What Is the Opposite of Grumbling?

Have you ever had to make decisions that directly affected other people? (Of course!) Has anyone ever complained about your decisions? Anyone who has been a parent can answer, “Yes.” Bosses and teachers and those who work in service-oriented organizations—they can all answer, “Yes.” Surely you’ve heard a variation of the saying, “You can’t please everyone.”

One biblical character stands out in this respect, a leader who was careful to follow God. Yet, he sometimes received strong complaints and grumbling from the people he led.

God told Moses to go to the Pharaoh of Egypt and request Israel’s release. Pharaoh accused the Israelites of being lazy, and he increased their workload. When the word reached the Israelites, they complained to Moses for the difficulty they had to endure. (Exodus 5.)

When Israel had come out of Egypt, they were encamped at the Red Sea. They complained to Moses out of fear for their lives when they saw Pharaoh’s army in pursuit. (Exodus 14.)

After crossing the Red Sea and setting out on their journey to Mount Sinai, Israel grumbled at Moses when they came to water that was unfit to drink. (Exodus 15.)

Days later Israel complained to Moses that they were about to starve to death on their journey. They remembered meat and filling meals in Egypt. (Exodus 16.)

Once again Israel grumbled against Moses because of a lack of water. They accused Moses of bringing them out of Egypt to die. (Exodus 17.)

After Israel had sent spies into the Promised Land and heard their report, they followed the faithless men who were afraid. That night Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron wishing they had all died in Egypt! (Numbers 14)

Later Korah complained against Moses. Leading a rebellion, he challenged Moses’ authority as leader of Israel. (Numbers 16.)

How did God view all the complaining and grumbling of Israel? He called it quarreling and said that Israel was testing Him. (Exodus 17:7)

Complaining and grumbling are serious offenses against God. Go back and read the chapters noted. You will find self-centered people who lacked genuine faith in God. This is also brought out in the Book of Jude where his readers are warned about some who had crept into the church. Jude described them as “grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts….” (Jude 16.)

The grumbling considered here is not about legitimate legal complaints or real injustices. As all the examples show, this is about fault-finding and selfish attitudes. Grumblers are always looking inward because things are not working out the way they would like. They lack faith in God’s provision. They lack faith in God’s design for authority. They lack faith in God’s instruction. In reality, they trust in themselves.

Making application is challenging:

• Jesus said to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
• Children are to honor and obey their parents. (Eph. 6)
• Christians are to submit to governing authority. (Romans 13)
• The church is to submit to local leadership, the elders. (Hebrews 13:7)

Of all people, Moses could have grumbled. Grumblers are arrogant, but he was humble. The Apostle Paul could have complained about his sufferings, but he chose contentment.

How did you do in 2020? 

Do you need a fresh start in 2021? 

Don't test God. 

Stand opposite grumbling by embracing faith, humility and contentment.


Mark Stinnett

December 27, 2020

How Do You Teach a Child Mercy?

We live at a time when the tolerance of ideas different from your own is promoted. Along with that is the tolerance of behaviors, values and beliefs that are different from your own. I remember a time when I personally benefitted from a tolerant boss. My mistake cost our organization several hundred dollars, but my boss did not make me pay for my mistake.

This has all made me think about mercy in the Bible. Is mercy the same as tolerance?

I found out that it is not. In the Bible we see God’s mercy when something wrong was done. For justice to be served, there should be consequences. Yet, mercy is shown when the person does not have to bear the consequences. He does not receive the justice he deserves.

When I made my costly mistake, a natural consequence might have been repayment, suspension or termination. My boss showed mercy by not making me pay the consequences.

So, how was that different from tolerance? Well, actually it was tolerant, but there was more. My boss had a conversation with me about my mistake and how I could avoid the same mistake in the future. In other words, the mistake was a real mistake. It mattered. There were real consequences, but I was personally shown mercy by not having to pay the consequences.

By itself, tolerance is not mercy. Tolerance ignores justice saying, “I accept you, stay as you are.” Tolerance is about acceptance. Mercy is about justice.

Children often misunderstand justice. When they do something wrong and need discipline, they interpret the discipline in terms of acceptance. A parent removes a privilege or introduces something unpleasant as discipline. Then the child thinks he is not accepted and not loved.

Parents must understand the difference between tolerance and mercy; the difference between acceptance and justice. When we turn to Scripture we never see God tolerating sin. He has been tolerant of mankind, but ultimately justice will be served. (Hebrews 10:30)

Some people would say that God’s justice is intolerant. The really crazy thing is that God’s demand for justice for mankind was shown through His love for mankind. Every person has sinned against God which has resulted in a sin-debt. Yet, God loved us so much that he volunteered to pay our sin-debt for us by sacrificing His own Son. That was justice and mercy in the same sacrificial act. So, justice was served through a loving act of mercy.

Teach a child tolerance by ignoring wrongdoing, or by making excuses for them when they have wronged another person. Let them think that doing wrong does not matter or that there is no real right and wrong. (I accept you. Stay as you are.)

Teach a child mercy by first being consistent in discipline. Teach a standard of right and wrong and based on the character of God. (Check out Exodus 34:6-7.) Mercy is shown when you choose to not apply consequences after a wrong has been done. However, mercy is taught only if the child is truly sorry for their wrong and if you communicate carefully that the wrong is still wrong. Your child must be old enough to understand the concepts of justice, consequences and sorrow (even is those are not the words they might choose). You teach mercy best when you are the one your child has hurt by doing wrong.

You can teach mercy only if you have learned to show mercy and not just tolerance.

Tolerance alone instills the heart of Satan; 

but mercy, the heart of God.


Mark Stinnett

December 20, 2020

Losing Control to the Spirit

Being led by the Spirit of God sounds like a good idea. But what does it really mean? What do I have to do to be led by the Spirit? 

