Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
BLESSING BLOCKERS: Proven Strategies for Missing Out on God’s Best for Your Life
1 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
1 Corinthians 10:6 (NIV) Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
TWO WAYS WE BLOCK GOD’S BLESSINGS
BLESSING BLOCKER #1: IDOLATRY
1 Corinthians 10:9-10 (NIV) We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
BLESSING BLOCKER #2: GRUMBLING
Four Questions to Ask Yourself About Grumbling
1. WHAT IS GRUMBLING?
Critical Thinking vs. A Critical Spirit
If it affects your heart, it might be grumbling.
If it feels good, it might be grumbling.
Proverbs 18:8 (NIV)
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.
If it is hard to stop, it might be grumbling.
James 3:5-10 (NLT) In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
If it discourages other people, it might be grumbling.
2. WHY IS GRUMBLING A BLESSING BLOCKER?
1 Corinthians 10:9 (NIV) We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes.
Numbers 21:4-5 (NIV) They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
When I grumble, I focus on the things of earth and miss out on the blessings of God.
Numbers 21:6 (NIV) Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died.
Blessing Blockers come from an internal dissatisfaction with the things that God has for us.
1 Corinthians 10:10 (NIV) And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
Numbers 14:1-4 (NIV) That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
When I grumble, I trade deliverance for complaining.
If I cannot see and receive God’s blessings today, I miss out on His promises tomorrow.
Hebrews 12:15 (NLT) Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
We block God’s blessings with things take the place of God in our lives.
Idolatry is when we make something else God in our lives.
Grumbling is when we make ourselves God in our lives.
3. AM I A GRUMBLER?
Do I have a critical spirit?
ATTITUDE AUDIT: Nine Things to Consider
1. Am I exhibiting an unhealthy impatience?
2. Am I speaking negatively against God-given leadership in my life?
3. Am I complaining about my circumstances?
4. Am I focusing on my lack?
5. Am I developing contempt for my blessings?
6. Are my thoughts and words often negative?
When I grumble, I dismiss hope.
7. Am I resistant to change?
When I grumble, I question the goodness and plan of God.
8. Do I have a negative spirit?
When I grumble, I assume the worst.
When I grumble, I unrealistically dismiss the future.
9. Am I divisive?
When I grumble, I make distorted decisions.
1 Corinthians 10:11 (NIV) These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV) So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
4. WHAT DO I DO INSTEAD OF GRUMBLING?
Instead of grumbling about things… try GRATITUDE
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 13:15 (NLT) Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Instead of grumbling about people…try GRACE
James 5:9 (NIV) Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Instead of grumbling about circumstances… try TRUST
Be aware of your Trust Triggers.
Psalms 37:3-9 (NLT)
3 Trust in the LORD and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
7 Be still in the presence of the LORD,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
9 For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.
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