Praying Pint

 

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –1 Thessalonians 5:18

What is the cure for complaining? In a word, it is gratitude. The cure for complaining is focusing on what God has done instead of what He hasn’t done. I think it’s tragic that after the Israelites’ songs of praise in Exodus 15, there is not a single recorded instance of the Israelites expressing heartfelt gratitude to God on their journey–only complaining and thanklessness. Pastor Mark Buchanan wrote that he once found himself stewing in thanklessness while doing mission work in Uganda. The local Christians gathered for worship every Sunday evening, but one Sunday he didn’t want to join. He was upset with someone on his team. He didn’t like the food. He was annoyed by the music. He wrote, “I was miserable, and I wanted to wallow in it.” Then the pastor of the Ugandan church asked if anyone had something to share. One woman came to the front and said, “Oh, brothers and sisters, I love Jesus so much!” The congregation shouted for more. So the woman continued, “He is so good. I praise Him all the time for how good He is. For three months, I prayed to Him for shoes. And look!” She revealed one of her feet. “He gave me shoes!” The congregation clapped and whistled and praised God loudly. “But not me,” Buchanan wrote. “I was devastated. I sat there broken and grieving. In an instant, God snapped me out of my self-pity and plunged me into repentance. In all my life, I had not once prayed for shoes. It never even crossed my mind. And in all my life, I had not even once thanked God for the many, many shoes I had. Thanklessness becomes its own prison.” Gratitude is the key that releases us from the prison of complaining and thanklessness. When you are tempted to complain about a loved one, take a moment to thank God for putting that person in your life. When you are tempted to complain about your job, thank God for providing a way for you to earn a living. We need to remember all the good things God has done for us. Thanks be to God for what He has done and for His undeserved blessings on our lives! (Jeffress)

 

If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always.
Isaiah 58:10-11

Isaiah 58 is a remarkable chapter that promises God’s blessings on those who help the oppressed and correct injustice (verses 6, 10) and who share their bread with the hungry and clothe the naked (verse 7). The Lord’s righteousness will go before them and His glory behind them (verse 8). The Lord will answer their prayers (verse 9). The Lord will guide them always and satisfy their needs in a sun-scorched land.

It’s easy to take biblical promises out of context. For example, verse 11 says, “The Lord … will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (NIV). But within the context of Isaiah 58, this is a promise specifically for those who care for the poor and oppressed.

Let’s be generous to those in need, allowing others to see the love of God through us. As we care for others, the Lord will care for us—like a well-watered garden. Whom can you help today?

 

Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Luke 19:45-46)

On the Monday before He would be crucified, Jesus went into the temple – but not the actual temple building that had within it the holy place and the most holy place. Here, as often in the gospel accounts, temple is used to describe the whole temple complex, including the temple court, the court of the women, and the court of the Gentiles.

At the outer courts of the temple area – known as the court of the Gentiles, because it was as far as they were allowed to go – Jesus began to drive out those who bought and sold. There were merchants selling “approved” sacrificial animals and moneychangers offering “approved” currency for donations made at the temple, and Jesus shut them down, driving them from the area.

One reason Jesus did this was because they were charging prices far greater than what was fair or right. According to William Barclay, prices could be 20 times higher at the temple than they were outside the temple area. That’s worse than food prices at modern day airports or amusement parks!

Yet the anger of Jesus was against those who bought as well as those who sold in it. While the sellers deserved more blame, the buyers are also part of the corrupt scene that turned the temple of God into a place of haggling, deal-making, and dishonest business practices.

Jesus did something like this at the beginning of His ministry (John 2:13-22). The lesson was not learned some three years before, and those doing the selling and buying the temple courts would resume their business in a few days.

But what Jesus did was not wasted. He made it clear to all Israel that God’s house was a house of prayer: These merchants and moneychangers operated in the outer courts, the only area where Gentiles could come and pray. Therefore, this place of prayer was made into a marketplace, and a dishonest one (a den of thieves).

Mark’s record contains the more complete quotation of Jesus: Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?” (Mark 11:17). The point was that the temple was to be a place for all nations to pray. The activity of all those who bought and sold in the outer courts made it impossible for any seeking Gentile to come and pray.

