![[Masthead]](http://www.t-g.com/images/nameplate.png)
|
|
Fair ~ High: 91°F ~ Low: 64°F Thursday, May 24, 2012 |
|
God Takes Care of His Own.Posted Thursday, December 4, 2008, at 5:28 PM
God seems to always come through, not on my time, but on his.
I used to work at a job in Manchester, for 14 years I worked there, I met my wife, moved to Shelbyville, the job went to Mexico. I worked for Alcan[ Aleris]for 4 years, left there, they closed down Been at Sanford for 5 years, 4 on Pencil street, transferred to D.C, pencil street is closing next year. My wife has been on a 4 day 3 day schedule which means she had to work 7 Sundays in a row which kept us out of church as a family and from doing all we wanted to with a church. As of Jan she will be on a 40 hour a week schedule, which means that my first lady will be with the kids and me on Sundays. Whether we attend a church or when Crossroads does come into existence, my wife and me will be together to worship the Lord and to give our total being to God and doing his work. Whether I become a Sunday school or assist. Pastor or in charge of Crossroads, it will be done to spread the Word of God without apologies. No cotton candy or fuzzy ducks allowed, preach the word and let the chips fall where they may. Shows what faith the size of a mustard seed will do for you. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
A man getting to the roots of his faith.
Hot topics Daddy's Rules For Dating My Daughters!(25 ~ 8:26 PM, Aug 15)
Southern Traditions
The Implosion From Within
The Crumbling!
IN HONOR OF ALL VETERANS!
|
Email link
Read comments (84)
Blog archive
![[Feed icon]](http://www.t-g.com/images/icons/feed-icon-14x14.png){kind=icon}
Gee Michael everywhere you have worked has closed or is closing... what did you do? :>)
Not me I just got out before it happened.
The plant in Manchester was a textile mill, they left for cheaper labor.
Aleris, I have heard several reasons why, I was not one of them.
Sanford is restructuring.
If you WERE a jinx,we could get you a job with organized crime,terrorist groups,the people who make all the children's stuff that has to be recalled and similar employers we could do without.
Cults? Boiler-room scam artists?
That could be an interesting ministry in and of itself.
(ponders ways we could get a bad-luck,saboteur Michael employed by the anti-Christ.)
That's one nice thing about working for God.
One has job security and a TERRIFIC retirement and prophet-sharing plan.
"prophet-sharing plan"
Haha quantumcat made a funny.
Good One!
That was a good one quantumcat
Well, anyones job is only as safe as their ablility to find another one.
When God closes one door He always opens another one, it just may not always be the one we want though.
WE HAVE HIT A TUFF TIME. I AM TALKING TUFF. WE MADE IT ALWAYS FROM THE OVER TIME MY HUSBAND COULD GET AT THE SCHOOL AND CLEANING UP AFTER ALL GAMES WERE A REAL BLESSING FOR US. BUT THE BASKET BALL SEASON ISN'T HELPING US THIS YEAR CAUSE THE TEACHERS ARE CLEANING UP BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WANT TO PAY WHAT THEY HAVE ALWAYS PAID TO CLEAN UP AFTER THE GAMES. SO WE ARE IN A TUFF TIME. SO I GUESS IT IS A DOOR GOD HAS CLOSED AND I DON'T BELIEVE HE CAN FIND THE KEY TO OPEN UP THE NEW DOOR FOR US. THERE WILL BE VERY LITTLE CHRISTMAS HERE THIS YEAR AND I SURE HOPE A WILD TURKEY RUNS INTO OUR YARD SO WE CAN HAVE A NICE DINNER. TRING TO KEEP MY HOPES UP BUT IT IS REALLY HARD. I GO FOR TEST TODAY AT THE HOSPITAL TO SEE IF THE BIG C HAS COME BACK SOME PLACE ELSE. SO PLEASE EVERYONE KEEP US IN YOUR THOUGHTS. I AM ABOUT TO THROW IN THE TOWEL.
Michael, You are God's messenger on this blog. Please take another picture of yourself with a smile on your face. BE HAPPY!
heaven8kids7grandrebelrose,
It's hard to hold on when there seems to be nothing left to hold onto. But with God's grace and faith that He is in control, you are NOT alone! Do you belong to a community of believers that might could help you out? We are called as brothers and sisters in Christ to bear one another's burdens. Most of the time, all we have to do is ask so that help can be provided. If not, seek out a church that you know of that is full of loving Christ followers and become a part of it! In the meantime, know that I am praying! THE MOST POWERFUL HELP OF ALL!
Hello Mike. Hope your family is all doing well. Those kids are gonna be out of school before you know it. Thanks for the warm welcome. God bless you.
Rebelrose you keep your head up, I'm praying for a Blessing for you and your family. God is able to comfort and keep you. The world is going through trials and tribulations, you just keep your eyes staying on the Lord, and he will see you through. Sometimes things happen to make us have a closer walk with God, always remember that, always call on him to pull you through. Alot of times things come out for the better. God Bless you.
Do you not attend any type of service now? What is Crossroads?
I am going to many different churches, of all denominations, and non denoms.
I see what all the difference are and take notes and study.
Crossroads was a name given to me in a dream as a name for a church, because to me that is what life is always about, coming to the crossroads and having to decide.
If you already have chosen the CROSS then the choices are easier.
