CRITIC

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

A little seed lay on the ground

And soon began to sprout.

"Now, which of all the flowers around,"

It mused, "shall I come out?

The lily's face is fair and proud,

But just a trifle cold.

The rose, I think, is rather loud,

And then, its fashions old.

The violet is all very well,

But not a flower I'd choose;

Nor yet the Canterbury bell —

I never cared for blues."

And so it criticized each flower,

This supercilious seed,

Until it woke one summer morn,

And found itself — a WEED.

Ask yourself this morning, “Is that me the weed? How is my spirit? Am I critical and calloused or buoyed with blessing?” “Will my day today be filled with gratitude or be reduced to grumbling?”

James says, Out of the SAME MOUTH come praise and cursing - James 3:10 (NIV)

So…

That means we have a choice in “what comes out” don’t you think?

And that starts with “what’s in there”!

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. - Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

A critical spirit evokes words of negativity and strife while a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving is life-giving and energizing in its expression.  And yes, while there is MUCH to be “critical of”, I believe there is MUCH MORE to be thankful for.

Don’t you?

And when we can begin our days with gratitude as the catalyst rather than criticism, GOD has a way of blessing that perspective.

- It gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God.

- It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. 

- A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand.

- A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.

- It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can't stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.

- It opens the door for continued blessings. 

- It invites His presence. Our spirits are refreshed and renewed in Him. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him.

So, what role will you take today?  Which spirit will run the show?

The one of the critic?  Or the opposite, the one who is full of gratitude?

Remember, you and your mouth are capable of both, which one you choose is up to you!

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Have a blessed day!

I love you all…

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE