Christmas brings multiple gifts.

One important one is freedom from

complaining,

grumbling,

negative talk

and thoughts.

In God’s eyes complaining is a serious, destructive and deadly sin:

it attacks faith and trust;

it questions His goodness and wisdom;

it dishonors Him as we reject His gifts.

(James 1:2-4)

That’s why He reacted so strongly to the Israelites’ complaining and grumbling:

“And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes,

and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned

among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp” (Num. 11:1).

It is also  important to note that my temptation to complain (as described in Monday and Tuesday’s posts)

came after an intense, very full three weeks of successful work and ministry. I was tired and not watchful;

I chose to sin without even realizing it.

I need to remember that after victory often comes significant temptation.

But praise God that He is faithful,

that He brings us back to Himself,

into the light so we can be healed and restored,

strengthened to put on the armor

He has provided so that we can

“take up the shield of faith with which you can quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked one” that

“you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Eph. 6:11,16).

Prayer: “Lord, help me to keep on the armor of God every day,

and especially to raise the shield of faith by

giving thanks in every circumstance so that you may have more glory. Amen.”

Picture: prepared in submission (freepik.com)