Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Philippians 2:12-18 

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 2:12-18 where Paul exhorts us to follow Christ's example to be humble. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V13: God works in the hearts and lives of believers to "will and to work for his good pleasure."  Will is defined as a transitive verb where action is ordered, decreed or ordained. As such the text shares that in the hearts and minds of believers, God renews our mind (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23), and it is implied that this is how God wills and works through our spiritual disciplines (prayer, corporate worship, fellowship with other believers, daily study of His Word, etc.) and the Holy Spirit.  This raises a key question whether free will exists or not, and on this topic I would encourage you to explore this interview with John Piper on DesiringGod.com.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Given how Christ has ascended to sit at the right hand of God and reigns over all (vv9-11), Paul exhorts us (v12) to "work out" our salvation "with fear and trembling."  Such a pursuit implies reverent fear of fear of God that drives us into His arms and to abide in Him lest we fall away or not please Him for being lukewarm (Revelation 3:16). See this interview with John Piper on DesiringGod.com for how fear of God acts as a preservative against sin. Since the Fall (Genesis 3), people are prone to seek their own selfish desires and it is only through the process of sanctification where God aligns our desires with His.  As such we are prone to grumble and complain - and Paul shares in v14 that we should not.  If we pursue Him, His ways and desires, then we should not grumble and complain that He wills and works in our hearts to do things that please Him.  Paul's hope is that v15 we act in such a way that we are a light to others (in a dark world) that we draw them closer to Christ.  V16a: He shares how "holding fast to the word of life" - scripture - equips us to be a light.  v16b-18: pursuit is not run in vain but is done with a glad heart where we rejoice in the pursuit.       
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid grumbling and complaining.  Claim the promise that God works in our hearts and lives to align our thoughts and ways with Him, allowing us to be seen as righteous in His eyes and to rejoice and be glad living for Him. Follow the example of Paul who allowed himself to be poured out as a living sacrifice for Him.  Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, hold fast to the word of life, and be a light to others. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for working in my heart and life, and for the mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.”

Numbers 17:1-13

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.” Numbers 17:10

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 17:1-13 - we see God's instructions to Moses to give to the people to settle the matter of Aaron's priesthood.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God clearly communicates through both symbols and actions His message.  In this case, He uses the symbol of staffs or rods which in the Old Testament represented authority and power.  V5 is where the LORD shares "the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout," and from that point forward the people will cease their grumbling against authority from Aaron.  Vv8 and 10 make it clear that because Aaron's staff sprouted, it will be preserved as a sign to end further rebellions.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Such a sign or any physical sign from God should cause one to be in reverent fear of God's power, as we should acknowledge that the entire universe is controlled by Him (Colossians 1:16-17), including all authorities.  Thus it is not surprising to see the people's reaction in vv12-13 of fear - yet it is unclear at this point that this causes repentant fear.  Repentant fear is what God seeks, and John Piper refers to this as "fear as preservative" such that we fear angering or disappointing God, so we avoid sin.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rebellion against God's appointed leaders, including both church leaders and civil authorities. Claim the promise that God reigns over all details including authority He places above us.  Follow the example of Christ who rendered to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (see also Romans 13:1-7).  Submit to God's appointed leaders. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that works in all things for good - including leaders in my church and civil authorities.  Thank You for how Your design is perfect.  I am not deserving of how You work and bless me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

Numbers 14:1-12

“The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” Numbers 14:7-9

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 14:1-12 - we see the people of Israel rebel against God and His wishes to enter the promised land, despite how it is occupied and fortified.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is full of righteous anger in vv11-12 as the people grumble and rebel against his desire to take the promised land God has given the people.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people of Israel cry, weep, and grumble once again against Moses and Aaron (and God) - vv1-4.  They are in fear because of the reports of the other spies who have reported back that although the promised land "flows with milk and honey" and fruit, the inhabitants are strong and their cities fortified (vv13:27-29).  Clearly Moses and Aaron are frustrated and desperate - seeking to calm the people from their fear.  Two of the spies appointed by God - Joshua and Caleb - exhort the people (once again) to be of good courage and to not fear as "the Lord is with us" (v9).  As the people moved to stone Joshua and Caleb - God steps in (vv11-12).   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid grumbling, complaining and rebelling against God (including His appointed leaders).  Claim the promise that if God is with/for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31). Follow the example of Caleb and Joshua were of good courage.  Trust God.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who has done everything for me - giving Your life - so that I can have life to the full now and for eternity.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the LORD who is among you and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?