Crossroads is what I call my ministry and I am praying it will lead to a viable church in the near future.
It will open to all, but the word of God will be taught.
A place for Christian adults and their families to come on a Saturday night and fellowship, watch a family movie and meet new friends.
I hope to start a food ministry, and I have volunteered for the homeless shelter that hopefully will be coming to the area soon.
Whatever Crossroads will be , it will be a bible following church that preaches the word with no apologies.
If Crossroads as a church does not turn into a visible building, then whatever church I hook up with , it will be my own personal ministry to spread the word of God through, whatever way I can.
Isn't there already a church here in Shelbyville named Crossroads it seems I saw a sign out on 231 with that name on it..when I saw it I assumed it was where you have been talking about. Of course I could have just seen the sign wrong I was driving and just glanced at the sign.
Dianatn,
That church is in Rutherford Co. It hasn't been there long, just two or three years.
That is a friends of mine called The Crossings.
Michael, Michael,--wake up, a new beginning may not be at hand. Time to quit dreaming- concentrate on your family- that is where your earthly efforts and concerns should be centered. Take care of your family first, above all else!
I have noticed that your are quick to spout or regurgitate religious idioms and cliches when writing in this blog. Trouble, for me, is it seems you have not demonstrated a knowledge about the bible, even though you seem to be aquainted with some of its contents.
You appear to enjoy exploiting some stories or verses to suit your needs, however, it is obvious that you are divulging a layman's level of knowledge, of some religions' doctrines, which one, I am not sure.
Surprise! God is not lost and never has been, God is the creator, not the created.
I suggest you learn about the bible, before exploiting your fellow man with whats in the bible. (A TIP)- most religions and your bible, is the creation of man, don't blame them on the Creator.
Thanks for the advice dipperdan, but I know the journey that God has put me on.
I don't want to use what man has said before in his interpretation of the bible, sure I read books and research all kind of God driven people, but I want to build a church from the ground up.
There are a few things set is stone as far as doctrines go, but several to be studied and prayed on.
I hate to contradict you, then again I don't, the bible is and has always been the word of God, some are just to blind to see it.
heaven8kids7grandrebelroses : I have a saying that helps me through tuff times (Ask and BELIEVE and you shall receive) The key word is believe when you ask that you will get an answer. God takes care of His own, just like Michael said. It may not be answered as fast as we would like but He will answer. Michael, keep up the good fight of faith. God will REWARD you. GOOD BLOG!!!!
Thanks!Auntie Faye and may God Bless you sweet lady.
You want to build a church from the ground up? I think another guy beat you by a few thousand years.
michaelbell,
In Re of: heaven8kids7grandrebelrose,
It has been said "Faith without Works is Dead"
James 2:14-17
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
"
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
"
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
It appears heaven8kids7grandrebelrose has all the prayers they need (the Faith), but not the real things that they have asked for(the Good Works). If they don't have a Christmas dinner, they may not have dinner for tomorrow or the next day.
Jesus was the cornerstone of His church. It isn't made of bricks and wood, but Christians. We are the church or "body of Christ".
The imaginary church, "Crossroad Church" would be getting a good start by helping with heaven8kids7grandrebelrose's plea for help. People would help if they just knew how to get in touch with someone who knew them.
I have been called Satan, Devil and anti-christ on your blogs, but I would think the future Crossroad church could get the help heaven8kids7grandrebelrose needs. I mean they asked didn't they? Aren't we suppose to help and I don't mean by just offering prayers, but those things which are needful to the body?
The people are and always will be the church, Crossroads will just be the name on the building that we use, go sell some more spaghetti chef.
Posted by heaven8kids7grandrebelrose
If you contact me I can take care of the turkey for Christmas.931-205-9806 or e mail me at pastormikebell@charter.net
Why do you want me to sell more spaghetti Mr. Bell? Did your delusion of being better than us mere mortals upset you? You are quick to attack any who do not adhere to your interpretation on scripture on any front. Why do you need to attend so many churches to find your way? Isn't the bible your guide? You show no signs of being a true follower when you attack others, only show your true intolerance.
I am not attacking anyone, I was trying to be sarcastic as most of you seem to be.
Why I attend so many kinds of churches is of no concern to you, it is my way to study and take in what I can.
The bible is my road map to heaven, I am just doing some sight seeing on the way.
There is nothing wrong with intolerance, I am intolerant of , all crime, evil and whatever does not agree with the bible.
Peoples tolerance of anything and everything is what is wrong with this country now.
Accepting, Islam as a siser faith and homosexuality, and abortion for any reason.
Accepting whatever comes along as right.
I am intolerant of any faith except the Judeo-Christian faith I follow, if that offends so be it.
I am mere mortal like anyone else, I have read the back of the book though, and I will win in the end.
Bless you pastermikebell, I hope when you get your Crossroads church, you get a good congregation who will listen to your sermons and not jump up in the middle of your sermons and try to tell you how to preach God's word or save the people. I hope you study your sermons and put the truth into each sermon and not lies like other churches do.
Most people don't have the time to read the bible or won't take the time to read it. That is why many go to church. You have to teach them what is in the bible.
There are thousands of little bits of exciting information that most people just read right over when reading the bible. A good preacher will look for these and talk about them in their sermons. It is information the people haven't read and will make them wake up and come alive in church and want to return again to hear more.
Thank you unique.