For many people that idea is scary. Most of us have been programmed from birth with the All-American “you-can’t-tell-me-what-to-do” attitude. That tends to bump up against the idea of being led or controlled by the Spirit of God. So, what does it look like when the Spirit leads me?

Being led by the Spirit suggests a leader-follower relationship. It is more than thinking, “I’ll let God’s Spirit drive while I sit in the passenger’s seat.” Following involves active participation that is both willing and intentional.

When Paul wrote about being led by the Spirit he set up a contrast between the “deeds of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit.” He then made a revealing shift in the whole idea of being ‘led’ by the Spirit; a life and death contrast:

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

—Galatians 5:24-25

Living by the Spirit sounds all-encompassing, doesn't it?. In other words, there is not a part of your life that you keep for yourself for your own personal control. Being led by the Sprit is to live by the Spirit. You must hand over all of your life to God so that the Spirit of God can have control. It’s for your own good.

Our human nature rebels against such a notion. We want to choose. We want to govern. We want to be in control.

So, is there anything that you have difficulty giving over to God? Where do you want to retain control? Some people have problems in these areas:

American freedom: 

What has God done in the past when a nation becomes corrupt, immoral and violent? What if God takes action against America? Will you demand your way or submit to God’s leadership through the Spirit? (This is not an anti-America stance; I’m pro-Spirit!)

Financial independence: 

Are you willing to give God everything...except your bank account, retirement account, financial decisions? Through observation we are led to believe that money solves our problems. Solomon even validated that notion in Ecclesiastes 10:19. (But you should also read Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 and 7:12.)

Food lust: 

Yes, lust. Food lust has the following demands: Lots of food, food storage, variety, easy access, and ‘what I like.’ Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “Some people eat to live; but others live to eat.” (Usually said at a feast, followed by uproarious laughter to justify, or mask, one’s overeating.)

Sexual desires: God created us as sexual beings and sexual cravings are real. Many people want to be in control of their sex life, but in reality, they want nothing to control their sexual desire.

Being led by the Spirit (living by the Spirit) means that I give all of my life to God. It means that I sacrifice those pet areas where I want to maintain control. 

• Being led by the Spirit means that I am not focused on my rights, my freedom, my nation. 
• It means that I have a healthy attitude toward money; I am not selfish, but generous, kind and benevolent. 
• It means that my food cravings do not control me. I can be content with not having what I want, when I want it and the variety I want. I think more about God than my belly. 
• It means that I am not focused on my sexual cravings even when my body is telling me it’s hungry. Marriage comes before sex. Then, Paul tells me, in marriage I am to satisfy my spouse, not myself. (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

Being led by the Spirit is about exchanging my will for God’s will. So, whatever may be your pet area of desire, you need to willingly and intentionally lose control to the Spirit of God. You belong to Christ. 

Mark Stinnett

December 13, 2020

God IS in Control

“It shows that God is in control.” 

That was a comment made in a Bible class on the Book of Daniel. The comment was in reference to the prophesied fall of a great kingdom.

In my last blog I showed from scripture that God…

• Is not a controller of human puppets;
• Does not orchestrate all matters;
• Does not assign destiny to every person.

The point was that God allows people to make choices, even when those choices go against Him and His divine will. Yet, when we look at the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, there is no question but that God orchestrated some things. It is clear that God has used His authority and power to accomplish His will. So, it makes sense to say, “God is in control.”

Of course, some people don’t like the idea of God being in control. Yet, as in a family with small children, it is always better when the parents are in charge. Here are a few ways that we benefit from God being in control.

Job and the Accuser: In the opening chapter of the Book of Job Satan accuses that Job is of good character and that he reveres God because God blessed him so much. Satan suggested that if his wealth, family and health were removed, Job would curse God. Because of his confidence in Job, God allowed Satan to bring calamity and pain into the life of Job. Yet, Satan could not proceed without God’s permission. Satan cannot make a move against you without God’s permission. Satan submits to God.

Temptation: Consider the following verse.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

—1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB95)

God knows your weakness and he will not allow a temptation in your life that you cannot overcome. God protects you.

Judgment: Consider the following:

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

—Romans 12:19 (NASB95)

Ultimately, God will bring justice to all people. He has the authority to do so. What a relief that we (humans) do not have to figure it all out!

Good for God’s People: 

(From Romans 8)

We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (v. 28)

If God is for us, who is against us? (v. 31)

Paul concluded by explaining emphatically that nothing in this world or the unseen world can separate us from the love of God. (vv. 38-39)

The End and the Beginning: The Apostle John recorded a lengthy vision from God. He saw a place of destruction at the end of time a place called the lake of fire. In it were cast death, Hades, the devil, and all evil. Yet, just as soon as John saw these things, he saw a new heaven and new earth and a new Jerusalem prepared for God’s holy people; a new beginning for God’s holy people. (Revelation 20-22)

God does these things because He has all authority and all power! God IS in control, and that’s good. As a result, we have hope!

Mark Stinnett

December 6, 2020

Is God in Control???

“God is in control.” Yet, corrupt governments rise; injustice rises proportionally. The underprivileged are marginalized or simply cast aside. A worldwide pandemic persists. Natural disasters bring death and destruction to thousands upon thousands. Is God controlling all that? 

What does it mean to say that “God is in control?”

• Is God a controlling God?
• Does God orchestrate all matters related to mankind?
• Is everything in life destined?

Let me share a few passages that will guide our thinking.

Early in Scripture we read about the first sin. God had forbidden Adam and Eve from eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet, the serpent deceived Eve and she ate the fruit, and so did Adam. There were severe consequences for their sin. However, it is noteworthy that God did not keep them from disobeying. In other words, God’s relationship with created mankind is more like that of a parent and child instead of a puppeteer and puppet. God gave Adam and Eve direction, but he allowed them to choose. (See Genesis 3.)

