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| I Can't Stand This Person? |
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Do you know people that seem to rub you the wrong way? Are there people who simply get under your skin? Perhaps there are people who you are acquainted with that seem to know what buttons to push to get you irritated. We all have those people in our lives, and I believe that sometimes they are put there by God. I call them “holy sand paper”.
Sandpaper is an abrasive substance that is designed to rub off the rough edges of a surface. Similarly, those people in our lives that we find difficult to love may have been placed in our life by God for the sole purpose of rubbing off those rough edges. When we love those who we find hard to love, it files off those rough edges, so to speak, that resists loving like Christ.
To love those who are hard to love takes humility. Often times our pride gets in the way. We only want to love those who love us. However, Jesus had some stern words that counters this idea of love.
5:46 For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more `than others?' do not even the Gentiles the same? 5:48 Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less." Then after you continue to do good to this person, you will eventaully come to love that person.
May we resolve to love all those who come our way. When someone who is difficult to love crosses our path, take this God-given opportunity to show that person God’s love. In doing so, you will display the love that Jesus intended his followers to display. |
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Rosie |
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November 08, 2007 at 2:21am |
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| boy did i ever have someone like this in my life the more i resisted the worse they rubbed me finially i gave into God and loved them and prayed for them and guess what they moved away....... |
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| There is so much truth to this.Thanks 4 the reminder. |
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Denise |
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November 08, 2007 at 3:06am |
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| Pastor Tim, the one thing I have learned is that you can not control how another person behaves but you can control how you behave. I pray that when I am faced with my SANDPAPER that the light of Jesus shows and not Denise. |
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| Wow Pastor Tim, I have had alot of (sand paper) come my way, and it had taken me along time to learn that the sand paper was put here to make me a better person. Only the Lord could teach me how to use that sand paper ,to get the best results! Thanks God for the Sand paper! |
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Rosie, what a great story. Once we learn from our trial, the trial is taken away. in your case, the trial moves away. lol
Racunpoodle, thanks for the kind words.
Denise, amen. Please pray that for me too.
Keith, God sent you the sandpaper because he is preparing to use you in great ways! |
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GERVIS |
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November 08, 2007 at 3:52am |
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Yes !This is very true.
Gervis |
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| Rosie! That's not a very nice thing to say about me... ;) |
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Rosie |
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November 08, 2007 at 5:32am |
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| TIM IT WASN'T YOU......... I'D NEVER THINK THAT ABOUT YOU....I LUVS YOU!!!!!!!! |
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| There used to be a man at a church that almost made me quit going to our weekly men's Bible study. It turns out that the man that almost made me quit was me! The other man cannot control us. |
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Tim,
My own pastor (hehe couldn't resist) has often repeated that "feelings follow actions", they should not be the cause of them. (me again...) If we followed our feelings (the Bible would probably call them "passions") then we'd probably rip the body of Christ apart and drag his name through the mud every day. Thank God the Holy Spirit moderates my "passions" with his fruit!! |
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| Great post! This reminds me of the devotional the Holy Spirit led me to write yesterday: Today's Bible Treasure. God is calling His church to love with His love despite our differences. The Holy Spirit is moving and whispering within the Body, let's continue to allow Him to speak. |
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Good word Pastor, thanks for reminding us that we need to find the good in each person. We are called to love the unlovely. |
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Kathy |
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November 08, 2007 at 7:38am |
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| Great message, Pastor Tim! |
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Ragland |
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November 08, 2007 at 7:59am |
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Tim,
Thank you for your words. I am just passing through a time of testing. I think you would have got my bulletin too regarding that. I was just wondering why God must make me go through such paths. The otherday my son, brought home a wall poster presented to him at the Sunday School. It contains the following lines:
Trials
No matter what trials come our way,
God will see us through each day,
If only we put our trust in Him,
The light of His Love will never dim.
Dont ever think that
He has forgotten you,
Its just sometimes,
we need a test or two
For we will never be able
to help our brother,
If we are never tested,
One way or the other
Never ask the Lord
for an easy road,
But only for strength
to carry your load.
For through your sorrows
you will find,
The Lord is with you,
He is loving and kind.
And when your trials have all gone away,
"I've been there too," is what you can say.
For there will be times
When some one you meet,
Will Praise God to walk in the steps of your feet.
I read this and pondered over the message. I hope you will also find it applicable.