You always come out on tha attack it seems Mr Bell. The more you come out, the more of a buffoon you show yourself to be.
As a Christian I am tired of being attacked.
Your opinion and name calling has no effect on me.
I am a Christian too but I do not get attacked as you do. Also I was not calling you a name, only stating a fact.
Although I don't agree with a great deal that Michael writes either, I think he has shown considerable restraint is his responses since he has been under constant attack since he began his blog. Anyone with a modicum of charity in their heart could surely find a better way to interact with Michael than most of the bashing that goes on here. I think we could build a habitat house if everyone would check their own eyes and donate the lumber collected in the effort.
I do what I do to please God, not man.
People are to used to having their ears tickled, than good honest preaching.
I bet Moses, Enoch, Peter and all the apostles got hateful remarks toward them.
I am not saying I am them, but I preach the same message.
devan, I do understand your comment. I myself have felt that Michael has been treated unfairly at times and have always tried to be nice. He has the right to live his life and believe as he sees fit. I think the friction comes into play with statements like: "There is nothing wrong with intolerance, I am intolerant of , all crime, evil and whatever does not agree with the bible."
I do not think anyone cares how Michael chooses to worship, provided it is very clear that particular right stops exactly where someone else's life starts. If Michael chooses to mine scripture to suit his predispositions, that is okay. If he chooses to place Lindsey in the same category as scripture, that is okay too. It is clearly not our place to determine what is right for him. That being said, I think many people can read between the lines of many posts that tend to give the impression that Michael seldom, and then only begrudgingly offers the "modicum of charity" you seem to expect of others.
I personally hope Michael does succeed in his goals of establishing Crossroads. I think there are people that want and have a need to receive his message. Let 100 flowers bloom and all that. Even though I think he may have been born a few centuries too late and a few thousand miles of ocean away from where his theology would have flourished and been more accepted.
Why don't you start a jail ministry? Those people need to hear the word as much as anybody. Maybe Parkerbros can be your first students. They could help out getting your building done when they get out.
Chef Boy R.D.,
You seemed eagerly prepared to cook a meal when you do not even know 10% of the ingredients.
A word of advise would be to wait until you have all the ingredients of a recipe before you fire the oven up. If you don't your meal might end up tasting like old shoe leather when you have to taste it.
Unfortunately, you know just enough to make a fool of yourself.
It is no wonder you guys wear a mask and hide behind bushes to hurl your stones at people. If I knew I was as foolish as some of you I probably would too and would not want to let it be known who I was.
Truth and understanding will always stand out in the open while lies and deceit and misunderstanding will hide behind the mask and bushes. Don't be deceived and think otherwise.
Ask yourselves who on here you'd turn to first in time of need.
The gloom-and-doom types?
The snarky critics?
The perky folk who think the flames around your stake are perfect for making s'mores and singing "Kum Bah Yah?"
Some folks here don't do much theologizing but they have acted consistently in a way that shows thought and compassion.
I won't attempt to list them all because I'd be sure to omit someone.
(Can we agree that rebelrose and devan and Mom are among the good guys?)
These three,at least,have given me the impression that they'd go a second,third,fourth and fifth mile for someone-whether it meant helping them carry their burdens,showing them the way or seeing that they accept the consequences of eating apples and tossing the cores.
We might ask ourselves if our identities and contact information were known,who among us would be sought for support,guidance,protection and assistance?
We know the enemy would have us ignored or reviled lest we show someone comfort or hard truths but would God lead someone to us so we could act on His behalf?
Are we as good at bringing our lambs to shelter as we are snarling and snapping at the predators?
How we act might determine whether the flock recognizes us as belonging to their Master or whether we appear to be just a different sort of wolf.
Are we as good at bringing our lambs to shelter as we are snarling and snapping at the predators?
Posted by quantumcat on Mon, Dec 8, 2008, at 3:15 PM
quantumcat,
Good point, but if the predotors are not kept away you and the new lamb might come home to an empty pen.
However, what if this lamb is out there being chased by the predators and he sees you snarling and snapping at the predators to keep them away from the others. Might he think you keep a safe haven and want to know how to enter the pen with you and the others instead of running down the road of sin to death?
We might ask ourselves if our identities and contact information were known,who among us would be sought for support,guidance,protection and assistance?
Posted by Posted by quantumcat on Mon, Dec 8, 2008, at 3:15 PM
quantumcat,
To me, that is even more the reason to remove the mask and step out from behind the bushes.
quantumcat,
But let me add that the TG will not require this de-masking due to the issue of numbers. Newspapers are experiencing tough times also. They love to see "clicks" on here. They try to sell advertisements for this by telling you how many "clicks" would see your ad. Believe me, I have already heard the spill from one of their employees from the Missouri office that came here.
Being able to hide in the bushes with their masks on creates many more "clicks" for the TG. It was and is nothing more than a business decision on their part on the right to wear a mask. More mask, more clicks, more money. And as a Mexican prostitute told a guy I once knew on a trip he took to the Texas/Mexican border.... Moe muney, moe fun.
Oh come now parkerbros. The accounts from the TG are enough to convict most people of some sort of crime. Running over someone with a racing vehicle is not the normal procedure I think. Trying to make contact with another with a pipe is not known for it's health benefits. Your demon causing you all this trouble is your own success. People know you have been doing well in the housing industry, that is why you are in court. If you lived in a trailer on behind your mama's house and worked at Tyson, I doubt any charges would have been filed. The outcome will be that you will get to contribute greatly to your lawyers 401k at least, time in our fine rehabilitation facility at worst. At least you are out for the holidays!
