“Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves], That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world” – Philippians 2:14-15 (AMPC)
LIGHT FOR NOW: The scriptures instruct believers to give thanks in all things and not for all things.
Paul in over ten (10) instances in the epistle to the church at Philippi instructs believers to rejoice; rather than murmur and grumble. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice”. The Amplified Version, Classic Edition of Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!” Verse 6 of Philippians 4 echoes “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God”. We can’t pray, trust God and His power, and still grumble, despising His blessings. The Christ life plants contentment in us. 1 Timothy 6:6, 8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain… And having food and raiment let us be therewith content”.
Contented means “the circumstances do not dictate our conduct or character”. We give thanks, we rejoice, despite what we don’t have yet. 1Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. We are not to give thanks for all things but in all things. Notice the above verse comes after prayer, we pray and give thanks in all things; Paul practiced this. Acts 16:25 “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them”. You’ve probably lost a job, have rising debts, things getting worse even as you are encouraging others; yet you can’t murmur because there are blessing to count and be thankful even as you expect more. Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises; there was no room to murmur and give Satan room to wreck more havoc. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: Give no room to murmuring.
DECLARATION: I give thanks for all the blessings I have in Christ and all the good things I have received of the Lord. I refuse murmurings; I focus on God’s power working on my behalf, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
QUOTE: God’s grace is enough reason to raise your voice in praise in every season.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: ACTS CHAPTER 16; EVENING: 1THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 