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| Why I came off Mychurch.... |
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Hello all, Since there have been quite a few posts about gossiping on here I am going to let you all know why I came of Mychurch. For those who have ears to hear let them hear, for those that don't maybe they will get the message if others on mychurch refuse to engage in this behavior. First of all, I want to just want to give you a few scriptures that my decisions are based on... James 1:26 If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain. Then there is this scripture:
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
And finally, there is this one...
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Our father here is talking about other Christian's behavior, one of those being slander. Slander is telling outright lies about someone for whatever reason...If you are aware of that going on God's commandment to us is to not even eat with those that slander. Eating in the old covenant denotes a type of covenant. so in other words if we are willing to sit and casually listen we not only are partaking in those actions but we are supporting them. When we passively accept those behaviors repentence by that brother or sister that slanders are hindered. God gives us many guidelines in relating to other Christians. I have always found Gods advice the most sound advice
There are quite a few cliques on Mychurch. Cliques in themselves can be a breeding ground for false accusations. I have heard people accusing others of drug abuse (when it is NOT true): I have seen and heard some holding past sins against others as character flaws. I have seen many refuse friendships with other because of judgments. In the body if we judge past sins of others as "unforgivable"...then we are refuting the power of the blood sacrifice of Christ. We need to remember that those who are forgiven much love much. Those that admit, yes I did drugs, yes I had an abortion, yes I was engaged in homosexuality, yes I was a pedophile, yes I have been divorced...are by their testimony alone giving victory to Christ. When we refute the legitimacy of Christs power...then YOU are the ones that are saying Christ sacrifice was not good enough? Let me ask you this...Is salvation real? Is it total? Well, if it is then those issues should be settled. People who are courageous enough to tell us about the exact pit they came from should encourage us to stand with them AND give PRAISE to God for the life they now live in His grace and favor...
People ask me when I am going to come back to my church...I don't know, I will not cast pearls before swine (not saying you all are swine but some are and we find them in every single religious organization), But since this is the main reason I left, I won't be back until I see some fruit of repentance. And by the way, no need to answer this post and say it is not I...because I have seen the very ones that gossip make that claim on other blogs as fast as their fingers can type, it doesn't fool me. I'm going to say this too...do not think you will be exempt from the ramifications of your actions because whatever is done in secret God WILL reveal in the open, let God be true and EVERY MAN a liar... 14:8 The wisdom of a prudent man is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. 14:9 God scorns the wicked, but the upright enjoy his favor.
God bless you brethren, Godspeed to repentance (if your involved) and I look forward to the day we can function in one body with all the parts in sync realizing our very special role in Kingdom business...In Him, Lori
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| To add a comment to "Why I came off Mychurch...." |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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WOW. This is a really GREAT blog sister. It speaks the truth, and down to the core. I have seen more and more of this type of concern out here. I have seen this behavior in local churches, but out here where most of us have not even met each other? Crazy, I must belong to the wrong clique, or the right one because I have no knowledge of this behavior. When speaking of others we must always glorify them, not slander. We must even watch out who we hang out with, because gossip and slander can suck you in. 20:19 He who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who speaks foolishly.
I commend you for having this courage to step away from the entire site, and write this type of a blog. Yes we should always think before we speak and remember is this what Jesus would do?
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Lori, I hope you won't leave. Although I have not observed the gossip and slander you have seen here, your words are important for us all. This may be a "mission field" for you, and I hope you'll keep writing as God leads. |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Thanks for sharing for feelings. I don't have a long speech but anyone can tell you if you feel like a friend you have choose has done this, delete them from your page, don't leave there are more good friends here than not so good. Remove the evil spirits from your space, say a pray for them and let them go and enjoy the positive but don't leave, that's satan plan is to break up what-ever is positive and that offers Kingdom Fellowship. Read and comment only on blogs that God leads you to and don't feel pressure you have to say anything. May God continue to Bless You and your family. STAY CONNECTED. |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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You're a bold woman, Lori. A real, Old Testament-style prophetess! Thanks for telling it like it is. We (I'm sure that includes me) need to hear it. But I hope you'll stay around My Church to stay connected, like Remarkable Terry said. |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Loriinfj,
I agree with Rebel and Kathy. I wish you would not go. As pastor of a church I see some hurtful things come my way more often than I would like. You are a very kind person so please keep in contact with us when you can.
I don't write as much as I did on any of the sites because I don't have that much time anymore but I left because of some words used also. I found I just could not stay away from my real friends on here. They just encourage me so much. I pray that eventually you feel the same. I love you sister. |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Dear Lori:
You have a Lord Lori, and if He is committed to MyChurch through you then you will have peace to share here; if not then you'll be missing out on where He is committed to.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10 ( ESV )
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
You have to know that it's the Lord that you be here and you have to have the shield of faith held high; you have to know who you are in Christ and who Christ is in you; you have to know what you believe and why you believe it; you have to see what He is doing in peoples lives and then speak what you hear him speaking.
This is a place of war; a place where all the winds of doctrine flow; a place where folks are operating in the flesh and a place where folks are operating in the Spirit. It's a place that you really need to have peace before the Lord to be. For you will be accepted and you will be rejected, you will receive mercy and you will be judged.
You choose your friends on MyChurch Lori; and you choose them wherever you are. There will always be some that hurt you and there will always be some that you hurt. We are the clay pot, He is the glory. He is our perfection. We may fail one another; He never fails us.
Shield up girl! Follow the peace!
Love you sis!
Craig |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Becky all I can think about is if we do not have love we have nothing...in the body we absolutely have to start loving each other even if others come from tainted pasts, or have made mistakes as Christians, in the same measure we measure out it will be measured out to us...this is one way Satan is winning in the body...Love the hair cut by the way!
Kathy, thanks! I have considered this being a mission field but there came a time where even Christ wiped off the dust from his feet and moved on when others chose not to hear him, these people are professing believers that are engaging in this...and I for one WON'T condone it, that is why I left mychurch....
Terry, the truth is I can stay connected in other forums, with my friends and my local churches. THE SAD thing is on sites such as blogger you get more support than you do here...Those are "non-Christian sites for goodness sakes! Christians sure are use to devouring each other and they do when it comes to doctrines...very sad indeed. I just won't be a part of tearing down the body nor will I act like it is not going on when I know it is.
THANKS Pastor Bob, Your just a dear man, I don't know if I am a prophetess or just someone who is willing to confront things when I have proof and when they "suffer" the body so to speak, if I knew about it and didn't speak out then it would be a silent consorter with those that do gossip. At least that is how I look at it.
Jerry, Your also so dear to me...there is something so kind about your spirit. I came off of my church a while ago but I have had so much more peace since I have...I may pop in every now and then but I won't be a regular.
Craig let me catch you in a minute, I'm getting discharged from the hospital and I'll have to respond to what you said once I get home!
Love you all Lori |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Hi Lori, thanks for sharing what is on your heart. I pray that we will all take your words into our minds and hearts, the words of God, as they pertain to slander. I'm like Becky. I must be part of the wrong cliques here (though I don't think I am part of a clique, there are probably outsid observers who believe that I am) I haven't see this type of behavior on MC. When I do find a contentious person, I guess I try not to engage with them if it is clear they are not willing to listen to another perspective because it is usually clear where they are comin from and where they are going and they generally do not add to my life in any substantive way. Time is precious to me and I would far rather spend my time trying to encourage, edify (and sometimes correct) the body than to spend in useless debates, especially about things that cannot be changed. There are simply too many starving, hurting and wounded people in the world who need our love and attention; even here on MC. I totally agree that we need to disassociate ourselves with those who engage in slander amongst other things. I have had to do this in my own life in real relationships and a with at least two n line friends outside of MC.Whenever I have done this, I have faced the question from other Christians about my own walk and about my Love for others but I believe the Bible is clear on this and when I am unable to live in peace with him/her, or they are quarrelling and contentious, then I move on. Also, I've learned to recognize that her are some people who are in my life only for a season and so I try to let them go in peace. I just want to reiterate that you choose your friends here on MC and not everyone who claims to be a christian is really a christian. The enemy comes in to churches too and places like this to steal, kill and destroy. We need to discern who is who, and walk accordingly. I'm very sure you didn't take your decision to leave MC llightly and I know when you feel strongly about something, you will need peace before you change your mind.I pray that the God of peace will guard your heart and mind. And, I pray we will see you on here again soon. Agape. |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Lori,
I'm so sorry. I wrote a blog on this very subject yesterday. It's not a God thing, and I wish with all my heart that we could pray these problems away.
Until then, I'll be here... I will be praying for you and praying against all the stuff that is going on that is not of God. I'm not a part of it, but there are many of praying are against it.
You know... where two or more are gathered in His name....
Your sister in Christ,
Joey |
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Hey sorry.
I guess I'll have to curb my tongue a little better than I been... oink oink snort snort squeel squeel
I guess everything turned out alright, huh? I see you came out swinging. Good for you... Jack!
Love ya,
Rob
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| June 14, 2009 |
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Very eloquent post Lori. I'm sorry you've encountered this behavior here (although it definitely seems to be the exception rather than the rule). There will always be badly behaving Christians, in every church, in every social network, in every home fellowship. You aren't the only one, we've all encountered them. I pray your post will cause folks to examine themselves, to scrutinize their hearts and their actions. ps.. FYI, public posts which are clearly "aggressive, abusive, disrespectful, slanderous, or harrassing" are in violation of the members' agreement. Such posts should probably be reported. http://www.mychurch.org/info/terms.php |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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Wow I'm really kinda humbled by the response that this post has brought to be honest.
Craig I told you I'd be back to respond to you and I'm going to be honest, I'm not understanding the first part of your post, call it surgery fuzzy anesthesia for now but what your trying to say escapes me. Craig, I think sometimes we get to choose our friends, or a better way to put it is that we get to choose who we hang around with, even in the body of Christ and God gives us boundaries and guidelines that frankly show wisdom...I guess what I have a hard time with is that I expect persecution in the world but I don't expect something as outlandish as downright slander of my brothers and sisters even on a "web church". Slander can destroy someones witness. I believe that to be very grievous to the Lord because ultimately your attacking Christs work on the cross...Those are some grounds I would not be willing to stomp on...Craig, I have always told my children every person will let us down in life at some point but Christ..I expect that, but what grieves me is the downright lies and malicious gossip that is being spread on my church.
