Well, to the right person, anyway. Alright, not just any person... someone who knows and understands you better than anyone else. But first, let's understand that grumbling and complaining actually is just an ornery way of venting frustration, disappointment, and dissatisfaction, to name a few. As we'd discussed in the ' Joy Regardlessly ' devotional, we really should find joy and quiet peace in His leading in our lives... but, we 'are' human, we 'do' have limitations, we 'are' a fallen being, yet saved by grace. Still, we tend to start out 'discussing' our woes with others, and the closer, more intimate we are with someone else, the easier it is to get all caught up in the venting... and then, it's just ugly grumbling and complaining. Philippians 2:14-15 states; " Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. " Now, the one person with whom you CAN freely, wholly, and even passionately 'vent' is our Lord, God Almighty. At first, it may seem disrespectful to be too frank, or blunt, or even to question His leading... but remember, He knows you way better than anyone else... way better. Who better to engage in a deep-rooted discussion, a passionate venting, even a frustrated whining maybe? Not disrespectfully or demandingly... just you, having a personal discussion with your maker! Let it be open and free... kind of a 'getting it off my chest' process. He really does know the depths of your woes, in fact Jeremiah 31:25 reminds us; " For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul .", which is to say that He, and ONLY He can actually DO something about you feelings, about your frustrations, about your fears and brokenness. See? He does actually encourage us to grumble snd complain... just... to the right person!

There are many sayings for dividing things that are commingled; the race of the tortoise and the hare, separation of church and state, mixes like oil and water, even the separating the sheep from the goats. Farmers in fact detest weeds because they can voraciously choke out the good crops around them. In our spiritual world, there are so many variations of spiritualism, religions, and faiths... it is so hard to distinguish some from others, and it seems like some are so very ridiculous and far-fetched that they really should just be abolished by the general public. In a relationship with God, there are only three core solutions/approaches; disregard God, faith, and the whole organized religion practice conform to one of the religion views that best fits your understanding, faith, and belief trust God alone for His leading in your life. Our devotional today helps clarify that the third choice is the only path or faith-walk that is actually a divine relationship with the Lord. Essentially, Hebrews 11:6 declares; "B ut without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ", which is to say that faith is trust (not understanding). This, we discussed in our ' Seeing is not Believing ' devotional and remind you that 'religions' (choice #2) present a plan or 'organization' of guidelines for you, for your faith, for your actual behavior. While we should always consider feedback from those around us, we certainly must stand on our own before God; letting Him shape our character, our traits, our very persona. Choice #1 is one of the easiest ways to go (disregard a God presence altogether), and does solve the short-term problem. As we yearn for a deeper, fulfilling life... a closer trust in the truth... an assurance that He is leading you, that He is accepting you, that He is fellowshipping with you, you must let your spirit commune with His Spirit. THAT is where the sheep part company with the goats. Even John 4:23-24 clarifies this as it states; " But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. " Ignoring God only disguises the inevitable. Conforming to religions, spiritualist guides, even just organized 'followers' is good for fellowship, a sense of belonging, even a feeling of actual 'salvation' or completeness (thinking, "all these people can't be wrong")... but their influencing your faith, your calling, even your very salvation/redemption. Rather, seeking God in truth and spirit (be genuinely honest with yourself) is when/where the Sheep and the Goats Part Company. Be courageous, be strong, be honest with yourself and worship God in truth and spirit.