Remember in man's law we are all innocent until proven guilty, unlike in God's eyes we are all guity until proven innocent[because of the blood]
michaelbell,
That was good and true.
Chef Boy R.D.,
As I said earlier you know just enough to cook up a mess you are not going to like the taste of when it comes time to eat it.
So far, only one side has gotten a chance to present any proof. Under those circumstances it is a lot like lawyers will tell you..."it is easy to get a good ham sandwich indicted by the grand jury".
It is another whole ball game when sober witnesses get to testify to the other side.
I find it also quite amusing that you think it is success that got us to this point. The general argument by people on here will say it is success that gets people special treatment instead. I think you all are wrong. The system is basically fair for the evidence meriting each case that gets to be presented up to each point. Up to this point only one side has gotten to speak.
Parkerbros, your fuse seems to be a short as Mr Bell's. I was merely pointing out that the plaintiffs in your case smell money. As in your money. They only want to see the mighty fall. I am not trying to antagonize you, however if you wish a verbal twit with me, by all means enjoy! It's been awhile since I've made rump roast.
lol wow. I hear something sizzling.
BTW I Don't hide behind bushes or where a mask, I have asked many times to face anyone and to this day. You're scared.
Chef Boy R.D.,
No, I actually have a long fuse. What you are mistaking for a fuse in someone is their directness. As I have said numerous times you can not determine someones disposition from reading black type on a white screen. You may think I am frowning when I have a grin from ear to ear on my face as I do now. Maybe I need to go back to putting a little smile symbol at the end of each post that represents my feeling so you do not have to assume. :)
lol wow. I hear something sizzling.
BTW I Don't hide behind bushes or where a mask, I have asked many times to face anyone and to this day. You're scared.
-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Mon, Dec 8, 2008, at 11:03 P
Evil Monkey,
Perhaps your tale is on fire :)
BTW, you still post from behind the bush and wear the mask when posting though. (__)
(stifles the terrible urge to grab the squabbling boys by their collars and scold them with a riff off of "Dora the Explorer".
"Snipers,no sniping!!!")
Marvin,remember Space Ghost's monkey,Blip,Ace,the Bat-Hound,Dyno-Mutt,Darkwing Duck,etc. are masked critters and they're good guys.
Even Swiper the fox has his heroic moments.
Let's pay attention to the good in one another and it might overcome the traits we have that hold us back and interfere with our fulfilling the Lord's agenda.
quantumcat,
You know, even batman and the lone ranger wore masks and were good guys.
Perhaps the issue truly lies in why does someone wear the mask?
The mask also strikes fear in the bad guys. Calm down parkerbros, your are still innocent till proven guilty. Should be some in January?
parkerbrothers,
You wear a mask and hide behind the bush when posting too, what's your point?
Chef Boy R.D.,
I wish it could start tommorrow. I am ready to present as Paul Harvey says..."The rest of the story". You will understand soon enough.
Evil Monkey,
I am in the wide open and without a mask as you can easily see.
The masks keep the bad guys from knowing your secret identity so your loved ones are safe and you can have a private life.
(I've never quite known what a little old domino mask or cowl accomplishes,though.
I'd think the full face versions the Latin wrestlers wear make more sense.
Wouldn't it be easier for the Phantom to pass his legacy onto one descendant after another if the whole face were concealed like El Santo's?
With the full mask,you can skip shaving or putting on make-up,have a bad hair day,have a lot more protection and even have a few other people share the role and the costume.
(It'd also keep your skin from getting chapped from saving the world in bad weather.)
There's a precedent in Mexico of do-gooders from reporters to social activists wearing masks like the luchadors.
Maybe the anonymous blogging here is a way to act as philanthropists,rescuers and gadflies and still "stay in the closet" so we're not doing the right thing (or avoiding proper action) because of public attention.
quantumcat,
I am sure there are probably multiple reasons for wearing a mask and some are even probably positive reasons but I do not think hurling stones from behind one can be viewed as positive in anyone's normal stretch of imagination?
Even though good guys like Batman and Robin wore a mask on TV I think the general concensus is that in real life mask are 99% of the time associated with someone who is up to no good. And I know you would have to agree that even if a man was up to good and trying to stop a bank robbery you would not recommend him wearing a mask in to perform the good deed.
memyselfi,
Michael, I am not going to argue any of these other issues, but I have to wonder your reasoning when you appear to give the impression that a believer may worship any Sabbath that they see fit. There is no choice of Sabbaths to be observed, there is only one. If you advocate people adhering to the 10 Commandments, you should also include this one. Pauline theology effectively discounts the various other Sabbaths, but holds firm to the weekly Sabbath being observed. It seems to me as though you may be picking and choosing which regulations you desire to lay claim to, and then in the same breath, condemning the negligence of other regulations.
I am not trying to be mean, I just do not understand exactly how you can accuse others of "condoning" sin in certain instances, yet appear to do the exact same thing when it involves an actual commandment.
-- Posted by memyselfi on Sun, Nov 23, 2008, at 9:43 PM
memyselfi, I have just stumbled onto a verse that says we can choose, whatever day we want to be, the Sabbath day.