One of the only things we have here is trust in each other, if that is lost where is the relationship?
CraigI can gear up with the armour with the best of them, but should we have to wear it in church...I guess that is part of my point....
Joyful, your such a gem, you truly have an awesome heart, I would LOVE to just sit down in a cafe with you and spend the entire day chatting away filling ourselves up on tea or coffee....I love the adventure you make life out to be...with Christ right in the center...I love how you want to help the less fortunate...your the BOMB...seriously....
Joey, thanks, you too have such a wonderful spirit...I appreciate your prayers lets do join them together, 2 can send 10,000 to flight 1 1000...we need each other in the body that is for sure....
Rob, Your my bud and you know it...I'm not sure that I am back on my church, I just decided to take this opportunity to be honest about why I had left. I'll send you a separate email about surgery, and yeah it went really well, just in a slight bit of pain, but much better than anyone expected...:)
Thanks for the compliment Mike, I actually wrote this while in the hospital 2 days after a major surgery, and probably the reason for that was I do realize that this community is all some people have depending on their circumstances....all the more reason we should make every effort to conduct ourselves in an honorable way when it comes to others that are our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I'm not talking about responses to posts Mike but phone calls, emails, and other conversations that lead to a lying consensus about a Mychurch member that destroys their reputation and witness to Christ...that after all is the goal of gossip, I think one reason God hates it..
OK, I have rambled enough here and that is exactly what I am doing...pain meds do that to a person....and I'm pretty loopy at the moment, (I hope I don't regret posing this and that it is understandable to everyone who reads it)
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| June 15, 2009 |
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Bravo sister. This needed to be said, however, we as brothers and sisters in Christ are going to encounter the devil's lie's and deceit. I for one will continue to stand on my Father's word and only His word. I have not encountered this type of behavior, yet and to be honest I don't know what I will do when it happens. I just know that I have encountered caring, compassionate people that I hold very dear to my heart on this site (including you). I pray that you will visit quite often and please do not get discouraged because of one or more people who revel in disrupting the work that the Father has set forth for you. Pray that the surgery went OK and that you will continue to join with us and post what our Father has put upon your heart. |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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This is the second time I try to leave a comment. My intire comment I made was wiped off. I will try to give some sort of tract as to what I had sent, or tried to before. I certainly understand your grievance if there was some gossip about you or some unfair judgements. It is no secret, there are many who can't wait to hear another's downfalls so as to rise above them. It is some peoples nature.
I personally would tell you, it is not important what you did, or how you did it, etc. That is between you and Father. If you asked Him for forgiveness, and were truly repentant. I have no doubt, you are forgiven. In that sense, it never happened, as far as He is concerned. To bring it up again makes Him feel as if you don't believe He is good enough to forgive you. If your problem is, you are afraid you will go down the same slippery slope again. Ask for strength. If you do fall again. Get up, ask for His forgiveness again and pray for strength. He knows weather you are serious about repenting. He can read our minds. If people here were honest. They would tell you. They have gone through the same problem. That, of being repentant of sins gone by. This is a sin we all struggle with. But, we must understand. To have the Father forgive means it never happened.
He will consider that you don't believe He is able to forgive you. To be honest with you. you are best to say, you have done many things in the past that you are not proud of. It is no ones business as to what it was. Remember, you are dealing with strangers here.
Many SAY they are Christians, etc. As a friend. I say, I will pray for you to have strength for whatever you are fighting, and God bless you!! |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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Golden you misunderstand, this is not about past sins being brought back up by other people, this is about malicious gossip taking place on my church maligning the witness of brothers and sisters in Christ. I know father forgives me and I know what Jesus did on the cross...all the more reason I was more than unhappy to see this behavior take place here. I would address it in a church openly and so I am addressing it here openly.
For the most part we are dealing with people we don't know here but many of us have met each other there are some people on here that are not strangers at all to me.
Golden I believe the Lord gives direction that we are known by our fruits, slanders have no fruit but sowing contention, and where there is contention there is every evil thing...now that is heavy and something for slanders to consider...because do you really want your life associated with every evil thing? In Him, Lori |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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Lori,
I think I know who you're talking about. You and I both know that this guy is one of the great success stories in the kingdom of God. He is the poster-boy for "saved from sin". I think that, as far as he's concerned, he couldn't care less if people were talking bad about him. He's got something most people will never have - victory in Jesus.
The religious will always malign the righteous. It's been that way since Cain and righteous Able. The religious slandered the very Savior Himself. Why should we be any different? The religious have to have something to make themselves feel good. We make an easy target.
Understanding that doesn't make the slander any easier to take. But you and I know that our dear brother is in very good hands. I thank God for him. He pointed me in a very good direction. I don't think that anybody could take him lower than he'd already taken himself. Thank God for Jesus!
Rob |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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Dear Lori, There are 200K+ people on MC. They may or may not actually be in Christ; they may or may not be walking by the Spirit. I can't say that I've heard any slander or gossip about anyone. I've had some religious types that have deleted my posts and I've had some that won't even respond to an email. So? I believe to that believe that any Church [building or virtual assembly] where ANYONE can join is full of people who are walking in the flesh and being manipulated by the god of this world. Goes with the territory. So from my perspective it is a false expectation to believe that we aren't going to be slandered and maligned anywhere we are. The scripture says that anyone who desires to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. So a false expectation is a setup for disappointment. Disappointment is a sure indication of a false expectation! Tons of Christians expect unsaved politicians to behave as if they were born-again Christians and are walking by the Spirit!!! That is a completely erroneous and false expectation that sets them up to get in the flesh over it! Well it's the same thing with all of this. Most people probably don't know what you are talking about because they have not been a party to any slander...if they have then they aren't going to acknowledge it! So that leaves people tempted to engage in evil suspicion about who the gossips and slanders may be. I believe that you should gather the emails and evidence and submit it to the MC leadership rather than just say that there are all these things going on. I'm a man...I'm oblivious to most of the stuff going on...even in my own Church! I've never been in the gossip crowd and if I see it I'll confront it directly and if they will not change their mind then I'll take it to the leadership or present it in public before the whole of MC which is what we are told to do in the scriptures. One or two witnesses and then if they won't listen...we take it to the assembly. This is all a big surprise to me Lori! I've never heard anything bad about you or anyone else for that matter--nothing malicious! So I hear you, but there is nothing that I can do about it except to hold up the whole thing before the One who knows the hearts of all men. To really understand the first part of my first comment then I guess you'd have had to read some of Major W. Ian Thomas' work. The need is not the call. Meaning that Jesus only puts us where He wants us. We don't just go to a need, we go to Him, and then He goes to whatever need He wants. Otherwise we'll burn out trying to meet every need in our world. We are not God. We can only meet the needs that He has committed himself to through us. If He has committed you to participate in MC then you dare not leave--or it will be another lap around Mount Zion dealing with why you are doing what you want to do and not what He wants to do through you! I hope you understand. I'm here because I believe I've been called here. I will leave when I believe that is no longer true. It doesn't have to do with how good or how bad MC is; it doesn't have anything to do with my needs being met or whether people here like me or don't like me. Its about Him and what He wants...I do not belong to myself so that I can do what I want. And that is how I want it to be. :-) LOL! I want His will to be done not Craig's will. So if it's his will for you to be here Lori then buck up and get with the program and don't worry about your reputation...He'll defend it! What the heck! I've exposed everything on MC. The fact that I've had homosexual experiences, been involved with underage girls when I was 18 and 21, had an addiction to pornography, on and on. How can they slander me? I've been executed in Christ and I'm a new creation in him; I 've been set free from all those things and so can anyone else. So slander away! I'm not here to please men, I'm here to please Him. He has my back. That 's just the way it is. I don't understand the big deal about there being sinners on MC? I really don't Lori. I can't really understand why you ever thought that they weren't going to be here and that they weren't going to do what sinners do...that's their nature! And I don't understand why you'd think that they are going to be in EVERY church setting? Get it? Love you sis...I'm sorry I don't really understand your frustration. You can write it off to my maleness or whatever. Craig |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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Ain't he the best? Craig, you're awesome!
Ya know what really grinds my gears, though? Comment deleters. They're the worst. They'd have you believe their deleting your comments in order to protect others. What a load! I've found that the people who have deleted my comments are those whose theology cannot stand up under close scrutiny. It's easier to delete than repent.
Craig, I love your comment, "Disappointment is a sure indication of a false expectation." I guess, as an American, equating comment deletion with book-burning is a natural association. It's precisely because I make that association that I'm offended by the rudeness of others. You make a very good point. If I understood that book burning was a proud Christian tradition (Acts 19:19), I would not be so offended.
Once again, cultures clash.
Rob |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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Rob (sorry for the rabbit trail Lori): If someone deletes a comment that I truly don't believe was just Craig...then they didn't delete Craig's words but His words. He is the defender of his word and He is the only avenger. Therefore it's just coals of fire at worst. So I don't have to get upset because they deleted "MY" comments! Best regards,
Craig |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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Lori,
Delete what Craig just wrote. I don't agree with that at all =D
Rob |
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| June 15, 2009 |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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Lori,
I haven't read all the previous comments but a spiritual mentor told me today, as we were speaking about gossip
the biblical definition of a gossiper is a DOG.
Boy that hit me hard as I think about my unintentional speaking of someone just to ask for prayer even if they have NEVER met this person and I don't tell them all the story.
Love ya sis |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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| Hey Lori, I'd love to take you up on the offer to sit and have coffee or tea and chat. Nothing I'd like better =] Now I just have to get to Kentucky. Any chance of you getting out to Vancouver, Canada? Am going to try and send you my contact details if I can get thru on email here. Agape <3 |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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I've responded to this 3 times and lost it before I could even get it to word...I just want you all to know I have read your responses and enjoyed the dialogue and even the rabbit trail :)
It would be great Joyful to get together sometime we will see how God leads you never know...
