Definition: Complaining

So in continuation of my previous post, I've been thinking a lot about what complaining actually is.  I was reading the Psalms lately and in several of them, it looks like David is complaining:

Psalm 10:1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? 
Psalm 11:1-3 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? 
Psalm 13:1-3  How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 
Psalm 22:1-2 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 

Whoa!  Where did that come from? David is a man after God's own heart, and he complains and doubts God?

Is he really complaining?  Psalm 13 puts it the most succinctly:

How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
  
What I've discovered is that the focus is what matters here.  Complaining is completely focused on oneself, looking for sympathy, pity, more special treatment, a justification, and a judge to make it all "fair".  The children of Israel complained. Why? Because they were tired of what God had given them, they wanted comfort, they wanted Moses to give them give them sympathy.  I call it looking for the "aww, baby" syndrome.

But we, as people,  really do have problems! We have health needs, irritating family members, loved ones who don't know the Lord, friends who make wrong choices.  There's bad hair days and just plain old bad days.  But what is our focus when we are praying about these issues?  

God uses everything to bring our focus back to Him. So, we can give Him our burdens, He welcomes it! (1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.) But our focus should be steadfastly fixed on Him, learning what it is He has for us.  Contrary to popular belief, we don't just learn about our God in the 15 minutes we take for devotions, He's always there, always drawing us!

And He has given us the gift of godly Christian friends who listen to us and bear our burdens as well. It is such a comfort to have friends who join in with us in entreaties to the Most High, to have friends who point you back to the One who is in control of the tough situation, to have friends who are willing to ask the tough questions in order to take the focus off yourself and place it back on the Marvelous One. (Galatians 6:2, Matthew 18:20)

When we have the correct definition of Sin, and a perspective on Grace, life is so much the better for it.

Because of Him,
Missa

Content to Whine

"I'm bored!!!!"

This is the most frequently used set of words among 10 year old Americans.

Well, at least I think it is....  I hear it all the time. Whether it's in Wal-mart, or when I'm babysitting....

Or on Facebook....

Take that back - that phrase is the most commonly used phrase in America. Even if we don't say it in those exact words, we think it and act on it all the time (this is the only reason why they put Baseball on TV.)

But instead of doing something productive in our lives, we tend to be content to whine about it, and then use time-wasters like Facebook, watching TV, or eating.

And this week, I realized how content I was to whine to God.

If any of ya'll have ever worked in camp ministry or any other short term full time ministry, and then have to "come home" at the end, you'll understand my plight. It is so hard to keep a proper focus on God and His Word! Even though I have absolutely wonderful friends who keep me "accountable" it's so easy to switch back to the old checklist mode.

And my prayer life dynamic changes.  I become a whiner to God.

"Where do You want me to go?"
"What do You want me to do?"
"I want a job!"
or even
"Why aren't I growing?"

Now, these are good questions... unless we refuse to do something about it.  These shouldn't be an ongoing, recurring theme! 

But, that's what I've kinda been doing lately. How can I know what to do or where to go if I'm not actively living a Christian life? This Christian laziness is just so much easier. When I was a kid, it was dangerous to say I'm bored because that meant that mom would find something for us to do.... and normally it wasn't anything fun like TV or a game or toys... it always was chores. We were not allowed to sit and whine when there was stuff that could be done.

The problem is, as Christians, we're good at doing stuff....  just not growing in His grace. We give up way too easily, take our focus off of Him, and steadfastly gaze at ourselves. It's then that we whine.  I've discovered that the times I've grown the most was when I just didn't have time to make myself look like a Christian, but I had to keep my focus on Him. It takes more time and effort, but the effects are so worth it.

Let's stop being couch potato Christians. 

Because of Him,
Missa

Facebook Followers (of Christ)

I've just realized a harsh truth.

You can't believe everything you read on the internet.

Sorry to burst everyone's bubble. I was just Googling quotes for a project I'm doing and this one just captured the essence of my problem:

"The problem with quotes on the internet is that it is very difficult to verify their authenticity."

