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Volume 87 • October 1, 2011 |
God Hears It All1And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD of their misfortune, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. 2Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. 3So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned among them. — Numbers 11:1-3 Complaining is one of the most pervasive attitude problems in our culture. Just open the newspaper to the letters to the editor and read complaint after complaint; or hang around the water cooler at work and hear employees gripe about the boss’s latest “bad decision”; or stand in line at McDonald’s during the lunch hour rush, when every cashier seems to be in training. Now, let me be the first to say that in certain situations, I really enjoy complaining. In fact, I like it so much that I would never consider eliminating it from my life, were it not for what I have learned about how God hates it. That’s right, He hates complaining. If you find it hard to conceive that God would “make such a big deal” about your complaining, check out Numbers 11:1. Here’s this group of people standing on the edge of their makeshift city, and they are whining and grumbling about something. Whatever the subject matter, it was the final straw for God, and He sent fire among the whole group. If that doesn’t tell you how God feels about complaining, nothing will! And, before you try to dismiss that as “Old Testament,” remember that what happened to the Israelites was intended by almighty, unchanging God as an example for us (1 Corinthians 10:11). Why, why does God hate complaining? Because it’s like saying, God, You don’t know what You’re doing. You are basically telling God that you, a human, know better than Him, Almighty God. So, is this a message you need to hear? Ask yourself, “Am I a complainer? Is this a problem in my life?” Be brutally honest with yourself. After all, God hears every word you say and knows every thought you think. You may be fooling yourself, but you aren’t fooling Him. If complaining is rearing its ugly head in your life, acknowledge its wickedness and ask God to change your attitude. The good news is that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provided a way for us to be forgiven and cleansed, and to have a fresh start in life and in our attitudes. We need only repent — agree with God that our complaints are sin — and choose to turn from complaining and ask His forgiveness. Do it today, loved one. Put off complaining and begin to put on the life-giving, joy-producing attitude of gratitude. Your life will never be the same again! —James MacDonald For more from James MacDonald and the "Walk in the Word" Bible teaching ministry, visit WalkInTheWord.com |
Mitch's JournalMonday 3/8/2004Today God taught me about freedom. John 8:36 If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. With our spiritual life we are free — and we have to keep it going strong so we aren’t trapped by other things — God will free us from everything. |
News Highlights |
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Success On The Pavement!October 1, 2011 Congratulations to all MSC Runners on completing the 2011 15th Annual Chicago Half Marathon & 5k races held down at Jackson Park. A total of 31 MSC runners from four different states, took to the streets of Lake Shore Drive, 13 running the 5k and another 18 tackling the half marathon! Most of the MSC runners could be identified right away in the sea of thousands wearing white and black MSC running shirts. The morning skies were clear and both courses ran fast, many runners recording personal best times! Many more supporters came down to cheer on our runners as well as another 10 volunteers who arrived before the sun came up to help work the event! Overall, most runners ran injury free and completed their personal goals. MSC’s main goal for this race was to raise approximately $50,000.00 for our ongoing and upcoming projects. God is good as all runners raised a total of $48,000.00 in sponsorships! Every penny that was raised will go directly towards meeting the needs of others; MSC has no paid employees and does not use the funds for administrative costs. With this incredible outpouring of support MSC is thrilled to be able to walk alongside so many who are struggling in so many ways. We can’t thank each runner enough for their commitment and partnership to MSC for this fundraiser as well as each volunteer who committed their morning to serving others! On a morning when the nation came together to remember the fallen on the 10th Anniversary of 9-11, MSC was proud to be part of that in the name of SERVICE! Together serving our neighbors near or far with the love of the Lord.
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