Colossians 2:16
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
When a person is born again, he/she is no longer under the ten commandments but bound only by the two commandments. Therefore, there is no specific day as the Sabbath!
"Evil Monkey,
I am in the wide open and without a mask as you can easily see.
-- Posted by parkerbrothers on Wed, Dec 10, 2008, at 6:18 AM"
Really? How so? Sorry but I cannot easily see anything Christian about you whatsoever. You attack people all of the time, verbally and physically. The proof is how others view you. Everyone knows who I am. You do, Michael does, Unique does, QCat does, Everyone. You're wrong about alot of things; that's ok, God love Pride, or does he?
Evil Monkey,
If you don't believe in the Bible you sure can't believe in me.
Uniquelies,
You bring up an interesting subject that I have waited for someone to post about.
Paul also touched on this reference to days in his letter to the Galatians in Chapter 4.
9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
God loves even when He can't *like*.
I agree that it'd probably be a bad idea to try making a bank deposit with a mask or stocking over one's face nor do I think we should copy Earnest T. Bass and hurl heavy objects at people and property.
If God is guiding our hand,we could probably take down evil giants with a bag of marshmallows.
If we start chucking rocks at "Philistines" who aren't our enemies,the Lord may ask to see our Sinless Person Stone-throwing license.
I know that I'm too visually impaired by the lumberyard in my eye to do much pebble-pitching.
I wouldn't want my blindness to subject someone who should be my ally to "friendly fire."
But,I do get tempted to go on the attack.
When I do,I wish I were one of those ancient seige engines the Romans use to have that could REALLY do some stone throwing.
Funny thing is,God seldom encourages me when I get in such moods.
His lack of support causes me to ask:"Lord,am I showing these people the love and respect any of your creations deserve?
(Or am I making an Onager of myself?)
You attack people all of the time, verbally and physically.
Posted by Evil Monkey on Wed, Dec 10, 2008, at 1:32 PM
Evil Monkey,
If you call defending myself and my beliefs attacking someone then you are even more misinformed than I thought. No wonder you think the Bible I defend as the inspired and protected Word of God is fiction.
"Evil Monkey,
If you don't believe in the Bible you sure can't believe in me.
-- Posted by parkerbrothers on Wed, Dec 10, 2008, at 3:04 PM"
Now are you claiming you are the Messiah?
"Evil Monkey,
If you call defending myself and my beliefs attacking someone then you are even more misinformed than I thought. No wonder you think the Bible I defend as the inspired and protected Word of God is fiction.
-- Posted by parkerbrothers on Wed, Dec 10, 2008, at 3:37 PM"
Defending yourself against one person while there was you and your brother? Come on now. 2 on 1 is pretty lame. There is no excuse, Jesus would have taken the licks to save the people.
Amazing how one seems to find religion when they are faced with jail time. Maybe parkerbros and Mr Bell can teach each other about compassion and forgiveness.
Unique-Lies, Great, I though you had quit. I am familiar with this verse. I am however, not at all sure that "anyone" is intended to include God. Further, if it does, then where do we stand with the rest of the law and sin in general? If you look at the verses closely, you may see what I am getting at. This verse, to my understanding, is directed to those that would follow the people that would strain a gnat and then swallow a camel, or else it would necessarily dissolve all of all sins consequences in every case of belief on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt.... I will give you two other verses to look at if you like. Ironically, both from books you turn to often. Dan 2:21 and Rev 2:14 do appear to be relevant to the subject. Faith, works or both is the underlying question I think?
Again, I am not trying to argue your beliefs. You appear to direct most of your guilt inward. The argument I am making is really directed to those that project guilt outward, but I do appreciate the dialogue anyway.
I am a Christian too but I do not get attacked as you do. Also I was not calling you a name, only stating a fact.
Amazing how one seems to find religion when they are faced with jail time. Maybe parkerbros and Mr Bell can teach each other about compassion and forgiveness.
-- Posted by Chef Boy R.D
Chef Boy R.D., I was wondering," who is going to teach you compassion"? I'm not sure your words are very "Christ-like".... just my opinion.
I am new to this blog, but have already found that many like to detour from the topic at hand... I believe we were talking about God taking care of His own... to that, I can testify! Even amidst the storms we may all be facing in our country today, we should be watching for opportunities to be Jesus' hands and feet to those we encounter. As the "church" we will indeed be bombarded by cries for help!
Just yesterday while shopping at a local market, I was convicted of the needs of others. The cashier was openly distraught over some family problems and had to get another employee to take over.... the gentleman behind me was telling another person that he had lost his job a few months ago and would be evicted at the end of the month, along with his wife and 10 month old child.
These are the burdens we should be bearing of one another's. If we truly want to enlarge the kingdom of God, we must be willing to put our "money" where our mouths are. Walk the walk and don't just talk the talk!
Amen!
That's First Corinthians chapter 13 in a nutshell.
bkpow,I think if we act as you suggest,folks would have an easier time seeing a "family resemblance" between us and our Heavenly Father.
(Haven't we heard people say "Well,the minute I saw him and heard him talk,I knew whose child he was.
He acts just like his Daddy!")
We should live so people so how we move and speak remind folks of the Lord-and what of the people who meet us before they meet God?
"I've been hoping I could talk with you for some time,Sir.
