March 31, 2009 5:20 AM
Sam wrote:
Okay, Okay, so it's not ACTS....be patient, one more day....We'll start Acts Tomorrow, but to finish out the month (1 day) let's jump into the WHOLE book of Obadiah.
Verse 12 talks about looking down upon others in their misfortune and not rejoicing because others have bad times. Although I don't think we do that, at least outright, I think we live lives like that a lot of the time. We may not 'rejoice' because others have less than we do (monetarily, emotionally or physically), but then we don't always do as much for the less fortunate as we should. In a way, by hoarding our wealth, we 'look down' on others, and in a way also, we 'rejoice' because of what we have and others don't. It is more of a subtle thing than a right out act.
Are you wealthy? Do you give a lot to others who need it? In your wealth, I am not necessarily talking about money, but also about your skills, talents and strength. Do you use THOSE things to help those who don't have them in such abundance as you do?
Lotta questions today, I know, but then, this book left a lot of questions in my mind. Probably because I never study it, and am not planning on doing so today, just commenting on one verse. This, like Hosea, is a book we seldom read, let alone analyze...we like to stick to the 'easier' ones. Why is that? Would love to hear your comments on THAT question. Reply to this
March 31, 2009 11:39 AM
Johnbob wrote:
In answer to your questions - I am wealthy in terms of cash flow, but not in terms of savings - as I have mentioned in the past. Getting a job now would help since I would be able to use my severance to pay off debts.
As far as skills, etc., I haven't as much but I am getting more involved lately.
And in terms of the questions from yesterday, there is something that bothers me regarding the responses. In some ways, there seems to be too much negativity. Have we changed since we got baptized? I guarantee you that we have all changed, like Mac said, in certain ways. I have changed a lot - part of it was just growing up, and part of is God continuing to work on my character. I think a better question would be, "What would your life had been like without God?". I could guarantee you that I would be a loner - not caring much about anyone else. I would be into all sorts of impure things that I couldn't even mention on this site. I would be unmarried or be divorced. So, have I changed? Not enough - it will never be enough - I will always make mistakes and fall short, which is the point of grace (Romans 3) and I believe it is Romans 6 that says, 'where sin increased, graced increased all the more' - so I suppose maybe the issue is with the question itself - it is a question that unless you have a strong view of grace and a healthy self-confidence, then it can only lead to discouragement. The Bible does mention some things about the past, but is much more focused on 'Today' and the future. Everyone know the verse in Phillipians 3: 12
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
So I believe you guys have changed in certain areas, but there are areas that you might have regressed in. For these areas, as I have said before, you need to get help one way or another - you won't solve all your problems, but you will be stronger and more able to cope with them. I have joined a two men's groups now and they have been helping me a lot.
If there is one root character trait among most of the brothers on this blog, it is that you are too independent. And those who have more challenging family situations probably need to be even more 'dependent' on brothers and other people who can help them. This blog has been great for me, but it is not enough. I need some face time, some guy time, some prayer time, some serving time, etc. - even some fun time (when was the last time you had some real fun - like at Mac's party).
So, I am not talking about escaping all your problems but rather getting your needs met so that you will be stronger.
March 31, 2009 11:52 AM
Johnbob wrote:
So I don't have all the answers as to why your lives have turned out the way they have. But in terms of how you deal with it, I think that in many ways, you can only control you - your wives and children have made their decisions (influenced possibly by their own illness, addictions, abuse, etc.), and you are doing your best to cope. As I have said before, you are my heroes in a sense because I have it 'easy' - Beda and I have a pretty strong marriage - she is stable and has a good job and is a great mom - there are certain glaring weaknesses that I think she needs to work on (and vice versa for sure), and we will get there eventually. So when I sin, I have 'no excuse'.
And one more thing - in Romans 7, Rick, you mentioned that Paul had his struggles. I believe that Romans 7 refers to Paul's life before a christian (let me know if you want to know why I think this). And either way, the point of the passage is not Paul saying that 'see, I am a stuggler too', but rather that this is a bad place to be - when you are a 'slave to sin' and are 'losing the war' (per vs. 23-24). Reply to this
March 31, 2009 1:18 PM
Dustin wrote:
We have bible study every tuesday night at 7:30 (some come earlier 7:00) Rick, Tony, Dustin AND Lamont. All are welcome to come.