Here is a practical application from what Jesus did. When we come for worship, to bring a sacrifice of praise to God, to receive His word and gather with His people, we must be careful to never put an unnecessary obstacle in the way of those seeking God. May Jesus clear away anything that prevents our places of worship from being houses of prayer for all who seek Him. (Guzik)

 

Eph 6:13-15  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.   Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

“Stand therefore.” What an incredible challenge! It takes courage to stand. Yet before courage comes determination. Human calculations will always find a thousand reasonable reasons to stand down or quit, which may sound good, but are usually wrong.

Imagine how Moses felt when God called him to lead the children of Israel and speak to Pharaoh. Moses convinced himself that he wasn’t eloquent enough because he stuttered. God’s answer? “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD? Now therefore, go….” (Exodus 4:11-12). And Moses went in God’s power.

When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, he protested that he was too young (Jeremiah 1:6). Jeremiah felt unqualified and inadequate because of his lack of experience. God’s answer? “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak” (Jeremiah 1:7-8). And Jeremiah spoke God’s words.

There is a story of a California miner who grew tired of chip, chip, chipping every day in his search for gold and gave up. He sold his claim to another, who soon discovered what the other had given up on. Remember, fear or feelings may tempt you to stop what you’re doing, but it is always too soon to quit.

God is calling you to stand. Whether it’s ministry, a hostile work environment, remaining steadfast in your marriage commitment, or some other arena, determine in your mind and heart to stand therefore. (Hibbs)

 

The people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the LORD; and when the LORD heard it, His anger was kindled. –Numbers 11:1

Have you ever taken children on a road trip? Thirty minutes into the trip, what do they do? “I’m hungry!” “I’m tired!” “I need to go to the bathroom!” They complain, complain, complain. That’s what the Israelites did as they traveled toward the promised land. Three days into their journey from Mount Sinai, they started to “complain of adversity” (Numbers 11:1). Moving two million people through the desert is not an easy thing to do. I’m sure there were inconveniences. But the Israelites needed to keep that adversity in perspective. Think about what they had experienced: They had seen God spare their firstborn because of the lamb’s blood on the doorposts. They had seen God soften Pharaoh’s heart to let them go. They had seen God part the Red Sea. They had received God’s revelation from Mount Sinai. Yet instead of expressing gratitude to God for all He had done, they focused on the adversity. How did God respond when the Israelites complained? “His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. The people therefore cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord and the fire died out” (vv. 1–2). The scorched earth was a visual reminder of how God deals with grumbling and ingratitude. Now, if you saw the fire of God consume everything around you, you might get the hint and stop complaining. Not the Israelites. In verses 4–6, the people went right back to complaining again. Sometimes we excuse people’s complaining by saying, “That’s just the way they are.” Or they excuse themselves by joking, “I’m a born complainer!” But God doesn’t laugh it off. God hates grumbling, and that is still true today. Maybe you have gotten into a habit of complaining. You complain about the weather. You complain about your family. You complain about your job. You complain about the government. You complain about your church. Don’t be surprised if you wake up one day and find that the mate you’ve been complaining about decides to leave, or the job you’ve said you hate is suddenly lost, or the family member you’ve been complaining about is taken from you. God doesn’t allow complaining to go unanswered. (Jeffress)

 

1 Corinthians 16:13“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Ephesians 6:10  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – 

What has stopped you in your tracks?

Think about a time in your life when you started to go somewhere but didn’t reach your destination. Maybe you got lost or ran out of gas. Or perhaps you encountered an obstacle, such as car trouble, road construction, or bad weather.

What did you miss out on by not reaching your destination?

Many people get lost in life because they have no idea where they’re going. But others have a clear destination in mind and still don’t get there. They start going where they think God wants them to go, but they never arrive because they give up or get distracted along the way.

I think that’s true of a lot of Christians. If we’re honest, most of us can point to a God-honoring goal or calling in our lives that we’ve given up on.Maybe you resolved to take better care of yourself physically, to get your finances under control, or to spend more time in prayer. You started out strong, but you became distracted by circumstances in your life or discouraged by obstacles in your way.

You can’t always change your circumstances or remove the obstacles in your path. But you can choose to adopt the attitude of perseverance.What is perseverance? Someone once said that perseverance is the determination to continue pursuing your God-given dreams in spite of unexpected setbacks, undeserved criticism, and unrelenting hard work.Perseverance is the attitude that says, “I will not give up.” It’s persisting in what God has called you to do even when the going gets tough.

