiah 3:1–10 – speaks of Israel as an unfaithful wife. Ezekiel 16 – describes in graphic terms the harlotry of Jerusalem. Hosea – is an entire book using the prophet’s marriage to a prostitute to symbolize God’s relationship with Israel. Isaiah 1:21 – “How the faithful city has become a harlot!” So, when God says in Jeremiah 13:26, “I will uncover your skirts over your face,” He is not literally speaking to a woman, but to the nation of Judah, symbolically referred to as a woman who has committed spiritual adultery. Historical Fulfillment This prophecy was fulfilled when the people of Judah were exiled to Babylon. Their “shame” – that is, their idolatry, corruption, and betrayal of God – was publicly exposed before the nations. Their destruction and deportation were a visible humiliation of what had previously been done in secret. Compare this with: Lamentations 1:8–9 (NKJV) “Jerusalem has sinned gravely,Therefore she has become vile.All who honored her despise herBecause they have seen her nakedness;She herself sighs and turns away.Her uncleanness is in her skirts;She did not consider her destiny;Therefore her collapse was awesome;She had no comforter.” Here again, “uncleanness in her skirts” symbolizes sin that was hidden but now publicly known. God’s Jealousy and the Call to Repentance God’s relationship with His people is described with covenantal love – similar to a marriage. When His people turn away from Him, it evokes His righteous jealousy. James 4:4–5 (NKJV) “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? … Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously’?” 1 Corinthians 10:21–22 (NKJV) “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; … Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?” A Modern Call to Holiness Just as God judged Israel and Judah for abandoning Him, the same warning applies today to the Church and to individuals who claim to follow God yet live in rebellion or spiritual compromise. God still calls for holiness, faithfulness, and repentance. The exposure of “skirts” (marinda) is a metaphor for divine judgment that brings hidden sins to light. Conclusion The phrase “I will uncover your skirts” (Jeremiah 13:26) is a prophetic metaphor representing God’s judgment. “Marinda” refers to modest clothing that, when lifted or removed, reveals shame – symbolizing the exposure of sin. God used this image to portray how He would bring Israel’s hidden sins to public shame because of their unfaithfulness to Him. The message remains timeless: God desires a pure, faithful people, and unrepentant sin will always be exposed. The call is to return to Him in humility and repentance.
QUESTION: Does the Bible contradict itself in Mark 5:1–6 and Matthew 8:28–31? Both passages appear to describe the same event—Jesus casting out demons—but with differing details. Mark mentions one man, while Matthew says there were two. Is this a contradiction? ANSWER: Let’s begin by reading the two accounts carefully: Mark 5:1–7 (NKJV): 1 Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes.2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit…6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. Meanwhile, Matthew 8:28–31 (NKJV) says: 28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. Is This a Contradiction? Not at all. The difference lies in focus, not accuracy. Mark (and also Luke 8:26–33) chooses to focus on the one man who was the more dominant figure—he was the one who ran to Jesus, spoke to Him, and became the center of the interaction. Matthew, on the other hand, provides a broader account, acknowledging that there were actually two men present. This is common in eyewitness testimony. Writers may focus on the most dramatic or significant figure in a scene without denying the presence of others. A Practical Example to Understand This Let’s say you and a friend go to a job interview. At the gate, you’re stopped by a guard for inspection. Another guard stands nearby but says nothing. Later, you both describe the experience: You say: “We were stopped by a guard.” Your friend says: “We were stopped by guards at the gate.” Did either of you lie? No. You’re just describing the same situation from different perspectives. One focuses on the main actor; the other includes the full context. The same applies to the Gospel accounts. Theological Insight This example teaches us something important about how the Bible communicates truth: The Gospel writers were not trying to duplicate each other word-for-word, but rather convey spirit-inspired testimonies of real events (2 Timothy 3:16). Their unique emphases help paint a fuller picture of what happened. Variations in detail confirm that these are authentic eyewitness accounts rather than copied scripts. If every account was identical in detail and wording, that would raise questions about their authenticity. Mark may have highlighted the man who had the most dramatic deliverance—the one who ran and worshiped Jesus (Mark 5:6)—to emphasize the personal transformation and authority of Christ over unclean spirits. Matthew, being a more structured writer, may have recorded the exact number of demon-possessed individuals to provide completeness. Moreover, in Mark 5:9, Jesus asks the demon’s name: “Then He asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he answered, saying, ‘My name is Legion; for we are many.’” This shows the depth of demonic oppression—a “legion” could represent thousands. The focus isn’t just on how many possessed men there were, but on Jesus’ divine authority to command even a vast host of demons. This aligns with Colossians 2:15: “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Conclusion There is no contradiction between Matthew and Mark. Both accounts are true—one mentions two men, while the other emphasizes one prominent individual. Together, they give us a fuller, more powerful testimony of Jesus’ authority over demonic forces. This passage not only clarifies the harmony of Scripture but also points us to a central truth: Jesus is Lord over all spiritual powers, and no force of darkness can stand against Him (Matthew 28:18). May the Lord bless you as you study His Word more deeply.
