APRIL 8, Hebrews 13:5 

You have parents who love and take care of you. This is a privilege not all children enjoy. There are children who are abandoned by their parents at birth. There are centres set up by some kind-hearted people to take care of these children until some childless couples come to adopt them. That is a happy ending for these kids, is it not?

Unlike the abandoned children, we are not given up for adoption by our earthly parents, but we can be adopted too – not by other earthly parents, but by God. As Christians, we are children of faith, and we receive God’s precious promises. We recently learn that He promises to be with us always. Today, the Bible confirms that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Today’s verse teaches us not to covet – that is not to desire things that do not belong to us. In other words – do not be greedy. We are already well-fed, well dressed and well equipped with study materials and toys.

Yet, we sometimes wish we have our friends’ newer mobile phones and computer games, fashionable outfits, or even their parents who can afford posh homes and cars.

The Bible tells us not to be covetous, pining for things that are not meant for us. God will take care of our every need. Therefore, we have no fear that we will go hungry or be short of anything. Given God’s wonderful promise, we ought to be truly contented.

A. Write down the number of times that:
a. you feel that God has abandoned you. _____
b. you wish to have the nice things that your friend has. _____

B. Add the two numbers together.
a. If the sum = 0, pray and thank God for giving you faith. b. If it is more than 0, read Hebrews 13:5 again, and ask the Lord to teach you contentment.

Thought: God will never abandon me.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me understand how much You love and care for me. Thank you for not leaving or forsaking me. Help me not to wish for things that I don’t need but to be happy with the things I already have. In Jesus’ name, I pray and thank You. Amen.