Think about the Israelites at Jericho in Joshua 6. God commanded them to march around the entire city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. Then the priests would blow their trumpets, the people would shout, and the wall would come down.Imagine how the Israelites must have felt marching day after day in that hot Palestinian sun. I’m sure they got tired. I’m sure they had doubts. But they kept doing what God told them to do, and eventually the wall came down. If the Israelites had given up before completing their assignment, they would have missed God’s blessing.

 

You can develop that same quality of perseverance in your life. Let me share four practical insights to help you persevere through doubts and difficulties.

1. Understand the value of perseverance. You may think you can’t be successful because you’re not as gifted as other people. That’s not true. Usually, the difference between success and failure is not talent; it’s perseverance. Philippians 2:13 says God has given you the ability to fulfill His purpose for you.
2. Anticipate obstacles. Some obstacles can be removed, but some obstacles cannot be overcome. Think about the apostle Paul, who had a “thorn in the flesh” that hindered his ministry. Three times he asked God to remove it, and each time God said, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). When unmovable obstacles come into our lives, we can either give up or choose to view those problems as opportunities to trust in God.
3. Realize failure isn’t final. Nobody ever stubbed his toe while standing still. If you are moving forward, you’re going to stub your toe from time to time—but you’re still moving forward.
4. Expect to work hard. Perseverance takes real effort. The Israelites didn’t see the results of their effort until their thirteenth march around the city of Jericho. But they kept marching again and again, and God blessed their obedience.

If you’ve given up on something in your life that you know would honor God, now is the time to get back on track and persevere in what God has called you to do. Choose the attitude of perseverance, and take the next step forward today! (Jeffress)

Proverbs 5:1  My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding,

Proverbs 4:5  Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 4:7  The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.

 

We live in an unprecedented era in which learning, and the acquisition of information have exploded beyond our wildest imagination. The world is virtually at our fingertips or voice command. Yet, we are none the better for our technological advances when it comes to possessing wisdom. Tragically, technology often pulls us downward into a vortex of darkness, and evil.

In the Hebrew language, the word “wisdom” means the skillful ability to use knowledge. Biblical knowledge, when employed rightly, always results in good for ourselves and others. Notice the high value the Bible places on wisdom. As “the principal thing,” the most important thing, we are to lay siege of godly wisdom and to do everything we can to acquire it. Why? Wisdom deciphers what we should allow into our lives, thereby forming our lifestyles and with it, we gain discernment and clear understanding—something that we often lack on our own.

In political circles, Democrats and Republicans don’t understand one another nor do husbands and wives in their marriages. In the animal kingdom, most cats and dogs can’t seem to get along either! However large or small our challenges are, we must resist the world’s dark, devilish, dangerous wisdom and instead grab hold of the great counterweight, the opposing force, the wisdom of God. “…the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

The beautiful reality of God’s wisdom is that it’s best achieved when asked for. That’s right, the Bible tells us to ask God because He promises to grant it liberally (James 1:5). Rest assured; this dark age is no match for God’s wisdom. Give yourself fully to the Lord, my friend, and your life will be the better for it today. (Hibbs)

 

Hebrews 12:1-2  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Romans 8:38-39  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8-11  but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

John 3:16-20    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

Revelation 3:20-22  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

2Corinthians 6:2  For he says, ……….; behold, now is the day of salvation.

 

The love that Jesus Christ has for his people is often described in Scripture as mirroring the love that God the Father has for the Son. This comparison invites us to explore the nature, depth, and character of Christ’s love for believers. What does it mean that Jesus loves us “as the Father loves the Son”? Let us reflect on this divine method of love and its profound implications for Christians.

Human love always has a starting point—there is a moment when affection is born, when hearts are first drawn together. However, Christ’s love for his people is fundamentally different. It is eternal, without beginning and without end. As God declared, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love,” so too is Christ’s love for his followers a stream whose source is hidden in eternity. While we can recall the moment we first loved Christ, his love for us predates all time and creation. It is a love that has always existed and will never cease.