Almost since the beginning of time, we have wondered, pondered, contemplated, argued, and fought over this one question; "If God is good, loving, and merciful, why does He allow suffering and pain?". The short answer is, 'He doesn't, you do'! See... suffering is actually a tool that is intended for you specifically, not the world populous in general. Sort of a separating of the sheep from the goats , as we recently discussed. Too often, we want to lump the world (the masses) into an individual issue/problem... a sort of 'group therapy' approach to solving a problem, or at least a "it's not me, it's them" deflection technique. At the core though, God desires a closer, deeper and more trusting relationship with you, not your neighborhood, not your city/town, not your 'clan' or family... you personally. Sure, this will pour over to them, but it all begins with you at the center. You and Him. Now, why you even HAVE problems, sorrow, turmoil, anguish, heartache, and a seemingly endless list of chaos in your life... is even easier to explain. See, J ames 1:2-4 states; " My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ", which is to say... He cares deeply for you, but you must learn to trust, to have faith, and certainly to have patience and 'accept' His challenge for growth... and not 'cop-out' with the "Why does God let the world suffer" generalization. The core meaning and purpose for suffering is to awaken our sleeping souls to His leading, to His nurturing hand in our lives. There are some who see that hand as mean, angry, even hateful ( separating the sheep from the goats , again)... and rather than consider that 'they' are at fault or that He IS reaching out to touch you/them, it seems so much easier to criticize, to judge His ways, even to fight against it. Conveniently making it NOT their fault, and keeping it from being a personal thing, where suffering really impacts us. If all things were pleasant and simple, everyone should/would have a close relationship with the Lord... but, that verse 3 actually starts by reminding us that we can 'count it all joy'. Not that suffering IS joyous... on the contrary, it hurts, it causes stumbling, faltering, pain, questioning and anguish... but, it is a clear and loving path to a deeper fellowship with the Lord. When you approach your suffering with hopeful anticipation for the 'glory outcome' in the Lord, you have taken a very keen step toward following His leading, and not whining/moaning about it... no longer blaming God for 'the worlds suffering', but accepting the challenge if your suffering. Why? Psalms 107:21-22 Explains it as; " Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (22) And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. " That is to say that not all your suffering is FOR you... it may be for an example for those around you (that whining world) to see 'first-hand' that He does love us, He does care, He does have a Meaning of Suffering!

As we recently discussed in The Meaning of Suffering devotional, the painful events in our lives help strengthen us, help lead us, even help us witness and minister to those around us. One of the saddest 'arguments' people sometimes have about God is that He 'allows' the world to suffer, to tear itself apart, to wreak utter havoc on others. But, suffering is actually a personal thing, unique to each of us. While a crowd or group of people may be viewed as 'suffering', it is quite possible that one or more of those individuals is actually 'at peace' in that suffering. Now, not having given up but having actual peace. See... God tells us in Matthew 28:20 that we should be " Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ", which is a somber reminder that He is right there with you in your suffering, in your anguish, in your very state of lonely confusion... He is with you 'always', without exception! That is precisely how/why you will have peace in your sorrow and suffering. I once knew a person who would 'not' pray for patience, because he knew that the Bible states, '...the trying of your faith worketh patience' and he just did not want any trials, pain, suffering or anguish in his life. But our Lord has promised, without exception to be with you always. In fact, a rather long passage in Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us; " Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. " He is the author (started it) and finisher of our faith! Our faith is the result of trails (suffering) and He is always with us through these trials. Remember, as the end of verse two states, He looked beyond the cross (pending pain, suffering, humiliation) to the joy that was to come (snuggle up next to God on His throne!). His Father did not 'keep' Him from suffering, but remained right there with Him through the suffering (though Jesus did 'feel' abandoned)... His Unexceptional Presence can provide you the peace and the strength to look beyond the woes, the struggles, the suffering... regardless of the crowd around you.

