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| Feeling childlike |
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5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, like dearly beloved children.
By God’s grace we can live a godly life. The more successful we are, the more our character will appear like that of Jesus our Savior before us.
I am reminded of a child who doesn’t really know what to do or how to do it, and therefore chooses to imitate a deeply admired parent, whose example is before them daily.
Yes, the Bible is full of exhortations to godly living. But as I’ve engaged God in a living relationship, his word has come alive (by the power of his Spirit). For me, acting on his word is very much like following his example, imitating what he has done and is doing, rather than following instructions in a manual!
These days I’ve been feeling very childlike too: vulnerable, disoriented, weak, perplexed. Yet as I’ve sought to continue following God, occasionally it’s felt as though I’m taking baby steps in the right direction. Like following a grownup through the snow, simply following the footsteps I see, big enough for my feet to fit right into. Uncertainty is minimized if I follow what I see.
If I appear to be a godly man, the credit and the glory most definitely go to the one whose example I’ve been following. There’s absolutely no room for pride. I’m nothing more than a childlike imitator.
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| To add a comment to "Feeling childlike" |
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| June 04, 2009 |
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Hey, I've been there too! childlike that is =] |
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| June 04, 2009 |
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Me too. God gets all the glory and I give Him my Highest Praise.
I am His child and I think about the game Simon Said and following His example is like that...God Said....Love, Serve, Witness and we imitate Him :) |
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| June 04, 2009 |
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I'm always childlike (maybe because I refuse to growup ? hmmm) anyway, great blog |
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| June 04, 2009 |
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| June 04, 2009 |
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Baby steps in the right direction are actually BIG steps........woooooohoooooooo amen? Love this: Uncertainty is minimized if I follow what I see. |
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| June 04, 2009 |
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Great post! Praise God...
I have been pondering this quote for a few weeks now and thought it was so true.
Words of Wisdom "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." - James Baldwin
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| June 05, 2009 |
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| I'm chidlike all the time, but I think that is cause of my disability. =D |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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I truly believe God falls in love with you over and over when you are in your childlike ways... for you're open and free for Him to play with you.
Oh, He is fun!
I love you, and you have my respect... and prayers, dear friend. |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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A child imitates their parent because they know that they should be like them. They are walking, then so should we. There is a major difference between a child imitating their parent and a Chimpanzee imitating a human. The first has the same nature and the latter is merely an amusing sham. We have become partakers of the divine nature, Peter tells us. We are one spirit with the Lord, Paul tells us. We can do what we do because of who we are...but who we are, we are by faith. Faith sees the unseen, not the seen. We may feel like the chimp but we are the child, but it does take faith to see it and experience it. :-)
Good one Mike!
Craig |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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I love being a child too Mike and doing what my Daddy does. He left us many examples of Him to follow in His Word.......That's WHY I worship on the day HE worshipped.....That's WHY I Celebrate the days HE celebrated....and that's WHY I Love the way HE loved........Except we come as a child...we shall in no wise enter the Kingdom of God
Great blog ;o) |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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I teared up Mike, I mean real tears messing with my Maybelline after Stu wrote of sad situation with a couple who took their lives after their son died, I was ripe for a good cry and this is just so beautiful that by the time I am at THIS word they are flowing down my face. Did you ever take one of your kids and they step on your feet facing you and you hold their hands and walk with them (they are going backwards not looking behind but fully into your face). I have with my grandkids and kids. Well, that is more like where I am with Christ these days. Not even following but holding on and walking backwards with trust with my feet firmly planted on His and I feel Him laughing and enjoying it. I want so much more of Him. I can't handle anything without Him. It is too wearying to feel so much and not have Him carry me. Giving up on the make up today. It is gonna be a drencher. I love you brother. Bubba Steve...this is just gonna have to be a group