I just can't respond to all the comments but I appreciate each and every one....these past couple of days have been ruff recovering from surgery. I don't have it in me to dialogue ...just sitting up takes effort right now....Goodness thank God for Christian television!
Thanks all brothers and sisters! In Him, Lori |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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Rest! Get Well! God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace Lori! See ya sooner...or later...sorry you're stuck with me! :-) Your brother in Him,
Craig |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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Thanks Craig :)...here is a praise today...my Mom purchased me a recliner...I'm telling you it is midget size almost but perfect for me, it took the pain to where it was honestly almost unbearable to tolerable....Thank you Lord! for Mom, recliners, and family support...
OH, and get this she felt compelled by the Lord to get this so she did, when she got home she had a check for 100.00 over what she spent on the recliner waiting her that she had NO IDEA she was getting...God is precious! |
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| June 16, 2009 |
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Amen! Yes He is precious! I'm sure He feels exactly the same way about you too Lori! Keep looking at the unseen sis! Love you!
Craig |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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I know it has been a while but I'm still going to respond to a couple of posts on here.
Rob,
This was certainly not about one person. Honestly, people who have some of the deepest testimonies are the ones "the church" seem to be most suspicious of. You included. I have found those personal deep testimonies show us Christ crucified and some of Gods best work. It is up to each one of us how we choose to view people along with their testimony,track record, and fruit. For me, seeing Godly fruit along with a checkered past are my favorite people to hang with...always have been..I have seen the church persecute those with a past or skeletons for years, it makes me sad in all honesty....because they are missing the palpable power of Christ when they do. The ones with "the past" don't loose out near as much as the people who judge them... All the things you say about "that guy" are absolutely true and "that guy" can hold his own ground and needs no help from me. This was about me finding out a few people (6 to be exact) who had been gossiped about viciously. The things I heard curled my toes. They were not even all of my friends on here to be honest...It grieved my spirit very deeply because the point of the whole thing was to absolutely destroy that persons testimony and their witness to Christ crucified. It was also obvious this came from not one source but the efforts of quite a few people feeding this giant...that disturbed me greatly as well.
Craig, I'm a pretty tuff cookie, it takes quite a bit to for me to even say enough...The thing is Christ gives us guidelines when it comes to relating to the world and the body. The facts are the standards are higher for the body of Christ and they should be. I expect and anticipate the world acting badly, I don't ever expect for Christians to say the things that were said of other brothers and sisters in Christ THIS way. The thing is "a group" was being maligned and slandered by others. Because this group was considered to be followers of Andrew Wommack (not Christ), tongue talkers, false teachers on healing, those with an agenda, money seekers (what?! but yes that was part of it), self proclaimed prophets (what again?!), liars as to their life story, and people who SAID they were well but were not, who SAID they were delivered but were not and in fact still practicing those "past sins". Listen, I will not sit around and entertain the premise that I'm going to break through to those people. In fact posts I was making was feeding their gossip. In these cases I believe we are to do this...
Mark 6:11 "And any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake off the dust from the soles of your feet for a testimony against them."
My life is my testimony...I DO listen to Andrew Wommack and his message set me free in so many ares. During my recovery from surgery I have come to love Joseph Prince as well. I do Beth Moore Bible studies and I just frankly study on my own to prove the Word. I read almost more than anyone I know, and I seek out truth not one doctrine. I love James Richards and now have 4 of his books along with the Grace book I so dearly love. I listen to sermons, praise, and read the Word daily, I have learned to confess the Word and sometimes just read it out loud from Psalms. I have been a Christian for over 40 years and I have sought God with diligence. I don't follow one man but the teaching of Jesus and Christ crucified. I was fed so many false teaching that enslaved me over these past 40 years...and finding truth and I mean that real truth nugget that works in real time is a precious thing to me. I don't wish to elevate myself but the work God has done in my life and heart and soul, and it has been a deep work. I KNOW what God has done for me He so willingly wants to do for others. This is why I share parts of my testimony which I let out very slowly on this website, most don't know honestly 1/2 of my testimony...I laugh at the the thought of them finding out the long version, if they think this is a lie...goodness well.....I just laugh
The above scripture I find so intriguing...and I have pondered it for years. First of all feet is an interesting topic...they were the only thing considered dirty on the body and that is because they walked dirt roads with sandals...so to have them washed was like saying your whole body is clean. To knock the dust off feet was to me an allegory of cleansing. When people don't receive us it is not our feet that are dirty, it is our hearts and souls that are affected...and although Christ admonishes us to persevere in relationships He does give us the guideline to knock off the dirt when we are not received or listened to. I think it is for both parties benefit...We don't need to spin our wheels for one, if people are not open talking more is not going to break through...the ground is hard and it needs to be softened. I really believe God will continue to bring people to minister truth and hopefully instead of them being defensive they will be more open and thus able to hear the truth from someone else. I'm simply not going to reach everyone and that is OK. I have realized that for a long time and I'm fine with it. The other thing is as many people who are not open the equal amount will be somewhere else, I'm gonna look for those relationships and I'm going to foster those just to be blunt.
As far as talking to the leadership of MC and exposing emails and particular people...well, Craig I don't feel lead to do that. One, the accused (some who don't even realize who they are) will all be exposed. I don't know some of these people well. I don't believe I should be the one to tell them...there is a group of people on here who think your a liar, and still single and sexually active, still using, watching porn, practicing homosexuality etc...I just won't do that. I have no idea where they are spiritually or how they would be affected. The other thing is these people are going to continue to believe I manufactured email, lied about conversations etc., To them it wouldn't prove anything. And finally, I don't trust the leadership totally on Mychurch, for one they have blocked Rob from his posts being seen publically. They can say they have their reasons but if this is how leadership deals with Christians in the body...well that is part and parcel for what I'm talking about.
I put a lot of thought into this once I found out. I saw the blog reading on my blogs drop considerably and I just felt like my testimony or how I saw Jesus mattered not on here...just to be honest, the answer seemed very clear to me. BUT I will say I felt lead to post what I did, and I did it so the issue of gossip could be addressed. the people who were gossiping obviously read my blogs...I want them to know how they pain the body, and I want them to see it hurts Christ most of all...
None of us have all the answers, none of us have arrived, we all live in the world and have been exposed to false teachings and doctrines about who Christ is and His total work on the Cross, in fact we are constantly lied to by whatever means satan can conjure....BUT we should not ever attack other brothers and sisters or their testimony...and on top of it spread out right lies to try and prove our stance or doctrine.
Craig, I'm going to be candid. Your an awesome man of God. Your wise and one of the best peacemakers I have seen, but once you let the cat out of the bag on here about past homosexuality, pornography addiction, underage girls...did you see a back lash? I'm honestly wondering. I have not been on here to notice but I just wondered because there seem to be some very unforgiving people on here when it comes to "certain sins" and you certainly cover them in your confession of them. God forbid you admit to abortion, drug addiction, homosexuality or gender confusion, underage girls etc., those seem to be forbidden on MC and what seems to be equally forbidden is to see yourself clean after engaging in those acts, or miraculously healed, completely redeemed, functioning in the gifts such as speaking in tongues etc.,
Rob and Craig I really enjoy you brothers and I miss talking to you both...Who knows maybe in time I'll come back around...;) You two for me are enough to make me want the fellowship of this site alone...
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Hi sis! I won't deny it---I see some of the stuff. A lot of blogs I read now, I'm learning to just not comment at all. I used to be a lot more quick to jump in and "stick it to them", so they'd know they are WRONG. lol Anyways, but this isn't to prove you wrong or nothing, but I wanted to share something w/ you that the Lord really spoke to me really only a few short months ago. I too used that Scripture about swine when speaking of how believers could attack you or dash your hopes or throw water on your fire...I know you know what I mean. Anyways, God rebuked me sharply and told me not to call what God had made clean, unclean (calling other believers 'swine'). I was like "opps". So yeah, some act like it, but the swine are actually those who are unclean; that is unbelievers. I'm really not trying to be a know-it-all here. i totally get what you're saying and I said it a gazillion times before myself. But yeah; we act like swine, sometimes we even look like it, but we aren't. ;) There is an awful lot of drama on this site, for sure and for certain but this is my fellowship, and through it all I'm learning to shut my mouth, and when I do open it, to apologize. But not to boast in myself, but I can honestly say that I don't hold what someone was pre-Christ, against them. I know murderers, adulterers, etc etc. and I agree w/ you totally; you really discredit Christ's power by holding that against the person. I mean, whatever happened to the whole new creation thing, right? I would feel hurt to be honest if someone were to hold it against me that I had had an abortion or been a prostitute. I would be hurt if women didn't want me to even talk to their men b/c of what a strumpet I used to be. I'm not that girl anymore, so long as Christ abides in me, and so maybe that's why I don't do that with others--b/c I know how much God's changed me. At any rate, really I amen what you said here. It's pretty cut and dry and black and white, and that's how I like it. Love you, sister. |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| hey! This is an old blog! lol I missed this |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| Psst. did you hear about that Texan guy, Craig? lol Sorry. I like bugging him. |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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LOVE YOU LORI |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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I hear you Lori. With respect to myself, I have not encountered any backlash except for a few folks that have unfriended me and have told me not to email them and stuff. That's mostly because I write against their attempts to bring others into bondage with respect to keeping the law (the Sabbath, etc.).
I haven't encountered any outright rejection because I've revealed that I have struggled with sexual sin before and after I became a Christian. I am continually saying that there is nothing good that dwells in me, and that my flesh has not changed. But if we walk by the spirit then the fruit of the spirit will be there. It isn't about me perfecting my flesh.
Honestly, I completely follow peace and have no fear. I guess I just assume that people can actually read their Bible and see that Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, etc., are saying what I'm speaking to.