The love of God the Father for the Son is unwavering and constant. In the same way, Jesus’ love for his people does not fluctuate with circumstances or emotions. Whether we find ourselves on “Tabor’s top,” in moments of spiritual triumph, or in the “valley of humiliation,” facing trials or doubts, his love remains steadfast. Our experiences may change, but his affection for us does not. Even when we feel overwhelmed by life’s storms—when “all his waves and billows go over you”—Christ’s heart remains faithful to those he has chosen. This immutability is a source of great comfort for believers, assuring us that we are never abandoned or forgotten.

Just as the Father’s love for the Son is endless, so too is Christ’s love for his people. There is no fear that the “silver cord” of his love will ever be broken. From life’s first breath to our final moments, and even beyond the grave, Christ’s love accompanies us. He promises to be our guide, not only through this world but also as we rise to “the celestial hills.” The permanence of his love offers hope and security, dispelling fears of separation or loss.

The love of Christ is not only eternal and unchanging; it is also immeasurable. The Father’s love for the Son knows no bounds, and neither does the Son’s love for his people. Jesus gave himself wholly and sacrificially for us—”He loved us and gave himself for us.” This is a love that surpasses knowledge, a love so vast and profound that it cannot be fully grasped or quantified. Christ’s entire heart is dedicated to his people, and his love is described as “passing knowledge,” exceeding all human understanding.

In contemplating the divine Christ’s love, we find a love that is without beginning, without end, without change, and without measure. It is as steadfast, eternal, and boundless as the love the Father has for the Son. For those who believe, this truth is both a comfort and a call to deeper faith. May the Holy Spirit help us to truly appreciate and internalize the richness of Christ’s love, finding nourishment and strength in seeking to understand it more fully. (Surgeon)

Our first glimpse of the Love of Jesus Christ is when our hearts are opened to see our sinfulness and the need of forgiveness, His Love displayed through His sacrifice for our sins, the call to repentance, faith, hope, trust, obedience and reliance in Him alone for our salvation and eternal life.
To the hardened hearts that reject this love from Jesus Christ and the need for forgiveness and repentance, there awaits an eternal separation and torment in Hell.
Today is the day of salvation for you if you would call on the name of Jesus Christ.

 

 

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” (Luke 17:1)

At the close of the previous chapter, Jesus told the account of Lazarus and the rich man. One point of that account was that eternity is for real, and no one from the world beyond will come back to help us. Considering this, we must understand how important it is to treat other people rightly. The rich man treated Lazarus terribly (Luke 16:19-22) and suffered from that offense for all eternity.

With this in mind, Jesus spoke to His disciples about offenses. In context, it is safe to suppose that Jesus meant “real” offenses – ways that people genuinely harm each other, in more than the superficial ways some people seem to take offense today. This is real harm against another person.

The New Testament word used here for offenses is skandalon, and it comes from the word for a bent-stick – the stick that springs the trap or sets the bait. It also was used for a stumbling block, something that people trip over.

In the Bible sometimes a skandalon is good that is received wrongly – such as the way that people “trip” over Jesus, and are offended at the gospel (Romans 9:33, 1 Corinthians 1:23, Galatians 5:11).

But among brothers and sisters in Jesus, a skandalon is bad. It can be false counsel (Matthew 16:23) or leading a brother to sin by your “liberty” (Romans 14:13). Division and false teaching bring a skandalon among God’s people (Romans 16:17).

Taking the idea of offenses in a serious and not superficial way, Jesus said that it is impossible that no offenses should come. It is inevitable that people will hurt, offend, and harm one another. This has always been true. Yet, when someone genuinely harms another person, God cares and will hold that one to account.

In saying, Woe to him through whom they do come, Jesus said: “People are going to take the bait – but woe to you if you offer the hook. People are going to trip up – but woe to you if you set the stumbling block in their way.” 1 John 2:10 explains the solution to being a skandalon to others – love: He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. If we love our brother, we will not bring an offense into their life.

This is a lesson that the church learned the hard way in the centuries when many Christians felt it was their duty to “help” God and to curse the Jewish race for their rejection of the Messiah. I believe that the curse came back on the church worse than ever.

Here is a principle to live by: If someone seems ripe for the judgment or discipline of God, let God do it. Get out of the way. God doesn’t need you as an instrument of His judgment, only as an instrument of His love.