I've enjoyed knowing your children and I knew who you were because they've grown up to be so much like you."
As the old saying goes,our lives may be the only Bible some people ever get to read.
memyselfi,
If we are serious about accepting Jesus Christ as our savior he comes in and takes control over our life.
Jesus bore our sins in his body on the cross. He was without sin yet died for our sins. So he tells us that we are free of sin. He fulfilled the law so that we don't have to even look at the law. We just live the best that we can, honestly, without concerning ourselves with laws and sins. We can not obey the laws and sins only tell us what we did wrong, so we are not to worry about the law nor sins.
Warning: Society will judge us and condemn us, even prosecute us for sins or crimes, but God won't because His Son has already paid the price for our sins.
So all the other nine commandments are null and void as far as a born again christian is concerned. We are only to concentrate on Loving God with all our heart, mind and soul and our neighbor as ourselves.
Colossians 2:13-14
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Jesus has forgiven us of all our sins and wiped out the requirements (laws) that were against us.
We are free to behave ourselves, Love God with all our heart, mind and soul and love our neighbor as we love ourselves, without living in fear of breaking a law or sinning.
In Daniel 2:21 Daniel was wanting God to reveal the Kings dreams to him so he could tell the king what it meant and save his and his friends' lives.
During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven with verses 20-23.
In Rev 2:14 Jesus is telling John to address the Angel of the church in Pergamum, telling them that Jesus has a few things against them. He tells them to "Repent therefore! OTHERWISE, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."
Jesus also says "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it."
Sounds like Jesus will forgive he who overcomes by giving him a white stone with a new name written on it (whatever that means).
Many people teach that faith is all that counts in our salvation, but faith without works is dead, just as works without faith is dead.
I don't study too much in Daniel because the words were sealed up til the end time.
Daniel 12:8-10
8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
"Evil Monkey,
If you don't believe in the Bible you sure can't believe in me.
-- Posted by parkerbrothers on Wed, Dec 10, 2008, at 3:04 PM"
Now are you claiming you are the Messiah?
Evil Monkey,
No, I am saying if you can not believe in something as great as the Bible you will have trouble believing in any frail and lowly human like me.
quantamcat,
if there ever is a thought that should always be churning in our minds, that is it! In every word, action, or thought! I always tell my children (who are not children anymore - 23 & 21!) and the youth I teach, that when faced with a choice.... remember WHOSE you are! Let that be the litmus test of what the right thing to do is! Afterall, the only difference between life and death, happiness and depression, contentment or misery is the choices we make. Look at earthly families for example. Two children raised in the same home, with the same parents, the same rules, the same opportunities. One is found later in life married, happy, making a difference in the lives of others. The other is found miserably alone, maybe a drug addict, a thief, whatever... the only difference is the choices they made that got them where they are. Whether those choices were made directly or as a consequence of other choices... it's still a choice. So yes, let us always be mindful of WHOSE we are and let that lead us in all that we do! With Christ, all things are possible! (Phil 4:13)
and for us Christians... another aside - (Phil 4:14).. "and yet it was good of you to share in my troubles." So, yes! Christ is able - and sometimes, just sometimes... He uses us to be the literal flesh and blood, hands and feet that makes things possible!
Defending yourself against one person while there was you and your brother? Come on now. 2 on 1 is pretty lame. There is no excuse, Jesus would have taken the licks to save the people.
-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Wed, Dec 10, 2008, at 4:09 PM
Evil Monkey,
Sorry, but the only real thing lame is your willingness to believe things that are fiction and not be able to see what is real and factual, much like your statement that Stargate is more believable than the Bible. As I have said before evilmonkey, it amazes me that you do not believe in the Bible, God or Hell but you fall so easily head over heels for a story in a 50 cent newspaper.
As far as what Jesus would have done in my situation? I really do not know even though I have asked myself that many times. I do wish I would of had the power of making myself simply disappear when I seen the mob but that is all just wishful thinking. I did the best I could on such short notice.
Amazing how one seems to find religion when they are faced with jail time. Maybe parkerbros and Mr Bell can teach each other about compassion and forgiveness.
-- Posted by Chef Boy R.D. on Wed, Dec 10, 2008, at 5:03 PM
Chef Boy R.D.,
You must be inhaling the fumes from the toxic meal you are desperately trying to cook for another and it has affected your sense of reasoning. Why are you so against believers?
Your statement may explain your weakness. You may be looking for religion when you should be looking toward Christ.
I have never found religion. I came to an understanding of the difference between religion and Christ and choose which to follow. And it was long before you think. I hope you come to an understanding of the differences in the two and choose the only one that will give you peace.
Many people teach that faith is all that counts in our salvation, but faith without works is dead, just as works without faith is dead.
Posted by Unique-Lies on Thu, Dec 11, 2008, at 12:55 AM
Unique-Lies,
In my opinion it is clear that faith is the only thing that accounts for salvation. Works are an almost certain to occur aftermath of salvation, not a prerequisite to it. I believe that it is only after we come to a full and appreciative understanding that the faith of Christ is the only thing that saves us, can we then go out and for the first time in our life do a work that is acceptable and pleasing to God out of love instead of duty.
All of our works need to be done out of pure love. If there is any sense of duty or requirement attached then love suffers.
