Merlin Carothers- "Are you a grumbler? If so, does it bless and encourage you and those around you? Do you know what it means to grumble? Here are a few examples:
Oh no, it's time to get up. That car cut in front of me! My boss is unfair. The weather is terrible. All I ever do is work. Most of us can think of other examples of how we are tempted to complain. (Google image, Crybaby).
Adam and Eve were tempted to think God had held out on them and you know the result.
When we grumble, we seldom think of it as being sinful. It usually upsets us, but that is about all - especially if we do it in a way that no one hears us. But when we read a Scripture verse such as 1 Corinthians 10:10 (NIV) it does give us pause to ponder: "Do not grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel."
Pay attention to those words: Do Not grumble. Another verse that should get our attention is: "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" (James 5:9 NIV). More strong language.
Grumbling often seems a natural response to the difficult things around us. We hear grumbling nearly everywhere we go. But our Father wants us to give "Thanks always for all things" (Ephesians 5:20).
Still, our natural tendency is to disobey. We often do not see our grumbles and complaints as God sees them, just as little children often do no see their faults as their parents do. The good news is that there are ways to overcome our disobedient nature! And we should carefully consider them.
We can practice being thankful! God provides this as a way for us to overcome our fallen nature that wants to grumble. If we practice being thankful in everything, we can expect God to work something good out of every problem (see Romans 8:28).
Sound too good to be true? That's just what I once thought, but He has gradually convinced me that what He said is true. I had learned to grumble like an expert and never felt guilty about it, but then the Holy Spirit taught me how unhappy it made not only me and those around me, but even God!
When God created us, He did not place a "release valve" in us to drain off the temptation to grumble. He didn't plan for us to be grumbling. But since mankind did not follow His desires, God devised an incredibly loving plan. He promised to take everything that we might be tempted to grumble about and use it to bless us if we would trust Him to do so.
Remember how Jesus healed people when He saw that they believed Him? If we want God to do things for us, we must learn to be grateful for what He already does for us. Everything helps us to grow in faith is a big plus, so we need to be willing to do whatever it takes to increase our faith.
God takes all that has ever happened and wraps them into His plan to help us in this difficult world. He wants us to trust and rely on Him. When we do, He will take control of everything and cause it to work for our ultimate good.
Yes, God loves us even when we grumble, but He has given us a way to have His power work in and through us. So, hear His words again: "Do Not grumble. rejoice and be glad, always (see Philippians 4:4).
Do I sound like we will always get what we want if we are always thankful: Forgive me if I made it sound that way. What I mean is, we will always get what God knows is best for us. (Reprint from Feb. 2008 of PRAISE News magazine)
Ingratitude is Contagious...Don't Be a Carrier (Jean's blog post of Sharon post, 1/28/13)
And it is so contagious.
Someone grumbles and the next thing you know, you fall right in line and start grumbling too."
Sharon Jaynes- "Make no mistake about it. Our attitudes are contagious whether grumpy or grateful. Whether we complain or give thanks, others around us will tend to do the same. Yes, gratitude is contagious, and so is grumpy grumbling. Someone complains, and the next thing you know you’ve joined in and are complaining right along with them."
Let's pray-
Heavenly Father, make me a [person of gratitude. I pray my heart will be infected with thankfulness and I will spread it to those around me. I pray the Holy Spirit will stop me from grumbling, and spur me to give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
386-390 one-line KJV Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-
386- Ps. 4:4 "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."
387- Ecc. 11:7 "Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. "
388- Prov. 8:6 "Hear, for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things."
389- Rom. 8:37 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
390- Pro. 4:7 "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Words of wisdom-
~ We can choose to listen to Christ's gentle voice of assurance of His presence over the loud negative voices blaring in our ears from the culture around us. It will take a commitment on our part to listen to the whispers of Jesus. Let Him assure your spirit when you become fearful or troubled.
~ We can choose to listen to Christ's gentle voice of assurance of His presence over the loud negative voices blaring in our ears from the culture around us. It will take a commitment on our part to listen to the whispers of Jesus. Let Him assure your spirit when you become fearful or troubled.
Words from God the Father
Our weekly word from the Father
I Do Not Withhold My Love From You
"I am Love, and there is no greater desire than to pour My love on you. My nature is Love, and you can expect My love to draw you, refresh you, strengthen you, heal you, deliver you, sustain you, and comfort you—time and time again. I do not withhold My love from you, for I do not withhold Myself from you."
The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,
located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,
broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15.
Check out the livestream with this link: https://www.cfconline.org/
You can view past services too.
Helpful ways the Lord helped me in my marriage
Upcoming posts-
#79 Suggestions Regarding Your Prayer Time
15th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
#80 You Can Experience and Share Revival
17th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
Reveal the Truth
19th- Saturday's post by Lee Forbes
#81 What Do We Mean by "Revival"?
22nd- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
Good word. Thanks for sharing Jean
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