Readily and Cheerfully

Do everything without grumbling and arguing. – (Philippians 2:14, HCSB)

Do everything without complaining or arguing. – (Philippians 2:14, ERV)

Do everything readily and cheerfully – no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! – (Philippians 2:14, MSG)

It is always good to be reminded of the attitude that we ought to have throughout our day. Today is timely, as this happens to be a day bookended with extra meetings. Rather than be grumbly about having to meet, I can cheerfully give thanks that I am gainfully employed and that we meet to be and do better in all that we do. May we ever seek the Lord to help us do all things readily and cheerfully, without complaining or arguing. He is good, and His love knows no end.

O Lord, show us how,

To do all with love;

Without complaining,

Seek Your grace above.

Help us be cheerful,

With hearts set to serve;

To extend goodness,

Despite what’s deserved.

Make our heart like Yours,

Full of love and grace;

Teach us to run well,

Each leg of our race.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to do all things readily and cheerfully, for that is one way that we can demonstrate the depth of Your love. Forgive us for our frustrations that have led to complaining or arguing. Teach us to take all things in stride as You do. Show us how to cheerfully approach all things with grateful hearts. Lead us to love those around us well, so that they might come to know the power of Your great love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to help us do all things without grumbling or complaining, but rather approach all things with a cheerful and grateful heart. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8

The Culmination of Complaints

Challenges refine and define character.  Last evening, I looked at the dishes that needed to be done with a begrudging heart, and now, this morning, after being awoken in the wee hours by my sweet boy who was struggling to breathe, I see the dishes differently.  My momentary loss of perspective, allowed my heart to forget that those dishes display that there is plenty to eat, and a place to safely consume our meals, as well as safe water to clean and sanitize the dishes when we are done.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” – (Philippians 2:14-16)

A heart to serve without complaining, nor arguing, is what I desire.  I want to be seen as blameless and pure as God’s child, and be a light before those around me.  My hope is that others might see something different in the light that lives in me, and come to know Christ is the cause for the difference, that they too, desire.

Let not my lips,

bring forth complaint;

let not my words,

nor actions taint.

For You are good,

and all should see;

Your light that lives,

growing in me.

May my life shine,

a star, so bright;

so all may know,

You are the Light.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we may become blameless and pure, Your cherished children in whom You delight.  Thank You that You take flawed and broken people, and transform us into stars that shine as Your light unto the world.  Forgive us for complaining and arguing, as nothing beneficial ever comes from either; and help us to have Your heart for whatever trials we face, so that we may approach all things with Your loving grace.  Teach us to trust You to lead and guide us in the way that we are meant to go, and help us to be ever aware of Your presence.  Use us Father, so that we may shine brightly before all those around us.  May many come to know You, and Your saving grace.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Encouraging Words

image by beliefnet.com

In weariness, worn;

a frustrated rant.

No harsh words spoken;

only grace to grant.

Child-like complaining,

met with tenderness.

Encouraging words,

brought peace in my mess.

God’s kind heart to mine,

on the face of friends;

He restores all hope,

as His love extends.

Reminders of truth,

when it’s hard to see;

His grace is greater,

than what comes at me.

As strength is renewed,

and faith rises up,

I am encouraged;

for He is enough.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Thank You that You are our loving Father who patiently waits out our frustrations and complaining, and You tenderly take our hand and heart, and remind us that You are holding us in Your strong hands. Thank You that You are far greater than anything that can ever come against us. Forgive us for our tirades in trying times, and help our immediate response be to turn to trust in You. Thank You for Your love, grace and kindness that You make tangible through others, so that we might gain a greater glimpse of You. May we be strengthened and encouraged as we seek You alone, and may others clearly see You in us, as we respond to Your great and generous love. Lead us and guide us I pray, and bring many to know Your way. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present