hug !!!!!!!!! |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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Amy - PERFECT quote!! :) Bubba, when you mentioned "baby steps" in your message, I had to stop and wonder if I'd already posted this or not! Terry, I WANT him to get all the glory! If I'm imitating, then I can't get much of the blame either! lol Cindy, we don't need to be mystics, we have an example that people saw then wrote about. It would be different if this guy never walked the earth, but praise God he did!! Oh the wonder of it!!! Juanita...amen to the group hug! Regarding standing on a parent's feet looking backwards, what a great illustration! Never thought of it that way, but maybe that's more like where I've been too for the last couple months. Really, the rug was pulled out from under me on Mar. 11, and since then my trust in the Lord has gone up quite a few notches. And my adoration of him as well! MarJay, that is one thing I really like about you. You do what he did. Even if it's things he didn't intend for you to do, who can fault you for following the example? (Like if I saw you riding a donkey into your church one Sunday, I would have to question that, LOL.) |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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Craig, wow, great comment! Very insightful. Are you a pastor or something? :) You said "A child imitates their parent because they know that they should be like them." To a degree I believe this is true, but I think it's more than that. A kid imitates a parent that they admire. This definitely separates the human child from the chimp! (Though I know some evolutionists that might disagree! LOL) But more than just the child knowing they should be like the parent they admire, the child actually wants to be like that parent, takes pleasure, or finds security in being like that parent. These are some of the reasons I seek to be like my Savior!!! Thanks so much for adding your 2 cents! (Actually it was more like $200! lol) |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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Penny, Maureen, and Sharon, THANK YOU for reading and commenting/starring. I'm glad you enjoy being childlike like me! Megan, I've been accused of having a disability, nothing to be ashamed of being childlike! Joey....YOU are one of the biggest reasons I love MyChurch so much, and simply can't leave. :) (seriously, sister!) |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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| Hi "Bubbles"! Nothin to say today? hehe |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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| ps... THANKS for letting me know you enjoyed this, sister :) |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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| LOL...Noooooo I wouldn't be ridin no donkey.......Now if riding a donkey was written in THE LAW and GODS COMMANDMENTS.....I would (smile).....Everything else is.....That's the difference....So I keep the law and His Commandments....just like JESUS did.....You can't fault me for that?????......I'ze just a child ;o) |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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MarJay....LOL, I love ya sister! Hi Marcella! Thanks for the beautiful star! :) |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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"Like following a grownup through the snow, simply following the footsteps I see, big enough for my feet to fit right into." I LOVE that analogy!! Great blog. Love you! :) |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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What a wonderful message. This past bit of time, me not having it all together, was the Lord teaching me what He wanted to teach me - I am not in control. LOL
God is in control!! Thank you for being you. May God continue to bless you & your family. |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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Panda, you always share such wonderful words of encouragement....thank you for being such a blessing!
Warren, lol. Amen bro...poor in spirit. |
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| June 05, 2009 |
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| June 06, 2009 |
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Did someone say donkey? My ears are ringing... |
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| June 06, 2009 |
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| I do want to add that when children imitate their parents, they want to get approval. Who doesn't want to make their parents proud? I'm 45 and I still do! This hee haw business might not cut it though (old people, you know, too childish). Hee haw! I don't care, Hee haw hee haw. |
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| June 06, 2009 |
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I am reminded of an old joke.
A preacher was surprised when someone from his congregation who usually only had negative things to say told him he was a model preacher. Curious, he looked up the word model. Model - an imitation of the real thing.
If we work at imitating GOD people will take note of our efforts. They will know how committed we are. They will know how hard we work at it. Most will realize they could never do what we do.
But if we become as little children in our relationship with our heavenly Father people will notice our Father working in us. They will know that we are what we are because of whose we are. Most will realize this is "doable".
