DON'T BE GRUMBLING

This is where I want to be!   Saint George Basseterre 

Parish, St Kitts.                     I was even there once!

Good morning to you this fine and gorgeous, sunshiny day! Well, the sun hasn't come up yet but it is supposed to. At least where we are in the state of Tennessee! (I just came back to say, it is cloudy but the sun is shining somewhere!)

I know the weather has been very cold and wintery in a lot of places but you know that it is wintertime, right? We can complain all we want about the rain or snow or ice or cold air but it won't do any good. For God made the earth He gave us and He created the seasons, and He gave us free will. If we don't like the weather where we live, we can move!

Well, I will tell you a few weeks ago on New Year's Eve we did go to Florida to our daughter and son-in-law's new home to visit since we had most of their Christmas presents and they didn't get to come home for Christmas because of moving. We are truly blessed when we get to spend time with them. It was in the single digits here at night and in the 20's during the day. Well, we couldn't wait to get to warm and sunny Florida. Wrong! It was rainy, cold, and very windy. It even snowed in Tallahasee, FL. Even though they live about 8 hours south of there it was cold for there. We were even cold in South Florida!

But enough of that! God is good all the time and all the time God is good! If we would just remember that. If we don't complain about the weather we will just complain about something else. Isn't that true? I am usually not a complainer. I try my best not to be. But sometimes it just comes out. 

Paul says to the Philippians church in Philippians 2:14:      Do all things without grumbling or questioning...

And here is more verses about this subject matter.

Ephesians 4:29                                                                        Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

James 5:9                                                                                 

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18                                                           Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Corinthians 10:10                                                             Nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.

1 Peter 4:9                                                                         Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 

Now I guess that these words from God are somewhat talking about grumbling about other people but I believe also it's talking about everything. 

The first scripture talks about not grumbling or questioning in all things. And another talks about giving thanks in all circumstances. And that "this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you". Well, then, how can we grumble if we are seeking God's will, if we are trying to:

James 4:8

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

If we are doing these things which are also God's will for us, how can we honestly grumble?

Forgive us, Lord! Then we need to rethink how we are living, repent, and do good!

James 1:12                                                                          Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

And:

Matthew 6:33                                                                           
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Micah 6:8 

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require (yes, require) of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (bold lettering is my emphasis)

This is it in a nutshell (VERSE). This is the answer! We need to do it. We need to try harder. We can come up with all the excuses why we do what we do but the truth is we don't try hard enough. The evil one won't let us alone and we let him use us for his glory. Um, what? Yes, if we aren't doing what God is wanting, then we are falling into the trap of the devil. There is no middle ground! We are either falling or surrendering to Jesus all the way or we are on the devil's side. As I said there is no in between! The Bible says that we are either for Him (God) or against Him! 

Matthew 12:30

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

So, trust the Lord to be with you, to help you, to love you, to forgive you, and to use you for His glory. Be for Him! And do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God! When we do these things, and keep our focus on Him, we certainly won't be grumbling. And we certainly don't want to grumble, right?

Have an awesome day!

Lesbear