In a somewhat parallel passage in the New Testament we learn that God’s fierce anger will be “revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men….” (Romans 1:18) Just like in the Garden of Eden, there are consequences for disobeying God. The Apostle Paul continued in Romans 1 by describing people who simply would not stop opposing God. And three times he stated that God would give them over.

• God gave them over to their desires;
• God gave them over to degrading passions;
• God gave them over to a depraved mind.

So, God does not make anyone submit to Him; he did not create puppets. I think that is the ultimate statement of liberty. Yet, it is not good. Whenever man is left to pursue his own desires he becomes immoral and violent. 

(That’s why God destroyed the world with a great flood. Check it out in Genesis 6.)

The Apostle John wrote:

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 

— 1 John 5:3

Many people see God as controlling and restrictive, blind to the Father-child relationship between Creator and created mankind. Good parents place restrictions on their children because they love them. The restrictions are for the good of the child. They want their children to grow into respectable human beings, not wild animals. God’s word is for our good so that we can enjoy this life and also inherit eternal life.

Finally, think about these verses:

The Lord is...not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
— 2 Peter 3:9

God...desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth. 

— 1 Timothy 2:4

If we are all destined, then how is it that, against His desire, God destined some to be lost/perish? Jesus said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” God is not divided and we are not subject to destiny. God created us so that we can choose. 

• We are not puppets controlled by God as the divine puppet-master of life.
• God is not controlling; He has spoken to us through His word for our benefit.
• We are not locked in to destiny.

So...God is in control, yet...we can choose. 

Mark Stinnett

November 29, 2020

1

A made-up Illustration:

I was at a small pond fishing and a raindrop fell to the pond. I noticed ripples from where it landed. I was at a large lake fishing and a raindrop fell to the lake. I noticed small ripples from where it landed. I was at the seashore and a raindrop fell into the sea. It disappeared into the calm sea.

My illustration is about my perception of my individual vote on any issue or candidate at election time. The pond is my local community. The lake is my state, and the sea, my country. The raindrop is my vote, my voice.

Whether it is our nation, a state, a local community, people want a voice. People want to be heard when it comes to decisions that affect taxes, the education of children, pollution, changes to the land and so on. People want to have a say in who governs over them. People want to have a voice at their workplace, where they shop, and even where they worship.

I can write a letter, sign a petition, cast my vote. Yet, I am still (at least in my mind) one single raindrop.

To carry my illustration further, I think about my place in the world. And going on one more step, where is my voice heard within the span of time, in the history of the world???

(In comparison, that raindrop in the sea is making quite a splash!)

What do you think would happen if I tried to phone the President of the United States? Do you think I could get through to my state governor? What if I wanted to speak with my city’s mayor...right now!? We know the answers.

Now, what if I called you at your workplace?

Even my wife is not always available when I call.

-----------------

This is what the Lord says who made the earth, the Lord who formed it in order to establish it—whose name is the Lord—“Call to me and I’ll answer you, and will tell you about great and hidden things that you don’t know.”
—Jeremiah 33:2–3 (ISV)

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 

—Matthew 7:7–8 (ESV)

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to everyone generously without a rebuke, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without any doubts, for the one who has doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. Such a person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 

—James 1:5–8 (ISV)

“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he told me, “because from the first day that you committed yourself to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I’ve come in answer to your prayers.” 

—Daniel 10:12 (ISV)

“Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!” 

—Acts 10:31 (NLT)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

—James 5:16 (NLT)

--------------

I don’t give a lot of thought to that raindrop because...

The Creator of time and universe listens... 

To one voice… 

1 

Mark Stinnett

November 22, 2020

((( Us ))) . . . & . . . >>>>>> Them

God hates division.

Yet, there is one kind of division that is more subtle and, in comparison, seems mild, perhaps even tolerable. Two or more people stand in agreement, but look down on those who do not agree with them. Everyone still meets together, worships together, works and eats together, but there exists an attitude of superiority on the part of some. Christians judge other Christians.

That was the kind of division that the Apostle Paul addressed in the church at Rome. (See Romans 14.) The issue was about eating meat that was unclean.

I don’t think we have judgmental attitudes in our day when it comes to food. However, Paul’s teaching can be applied broadly whenever an “Us & Them” attitude develops over matters of conscience. Consider Paul’s teaching and think about areas in which it might apply in your life or in your congregation.

Paul addressed the meat issue in verse two:

One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.

The one “who is weak” is not an immature Christian or someone about to turn away from Christ. The weakness refers to his conscience that causes guilt feelings if he eats the meat. However, others in the same congregation felt that they had the liberty to eat meat; no guilt.

For illustration purposes I'll use the terms carnivore and vegetarian, though they do not fit precisely. So, the carnivores looked down on the vegetarians thinking that they should just ‘get over’ their objection and join them in eating meat. However the vegetarians could not eat the unclean meat as a matter of conscience. Of course, the vegetarians, because of their strict moral belief, judged the carnivores, thinking the carnivores should give up meat to be righteous. Paul instructed:

The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.

An “Us & Them” atmosphere had developed in the church at Rome. It was a mild kind of division, but it was division and it was destructive.

Division diverts all attention to the problem. It causes a church to stagnate and lose effectiveness. Often outsiders know there are problems.

How did Paul resolve the problem in Rome?

He acknowledged that eating the meat was OK (v. 14). (Those silly vegetarians now know what is correct.) Problem solved, right? Wrong!

Knowledge was not the issue, but rather a moral conviction, i.e. the conscience. So in verse 21 Paul instructed:

It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.

Paul instructed Christians that they must not violate their conscience. To do so is sin (v. 23). So, there is a responsibility for every Christian to insure that he does not cause a fellow Christian to stumble by violating his conscience.

Our elders need to be watching out for early signs of division. As a preacher, I want to keep us alert as a congregation so that we can each guard against division. Do you know where division starts???

Paul answered that question succinctly in a companion passage that also deals with division: 

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
—1 Corinthians 8:1 (NASB95)

Mark Stinnett

November 15, 2020

Three Post-Election Absolutes

How are you handling the election results???