 ~Abraham Lincoln

And Facebook is the worst as far as falsified info goes. The point of Facebook is to have friends, make people like you, and show (the best parts) of your personality. There are very few people who are "real" on Facebook. I kinda think about it like a date. For an hour and a half you and the other person are on their very best behavior.  Girls spend literally hours on hair, makeup, and wardrobe - and I'm sure guys at least take a few extra minutes to apply deodorant..... maybe.  :)

The problem is, the only thing you see is the very best, and most of the time it's not the real person. 

Are we, as a society, turning into Facebook Followers (of Christ)? What's super popular right now is to share nice pictures with "Christianese" quotes:

I really think the last one is so sad. Really? I don't love God if I don't share this picture? Wow, what a horrible person I am! 

There are pages "Like if you love Jesus!" "Jesus is my Superman!" "I love Jesus Online"

Just so everyone knows, if you don't have an awesome blog like mine, post at least once a month, and share this link with 100 of your best friends, God will deny you before the angels at the final judgment! 

How ridiculous!!!!!!!

And here's the thing, these things are posted by people who then go on to live like the rest of the world.  

I want to see REAL Christians. What did you read in your Bible today, and how does it apply to your life?  What has God been teaching you through (insert name of any person in your life)? 

I'm not saying you shouldn't maintain a Christian testimony,but maybe we need to re-learn what it means to be a Christian. 

Oh, and this doesn't just apply to Facebook.  If you have a Christian bumper sticker on your car, drive like a Christian. Instead of taking the social time at Church complaining (or bragging) about your past week, take time to encourage the other believers. If our lives are changed and we are doing all things to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31, Col 3:17, etc), then we really need to live it.

Being a Christian is a 24/7 responsibility.  Stop letting Facebook be your daily Christianity "date".

Because of Him,

Missa

Get the Picture?

A good biblical counselor always brings people back to.......

What? The Bible?

Yes, but try and go deeper.

Look at this picture and tell me what the subject is:

What? You don't see it?

It sounds weird, but maybe, sometimes, oftentimes, we take God out of the Bible.

How can you do that?

Well, how often do we open God's Word and neglect to seek out the wisdom that only comes from Him via the Holy Spirit? We have the author of the Bible living in us, and yet when we read, we do not pray as we ought. It becomes merely checking the chore off the list, and we leave no wiser then when we began.

Then, for those of us that have opened the Bible for the purpose of instructing others (which, by the way, should be all Christians) We give commands, and verses that are meant to convict and instruct, but in all honesty, we might as well be opening a law book for all we do. Say, for example, you are discussing an issue of lying. You open up to Exodus 20, read commandment 9, pray an I'm sorry prayer, and move on with life, changing nothing.

It is God who is working in us to draw us closer to Himself, we come under conviction, and somehow manage to forget Him when we are actually looking at what His word says!

A good Biblical counselor should bring people back to the Character of God.

So how is that different from bringing people back to the Bible?

Well, it gives us a reason why we should change.  Our  goal in life is to be Christlike:

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16)

So if we are gazing upon the character of God, our own evil tendencies are brought to light and we understand Who it is we are trying to exemplify and how to do it based on the Word of God.

Referring back to the example of the picture. When I take the subject out, it makes no sense. Without God, our life, even when we read the Bible, makes no sense.  It's just rules.

Oh, and because I love this picture so much, I'll show you what it looks like.

Because of Him,
Missa

Tense words

God has forgiven us: past tense for future offense.

I first thought of this phrase a year ago at the end of last summer here at camp. I was trying to figure out why this truth is important.

So here's my thought process. Christ died for our sins. All of them. He forgives us at the point of our salvation (Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;). He blots out that which we have done and forgives us.  And yet we still are instructed to confess our sins for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness. (1 John 1:9 but if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness) The aforementioned passage is clearly speaking to saved people based on context.


So how do we combine confession with full assurance of our secured salvation?

It really all boils down to a relationship. Our Christian life is not just a quickie "fire insurance" experience. It is an ongoing daily relationship built on love and gratitude.  Unfortunately, though we have been saved and gloriously redeemed, we still sin. Most of us on a daily basis. Most of us more often then that, even!

