Complain, complain, complain
June 22-23
Complain, complain, complain. That was me as a young mother with six children...mostly concerning their schooling or the other when I'd get caught up in gossip with friends. It sickens me now to realize the opportunities I missed out on for the Lord. While we were still seen as "religious fanatics" back then, because our overall lifestyle was different from the majority, I was a grumbler not trusting in God to work all things together for good. I thought He could use my help or that my complaining to others would bring sympathy and comfort.
In the current Bible study I am embarked upon the author writes: "The spirit of complaint often takes this pattern. It begins as frustration and spreads into a raging flame of disgust, whining, and longing for something other than what God provides. Complaining is what kept God's people from passing their spiritual tests. Again and again their gaze proved so tightly focused on what they wished would happen that they despised reality....Make no mistake about it-a grumbling spirit will rob you of what God designed the in-between time to teach you. It will keep you from getting the most out of your journey with God." (Referring to the Israelites in the wilderness.)
Yesterday, my husband took a vacation day and we pretended we were far off in the Caribbean. We forgot that we are the caretakers for Shiloh and pretended to be guests vacationing here. Today, I'm asking the Lord to forgive me for grumbling about the money and effort it takes to take care of this place and thanking Him for giving it to us.
Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9
Remember, grumbling is contagious. When you see a brother or sister in Christ with the symptoms suggest a dosage of prayer and thanksgiving.
Complain, complain, complain. That was me as a young mother with six children...mostly concerning their schooling or the other when I'd get caught up in gossip with friends. It sickens me now to realize the opportunities I missed out on for the Lord. While we were still seen as "religious fanatics" back then, because our overall lifestyle was different from the majority, I was a grumbler not trusting in God to work all things together for good. I thought He could use my help or that my complaining to others would bring sympathy and comfort.
In the current Bible study I am embarked upon the author writes: "The spirit of complaint often takes this pattern. It begins as frustration and spreads into a raging flame of disgust, whining, and longing for something other than what God provides. Complaining is what kept God's people from passing their spiritual tests. Again and again their gaze proved so tightly focused on what they wished would happen that they despised reality....Make no mistake about it-a grumbling spirit will rob you of what God designed the in-between time to teach you. It will keep you from getting the most out of your journey with God." (Referring to the Israelites in the wilderness.)
Yesterday, my husband took a vacation day and we pretended we were far off in the Caribbean. We forgot that we are the caretakers for Shiloh and pretended to be guests vacationing here. Today, I'm asking the Lord to forgive me for grumbling about the money and effort it takes to take care of this place and thanking Him for giving it to us.
The Bible Boat was a great place for a nap after a lovely ride yesterday.
Check out this advice on complaining. It's a great reminder, since we can't hide our hearts from God.
We can allow Him to hear our hearts and pray to him to change them.
Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict. Psalm 4:4-5 (MSG)
Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9
Remember, grumbling is contagious. When you see a brother or sister in Christ with the symptoms suggest a dosage of prayer and thanksgiving.