Do I ever get in the flesh and let my frustrations get the better of me? Yes. Ask Rob. :-) Of course Rob is enough to frustrate anyone. LOL!!!! Chill Rob! So the Lord rebukes me and I humble myself.
I believe in transparency. I believe in revealing my faults and failures and also how the Lord deals with them and even uses them to give hope to others. Anyway, nice to still see you on FB. :-) Love you Lori!
Craig |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Wow! Loriinfj, you're as long-winded as I am. Congratulations :-)
Lara, Strumpet? Hahahaha!!! Is that a Canadian word? It sounds like a musical instrument. Craig, I'll let you fill in the punch lines...
Anyway, Loriinfj, please calm down, gf. I'm where I am because of ME and not because of others. You know me. If I find a weakness or an inconsistency, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth.
Shortly after I joined MC, Mike n Laura did a blog called Denominations Are Good or something like that. So I challenged him on it. Mike n Laura doesn't have time to spar with one individual. He's got a readership of THOUSANDS. Even if he had the time to address my objections, he certainly doesn't have the bible knowledge to support his assertions. But you know me... I HOUNDED this guy.
I don't remember if it was the Denominations blog or which it was but he started deleting my comments. I can be a little on the abrasive side, don'tcha know.
I started taking Grant to task on some of his theology too. If you ask me, my logic was flawless and I had backed both of these guys into a corner (if you ask me). Grant started deleting my comments as well. He eventually blocked me.
So I posted a blog called The Psychology of Deleting Comments and I named names. Well that didn't go over very well at all. These guys must have turned me in because MC deleted the entire post.
But others have deleted my comments too. I'm an abrasive guy. There's a guy called simply R who deletes my stuff every time I comment. So what? I'm still getting my two cents in.
"If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen." That's my philosophy. Not everyone shares that sentiment.
So, the thing that got me banished (so to speak) to Private Land was after I'd challenged another one of Mike n Laura's blogs. In an email he asked me if I wanted him to send me my long winded comment because he was going to delete it from his blog. I told him to keep it because I had learned to copy all my comments to a Word file. By this time I'd come to expect him to delete them.
In this email he told me that he was deleting my comments because he didn't want to expose his readers to my brand of theology. (He may have said "false doctrine" or whatever. It doesn't matter. My theology and his theology are not the same). But he said he didn't want to expose his readers to my theology because it might lead them in the wrong direction.
So, I replied in an email and I called him a hypocrite. How can you say on one blog that Denominations Are Good but use "protection from false theology" as an excuse to delete my comments. If it doesn't matter what you believe then what are you protecting people from by silencing someone with a contrary theology?
Well, right after that, MichaelATL43 noticed that I went missing from the Public. He said I should complain to the management but I knew what I'd done. I'm not the least repentant either. I'd say those same things again in a hot New York minute.
I maintain that if people had a solid biblical basis for their faith then they would always be ready to give an answer to every man that asks them for a reason of the hope that is in them. Unfortunately, not many have a biblical reason for believing what they believe. But that doesn't stop them from posting on MyChurch.
I'm an American but I forget that not everybody here is. Grant was appalled at my confrontive style. Grant is from Australia. Not all former British colonies are like the United States. What I was doing to him was tantamount to talking bad about his mamma.
I'll be 54-years old and I have seen some stuff. I know exactly why I believe what I believe and I have strong scriptural backing for it. I have to have good reason for believing what I believe because the frst time I tried this "Jesus thing", I did NOT challenge EVERYTHING I was being taught. Consequently, I believed a lie. Needless to say, the lie did NOT serve me well.
The way I get good at studying the bible is to have someone challenge me on what I believe. If there's a hole in my theology, I want to find it. God CANNOT fail me this time through. I don't have another 54-years to throw at this thing.
Nice talkin' to ya,
Rob |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Hey Lara,
I see swine as two things...one, is wolves in sheeps clothing, another are those that hold unbelief to what you subscribe to. The Pharasees were unbelievers of Christ idenity but certainly not God... For some they seem to feel that gives them license to attack the body, or you if you espout to a different belief. I have honestly found that pretty frequently in the body. I believe like you Christ makes us clean and righteous...but what I am addressing here is those who profess to be clean and righteousness yet fall into very fleshy behavior. I'm not the one that labeled that behavior swinish or doggish as someone else pointed out, but there you have it. Now, I agree with you we should not go around just calling other brothers and sisters swine...BUT I'm addressing behavior that does not belong in the body of Christ. Lara, if you heard what I did about some of our precious brothers and sisters, you would have called it swinish for sure. To me a pearl is something precious...it is a truth you are intimately acquainted with. To share my story of being healed of an incurable disease and coming off 13 meds including chemo...that is certainly a pearl to me. To share that journey with others is something precious and close to my heart, it also takes courage to expose your own vunerability. To hear how others trampled on my story with their words hurt my heart, but mostly it hurt me because they rebuked the evidence of the healing power of Christ in me. If other Christians can not accept Christ crucified in my life how can I share my life with them because in all honesty it is the only thing of value I hold in me.
Lara, you to me are a jem and honest to the core and a seeker of truth. You do the best you can...I LOVE that about you. The painful truth is in almost every church out there you will find those that hold your past against you pre-salvation. For goodness sakes I got divorced as a Christian (he left me when I was diagnosed) and there are those that hold that against me. There are always going to be those that judge us and refute the work of Christ, I expect that from the world but not the church, it shouldn't be in the church. But as Craig says there are all levels of growth in the church and we are always going to run into this behavior inside the walls of the sanctuary...but when I do I won't be quiet about it.
The last thing I will say and then I'm going to shut my mouth on the topic...the religious leaders of the day put Christ to death. I know we should expect no less, and I know that when persecuted for Christs sake I'm doing something right...but there are things I believe to be done in ignorance and there are things done maliciously and purposefully. Joseph Prince made thiS point on one of his series that I recently watched and it was this, that Christ never spoke harsly to a sinner...he was kind to them all, the only time we saw Christ say a harsh word was to the scribes and pharasees of the day....interesting statements to ponder for sure...
Lara, Thanks for your response...your just a dear sweet sister...
And yeah, I heard about that Texan guy...I heard he was crazy enought to take a trip with his family to Canada this summer....what is up with THAT?!!! |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Craig,
You keep writing stuff that places us under grace in the New Covenant vs. the Law in the old...Christians should not get by with preaching the law...the church wounded me for years with that one...Learning of His grace...gosh that just set me truly free...
Craig I have found a LOT of people DON'T read their Bible, but they go to church and speak to doctrines vs. truth....man I'm making some statements popping open cans as I go arn't I, but tis true...
For me I love stories and for years I dug out the Old Testament...I love relationships and the Old Testament was full of them...I have some great insights but my knowledge of Christ crucified suffered....I make it a point to read more of the New Testament vs. the Old now to keep me where I need to be...
I believe in transparency too, but I find it difficult on these forums...I don't readily share my pearls but I'm learning, for example it took me a long time to talk about my healing story...it was just so precious to me and still is, I'm very emotional about it and I guess that is sometimes what being a girl is about...I'm learning to folow peace and I'm learning to rest...I see in you a great capacity to do both those things I can certainly confer to the evidence of that in your life...but I went through many years of victimization and respond to being vunerable by trying to control my environment...now I'm letting go...and there is so much peace in that...I feel like God is teaching me to sit and now stay...and stay, and stay, and stay...I think I'm starting on lay down as a matter of fact...but these are good things and if I had not learned of His true grace I wouldn't be able to trust Him for the next lesson...anyway another whole subject.....
Just to let you know Craig you give me lots of hope...and one thing I love about you is you always make me feel somehow protected and cared for...I just love that about you...and what a testament to what Christ has set you free from from a woman to feel that over the computer....that is some sweet stuff right there...
Man your comments about Rob totally cracked me up...I mean I laughed in my bed with my lap top on my lap totally out loud....He is such a character but I'm really glad he is going to be in eternity, something tells me we will all know exactly where he is at all times because we will hear him debating the Patriarchs and anyone else he can find...I love how Rob seeks truth and demands we all do the same...and speaking of Rob I'm going to read his comment now...I'm sure I will have a LONG response to it...LOL How can people not love Rob....;) |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Lori, my divorce went through as a Christian, so what? The damage was done. He had a new woman...your husband chose to leave. You can't force him to stay. Whatever. I got judged for my divorce too, to the point where I was told the only TRUE way to repent so I wouldn't go to hell was to leave my now Christian husband whom I have a child with and return to my ex-husband (who, BTW has gone through his second divorce, now, poor guy! I mean that. He's not a bad fella, just not saved). So ya see how ridiculous some people's ideas are? But we are falible and prideful and think we know it all. I just learned some new stuff just in the past month, that really changed my thinking, and I look back on even some of the blogs I wrote, and I was terribly deceived! May our prayer always be, "Lord, don't let me be deceived!" But most importantly that we would love our brothers and sisters, despite our differences in interpretation. BTW that IS quite the miracle!!! That's an understatement, really, regarding cancer and what God did for you. I'm so so sorry that anyone would EVER take away from something like that. Those stories encourage me so much. But some believers don't believe in healing. I just figure "too bad for them." No, really! Too bad. I'm glad I do believe in healing. I apologize for any times I've acted like an oink oink or a woof woof. lol Seriously though, I know I have done it and do it, and I don't want to! |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Lara,
I didn't have cancer but a chronic disease uncurable that required chemo...they use chemo for lots of stuff these days to suppress the immune system so when you have a severe autoimmune disease chemo is a treatment they have found works if nothing else does, that is where I was depleted with no where else to turn...I'm glad my story encourages you...I hope it encourages many because what God has done for me He will do for anyone...
About those people and divorce...they don't know the Word because it says if a woman is divorced and marries then returns to her first husband it is an abomination...I'm just glad I live under grace and not the law...and because of that I have hope for a happily married future one day...;)
I love the zealousness of new Christians but the problem is they think they now have all the answers....I'm sure I have acted like a sow a time or two or 100, I can't say I have been a woof woof though because I think that shows heart intent (they have to put on the discuise) but I know I have wounded others in the body and for that I'm sorry....I'm honeslty glad I will not be going out into ministry brand new but seasoned with time so I don't make some of those early mistakes...not that I have a market on truth but I have learned some intense things over the years...