I am writing this before the 2020 presidential election. There is quite a lot of uncertainty in our nation. People are on edge. One voter, who first voted in the early 1960’s, commented that he has never seen an election in which the nation was so sharply divided. 

By the time you read this it is likely that the results will be in and a decision settled. Do you think God has been pleased with your attitude? Do you think God will continue to be pleased with your attitude? 

Regardless of the outcome of the election, we who are Christians have an obligation to our sovereign God. Let me be clear: I am not thinking about Peter’s statement, “We must obey God rather than men.” That is true and something we must abide by if our government or governing officials turn against God's people. I am thinking more about our attitudes, our speech and our and behavior when political decisions don’t turn out like we want...and even when they do. 

Let me share three absolutes from God’s word that may help you keep things in perspective. 

1. We are citizens of the kingdom of God: 

The Apostle Paul reminded Christians of their forgiveness in Christ Jesus. He then said that God… 

Rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. 

 —Colossians 1:13 

2. The rule of Christ takes first place: 

Paul goes on to tell about Jesus saying that He is “the image of the invisible God,” and that “by Him all things were created” including things in heaven and on earth; including visible and invisible thrones, dominions, rulers and authorities. Then Paul wrote… 

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

—Colossians 1:17-18 

3. Government exists by God’s authority: 

God set government in place for the benefit of mankind. We should not think that God was naïve in doing so. He knew that there would be good rulers and evil rulers. He knew that there would be benevolent governments and oppressive governments. He also knew that a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” would ultimately become evil if a majority of the people turned away from Him and His word. Yet, we still read… 

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 

—Romans 13:1-2 

Sometimes we are sucked into the myth of the separation of church and state. When you read what our nation’s forefathers intended, that was a good thing. But we must understand that it is not found in the Bible. I make that point to punctuate the fact that, as Christians, we are first citizens of the kingdom of God. 

There are Christians who are Americans; Christians who are Chinese; Christians who are Russian; Christians who are Nigerian. You may have your opinion as to which form of government is the best and who would make the best ruler. Just remember that you are first a citizen of an absolute monarchy!

Mark Stinnett

November 8, 2020

Disobedience Never Changes Reality

My friend just couldn't bring herself to apply physical discipline to her children (spanking). She equated spanking with 'hitting' and "no one should ever hit anyone." Another friend struggled with the biblical concept of forgiveness thinking that it might give a person the idea that sin was ok. I once read a comment posted by a fellow on social media who justified his infidelity by saying, “there is no way that Jesus kept himself sexually pure.”

The examples are endless of people who waiver in obeying God's word unless they can understand by using their personal reasoning or experience. However, just because they do not understand does not mean that God's instruction is without value or incorrect.

In the 1990's the Ukrainian government saw value in introducing common Christians values from the Bible into its school curriculum. They recognized that moral teaching from the Bible would promote a better society. The reality is that God has provided instruction that is beneficial to people whether they see the wisdom in it or not; whether they believe in Jesus or not.

In the 119th Psalm King David wrote of his love for God's word saying that he meditated on the Law of God. He observed:

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies;
I have more insight than all my teachers;
I understand more than the aged.

He was not boasting in himself, but expressing the timeless truth of God's word. He saw that by observing God's word he surpassed those who were generally considered wiser and more experienced.

In my youth I vividly remember preachers pounding the pulpit: "God said it; I believe it; that settles it." "You don't have to understand; just obey." While at some level that is true, God has given considerable explanation so that we CAN understand why He gave His instruction. There are many examples in Scripture of people who obeyed and who disobeyed, each providing more reasoning for following God's instruction. If there is any conclusion to be drawn it is that God desires us to understand. Yet, simple obedience without understanding is far better than disobedience because of a lack of understanding.

The thing to remember when you do not understand God’s instruction is that God has never been arbitrary. He is not playing games with mankind. Behind His instruction is purpose and reason. After all, He IS the creator of this stuff we call 'human.' He designed us; He knows us; He knows what is best for us. AND He loves us. So, even when we cannot see behind the curtain of understanding, disobedience is never justified by our lack of understanding. Disobedience never changes reality.

Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
For she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
—Proverbs 3:13–15 (NIV)

We ought to strive for understanding. Yet, when we have unanswered questions regarding God’s word, we must trust. He truly knows what is best and supplies every need.

Mark Stinnett

November 1, 2020

An Enticing Prospect

My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
--Proverbs 1:10

The ‘sinners’ in this verse are described more fully in the next four verses:

If they say, "Come with us,
   Let us lie in wait for blood,
   Let us ambush the innocent without cause;
Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
   Even whole, as those who go down to the pit;
We shall find all kinds of precious wealth,
   We shall fill our houses with spoil;
Throw in your lot with us,
   We shall all have one purse...."

The ‘sinners’ appear to be violent. For many of us, it is quite difficult to think of ourselves or our friends as people of violence. In most areas in our country we enjoy relatively peaceful surroundings. ‘Sinners’ we are exposed to are more likely to be people who gossip, lie, become drunk, cheat on their taxes, etc.

Let's take a closer look.
They say, "Let us ambush the innocent without cause." The idea is that there is no reason for doing what they are doing. Other translations bring this out in a more descriptive way:

• Let's ambush...for no reason at all. (ISV)*
• Let's ambush...just for fun. (CSB, NLT)**

That's a lie! The sinners are masking their real purpose. They seem to be acting aimlessly and to some degree they probably don't have a well thought out plan. Yet, they have a purpose, and that is to take advantage of those who have possessions and take those possessions by force to get rich!

Could the ‘sinners’ in this teaching also apply to those who through clever manipulation of circumstances ‘force’ others to give up their possessions? Would the following list also fit this description of ‘sinners’: 

• Embezzlers?
• Dishonest salesmen?
• Those who defraud others through insurance scams?
• Doctors who knowingly make false diagnoses or knowingly prescribe unnecessary medications?
• Those who lie about services needed (mechanic, handyman, plumber, electrician, heating/AC repairman, etc.)?
• Those who use their position to obtain favors or take unfair advantage of those under their authority?

