I once knew someone who would mumble under their breath when upset. The first time I saw this behavior in action, I was stunned. This is because I had never seen people mumble so loudly. To be honest, I couldn't get away with such things in my house. The adults would somehow know what I was thinking and knock me upside my head for it. So trying to open my mouth and complain in that way was unimaginable.
Instead, I did what many other kids did. Once out of earshot and the potentially punishing reach of an adult, I'd grumble vocally. I'd even stomp a foot from time to time. Never hard enough to catch any attention, of course. This seemed normal to me for years and many people I knew did the same.
So, imagine my surprise when the Lord warned me to stop complaining. Although I'd always seen complaining and grumbling as a normal form of expression, His word revealed how wrong I was. Philippians 2:14 tells believers, Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Nothing could be clearer than that. Yet, despite committing to obey, things would happen to push me to the limit of that commitment. God, in His faithfulness, held my hand and showed me the many ways to express my feelings to Him and others without resorting to complaints, grumbling, or mumbling.
Nothing about this is easy. I am learning it is crucial to speak plainly. God is teaching me to consistently state things as I see them without laying blame on others, speaking disrespectfully of anyone, or exaggerating the description of events to make any side look worse. To achieve this, the Lord has required me, in many cases, to set my emotions aside so the enemy doesn't take advantage by drumming up my feelings. Because when that happens, satan succeeds in weaponizing those feelings against others and thereby causes me to sin against God. I've also had to remember that those who offend me are made in the image of God, thus requiring grace and respect. Besides, as I have to apply the Royal Law, what I say or think becomes limited to the boundaries of Christ's instruction to treat others as I would like to be treated.
It may seem very difficult to do, but when we look at Christ and His sacrifice we see a true example of what it means to not complain. He went to His death without a single word of complaint or protest. He didn't even argue with those who'd accused Him falsely. Instead, like a Lamb to the slaughter, He quietly stepped up to be a sacrifice for you and me. He even prayed for His opponents in the process.
Contrast this with the Israelites when God brought them out of Egypt. They repeatedly grumbled against Moses and complained about the Lord. When things were uncomfortable, they blamed God and His servant, Moses, for the suffering and threatened Moses instead of humbly seeking God's help to change their circumstances. They forgot and/or ignored the grace and power God displayed when rescuing them from slavery and oppression.
What example do we plan to model our lives on? Are we going to mimic Christ who moved in submission to God's will, regardless of its impact on Him? Or do we want to be like those who complained in the wilderness about every discomfort, ignoring all the great things God had done and was capable of doing?
Keep in mind that God wants us to take our concerns and grievances to Him. We are to lay these issues at His feet the way Elijah did. His life was under threat and he spoke to God about it. Hezekiah did something similar. Having heard that his sickness would kill him, he turned to the Lord and spoke to him, essentially pointing out that was unfair. These individuals and others in the Bible approached God with reverence. They spoke to Him with the innate fear of the Lord. They were not rude and they did not break faith with God in the process.
If we approach God the same way, then we can express the issues we face without being rude. We can talk to the Almighty, the One who is more than capable of solving our problems, without complaining and grumbling. This requires that we cooperate, allowing Him to teach us and build us into more mature believers. Ultimately, the choice is ours.
From M22 - Happy new month Folks! Have a blessed weekend. I just pray we are reminded of God's love and undivided attention for us all in his word in Psalm 139:13-18, Romans 8:31, 38-39. Amen!!!!
You have no rival
None is Your equal
And I can't make no sense of any
If You ain't here
O yo mi (He fills me up)
yo mi
O to mi (He's enough for me)
O to mi
You complete me
You're more than enough for me.
From M22 - Abba Father, we place this weekend into your hands as we rest and look forward to church. I pray that we will rest in your comfortable and authority IjMN amen.
From M22 - Abba I pray for my siblings. I pray that you will continue to renew, transform and prune them. I pray that you will continue to guide, help and direct them. I pray that you will grant them supernatural wisdom, clarity and discernment to navigate this new month and beyond. I pray that you will fill their heart with the fruits of the spirit and uproot whatever you haven't planted in their lives.
I pray for my brother that you will direct his path and grant him help to get his school debt cleared. I pray that your will be done in his life. I pray that you will raise divine helpers for him Abba. IjMN amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Almighty Messiah! Thank You for the privilege of another opportunity to learn how to live for You. Thank You for this chance to gather with others who love You and want to please You.
Bless them, God. You know the desires of their heart. I pray that in Your kindness, You will bring forth those desires that align with Your word and Your plan for their lives. That You will be glorified in them and that when others see them, they will desire to get to know You.
Thank You God for Your mercy and grace. To You be all the glory, IJMN, Amen!!
