Have you ever thought about the first sins of the morning?
The alarm sounds before the dawn of the day.
What day is it?
Where am I?
Is that a foot in my face?
I slowly awaken to what is happening.
The alarm is sounding. It’s six in the morning, and that is, in fact, a toddler foot in my face.
Then it begins:
I don’t want to get up.
I want more sleep.
Why do I have to be so exhausted?
Complaining.
Whining.
Grumbling.
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. ~Philippians 2:14-15
How often do we awaken with sin on our lips?
Failing to “do all things without grumbling or questioning…”
Do you struggle with this too? This morning battle against sin – grumbling and complaining before your feet even hit the floor?
Here are three things you can do to battle the first sins of the morning.
1. Be intentional
Once you come to your senses, stop grumbling. Cease complaining.
2. Repent
Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out. ~Acts 3:19
Ask God to forgive you for your sin of complaining.
Yes, friend, this is sin. Sin is disgusting to God. Sin is what Jesus came to wash us clean from! All sins, not just the ones we find abhorrent.
3. Pray
On one particular morning, the Holy Spirit intervened into my thoughts, and graciously prompted me to stop and pray. Choose to speak a prayer of gratitude.
Thank you for this day. Thank you that I am here in this place with the opportunity to begin a new day with your mercies afresh. Prepare me, Lord, for what you have for me today. Strengthen my weary bones and have mercy.
Choose not to allow Satan a foothold at the start of your day. Take captive your thoughts and set your mind on things above!
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. ~Philippians 2:14-15
It makes a difference. Be a light!
What about you? Have you ever considered the sins of the morning worth battling?
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That Your Faith May Not Fail
Kimberli
January 26, 2016 at 6:36 amThank you!
Erica
January 29, 2016 at 8:47 amMy eyes have beheld what I needed to see this morning! These have been the start of my mornings! And I always ask God to forgive me. But the attention has just come to the important of true repentance. It’s turning away from. It shouldn’t be so easy for me to do it again. So I’m going to check that. Thanks!
Leigh Ann Dutton
January 31, 2016 at 3:02 pmI am right there with you. This is so hard for me right now!
Tina Harding
January 29, 2016 at 8:07 pmGreat reminder; now to just do it 🙂 INTENTIONAL gotta get me some of that! Thanks!
Donna
January 31, 2016 at 12:03 amThank you! As I struggle with depression, this is a FANTASTIC tool and reminder on what to do. I am so glad to have found you. I love your gentleness, honestly and realness. Bless you.