Be wary of questionable schemes to make quick money. The get-rich-quick fantasy will generally lead to disappointment, and often, evil. Be wary of questionable schemes that manipulate others or use force to gain a benefit. How can we 'love our neighbor as we love ourselves' if we are taking unfair advantage of them???

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than he who is crooked though he be rich.
--Proverbs 28:6 (NASB95)

Shortcuts are often enticements of Satan in disguise.

Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

October 25, 2020

  *ISV - International Standard Version

**CSB - Christian Standard Bible

    NLT - New Living Translation

The Forgiveness Loophole

I first heard the word ‘loophole’ when my dad and a friend were talking about taxes. They were frustrated that some taxpayers took advantage of the lack of clarity in the wording of some in tax laws (a loophole). It seemed unfair. Sometimes people use the same kind of loophole-thinking with the Bible.

Here’s an example:
When teaching about the relationship between anger and murder, Jesus said that anyone angry enough to say, “You fool,” would be deserving of hell (Matthew 5:22). He described an escalation of anger that devalued another human:

• Anger—”You are worth less than me.”
• ‘Raca’ (literally: empty-headed) - “You are worth very little.”
• ‘You Fool’—”You are worthless.”

An angry person thinks he is free from guilt. He thinks he has found a loophole in the Law of Moses. He thinks something like, “You can’t tell me I’m not righteous. I might have been angry, but I obeyed the Law; I didn’t murder anyone.”

However, that was the point Jesus was making. Just because you do not commit the act of murder does not make you righteous in God’s eyes. In fact, anger is the first step leading to murder which is an aggressive act that comes from a heart that regards another person as worthless.

Jesus made His listeners responsible in reading and understanding the Law of Moses. It was not enough to obey the letter of the law while finding legal loopholes that seemingly sidestepped ungodly attitudes and behaviors.

What about forgiveness; What are the rules??

This question betrays the heart of the person who is looking for loopholes. They are interested in the limitations of forgiveness; the extent of forgiveness; the point at which they can stop.

Do you remember Peter’s similar question?

Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times? 

--Matthew 18:21 (NASB95)

Peter might have thought that he was being generous. (The Jews limited forgiveness to three offenses.) Jesus blasted past his seven to an exaggerated value of seventy times seven. In other words, put your database away; there is no point in keeping records. Forgiveness is not limited by the number of offenses.

However, shouldn’t a person repent before I forgive them? After all, Jesus said…

And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times saying, “I repent,” forgive him. 

--Luke 17:4 (NASB95)

This is more loophole-thinking due to a misunderstanding of the concept of repentance. For centuries people have been taught that repentance is a change in behavior. It is true that repentance will result in changed behavior, but repentance is literally a mind change or change in perception. Jesus said that as soon as the person ‘expresses’ a change of heart, forgive him. You do not wait for a visible change of behavior.

God is teaching His people to think like Him. There is no limit to His forgiveness; he desires salvation for all. If we are to be like God, we must not look for forgiveness loopholes. Rather, we must adopt the heart of God toward sinners by forgiving even when we are hurt. Whether you forgive or not will not affect the salvation of another person. So, if you mistakenly forgive someone undeserving, God will sort it out. Yet, if you refuse to forgive, it will cost you your soul. (Matthew 6:14-15 & 18:35.)

Mark Stinnett

October 18, 2020

Listening to a Thankful Heart

He sat gazing into the distance and thoughtfully remarked, “I’ve been thinking about a lot of things.” The previous day Uncle James had blessed me with wise words that ‘I’ needed. His mind was sharp, but working more slowly than usual. I waited for more wisdom; he continued, “I am so thankful for the way God has blessed me with family and so many loving friends...” another pause, “...and biscuits and gravy.” (We both laughed!)

My uncle’s 83-year-old body was worn out. No one knew how much time he had left, so family members and friends visited. He had been an elder of the church for 42 years and even though it was a time in life that he needed to be served he was serving others...and I listened.

Leadership and service: 

Our young people need to know the importance of serving and leading in the Lord’s church. Preachers and elders need to encourage our people to be responsible and take initiative and serve. Young men need to be encouraged to plan to be teachers and preachers and deacons and elders in the future. They need to learn what God expects and then reach for that as a goal. Serving God’s people is noble.

Companionship: 

God made man and He knows what is good for man. God created man with the expectation of having a companion. When He said that it is not good for man to be alone, He meant for man to find a good wife.

God’s Word: 

God made man and He knows what is good for man. God’s word is not against man, it is for man. God wants us to be happy and to enjoy all that He created. He wants us to enjoy each other. His word is not there to hurt us, but help us. Some people fight against God’s word. They try to make it accommodate them and their choices. But if we do what God has instructed, we will be so much happier.

Listening and Obeying: 

We need to read God’s word. We need to study God’s word. We need to learn God’s word. But that is not all; it’s not good to go around with all that knowledge of God’s word only in your mind. We need to do what God has said. We need to be active. God expects us to act according to His word.

People: 

Uncle James never once mentioned his career, awards, or achievements. He didn’t talk about places he’d been or things he’d done. People; he talked about people. His life was full of places and events and accomplishments and career, but even then, it was about people. He said that the Lord knew what He was talking about when He gave us the Second Great Command: Love your neighbor as yourself. God knows that we really know how to love self. That is natural; the way He created us. So, He wanted us to think about what we love so much (self) and turn that love outward toward others.

