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Christian Short StoriesNowhere Man, Nowhere Land Michael writes: I've written for over 30 years as I believe I'm given an inspiring word to share. Presently I'm working on my Masters in Biblical Studies and have been accepted into the Theology Doctoral Program. My desire is to share my writings in hopes of encouraging others in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. My desire when I finish my graduate work is to write Bible Curriculum. I Pray these stories/articles have blessed you and they may touch the lives of those you know." www.mikecochran.org "But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this Manna." Numbers 11:6 (NLT) God gave the children of Israel manna from heaven. A supernatural supply of food, yet they griped and complained. "So the people went out and caught quail all the day and throughout the night and all the next day, too. No one gathered less than fifty bushels! They spread the quail to dry. But while they were gorging themselves on the meat - while it was still in their mouths - the anger of the Lord blazed against the people..." Numbers 11:32-33 (NLT). God was so upset with them that He was willing to wipe them out and start all over again. From the time the children of Israel came out of the land of Egypt. They griped about everything the Lord did for them. They certainly did not serve the Lord with joyfulness and gladness of heart for the abundance of all things as they were commanded in Deuteronomy 28:47. We were created to be thankful in all things and in everything to give praise. To be depressed, discouraged, unthankful and unholy is part of the corrupted nature. In the last days perilous times shall come. Notice being unthankful is included in a long list of the signs of the end times. 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Therefore, being thankful is not an option for the Christian who wants to be all God wants them to be. Do we have a choice? Of course, but we will never fulfill God's will in our lives the way we should if we gripe and complain along the way. That isn't how God intended us to be or His plan for us. God miraculously delivered the children of Israel and supernaturally provided for their every need. Yet, they murmured all the more. It seemed as though every time they had a trial they were wishing they were dead. So, God granted them their wish. The whole generation from twenty years old and up died in the wilderness and never entered the Promise Land. Numbers 14:27-29. We can either be someone who gives glory and credit to God, who is thankful and humble and praises God or be a Nowhere Man living in a Nowhere Land, who falls apart in the midst of trials and the world says, "Where's their God?" Believers, our testimony is important, very important. God uses our lives to influence others. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 (NLT). (© 2011 Michael Cochran – All rights reserved. Written material may not be duplicated without permission.) |
