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| REPORT 'em! Or better yet.... |
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Once in a great while in my wanderings among the many blogs and user profiles of MyChurch, I’ve come across some pretty raunchy stuff. Drugs, alcohol, sex, crude humor, even stuff that disrespects God. I owe it to my brothers and sisters of MyChurch, especially younger users, to do something other than merely move on and pretend I didn’t see what I’d just looked at. Well, there’s this neat little feature here on MyChurch.org called the “Report” button!
But wait! As convenient as that Report option is, is it always the best option? In life, is convenient always best??
May I suggest a little attempt at dialogue before the Report button is clicked? You might be amazed at what can happen when we stop and show a little sincere interest in a person’s well-being. I have made more than one friend after gently inquiring about questionable blogs or profile page content. I know of another case where a troubled youngster actually linked up with some much needed ministry after a well meaning person got past some rough initial dialogue and was able to reach a heart.
I know, at first sight our initial reaction is often to become repulsed, to view objectionable content as the product of a steadfastly rebellious soul dead set against the Lord and all other authority. But if we try to remain conscious of the Holy Spirit at work within us, another sight may present itself. The sight of a struggling young person crying out for help, for attention, for anyone with a concern for them. It’s easy for us to blindly hit “Report”, unaware of the deeper issues involved. But Jesus specializes in opening eyes to the truth!
4:35 Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
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| To add a comment to "REPORT 'em! Or better yet...." |
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| February 28, 2008 |
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| You are so right! |
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| February 28, 2008 |
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Thanks Doyle!! You rock!
Pastor Tim, right on! Thanks for the comment & star! (The star is nice, but there is actually a message in this that I would say needs to go out to everyone on this site....but then, we'll just trust God to see to it that it goes out to who it needs to go to.) ps... This blog was inspired by our mutual friend!! |
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| February 28, 2008 |
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| I have not as of yet come across any sites like you have mentioned. Thank goodness! I do appreciate what you are saying. Sometimes when someone is hurting they will lash out and try to shock you when all they are really wanting is someone to care. As I am learning to explore I will remember this post. thank you. |
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| February 28, 2008 |
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I know Mike that you and Pastor Tim and a few others are always welcome to correct away. Thanks Mike.
Blessings,
David |
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| February 28, 2008 |
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Your sure are amazing at doing these blogs my young friend. 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. |
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| February 28, 2008 |
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You should also be aware of phishing...and that is a serious issue. Phishing is when through a mistaken false login, you give away your security info and your site is sacked and hacked. Then the phishers do as they wish and in a Christian network community what do you think that will be?
Phishing is usually achieved by placing a false link on some obsure pic or graphic on a page that redirects you to login. But in your attempt to login on your page, instead you are on a duplicate page that is identical to the login page but it actually belongs to a hackers site...so you input your info and bang, they have gotcha.
Anytime you place your mouse over the login button, the site that pops up for mychurcy should read
http://www.mychurch.org/member/login/
If not, you are being phished and it happens all of the time.
It has happened to me three times. So before you jump down one's throat, be sure you have the right "enemy" in your sites.
Otherwise, I still agree with you Mike...the Bible specifically teaches us to approach in humility and privacy first...always |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| MIKE ONLY IF ALL SAINTS WOULD FOLLOW YOUR ADVICE....WE MUST ALL LOOK AT THE HEART OF THE ISSUE.....THANKS FOR POSTING.... |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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Hey, What this makes me think of is: When I was a kid there was a proving that I wanted to do. Prove that I could get away with stuff right under the older folks noses. The good news is back then we knew what guns were for. We use to ride our bikes down to the woods before daylight and then wait for something to shoot at (during season of course). But we never entertained the idea to point our guns at each other or another human being. Today with virtual video games, it's dangerous to be a young adult. Many don't know a deep respect for life. They train them to point their guns at each other. But I also agree with you, we need to try and keep communication open with people, but if the Spirit says lower the boom on em', we need to be ready to do that also. "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly (Prov.13:24)." Sadly, some do not receive that correction. R... |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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R- yes, some do not receive correction, which is why verses like this found their way into scripture: "A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence." Thanks for the comment!
