Grumble...Grumble...Grumble...

Grumbling has no place among members of the Lord’s body. Admittedly, it is sometimes difficult to avoid becoming a grumbler. As human beings we feel like we know how things should or should not go; and when they do not go as we feel they should, the grumbling begins.

Before we look into what Scripture has to say about grumbling let’s look at it from a purely secular point of view. What good comes from grumbling? In your life, in the times you have fallen into the trap of becoming a grumbler what good has come of it? Most likely no good has come, and quite often, bad has been the result of our grumbling.

When we grumble about others, whether it is our boss, a co-worker, teacher, or whoever it might be many negatives occur. First, we are impacting (often times unfairly) that person’s reputation. We would not be pleased if someone ran around ripping our reputation to shreds, yet that is exactly what we do when we grumble.

Next, we are affecting our relationship with that person. If there was ever an opportunity to have a positive relationship with the person, grumbling about them is a sure fire way to ruin it. Have you ever noticed how often our “ private grumblings” get back to the person they are about? Something to consider.

And finally, grumbling about others will have a negative impact on your reputation. Plain and simple, people get tired about hearing from “Negative Nancy,” all the time. More often than not, when the grumbler in us makes and appearance, our own reputation becomes tarnished.

Now let us consider what Scripture says about grumbling. Philippians 2:14 says “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you might be blameless and innocent children of God…” Next, consider what James 5:9 tells us, “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

Christians, we are to avoid being a people who grumble, at all costs. We must understand grumblings come from Satan, resist!

The snow is coming! The snow is coming!

Wow, what a week it has been weather wise. One of the really fun things about living in the south is, if you don’t like the weather, just wait, it will change. Weather forecasting is no doubt a tough job especially here in Alabama. I appreciate those who do their best to keep us informed of pending weather.

It has always seemed interesting to me how excited people get when they hear it might snow. The weathermen are on television for what seems like weeks talking about the pending storm. People flock to the grocery store to get milk and bread. What is the deal with milk sandwiches anyway? Businesses close, schools close, our world comes to what feels like a screeching halt. Everyone is paying attention and everyone is ready. It is nearly impossible to be caught unprepared.

What if the world would heed the warnings of Christ’s return as diligently as they did the weatherman's forecast? What if, we as Christians, were as excited about talking about the Second Coming of Christ as we are about the snow possibilities?

Unlike the weather forecast, which is subject to change, the Second Coming of Christ is a definite. Is it possible that since Christ has delayed His coming, we have allowed ourselves to “fall asleep” spiritually? If we knew a definite date of His return, would that cause us to be more vigilant against the wiles of Satan? Maybe if He would make an appointment with us, we could rearrange our schedule to be better prepared for His return? Friends, we must take heed to the warning found in 2 Peter 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” Jesus is going to return, and He has given us all of the notice we are going to get, in His word. He told us He will come back for us, just as sure as He is preparing a place for us. He also told us, that He does not know when He will return, only the Father knows that (Matthew 24:36). Friends, if it was today he was to return, would you be ready? What about those who are special to you? It is time to sound the alarm, get ourselves ready and to tell everyone that Jesus will return!

Exposing The Deceiver - Porn...It's No Big Deal

You know, pornography really isn’t that big of a deal when you compare it to other problems in the world. I mean, it’s something that consenting adults agree to be a part of for the purpose of making a living by entertaining others. As for the folks who consume pornography, it’s their own private decision, it doesn’t bother anyone else. Isn’t it better for someone to watch porn than to go and cheat on their wife? Isn’t watching porn just as valid as any other form of entertainment? Isn’t watching porn better than living a promiscuous lifestyle? It simply cannot be that big of a deal.

Pornography isn’t really that big of a deal, unless you consider…

• It Leads To Spiritual Death – Make no mistake about it, sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) and lust is sinful. Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I say to you that everyone who looks at woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” We must be honest with ourselves, one cannot watch pornography without being found guilty of the sin of lust, it is just not possible. We will not get to be in heaven with God if we use pornography (Romans 1:29-32).

• 68% of Adult Men and 18% of Adult Women Use It – According to one study, this staggering percentage of our population are involved in viewing pornography. With numbers like this, the pornography business affects all walks of life, teachers, counselors, moms and dads, preachers etc. These numbers serve as a snapshot of just how powerful this tool of Satan’s is.

• It Destroys Trust Between Spouses – When a man or woman is caught (or admits freely to) using pornography by his or her spouse, it severely damages the bond of trust. The spouse who finds their loved one using porn is left feeling inadequate, insecure, and insufficient. When they made their vows before God and witnesses they promised to keep themselves only for each other, pornography shatters that promise.

• Porn Cheapens The True Beauty of Women – Women, like men, were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Their beauty as God would have it comes from within (1 Peter 3:4). Pornography sells women (and men) the lie that their total worth comes from their sexuality which is directly opposed to what God says.

Friends, pornography is the elephant in the room. It is the subject that nobody likes to talk about, but we need to be talking about it because its effects are disastrous. Satan has done a masterful job selling us the lie that porn is no big deal. Make no mistake, it is an eternally big deal. If you are struggling with pornography, you are not alone., There are many other people who struggle as well. Get help. Pornography will ruin our relationships with others and more importantly, our relationship with God.