Postcards I climbed into my Father's lap to sit for a while
Always a safe place and I like to see Him smile
But today was different as a tear fell from His eye
Confused by this I just had to ask Him why
He then showed me a postcard He was holding in His hand
I read the words written there but I did not understand
I am here and you are not and that makes me glad
Whenever I think of how you treated me it makes me mad
Confused I asked my Father what these words could mean
Never an unkind word or act by Him I'd seen
He then told a story of another much like me
A child of the kingdom enjoying their liberty
But one day they were enticed by one who promised much
Off on an adventure of excitement, pleasure and such
Soon the postcards came with cheerful news galore
Life experienced now was better than before
But then the postcards stopped and I did not hear from him
Until the day I got a card but the picture on it was dim
His heart was heavy and I could hear a distant cry
This innocent child was trapped living in a lie
Everyday I mail a postcard to this little one
By birds, flowers and the setting of the sun
But he never receives my postcards in this prison he is in
You cannot see GOD's postcards when you are blinded by sin
Saddened by my Father's words I look into His eyes
It hurts me so much whenever my Father cries
"Can I go play now would it be okay"
Smiling He lowers me and I am on my way
To my room I go there is something I must do
Father will be happy whenever I am through
With paintbrushes and colors I work to create
Now that I am finished for Him to see I cannot wait
Barging into the throne room past the watching guard
I'm supposed to knock but remembering is hard
Father with amusement once again beckons the guard away
He knows that I only do this when I have something important to say
Climbing into my Father's arms I show Him my prize
He looks at my gift and tears fill His eyes
I do not understand why my "postcard" made Him cry
Of birds and flowers with the sun setting in the sky
"Oh Father, I am sorry please do not be sad"
"My little one these tears are because I am glad
This postcard you have given speaks volumes of your heart
Especially when you wrote, I love you and never will depart"
.....peace.....
Mike, my parents moved a lot when I was growing up. I didn't have a say in any of the moves. I didn't think of it. I was just a kid. This was how it was. And everytime we moved they took me with them. Of course, I expected them to.
As an adult I realize now the moves were based on things like military obligation, job opportunities, what was best for the family. Back then, I didn't look at the big picture but just the little world I lived in. I was a pretty happy kid.
We have a heavenly Father. He has a reason for every season. Being a child we get sad when we have to say goodbye, we get our feelings hurt, and sometimes we fear what is ahead. But after tears we take His hand and move on. Such is the life of a child of GOD.
.....peace.....
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| June 06, 2009 |
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Gordon, most insightful, thanks!! I am hoping that if others look at me, they will see the results rather than the "work" that goes into it. For me, scripture presents the clearest image of the One that I seek to imitate. Occasionally I see others who are also imitating, and their imitation being close to the real thing serves as yet another example. I am reminded of the words of Paul who said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Cor 11:1) And for me to succeed in imitating, in overcoming my sinful nature which looks nothing like the example I follow, I NEED the Holy Spirit (God) to work in me! Lovely poem!! Reminds me of something I once read about Pres. Kennedy's son, barging into the Oval Office and climbing onto dad's lap, not really understanding the power his dad had over the entire nation and free world. To him, he was just "Daddy". Talking mule, approval is indeed on our minds!!! Great point! (heehaw! lol) General note... Such lovely words. Isn't this website just the best? |
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| June 06, 2009 |
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Had it not been for myChurch, I wouldn't have myFriends!!
Anxiously waiting for morning to come
to see what you folks wrote this bum.
Hoping to find what's always there
Words from friends who really do care!
The Talking Mule 6-6-09 |
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| June 06, 2009 |
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| Lord may we imitate You! |
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| June 06, 2009 |
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| Welcome back Angie!! (Hoping to see Papacop around too!) |
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| June 07, 2009 |
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The simplicity of Christ.... |
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| June 07, 2009 |
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So, Mike.....
Have you been skipping rope today? Or have you been playing with your yo-yo? I was thinking about you earlier. Praying for you as I was playing with the girls.
I hope you've laughed today. Real belly laughter. If not.... I'll help ya.
Chow for now...