The problem is a lot of us struggle with this. How can I be saved and still do bad things? Maybe I didn't really get saved that first time.

And then begins a cycle of doubt, "re-salvation", good feelings, doubt, "re-salvation", good feelings.....

But our salvation is not based on us. We are saved. God has saved us and forgiven us from our sins.  However, our relationship with God suffers when we sin. When we lie to our parents, we are still their child, and yet there are still consequences. They no longer trust us and the relationship has been damaged.

John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. 

No man means no man... not even you can cause you to lose your salvation.

Because of Him,
Missa

♪♫ I don't need anything......... But You ♫♪

What do we need to have everything?  What will satisfy us?  When will we be perfect?  When have we achieved the dream life?

I've been thinking a lot about Colossians 2:10 "and ye are complete in Him[Christ], which is the head of all principality and power."

It's easy to fall into the trap as a Christian to become all consumed with "what's next". If only I had ..... that car, that job, that boyfriend/girlfriend, the latest electronic, or whatever it is you or I may want, then I could be content.  But the thing is, you will never be content if you are continuing to dwell on "what's next". There will always be something new, and until you rest in the contentment of knowing Christ.

Now that is a very good thought indeed, but, alas, although the above is definitely something taught in Scripture (see Exodus 20:17), that's not exactly what this passage means. Consider the context:

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Colossians 2:1-10


I propose that completeness is God, is completeness in His wisdom and knowledge. Our insufficiency is never more manifest when compared to God's all-sufficiency.  We have direct access to Him through prayer. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5

I was speaking with a friend at lunch, and he told me how he was learning that one must be aware of one's insufficiency, and at the same time be willing to minister.  It seems that one is either aware of their inefficiencies or ministering, not both. But that's not the point of the Christian life, to be forever bobbing on highs and lows spiritually. When we get saved, we must humbly admit that we are insufficient, and accept God's grace freely offered to us.  Now, as we live and thrive in this new life, we must continue to "...walk humbly with our God"  (Micah 6:8)

 Complete in Thee

(Aaron Wolfe)

Complete in Thee! No work of mine
May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;
Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
And I am now complete in Thee.

Refrain:
Yea, justified! O blessed thought!
And sanctified! Salvation wrought!
Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
And glorified, I too, shall be!

Complete in Thee! No more shall sin,
Thy grace hath conquered, reign within;
Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee,
And I shall stand complete in Thee.

Complete in Thee—each want supplied,
And no good thing to me denied;
Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be,
I ask no more, complete in Thee.

Dear Savior, when before Thy bar
All tribes and tongues assembled are,
Among Thy chosen will I be,
At Thy right hand, complete in Thee.

Because of Him,
Missa

That I May Know Him

At the beginning of the summer, during one of our meetings, someone threw out the term “knowing God” and that just brought a huge slew of questions:

Why do I want to know God?

If we have all eternity with Him, does it really matter?

Does it matter if I don’t want to know Him? Other than being ungrateful, I mean.

I had been meditating on this off and on for six weeks, and hadn’t really come to a definite conclusion other than that I knew I wanted to know Him more, and I am completely insufficient in my knowledge.

But during this morning’s staff renewal message, I hit upon the answer, or at least the first part of the answer.  I’m pretty sure I’ll be learning more and more of the answer.

1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Philippians 3:8-10  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.

We should want to know Him because He loves us, because we are nothing without Him, because He is working in us by His power. Knowledge of God is the highest goal in a Christian’s life. It is a continuing unending goal. I wonder if even with all eternity it is even possible for us begin to comprehend the mind of God, and how He works all things together.

And consider 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.  Knowing God and allowing that knowledge to change us, gives us a glimpse of that life which is waiting for us in heaven. We can develop our body, but in all honesty, our body will die, and it is our soul which will continue on.  I know people who spend hours daily at the gym, building up  something that has a chronic condition of decay which all suffer from, and which cannot be reversed.  We shouldn’t neglect the temple of God, but can we  put at least as much effort into growing spiritually?

I’m not there yet. I have not attained, but God is working in me, both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13)

Because of Him,

Missa