Patrick, I am not sure what the connection is between phishing and approaching someone gently versus immediately reporting them. Not that phishing isn't a risk or an important topic. In fact, I don't believe I've ever seen a blog on phishing here...maybe God has called you to write one? (I'm not saying there isn't a connection, just that at the moment I'm too blind to see it! lol)
Really man, you have been phished 3 times? On MyChurch?? Laura has been phished once....very scary. Luckily I recognized what she did right away and took prompt action to secure ourselves. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened! So the title of your next blog will be "Secure yourself on the internet, or become an example of 1 Tim. 6:7" ..hahahaa
Rosie, my blessed sister, I appreciate seeing your endorsement!!!!!!!! |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| Megan....you called me your "young friend"....and for that I will forever love you! (hahaha!) Really though, thanks for your thoughtful comment. BTW, interesting that you posted that scripture. This morning as I drove to the bus stop, some guy first tailgated me then cut in front of me. I said something like "thanks jerk", then immediately that passage came to my mind - "but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." Let's say I wasted no time in repenting!! lol |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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R, your use of the verse is interesting but in these cases they are not your "sons." The Bible is also clear with the fact that we are to be discreet at first...and the boom as you call it is only to put them out...not harshly or with vengeance but with sorrow b/c of what is coming:
Mat 18:15 But if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear you, take one or two more with you, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he neglects to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen and a tax-collector.
1Co 5:5 to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
The following verse seems to give the occasion for open dispute and another example when Paul rebuked Peter but there is a difference here
1Ti 5:20 Those who sin, rebuke before all, so that the rest also may fear.
Timothy was their pastor, and the sin Paul was referring to was open fornication known within the body but not confronted...so everyone needed to know that was absolutely unacceptable. Paul rebuked Peter in front of the other Jewish hypocits on behalf of the gentiles...and Paul knew Peter and vice versa. They had spent much time with eachother at that point in person...the key in both of these scriptures is the existence of a relationship...a personal touch. Something very difficult to have in here b/c really who knows what people really are like and how convenient tp have a medium of communication that offers a person to make up a personality for himself that is not an accurate portrayal of their true identity and we all just have no choice but to believe it.
At least these kids are being honest and open with their struggles...that can be managed. But I wonder if an accidental bug was to hit mychurch that allowed us to see into the history of eachothers websites how much questionable material we would find on the most "prominent" of Christians.
I say none of this as a disagreement but more of a concern of how your remarkd could be constrewed. There are many believers who feel it is their obligation to point out the mistakes of others and that is plain wrong...it is almost what they live for as if they have arrived on some plateau of perfection that allows them to pick up the perverbial stone using vague scriptures as their arsenal. If that is the case, I choose not to debate the authority to use scripture but to speak it myself:
Let he among you with NO SIN cast the first stone |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| Mike, there is no connection accept that when a site or blog seems inappropriate the benefit of the doubt that a phish has occured seems worthy..at least give the person the opportunity to be approached non-combatative...I was hoping to seem in agreement with you...guess that one flopped |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| MH, excellent, outstanding even |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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Hey, great blog! It is also awesome to see the willingness of others to reach out to those who outwardly are showing something is not okay in their hearts. Alot of Christians would simply walk away, or pray and walk. Reach out, this is cool.~ Great blog my dear young friend!~ |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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As Always.... Great Post Mike, You continue to open eyes and minds with your blog topics, and you point out real, wonderful, and relevant issues every time. I truly feel that you encourage my growth with Christ in the "cyber-relm" if that makes any sence... kudos!
Patrick, I know what you mean about the phishing thing, I had no idea what it was until it happened to me.. we have to be careful, and aware. I dont think everyone has heard of this before, so I am glad you mentioned it! - many blessing to you brother!
Mike, I think what Patrick was trying to say as far as being relative to the topic is that you need to be sure the person you are approaching about the content on their page has not been phished....( this means they may not even know their mychurch page was innapropriate, because someone else could have "phished" - aka "hacked" into their account and put the questionable stuff on there )....so that is why I believe Patrick pointed out the possibility of phishing,
Of course your advice to be gentle and approach someone before reporting them is absolutly a wonderful idea, especially if the one you are contacting really did put something on their page that should not be there. We should never disregard a possible cry for help.
