Doesn’t it seem that some people are professional complainers? Remember the children of Israel right after they finished crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15:22-24, and the got out into the wilderness and began complaining about not having the water they wanted. God’s people are often incredibly skilled at complaining. We read in Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault int he midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice int he day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” We know that complaining is an extreme but what we do not realize is that complaining naturally leads to an even more sinful expression in our hearts: bitterness. Complaining piles on the clogged stream of thinking in our lives that causes us to lose perspective and direction, which makes a bad situation worse. What is the answer to overcoming complaining. First, remember what God has done for you in the past – He is the same, and He has promised that … READ MORE

I remember while in Jr high I was sitting on the bleachers in our gym and a classmate came over and sat down beside me and said, “you know, if you were to fall of these bleachers, and kill yourself, no one would miss you.” Those words affected me for several years, until I came to understand the power of salvation. But even then, as I sit in my office this morning, I can still feel the sting of those words, as they come to my mind. James 3:1-12 reminds us of the impact of our tongue, and the fact that our words are really a reflection of our own hearts. The power of our tongues has the ability to encourage others to great heights in accomplishing more than they ever dreamed possible; or they can tear people down and cause them to live a defeated and crippled life. Never underestimate what a kind word will mean to those around you, never use your speech to tear a person down. Even criticism, given with encouragement can bring hope in a person’s life. Today, use your words to uplift those you come into contact with. … READ MORE

In the Old Testament we are given an example of one who became better in the midst of difficult circumstances. Genesis 37-41 tells of the life of Joseph and how he goes from being sold into slavery by his own brothers, to being accused of Rape and put in prison, to his rise to become the “Prime Minister” of Egypt. Jacob characterizes his life as one who the “archers bitterly attacked him” in Genesis 49. Yet through all that he endured, there is no hint in Scripture that Joseph was in any way a sinfully bitter man. Joseph faced the bitter circumstances of his life and grew and in and through them. Joseph’s choice was made because he understood something very important, which we see in Genesis 50:19-20 as he addresses the fears of his brothers after his father’s death. “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? … you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” In the midst of our bitter circumstances, we have to remember that God has a plan and purpose for allowing … READ MORE