“Do all things without complaining or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” —Philippians 2:14-15
If we complained less and were more thankful, we would be joyous Christians, and God would be more glorified through our words and works. Every day we must thank God for the “ordinary mercies” that we receive from His generous hand. For although we deserve nothing, God provides us with abundance. However, our loudest song of thanksgiving should be for God’s redeeming grace. Believers have been redeemed from the overpowering rule and consequences of sin in which we were conceived and born. We have been led to the cross of Christ by the sweet Holy Spirit of God and our bonds of guilt have been removed. We are no longer slaves of Satan and sin, but are now children of the living God, who were adopted through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. We now have the precious promises that “nothing can separate us from Christ’s love” and that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28-39). Why, then, should the Christian ever be found complaining? Oh, what a grievous, selfish, thankless heart we demonstrate when we participate in the worldly, sinful craft of complaining. Every child of God must cultivate a thankful heart. Begin by thinking of the “little” things and then move into the realm of God’s saving grace. This will surely stir the believer’s heart to “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!”
Are you thankful to God for the “little” things in life? Things such as:
A Beautiful Rainbow
A Gentle Breeze
A Soft Rain Shower
The Warm Sunshine
A Blazing Sunset
A Sandy Beach
A Bald Eagle in Flight
A Morning Glory
The Scent of a Rose
A Good Meal
A Kind “Hello”
Loving Friends
A Refreshing Glass of Water
A Hot Shower
The Smell of Cinnamon Baked Apples
A Warm Bed
A Good Night’s Sleep
A Thirty Minute Nap
A Playful Puppy
A Faithful Sermon
Good Music
A Talented Ice Skater
A Faithful Friend
Etc., Etc., Etc…
NOW MEDITATE ON THE REALM OF GOD’S SAVING GRACE:
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us…” (Gal. 3:13).
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)…” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34).
“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6).
“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:1-3).
Monday Message: December 7, 2020
In Christ,
Pastor S. Henry