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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/3/2008 11:00:48 PM
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FunBetty
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From: Dr Pepper Country
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Heya Sam! Just popping in to say hi!
How are the flowers?
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Fun Betty's Cookie Shoppe and Pumpkin Patch
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/5/2008 12:04:18 PM
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Focusing
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Sermon notes
Loving Difficult People
"You have heard that it was said, 'you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:43-48
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." – John 13:34-35
There are three main categories of difficult people:
A. Overly Critical People
It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool! – Ecclesiastes 7:5
Right Responses:
1. When To Listen To Criticism:
When their motive is to help, not hurt.
When the person can help.
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself. – Proverbs 15:31-32
2. When To Answer Criticism:
When the person is missing information that would change his perception.
- Are they criticizing you without realize you aren’t the one they should be talking to?
When the person is open to change.
3. When To Dismiss Criticism:
When the person is characterized by being overly critical.
When this person is emotionally unhealthy or wounded.
- Are they speaking from their own wounded past, and heaping their dirty laundry into your basket?
Do not be paralyzed by criticism … we need to sort through it, use what we can to better ourselves, and throw the rest away.
Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be rooted up, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind … they will both fall into a ditch.” – Matthew 15:13-14
B. Emotional ‘Vampires’ i.e., Overly Needy People
Helping Without Enabling
1. Offer What They Need, Not What They Want.
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up. – Acts 3:6-7
There are many types of people who fall in this category, a few are: blabbers (people who talk just for the sake of talking, not really saying anything, just monopolizing your time), drama queens, financial freeloaders.
It helps to be able to identify the real need. Pay attention to their actions, not just their words.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” – Mark 1:35-37
Even Jesus knew He needed time alone to pray.
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries … including time boundaries, resource boundaries, and types of conversations you are willing to get into.
3. Allow Them To Face Their Consequences.
This is the principal of reaping what you have sown.
For each one will bear his own load. – Galatians 6:5
Rescuing another isn’t always helping.
Jesus is the Savior, not us.
C. Manipulators
A manipulator’s greatest weapons are: threats and guilt.
“If you don’t … because I said so, I will …” These are not loving comments, they are designed solely for the purpose of controlling another.
1. Recognize When Someone Is Trying To Control You.
Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem … and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” – Matthew 16:21-22
2. This Is Not Going To Work On Me.
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” – Matthew 16:21-23
If someone else has control, you are committing the sin of idolatry.
If you are allowing someone else to come between you and God, ask yourself who is closer to God?
3. Redefine The Relationship.
Jesus allowed Peter to fail.
Sometimes allowing others to fail is what is called for … “tough love”.
How many times do people find Jesus as a result of experiencing consequences for their actions? If we always clean up their messes, how will they learn and grow for themselves? Are we really helping them, or are we hindering them?
Again Jesus said “Simon son of John, do you truly love Me?” He answered “Yes, Lord, you know that I love You.” Jesus said “Take care of my sheep.” – John 21:16
Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? – Matthew 7:3
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"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/7/2008 11:54:42 AM
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Focusing
Posts: 5730
Joined: 5/19/2007
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I'm doing a study on intercessory prayer and came across this statement:
Whenever we step back from our close identification with God’s interest and concern for others and step into having emotional sympathy with them, the vital connection with God is gone.
It's one of those things you read and it's a lightbulb moment, and at the same time you think "yeah, that's so basic." It reminds me once again how easily we can be swayed from His purposes, how easily something (emotional sympathy for another's situation) can distract us (from direct and constant communication with Him), and how we need to always be on guard. It doesn't mean we can't be compassionate for others, but it does mean we need to keep ourselves intently focused on God while we intercede for them.
Being one who needs to "see and do" in the process of learning, I picture a need to put on blinders to help keep my eyes and mind focused on Him. As I get older and my walk with Him becomes closer, I recognize the distractions more easily and correct my steps. I put on the armor of God every morning. I have others who intercede for me. I tend to view these distractions as spiritual warfare, and I have learned to ask for help in the form of additional prayer when I'm really struggling.
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"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/7/2008 11:11:57 PM
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Focusing
Posts: 5730
Joined: 5/19/2007
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Why Go To Church?
'Church Goer' wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'
This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this ... they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.'
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today! When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
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"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/8/2008 11:03:20 AM
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Focusing
Posts: 5730
Joined: 5/19/2007
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Pay so much for clothes so small
Was this shirt made for me or my doll?
Is this all I get?
Quoted out of another thread ... by Ed (sorry, gotta continue the rhyming theme)
This reminds me of the time my sister went into a women's clothing store, picked out two tops, brought them to the counter and asked why they were charging the same price for the two shirts.