You Lara, I just love your heart...I never take what you say harshly cause your heart is so sweet...at least that is how I see you ;) |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Stu,
I just adore you, I really do...thank you for the love ;) |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| A gorgeous woman of God, available. Hmmm...I'm picturing a swarm of godly men knocking at your door. lol OK, I'll stop now. ;) |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Knock, knock...... |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| Sorry Rob I missed your comment. Strumpet is just a more subtler word than slut or whore, but I suppose whore is used in the Bible. I hope I didn't offend. But those were the other two words. Thank God for making me new. Strumpet IS a kinda funny sounding word. lol |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| Rob,
Now you knew I was as long winded as you bf...and by the way this is my calm...LOL. What is it with guys when a girl goes to bat for them...? Man, I had 4 brothers and I took out a girl or two because of them, I mean literally beat them up...You guys are not the only ones that get the market on feeling or acting protective...Listen, they don't call mama's lionesses for nothin' We will kill and devour anyone coming after our own....then feed them to our young. Maybe it is the New York, yankee part of me mixed with the southern redneck but when people go after my buddies male OR female my fists ball up and I'm ready to roll. I know you don't need my help you manly men of God on here...but I'm back to back with my friends in any battle, that is just me.
Rob, I know the drama between you and some people on this website, and I know you back people in a corner, and I know there is the fight or flight response and it is just easier to delete than deal for some people, but I STILL don't think that gave mychurch the right to delete you from public posting. BUT that is my opinion they obviously have theirs...
You know I like your style, you don't threaten me. See for years I was mislead too by doctrines so if they can get squashed by truth BRING IT ON, I don't want that crap in my life...it almost took my life. I count myself fortunate to know someone like you who pushes us towards the Word and thus truth...but see that is my take on it. I believe in let every man be proved a liar and God be true, guess what, every time prove me a liar and God to be true...go ahead...
Your intense Rob and there are times I just don't have it in me to spar depending on what is going on in my life. As I have been recovering from a huge surgery this summer I have not had it in me to spar...in that way I will throw in the towel. I am a true introvert by nature, I need solace and quiet every day...I'm thinking solitude might drive you crazy...LOL
Rob, you know I think highly of you...and I don't understand why people don't see how wonderful God created you...your a rare bird but I'm glad you in my sights...
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| Bahahahaha Lara, YOUR SO KIND, a swarm, are you kidding? Georgeous, well thank you, been a while since I have heard that, but thanks...I'll take it even from a woman, stumpet that you are and all....OK, now I'll stop but just to let you know I knew what strumpet was right off...I can't believe we knew something Rob did not...OK, I gotta stop I'm cracking myself up... |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| Hey talking mule...who's there? Thanks for the star! |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Hello Loriinfj;
I must say that I have not heard or read anything that I can consider gossip.
I loved reading this blog and the comments. It caused me to learn more of my friends. It is all good and part of the (Spiritual Boot Camp) experience.
Rob wrote (If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen)
I have been hearing that cliche" over and over for a couple of months now in my Spirit and I know it relates to what G-d is doing on this site and the HEAT is on (purifying time friends) It's gonna get hotter in the (kitchen). Many may decide they can't take the heat and leave. Those who remain well.....iron will sharpen iron to make us more Christlike and perrrrfect fit for the Master's use (smile).
So Rob, you are right on (buddy) smile. I can call you a buddy because you called me a dude right? LOL! I am getting to know you Rob and I know why you are here. You got me digging in buddy, and it's ALL good. See, I did not delete you. I wonder if Prophet Jay deleted that blog, we sure took over LOL.
With lots of love to all my friends and even my enemies. Who cares what they say about you? As long as you make Jesus happy, that is all that should matter to anyone. It's only part of the stragetic plan of the enemy. Pray for them and love them and watch G-d work things out.
I love you my sister in Christ
Sister Marcia
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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Hey Marsha,
Glad you liked the blog and it helped you to get to know people...your right to friends and enemies alike prayers are always in order! In Him, Lori |
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| August 13, 2009 |
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| Thanks Grammy! Lori |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| Lori, nice to see you again here. I am so happy to hear you are recovering/cured. Love in Christ, JS |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Who Rob, abrasive???? Not him... lol Rob has caused me many sleepless nights, digging and pouring through the Word. Before he and I crossed swords, I had read a lot of the Bible, but not as much as I do now.... thanks Rob! |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Marcia, Hee hee hee!!! Prophet Jay doesn't seem like the deleting kind. You and I could go 'round and 'round for DAYS, though. I LOVE that! Anyway, I'm glad we're cool, okay? Lori, Thank you for you kind words. I have to tell you this because God brought this to my remembrance today. My wife and I went to see a marriage counselor the first year we were married. He was Catholic and knew a priest that I'd had in high school - my sophomore religion teacher. So occasionally, we'd get off on a theological discussion. One day, he said, "You have a tendency to make people angry with you." I said, "No. Really?" So I engaged him again in a theological discussion and he said, "See? There! You're doing it again!" My wife just rolled her eyes... I cracked up! I know I do that to people. Dude, it's like sin to me! I can't not do it. I love it. But you're NO FUN because we agree on every major point. MichaelATL43 is the same way. There's no reason to engage you. Craig is GREAT because I finally found an area on which we can disagree. I LOVE IT!!! Lara is an easy target but she folds too quickly. That's why I like Marcia. She's a scrapper :-) And LARA, I KNEW IT!!! Your theology says that you can be a Christian and NOT be born again. I caught you, gf! I'm also having a great time with Talking Mule. I just pasted him soundly on my blog. I have a feeling this guy won't take that kind of beating for long. He's going to get very good at handling the scriptures very quickly. He's got the heart for it. I know this because he said, "If you're correct then Jesus is a liar". Dude, them's fighhtin' words! He's going to be VERY good at this. Thanks for visiting us on MC again, Loriinfj. I know I owe you two replies to two emails. After I finish the book The Way of the Master that Jess recommended, I'll start reading your two novels in my Outlook Inbox ;-) Glorx 3:16, everybody, Rob |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Gary, That's an awesome complement! Thank you! Rob |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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you took that as a compliment???? no really... lol... it is true though... as often as we crossed swords, I always waited eagerly for your reply, so I could dig more. I would sit here with my notebook, watching tv with my wife, and I would growl under my breath, trying to find something...(I use E-sword for my searches and Bible studies)... and my wife would roll her eyes... |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Rob,
I hope you see people LOVE you for your tenacity, they also love you for pushing us into the Words and truth of Jesus, your one of those top of the class guys when it comes to truth and those that can't spar, roll their eyes, give up and call you names, delete you, and get you banned. Your AWESOME.
What Gary said about you is one of the highest compliments someone can give...pretty cool that God uses you to confound the "wise"....I love it....
I disagree, I am fun...and there are things we disagree about...but your right probably not Word stuff. I learn from you all the time and I hope you learn from me...I love our long winded conversations that many others just can't tolerate.
I'm going to have to get to know Marcia...a fellow scrapper....I'm intrigued
I saw what you said to talking mule...LOL...I'm thinking here we go again, a deep friendship will form or another deleter...waiting to see how he spars with you...
By the way...you can't make people angry with you, how they respond is totally their responsibility not yours...some may get angry, some may dig in and respond, some may ignore, and some may delete. There are all kinds...I for one as many on this form find you endearing...
You should have responded to those novels I wrote you long time ago....I forgot what I wrote now...LOL...but respond anyway...it is the polite thing to do....LOL
I'm going to tell you something else too here...I know two other people on this earth that have your tenacity, one is my brother David...he is in the military and the military guys have nicknamed him the little general...does that even begin to give you a hint...the other is my son...that boy does not back down on ANYTHING...we frequently spar...I'm the mama, he doesn't get to win unless he is right and then he has to learn respect. That boy is a CHALLENGE to raise but my Dad told me one day to never wonder if I was the right mother to handle him...he told me my son needed me. That statement has given me the courage to confront him head on, face to face, issue to issue. I love that boy, I love to see where his tenacity has taken him, and I can't wait to see where he will go because of it. He had a stroke before he was born and walked at 19 months without braces and the orthapedic doc literally just watched him and said this is mechanically impossible, I don't see how he is walking...that boy plays lacrosse now...I told him this summer there is nothing he can't beast if he puts his mind to it...he cracked up and put that on his facebook status....today he has on his status how he is going to miss his sissy when she leaves for college...I find him so ruff and sweet at the same time I could eat his guts with a spoon....(that means you love someone more than deeply around these parts). So Rob I place you in great company and there is nothing in you to intimadate me that I have not had to face for years....LOL I bet me and your mom could share some real similar stories....
I might have to come back on mychurch....I miss you guys...not only that Rob you added to "our flock eveidently with Gary, Marsha and Talking mule...I'm intrigued....
Listen, as far as Lara goes she is raising a little Rob from what I can tell, although Josiah has a sweet nature he is tenacious. She goes around needing about 3 days of sleep and a day at the spa to recooperate. She is the bomb in my eyes....it takes a special lady to raise tenacious boys esp when they are toddlers and they believe they are invincible. When their favorite words are no, I can do it myself, and mine, life is a constant battle. You never know what kids like that will do next and you have to keep your eyes open till they go to bed and learn how to expect the crazy from them....Give the girl some encouragement and respect. I imagine she, I and your mom could sit around and share very similar stories...You both can correct me if I'm wrong but I think I have this one pegged...
