Are You A Complainer?
Fire From the LORD
1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down. 3 So that place was called Taberah, because fire from the LORD had burned among them.
Quail From the LORD
4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
7 The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. 8 The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. 9 When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down.
10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled.
Tommy's Thoughts:
When we read today’s passage, we can clearly point out how wrong the Israelites were in complaining and being disgruntled; they should be grateful and contended for what God has done and was doing for them – given them freedom from slavery, making them a nation, given them a new land and providing their needs.
But, it’s easy to judge when we too ourselves exhibit similar attitude when our attention shifted from what we already have to what we don’t have. We constantly think of what we would like to have or own, what will make us happy, contended and begin living responsibly. These unfulfilled desires cause us to forget and eventually neglect the gifts given to us from God - life, food, health, career, friends and family.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gifts and blessings You’ve given to me over the years; important and valuable gifts that I don’t clearly see sometimes when other desires clouded my mind. Forgive me of failing to understand this and being impatient to trust Your providence and timing. Guide me to walk closely to You each day and not lead astray by focusing on selfish fulfillments rather than seeking You first. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bee's Thoughts:
Are we happy? What is true happiness?
The article in "True Happiness" gives a good answer to this question:
Psychologists say that people need three things to make them happy. First of all they need something to do. Secondly they need something to love. Finally they need something to look forward to. I think Scripture agrees with this. However, to be truly happy and satisfied we must make sure that we are doing the right thing, loving the right thing, and looking forward to the right thing. This passage (John 14:1-21) before us, as well as many others in Scripture that show us what to do, what to love and what to look forward to.
The Israelites were never happy or satisfied with what God had done for them. They kept complaining and murmuring. That angered God. We need to beware of the disatisfaction the devil might tried to put in our hearts.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your joy is my strength and I can be happy in You even when at times I feel down.
I pray for my best friend tonight, that You will bless his heart and grant him peace and contentment. Let his heart not be troubled, and grant him Your assurance of love. Let him know that he is never alone... he has You and fellow Christians who love him. Grant him deep sleep tonight, waking up fresh in the morning, feeling Your joy and happiness again. Also guide him in his decision on taking up more project. May Your peace be his guide.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