March 31, 2009 1:32 PM
rik wrote:
you said it. It being what I was trying to say. Good job articulating. I fear the man I would be without God. Reply to this
March 31, 2009 1:21 PM
Sam wrote:
Excellent point, JB, about the negativity. Thanks for picking up on that and 'reminding' me that grace is what it is all about. I tend to be that negative person...always have. One of my ANI (Areas Needing Improvement).
I'm all for fun, though....that helps my negativity. I mentioned bowling the other day....some like it, some don't. When do ya wanna do it? Summer schedules are so tough...so much to do!!! You know what I mean...AND, we live a long way apart from one another, so when we do meet, (which probably won't be VERY often), I hope we can spend a few HOURS together rather than a few minutes.
I have been asked to re-energize the men's ministry (defunct since November) and met with a young man who is going to be the prime leader/organizer the other day at my house. I know this will help me, BUT, then, scheduling once again is altered. Am not sure if we are going to meet, as a norm, on Sunday or Monday evening, so hard to set up Sunday get-togethers with ya'll. BUT, that having been said, we could possibly do America's South's favorite summer time pastime, BBQ (or is that Barbeque, or Barbie (not the doll), or what?) almost any Sunday afternoon, AND, we could make it a families event. I am gone the weekend of the 10th of April out of town...to WACO/FLORIDA.
But, right after that, why don't we plan and execute a men's bowling afternoon or evening. We'll have to find a place 'central' to all who promise to come, and at a time where leagues aren't being conducted nor will be too crowded. How many wanna do this thing? We can probably do 6-8 on two lanes almost anywhere. WHEN would you like to do it?
Again, thanks for the reminder of being too negative. And I liked your point about the difference of what our lives would have been without Christ in them as compared to our lives now, even though they are far from perfect.
Well, ACTS tomorrow. Hope all (re)join and start the month off together. Reply to this
March 31, 2009 1:59 PM
rik wrote:
no wonder there has been to much negativeness(SP) between Hosea and Obadiah all brimstone and fire. I am looking forward to Acts. Acronym time: Almighty Creator Teach us Something out of Acts Reply to this
Okay, Okay, so it's not ACTS....be patient, one more day....We'll start Acts Tomorrow, but to finish out the month (1 day) let's jump into the WHOLE book of Obadiah.
Verse 12 talks about looking down upon others in their misfortune and not rejoicing because others have bad times. Although I don't think we do that, at least outright, I think we live lives like that a lot of the time. We may not 'rejoice' because others have less than we do (monetarily, emotionally or physically), but then we don't always do as much for the less fortunate as we should. In a way, by hoarding our wealth, we 'look down' on others, and in a way also, we 'rejoice' because of what we have and others don't. It is more of a subtle thing than a right out act.
Are you wealthy? Do you give a lot to others who need it? In your wealth, I am not necessarily talking about money, but also about your skills, talents and strength. Do you use THOSE things to help those who don't have them in such abundance as you do?
Lotta questions today, I know, but then, this book left a lot of questions in my mind. Probably because I never study it, and am not planning on doing so today, just commenting on one verse. This, like Hosea, is a book we seldom read, let alone analyze...we like to stick to the 'easier' ones. Why is that? Would love to hear your comments on THAT question.
Reply to this
In answer to your questions - I am wealthy in terms of cash flow, but not in terms of savings - as I have mentioned in the past. Getting a job now would help since I would be able to use my severance to pay off debts.
As far as skills, etc., I haven't as much but I am getting more involved lately.
And in terms of the questions from yesterday, there is something that bothers me regarding the responses. In some ways, there seems to be too much negativity. Have we changed since we got baptized? I guarantee you that we have all changed, like Mac said, in certain ways. I have changed a lot - part of it was just growing up, and part of is God continuing to work on my character. I think a better question would be, "What would your life had been like without God?". I could guarantee you that I would be a loner - not caring much about anyone else. I would be into all sorts of impure things that I couldn't even mention on this site. I would be unmarried or be divorced. So, have I changed? Not enough - it will never be enough - I will always make mistakes and fall short, which is the point of grace (Romans 3) and I believe it is Romans 6 that says, 'where sin increased, graced increased all the more' - so I suppose maybe the issue is with the question itself - it is a question that unless you have a strong view of grace and a healthy self-confidence, then it can only lead to discouragement. The Bible does mention some things about the past, but is much more focused on 'Today' and the future. Everyone know the verse in Phillipians 3: 12
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
So I believe you guys have changed in certain areas, but there are areas that you might have regressed in. For these areas, as I have said before, you need to get help one way or another - you won't solve all your problems, but you will be stronger and more able to cope with them. I have joined a two men's groups now and they have been helping me a lot.