Alright up cause my daughter just got home, I hope I can sleep in tomorrow...;) |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Rob, I have no idea what you're talking about, but you can't be a follower of Christ and not be born again. A follower of Christ will go to heaven, and so therefore must be born again. Where do you get this stuff, bro? You're reading between the lines things that aren't there! LOL!! Oh my gosh, Lori. thanks for the laugh. I was laughing out loud literally at what you wrote back. lol Rob didn't know what a strumpet was---thought it had to do with trumpets or something. ;p |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Lara, there will be many "followers of Christ" sitting in hell. There will be miracle workers, prophets, exorsits sitting in hell. Just because someone "follows" Christ does not mean they will go to heaven. Only those followers that produce good fruit will go to heaven. 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| Lara, Glad you laughed...LOL it was late, and I was tired, and got on a roll...what can I say...;) |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Gary, TRUE Christian=born again. I'm not speaking of pretenders or those who backslide beyond the point of no return. :-) Lori, always happy to laugh. :D |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
I have read several blogs concerning this type of stuff over the past few months,but I personaly have no clue what any of it is about,but I don't like cliques or gossip,I can't say that I never do it,but today I am much quicker to catch myself before harming others and if I do I make my amends and ask for forgiveness as soon as I am aware of it and ask what can I do to make this right. Thank you for sharing your feelings on this type of stuff. Special Blessings |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Got it! But that also plays into what you said above... but you can't be a follower of Christ and not be born again Not all followers are born again. There are so many pews filled with people, thinking they are heaven bound. They stood up in front of a church, shook the pastors hand, said the sinners prayer, and now think they are saved. So many preachers say once saved always saved... to these very people.... who never repented of their sin. But because of an erroneous teaching, live their lives just as they did prior to shaking the preachers hand, with a mis-conception of what being a "follower of Christ" truly is. |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Being born again.... means actually to be born from above. The process according to Jesus is .... being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. In John 6, He tells Nicodemus, that there are those that are carnal minded, and then there are those spirit minded. 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh (sarx: carnal;) and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit ( pneuma: spirit (-ual, -ually), mind). |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| Right, Gary. Lots of ppl who consider themselves Christians, really aren't. That's what I'm saying. |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| Lori, I give this blog a BIG FAT AMEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNN!!! I myself have stayed away because I see a lot of judging and not enough sharing, building up and encouraging. I have to say though the Lord has really been working on me and I really believe (although I still struggle with it) that we are to be in the world but not of it. What I mean is yup I believe there are a lot of people on here that are very relgious and try to push the law on people, thosse are the people I have the most difficult time with, but who will love them and bring the true Gospel and love them like Christ does if geniune believers leave??? Also on another note it was so God that I even signed on this sight today. As soon as I signed on this was the 1st blog that came up, although I don't have time to read all the comments I caught the one where u were responding to Lara. Are you or have you gone through chemo to destroy your immune system??? I ask because my daughter is going through it now and it's heartbreaking, she goes in for her 2nd treatment Mon. so if you have been there I would love to talk to you. I know many people who have gone through diff. chemo treatments but no one for the purpose she is...anyway if u wouldn't mind u can mess. me. Thanks and I pray you don't leave there are many true followers here and they need your help to bring the true gospel, and to build up and encourage the saints! |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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I can't speak for Rob, but I think that is all he is saying too. Lots of ppl who consider themselves Christians, really aren't He just has a different way of saying the same things. |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| Yes, but he said I said the opposite...which I didn't. lol |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Lara,
You said in one blog that when you were married the first time you were not born again. In this blog, you said that you were a Christian during your first marriage.
"Lori, my divorce went through as a Christian, so what?"
I'm pointing out that your definition of Christian does not seem to include being "born again". I don't think you can support that position using the bible.
But in one of your last comments, you said: "Gary, TRUE Christian=born again."
You have dodged this question on other blogs. I have to hear your answer. When you were married the first time, were you or were you not a born again Christian?
Rob |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Well just remember he is still human, and he may have just made a mistake (don't tell him I said that) lol..... Or he may be taking your statement referencing baptism, and taking that to mean you don't believe in having to be born again... Rob wrote: And LARA, I KNEW IT!!! Your theology says that you can be a Christian and NOT be born again. I caught you, gf! you wrote on his blog: I don't believe Paul's speaking of actual water baptism in that Scripture. Speaking of Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
I would encourage you to rattle your saber with Rob. You wrote: I'll just let you think you're smarter and/or more enlightened than the rest of us if it makes you feel better, Rob. ;) I have learned so much about myself, getting in and studying the Word. I augued for months with Rob about the Law. Want to know the verse that smashed all my aruguments... well not a verse per-se but a diffinition. I was always taught that we must repent of our sins, and that to repent was to turn away from and quit doing the sin. When I got to crossing swords with Rob, I told him we have to repent, quit doing the sins, to follow the Law. But in my studies, the Lord let me see the deffinition in Greek is: to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.
Then I found: Romans 3 Read This Chapter3:20For no one is put right in God's sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make us know that we have sinned Then I saw: 21 But now God's way of putting people right with himself has been revealed. It has nothing to do with law, even though the Law of Moses and the prophets gave their witness to it. 22 God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| Rob, yes, the actual divorce was finalized as a believer, b/c we thought what was a petition for divorce WAS the divorce. But the thing was, by then there was Biblical grounds if you wanna get real technical. That is, he had a new woman, and also he was an unbeliever, unhappy and unwilling to stay with me, a believer. So i was free. Make sense? So even from a Biblical perspective. I said in my other blog that I was married as an unbeliever, not divorced as one. Farty fart head. |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
WOW Rob seriously bro are u still harping on Lara about being saved in her 1st marrage?...maybe u didn't catch it but I've read that Lara just recently said she was not a Christian in her 1st marriage and as she looks back on some of her older blogs she was clearly decived...maybe that was an area in which she was decieved. I don't want to speak for her but maybe if u still have questions it would be better handled by a message to her directly where the world isn't reading it. Please don't take offense to this comment but it seems like you trying to get at something and won't let up until u get the answer u want. I mean no offense I just see a sister being harped on when she clearly told u on another blog that she was done discussing it. just my 3 cents...Peace |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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Angela,
I went through chemo for 1.5 years with weekly injecitons. I had rheumatoid arthritis. I'm telling you it sucked...no other way to say it...I would love to talk to you about this, just email me any questions but I do have my healing testimony posted on my blog in 2 parts...you might want to read that first, I ouline all the meds I was on and the progression and then healing...I'd love to talk to you about your daughter and I'm really sorry she is suffering...in fact I am sorry you are suffering with her...however I can help I'd be glad to and by the way I'm a nurse practitioner as well...I have a grasp on things medically and on the patient end...
Right now I have to get ready to go to my sisters to Lexington for my daughters farwell family party for college...we are going to do some serious eating, telling of stories, laughing and picture taking...I'll be back later on late tonight or tomorrow more than likely...to check up with you....
Thanks for what you said too....I really appreciate those encouraging words... |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| No, I was deceived in thinking you gotta do more than you gotta do to please God when all we gotta do is spend time with Him and in His Word and He changes us. That was my deception. No, Rob just misread my blog. Wasn't born again til late November/early December 2002, the divorce finally processed and was official on Mother's day in May 2003. Oh no, believe me, I know I wasn't saved then b/c a light switch came on when I finally 'saw the light'. I'm quite used to Rob being a pain in my butt, but I appreciate your stepping in my feisty sister. Love you! |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| lol sry for the misunderstanding...I've just read a few blogs where Rob is harping on you about your marriage and enough is enough already! K so now this whole thing is completely clarified so I think it's time 2 move on....just sayin...Luv you too Lara! |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| thanks lori I will. |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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| I agree. :) Time to move on. lol |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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MOVE ON, MY AUNT FANNY!!!
Hahahahahahaha!!! I've never been called Farty fart fart before but I LOVE IT!!!
It's taken me a LONG time to nail you down, Lara. You have been avoiding answering that question for 6-months. Which blog did I read of yours where I got the wrong impression? If you've deleted it or edited it in any way that will prove I did NOT misinterpret it and you have changed your story.
Angela, Harping on something like this may seem rude but it's no big deal. We're not going to burn Lara at the stake. We've all been divorced. Who wants to cast the first stone?
I thought Lara had renounced your salvation so that she could get divorced and remarried or whatever. That freaked me out. Then Marcia started going on about "If you sin just once, you're out of the game" and all I could think of was poor farty fart fart Lara.
Lara, Take time to read my Elemental Christianity blog because it reveals some interesting insights into our walk. I know you're tired of the baptism thing but what if salvation were modular? Every complex system on earth is made up of different components and forces. What if salvation were not a thing but a collection of things?
Wow. Now I want to go rant on my blog for awhile.
Hey, Lori. Check out my blog on Andrew Wommackisms. It's called It's Tight But It's Right. I think I have 20 of his sayings listed. Maybe you have more.
I want to eat your guts, you guys,
Rob |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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wow. so now I'm a liar. I never changed my story. My mom is on here, Rob. Pat Jones. On my home page. Wanna ask her? She takes a lot less guff than me. Please be careful that you get your facts straight. It kinda hurts being called a liar. |
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| August 14, 2009 |
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No. I said "if you deleted or edited your comment..." I didn't say you did that. Sheesh! So which blog was that that I misinterpreted what you had said? |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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Rob, I don't know you but why do you feel the need to nail anyone on here or to publicly name names of people who delete you. People are on here for different reasons (some good, some bad) and all are at different stages of their walk. In fact some are not even Christian at all. You stated " If you've deleted it or edited it in any way that will prove I did NOT misinterpret it and you have changed your story." You conditioned your statement with the word "If" but it is NOT A FACT that deleting a blog means that someone changed their story. It could mean any number of things ....a lot of things in fact and none of them as sinister as you propose. As I said, I don't know you and I really don't dispute your right to seek truth here, but you do not have the right to character assassination or to argue with people simply because you feel you are right. That is letting your ego get in the way. I don't believe Jesus argued with people to prove his point or so he could be right. He simply was the great "I AM". He was gentle with people except hypocrites and pharisees. Yesterday's verse said "As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions." PLEASE remember, that by going after people (no matter who they are), you do NOT BUILD PEOPLE UP but you TEAR THEM DOWN. Remember, others read what you say, some of them are weak in faith and they watch to see how Christians behave.Our Christian conduct is proof that we love each other and loving one another is proof that we belong to God.Jesus said: By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35. The gifts that come from love are many. Here are a few:
[1] Forgiveness, [2] patience,[3] kindness,[4 ] love for truth,
[5] love for justice,[6] love for the best in a person,
[7] loyalty at any cost, [8] belief in a person no matter what,
Love does not allow for[1] jealousy, [2] envy, [3] pride,
[4] a haughty spirit. [5] selfishness, [6] rudeness,
[7] a demand for one's own way, [8] irritability, [9] grudges. Read:1Cor.13:4-7.
