Thanks Scott - I'm grateful I stumbled on this today; gratitude as a daily practice is one of those things we kindof know, but then it gets so quickly paved over by life's grumblings - I felt like this opened me up again today.
Also, I have a little uplift blog where I post 3-word "mercies" - your poetic prose just kept jumping off the page to me: "pausing each morning", and (slightly modified:) "gratitude softens grumbling" and "grumbling heart - still". May I quote these/you in a future posting? (https://mondaymercies.substack.com/)
[14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. [17] Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. [18] Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
This is absolutely true. Our emotions and attitudes can be a choice. Choosing gratitude even in the small things will open your eyes to so many things you hadn't even thought to be grateful for previously.
When Paul tells the Corinthians five temptations that are common to man, illustrating them by the actions of the Israelites in the wilderness (1 Cor. 10:1-13), grumbling is #5.
Your statement, “Gratitude even in times of suffering keeps the heart soft” struck me. It’s true Scott. I’ve been recovering from a severe fall that occurred in September of 2023. My wife and I in our late 70’s have focused on being rooted and built up in Christ overflowing with gratitude. We’ve made that an intentional aspect of our lives. Your writing enriches my soul. Thank you.
A timely post. Experiencing the pain from a person that was grumbling and was pondering this posture. Reading Mark 6 this morning and underlined, 'nursed'. Verse 19, "So Herodias nursed a grudge against John"
May we be careful what we nurse...it grows. May we nurse gratitude, even in our darkest hours. Also as you wrote about, I have been noting that in the gospels so many times Jesus tells us not to act out of fear but to act out of faith in Him. Thank you for sharing.
God please help us to turn our eyes upon you in our dark hours, to have faith in you, to not be afraid, and to give thanks in all things.
Let's not forget: Life is short, death is forever.
It was a pleasure to read it. Thank you
Thanks Scott - I'm grateful I stumbled on this today; gratitude as a daily practice is one of those things we kindof know, but then it gets so quickly paved over by life's grumblings - I felt like this opened me up again today.
Also, I have a little uplift blog where I post 3-word "mercies" - your poetic prose just kept jumping off the page to me: "pausing each morning", and (slightly modified:) "gratitude softens grumbling" and "grumbling heart - still". May I quote these/you in a future posting? (https://mondaymercies.substack.com/)
Thanks for this Luke. And of course, feel free to quote anytime.
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Philippians 2:14-18
[14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. [17] Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. [18] Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
So helpful, Scott. Thanks, brother! Using this for our family discussion post this week.
Thank you, McKay!
This is absolutely true. Our emotions and attitudes can be a choice. Choosing gratitude even in the small things will open your eyes to so many things you hadn't even thought to be grateful for previously.
Well said, Jason
When Paul tells the Corinthians five temptations that are common to man, illustrating them by the actions of the Israelites in the wilderness (1 Cor. 10:1-13), grumbling is #5.
That's right. Good observation, Jerry!
Your statement, “Gratitude even in times of suffering keeps the heart soft” struck me. It’s true Scott. I’ve been recovering from a severe fall that occurred in September of 2023. My wife and I in our late 70’s have focused on being rooted and built up in Christ overflowing with gratitude. We’ve made that an intentional aspect of our lives. Your writing enriches my soul. Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
A timely post. Experiencing the pain from a person that was grumbling and was pondering this posture. Reading Mark 6 this morning and underlined, 'nursed'. Verse 19, "So Herodias nursed a grudge against John"
May we be careful what we nurse...it grows. May we nurse gratitude, even in our darkest hours. Also as you wrote about, I have been noting that in the gospels so many times Jesus tells us not to act out of fear but to act out of faith in Him. Thank you for sharing.
God please help us to turn our eyes upon you in our dark hours, to have faith in you, to not be afraid, and to give thanks in all things.