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| The world, the church, and the internet are filled with troubled and misguided young people, crying out in the most inappropriate ways for attention and help. They have grown up in a world that has taught them to fight for me,me, me above all else; a world in which anyone who's cool uses the worst of four-letter words in every other sentence; a world in which thanks to Hollywood, Cable tv, and the internet, they know no innocence, but are instead bombarded with eroneous messages of sex and violence; a world in which the worst imaginable scenario is to be without a boyfriend or girlfriend. Most of us did not grow up in their world and will never fully understand how they can adopt it. (Yet we adopted the rebellious world of our day, despite the better judgment of our elders.) These young people expect to be reported and pushed aside. They don't expect to be shown God's love. There does come a time when intervention is necessary, but love should definitely be our first response. These young people are strangers to us here, but they are also our own children, our friends' children, our family's children, for whom we all hope someone out there will take an interest and share God's love. Thanks, Mike, for reminding us to be that someone! |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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Aahhhhh... now I get the connection w/phishing Patrick. (Thanks Tammy!!)
Giving them the "benefit of the doubt that a phish has occured seems worthy". Of course it likely isn't a phish, but a definite possibility!!!
MH (Tim), I agree w/Patrick...outstanding observation!
Paul....lol, I love your comments, truth in an offbeat humorous way. You always bring a smile to my face!
Cheryl, yes reaching out is cool, way cool!!!! That is definitely in keeping w/Jesus' example!! (Glad to hear that I'm your young friend too! I knew there was a reason I liked you from the start! lol) |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| Tammy, you about made my day, thanks so much. What encouragement! I couldn't have a better encourager if I paid you! ....so glad to hear that this (and others) have contributed positively to your spiritual growth...wow, so humbling...is God good or what?!? |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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R, I didn't think you were suggesting lowering the boom on people in the body that we don't even know personally....just thought I'd put that out there.....
Kathy, there is so much truth in your comment I don't even know where to begin. Basically, much of todays generation of youth are being seriously squeezed by the world, and by extension Satan - don't we who are mature owe it to them to set as strong an example of spiritual maturity as possible? These are the fruit they need to see!! Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against these there is no law, and for good reason! When we see them acted out, how beautiful, how alluring! Kids desperately need to see these things! |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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Mike once again great observation, excellent advice. I like you have run across a blog or two here on MyChurch that imo was not appropriate... I first prayed and asked for guidance.. and sent a private email... both times it was recieved gracefully... and these were adults... not children.
Another time I had to report because of who I believe was a "potential" pedafile... not sure if I'm spelling it correctly.... I wasn't just thinking about my own daughter who has a page here, but other people's children as well.
Thanks again.
Pastor Aminata |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| Excellent advice Mike! |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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R, I would also like to clarify that i didnt think you were suggesting we go out bashing, but i did and do feel the need to clarify things b/c there are many who do take those verses to the extreme...sorry if that was taken wrong...and i would also like to clarify that we are to stand strong in our convictions and that there are times when that requires us to bring rebukes...but as in all things everything done should be done w the intent on glorifying God and fro the well being of the individual in question |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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| Hey, that last one was me logged in as my wife...oops |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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lol
And it figures Patrick, her profile has the best pics of you! |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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Somewhere deep behind these tears you have brought upon me there is joy |
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| February 29, 2008 |
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Someone leave cuss word on my picture last week. I reported them. But my overseer say he not want to delete. At first I not understand why, but then I think about it and realize he is looking out for me. Because if he delete the person right then, then that person will know JUAN is the one who reported them, and then that person may try to come back and get me even worse. So, i agree to let that person not be deleted for now until they make many people angry.
I also try to send person message ask why they did it. Person email me back and say "What you talking about, I not do anything" But then I send them picture of screenshot I took of what they did. They never responded to me after that.
Oh well, it is no biggy because Juan has forgiven them now. Juan still has screenshot if anyone want to see send me email. |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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Hey Patrick, Sorry to hear about your fingers, you are in my prayers. As far as the proverbs verse saying son's, here is the way that I look at it. Today's father's in some cases do not apply this principal from Proverbs. So if they won't, I will when there is the oppurtunity. ~ I will apply the principal and treat them as they were my own sons (or daughters), regardless if we are bloodlinked. Note Proverbs doesn't mention daughters here... so should we only correct the boys? Hardly! Hey Mike, Yes, I was talking about lowering the boom upon supposed believers, also. Here is an example that comes to mind. We use to attend a Rock and Roll Church (a Calvary ChapeI), an amongst the congregation, we sometimes noticed very young couples in the congregation, foundling one another in public. So if suspected fornication is happening in the Church, should adults treat these as our own sons and daughters and offer correction? I remember Paul talking about a similar experience in 1 Cor. 5 though the story isn't going to fit exactly with what we noted going on in this Church, it's the principal in the verse that does. My two cents, R... |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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I too ,have not as of yet come across any sites like you have mentioned.