Joey |
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| June 07, 2009 |
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| "Fun" is such a serious word, Joey. Don't you think? |
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| June 09, 2009 |
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Unlike following humans as an example, following Christ, we cannot go wrong. Sure we will still make mistakes, but our intentions will be obvious if we follow the One who is leading us! Another great blog Mike! How do you do it? lol |
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| June 09, 2009 |
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| Best of all Deb, HE gets the credit (and the glory) for any apparent successes. It's a win-win! .....How do I do it? lol, IDK! Guess I'm pretty honest about some of my struggles? :) |
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| June 10, 2009 |
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This is the one you were working on on the bus! Haha, glad to see you finished it :) |
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| June 13, 2009 |
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Beautiful blog. There is this song by Misty Edwards who is a singer at the IHOP in KC it is long but beautiful and I think it relates to this blog well... it says:
I can hear the song of the Creator singing over creation
I can Play the flute with did you Dance
I sing the wedding song over you when you romanced
and I play the funeral march did you lament
I told You my judgements
when you were in the land
but did you repent
But even children know when to dance
even children know when to lament
and I play the flute for You to dance
and I sang the wedding song over You
While you romanced
and I played the funeral song
Did you lament?
I told you my judgements over the land
but did you repent
But even children know when to dance
even children know when to lament
What shall I liken into this generation
like children in a market place
You see we played the flute you did not dance
we played the funeral song, you did not lament
Oh God teach me how to dance
How to lament
show me what You are looking for
what kind of response You're asking of me
Baptist my heart with Your fire desire,
come and Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
come and Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
Cause I don't want to be offended, No I don't want to be offended
No I don't want to be offended, When its all going down
No I don't want to be offended, I don't want to be offended
God I don't want to be offended, When its all going down
Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
come and Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
come and Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
Once again You shook every thing that can be shaken
Jesus the desire of all nations
The only only safe place is in the center of the flame
The only safe place is YOU
Baptist my heart with your fire desire
come and Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
come and Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
Cause I want to be for You not against You
I want to be with You where You are
Cause I want to be for You not against You
God I want to be with You where You are
and I pledge my allegiance to Jesus, to Jesus
and I pledge my allegiance to the Lamb
and I pledge my allegiance to Jesus, to Jesus
and I pledge my allegiance to the Lamb
When the nations are raging against You
the nations are are at ease You
When the nations are raging against You
I want to be with You where You are, God
I don't want to be swept away with the wicked
and the wave of dissalusion
I want to be with You where You are
with You where You are
Baptist my heart with your fire desire,
come and Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
come and Baptist my heart with Your fire desire
Cause I don't want to be offended, No I don't want to be offended
No I don't want to be offended, When its all going down
No I don't want to be offended, I don't want to be offended
God I don't want to be offended, When its all coming down
and I pledge my allegiance to Jesus, to Jesus
and I pledge my allegiance to the Lamb
and I pledge my allegiance to Jesus, to Jesus
and I pledge my allegiance to the Lamb
to the son of David
to the Jewish capenter from Nazereth
when its all coming down
and when the nations are raging against Him
I pledge my allegiance to Jesus Christ of Nazereth
the Jewish King the son of David
the slain Lamb
Oh for i know that he He is the magnificent obsession
and He is the desire of the nations that turn it all around
in a just matter of time
I chose this day to love Him and to serve Him
and I chose this day to cling to Him and Him alone
for I chose to pledge my allegiance to Jesus, to Jesus
and I pledge my allegiance to the Lamb
when its all coming down
and once again You are going to shake everything that can be shaken
Righteous judge of all nations
beautiful bridgegrom, lover of my soul
do what You have to do, just come
and make the wrong things right come make the dark things light
and turn the world upside down
cause there is no peace until You come back Jesus
until You return, return return
Jesus please come back
for creation is groaning and waiting for Your return
Your the only man of peace that we want
the only king that we cry to come again
Jesus come, Jesus come again
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| June 13, 2009 |
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| Becky, those are beautiful lyrics, thank you for posting them. May the Word of God come alive for you too as you meet w/God daily! |
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| June 13, 2009 |
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| sorry I didn't spell check or re-read it many words are wrong, but you got the idea. |
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