 Numbers 11:16-30

You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the LORD who is among you and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt? Numbers 11:19-20

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 11:16-30 - we see God providing Moses elders to assist him in managing and caring for the people.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: We see an early indication of elders as a position within church hierarchy - vv16, 25. For more on elders in the church, see this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com.  Church hierarchy is such that a formal pastor (vs lay elder or deacon) cannot do everything and it indeed can be overwhelming - but just as in vv16, 25 God is good and knows that the church needs many people for it operate effectively and the elders/deacons are examples. Yet, more prominent in the text today is how God sought punishment for Israel for its grumbling and complaining.  This is an example of how God both merciful and just at the same time - just because He forgives does not mean there are no consequences.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Moses doubts God's ability to feed all of Israel and God sets him straight with a terse response - v23.  We should not doubt God's ability to fulfill His promises - 2 Corinthians 1:20.  In the text today, we also see examples of envy (vv26-29) - Moses dealt with this well by refusing to play into this pettiness.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid grumbling, complaining, and envy.  Claim the promise that God hears all, responds to our cries, forgives, but is also just.  Follow the example of Moses who leads but is not jealous for himself.  Go to the Lord with your cares and concerns. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves, provides, forgives, etc. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me.

Numbers 10:11-35 and 11:1-15

I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. Numbers 10:10

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, where we first see Israel be led by God to leave Sinai in Numbers 10:11-35, and 11:1-15, we see Moses' struggle in dealing with Israel's weeping and complaining.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not like complaints - He sees this as directed towards Him and as a result, He is angered - see v11:1.  Who are we, that we complain that what God has done is not perfect?  He does not make mistakes.  We should not view ourselves as somehow deserving - of anything.  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  If anything we all deserve death (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Romans 6:23). God is patient and He does give second (and third - but His patience is not unlimited) chances.  In the text today, Israel does get Moses to intercede and pray to God on their behalf and God responds favorably by showing mercy - v11:2.  Yet it did not take long for the people to once again start complaining - v11:10.  And once again, God was angered.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Not only does God does not like it when we complain but other people don't like to hear complaints from others - it becomes whining.  See Yet even adults whine and complain as we see in the text today.  Moses' reaction in vv11:11-15.  For believers, we should understand that such complaining is a reflection of our heart towards God and how He has not provided (when in the text today he has with manna).  See also Exodus 16:7-8 and Philippians 2:14.  If we have struggles we know that we can go to God as Moses did and we should pray that God help us see how He is at work in our lives, so that others can see us as a light and not as whiners. See also 1 Thessalonians 5:18.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid grumbling and complaining.  Claim the promise that God is at work in all details of our lives - Romans 8:28. Follow the example of Moses to go to God when we feel our burden is too much to carry - see also Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22.  Be thankful in all circumstances. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for Your patience and mercy!  I know Your mercies never cease and are new every morning.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

 Mark 1:12-13

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Mark 1:12-13

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  This morning, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 1:12-13 - the second division of Mark 1:9-13 per my commentary. The commentary shares how this text describes Satan's temptation of Christ (see also Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13) was a "declaration of war."  Excerpts from the commentary:

