Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Devotionals by J.M. Farro


The High Cost of Complaining


"Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world." - Mark 4:24 NKJV

I once heard a well-known minister of the Gospel talking about some of the experiences he and his wife had during their early years of marriage. Even though he is enjoying abundant prosperity now, there was a time when all he and his family could afford was a cold water flat to live in. Times were hard, and he and his wife were tempted to complain about their hardships. But the Holy Spirit gave this godly man a "knowing" that if he wanted the Lord to bless him in extraordinary ways, he and his wife must never grumble about their circumstances. This man and his family were overwhelmed with joy when just a few years later, they moved into a beautiful home with stately columns, surrounded by fragrant magnolia trees.

Before I began seriously studying the Bible, I didn't realize how destructive complaining could be. Now I know that it's offensive to God, and it can open the door for Satan to come into our lives to "steal, kill, and destroy." (John 10:10) The Old Testament accounts of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years reveal to us that God despised His people's complaints, and often judged them for their grumbling. The apostle Paul refers to these accounts when he writes: "Don't grumble as some of them did, for that is why God sent His angel of death to destroy them. All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us..." (1 Corinthians 10:10-11 NLT) The truth is that God takes our grumbling personally, and our complaints show a serious lack of gratitude for His boundless mercy and love for us. If you want to cut off the flow of God's blessings in your life, complaining is a good way to do it. On the other hand, being thankful for all He provides for us daily will cause Him to release His abundant blessings into our lives.

How would you feel if you gave someone a gift and they responded with indifference, criticism, or complaint? How about if they were overjoyed and overflowing with thankfulness? Their response would naturally determine your treatment of them to some degree. Should we be surprised if God sometimes feels the same way? It's all right to want to make progress and do better in various areas of our lives, but never to the extent that we fail to appreciate and give thanks for the blessings we already have. God expects more from His children than He does from the rest of the world. That's why He inspired Paul to write: "In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them." (Philippians 2:14-15 NLT) It's so natural for us to complain, that when we don't, we stand out - and people take notice. Do you really want to grab the attention of those people around you who desperately need the Lord in their lives? Refuse to complain or grumble when you're most tempted to. God promises that you'll make an impact on others when you obey Him in this area.

The next time you've got the perfect opportunity to let loose with a few complaints, remember what it can cost you. Instead, let a grateful God reward you for resisting the urge to grumble.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for all the times I opened my mouth to grumble, instead of to give thanks. Give me a grateful heart, and teach me how to resist the urge to complain. When I obey You in this area, use my example to inspire others and draw them to You. Thank You for my present blessings, and for all those yet to come!

- J. M. Farro

 

go to main Devotionals page
go to Devotionals archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, March 14, 2025
ALBUMS
Shout Praises Kids! Español Buen Dios [Integrity]
UPPERROOM 1350 (Live) [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
1K Phew All I Need - Single [Reach]
Anchor Hymns Walk With Me/How Precious Your Presence (feat. Caroline Cobb, Sarah Kroger, and Stefan Cashwell) - Single [Integrity]
AZ Christlike Greater Works - Single [Syntax]
Big Daddy Weave Let It Begin - Single [Curb]
Blanca This Won't Take My Praise (feat. Taylor Hill) - Single [Curb]
Jekalyn Carr Don't Faint - Single [WayNorth]
Clemency Whole Heart - Single (independent)
Coqui only Idol - Multi Single [DREAM]
Just Cordell Wait - Single (independent)
Adriel Cruz We're Not Alone - Single [Syntax]
Grace Graber, Daniel Spriggs My Favorite Part - Single (independent)
Illustrate, Procyse Mask Off (Daniel DeGree Remix) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Knaladeus Your Love - Single [Syntax]
LO CLOUD Stars Align - Single (independent)
Newsboys How Many Times (oh how You love me) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Blessing Offor Lift Me Up - Single [Capitol CMG]
Nate Parrish Small - Single (independent)
Josiah Queen Yesterday is Dead - Single [Capitol CMG]
Emmy Rose Tend (Live) - Single [Bethel]
Tedashii Heavy Heart - Single [Reach]
Todd Tilghman Holy Place - Single [StowTown]
Brandon Watson Too Far Gone - Single (independent)

Next Friday, March 21, 2025
ALBUMS
Kayla Berry Soar - Single (independent)
Diatheke ...And The Word Was God [Rottweiler]
Ellie Holcomb Sing: Spring Songs [Capitol CMG]
Jesus Culture Worthy of Hallelujah (Live) [Capitol CMG]
Tauren Wells Let The Church Sing - EP [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Pat Boone ONE - Voices for Tanzania - Single [Lamb & Lions]
Faith Worship Arts The Lifter (Live) - Single [DREAM Worship]
Life.Church Worship Christ In Me - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Turn It To Praise - Single [Provident]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out the newest JFH Metal compilation - FREE!
Get JFH's 13th free indie compilation now!
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images