The eighth commandment given to the people in Exodus: 'You shall not steal.’ In this week’s message, Clint shows us how the eighth commandment goes beyond simple theft, urging us to consider how we might be 'stealing' through wrong keeping - holding onto excess while others are in need. By examining Exodus 20:15 and Ephesians 4:28, we're invited to view our possessions as gifts from God meant for stewardship, not ownership. This perspective shift can radically transform our approach to generosity. As we contemplate Christ's ultimate act of generosity on the cross, we're encouraged to let His sacrificial love melt our hearts, freeing us from the grip of materialism and inspiring us to give freely. This message invites us to examine our hearts, our budgets, and our priorities, asking whether they truly reflect the generous spirit of Christ.

The Ten Commandments | Do Not Steal - Exodus 20:1-2, 15 - Clint Leavitt

The better way of Love is impossible to do in our own strength, but must be done connected in Christ.

! Corinthians 13

In this final exploration of the Tenth Commandment, we delve into the heart of human desire and its complex relationship with our faith. Gayle Parker challenges us to confront our tendency to covet, reminding us that while desire itself is a God-given gift, it can easily become misdirected. By examining the story of Eve in the Garden of Eden and King David's fall, we see how unchecked desire can lead to a cascade of sin. However, the message isn't about suppressing our longings, but rather redirecting them towards their true source - God Himself. We're encouraged to find contentment not in material possessions or others' circumstances, but in recognizing that God's desire is for us. This shift in perspective can transform our understanding of joy and fulfillment, leading us to a deeper, more satisfying relationship with our Creator.

The Ten Commandments | Do Not Covet - Exodus 20:1-2, 17 - Gayle Parker

A heartfelt country ode to the simple life, Plowboy Mansion celebrates the riches of a hard-earned home over fame and fortune. Set to a warm, twangy acoustic melody, the song contrasts a celebrity’s lonely mansion with the narrator’s cherished three-bed, two-bath haven on seven scenic acres. With vivid imagery of Skoal cans, six-packs, bird dogs, and the love of “just one bunny,” this track captures the joy of family, land, and living true. Perfect for fans of authentic country storytelling and those who know the good life doesn’t need a Beverly Hills address. #Country #SimpleLife #PlowboyMansion



The Plowboy Mansion

In our exploration of Ecclesiastes 2, we confront the futility of pursuing happiness and pleasure for their own sake. The Teacher's experiment with wealth, power, and indulgence reveals a profound truth: nothing 'under the sun' can truly satisfy the human soul. This passage challenges us to examine our own pursuits and ask whether we're chasing after vapor. Are we, like the Teacher, trying to fill an eternal void with temporal pleasures? The message reminds us that our hearts are restless until they find rest in God. It's a call to shift our focus from fleeting earthly delights to the enduring love of our Creator. As we reflect on this, we're invited to receive life as a gift from God, finding meaning not in grand achievements, but in the simple, present moments that point us to His love. This perspective can transform how we approach our daily lives, work, and relationships, allowing us to live with gratitude and contentment in God's presence.

Ecclesiastes | The Vapor of Hedonism - Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 24-26 - Clint Leavitt

Living Your Best Life

Peace is one of life’s most underrated treasures. Proverbs 17:1-6 opens with the vivid contrast between a dry morsel in peace and a banquet filled with strife. The wisdom here reminds us that joy is not found in abundance, but in the quiet strength of contentment. A heart at rest before God turns even the simplest meal into a feast of gratitude, while a heart consumed by pride or conflict can turn plenty into poison. True peace does not come from possessions, but from a right relationship with God and others. It is the calm confidence that God’s presence is better than any prosperity, and His favor more satisfying than the most decadent feast.

The Quiet Strength of Peace and Contentment - Proverbs 17:1-6

251012_Seeing God in marriage_1 Cor 7v1-24

You climb the mountain to touch the sky
But the stars are whispers
They never reply
Digging for diamonds in rivers that dry

[Chorus]
Where the truth lies
It’s not out there
It’s not in the wind or the weight you bear
Search inside
It’s always been
You are what you have been looking for

[Verse 2]
Maps are scattered
The compass spins
The treasure’s buried beneath your skin
Half of the story was never penned

[Prechorus]
The mirror shows a spark you forgot
The gold you chase is what you’ve already got

[Chorus]
Where the truth lies
It’s not out there
It’s not in the wind or the weight you bear
Search inside
It’s always been
You are what you have been looking for

[Bridge]
The clouds will clear
The rain will fade
The answers bloom in the mess you made
Chasing shadows
You’ve walked in light
The truth’s been holding you all this time

Where the Truth Lies

What does a truly successful life look like? This week, we explore Ecclesiastes chapter 9 and how it challenges our cultural definitions of success, inviting us into a radically different way of living. We're confronted with two sobering realities: first, that our lives are not ultimately in our own hands but in God's hands, and second, that death comes for us all regardless of our achievements or status. Rather than leading to despair, these truths become the foundation for profound joy and freedom. The passage reveals that only about 10% of our lives are actually within our control—the rest is determined by genetics and circumstances beyond us. This means we can stop frantically grasping and start gratefully receiving. The teacher's prescription is surprisingly celebratory: eat your bread with enjoyment, drink your wine with a merry heart, wear clean garments, care for your body, and deeply enjoy your relationships. These aren't escapes from reality but acts of worship that acknowledge God's goodness woven into creation itself. When we understand that our lives rest in the hands of a loving God, we're freed from the anxiety of trying to secure our own success. We can be present, savor small moments, and find that true spiritual maturity looks like unhurried joy in the everyday gifts around us—exactly as Jesus modeled in his own remarkably relaxed and interruptible life.

Ecclesiastes | Enjoy Life With God - Ecclesiastes 9.1-10 - Clint Leavitt

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Praying With The Eyes is a ministry of Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs which combines the beauty of God's Word with the beauty of his creation.

At Midtown Presbyterian Church, we value honest questions and genuine community, working alongside one another as we discover more about what it means to follow Jesus in the modern world, and in Phoenix. You are welcome here.
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I'm a Nashville lyricist and songwriter with Parkinson's Disease who uses carefully curated musicians and AI to bring my songs to life.

New tracks tagged #contentment