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Kingdom: Jack of Hearts

Do you know what grumbling is? The dictionary defines the word grumble this way: to mutter in discontent. Have you ever grumbled? Have your children ever grumbled or how about your spouse? Did you ever hear your coworkers or boss grumble? There seems to be a lot of grumbling going on about things such as the Cardinals or the weather or politics and everything in between. When you and I lose sight of our blessings and all the good things God does for us we can be tempted to even grumble against Him. Grumbling is a particularly dangerous sin that has no place in the kingdom of heaven.

Scriptures
Exodus 15:24, 16:2; Matthew 20: 1-16

Verse
So those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last. Matthew 20:16

Thought
Some synonyms for the word grumble are bellyache, complain, crab, fuss, gripe and whine. So did you ever mutter in discontent or bellyache, crab, fuss, gripe or whine about anything? The Bible talks about grumbling with the best example being the children of Israel in the wilderness who grumbled against their leader Moses and against God for making Moses their leader. They grumbled because they didn’t have enough water and they grumbled because they thought Moses was a bad leader. Do you like to be around a grumbler? It’s not very pleasant. Maybe you’re fortunate and don’t have any grumblers in your circle of friends and associates. Maybe you don’t have any grumblers at home. Maybe, but probably not likely. Grumbling seems to be common to most people whether they are followers of Christ or not.

Questions
When was the last time you grumbled about anything? Do people in your circle of friends seem to be grumblers? What do you do when someone close to you starts grumbling in your presence? What is your favorite synonym for grumbling: bellyache, crab, fuss, gripe or whine? What is something you have done to discourage grumbling in your children? How would you describe the actions of the landowner when it came to paying the workers in the vineyard? When we grumble, do we really have a problem with God and His sovereignty in our lives? When was the last time you caught yourself looking over your shoulder at how God was blessing another person’s life and felt jealousy or envy? Do you ever wish God was bound by your standard of fairness? Do you find yourself in the marketplace, like the workers in the parable, not using your God given gifts for Him?

Response
What opportunity has God given you to work for Him in the vineyard? Has He called you to use the gifts He gave you for His kingdom? If He has, then only one thing should occupy your mind: how you can see His kingdom increase in your life and the lives of those you love. Prayerfully ask God to rid you of grumbling and get on with doing what He has called you to do with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to see my grumling as sin. It has no place in your kingdom and I’m truly sorry for all the grumbling I have done in my life. You are always fair and just and never make a mistake so I know I can trust you now and forever. Help me not to lose sight of all the good things and blessings that you give me every day. You are my Savior and Lord and I long to work for You in Your vineyard. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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