If I did, I would try to help them first......
Like I am tryin got help my own sons!
Would I kick them off this site if I saw such a thing? NO
I would talk to them, let them know this isnt proper.
I have seen this at another Christian site I use to go to
A lot of younger kids there and I see alot of acting out going on
What was done about it, is what you just talked about!
If i can't help my fellow brother or sister, no matter what age,
then what kind of Christian am I?
2 Thessalonians 3:13
And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
Thanks Mike God Bless
great post!! |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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Donna, that's as beautiful an attitude as I've ever seen. And I marvel at you, as you seem to be a living breathing example of 2 Thess 3:13!!
R- if I saw two young people fondling during a worship service, and I was not their parent (or an usher w/responsibility for the worship atmosphere) I would......maybe alert their parents or an usher? I would probably not intervene myself, as I have no direct responsibility over them. I might make a comment on the side to them if the problem continued over an extended period, as in weeks (because if the problem continued I would assume the proper ones responsible for the youths' behavior were aware and simply not acting). I tend to give the responsible parties every opportunity to offer correction first.
I'm also a little uncomfortable with "lowering the boom" on anyone, b/c I know God could rightfully "lower the boom" on me!! But in love and concern I would be comfortable spurring others on to greater holiness. I appreciate reading your perspective! |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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Hey Mike, Maybe I could do the same thing as you, if I was lead by the Spirit to do that, fair enough? Now, I want to ask you a question, could you do what I have done, if you believed the Spirit was leading you to do it? This verse, "he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one - 1 Cor.2:15," says to me, we do have the responsibility. But while people wait to contact someone and see if the thing will be corrected... girls are getting pregnant and winding up down at the abortion clinic. Who then, will God hold responsible? I'd rather ask forgivness for overstepping than thinking I needed more permission. R... |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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Mike,
As usual, you have a great blog. It is so easy to just "turn off" the offense without seeking to express the love of Christ to them. We're so busy protecting ourselves we can forget about them and their spiritual needs. But I also agree with a few of the other comments - like Patrick's. When leaving information, know that you are telling the person how to reach you and you open yourself up to "whatever." Still if we care, it's right to risk a little for the sake of the Kingdom. Just remember Jesus words to "be wise like. . . " |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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| thanks for being brave and taking a stand, and better yet, thanks for opening upand risking yourself to seek out what others need instead of just shutting the door in there face. kudos to you..... |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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I see where you are coming from R- , you are looking down the road. I am not so sure that my own intervention in the church building would be enough to stop such a couple from having sex elsewhere later on. Though if the Spirit led me to intervene I hope that I would have the courage, discretion, and sensitivity to do so.
Francine and sherirkelley - thank you for the amen!
Gene - you bet it can be risky to engage people for the sake of Christ, and them. Interesting that you are the first to mention the risk factor. When we trust God, the risk is minimal. Good points! |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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I haven't had time to read all the comments. I definitely believe being led by the Spirit is vital. Anyone with an open, willing heart will receive and counsel.
I have seen blogs that get into topics of "interpretation of scripture". I guess plainly put...area of doctrine that really doesn't matter in the light of eternity. In these blogs specific people are attacked and slammed. I believe it is dangerous ground to "touch God's anointed". We may not all agree about things like, prosperity, speaking in tongues and others...but it is most definitely not God's will for us to slam other who don't believe what we believe. Based on the tone of the blogs and the number of them (by a few people)...I don't believe that these people will change.
I want to make it clear that we are all entitled to our believes and the expression of them...however not to put down others who believe differently. I have reported blogs like this. There is was way to share.... much like your blog about eternal security, Mike.
Thanks for sharing, will definitely keep my heat open for the Godly way to respond to each blog.
~Robin |
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| March 01, 2008 |
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Robin, thanks for adding your purple perspective! So you've seen arguments over scripture??? I don't believe you! (lol - just kidding!!)