Thankfulness: 

He said little ‘about’ thankfulness. Yet, everything he said came from a thankful heart. Family, friends, his church family, the men with whom he served as an elder, his first wife (who met an untimely death), his second wife, the joy of his sons, grandkids, a ‘second’ family. (A family photo hangs on the wall. It is your typical family photo except that it was mostly people I didn’t know; the family he inherited with his second marriage...and he sat front and center beaming with joy.) Over and over and over he spoke of the way that God had blessed him...and he was thankful. He was thankful for the great blessings of life, but also the little things...so many little things...even a plate of biscuits and gravy.

This wisdom he learned from his heavenly Father. I was listening; I hope you are too.

Mark Stinnett

October 11, 2020

The Fellowship of Contentment and Humility

Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest boxers of all time. There might have been legitimate reasons for his boasting. However, to many people it was distasteful pride.

I think that, in general, people do not enjoy hearing the boasts of the strong, the powerful, the rich, the privileged. Most often it comes across as a superior attitude. It is as if the one boasting is telling everyone, "I'm better than everyone else; I'm better than YOU."

We prefer the sport star who excels yet gives credit to his teammates and coaching staff; not the one who soaks in the praise of others and then announces with pride, "Yeah, I'm all that. I'm the best. I did it." We prefer a measure of humility that makes the star seem a little more accessible to the rest of us. Whether it is a sport star, successful businessman, accomplished musician, or applauded intellectual, we appreciate those who are content to allow others to place them on a pedestal.

What about YOU? Are you content to wait on others to lift you up? Or do you run to climb up on a pedestal to announce your accomplishments? What if no one applauds your victory or your achievement? What if no one tells you, "That was a job well done" or "That was a great effort"?

Listen to the words of Solomon:

Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, 

And do not stand in the place of great men;
For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here,"

Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, 

Whom your eyes have seen.
--Proverbs 25:6-7

When you exalt yourself you place yourself at risk of being humiliated. Yet, when you present yourself humbly, you may be exalted. Solomon reflected on this principle as it applied to life. The Apostle Peter wrote about the same principle as it applies to spiritual life.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.
--1 Peter 5:6

In this life we are unsure whether anyone will applaud our success. However, with God there is certainty.

Be content in your humility.
Be humble in your contentment.

Let God place you on a pedestal of His design.

Mark Stinnett

September 27, 2020

Which Bible Should I Read?

Who wouldn’t want a copy of ‘The Pastor’s Bible’? Surely it would unlock the mysteries of scripture in an unparalleled way. Instead of your ‘pastor’ being the only one with a depth of understand of God’s word, YOU too would have rich insight.

Yes, that was sarcastic. The ESV Pastor’s Bible boasts “practical help for a pastoral life….” It comes with over 40 articles “specifically written to encourage those in ministry.” I don’t own a copy so I cannot be critical; its special features might be useful. Yet it is just one of many themed Bibles on the market today. My book store catalog has eleven full pages of Bibles listed for sale.

It IS important for you to have a Bible translation you trust with readable print, formatting you like and a durable cover. Yet, the myriad of choices can be mind-numbing.

One Bible will help you to “access your inner artist” and “rejuvenate your devotional time.” It does this by including “over 600 elegant line drawings, filigree designs and Scripture quotations to color.” It is a Bible with coloring pages.

The “Metal Bible” boasts a “trendy license plate design” on the cover that is “sure to appeal to teens!” I guess the idea is that someone has to make the Bible more appealing to our young people; by itself, it is not appealing enough.

Another exciting Bible for kids is called the “Following Jesus Bible.” (And I thought that was the expectation of every Bible, not just a specialty Bible.)

There are also Bibles with special materials for women, men, teens; for military families, globally-minded people; for those wanting ‘a deeper prayer life,’ wanting to ‘discover God’s heart,’ and wanting to ‘focus on God’s justice.’

Don’t be discouraged, it is all marketing. God’s word was originally recorded for men and women and teens; for those in the military and those who are not; for those who are globally-minded and those who want a deeper prayer life and want to discover God’s heart and want to focus on God’s justice. It’s all been there all along.

Is the Bible difficult to understand? Yes and No.

There are difficult concepts and difficult passages. Yet the overall message of the Bible is quite accessible to the common man. 

So, what is the best translation? Do I need a ’Study Bible’?

Recognize that many study Bibles are slanted to a specific theme or are biased by one man’s understanding. I recommend a study Bible that focuses on the biblical languages, archaeology, and ancient history and culture. However, expect a study Bible to abbreviate information easily accessible in a good Bible dictionary.

And what is the best translation?

Let me answer with an illustration:

He who watches the wind will not sow and
He who looks at the clouds will not reap.
—Ecclesiastes 11:4

The farmer cannot wait for perfect conditions; nor should we wait for the perfect translation. The farmer must plant in order to harvest. Our spiritual harvest will be rewarding, but only if we devote ourselves to reading and studying the copy of God’s word that we have in our hands. Then remember the words of Jesus:

Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.
—John 8:51

Mark Stinnett

September 20, 2020

How Important Is Truth To You?

Have you ever had anyone lie to you?

I’m not thinking about practical jokes or being silly. I’m not thinking about bluffing or withholding information, strategies used in some games. I am thinking about someone telling you a lie and expecting you to believe the lie as if it were the truth. Then, you discover the lie! 

What was that like?
How did it make you feel?
How did you feel about the other person?

Lies frustrate us; lies anger us. Lies cost us time, money and effort. Lies weaken relationships.

In the home lies are a cause for strong discipline. Lies create distance between husbands and wives; between children and parents.

A government official who lies can no longer be trusted. A teacher who lies can no longer be trusted. A writer/journalist who lies can no longer be trusted. Betrayed trust causes the liar to become ineffective in his/her work.

I cannot think of anyone who would disagree with the things I’ve just written. Would YOU!?

Let me change the tone and ask: “Is there ever a time when a person is justified in lying?” And just to keep things personal: “In what cases would you want someone to lie to YOU?

• When your blood work comes back indicating you have diabetes or cancer?
• When your bank account is overdrawn?
• When your child is injured at school?
• When your employer makes a major policy change affecting your position?
• When a friend hears a rumor about you?