•  "Jesus’ temptation was no accidental encounter, no chance meeting. It was a divine appointment scheduled by the Father and implemented by the Spirit."
• "Thankfully, Jesus yields to the Spirit and embraces this test. The Servant King has a job to do, and the Spirit immediately compels Him. Rather than shrinking back, as Israel was so prone to do, our King, our Commander in Chief, the true Israel goes out to fight in the trenches with us and for us. In so doing He turns back the enemy and provides hope and a pattern for us to do the same."
• "This was the deep wilderness. This was no vacation spot. The conditions were grueling, and Jesus was undoubtedly tired and weak. To grumble, complain, or give in would have been easy."
• Jesus' response in the wilderness contrasts with that of Israel who constantly grumbled and complained.  This wilderness is also similar to that of Moses' 40 days on Mt Sinai and Elijah's 40 days on Mt Horeb - see Exodus 34:28, 1 Kings 19:8. 
• Believers should be encouraged as Christ knows the battles we are fighting and we can take comfort in knowing that Satan does not win this battle nor the war which ends in Revelation.   

Just as the angels were ministering to Jesus in the wilderness, so too does Jesus aid us in our time of temptation and need - when we may feel tempted to grumble, complain (about God no less!), and lose faith.  See Ephesians 6:10-18 for how we are provided with the whole armor of God.  Know and love God by reading and studying scripture - all of it - and experience how the whole armor of God protects us against Satan's schemes.  

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that provides us with the whole armor of God to protect us from Satan's schemes.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You protect.  My sin is still great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

Jude

These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. Jude 16

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a review of Jude 11-16, with a focus on a commentary-assisted review of the fourth division per the commentary - v16 - which is titled God Condemns the Ungodly Because of Their Deeds.  The commentary emphasizes how the text describes how our speaking reflects our heart condition: "the tongue is that organ of the body intimately connected to the heart and its desires" (see also James 3). The first word the text uses to describe false teachers is how they are grumblers or complainers.  When people grumble or complain - as the commentary compares to Israel in the wilderness - they are ultimately doing so at God because it is He who is in control.  We should not grumble or complain - see also this resource. The commentary warns us that complaints and grumblings in the church is a corrosive influence: it "is like a cancer and is deadly to an effective ministry and a healthy church life. It leaves them always judgmental and without joy."  The commentary then moves on to how the text describes those who follow their own sinful desires and how this is the source of their negative talk.  The insatiable desires of one focused solely on self runs counter to how we are to deny oneself and focus on satisfying God.  Finally, the commentary highlights how the text describes arrogant false teachers who make bold claims that are not scriptural - we must be careful to not add or subtract from the Word.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gives me Your Word and faithful brothers and sisters who sharpen me in my hope to grow in understanding and obedience to the Lord.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

Proverbs 22:17-24:34

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Proverbs 22:24-25

I continue with my study of Proverbs, specifically in week 8 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 22:17-24:34.  The two questions for this morning focus on how "a bad attitude toward life and people is contagious and deadly (Proverbs 22:25)," and how we are to be skillful in our labors - to exercise to the fullest our spiritual gifts (Proverbs 22:29).  On the former question, as I reflect, I've often grumbled and complained about my circumstances - demonstrating lack of trust in God.  This is certainly a contagious, dangerous and deadly character type to possess as a believer - to grumble and complain. God wants us to see how ALL circumstances are for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).  My study points to Numbers 13:1-14:4 for an example of how grumbling and complaining was contagious among the Israelites and led to lack of trust in the Lord in leading them to possess the promised land. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are working in all circumstances in my life - good and bad - and You never leave or forsake me, and You give me the Holy Spirit to overcome the dark forces of this world and other obstacles - so that I can accomplish Your will in my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.

Ezra 1-4

But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. Ezra 3:12

Day 266 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary moves to the book of Ezra where the Bible chronicles the initial period of restoration (Ca. 535-425 B.C.) as the first exiles return to Jerusalem. My commentary* describes how although there were many "who took Jeremiah’s advice [to] buy or build homes, begin businesses, and learn a new language and way of life [in Babylonia]....and how [t]here is also a whole new generation of Jews, as they are now called, who have never even set foot in Palestine. Despite the [circumstances], over 42,000 decide to return under the leadership of Sheshbazzar, who is appointed governor."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Efforts to rebuild the temple commence as the temple articles are returned.  Yet Ezra records how there were some who could not find it in themselves to celebrate such a joyous occasion.  Grumbling and complaining about circumstances is a frequent theme in the Bible and God calls it as He sees it - the grumbles and complaints are really directed towards Him.

