I Have to Do Everything

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16 NIV

I don't know when it happened. I'm not even sure how it happened, I just know that I've caught myself doing it, and I don't like it. Grumbling. Complaining. Being negative. I told my sister today, that is NOT who I want to be. I have to rip out that bad seed by the root, get rid of the thorns and re-work the hardened soil of my heart and soul! Jeremiah 4:3 tells us, Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. I am thanking God this day that He shines His light on the Truth of His Word and loves me enough to correct me.

Michelle offered that we should refocus our hearts and minds by actively communicating every day what we are thankful for. Knowing my sister and I are two peas in a pod, I readily agreed with one stipulation: We have to be truly grateful, not negatively grateful. What do I mean by that? Well, none of this - "I'm grateful I didn't smack the snot out of anyone today who ticked me off, even though I had ample opportunity." To which she replied, "Yeah, I was thinking no - 'I'm so grateful God gave me good perceptive skills so I could see an idiot coming from a mile away' kind of thing, either." (Yes, you can see for yourself we needed to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God... Confessing our faults one to another, praying for one another that we might be healed.) It is God's Word - His Living Word - that changes the hearts and minds of mankind.

Yes, I have to do everything - without grumbling and complaining or arguing! We choose to control what comes out of our mouths by following Your Word, I will bless the Lord at all times: Your praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Prayer:

Father,
           According to Your Word in Philippians 4:7, we choose not to worry about anything, but to tell You every detail of our needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and Your peace which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over our hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus. Make our hearts pure so that when we speak out of its fullness our words will be pure. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen