Complaining Reveals Something Much Deeper

Complaining about circumstances really has no place in the life of a Christian. But if you're like me, complaining is sometimes a daily habit. We've got no right to complain because complaining reveals something much deeper.

I'm reading in Numbers still and am at the point where the Israelites are complaining about their food & travel arrangements. Just a couple of years ago they were working their fingers to the bone as slaves in Egypt; they were nothing. Egypt owned them and could do anything it wanted with them. They hated being slaves!

But now, a couple of years later, the Israelites are complaining about the current food and travel as free men! How utterly evil and thankless they were! No wonder God killed some of them with fire! I find that the complaining isn't the cause of God's anger (Moses was complaining to God about the people complaining, yet God was not angered at Moses). The complaints are a symptom of a deeper problem and this deep problem can find it's way into everybody's life if we're not careful:

Complaining about current discomforts reveals the fact that you have forgotten what God has already done for you. And when you forget God's faithfulness & goodness, you cannot possibly live a life of thankfulness, obedience and trust.

The next time complaints start to creep in, remember that complaining reveals something much deeper.

Is It Time For You To Move? Probably.

How many of us like to move? (Let me chime in: I don't!)

I'm currently reading through the book of Numbers (the one in the Bible...you know, the one we never use in church) and I've got to say that this time around I'm seeing some good stuff.

In about the middle of chapter 9 the famous "cloud by day, pillar of fire by night" story is touched on. I've got to admit, I wish it was as clear as it was back then, but it's not. But honestly, just because it was clear didn't make it any easier. When God moved, the people had to move. Maybe they stayed in their spot for a week; maybe a month; sometimes a couple of days.

What I'm getting at is this: moving, adjusting, making some changes, etc is a core characteristic of following Jesus. If you don't like "moving" then you've picked the wrong person to follow for the rest of your life. Whether it's the big moves in life or the minor steps, we've got to keep moving.

So, when's the last time you moved? We've got to keep moving.

His Point Is Good, But His Theology Is Bad

President Obama recently used a portion of The Sermon On The Mount by Jesus in one of his speeches.

Check out a portion of the transcript here.

Good point, no theology, but good point that excites me.

That's My King!

Easter Sunday was off the chain yesterday.
God literally did an amazing work within the walls of our worship center.
And it all got kicked off by a "That's My King" video of Dr. S.M. Lockridge.

SM Lockridge (by the way: "S" is for Shadrach & "M" is for Meschach...that's cool) is one of my preacher heroes. I don't know much about him but I do know that he pastored faithfully in Texas & down in San Diego, CA for a while at a Calvary Baptist.

If anybody could sum up Jesus (which nobody can) it would be SM Lockridge's "My King" sermon.

PS. go here to view it.

I Read The You Version Translation

If you are interested in reading the Bible and you have a computer (or an iPhone), I highly suggest you ditch your leather-bound for this online Bible @ YouVersion.com. I love it. Multiple translations available, a built-in private journal where you can journal private prayers, and a public content portion where you can add your thoughts about specific passages and also see what others have to say about those passages.

One of my favorite features (there are about 5 favorites actually) is how you can "follow" other users (maybe your favorite pastor or friend) and see what they are reading and what they say about passages.

It has revolutionized (I know, that's a strong word) the way I interact with Scripture on a daily basis. It has enabled me to journal more and actively participate with Scripture.

It's free. It's simple. It adds value to my life. It's the perfect product! Check it out and follow me too. (youversion.com & I'm "bgoodban")

PS. I don't have an iPhone...hint, hint =)