1. Understanding the Verse 1 Corinthians 8:8 (NIV):“But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Paul is addressing a common issue in the early Church—whether eating certain foods (especially those offered to idols) affected one’s spiritual standing before God. His answer is clear: Food is morally neutral. It has no power to commend us to God or distance us from Him. 2. What Actually Affects Our Relationship with God? The real barrier between God and humanity is sin, not dietary habits. Isaiah 59:1–2 (NIV):“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” God is always able and willing to draw near to us. However, sin breaks fellowship with Him. That’s why righteousness—not rituals like eating or abstaining from certain foods—is what brings us close to God. 3. Food vs. Intoxicants: Is Everything Permissible? Some might ask: If food doesn’t matter spiritually, can we then consume alcohol, drugs, or even poison without spiritual consequences? The answer lies in understanding what defiles a person. Matthew 15:18–20 (NIV):“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person.” Jesus clarifies that defilement comes from within, not from external things like food. Substances like alcohol or marijuana can impair judgment and stir sinful behavior—thus, they are not comparable to food. Ephesians 5:18 (NIV):“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” The Greek word for “debauchery” (asōtia) refers to reckless, immoral living. The Holy Spirit should govern our hearts—not substances that alter our thinking and behavior. 4. Is All Food Clean Now? Mark 7:18–19 (NIV):“Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?…In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.” Jesus removed the Old Covenant dietary restrictions. Under the New Covenant, no food is inherently unclean. What matters is the condition of the heart. This is reaffirmed by Paul in: Romans 14:17 (NIV):“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” 5. What About the Lord’s Supper? Isn’t That Food? Yes, but it’s not just food—it’s a sacrament. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (NIV):“The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread… and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’…For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” The bread and cup in Communion are spiritually significant only within the context of faith and worship. Outside of this context, they are just ordinary elements. It is the act of remembrance and proclamation—not the food itself—that carries spiritual weight. 6. Final Reflection: Have You Drawn Near to God? If food doesn’t bring us near to God, then how do we draw near? Hebrews 10:22 (NIV):“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…” James 4:8 (NIV):“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” The way to draw near to God is through: Repentance from sin (Acts 3:19) Faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6) Baptism in His name (Acts 2:38) Receiving the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9) Daily obedience and walking in holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16) 7. An Invitation to Respond Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NIV):“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…” You have an opportunity now—while your heart is open—to turn to Christ. Don’t delay. The world cannot give you peace. Only Jesus can. Romans 10:9 (NIV):“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” How to begin: Repent sincerely Be baptized in the name of Jesus Receive the Holy Spirit Live faithfully Maranatha – The Lord is coming soon.
What Does the Bible Say About Contentment? Let’s begin with what Paul teaches: 1 Timothy 6:7-8 (NIV) “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” This verse reminds us that human life is temporary and material possessions are not eternal. Paul is echoing the wisdom of Job (Job 1:21), who said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.” Contentment, then, is not just practical wisdom—it’s a spiritual posture that aligns with the eternal perspective of heaven. But many people ignore this and fall into the trap of materialism. Another passage addresses this: Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV) “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” This verse highlights the vanity of greed. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, reflects on the futility of chasing wealth. Theologically, it warns us that the soul cannot be satisfied by material things because we were created to be fulfilled in God alone (Psalm 16:11). Wealth Can Disturb Inner Peace Ecclesiastes 5:12 (NIV) “The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but the abundance of the rich permits them no sleep.” Solomon contrasts the peace of a content, hard-working person with the restless anxiety of the rich. Riches can become a burden rather than a blessing when they dominate one’s thoughts and rob one of rest. Jesus warned that wealth can choke spiritual growth (Matthew 13:22), making us unfruitful in the Kingdom. A True Story That Illustrates This Truth A friend of mine who holds a high-paying job once came to me feeling unusually low. He told me he had witnessed something at work that deeply moved him. At the end of the month, the cleaning staff—people who earn very modest salaries—were celebrating with joy. They had bought sodas, cut a cake, and were laughing together. He was struck by this: “How can they be so happy with so little, while I, with my high salary, feel no peace?” That moment humbled him and revealed the truth of Ecclesiastes 5:12 in real life. God Desires That We Be Content—Not Lazy Now, let me be clear: Contentment is not the same as laziness or complacency. The Bible does not glorify poverty. God wants us to prosper—“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2). But prosperity must be paired with godly contentment. Contentment in prosperity means that whether we have much or little, our hearts remain focused on God. We can echo Job: Job 31:25 (NIV) “If I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained…” Job did not place his joy in wealth. He knew his identity and peace came from God, not from material possessions. This is true spiritual maturity. Benefits of a Content Heart 1. You Draw Closer to GodContentment frees up your heart to seek God. When you are always chasing after more, your life becomes crowded. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”A content person puts God first, knowing He will provide everything else. 2. You Experience True JoyWhen you stop comparing yourself to others and rest in God’s provision, you find lasting joy. Paul, even while imprisoned, could say: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).His joy came from Christ, not his circumstances. 3. You Avoid the Devil’s Traps1 Timothy 6:9 (NIV) warns: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”Satan uses greed as a trap. Discontentment leads people to cheat, steal, or compromise their values in pursuit of wealth. 4. You Protect Your Faith1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) says: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”When money becomes your master, faith weakens. Jesus said you cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). A Final Word The Bible reminds us: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7)And Jesus asked,“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36) That’s a question for each of us to reflect on. May the Lord bless you as you pursue contentment with godliness.