As long as we live on this earth there will continue to be differences over interpretations of scripture. But they don't have to turn into arguments as long as we put humility and concern for others above our personal esteem. It's hard to see those who going around "slamming" those who disagree in this way. Glad you know how to use the Report feature, I'm sure you will use it wisely (and compassionately). |
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| March 02, 2008 |
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Hey, phishing happens. It happened to me.
My domain host was infiltrated and my website was hijacked for a time, and some people on this website did not appreciate it as apparently it hijacked their browser and redirected them to some porn site or something. I didn't figure it out for a few weeks, because everytime I logged in after a complaint, it looked fine, because I have pop-up blocker activated.
So, one day, I noticed that my pop-up blocker was activated when I looked at my own website. Upon investigation, I saw some suspicious looking embedded additions to the code behind the top of my page. I kept uploading the original page only to find that a few days later, the mysterious code was back. Eventually, I changed my password and that stopped the problem. |
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| March 02, 2008 |
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Grant, thanks for sharing that. There are many many many web users who jus haven't got a clue about the dangers. These risks are pretty simple to mitigate too, all it takes is awareness and some simple adjustments.
ps... The importance of good passwords, changed regularly, cannot be emphasized enough!
ps2... Grant, maybe you could blog on your experience! :-) |
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| March 02, 2008 |
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Hold the phone...Robin in case you were speaking of me without speaking to me, I was not attacking. If we cannot sit an talk about different view points without calling it an argument that is a person character problem. I discuss interpretation b/c clarification needs to be made. And I am going to continue as I see fit untli I see agression step in...then I realize the intent of clarification is not being realized and feelings have been hurt. A blog is supposed to be a forum for discussion, not just a person's opinion that everyone is supposed to be aggreeing with.
R...people generally use exclamation points to show increasing emotion...I would hapoe you did not get upset back there. Now as to your reference to th"as the Spirit leads"...I was playing a concert years ago when I looked and saw a young teen boy yanking on his sisters hair...could hardley believe it, he had a fistfull of her hair and was yanking to obviously get her out of her seat and none of the adults would stop him. For a split second I battled w/ what to d so I just stopped in the middle of the song...band still playing and yelled at that boy "you stop that!!! we are not going to be singing to the Lord while you are doing that here!! " Then I told the youth leaders to get on the ball and get some resolution and that I was not going to be ministering while that was going on...
As a youth pastor I have phisically grabbed up kids...as a church member I have come down on them and as a neighbor I have also intervened...so I am not non-confrontational by any means and I can easily agree with being led by the spirit to do anything if it His leading and not personal agenda...but I still stand by he fact that you cannot force someone to see you as a father...you cannot force that role unless you have some personal connection.
Confronting someone that is from your church where you hopefull have some ground of relationship is a horse of a different color that a peson all over someone b/c that person wont tolerate something they are doing b/c he feels it is wrong... whether he has all the facts or not. And that is what I see in a lot of people in the church and that is wrong. You will never stand as my child's father unless he "gives" you that role...the same across the board. And Ifeel clarification is needed for the gunslinging Christians who use rubuke not as a tool to help someone in err turn right but instead as a means of furthuring their own self justifications by beliteling others. And I would think you would not wnat your statements to be constrewed to be the grounds for Christians killing Christians
The fornication issue I am right with you on...it is clear to get that out from among us. But on a forum like this, with all of the possiblilities my whole point was before we stand ready to pounce, first make sure we have the facts which was the whole purpose of the phishing thing...
This is no way an argument from my seat..a discussion and, Robin, if your comment was in reference to me, please in future address me directly. I believe a good discussion does not have to turn ugly and can be very educational for ALL who are in it. I have learned over the years that often those who are arguing can be saying the same thing with different language usages and never realize that.
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| March 02, 2008 |
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Patrick (and R-), in situations were urgency is needed and there is no one else to take control, I wouldn't hesitate to intervene, having already done so plenty of times in the past. Depending on the degree and nature of the activity you described R-, I might well intervene in that sitation too. I mean really, if we're worshiping the Lord and some youngsters are acting like they're out on a date, in the back of a car or something.....yeah, I can see myself saying/doing something.
In a situation like that though, it is much harder to address the root issues of rebellion, rejection, self-loathing, emotional pain, etc than when we find inappropriate content on a site like this. Here we can take our time, pray about our response, type and re-type until the message sounds "right".