I try to look at it like mowing my mothers lawn. When I was a child I mowed it because I felt (actually knew) I had to. I performed the work out of duty not love. (believe me it was out of duty)
Once I was grown the duty was removed from me. I am now therefore free to now do the work out of love. Until the sense of duty was removed from me love could not come forth. However, once the duty was totally removed, only pure love was left to bring forth any work.
Unique-Lies, I do not necessarily disagree with you. It really could go either way, depending on personal interpretation. The point I am struggling to make here and apparently failing at, is that once a person accepts that reality of salvation, it becomes very difficult to cast judgment and condemnation on others, or in your case, on yourself. Are we fallen creatures? Do we make mistakes? Even after we have been saved? Does salvation wipe away our human weakness as it does our past transgressions?
bkpow,
Your words on the issues of choices are indeed so correct. The closer our choices reflect the mind and heart of Christ the better our lives will be.
I also liked your lithmus test.
Does salvation wipe away our human weakness as it does our past transgressions?
-- Posted by memyselfi on Thu, Dec 11, 2008, at 8:54 AM
memyselfi,
I know your comment was to uniquelies but I do want to comment on it. The human weakness is in our flesh. If you read much of Paul's writngs you will notice he was very aware of the struggle that remains even after salvation. Romans is a good book to read on these issues. I believe that Romans 7: 22-25 highlight your question.
22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Read in particular sometimes Romans 3: 21-28. It has been said that is you can understand those verses you can understand the meaning of the Book of Romans and also said if you understand the meaning of the Book of Romans you understand the message of the entire Bible.
parkerbrothers,
You didn't seem to answer the questions.
If you are a Christian; You would have known exactly what to do. That would have been to kill the engine, so no-one else got hurt and removed yourself from the car and gotten out of there. There was other solutions then just hitting the gas. You would have been the plaintiff then. Even non-Christians would have done the same thing.
BTW, it seems you believe in the Stargate more then everyone since you mention it enough. You're so clever to keep repeating the same thing over and over. Guess it is easy when you really don't have anything to stand on. Oh except your faith in a book written by man, even your precious President Bush admitted the Bible was not literal.
Evil Monkey,
You know literally nothing about what happened. You will just have to live with your curiousity a little while longer until I tell you the proper time. You are in for quite a suprise.
Just be glad you are not a cat with a curiousity like you have. Just be patient evil monkey. I have had to be for the last 6 months and I know it is hard, but again just be patient and realize there is a proper time in our system for the whole truth to be displayed at the proper place. We are almost there son.
Evil Monkey,
Why not add to the topic here that Michael spent time on preparing and quit worrying with me. I can't help you but I think if you would focus on some of the on-topic post you might prosper. I know I learn a lot from his effort and my defending myself from various stone throwers hinders everyone's valuable time.
Let's focus on the topics and learn.
memyselfi;
Unique-Lies, I do not necessarily disagree with you. It really could go either way, depending on personal interpretation. The point I am struggling to make here and apparently failing at, is that once a person accepts that reality of salvation, it becomes very difficult to cast judgment and condemnation on others, or in your case, on yourself. Are we fallen creatures? Do we make mistakes? Even after we have been saved? Does salvation wipe away our human weakness as it does our past transgressions?
-- Posted by memyselfi on Thu, Dec 11, 2008, at 8:54 AM
Okay, I know what you are asking now!
In my posts I have told it in a way that makes Christians look like they are above the law. And you could say they ARE! According to the Gift of Grace by God and the gift of salvation by Christ, we are above the law because we are not bound by the law nor are we bound by what was once a sin.
However, Society will be our judge, jury and executioner. We do anything that the world believes is a sin or a crime, and we are thought of as a criminal and a sinner by man. God does not see us that way. Jesus has saved is from the world.
Paul tells us that anyone can eat any meat that is sold in the meat market. However, if we are eating with someone who thinks that particular meat was used in burn offerings, then it was wrong to eat it in front of them. But if that is the meat that the host was serving, it was wrong to refuse it.
This was one of the things that came up when the apostles were eating with the Gentiles and the Jews came up and saw them eating meat that Gentiles ate but not Jews. It made the Apostles look unholy to the Jews, but in reality it was okay to do, so they didn't look holier than the Gentiles by refusing to eat their food.
The moral of the story is... even thou it is okay to do something now that was forbidden before, it is wrong to do it in front of people who think it is wrong, (because they will think YOU are a sinner or criminal) when in fact, you are doing what is righteous to do, as long as you don't do it in front of anyone who thinks it's wrong.
A dam if I do and dam if I don't type situation. You are to present yourself as a righteous person so people will want to be like you.
Now for the hard part! We are not like that! We are weak and the flesh usually wins over us. Even God tells us that he won't allow more temptation to be put on us than we can handle. That said, we should all be able to resist the devil and his temptations. That isn't the case because we are weak and not strong like the bible tells us to be. We give in to the flesh. We become present in the body and absent with the Lord.
I have always preached Hebrews charters 6 and 10 that says when we wilfully sin are sins are no longer forgiven. This teaching goes against the rest of the bible and the word of God. We are not of the world nor the laws nor any list of sins.
We are suppose to behave ourselves and do good works along with our faith. However, when we slip up, we just keep on going and don't concentrate on the wrong we did. If we keep reminding ourselves of the wrong we did, we would continue doing wrong because we are telling ourselves we are bad or even evil.