The reality is that God gives us what we don't deserve (grace) and not what we do deserve (death). 

One of the verses raised yesterday in my post rings true today just as it did yesterday.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus". 1 Thessalonians 5:18

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You provide during ALL times - regardless of what I may think are thick or thin times - good or bad, You never stop loving me and You never stop providing for me.  I am grateful for the many mercies You give me - I am not deserving. My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.

Numbers 26

Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. Numbers 26:64-65

Day 43 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's command to take a another census as a means to allot portions of the promised land according to each tribe's numbers.  We also see a promise kept by God (see Numbers 14:21-24) as He does not allow any of those who grumbled, complained, and rebelled against Moses to enter the promised land as all of these save Caleb and Joshua did not enter the land.

Here we have yet another reminder of how God keeps His promises - both positive and negative.  He is faithful and we can rely on what He says. Another reminder as well that we are not to grumble and complain as God wants us to view our circumstances through His eyes as He is in control and we are to be thankful.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who is faithful and will never leave or forsake me, and always provides - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way to Hormah.

Numbers 12-14

    Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way to Hormah. Numbers 14:44-45

Day 38 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on gossip between leaders, and grumbling and complaining of the Israelites who feel powerless to overtake those who live in the Promised Land.  God burns in anger against those who gossip and against those who grumble and complain. 

Moses marries a Cushite woman and although the exact reason why is not stated, Miriam disapproves and slanders Moses (albeit indirectly) behind his back to Aaron (Numbers 12:1-2).  God is not pleased and He punishes her with a skin disease.  God is also angry with the spies He sends out to examine the Promised Land they are about to enter.  Nearly all of the spies return indicating that although the land is good they feel powerless to overcome those who inhabit the land.  Only Caleb and Joshua believe in God and trust that He will help them overtake those in the land. God punishes the Israelites for their failure to believe in Him - He forces the Israelites to wander in the desert for another 40 years.

If we truly believe in God, we must have confidence in Him to accomplish His will.  When God makes a promise, He is faithful and nothing can stop His plan.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You are faithful.  I have seen Your faithfulness in my life time and time again - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and faithfulness.  I sin...every single day.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.

Exodus 15:33-18

You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord. Exodus 16:8

Day 26 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the Israelites departure from the parting of the Red Sea - the traveled for three months, fought against the Amelekites, and spent much of their time grumbling against the Lord for what they believe they should have and what they believe the Lord is not providing.

God does not want us to grumble or complain. We should be thankful for where we are today as we should know that God loves us, He never leaves or forsakes us, that He provides for all of our needs, and that most importantly He gives us victory over sin and death.

We are not deserving of any of these gifts - it is only through God's great mercy and compassion that He does this for us.

Paul reminds us that we are not to grumble - it did not end well for many in Israel's history.

And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 1 Corinthians 10:10

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, never leaves or forsakes me, always provides for me, and gives me victory over sin and death.  I love You Lord - thank You for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving.  I sin...daily and often grumble and complain.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

James 5

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. v7

James wants us to be patient. We all live expectantly - like we deserve something.  Yet in v7-11, James is spot on that lack of patience leads to other sins - such as complaining and grumbling (see v9).  We should be content both with what we have and with our circumstances. James references Job's perseverance.  Of course, Job is an extreme example of suffering and hardship, but when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are better able to see Jesus in all of the every day moments where we might not otherwise be looking for Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has been with me through good and bad - You have never left me and I know You never will - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful Jesus.  Yet I know I am undeserving of Your love, grace, and mercy.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Philippians 2

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. v14-16

As a follow up to my post yesterday where I emphasized that we exist to glorify God, Paul is making a similar plea in today's verses.  His plea today is that we not grumble and complain...it is qualified with a reason why..."then you shine among them"....

