I am in Cambria with my BEST FRIEND EVER & FOREVER (BFEF). And, yes, we both brought our laptops. First time we've ever done that, but we have been looking up all kinds of fun stuff together.
Anyhoo, because I brought mine, I get to bring you along!
We sat on our cozy beds (we each have our own luscious queen, fitting for us, of course) and Shannon read our devotional...
It was on complaining. Or rather, on the stoppage of such, except to the Lord, who always wants to hear all about our stuff.
I read aloud Philippians 2:14-15: "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blamesless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Now, first, we want to stand out as lights in this world, giving a lighted path to Jesus. As they see us responding differently to life's circumstances and relationships' harder moments, that is the switch that turns on the light so they can see what a life lived with the Spirit of God's empowering is like. Or shows what God's comfort looks like, when they see us enfolded in peace when a normal reaction might be heart ruckus.
And then, also, being blameless and harmless... Well, Shannon had to shed light on this, because complaining is really sin, telling God that we just simply don't like what He's allowed and will not run to Him to take care of it and us, but will run to every ear that will allow our complaining words entry. So, complaining is not for our good, nor for the good of those hearing it. It does not build us up. You just know that we want to do good to ourselves and those around us, as God does to us. This is His heart and we want ours to be like His.
With these sweet and encouraging and very convicting words (to both Shannon and I, who can be Complainer Queens when we've got the notion)we began our morning with Jesus. He is faithful and knew just what we needed to hear.
Our hearts are happily content when we let Him tell us what is what!
"For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul" Jeremiah 31:25. See, with this reality, what is there really to complain about?
Praises flow when complaints and attitudes of misery (self-pity, resentment, anger, comparisons...) are not stopping it up!
Jesus is the Satisfier and Replensisher and Love of our life! Yahoo!!!
4 comments:
What a blessing to hear of you and your friend having devotions together!
How right you are that complaining is not for our good, or anyones! I pray that my heart is more like His.
Have a wonderful visit!
Thank you for these words. I try to teach (my second graders) that grumbling is our way of telling God we are not thankful for what He has for us, and is therefor a sin. But What do I find myself doing? Yeah. Praises to Him! Thankful hearts are the best way to go! pokey
love the title of your blog... and as i read it... love it all... jesus is awesome! i agree... lets spread HIS word...x pam
Enjoy your time together.
Thanks for the post - so glad you brought your laptop.
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