Do you ever find yourself treating God kind of like a Bellhop? Too often, we only communicate with Him when we need Him and/or there is something going on that's just too big for us to handle. We know He's "always there"; we know He's ready to meet with us; we even know we can count on Him. So, it is just too easy to reach out to Him when 'we' need/want Him... you know... like a Bellhop. Psalms 105:4 reminds us; " Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. ", so we really should make a concentrated effort to keep our contact with Him fresh, consistent, and certainly genuine. In many ways, this reminds me of family gatherings during major events or holidays; sure, we greet all the people, maybe are more excited to see some than others, but typically we spend our time 'catching up' since we'd last seen them. The conversation and time doesn't get all that deep or intimate (meatier discussions and exchanges). The same way with the Lord... sometimes we even avoid calling on the Lord for help because 'it has been so long' and you don't feel really close, or worse are unsure 'how' to even reach out to Him. Now, over in Psalms 34:4-6 , it states; " I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (5) They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. (6) This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. ", which is to say He WILL deliver you from all your fears... not just leave you with warm-fuzzies, or some half-baked solution... all your fears. But, not like a Bellhop... like a genuine Savior, Lord, and God! Why's that matter? Many of the trials you go through are to teach you, to lead you, to refine your life... but while all that is occurring, those around you are witnessing how He fellowships with you, how He treats you, and certainly how He loves you deeply. Therein, He becomes a Two Edged Lord, for the work He does in you 'does' help you, but it in turn flows through you to those around you, too. In fact, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 confirms this as it declares; " Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. " Forget the Bellhop, commune with the two edged Lord!

...nothing you should worry about today! Sure, we hear that all the time, but so quickly and rather easily we are right back there... fussing over a pending job opportunity, toiling over a potential home, stressing about the weather and an upcoming outdoor event... even just planning a strategy for your career or retirement... forget medical concerns... those alone are more than most can handle! The Lord insists we refrain from 'getting ahead' of today, from getting all wrapped up in 'what may be'. A pretty lengthy scripture passage in Luke 12:22-26 clarifies it with; " And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. (23) The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. (24) Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? " I recently read how you can apply two techniques to 'allow' you to at least consider the future (we have to plan, right?), yet not get lost and overwhelmed with it all; Go there, but don't linger. Let the Lord give you some insights, pray about them, then come back to now. Jesus promised His 'Unexceptional Presence', so include Him in your thoughts, speculations, dreams, plans... He'll give you peace about direction and solidity. Finally though, enjoy the Lord of today... 'sufficient unto the day', as the scripture admonishes. Worse though, while your thoughts/dreams are 'there' in the future, they aren't 'here' and since time does move on, you are actually missing out on SO much, and the future is STILL the future! Think on this passage from Ephesians 3:20-21 , which reads; " Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. " And the future holds... distractions from your present! Stay here, live here, love here... 'There' will be here soon enough.

I ride a bicycle back-n-forth to work... have done it daily since 2001... missing some days, but typically covering some 4,500 miles a year. As I ride that bike lane each day, each way, I encounter many obstacles. No... nothing large at all... nothing all that 'lane blocking'... just... tire-flattening obstacles! As I snap along at a pretty brisk speed, it is tough to keep an eye on all the things in the roadway. Over the years, I have noticed that the more I concentrate on NOT running over an object (rocks, glass fragments, brush/leaves) I just seem to actually be aiming at it, instead! Not sure why... except the Lord has been showing me that many times the more I concentrate on NOT running over things... I usually end up hitting it dead on!! Then... a couple years ago, He quickened my heart that that is almost exactly how our spiritual lives are. The more we concentrate on NOT doing something, focus or obsess on avoiding something (debt, sin, bitterness), even just subconsciously fear something... we seem to actually end up doing or becoming that very thing! In the Old Testament, Job even commented about how his own calamity was actually his fault, in Job 3:25 , which reads; " For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. " Sure, it is tough to not be afraid, tough to not be leery, tough to not fret over life. But, as we discussed in the 'Our Future Holds...' devotional, our future holds nothing we need to worry over right now! Now, for my cycling, I have learned to 'see' the calamity in my path with my peripheral vision... see it... don't STARE at it. When I stare at it, I hit it almost every time! Spiritually, not as easy, huh. Actually, we do well to see anything spiritually, I know. But, that's actually core to the point... you can't see very well, don't imagine the worst! Isaiah 26:7 reminds us; " The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth. ", which is to say His path for you is straight, it is true, it is well guarded by Him for you. Makes me wonder why we 'do' experience suffering, pain, anguish... even getting off His path... but, as we discussed in the 'Unexceptional Presence' devotional, He is right there within you always. We just need to learn to trust His leading, look 'beyond' what we see as calamity, fear, danger... and follow His path. Remember... please remember... it is a straight and 'narrow' path, so you are not sharing it with anyone else, but Him! Never forget what John stated in John 10:14-15 , which is; " I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. " It is in no way easy; it is in no way a second-nature process; it is in no way 'everyone' is doing, but if you just look to Him, you can Forge Ahead Blindly Seeing!