Bottom line just as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "[s]o whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God".  Whether we are parents, in the workplace, in our neighborhood, etc.  others are watching You and God wants us to be His ambassadors.  We are to be a light.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done and continues to do so much both in me and for me - thank You Jesus for all of the love and compassion You pour out on me.  I am not deserving.  I sin...in countless ways I cannot full grasp....this I know.  Please forrgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Romans 13

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. v6

We should be viewing our circumstances as being controlled (either directed or allowed - see also posts on free will) by God and using Romans 13:1-6 as an example, we need to view governing authorities as being servants of God and worthy of our respect because if we don't our disrespect is not just of the governing authorities but also of God.  The same can be said of grumbling or complaining about your circumstances as this is also seen as doing so against God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides for all of my needs and never ever leaves or forsakes me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I worry...and my sin is great.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.

Psalm 106

Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. v47

This morning's reading is a splash of cold water on face - an awakening to who I have been. I've been like the Israelites who grumbled and complained as described in this Psalm and who could not wait on the Lord.

God IS at work in our lives every single day and every moment of our lives - He is in control and He love us.

That is why yesterday's post is so important as I must daily be thankful and remember what God has done...for me.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You created the Heavens and Earth and everything that inhabit them, and You created me, knowing everything about me even before I was born...and yet You still came to rescue me, dying on the cross.  You have transformed Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.

Job 42

Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. v3

As I wrap a quick study of Job, MacArthur's Bible Commentary helps me better understand a key takeaway from Job's life.  Job did not yet understand why he suffered, yet he fully understood that God reigns with perfect wisdom and justice - there should be no question about God's sovereignty and His perfection as it relates to our circumstances.  

There are times when we don't understand everything about our circumstances - but we can rest on His truths.  That He exists, that He died for our sins, He is our creator and savior, He is in control, He is full of love, grace, and compassion for us, and that He is enough.

This latter point is particularly relevant with Job, for when Job had nothing else - He had God and this should have been enough. Yet Job complained - and when we complain we do so against God.

I too have done as Job has done - so there is no judgement.  Yet in looking back and in looking forward my hope is that I can have peace in knowing that God has me exactly where He wants me.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.  Philippians 2:14-15

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has created all things, is before and in all things and holds all things together.  I know You will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry and am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”

1 Samuel 8

And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” v7-9

When we cry out to the Lord because of troubles we experience we must be mindful of what God is doing - the Israelites turned away from God and God either punished them or allowed difficult circumstances to befall them.  Here the Israelites sought an earthly King - essentially admitting that God alone is insufficient.  

I must be mindful that when I complain or worry - it is that I don't believe that God alone is sufficient.

Please forgive me Jesus!

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You alone are sufficient for me for I know that provide for all things and You steady my feet during times of difficulty.  Thank You for seeing me through hard times and providing for me during all times and for the overwhelming blessings You pour out for me.   I am not worth such love and blessings.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as Your Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?

Exodus 16

How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? v28

  
As the grumbling and complaining continued, the Lord became impatient.  The Israelites were rescued from Egypt and God had been providing for their needs, yet the Israelites lacked faith - they would not follow His instructions because they did not believe or trust Him fully (which is the most important commandment - see Matthew 22:37).  God is indeed a patient God but His patience is not unlimited. 

See the story of Ananias and Sapphira - both held onto their money tightly, and God desires us to be a cheerful giver.

As well, we don't know when Jesus will return and we need to be ready.  In Revelations, God is angry with the church at Laodicea - that they are luke warm in their faith and clearly not "ready". 

Jesus, help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and run the race with endurance - being ready and not dropping my focus on You - on good days and bad.  I know You are with me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God!  Thank You for loving me and adopting my mom and for saving a place for her in Heaven where she is not enjoying everlasting life and peace.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I fail to be more bold in sharing You with others.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me be more bold.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.