One was a size 2 itty bitty spaghetti strap top, the other, a size 24 long sleeved tunic-type top.
LOL
One used about 10 times as much fabric as the other (they were the same type of fabric, btw) and they were charging the same price.
Maybe it's just me and my sister, but we found it hysterical!
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"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/8/2008 11:14:20 AM
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iwillfearnoevil
Posts: 3644
Joined: 11/6/2007
From: upstate NY
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don't be sorry ... barlowgirl rocks!
that is funny story :) did the clerk roll their eyes at you?
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Photoblogging my life
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/8/2008 4:23:17 PM
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hotsaucygma
Posts: 2883
Joined: 4/12/2005
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"ChurchGoer's" Why go to church makes me think of something Joyce Meyer says -
Going to church doesn't make someone a Christian any more than sitting in a Garage all day makes them a car.
I guess ya gotta listen to those sermons and absorb the meaning if not the "letter" of them, hmm?
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Dear Lord, let my words today be as sweet and delicious as cheesecake... for tomorrow I may have to eat them!
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/8/2008 11:18:16 PM
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makarizo
Posts: 2927
Joined: 4/13/2005
Status: online
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I am definately NOT a 'rockin chick', but I do like the freedom of movement at the sunday morning service.
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/8/2008 11:20:00 PM
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Focusing
Posts: 5730
Joined: 5/19/2007
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LOL!!!
Rockin Doer just got Super Member status!!!!
_____________________________
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/10/2008 1:04:27 AM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16705
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Focusing
Why Go To Church?
'Church Goer' wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'
This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this ... they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.'
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today! When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
WOW, now that was good!
quote:
"You have heard that it was said, 'you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous
Now I have been pondering starting a thread on this subject. What does it really mean to pray for those who persecute you? IOW, what do we pray for, that they stop doing what they are doing? I know that we should pray for our enemies, but just am not sure what to pray about it all.
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/10/2008 1:25:07 AM
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Focusing
Posts: 5730
Joined: 5/19/2007
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I think that would be an excellent thread! I've had some excellent mentors since being saved ... that's been about ten years now ... and I've learned a lot of views about praying and why people pray and how people pray and what specifically they pray about/for and what exactly is the purpose of prayer, etc.
I would definitely participate if you do start one ... where would you put it? In FaithWalk?
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"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/10/2008 1:26:49 AM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16705
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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Yes Sam, probably faithwalk. That would make the most sense, either there or somewhere in theology if it fits, however I want a practical down-to-Earth discussion on it and not some theological thingy at all.
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/10/2008 1:35:32 AM
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Focusing
Posts: 5730
Joined: 5/19/2007
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I agree. No mumbo jumbo.
_____________________________
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/10/2008 1:39:40 AM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16705
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
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Ok, I just stated the thread, it can be found here: Praying For Your Enemies
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 5/12/2008 12:07:59 PM
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Focusing
Posts: 5730
Joined: 5/19/2007
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The munchkin and I are reading through James together, and this morning we started chapter 2.
It advises against showing favoritism ... and I got to thinking. How often do we show favoritism? Do we discriminate either for or against others based on their appearance ... are they naturally beautiful? Are they beautiful through artificial means (plastic surgery, lots of makeup)? Do they have a lot of flashy jewelry? Are they wearing high-end designer clothing? Do we think another person is better because of these things? Would we have a tendency to defer to them? Does it suggest a sense of superiority?
How about someone who is intellectual? Do they use it as a tool of arrogance? Do they use it to claim a superior position over others? Do we defer to them because of their intellect?
How about someone who is wealthy? Do they use it as a means to show off? Are we so easily impressed by their show of materialism that we defer to them in awe of all their things?
Now, how about someone who is poor? Perhaps someone who is a homeless person? A drunkard? A drug addict? How do we act towards them? Do we feel superior because we don't live in their shoes? Suffer their afflictions? Because we have more than they do?
When I encounter someone for the first time, what is my first impression of them? Why? What caused me to have that impression? Was it noticing their appearance? Was it their personality? Was it they way they chose to express themselves ... with words, actions, material things?
There is so much to say on this subject. On these sentences that start off the second chapter in the book of James. This is one of the reasons why I love this book of the Bible ... it's so direct and to the point. He says so much with so few words. He cuts to the quick. No beating around the bush. Just a few sentences causes us to ponder our actions, question our thoughts, better ourselves to be more like Christ ... loving all through Him.
_____________________________
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14
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I'm a wuss about that kind of thing. 
I had to bring them home yesterday. Well, obviously so I can enjoy them over the weekend, but the office shuts off the A/C and that's a major flower killer in these parts. 
