I resigned to writing this blog, because I have been
unsuccessful in my attempts to get videos loaded through facebook for my online
small group. So here goes :)
Key Verses:
Numbers 11:4 & Mark 5:37-40
In Numbers 11, we are following the people of Israel on
their journey to the promised land.
And as with any extended family trips, tension exists among the
people. The people are complaining
about the conditions – Why do we have to eat manna? How much farther is it? Daddy, tell my sister to stop it! (sorry, personal
interjection there)
And God hears the complaints, gets frustrated, and starts
burning people up (so glad we live in New Testament days!) The people cry out to Moses for help,
he intercedes on their behalf, and God stops. Then in verse 4, the “rabble” (foreigners from Egypt) among
them start complaining again – oh the food in Egypt was so much better! And then the Israelites join in
again! (God later gives them
different food, and basically kills them with it to prove a point)
In Mark chapter 5, Jesus no sooner arrives in town, when
Jairus comes to him for help – his daughter is dying and needs healing. So Jesus agrees to go with him ~ along
the way, Jesus is delayed doing ministry (story of the woman with bleeding
condition touching his garment and healed due to her Faith) and his daughter
dies. Someone from the house of
Jairus comes and says no need to bother the Teacher, your daughter has died.
In vs 36, Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” And he did something interesting. He allowed only Peter, James, and John
to come with him. When he arrived
at the house, he saw all the commotion and said “she is not dead, she is
sleeping”. They laughed at him … so he kicked them out of the house.
The only people who stayed, were Mom & Dad, and Jesus and the 3 he
brought with him. And he spoke to the
girl to get up, and she did.
See Jesus understood that it DOES matter who you surround yourself with. So ... Who is in your camp?
Are you surrounded with people who are constantly bringing you
down? Reminding you of what used
to be, and how better it was, and can’t seem to find the joy in today? All they can focus on is the
circumstances in front of them, but can’t remember ANY of God’s miracles that
have led them to where they are? Or do you have people in your life encouraging you, praying with you, speaking life into you? Which person are you?
I encourage you today to take a look around your camp. Do you have some “rabble” that needs to
be removed? Do you have people
that need to be “kicked out” of your inner circle and replaced with people who
will support you, pray for you, and encourage you? I’m not saying you need to sever all your relationships, but
I would encourage you to check into who you are allowing to influence your
thoughts and decisions. Sounds
like Mom was right – your friends do determine your future :) Perhaps it’s time you finally
joined a small group!
