May 25
________________________________________
JAMES 5
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. – James 5:9-10
________________________________________
JAMES 5 WHEN WE GRUMBLE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The moment one decides to grumble
One is likely to see something crumble
It may be a relationship that will slowly collapse
Or it can build anger and also so much mistrust.
As we continue to complain about things not going our way
We are taking control and not trusting that God is our provider
When we declare our discontent, bitter roots get deeper
The more we grumble, the more unwell and hopeless we’ll be.
When we are anxious and complaining, we begin to resent
If we start dwelling on things we don’t have, we will get spent
On the other hand, if we count all that we have been given
We change our perspective and become more contented.
Christ suffered and endured the torment and rejection from man
If we claim to be Christians, we ought to embrace suffering and pain
Grumbling is the opposite of patience and endurance
To grumble is to be entitled; to endure is to be humble.
When we grumble, we are going to be accountable to the Judge
Grumbling is being ungrateful and it questions the fairness of God
Be thankful instead of complaining, no one wants to be with a whiner
Appreciate what the Lord has given you and bring your request in prayer.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think James cautions us from grumbling in these following verses?
• What might be the aftermath of grumbling?
Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-
PSALM 71 HOPE AND PRAISE THE LORD CONTINUOSLY
Quote
May 4
________________________________________
PSALM 71 HOPE AND PRAISE THE LORD CONTINUOSLY
But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
of your deeds of salvation all the day,
for their number is past my knowledge.
16 With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come;
I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
17 O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come. – Psalm 71:14-18
________________________________________
PRAISE THE LORD EVEN AT YOUR OLD AGE! by ILMA
I will continue to worship my Lord at my graying years
He had faithfully led me to the path of righteousness
I will not be faint though life had been stormy
I will praise the Lord more amidst all the adversities.
Trust that God never abandons those who love him deeply
Proclaim the goodness of the Lord to the world incessantly
To the youth, I will not tire of telling God’s mighty deeds
They need to remember his goodness and righteousness.
All those who have known the Lord will be assured and justified
He promises salvation for the upright and wrath for the wicked
All you people of God, don’t stop praising God no matter what comes
Acknowledge Him who is King of kings and Lord of Lords.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How can praising God be an antidote to all the trials and sufferings you are facing as this psalm samples us?
• Why does the psalmist recommend us to praise God especially in our ageing years?