You cannot preach unless your heart is FULL OF CHRIST.
American preachers whose hearts are on their game of golf, or watching football on TV, or eating with friends at a restaurant - whose hearts are on sports and entertainment - cannot PREACH!
Timothy, kindly look into the thread 'The Wealthy Lady and Her Serving Maid'. I am sure you will like it! It continues a very sobering thought, though the story itself appears to be quite humorous.
What if the Lord was just asking you and me to be quiet for a little bit? Can you imagine that? Can you do it? I know that I want to . . . it's time and I'm ready. Becoming quiet seems so backward to "spreading the Word" . . . but what if we are perhaps needing a bit of "Matured Seasoning"? What if we are to become like Grandparents, to be more silent but also, somehow, more overseeing? I'm about to be 54, so I'm finally starting to slow down and thinking about taking things to the next step . . . becoming a bit quieter and not so ready to challenge much doctrine. I just want to talk about the Bible with people, which is to listen and learn, to share ideas and accept what seems right and reject what seems unright. I am desperate to have a more peaceful Spirit about me. I think knowing you is going to help me with that.
What if the Lord was just asking you and me to be quiet for a little bit? Can you imagine that? Can you do it? I know that I want to . . . it's time and I'm ready. Becoming quiet seems so backward to "spreading the Word" . . . but what if we are perhaps needing a bit of "Matured Seasoning"? What if we are to become like Grandparents, to be more silent but also, somehow, more overseeing? I'm about to be 54, so I'm finally starting to slow down and thinking about taking things to the next step . . . becoming a bit quieter and not so ready to challenge much doctrine. I just want to talk about the Bible with people, which is to listen and learn, to share ideas and accept what seems right and reject what seems unright. I am desperate to have a more peaceful Spirit about me. I think knowing you is going to help me with that.
I agree. At this point, arguing and debating cause frustration. This is why I choose to not discuss doctrine at all when confrontations arise. If another person has a tendency to be argumentative, I automatically have no desire to share the Truth because my experience is that it is a waste of time. I have a certain threshold of effort that I'm willing to give to a person who refuses to be kind or respectful. And, I'm so glad that I've gotten to this point. I've been kicked off of two "christian" forums, and it is important that I not be kicked off of this one. And that means that I've got to find a new way of interacting with others.
So. Let's do this! What would you like to do? Let's not just TALK about change . . . but we need to do it. Those who possess the Lord . . . these people change, and I am determined to change!
Would you like to create our plan of change? I'll follow you this time.
I agree. At this point, arguing and debating cause frustration. This is why I choose to not discuss doctrine at all when confrontations arise. If another person has a tendency to be argumentative, I automatically have no desire to share the Truth because my experience is that it is a waste of time. I have a certain threshold of effort that I'm willing to give to a person who refuses to be kind or respectful. And, I'm so glad that I've gotten to this point. I've been kicked off of two "christian" forums, and it is important that I not be kicked off of this one. And that means that I've got to find a new way of interacting with others.
So. Let's do this! What would you like to do? Let's not just TALK about change . . . but we need to do it. Those who possess the Lord . . . these people change, and I am determined to change!
Would you like to create our plan of change? I'll follow you this time.
Actually I need to SPEND TIME ALONE WITH GOD. In His Word, and in Prayer.
Mary sat at the feet of the Lord, and heard His word.
She was the only one who worshipped Him as the Messiah (Christ) before His death. Mark 14:3.
