Do You "Murmur"?

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." Phil. 2:14-15 KJV

Never Assume:

These verses have been on my mind for the past several weeks. I really like them and am encouraged by them. But as I was studying for this lesson, I came across a surprise: murmuring does not mean "complaining or arguing". Wait, what!? 

This is the actual definition: "a mumbled or private expression of discontent" and "malicious whispering of slander". Whispering, private expression, mumbling... This isn't about public complaining. This is about quiet, behind people's backs, and in the heart kind of complaining. OUCH! (My old murmuring blog post)

Disputing actually means "to engage in argument or debate". That's complaining and arguing. Which one do you struggle with? Is it the outer one of fighting and arguing with those around you? Or is the in secret or inside your heart one?

Do All Things:

God tells us to "Do all things..." that means in everything and at all times. We need to stop disputing with our parents, our siblings, and our spouses (any authority over us), and even stop murmuring against them. We need to stop having a resistant heart toward them and have a submissive humble heart instead. We need to obey the commands/requests they give us and to respect their authority over us. (Heb. 13:17, Col. 3:20, Eph. 5:22)

Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5

Peacemaker:

More than that, we need to be peacemakers. (Mat. 5:9) Let others win. Don't fight back. Let go of the issue. Seek forgiveness. Give it to GOD. (Romans 12:19) Do you keep the peace in your house? (Romans 12:18) Do you have a quiet and meek spirit? 1 Peter 3:4 It's important to God and makes a difference in the spirit of the home. :D

Do your part in making things right before God and before those around you. (James 5:16) Work on fixing those areas that you are weak in. Pray that God can help them to be better leaders for you. 

Shining Lights:

My favorite part of these verses is the reward... "Shining Lights in the world". If you live peaceably with those around you, you will shine brightly before them and others. People will wonder why... and you will stand out to them. 

"This Little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine!"

Yuliya's Perfect Life

"She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." John 8:11

Wrong Choices:

I was deceived into thinking that if I live for me and my selfish desires, I would be happy and satisfied. I got into relationships that pleased me but left me empty and wounded. I tried putting God into the relationship that He hadn't prepared or planned for me, so that failed miserably. I lived for my fleshly temporal desires. 

As a result, I felt like this adulteress woman in the Bible who was worthy of death. I felt worthless, torn, and confused. I felt unworthy of a good godly man. I know I made wrong choices. I know I sinned against my parents and against GOD.

But I didn't know how to stop or change my direction. I felt weak and helpless.

GOD LOVES ME:

Just like God forgave my sins and came into my heart, he could forgive my wandering selfish heart. God loved the adulteress woman so much that He forgave her and told her to "sin no more". He commands us to make a choice to stop sinning and to turn directions. He cares for me and for you! (1 Peter 5:7)

CHRISTIAN FAMILY:

As I was changing directions, I realized that my family was hurt through this. I also noticed that they were the ones who could help me get on track. They prayed for me and encouraged me to do what's right. (Gal. 6:2) My church family befriended me and drew me closer to the Saviour. They supported my good choices and strengthened me!

Make the RIGHT choice:

You can change your direction. You can choose to do what's right. You can stop living in sin and in your selfish desires. You can come back to the Heavenly Father who LOVES you so much. He can cleansed your every wicked and sinful act and thought! 

Seek GOD daily! You can live a completely different and satisfying life for God blesses the right choice and a godly life. (I know, because that is the life I am living today.. John 8:12, Phil. 2:12, Psalm 9:10)

Go back to church and be faithful there. It will help you get back and stay on track! Read your Bible daily and get to know the Saviour who LOVES you! (John 3:16)  I've been praying for you, my friend. I care about you.

My Rewards:

Because I left my selfish ways and stopped choosing my own relationships, God was able to bring the right man into my life better than I ever could have chosen for myself! 

Make the right choices. It will make a difference in your future! It will give you what you truly long for and desire!

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:4