God said: Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Pro.10:12. As I said above, I take no quarrel with your quest for truth. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit would lead us into truth..so we should be desirous of truth. But there is no need to set yourself as being Heaven's gatekeeper in that quest...only to be a fisher of men as Jesus was. In love, JS (Lori, sorry for chiming in here but I'm tired of what I see as needless character attacks on someone I respect and accept as sister in Christ). |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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The way I see this is two fold, one Lara and Rob go around all the time...it is part of their relationship...He is teasing with her more than you all give him credit for. I don't believe for one minute he would outright attack Lara, he honestly cares for her guys...
Lara is a big girl and she can take care of herself, she by no means minds at all telling Rob what she thinks....farty fart fart...for example...I cracked up...these two are like siblings who love each other but drive each other crazy at the same time. Now, I will say she did confront Rob...told him her feelings were hurt...he will get it...
I don't mind for my blogs to take rabbit trails and go off into what ever discussions people feel spurred on by...I will say I don't mind playful banter either but if things seem to get too personal or attacking maybe that is better for one to one emails...
Listen lets all chill, and love each other and our differences....I so appreciate all the responses to this blog and the interaction, it makes me feel in the thick of things once again on my church and it has made me come to realize how I miss those on here I do hold dear....Loves to you all, Lori
Also, I just have to say this men and women handle conflict so differently, us women, well, we are not so direct with conflict, look at how I handled this issue. I didn't use names and for the guys they asked me to so the suppositions stopped as to "who" did this...so lets just give the guys some credit for being guys...they can't help it just like sometimes we can't help crying for no reason (I still hate that about me but I'm coming to grips with the fact it is all part of being a woman and that I DO LOVE)
I |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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| Lori, my last word on this so please indulge me...I see & understand everthing you are saying. I don't know Rob and I do know Lara. She is a big girl but that doesn't mean I can't support her...Also, Rob needs to remember that there are many on this site (most who don't comment) and they are also reading these comments..If I don't get them, surely someone else who is weak in the faith doesn't get the banter either. All that being said, it is your blog...and you can handle it how you like. God bless you...love and hugs to all.. |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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| Thanks for providing those links. I will indeed be reading the story of your healing. I am always uplifted by testimonies. God bless |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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Penny, I adore you...you post whatever you need to, Rob is a big boy too and can take it. I guess for me Penny I feel somewhat protective of Rob as a brother... he is one of those people easy to misintrepret and he has come under a lot of fire. By his own admission with his style prompts that but his heart is pure I'm telling you and he loves the Lord with all of it...He makes my eyes shine in a completely different way than most but they shine from my spirit out, and you know something you do the same thing to me, so I am certainly not scholding...I am just encouraging us to try and view this maybe from a different lens that allows for a tad more grace....enough said...you all are aces to me!
God Bless you Penny, and I just sent you an email before writing this! :) |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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| Hey Lori, I have nothing against Rob just so you know...we can all learn a little grace toward each other. |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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| Penny, I don't believe you have anyting against Rob, you have an awesome developed marture character. I was trying to just explain him a bit as you admitted to know knowing him, he comes off at times harsh and abrasive....but it doens't come from a hard and abrasive place, in all honesty, but from a heart that wants to understand truly what others are saying....just something I know about Rob....he is like a fine wine that requires taste development but once done there is nothing like that particular bottle of wine...just know that, he is the bomb Penny, really.... |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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I appreciate you trying to help me understand Rob. I am sure he is as you say he is and lovable when you get to know him :-))) I'm sure there are also those that find me harsh and abrasive at times but that isn't me at all, lol! Thanks for being you, and for loving Rob and Lara and me :-) Have great night sis. |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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Listen I'm a New Yorker by birth living in the redneck south, that can be a heck of a combination. I come off harsh at times myself and really don't mean at all to be. I don't think you come off Penny but caring and sweet....Like I said all of us women can be lionesses you mess with ours and that can be family or friends, I actually like that about women.
Alright I am beat, we had such a blast tonight at my sisters....I may put in new photos tomorrow...;) |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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Joyful, I do consider Lara my little sister. I have 4 sisters in my immediate family and many more in the Lord. Teasing is what I do. Holding a person's feet to the fire is also what I do. It may sound mean but I don't know any other way of getting someone to explain what they mean. I have found that Christians are people who do the least thinking about why they believe what they believe. Most of the junk Christians believe in the name of God is in fact ungodly and unhealthy. In addition to that, I have also found that Christians are some of the least repentant people on earth. Go figure. When I read Lara's words describing her first marriage, my heart sank. It looked as if she was saying that she had renounced her salvation in order to get out of an impossible situation. It sounded like she stayed unsaved until after she married her second husband. Now that she has a good marriage, she can be saved again. I remember thinking, "What if things go sour in this marriage? Will she have to renounce her salvation again and start all over again with a third husband?" I was freaking out! How can one's religion separate them from the love of God? So I took her to task over it. Joyful, I can see that you are a very well spoken individual. You have the ability to say what you mean. Your parents did a good job of teaching you to read and write. But not all of us have that ability. We know what we think but how to get that onto paper (or our blog) we find not. I know what I read on Lara's blog. I also know that I have been wrong before. I have misinterpreted things that I have both read and heard. This is why I want her to identify the blog where I allegedly got this wrong impression. Her failure to do so makes me a bit suspicious. Also, I have been to her blog and after a cursory examination, I can't seem to find what I'm looking for. If someone hides or destroys evidence, they are running from something. The question becomes, therefore: Which is healthier, repentance or the destruction of evidence? But this does not mean that I do not love Lara. How could anyone NOT love this dear person? But I love my sisters after the flesh too. I wouldn't let them get away with that kind of thing either. Love demands, I believe, an accounting for what you say. If you're wrong then you need to repent. Why should repentance be such a big deal? Marcia (IHSallthetime) has developed a theology that does away with the need to repent. Her religion says that if I sin, I'm not a Christian anymore. Jesus died to save Marcia from ever having to repent. God is good. Regarding the guys who have blocked me, I've said that it's my fault. So what? I treated them the same way I would treat anyone and they couldn't take it. Instead of dealing with me man-to-man, they ran. The truth is, I treated them like I'm treating Lara and they bolted. Lara, to her credit, hangs in there. She's good people. All she needs to do, in my opinion, is drop everything she thinks she knows about God, open the bible, and let God teach her who He is. In my opinion, her theology is tenuous. It fails her when times get rough. I used to have a similar religion but thanks be to God, He saved me from that. MyChurch has been an important learning tool in my life and I thank God for it. I have been able to test the things I thought I knew about God. Craig, Gary, MichaelATL43, Loriinfj, Lara, Mike n Laura, Grant, R, and all the people with whom I've debated have given me an opportunity to dig more deeply into the word of God. I appreciate that. From some of these, I've learned new things. From the rest, I've come to a better understand of why I believe what I believe. I'll admit that my intentions have not always been noble. Much of what I do I do for sport. But if you can't play "Bible Trivia" on MyChurch, where can you play it? Rob |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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Hey Rob, thank you brother for sharing your heart and doing it so well :-) I say thank you too for the compliment to my parents but neither of them went to school and neither of them learned to read and write English until much later in life...with my mother being well developed in oral skills. English is not my first language either. I struggle with it. A LOT...and also I don't think it really matters whether you have a good education or not, there is always room for miscommunication/misunderstandings where blogs/comments are involved. After all most of us aren't writing novels, lol! As for people blocking you, well that may be sad but please don't take it so personally. Some people just have enough conflict in their lives and/or deal with enough challenging things each and every day. This site is a respite for them away from all those troubles...and some of us view it as a "haven" and a place for encouragement and prayer. Others may view it as a place to debate/discuss/grow/joke...I think it is a little of all those things but we need to be sensitive to the fact that each person has his/her own reasons and what one sees as dialogue, another may see as a quarrel. I'm sure if you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your posts, then He will. In fact, I need to do more of that myself. As for the Bible Trivia game, I found a place for you to play it ~ LOL http://www.crossdaily.com/trivia/ |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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| Penny you are the best girl....what character...seriously....;) |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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Joyful, Thanks for the link. It looks like it'll be fun. Nobody likes rejection and the way I deal with people blocking me is to think that it's their loss. I gotta say, though, I LOVE getting worked up over this stuff. The church I used to go to had a discussion forum - not nearly as sophisticated as MyChurch. I would get on that thing and BLAST the church of Christ for its unbelief. I still have some of my blogs saved in MS Word files. The church of Christ is guessing about 90% of the time. It's sad - and it really angry's up the blood! Maybe I can come over to your blog and we can cross swords sometime? Wuddya think? Rob |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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| There is the love! I'm lovin it...you guys are the best! |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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Lori, you are a dear :-) Rob, glad u liked the link. You can come over to my blogs anytime but I might disappoint you. I don't cross swords too often with people. God has dealt with me on that one more than once. I try to listen to Him as best I can. Penny |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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Rob,
It is not proper biblical etiquette' to mention someone's name and speak about them out of context. What does my belief have to do with this blog?
So far, you have been wrong about me perhaps four times now?
1) I am a dude (wrong)
2) I am a preacher (wrong)
3) I studied with the Masonic Jews that is why I spell out G-d (wrong)
4) Now you make an incorrect statement about my theology (wrong)
May I suggest that you go to my profile page and begin to read. You will find all you need to know about my theology, and I pray that you find yourself encouraged in your walk with the Lord brother.