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JayKTX |
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November 08, 2007 at 9:23am |
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| Who can't relate? Thanks for a good word. |
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Eric |
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November 08, 2007 at 10:34am |
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| Pastor Tim, that quote from C.S. Lewis has changed a huge aspect of how I look on the world. I read it last summer. I'm surprised I haven't blogged about it yet. Oh yeah, I remember now. I'm working on a thesis on Love that I wanted some feedback on with my closest friends first before publishing. Here's a preview: the biblical definition of love is a verb, not a noun. Now read C.S. Lewis again ;) |
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Deb |
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November 08, 2007 at 11:58am |
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| Wow, Pastor Tim, I never thought of irritating people as sandpaper, to rub off our rough edges. What an amazing way to think of it! That will help me to deal with those people that are a little hard to take, in a better, more loving way. Thank you! |
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WOW, I need to check back more often. Thanks so much Gervis, MH, Rosie, Randy, Mike, Prue, DR, Kathy, Ragland, Jay, Eric, Deb, thanks so much for your comments. I was blessed by them.
I just got an opportunity to get some rough edges rubbed off today. A blogger, Jack Hennesey, after I made one statement on his blog that I would be praying for him said,
|  | Tim go get a job and it will do no good for you to pray to your terrorist perverted god who sends the great majority of his children to eternal torment by burning. Just the idea of you on your knees praying to such a pagan deity for me makes my skin crawl. Hell is a dark concept wrought centuries ago and promoted by the Catholics to control by fear and gather coin in their coffers and you my friend have joined a long list of false priests promoting perversion. I love you Tim but I hate your deeds and I tire of you guys with titles poisoning and raping God's children.
My God is Agape and He is the Good Shepherd that gathers the last sheep into His fold .... and yes Tim after repentance He will gather you also with His nail pierced hands and you shall weep with Love as He introduces you to our Father who goes infinitely beyond the seventy times seven He taught man.
PUNISHMENT WITHOUT PURPOSE IS PERVERSION
Blessings and yes that sometimes means correction,
Jack |
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| Pastor Tim, that absolutely sickens me. |
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| P. Tim, if Jack doesn't want your prayers, I'll take them! I never turn down a prayer offer, lol. ;) |
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Denise |
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November 08, 2007 at 1:31pm |
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Thanks Pastor Tim, I'm like MH Guitarist I'll take all the prayers I can get.
Blessings to you |
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Hey Pastor Tim,
You are being tested for the word you preach! HAHA! WOW!!!!
We are pulling for ya!
Shannon |
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Pastor TIm, Jack simply doesn't understand, that God's punishment is with purpose. His word has told us over and over that to fall short of His holiness and his glory demands that a Holy God punish us. We are also told it is not his desire and that is why we have his son. Those who refuse his offer of his only son, receive a holy God's only other option - eternal fire. Also, Jack doesn't know history very well does he? the idea of hell and eternal fire well predates the catholic church. How does he respond to the Hebrew faith which predates the church? Or hasn't he read the Old Testament, sorry I guess that was a little over the top. I just don't enjoy reading ignorance that disguises itself as knowledge. Pastor Tim, stand firm and know God is blessing you for it. |
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Gene |
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November 08, 2007 at 7:23pm |
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You know, Jack. I finally reached a point where I decided that all churches have something about them that is wrong. You have aparently reached the same conclusion. I think that if we are all to be very honest with ourselves, we would all agree on this. I suppose that is to be expected, because each church is run by and is filled by people. By our very nature, we all have sin in us. Even when we become close to God, for some reason, we tend to turn from God and reingage sin over and over.
When we encounter someone who attends a church, it's very easy to see hypocracy, because it's there. And it's very easy to hear a message of condemnation from the pulpit, becuase I've heard the same ones you've heard. We all have.
I have a theory. Where I live, half of the people who call themselves Christian do not attend church. This got me thinking. What is it that happens in the life of a Christian to cause them to stop attending church?
My theory is this: People do not stop attending church because of God. They stop attending church because of how God is presented to them. Several of your blog responses supports this theory.