I have heard people defend situations in which it was OK to lie. Yet, when asked, “When is it OK for someone to lie to YOU?” I have never known anyone to produce a list.

An acquaintance of my dad asked him to speak at the funeral of a relative. Dad agreed, but struggled. What could he say? The deceased had been a mean and selfish man. Dad addressed the small crowd that had gathered by first acknowledging that the man had been ‘mean and selfish’ to everyone. Dad recalled seeing the tense audience relax. With a measure of tact, dad had told the truth, and the people were understanding and even appreciative.

People love the truth; people expect the truth. Lies offend, disappoint, confuse and destroy.

One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light is that people choose what they believe. Truth exists, though often difficult to discover. Yet, people ultimately choose what they wish to believe, even if it is a lie.

When it comes to the Bible, truth is revealed. Yet, people still choose what they ‘wish’ to believe, even if it is a lie. Some have been deceived by the intellects of our day. Some love the things of this world and desire to pursue them more than pursuing God. Some do not want to admit that their behaviors and attitudes are sinful. Some are indifferent. And for some, getting to the truth is...just...too...difficult.

People hate lies. People love truth. Yet, too often, people choose to believe what they want, even if it is a lie.

Read the following two verses from the Bible. What do these reveal about truth? God? Jesus? Salvation?

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
—Romans 1:18  (NASB95)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” 

—John 14:6 (NASB95)

Now, take yourself out of the picture and simply ask yourself, “How important is truth?”


Mark Stinnett

September 13, 2020

How Is Your 'God-Wise Planning' Going?

My unconventional title is expressive of a Hebrew term used by Solomon in Proverbs 2. 

The wise king pleaded with his son:

Receive my sayings;
Treasure my commandments;
Make your ear attentive to wisdom;
Incline your heart to understanding;
Cry for discernment;
Lift your voice for understanding
Seek her (wisdom) as silver;
Search for her as for a hidden treasure.

And the expectation (v. 10):

For wisdom will enter your heart, 

And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

With wisdom in one’s heart, Solomon then boldly assured: 

Discretion will guard you, 

Understanding will watch over you. 

—Proverbs 2:11 (NASB95)

Discretion is given the human attribute of guarding. So, how does discretion guard you? Before asking that, What exactly is ‘discretion’?

When ’discretion’ was first used in the English language it carried the sense of making a separation or distinction. That meaning is a good fit for the word it translates from the Hebrew text.

The Hebrew term is one of a family of words that deal with planning, plotting or devising. These words are used in both a positive and negative sense. The word ‘discretion’ capitalizes on one aspect of planning, that of making distinctions between things.

When a person plots a course or devises a plan he must distinguish between choices and make decisions to insure a successful plan. Of course, there is more to planning than simply ‘distinguishing’ between things.

Instead of the word discretion The New Living Translation (1996) has a fitting translation: Wise planning. 

Of course, Solomon's ‘wise planning’ is not defined by man’s wisdom, but God’s wisdom. (Perhaps you now better understand the title.)

The man Job is a beautiful example of this proverb. Job asserts: 

I have made a covenant with my eyes;

How then could I gaze at a virgin?

—Job 31:1 (NASB95)

Job did a little ‘God-wise planning.’ Observe:

• First, Job valued his relationship with God.
• Second, he recognized right and wrong according to God. It was wrong for him to lust for another woman.
• Third, Job knew his human weakness and recognized the need to make a plan before being tempted.
• Fourth, he acted. He ‘made a covenant with his eyes.’ That means that he made a binding agreement with his eyes, and it was evidently to look away before temptation entered his mind.

So, Job made a careful plan based on God's word to deal with temptation. It was God-wise planning.

Solomon said that ‘God-wise planning’ will guard you. And how does that work?

Consider your weaknesses. When you are not being tempted listen to God’s instruction and consciously make a plan on how to follow it. Then, in the moment of temptation, follow the plan. Your ’God-wise planning’ will guard you from evil; from empty ‘benefits’ and from painful consequences; results which you already recognize.

Be wise. Think. Put a plan together...today.

Mark Stinnett

September 6, 2020

Hey Kids, What Are You Wearing?

Read the title question. What do you think?

Is this a fashion question? A modesty question? A pandemic ‘mask’ question?

It is ‘none of the above.’ My question stems from the advice the writer of Proverbs gave his son. It is good advice for kids today…

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, 

And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;
Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, 

And ornaments about your neck.
—Proverbs 1:8-9 (NASB95)

Does the proverb merely sound like a plea to honor parental advice? Actually, there’s more.

‘Instruction’ is translated from the Hebrew word ‘musar.’ It is best understood as discipline. Solomon pleads with his son to ‘hear’ or ‘listen to’ musar. So, he is referring to any kind of verbal discipline: instruction, correction, or rebuke.

‘Teaching’ is from the Hebrew word ‘torah.’ In most cases, ’torah’ was a word used for the Law of God. However, it did not refer to a set of rules, but rather, careful instruction.

So, what was the content of this fatherly verbal discipline and motherly instruction?

Based on the content of Proverbs 1, the discipline of the father and instruction of the mother both reflect the word of God. In other words, the parental instruction here is not homespun advice, but God’s instruction being relayed to the child through the parents. This tells me two things:

First, while every parent has informative and helpful instruction based on personal experience, nothing is more important than instruction from Scripture. So, children, it is of greatest importance that you to listen to your parents.

Second, parents, it is imperative that you take your responsibility as a parent seriously. Your obligation is to first relay what God has taught in His word. There is a place for your personal wisdom; just make sure God’s word is primary and your instruction is secondary. And don’t allow for your personal experience to undo or water down God’s instruction.

Solomon said that the parental teaching is “a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.” That is God’s fashion statement to you. 

• Do you know what to wear when you get ready for school? 
• Do you know what you should wear to a party? 
• To the park? 
• To a church function? 
• On vacation? 
• Even at home?