God told Adam he could do anything as long as he didn't eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam could have eaten anything from dirt to any fowl of the air and anything in between the two. He could have chopped it down and set it on fire and he would not have sinned. But of all things he did, he eat the fruit of the tree that God had forbidden him to eat. The only sin that Adam knew about, he did. So what did God do about it?
He sent his only begotten son to take sin away. Now there is no sin, if you are born again. We could eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil today if we could find it, because it isn't a sin today to eat of it.
If we live according to his two commandments, we will love God and He will reside within us. When God is living within you, you are not as likely to do things that are wrong. If we love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves, we wouldn't talk about them or do hateful things against them or lust for their wives or anything.
According to man, including ourselves (in our minds), we are far from being righteous, but to God we are righteous enough to receive eternal life with him.
Against everything we have been taught, there are no rules we must live by, only the two commandments. We are self governed and must live by faith and good works. We will be judged by our works, good or bad, according to the book of Revelation.
In closing I will say this: I don't think we live according to his commandments. We are judged by Society and sometimes condemned and we even do the same, however we must agree with what the bible tells us.
Hebrews made perfect sense to me and a way we could judge ourselves, but Jesus says that isn't how it works.
Once I was grown the duty was removed from me. I am now therefore free to now do the work out of love. Until the sense of duty was removed from me love could not come forth. However, once the duty was totally removed, only pure love was left to bring forth any work.
-- Posted by parkerbrothers on Thu, Dec 11, 2008, at 8:22 AM
Oh my, how true! Service done out of pure love is certainly a "God-thang". I have spent this past year driving I-65 north and south helping to take care of my own mother. In all those trips to hospitals, doctors' offices, and the home where I grew up, I realized that God gives us the power to do things we thought we never could! And just when I'm ready to lay my head down and cry, HE shows up and reveals Himself to me. Let me share a story....
I had been going to physical therapy myself for a couple of months and found great relief by easing into the use of a treadmill. The more I walked, the better I felt! Once my therapist "released" me, I began looking for a used treadmill to purchase. I looked on ebay, yard sales, craigslist, etc. Never to find just exactly what I wanted at a price I wanted to pay.
One night, as my husband and I were about to leave to go out and eat, his friend called and needed help tracking a deer! Boy, was I more than a little "perturbed"! :)
So, while he was gone, I ran up to our hometown grocer to pick up a few things I needed. As I walked through the door, I glanced at the bulletin board of items for sale, trade, give-away... and right there was a flyer for the exact treadmill I wanted at an unbelievable price of 50.00! Wow! I took the flyer! Yes, I took it! :)
As soon as I got home, I called the lady. A wonderful elderly little Christian lady. We had a "sweet" conversation and as soon as my husband got home, I called her and we drove over to pick it up. I knew when I walked in that God had sent me there. Her husband, unable to speak, walk, talk - only his eyes moving -sat in a chair hooked up to all kinds of contraptions! She shared with me that he had had a stroke over 10 years ago and she basically had given up her career and all her "freedom" to take care of him. (Something she has never regretted!) But, she was tired! They had been married 42 years! Her unselfish love and the way she patted him and talked of him was amazing to witness! Before I left, we prayed together and shared a few tears and hugs and she said that of all the people who come to visit, rarely had anyone prayed for and with them. I was blessed beyond comprehension!
The treadmill still sits in the corner and I have yet to even turn it on... it never was about the treadmill anyway! I know that now! My eyes were opened that night! God showed me what true devotion is. He showed me what can be done in HIS power! He reassured me and the sweet little lady that we could keep on keepin on!
So, yes. Service out of pure love....
And just when you think you can do no more, just watch... God will show up and "cheerlead" you on!
bkpow,
Thanks for the story. You always have been a strong and caring person with a big heart.
Hope your mom is doing better. She has been without your dad since you lost him several years ago so I know she is glad to see him in his child everytime she sees you.
Do you still have the little black and white cocker?
parkerbrothers,
Yes, of course. Chelsey is old like me, and her eyes are really bad, but she is a stubborn little thing. She became an "outside" dog several years ago and several times I have tried "bringing her back in", but she likes her freedom! She has been one of the best gifts I have ever received! I can't believe it's been 11 years!
God is good to provide us with just the right people in our lives, at just the right times. :)
bkpow,
Oh ye of such great faith, how you do shine.
Such a great blessing, to this soul of mine.
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after you
To know and follow hard after you
To grow as your disciple in the truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you!
The Christmas season can be a very joyous time, but for others it may be a time that's bittersweet or full of great sorrow. For those whose memories return to days gone by when loved ones were still by their side and for those who desire someone to love, the Christmas-time can often become hard to deal with. As we fastly approach this time of remembering the birth of Christ, let us also remember to be a blessing to others. Much, much more than presenting gifts, may we present ourselves to others through the love of Christ Himself and bring tidings of good cheer! Open your heart and home to someone who needs the hands and feet of Jesus this year!
Before my children were grown, our "home" was a little larger than we needed for just us and so I was convicted about how much God had truly blessed us. I vowed that our "extra room" would always be open to whomever needed it. Since that vow, several people have spent time with us in their deepest time of need. The blessing God had already given us became an even more enormous blessing by sharing with others!
We may not all have the most "toys" in the world, but we all have something to share. And as believers, we are expected to share God's love in whatever measure we are asked.
Overflow!!!! You will be blessed!