Greetings my dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. I wanted to share a testimony with you of an experience that I had with a fellow brother in Christ. As we were traveling to our MNSOM class, we were discussing grumbling and the consequences it has on our walk and others, especially the effect grumbling has on leadership. We were led by the Holy Spirit to the exodus of the Israelites and the effects that the grumbling of the Israelites had on Moses.
1. Firstly, having a grumbling heart can prolong us from receiving what God has for us.
The grumbling of the Israelites caused the journey to the promise land to be extended to 40 years when it was only meant to be around 11 days.
2. Secondly, a grumbling heart can blind us from what is right in front of us.
The grumbling of the Israelites led to a portion of them dying from eating the quail when the Lord had provided them manna. A grumbling heart can blind us from what is right in front of us.
3. Thirdly, a grumbling heart can lead to dissension and cause divisions.
The grumbling of the Israelites led to Aaron and Miriam doubting Moses and his ability to lead which caused Moses much grief and led to Aaron and Miriam being disciplined.
4. Finally, a grumbling heart saps the strength of those around us and can discourage our loved ones, leading them to operate in the flesh, the sinful nature and ultimately spiritual death.
The grumbling of the Israelites led to Moses striking the rock in frustration and taking credit for the water for which God provided this action. Moses could not enter the promise land due to this action and lack of credit to God.
Brothers and sisters, I would encourage you, if you are struggling with grumbling, examine yourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that you may address your heart and repent. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 (NIV) addresses how we are to conduct ourselves from day to day in regards to grumbling:
“[12] Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. [13] Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. [14] And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. [15] Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Thanksgiving needs to be practiced as it is a stance of worship to our Lord.
Brothers and sisters, James wrote, through the power of the Holy Spirit, about taming the tongue:
“[3] When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. [4] Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. [5] Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. [7] All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? [12] My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
James 3:3-12 (NIV)
It is also written in James 4:11-12 (NIV):
“[11] Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. [12] There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
Before I conclude, brothers and sisters, I want to go back to the story of Moses not being allowed to enter the promise land. Many of us view that as a punishment, right? However, thanks to the Holy Spirit, I gained a deeper understanding of our Lord. God knows the motivation of our hearts. HE knows our heart condition, where we are and what we are facing. Moses was old; he was tired, frustrated and spent. There was so much more work that needed to be done. What was revealed to me is that as much as not entering the promise land was a punishment, it was more of an act of love and mercy to Moses. He would enter the Lord's rest and be delivered from a grumbling, disobedient and stiffnecked people.
Brothers and sisters, words cannot express the joy I experienced in the revelation I received from the Holy Spirit. How thankful am I that we have a loving Heavenly Father. My words cannot fully express this love. I am grateful that He has placed me in a position in which I am able to share my joy in Him with you and the insight HE has blessed me with. Our God is so good! GLORY BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY!
I pray this word finds you well and may the grace and joyous favor of our Lord Jesus Christ, the unambiguous love of God, and the precious communion that we share in the Holy Spirit be yours continually!
Pastor Dakota Swinton