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples that you will turn their waiting season into fruitfulness. You answered the cries of Hannah and remembered Rachel. I pray that you will remember them and bless them with beautiful healthy babies. I pray that you will put an end to miscarriages, failed IVFs and difficult adoption processes IjMN amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
Today's post should have you thinking about the times you succumb to complaining and grumbling. We now know that the Lord doesn't want us to do these things and that He will help us to stop. So, let's hold hands and pray for that grace and anointing -
Great and mighty King, thank You for being so concerned that we live lives that reflect Your goodness. It is for that reason that You steer us in the right direction. That way we navigate through this existence to an eternal one with You. God, grant us grace to stop complaining and to no longer grumble. Help us to communicate with You and with others in a way that reflects Your values and gives You glory. Thank You in advance for all the guidance and help we shall receive from You on this issue and others. To You be all the praise and it is IJMN we pray, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father, we place this weekend into your hands as we rest and look forward to church. I pray that we will rest in your comfortable and authority IjMN amen.
From M22 - Abba Father help us to focus on seeking you genuinely and intently more than ever. Help not to be overwhelmed by the worries and fears of this world. When we ever become overwhelmed, let us be reminded by prior miracles and blessings you have assigned to us through the storms of life. I pray that every spirit of complaints and ingratitude is uprooted form our lives and replaced with Thanksgiving and Contentment IjMN amen!
From M22 - Abba I pray for my siblings. I pray that you will continue to renew, transform and prune them. I pray that you will continue to guide, help and direct them. I pray that you will grant them supernatural wisdom, clarity and discernment to navigate this new month and beyond. I pray that you will fill their heart with the fruits of the spirit and uproot whatever you haven't planted in their lives.
I pray for my brother that you will direct his path and grant him help to get his school debt cleared. I pray that your will be done in his life. I pray that you will raise divine helpers for him Abba. IjMN amen.
Father, You see and know the troubles of this world and I come before You to ask for Your help to reach Peppers.
Lord lift the trouble of this world from the shoulders of Your children. Restore to them what was lost and let them be like those who dreamed when You restored Zion (Psalm 126:1). May they remember the promise of Christ made in John 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Through Him, all those who call Him Lord have overcome the world. Thank You for that privilege and grace, IJMN, Amen.
From DR14U - Thanks Sis, I needed this reminder that I shalt not be grumbling or complaining. Happy Friday....Have A Blessed Day/Weekend :dance
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for sis @FFJ that your promise in Isaiah 40:31 is fulfilled in her life. May she never grow weary in this heavenly race. Help her stay steadfast till the end. Bless her , her family , her businesses and interests and continue to expand her territory IJMN amen.
From VT -
From M22 - Abba Father I pray that you will take care of this inflation crisis worldwide. I pray that you will supply the needs of families, communities and individuals across the world. I hold on to your word in Deuteronomy 28:12 that we will be lenders of nation and your promise in Phillipians 4:19 that you will supply all of our needs through our glorious riches IJMN amen. Father thank you for taking care of us and others despite the crisis . We bless you Generous Father!!! Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I thank you for children across the world. I pray that you will continue to shield and preserve them from harm, violence and abuse. Abba I pray that you will continue to nourish and nurture them in character and spirit. I pray that they will fulfill their God given purpose here on earth. I pray that they will continue to be burning vessels for your glory IJMN amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for Peppers both offline and online that you will guide, help and direct us in this month of March. Abba we hold on to your word in Isaiah 40:31 and pray for renewed strength in every aspect of our lives. I pray that this month will be far better than the previous months. I pray that you will strengthen us in character as we go through each day. IjMN amen.
You've been faithful Lord, from the ages past. That is why Your name is forever more. Glory be to You El Shaddai!
Isaiah 38:16 - Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. (CEV)
Father, the enemy enjoys seeing people sick and dying. However, You pleasure in healing the sick and raising the dead. You have proved this through Your servants who came before and after Jesus, including Christ the Lamb of God Himself.
And so, it is with this knowledge that I lift up my prayer subjects who are in need of healing. Jehovah Rapha. Jehovah Ropheka. The Great Balm of Gilead. The Mighty Physician. I lift up the words of King Hezekiah, a king You lived so much that You heard his anguish and not only healed him but extended His life.
Lord, work that miracle in the lives of my prayer subjects. Please make them healthy and strong again. And restore to them the good health they've lost and need. Remember You are He who has promised fullness of life, and good health is an intrinsic part of that promise Messiah. And so it is to You I come with this request in gratitude that You would indeed hear and answer.
Strong and Mighty God, I give You praise because I will hear word of miracles and the bedridden rising from their beds. Miraculous healing that stupefies science, doctors, and naysayers. Testimony that acknowledges that my God is the only God. IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people that have gone missing or have being abducted. I pray that you will lead relevant authorities to find them safe and sound. I pray that you dismantle and tear down every stronghold of ransom, abduction and captivity across the world and set your people free. I pray that you put an end to these nefarious activities and expose every individual behind it so they can face justice for their doing IjMN amen.
PRAYER TIME
It is time to pray.
Ask God to help the people in your life.