And btw, I am pretty sure Robin wasn't referring to anything in this blog, but perhaps others where people have actually become abusive towards one another. Fortunately I believe that's exceedingly rare. |
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| March 02, 2008 |
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Awesome blog Mike!
Jeremy |
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| March 02, 2008 |
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Add On:
I agree with you 100 percent. Many times we are so ready to report someone; however God has opened up a window of opportunity to us to minister to them right here on MyChurch. The mission field is now open to unlimited possibilities.
Jeremy |
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| March 03, 2008 |
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Jeremy, great point dude! MyChurch = mission field, just like my neighbor = mission field, and my workplace = mission field or my school = mission field.
Always knew you were missions minded! :-0 |
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| March 03, 2008 |
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Hey Saint Patrick, Spot on. Good show. Now Mike... I'm not picking on you I'm just taking what you said and using it as a springboard to further what I want to try to put into my own words. This is against no one, it is what I try to communicate about my own views; that's all. Mike said, "I see where you are coming from R- , you are looking down the road. I am not so sure that my own intervention in the church building would be enough to stop such a couple from having sex elsewhere later on." Yes, you are right (please note that I said this). But I'd rather have God look at the record at what I've done and see that I risked this intervention, than for Him to look at what I thought about doing... and then have to ask why I basically did nothing. So again, if you (any reader here) are so lead to do what you do... then do it and may the Lord be with your decision. However to me, if the risk is the prevention of the shedding of innocent blood (which in many cases it ends up in this), then I will do what I've done to maybe stop it. Again, I'd rather ask for forgivness than permission to intervene. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. And all we have to do is look at how God purged sin out of the camps of Jews, to realize He takes it seriously. So should we. It's the same at the abortion clinic (Planned Parenthood), we go down there with never more than 10 people, most of the time 2, and we know the odds of them killing more than we can talk out of it... is greater than we can prevent. But still, we are there. They will kill about 4,000 children TODAY, many are the product of no one taking any action... on what they saw right under their noses. R... |
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| March 03, 2008 |
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"if you are so lead" ....These are wise words R-, I could not agree more with you, brother. God bless! |
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| March 03, 2008 |
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Wow Mike your blogs always take on a life of their own. Not sure I followed all the comments properly, but I agree with your premise. It is always better to open an honest dialog with a brother/sister or potential brother/sister than just shut them out. Thanks for your wisdom once again here.
peace |
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| March 03, 2008 |
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Saint Patrick...spot on good show...what exactly does that mean? |
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| March 04, 2008 |
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| Totally agree! I always dig a little deeper before making that judgment, so to speak. You just just never know.......Thanks for this one Mike! Well done. |
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| March 04, 2008 |
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Thanks Glenn! Hey, I put the thoughts out there, and yes it's interesting to see where they are taken from there!
I appreciate that more than you can know, Valarie! |
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| March 04, 2008 |
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| Thanks Jairah! Good point, we should think before criticizing....then much of the time we probably wouldn't criticize at all, right? Amen! |
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| March 04, 2008 |
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Yep, this is so true Mike. My first encounter with with somethin like this was a lady on here that claimed the earth was about about to get took over, and if you won't on the "blue" list you was gonna get killed.
Me and Rich thought is was funny at first, but then we started talkin to her and found out that she was a good person inside... crazy, yes... but still a good person that just needed some friends. |
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| March 04, 2008 |
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We're called to love our neighbor; to turn the other cheek. To love and encourage each other!
I've found that when I take the liberty of writing something, I must be prepared for the possibility of someone disagreeing or misunderstanding what I've written. I write about what I know best: God's miraculous work of pulling a human being out of despair, and remaking that piece of mud into His creation. I write about everyday life.
Your post? Terrific! |
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| March 05, 2008 |
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| :-) thanks Joey! Yeah, I really couldn't agree more, seeing that miraculous work in my own life. |
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| March 05, 2008 |
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Contagious does not want to interrupt you guys, but have you seen my banana? I’m hungry! |
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| March 05, 2008 |
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| Interrupt? Not at all. Welcome to the conversation! ...btw, what banana? |
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| March 05, 2008 |
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This is so awesome!! How many people would be drawn into the Lord's kingdom instead of chased away if we would approach them in love instead of judgement!!??
