STEEL AND CONCRETE, April 2002
THE STEEL AND CONCRETE
MISSION FIELD NEWSLETTER
March 2002
"MURMUR MAN"
by Bro. Gregory Wamsley
In the Bible you'll find the word "murmur." We don't use that word much these days. Modern translations of the Bible use "grumble" or "complain" instead. The word murmur is associated with the "children of Israel" while in the "wilderness of sin." In the book of Exodus in chapter 16, you'll find it mentioned 8 times in the first twelve verses. I often catch myself grumbling, complaining, and murmuring. It seems so easy to murmur. Some murmur about their jobs, spouses, living conditions, what they feel they should have received, or even about what they didn't get.
Other biblical times weren't different. In John 6:43, Jesus said to the Jews, "Murmur not (don't grumble) amongst yourselves." In Isaiah 29:24, he spoke of Israel saying, They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine." In Luke 19:7, the Pharisees murmured about how Christ was dining with the Publican Zacchaeus: And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner." The Jews murmured when Christ said, I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" (John 6:51).
Both the disciples and the people of that day murmured. That historic use and action may put me in good company, but it's the wrong thing to do. God's word tells me, "That which is not righteousness is sin." So for one to murmur is for one to sin. I am instructed not to murmur. In 1st Corinthians 10:10 if says: . . . neither murmur ye. . . ." In Philippians 2:14 God tells us, Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
As the cares of this world get worse so will the murmuring of society. Back in biblical times past, murmuring cost the children of Israel a dear price. It lead to their 40 year ordeal and the death of the oldest. When I murmur it tells the world that I doubt that God's will in my life is sufficient. In the book of 1st Timothy 1:17, Paul said of himself, . . . Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." If Paul could consider himself the chief of sinners, could I consider myself the chief of murmurers? Would I really be surprised to one day be seen as a type of hooded and caped person with red M's on his chest? May people who see me all the time never call me, "Murmur Man!"
Change My Heart, Oh God!
~ GOOD NEWS ~
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, then, in prayer to God the Father, pray the Gospel truth that you cannot save yourself. Confess to God the Father that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Accept God the Son, Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Christ commanded us to repent of our sins, read His word, the Bible, and learn of the new life we've been given in Him.
"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. . . ."
Acts 16:31
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE
"PASSING ON A GOOD REMINDER"
author unknown
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare indeed, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this message you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Have a great day and count your blessings!
~ POEM PAGE ~
"WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING"
author unknown
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I felt you kiss me good night. I felt loved and safe.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know from you ~ how to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.
~ GIGGLES AND GRINS ~
Before you murmur against the antics of this little fellow, remember that:
'Only a fool would fail
To praise God in his might
When the tiny, mindless birds
Praise him in their flight.'
(Ancient Celtic Poem)
The following are by brother Michael Hodgin and are printed by permission of Zondervan Publishing House
"BELLY-ACHERS"
A middle-aged man, famous for constant complaining and being a problem to everyone, inherited a lot of money. He found out that the money wasn't that much. He told his gentle, sweet-spirited wife that he thought of buying some land to plan for their retirement one day. He asked, "What do you think I should name the spread of land?" She said, "Why don't you call it "Belly-Acres?"
"DAY EIGHT"
The Lord created the world in six days and then rested on the seventh. On the eighth day, He started to take complaints.
"NO SOAP"
In regions of Mexico, hot and cold springs are found side by side. Because of this miracle women can wash their clothes in one spring and then rinse them in the other stream. A tourist said to the guide, "They must think God is very generous to freely suply hot and cold water in one spot." The guide said, "No, there is much complaining because he provided no soap."
"IDIOT DRIVERS"
One day the busy parent was driving his son down the street. The inquisitive little boy asked his parent an interesting question. He said, "Why is it that idiots only come out when you drive?"
Romans 10:13 "HIDDEN WORD" Cryptogram
by Brother Gregory Wamsley
To save this puzzle, right click
and save picture to your hard drive.
"Change My Heart, Oh God
by Eddie Espinosa
Change my heart oh God,
make it ever true.
Change my heart oh God,
may I be like You.
You are the potter,
I am the clay,
mold me and make me,
this is what I pray.
Change my heart oh God,
make it ever true.
Change my heart oh God,
may I be like You.
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