Pastor Chris Seay continues our series in the Exodus; reminding us of the importance of a grateful heart and the danger of an ungrateful one. When we focus on what we don't have and complain about what we do — like the Israelites grumbling over meat and manna — we undermine our faith in God's wisdom and provision. Our call is to receive with a joyful spirit; reminded that God knows, better than we do, what it is we need.
Text
Philippians 2:14-18
Titus 3: 10
Numbers 11
Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others. — C.S. Lewis To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. When you speak out, you are in your power. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary or possible; leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.
— Eckhart Tolle
Reflection Questions and Practices
Pastor Chris invited us to a renewed, deeper practice of gratitude. Gratitude begins with a kind of mindfulness which is embodied in the present moment and thankful for it. We want to invite you into this mindfulness to begin your prayer time. Silence yourself for a moment and consider the present moment and the events of the day that led up to this moment. Thank God for this moment and for God's presence with you.
Next is a practice of thanksgiving. Set a timer for a couple minutes, and begin thanking God for anything that comes to mind. As best as you can, try avoiding prayers of petition (prayers requesting something from God). Try for five full minutes only to thank God for His gifts. Pay attention to how your thanksgiving opens you up you may find yourself moving from tangible things or people (ex. "thank you for my mother") to more less tangible, significant experiences (ex. "thank you for that moment when the bluejay landed outside my window during morning coffee"). You may even find yourself with a sudden urge to message a loved one and tell them how much they mean to you. We pray you let this practice take your soul in whatever direction the Spirit would have it go.
Worship Set
Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
Steadfast
In Christ Alone
Come And See
See The Love
Can't Help Myself