Some snow still on the ground, the sun shining brightly all around, a nuthatch nibbling at the suet – it is a beautiful day, Father! All praise and honor to our Creator God!

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Another reel that caught my eye on Instagram last weekend featured a clip of a Dallas, Texas, pastor’s sermon. He compared complaining to bad breath and his suggestion to that problem he called entitle–mints. It could be used by ourselves or others whenever we start to complain.
One example he gave was being out driving in your car, and you come up on traffic (we all love traffic, don’t we?) Before your mouth goes off down the road of complaining, pop in an entitle-mint! You complain about traffic and think you are entitled to own a car. But do you know who isn’t bothered by traffic? Those who have to walk everywhere!
He then spoke about the next time you are in line at a coffee shop, and the barista messes up your order. You were clear when you ordered 2% milk, and they gave you oat milk! Hold on! There are 2.2 billion people out there who don’t have access to clean water, and you’re upset because you got the wrong milk? It’s time for an entitle-mint!
Psalm 22:3, in the King James Version, tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people. And Psalm 100:4 reads,

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
….go into his courts with praise.
….Give thanks to him and praise his name. NLT

There is absolutely no indication that God wants anything at all to do with complaining. Our praise and thanksgiving are His desire. The pastor also made clear that we can’t even get to the door! Thanksgiving needs to be present at the gates!
Many of us are so blessed that we’ve become hyper-sensitive about what we feel is our due! We’ve got it coming, and you bet your sweet bippy we are going to collect!
We’ve gotten quite adept at stepping over and ignoring those around us who struggle…those in need…those who, in many circumstances, have no choice but to deal with where life has put them. Many were simply born in those situations. They did not choose to be there and often cannot get out of them, no matter how hard they try.
And there we sit, blessed beyond measure and not lifting a finger to help…or give…or love. Lord Jesus, open our blind eyes. Enable us to see what You see and then to act as You would act. Amen.

(If you’d like to see the reel and know more about the Dallas pastor and his church, reach out to me and I’ll pass the info along.)

Feb 20th, 2024, Mon, 1:11 pm