Instead of promoting yourself and your independence and your opinions and your attitudes with your outer wear, God will be really impressed if you ‘wear’ your parents’ instruction.

So, how do you dress up with your parent’s instruction?

It is really simple to explain, but often hard to do: You ‘listen.’

When Solomon instructed his son to “Hear,” he did not intend for the instruction to go in one ear and out the other. Relaying God’s instruction, he expected his son to actually listen with interest; to think about the instruction; and to follow the instruction. That does not mean that there is no discussion. But any discussion should be for clarity. There is no room for selfish bargaining to get out of doing what is expected; no room for rebellion; no room for disobedience.

In the end, when children humbly follow God’s instruction given to them by their parents, things always go better for the children. It might not be fashionable to the people of the world, but it sure pleases God to adorn yourself with the teaching from His word.

Mark Stinnett 

August 30, 2020

What Is the Opposite of Uncertainty?

My doctor admitted frustration when I saw him for my checkup a few weeks ago. He explained that the CDC had recommended a certain kind of face mask for those in the medical community. Then, that morning, he had received notification that they had changed and were recommending something different.

Naturally, we talked about the COVID-19 pandemic. I was interested in his viewpoint. He had several good observations, but one comment stood out: There are a number of things about the virus that have been discovered, but there remains quite a lot of uncertainty. My son-in-law, a Physician Assistant, echoed that thought. 

From the beginning of this pandemic we have been faced with mountains of uncertainty.

Does that bother you?

Yes, it is frustrating, but do you spend a lot of time thinking about all the uncertainties?

Perhaps, like me, you’ve just about given up on discovering the truth about COVID-19. But, what about other areas of your life? Do you spend time wrestling with uncertainties?

I really don’t care much for political discussions. It is not the array of opinions expressed that I don’t like. Rather, it is the uncertainties. A politician makes a promise (perhaps with sincerity), but is kept from keeping his promise by the ‘political machine.’ (And there are some politicians who will promise anything to get elected, yet they know that they cannot keep their promise.) I can’t figure it out. Uncertainties.

Politics aside, what about the news? No explanation needed...Uncertainties.
Foreign nations, our nation’s economy, the company that hired you. Uncertainties loom.

And don’t forget the weather.

What does all this have to do with anything?

Listen to words of wisdom:

He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.
—Ecclesiastes 11:4

Solomon observed that a person who dwells on the uncertainties of the weather, will never do the things he needs to do. While that proverb deals with the uncertainties of weather, it applies to every area of life. He went on to advise that seed should be sown in spite of the uncertain weather.

Dwelling on uncertainties has a paralyzing effect. Wisely the Apostle Paul urged:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 

—Philippians 4:8

The opposite of uncertainties is “whatever is true.” I don’t think Paul was telling us to give ‘no’ thought to life’s uncertainties, but rather, that we should not dwell on them. We should dwell on things that are certain, things that are reliable, things that are true. Just as there is a negative effect when dwelling on uncertainties, there is a positive effect when dwelling on things that are true: Peace.

And as for all those uncertainties of life; instead of dwelling on them, pray to God about them.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

—Philippians 4:7

Mark Stinnett

August 23, 2020

Wounds and Kisses in 'Opposite World'

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
--Proverbs 27:6

How would you explain this proverb to a child? It seems to be from a kind of 'opposite world.' Friends would not hurt each other; enemies do not kiss.

Two New Testament events provide visual examples for this verse.

First, the Apostle Paul opposed the Apostle Peter (Cephas) on one occasion when they were in the city of Antioch. Peter and some other Jewish Christians stood apart from the Gentile Christians and made a distinction. Paul explained that Peter “stood condemned.” He rebuked him openly because of his hypocrisy. (Read about this event in Galatians 2:11-14.)

Though public opposition is never pleasant, Paul acted in the best interest of Peter and others who joined in his hypocrisy. Peter’s soul was in danger and Paul came to his aid, through rebuke.

Near the end of the New Testament are two short books authored by the Apostle Peter. They were most likely written after the occasion in Antioch. So, it is apparent the Peter did not continue in his hypocrisy. The wounds of his fellow Christian were beneficial.

On the surface it probably appeared that Paul was against Peter. Yet, he acted as a friend to Peter by correcting him. Even though it was open rebuke, unpleasant to Peter, and most likely embarrassing, the wounds of the friend proved to be faithful.

The later half of the proverb is well illustrated by the Apostle Judas. Not often is the title 'Apostle' used with Judas. The reason, no doubt, is because we remember Judas for his actions as a traitor to Jesus. His final act of deceit was that of identifying Jesus by a kiss. This had been planned earlier so the soldiers would know with certainty which man to arrest.

In general, people refrain from outward signs of affection toward those they don't get along with. And that is especially true when it comes to enemies!

A kiss is a sign of acceptance and affection. It is reserved for family and close friends. Even when a kiss is a part of a greeting (as in some foreign countries), it symbolizes some level of acceptance.

If you were alone with an enemy would you kiss him/her?

Of course not!

So, why, then, would a person kiss an enemy?

Solomon cut through to reality: the kiss of an enemy must be understood to be deceitful. The kiss is for show; it mocks reality in hopes of fooling those who may be watching. The kiss presents one impression while the truth is cleverly hidden by the false affection.

So, what can we learn from this proverb and these New Testament examples?

• We live in a society that loves and expects tolerance; that preaches that you should never hurt anyone. However, if a friend's soul is in danger, you will be a faithful friend if you point out their error, even if it means that you wound them in some way. So, be the friend who is loyal to the point of wounding another to save them.
• If you are wounded by a friend, accept the pain of the correction. It is for your good. Count your friend as a true and loyal friend who was willing to risk your friendship for your benefit.
• Finally, never use affection as a smoke screen to deceive others...
• But be aware that others do.

Be wise.