Balaam

*the fire from the Lord falls and destroys part of the camp

*plague falls and the grumblers are destroyed

*Miriam develops leprosy for her complaining

*40 years of wandering in the wilderness

*10 spies are killed

*the ground swallows up the group defying authority

*a plague comes through the camp destroying 14,700 people

IV. Admonitions regarding complaining

So, what do we learn from all this? Initially I had thought to preach about leadership and following leadership. As I got into the text, I saw the overwhelming emphasis on complaining. But the two go hand in hand together.

*complaining comes when we fail to accept the leadership God has provided

*even leaders will complain and set bad examples

*1 Cor. 10 reminds us if we think we are standing, beware lest we fall

*don’t be pulled into complaining by others who are complaining

*be content with what you have

*be grateful for what has been given to you

*don’t presume to be something you are not.

Concl: Attitude is the key! Remember that what is inside your heart will evidence itself in your life. Prov. 23:7 - For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he

1 Sam. 16:7 - Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD look

Prov. 20:27 - The spirit of man [is] the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

**Let’s guard our hearts and have attitudes of rejoicing and thankfulness.