If there is one root character trait among most of the brothers on this blog, it is that you are too independent. And those who have more challenging family situations probably need to be even more 'dependent' on brothers and other people who can help them. This blog has been great for me, but it is not enough. I need some face time, some guy time, some prayer time, some serving time, etc. - even some fun time (when was the last time you had some real fun - like at Mac's party).
So, I am not talking about escaping all your problems but rather getting your needs met so that you will be stronger.
(to be cont'd)
Reply to this
So I don't have all the answers as to why your lives have turned out the way they have. But in terms of how you deal with it, I think that in many ways, you can only control you - your wives and children have made their decisions (influenced possibly by their own illness, addictions, abuse, etc.), and you are doing your best to cope. As I have said before, you are my heroes in a sense because I have it 'easy' - Beda and I have a pretty strong marriage - she is stable and has a good job and is a great mom - there are certain glaring weaknesses that I think she needs to work on (and vice versa for sure), and we will get there eventually. So when I sin, I have 'no excuse'.
And one more thing - in Romans 7, Rick, you mentioned that Paul had his struggles. I believe that Romans 7 refers to Paul's life before a christian (let me know if you want to know why I think this). And either way, the point of the passage is not Paul saying that 'see, I am a stuggler too', but rather that this is a bad place to be - when you are a 'slave to sin' and are 'losing the war' (per vs. 23-24).
Reply to this
We have bible study every tuesday night at 7:30 (some come earlier 7:00) Rick, Tony, Dustin AND Lamont. All are welcome to come.
Directions:
www.nrcoc.com
up on the hill
Or call 614-562-1085 Dustin's cell.
Reply to this
Why don't you rotate it to each man's home?
Reply to this
you said it. It being what I was trying to say. Good job articulating. I fear the man I would be without God.
Reply to this
Excellent point, JB, about the negativity. Thanks for picking up on that and 'reminding' me that grace is what it is all about. I tend to be that negative person...always have. One of my ANI (Areas Needing Improvement).
I'm all for fun, though....that helps my negativity. I mentioned bowling the other day....some like it, some don't. When do ya wanna do it? Summer schedules are so tough...so much to do!!! You know what I mean...AND, we live a long way apart from one another, so when we do meet, (which probably won't be VERY often), I hope we can spend a few HOURS together rather than a few minutes.
I have been asked to re-energize the men's ministry (defunct since November) and met with a young man who is going to be the prime leader/organizer the other day at my house. I know this will help me, BUT, then, scheduling once again is altered. Am not sure if we are going to meet, as a norm, on Sunday or Monday evening, so hard to set up Sunday get-togethers with ya'll. BUT, that having been said, we could possibly do America's South's favorite summer time pastime, BBQ (or is that Barbeque, or Barbie (not the doll), or what?) almost any Sunday afternoon, AND, we could make it a families event. I am gone the weekend of the 10th of April out of town...to WACO/FLORIDA.
But, right after that, why don't we plan and execute a men's bowling afternoon or evening. We'll have to find a place 'central' to all who promise to come, and at a time where leagues aren't being conducted nor will be too crowded.
How many wanna do this thing? We can probably do 6-8 on two lanes almost anywhere. WHEN would you like to do it?
Again, thanks for the reminder of being too negative. And I liked your point about the difference of what our lives would have been without Christ in them as compared to our lives now, even though they are far from perfect.
Well, ACTS tomorrow. Hope all (re)join and start the month off together.
Reply to this
no wonder there has been to much negativeness(SP) between Hosea and Obadiah all brimstone and fire. I am looking forward to Acts. Acronym time:
Almighty
Creator
Teach us
Something out of Acts
Reply to this