What would we have all done if The Lord would have rejected us and judged us instead of drawing us with love?? John 6:44.
He took the judgement of all our sin on Himself!
How can we not show compassion, longsuffering, and love to a struggling individual?
Great Word here!! |
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| March 05, 2008 |
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WOW MIKE YOU HAVE SUCH A WONDERFUL WRITING SKILL. I DON'T :-(...
EXCELLENT POST |
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| March 06, 2008 |
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| isn't any hate-filled or bigotted blogs that are posted on a MYCHURCH site done for shock value. either by a youth or someone that has 30yrs of hurt. pint up. If come across one of those I take it as a command to hit my kness for them and show Christ's Love. The one that scares me are the one's that say all the right things and seem to have it all together but really are hiding much pain and hurt.Give me a tax collector over a pharisee anyday. I can only pray that someone will show me grace and love when I fall short. Because at some point trust me I will need it.Exspecailly when GOD sees all SIN as the same no big no small all the same. |
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| March 08, 2008 |
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| Great blog good to see how we all respond to sin.....I sometimes imagine how God deals with all of us and our sins and has enough grace and mercy for us all...I hope sinners are welcome here......I really pray so....Let us encourage hurting souls that as much as we hate their sin the Christ in us loves the sinner. We need to confront ....it will not always be pleasant but a way to let them know that ...To God be the glory i could have been the one on the other side. Never forget the best things in life are free. |
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| March 08, 2008 |
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sugar....amen, thanks for sharing, it means a lot!!
amen Rick....we will not be shaken, let us remain determined to share Christ's love. |
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| March 11, 2008 |
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| Wow! You've seen a lot more than I have. I appreciate your knowledge and wise counsel to initiate a dialogue that just might change a life. You never know what goes on in other people's lives, and all they may need is a little bit of encouragement, redirection, and love, to get them right back on track. I know, I personally have a son and daughter that I pray will be reminded of the things they know to be true, and the love the Father has for them, by those who cross their paths. May God contine to use you in this media. |
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| March 11, 2008 |
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| Bravo, Bravo, Well done my good fellow. I know I'm a little late in responding, But better late than never, I often catch myself digging deep in scripture, you know, trying to get the most out of His teachings. I mean, we don't want to be the first to pick up a stone right, or take the splinter out of ones eye. I wonder sometimes Mike, are these the lepers that Jesus went to and healed? or did he want us to interpet that healing the blind was aimed towards those that have'nt been told about his glory. And how about the sick, depression, low self esteem, emptyness. This ones tough how about casting out demons. Well anyways You are truly blessed with wisdom and insight. I say this because I once was both lost and blind. But because one man looked beyond my faults, back in the days when I use to drink, and told me that it was ok, that he loved me anyway. So then began my journey to serve Christ. All because someone told him to to leave the ninety-nine, just to go get that one little sheep. Thank you Mike for sharing scripture with us. God bless you both. |
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| March 12, 2008 |
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Amen DeeDee! Indeed we never know when that small kindness we show in the face of the expectation of judgment, disappointment or revenge could turn into a "dialogue that just might change a life". Thanks for sharing the vision!! Larry, thank you brother!! For the compliment and for sharing a little personal testimony and exhortation. All "because one man looked beyond my faults, back in the days when I use to drink, and told me that it was ok, that he loved me anyway." Isn't this how Christ captured each of our hearts? We realized that alone we were undeserving, unworthy, yet God showed loving kindness towards us anyway. God bless! |
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| March 15, 2008 |
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| When I log into My Church I see some raunchy advertising.....I wonder if there going to remove it.phil |
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| March 15, 2008 |
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Joshua - thank you!! CNSZ - please report any advertising you find offensive, there is a "Contact Us" link under "About" (below, at bottom of page) - ads aren't individually screened |
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| March 18, 2008 |
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We don't always ask for help in the form of "Hey would you help me?" Instead for whatever reason we give a mask of anger or rebellon, but in the back of that mask most of the time we are seeking Love and for someone who really cares even though we curse and cry. Good advise made, I agree with your blog and a star is placed in the box. Amen |
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| March 18, 2008 |
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| Hey Scotty, thanks for placing that star! |
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| April 10, 2008 |
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i report anything i think should be.. i only talk to them if they are my friends, or more corrrect on my friends list. i think.. they would rather i reported them and left talking to other people. |
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