Shalom to all my friends
Sister Marcia |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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I think I struck a nerve! Please excuse me, I have to go over to Marcia's for a small discussion :) Wait up, Marcia. I'm coming... Bye! |
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| August 15, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
Lori, i apprciate everything you have expressed and i applaude you for your cofidence, courage and strength to do what God has called you to do, always remember God will never take you where the Spirit can't keep you, so don't ever apologize for being obedient to God it will keep you in bondage, whom the Son set free is truly free indeed. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, ther is Liberty, stay free and continue to say what He gives you to say, don't let them bog you down about Christians need love because God chasetises those He Love, despite who He chooses to use to get that accomplished.
Be Blessed |
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| August 16, 2009 |
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| I also have noticed this between a the My Church community. If you notice this again Report the friend and ask for the person to be warned or to Expell them from the site. In Christ Alone-Acolyte Tyler Davis |
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| August 16, 2009 |
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| i like the input from folks about this thoughts..i think, we need not shy away and be courageous to face issues...we cannot say wherever we have been eithe church, seminaries etc have been perfect..we just need to be ready to make an impact whereve we are .. |
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| August 16, 2009 |
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| Thanks Sheree, Tyler and Jonah. Jonah, you are correct no place is perfect and Sheree we all have to decide where God wants us. I had been on my church a while and I was getting some emails as to why I left so I decided to be honest about what happened. Tyler I'm not so into having others expelled from sites or groups. Not only that, what if there is a problem with leadership to begin with? Often leaders are the ones leading us in unbiblical ways....If I could have confronted this issue any more directly I would have, I was as direct as I felt lead to be...sometimes knowledge is given for our personal edification or wisdaom only...that was true in this particular case...God bless you all.... |
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| August 16, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
please do not leave mychurch. of course not everyone on here does the right thing. no one does anywhere. i accuse myself of my own sins, though. i do not slander. but i have many sins. which i admitt regularly, here and on facebook and myspace. it is my way of showing others that i am not perfect. that i struggle just like anyone else. and as we say in celebrate recovery, you are only as sick as your secrets. i think it is great to call out people for their sin. Jesus certaintly did. but once He named it, He offered the person forgiveness and a hope. and i think we should also. everyone makes mistakes. |
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| August 16, 2009 |
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I actually already took a leave of absence Amy, this was origionally posted over 2 months ago and my blog before that said I was leaving as well. This decision came after months of thought,and prayer. I'm heading back to work this week after some time off for surgery. I'm not going to make any decsions about what I will or won't futher do until I get back to work and get my daughter off to college...I have some big life changes to deal with coming up this week...Mychurch is not on my priority list right now....
Best to everyone but I need to scoot off the site and prepare for the week ahead! |
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| August 16, 2009 |
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and so true about leaders...lori. if the leaders can't stand up, then it really leaves no recourse to the affected people.
and rob....i don't like comment deleters either. if you are gonna put something out there for everyone to see, let the chips, or should i say comments, fall where they may. some will be appropriate, some not. but that's life on this planet.
but i have not found gossip and slander on this site. i pretty much put my sins out there, so people can't really talk about me. and i don't personally know anyone on this site, so i can't imagine anyone talking about me on here. and if they do, really, that is their problem. it doesn't bother me in the least. i get support from people on here and if there is someone out there trying to tear me down, oh well. that is there sin to commit. |
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| August 17, 2009 |
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Lori, I find it unfortunate that you have allowed your blog to become host to personal vendettas against other users. References to other users by name in a less than positive light = slander, or "an abusive attack on a person's character or good name." Right? Doesn't your approval of such comments counteract the very message you were trying to get across in your blog? |
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| August 17, 2009 |
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Mike, You and I think differently and have already established that with one another. I have not allowed my blog to become anything but a place for people to voice what they think/feel/believe. This is an open public forum and each of us can decide just how open or public we want it to be. Each individual person is responsible for their own writings, in my eyes. Undeleted comments allow others to make inferences for themselves.
This is a defination of slander: a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report: a slander against his good name. Slander involves falsehoods Mike, with the purpose to malign someones good name. Slander is not speaking the truth of someone. Along with making false accusations you have to have the purpose to malign someones good name. When we label Ted Bundy a serial killer for example it is not slander. It is truth.
I'm not sure what comments your refering to but each person on here when it got heated resolved things with each other on this blog and you can see the trail of that. I was pretty proud of them in all honesty. Often times when there is conflict between friends they take it to personal email, and that we don't get to see...
Mike, unlike you, I don't censor responses on my blogs, as I truly believe in freedom of speech. We are on a public forum and we can all chose how private to make it, I have decided to keep my open. I also believe each person is individually responsible for what they say and write. I am only responsible for what I say, if you saw postings by me encouraging others to malign each other then you could say that I approved of slander. I don't look at others comments as something for me to "approve" of...In fact there are many comments made on my blogs where I totally disagree with that persons outlook...I still don't delete them. People have a right to their opinion and to voice what they think, believe, or how they feel. If you want to accuse me of slander because that is my stance go ahead, it bothers me not. I have found anothers perspective/opinions/beliefs allows me to grow. I certainly don't have the market on all wisdom admitidly so. I believe in letting the chips fall where they may. Not only that the partakers in this blog are adults that showed they can work things out themselves.
Mike, I'm going to be blunt here with you. I have so disagreeded with some of your actions (towards me and others). I told you I would no longer read or comment on your blogs. I have also chosen not to respond to your emails. There are some major differences between how you and I decide to handle conflict, sensitive subjects, religious beliefs, and people. I'm not going to become you and further more I am not your wife or child for you to confront. You are in no way my leader nor have I voilated the terms of mychurch agreement. If you have a difficult time with my blogs and the commets because I won't delete them based on freedom of speech (which I feel very protective of), then don't read my blogs or the comments. Mike, you asked me privately to not leave any further comments on one of your blogs. I don't believe in treating others that way, so you can respond to my comment if you desire, but I will tell you I won't respond to anything more you write on this subject. This is all the comment I will leave to you publically or privately. When I have refused to answer your emails or comments in the past I believe I have made it pretty clear I'm not going to engage with you.
Mike the Word tells us to seek peace in situations. That is what I choose to do. I won't engage in battle with someone unless I feel lead and brother I don't feel lead to battle with you. We don't see things in the same way on many levels and where there is contention there is every evil thing and I don't want to be exposed to the every evil thing, I don't want you exposed to every evil thing as well... so...Blessings to you Mike and I mean that. In Him, Lori
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| August 17, 2009 |
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Lori, With all due respect, when you look up words there are often multiple definitions, all of them valid. Slander has several, the common denominator being intent to cause injury (to one's name or character). With respect to deleting comments. The site gives each blogger the ability to delete or report comments, clearly the admins and developers expect these to be used, at the blogger's discretion. Furthermore, when you comment on someone else's blog, you are not on public property. You are stepping onto their property, so to speak. The responsible blogger will facilitate conversation so that God is honored and people are treated with dignity. I practice the same thing when leading my small group. Words can hurt people when used carelessly or selfishly. My 13 yr old daughter reads my blogs, and occasionally the comment trails too. You're darn right I'm gonna control what's posted. Other young people read too. If you want uncontrolled comment streams and complete freedom of speech, you should think about going to MySpace. (No, that is NOT an invitation to leave MyChurch, sister.) Furthermore, those who state their opinions as authoritative, who treat their blog host (me) with disrespect or contempt, will likely see their posts disappear from my blogs too. Yes, we all have different levels of understanding of truth, so this isn't to advocate censorship of all who disagree. In fact, go through my blogs and you'll find MANY comments from people who disagreed w/me. This includes a few comments from YOU. (Have I ever deleted any of your comments? Nope, to this day they all remain. Yes I did ask you to cease commenting on one blog, along w/1 or 2 others -- b/c that blog clearly got heated. I started receiving private messages from other users, upset about the drama. What about their feelings? Do you respect them too? Are they worth trampling just to make our point? Yes, I am a comment deleter, when I need to be. As a last resort. Is that worth carrying a grudge over? I have nothing against you Lori. You can even delete this comment, and I won't hold it against you. It's your blog. However I won't allow your name to be spoken of disparagingly on my blogs. You are still and always will be my sister in Christ. |
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| August 17, 2009 |
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Mike,
I too have received your "cease and desist" (so to speak) emails. Eventually, you blocked me.
I took you to task over your blog, "Denominations are Good", on the grounds that denominations teach error. When I pointed to the error taught by the Jehovah's Witnesses, you objected saying that they were a fringe group. Here's a newsflash: ALL DENOMINATIONS STARTED OUT AS FRINGE GROUPS! (Except maybe the Anglican Church) Christianity itself started out as a fringe group.
So your official position is that "Denominations are Good", as long as they pass your smell test. In this blog, you commented, "Yes, I am a comment deleter, when I need to be."
So let me get this straight. Denominations can teach whatever they like as long as you like it too and commenters can write whatever they like as long as you like it too. Is that pretty close to your position?
Like it or not, MyChurch is an open forum. Unless you paid for membership, your blog is not your property - it belongs to MyChurch.org. You are posting your own beliefs on an open web log. Your beliefs are yours but your blog is not. MyChurch gives you the freedom to be whoever you will be. If you tend toward censorship then you will use the Delete feature. If you don't, you won't.
You used your 13-year old and other kids as an excuse for deleting my comments. In your, "Denominations are Good" blog, you commented to one person, "Half a truth is not a lie". Is this the quality of doctrine you want your 13-year old to fill her life with? I'm not suggesting you delete your comment, I'm suggesting you repent publically for that comment.
A wise man once said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
Your promotion of "half-truths" and denominationalism is proof positive that you have NOT continued in the words of Jesus. You do not know the truth and you are not free. You feign concern for your daughter but I say it's your own ego that's at stake here - not her doctrinal integrity.
As you know, I state my positions with authority. I do this because Jesus taught in the exact same way. I only do what I see my Savior doing.
1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
You complain that I treat you with disrespect and contempt. How did Jesus treat the Pharisees and scribes?
Rob
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