For many years, I wondered why Jesus would tell some of those whom He'd healed NOT to say a word to anyone about it... to keep it a secret... to just be hush-hush about it and go on about their lives. Here are several incidents; Matthew 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ . Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them . Luke 5:13 And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. 14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them . When I was younger, it befuddled me that Jesus would 'strictly charge' these people to NOT say a word to anyone, to NOT proclaim their good news, not to share such wonderful and many times utterly miraculous turn of events for their lives. Yet... these people still told someone... these people still proclaimed the good news... in fact, by their very presence, these people gave witness and testimony to their encounter with the Lord, the blessing that had been bestowed upon them. That helped me to better understand why Jesus was so adamant that they NOT tell anyone... He is NOT a salesman He was not here on this planet 'pitching' a selfish plan. He said, "I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly", or as He stated in John 12:46 ; " I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. " See... Jesus does not force Himself on us, He does not trick you into surrendering your heart and life... He merely heals you when you call on His name will 'see', as He stated in John 9:39 ; " And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. " But, He may still be a quiet little secret to you... it may be that you have not really been touched by Him yet... one of the key ways you can tell... you have an unbelievable urge/drive to tell SOMEONE of this healing that occurred in your life. If you feel guilty that you are not telling anyone, you are likely NOT saved! I said it... I mean it... as does He. In fact, over in Luke 9:26 , He told the crowd; " For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels .", which is a reminder to us that our faith in Him and fellowship with Him can be so rich and deep... we don't care who knows... and in fact, 'want' them to know. Like the leper He healed in Matthew 8:4 (above), we just cannot contain ourselves. His touch impacts our lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually... a compelling change in your life! Jesus' Little Secret is still relevant today. Sure, many preach, teach, and proclaim His love. The relevance though, is that when you accept the Lord in your life, you can not NOT tell others about it; you can NOT keep it quiet or to yourself; you can NOT stand the thought of others around you not knowing about this healing, about this life-filling solution that touches your very soul. Go ahead... just TRY keeping Jesus' Little Secret!

Oh, He knows right where you are... He's God, after-all. But, as when Adam & Eve hid from Him, even as He entered the garden on that fateful day... He still called out, "Adam, where are you?" Genesis 3:8-10 tells us; And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. (9) And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? (10) And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Over the years, I've reflected back on this turn of events for humanity, and wondered why God would even 'ask', "Where are thou?"... He's God, after-all, and knows everything about us, our coming and going, even our very 'lying down' in the evening. Jesus stated in John 10:14-15 ; " I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (15) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. " Odd that He would call out to Adam as though He didn't know where he was. He knew exactly. He called out to him as a gesture, as an ice-breaker, as it were... because God knew trouble was in the midst... God knew there was turmoil in the Garden... God knew Man had fallen, Man had disobeyed, Man had actually sinned a great, great sin (though, they really have no measure). Yet, He still came back to the Garden, He still reached out, He still inquired... not accused... He questioned... He sought reasoning. Today? Believe it or not, He still leaves us in charge of our Gardens. He still knows you've sinned a great sin. He still is calling out to you, asking; " Where art thou? ", and yearning to fellowship with you. The difference? Take a lesson from Adam, Eve, and that sly serpent and 'own up' to your sin. Take responsibility for your actions, your part in the disobedience, your very solution of covering yourself and hiding in the bush.... afraid of Him... weary of Him... avoiding Him. Answer His calling to you... He's ready with forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 states; " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "

Have you ever tried to be sad, somber, or depressed when good things are happening, or when celebration is in the air, or when your day is perking along fine-n-dandy? No! Who would, right? Sure, when 'all is well', being happy, excited, and finding joy in the moment is second nature; something of a normal response to these heart-warming events. Finding joy during tumultuous times, during stressful events, even just during the blasé and hum-drum events can be quite a tougher prospect. Our devotional today is a gentle reminder that His joy, like His presence, is right there for our hearts, our minds, and certainly for our spirits to glean. It is in no way natural for us to seek it out, to remember it is there, to ask the Lord to fill us with His peace and joy. How badly (much) you yearn for it is determined by how much of yourself you put into remaining in His presence, remaining in His peace... after-all, Proverbs 2:4 states; " If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures ", which reminds us that we must be 'engaged' in our relationship with the Lord. Maybe it is something like medicine for , say, your infection; purchasing the medicine and taking it home are only signs of possession... it does speak of your commitment to the medicine. But until you actually consume it, your commitment has not actually been applied, not actually put into action, not actually placed into your life where it can have an impact on you. Sure, His presence in your life does automatically fill you with peace, but again, these 'events' in our lives rob & steal the joy, steal the calming peace His presence has on us. Never forget how Psalms 21:6 states; " For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance. ", which is a reminder that even in the dullest of days, the hardest of trials, the most uncertain of times... stop, and take a fresh breath of joy, a fresh gulp of His everlasting peace and assurance!

So much of our lives seems overwhelmed with a need or want for acceptance, approval, and maybe just simple assurance that who we are, how we do what we do, and the ways we've applied our lives in this world is pleasing to God. Sure, there are many who don't (or claim to not) believe in God... but even they seek approval and recognition for their efforts. Those who do recognize God in their lives, have an assurance from Psalms 16:11 , which states; " Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. " God does give us nods of approval, nods if assurance, and certainly nods of acceptance through our day. Many times, we may not know it, see it, or feel it... but, here's a little lengthy passage from J ohn 17:20-23 , which confirms; " Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; (21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: (23) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. " Lengthy, as I said, but essentially, Jesus was reminding His disciples that He is not like ANY other person or god (ever, or to come) and will always be with us, always 'morphing' you into His Spirit and into His kingdom. Just as that last verse confirms, He is making you perfect (acceptance)... His, is a nod of grace, a nod of hope, and thankfully a nod of inclusion into His fellowship.

Too many times, I've heard, 'God helps those that help themselves', and that is such a deep, deep lie! It's actually a half-truth, more than a lie; He does help those... but, not those that are already helping themselves, or able to help themselves. Our devotional today is a gentle reminder... OK, maybe not 'so' gentle... that self-help is not where your relationship with God will get deeper, closer, or more enriched. We can only help ourselves just so much; we are becoming more and more innovative, creative, resourceful... but, we still cannot fill that ' God Shaped Hole ' in our lives. We cannot permanently remedy even the simplest of conflicts (wars, disease, everlasting life). In fact, man's solution to man's problems consistently leaves man in deeper separation from God... not closer. Stop trying to help Him, let Him help you! John 15:5 declares; " I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. ", which is a perfect reminder that self-help has 'no' place in God's design for us, His plan for us, and certainly His hope for us. Being in a helpless place in our lives is a perfect reminder of the surrender required in our lives to 'get' the very help, 'get' the very security, and even 'get' the actual salvation we need. Sure, we can remedy problems; we just can't wholly solve them at the core. Understand though, you 'do' need to be engaged in a solution for the woes in your life; but not exclusive of a fellowship with Jesus, not in an 'on your own' manner, and certainly not without His guiding spirit in your life. Sure, you can... but, you shouldn't. Self-Help actually has one of the key word in it as to 'why' you're destined to fall short... 'self'! How, then? Easy... wait on the Lord; have patience; exercise trust in Him. James 1:4 reminds us; " But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ", which really confirms that Self-help cannot even begin to make such a bold and definitive promise; "...you'll be perfect and entire... wanting nothing". Now THAT is a solid solution!