"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,...." Philippians 2:14-15
I feel lately the above verse has been my new life verse for the time being. God sent it to me and well I have been learning from it. Have you ever been in a situation where you know your patience is being tested and you are already having a bad day? This puts you in a bad mood, and a short fuse to getting upset. I have really been trying to work on my behavior. It really rubs off on other people. To every action there is a reaction, including behavior.
If you soak up negativity and portray that back out, then others will feel it and do the same causing an upset in the whole house. Now when I feel Satan trying to attack my person and trying to stoke a fire, I remind myself of this verse, and the new meaning it gives me. If its in the Bible, it must be important. What I enjoy the most is that it doesn't say, do some things without grumbling, it says do all things without grumbling. Now that is purposeful!
It's interesting how one verse and simply God can ultimately change your entire outlook on one thing.
Grumbling and patience are related because its a lack of patience that leads to grumbling. I sometimes think to myself not to pray for patience, because I don't want to be thrown into situations that lead to opportunities to be patient. This may be selfish. All in all, what if God wants me to have more patience in my life. I know currently I do not have a lot of patience, which also leads to control and ultimately trust. I definitely have a lack of in these current areas. I believe God is pointing this out so I can come to terms with these, especially during the Consumed series.
My advice for this day is simply what God says, " Do all things without grumbling."
Keep the faith.
2013 has been an interesting start so far. I have been reflecting over these past few months. God has been doing some awesome work in me. Chipping away at my outer shell to reveal something shiny and new. I have stepped into some new roles, like co-leading a life group. If someone would have told me that I would have been leading a small group a year ago I wouldn't have believed them. I feel like a different person in some ways. My hair is longer now, but that is just outside appearance. The real change is on the inside.
I still have doubts I deal with and fear. Fear seems to bear its ugly soul sometimes and comes up in the most inopportune times. But what I have found out is that God shows up at the best times. I am getting better at hearing his voice and advice. It's like when your heart is all a flutter and anxiety is creeping in, God steps in, with all His glory and power. It's like that.
At my church, we just started a new sermon series called, "Consumed." I am really enjoying it so far. The first week talked about materialism and how that can consume our lives and basically push God out and put the stuff first. I want this 6 week journey to change my life! I don't want to be the same person I was when I have started this journey.
The journey goes to Easter and I have prayed over a certain challenge. At church, it will be talked about in a few weeks about this big giving project. It was mentioned last Wednesday, about an organization called Extreme Response, and as a church we will be raising $10,000 dollars so that Extreme Response can build and start a children's home in the Philippines. I am excited and have pledged all my extra money till Easter to go to this project. I hope and pray to raise $500. It is a lot of money, but I am really excited to be helping further the kingdom with giving hope and security to the children in the Philippines. Please pray that either individually or as the whole church that we reach our goal.
I pray for whoever reads this, that your life will be changed in someway. God is working and all He wants is that you come to Him and listen to His words.
Keep the faith!
