I asked my kids to help me with doing some things around our acreage and I received grumbling and disputing. I quickly reminded them of this passage we studied and we went outside.

As we began to work, some of the kids began to hide instead of work. I found myself getting more frustrated as the kids began to do less and less. Next thing you know, I was the one grumbling and disputing.

We must keep our eyes fixed on the Lord and His goals not ours. He wants us to train up a child in the way he should go, not teach him to grumble even more.

The beauty of God’s word is that it cuts to the core of our hearts and minds and reveals our need for our Savior. Praise God for His faithfulness to grow us and conform us to the image of Christ.

#MPWarrior

#DoWithoutGrumblingOrDisputing

#StillLearning

http://bit.ly/MissionPossiblePB

When we humbly submit to the dominion of Adonai, we experience life free of iniquity. This is not a one-time decision, but instead a battle of many decisions for Him day in and day out. We cry out to Him asking That He May keep us from sin, that He would guard our minds that we would desire Him only on the throne of our lives. For He is faithful and has the power to grant that request.  

Reflection

Are you actively praying for a hunger for His Word?

Are you diving deep into that Word equipping your feet to walk in it?

Are you petitioning our Heavenly Father to prevent any iniquity from having dominion over you?

Prayer

Father, You search and know our hearts. Give us a hunger for Your Word that is everlasting.  May our footsteps be established in it moment by moment.  Guard our minds to know the truth and keep our hearts under Your dominion.  Let no sin overtake us.  May our eyes be fixed on Christ now and forever more. Amen!

As Christians, we are to, “as much as possible live peaceably with all men.”  This demands that we take an inventory of our words and actions and make changes where necessary.  How can we be reconcilers and ambassadors for Christ, when we are letting our mouths go unstrestrained?

My heart breaks for the arrogant and proud heart that doesn’t consider the hearts of others. For one day it will find itself alone and depressed.   Only God can break a heart like this and lead it to repentance. 

Reflection

In what ways have your words hurt others?

Confess your wrongdoings to those who you have hurt.  Make sure to hit all the parts. 

“I was wrong for…”

“I’m sorry for…”

“Can you please forgive me?”

“I will do my best not to do it again”

Make restitution

Prayer

Father, for with our tongues we bless and curse; it ought not to be this way.  Help us to use our words to build up your people and encourage them.  Humble us and teach us to own our mistakes.  Let us seek to make peace in word and deed, in the name of Christ, Amen!

While it’s great not to be a sluggard, we have to be on guard for the temptation to look at all the things we have done with our hands and claim all the glory for ourselves.  This is especially true if the work involves income.  It takes no effort to begin to believe that all we have is “ours” and that our very own hands have made this wealth we enjoy.

King David knew and understood that the Earth and everything in it belonged to God. As a result, his prayers and songs were often filled with praise.  Realizing that God owns it all and has blessed us according to His will, helps keep us from self-worship and instead breeds a heart of humility and gratitude.  David was certainly a wealthy man and he danced and praised God; for he knew it was only by God’s choice that it was so.

I have visited 8 different countries outside the United States.  In each case, I have come home with a heart of gratitude, seeing how much I am blessed to live where I do.  On one occasion, I was on a mission trip that I was supposed to lead  but had been forced out of my job first.  I went on the trip anyway at the request of those that were going.

Even in those difficult circumstances, my heart was moved as I saw people working 16 hour days to make only a few dollars and still praising God for it. I saw in me another level of self -dependence and I realized again how much my flesh loves glory though I was designed to give God glory.

God has blessed you wherever you were born and wherever you serve.  He has blessed you with the material blessings you have and He alone has given you life and breath. Above all, He has blessed you with His salvation and eternal presence. For the Earth is His and all that is in it.

Reflection

In what ways have you claimed the works of your hands or wealth and glorified yourself?

Make a list of the many blessings you have and praise God for each one.  Take the list and put it in a place you will see it multiple times.  Praise God each time the list catches your eye.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we know that ALL things come from Your hand and we only have because you have chosen us to.  For You have the power to give and to take away.  In all circumstances teach us to praise you in Jesus’ name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#GodOwnsItAll

#PraiseHim

#truthtalk4life