Seeking Jesus First - Oct. 31, 2022
It is better for us and for those around us if we remain silent as opposed to grumbling or complaining. Even a fool is considered wise and prudent when he remains silent (Pro. 17:28). Thanks to the incorruptible seed that is planted inside of us, we are capable of life giving speech. We have been appointed the major prophet to ourselves. We are privileged to become the first person that we exhort, encourage and comfort. Just like King David, we are able to encourage ourselves in The LORD.
Philippians 2:12-16 “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will 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, 16 holding fast the word of life,”
Many quote the passage, “The power of life and death is in the tongue.” If we believe that our words carry the power of life and death, we will set Holy Spirit as guard over the words that we speak and pray.
Witches believe in this power and use it to curse or bless. However, believers are told that our mouths are like wells which cannot spring forth with both bitter and sweet waters. We are not to proclaim curses with our mouths. This should be impossible for a believer who is filled with Holy Spirit Who floods our hearts with God’s love. But we are still warned that we should guard our tongue.
The blessing of God is more powerful than curses. This is why Jesus told us to bless our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us. We have the wondrous privilege of decreeing the words of life given to us by God. We have the anointing of God that infuses these decrees with power. We have the love motivated faith to back these decrees up with love based actions and to patiently persist until we see breakthrough and victory.
Take a look at Phil. 2:14-16:
14 - Do all things without grumbling or complaining. All still means all.
15 - So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach… Whatever we are on the inside, we do not appear to be children of God if we grumble or complain because Our Father does not grumble or complain. Complaining subjects a person to the circumstances. Grumbling only victimizes ourselves.
16 - holding fast to the words of life. When we hold fast to the words of life instead of grumbling and complaining, we appear as lights in the world. Those around us begin to see us differently (as children of God) and are drawn to the light of God in us. This is how we are the light of the world.
How can a person who is complaining about their circumstances share the good news. On the contrary, a grumbler ruins their testimony to the good news.
One might say, “But I really don’t like what is going on in my life!” One who faces no opposition needs to use no faith to overcome it. Did I mention that we are the major prophet of our own lives. This is because Holy Spirit dwells with us and in us.
Pray in the Spirit. Jude 20 says that by praying in the spirit, we build ourselves up in the most holy faith.
Words of life are words of faith and they give us hope. Study the words of life given to us by God through Jesus Christ and the apostles.
Ask Holy Spirit for wisdom. But, for heaven’s sake, don’t make things worse by complaining.
Instead, give thanks, praise, and worship God. Have faith that He is working all things out for our good.
There once was a very rich man who had twin sons. They were alike in every way except one had a grumbling spirit and the other always found good in everything. He called a psychiatrist to come and meet with his sons. After the consultation, the doctor wanted to conduct a test.
He put the grumbler in a room full of presents for his birthday. The grumbler opened the gifts and complained about each one saying, “I don’t know how to use this.” “I can’t understand this.” I hate this wrapping paper.” “Look at this mess.” I can’t play with all of these toys.” Etc.
He put the grateful son in a room with the largest pile of horse manure you could imagine. The happy son said, “Oh boy, there must be a horse around somewhere!” and he started looking for a horse.
If you think you have a room full of manure, find something to fertilize and your next season will be a full harvest.