“14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life” Philippians 2:14-16 ESV
We have been at this gratitude thing for six days and I wonder if you have mastered it yet? Maybe? Maybe not? Don’t be discouraged if you are still struggling with the default to negativity. Remember, that’s a sin hack. But we can renew our minds and live life with joy.
One of the first things that we must realize is there is power in NOT complaining! And yet, so often we go there. We focus on what is wrong rather than looking for the right. And all the time, this strategy of complaining doesn’t work. It hasn’t made our lives better and yet the enemy still argues with us in our mind that complaining is your right and you should do it!
But here’s the problem, complaining, inward questioning, fear, and worry literally hack your life, your testimony, and your ability to enjoy life. These strategies cause us to forget God’s Word, to fail to act on faith, and as a result we forfeit His promises.
Complaining, inward questioning, fear, and worry literally hack your life, your testimony, and your ability to enjoy life.
Today, I want to equip you with the power to conquer these enemies of life. Yes, I called them enemies of life. Complaining, Fear, Worry, and Inward Disputing literally rob us of life. The choice to engage in these actions in effect increase stress levels, affect our health, cloud our minds, and destroy our relationships.
And yet we keep going back to them as if they are our friends.
There are three things that we must do to counter these threats to the abundant life.
First, get the Word of God IN us! The Word of God has the power to heal, to create out of nothing, and to reveal truth that sets us free. The Word of God must replace the arguments, the doubts, and the lies of our enemy. Get it in you by listening to it, memorizing it, and speaking it.
The Bible says the Word of God is a two-edged sword. Use it!
Secondly, a result of getting the Word in us is faith. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Faith is what destroys the power of the ‘fiery darts’ of satan. Faith creates the courage to act when there is no logical rationale that supports us. Faith literally overcomes the world and gives us victory.
Get the Word. Believe The Word. Act on the Word (Faith).
Lastly, begin expecting to receive God’s promises. Don’t forfeit His promises. When your mind and your heart goes negative, go rogue right back and start singing, praising, declaring good things, and affirming God’s work in your life with a strong, “God is good, all the time!” or “I’m blessed!”
There is power in NOT complaining.
There is power in NOT being fearful.
There is power in NOT disputing.
There is power in NOT worrying.
But, please understand that if we give ourselves to these sinful, carnal defaults, we give up our opportunity to live life to the full and surrender to the one who came to kill, steal, and to destroy. Yes, you may have the right to complain or a reason to worry, but there is also a way to live! Which will you choose?
DON’T GET ROBBED OF LIFE BY GOING BACK TO THE SAME INSANITY OF YESTERDAY!
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
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