Jack, I can only encourage to focus your time on God, to seek his Presence in you and around you, to search for His words to you in scripture, and to ask for His guidance in prayer. But first and foremost, I encourage you to be willing to be led where God wants you to be, even if you don't want to go there. Years of bible study did affect my life, but it was only when I finally gave up control of my life that I finally experienced the love of God. When I say experienced, I mean completely immersed, bathed in God's love. I was reduced to a puddle. We all long for love, and we hold onto what we are told is love. But that is only sand compared to what God offers to each and every one of us.
When Christ walked the earth He gave His love to his followers, to the poor, to the outcast. And He humbled Himself by getting on His hands and knees to wash the feet of his disciples. Think about that. The God of the universe on His hands and knees to wash His followers. And He humbled Himself further by taking the punishment that we expect to receive for our own wrong doings. This is the greatest example of love, to give up one's life for another.
God wants us all to be with Him. He calls each of us by name. But He doesn't force anyone. Many decide not to be with Him. In my understanding, hell is simply the total absense of God.
Perhaps God is using you where you are now. Perhaps you needed to be away from church for a time, maybe to seperate what you really believe vs something you've heard. You are in a beautify part of the country, and I believe that God somehow speaks to your heart through all that is around you.
But one day God will ask that you seek out a church that tells of the living God, the God of Love and mercy. When that day comes, I pray that you will answer the call.
Gene |
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PUNISHMENT WITHOUT PURPOSE IS PERVERSION - is that right? (Pastor Tim, I may have to borrow some of your sandpaper), In my bible it speaks of purpose for said punishment.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Wages Greek: opsōnion 1) a soldier's pay, allowance a) that part of the soldier's support given in place of pay [i.e. rations] and the money in which he is paid 2) metaph. wages: hire or pay of sin Death Greek: thanatos 1) the death of the body a) that separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended b) with the implied idea of future misery in hell 1) the power of death c) since the nether world, the abode of the dead, was conceived as being very dark, it is equivalent to the region of thickest darkness i.e. figuratively, a region enveloped in the darkness of ignorance and sin 2) metaph., the loss of that life which alone is worthy of the name, a) the misery of the soul arising from sin, which begins on earth but lasts and increases after the death of the body in hell 3) the miserable state of the wicked dead in hell 4) in the widest sense, death comprising all the miseries arising from sin, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth, to be followed by wretchedness in hell Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Reward Greek: misthos 1) dues paid for work a) wages, hire 2) reward: used of the fruit naturally resulting from toils and endeavours a) in both senses, rewards and punishments b) of the rewards which God bestows, or will bestow, upon good deeds and endeavours c) of punishments To give Greek: apodidōmi 1) to deliver, to give away for one's own profit what is one's own, to sell 2) to pay off, discharge what is due a) a debt, wages, tribute, taxes, produce due b) things promised under oath c) conjugal duty d) to render account 3) to give back, restore 4) to requite, recompense in a good or a bad sense So Pastor Tim know that it is a wonderful thing to get a Holy Ghost massage even if sandpaper is used…. In the end, you're gonna come out like pure… oh don't forget to have a glass of my Holy Ghost lemonade sweetened with joy. Pastor Aminata |
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Mike, MH, Denise, Shannon, Pastor Tom, Gene, Pastor Aminata, thanks everyone for your comments. You guys are the best. I am truly praying for Jack, that God would get a hold of his heart.
Mike, I was sickened by it as well.
MH, I am praying for you brother!
Pastor Tom, very good word. I think our brother needs to take a basic theology class (freshman level). I don't mean to be unkind, but he is taking one attribute of God and attempting to define who God is by a single attribute. Very true that God is love, but He is also just, holy, etc. as you said.
Gene, thanks for the post. I will be in prayer for him as well.
Pastor Aminata, I love the way your mind works. Preach it sister. I sitting here this evening praising God and sipping lemonade. |
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| Shannon, thanks so much for the encouragement! |
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R |
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November 09, 2007 at 5:02am |
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Hey Pastor Tim, What's the area between sandpaper and cool whip? I can most definately be the sandpaper (in some situations), while on the otherhand (for a short while), I can be like cool whip. Just all fluffy and not much solid-ness for others. There must be some balance in the middle? Just living life I guess. But case in point, Jack's comment. While Jack has shared (at times), some interesting thoughts about God... that ring true, when he responded here; it's sandpaper of the most difficult kind.
I think Mike said it to him early on (not verbatim), everyone will be saved is a wonderful thought, but it's not biblically sound. I also remember these verses from 2 Tim. 2:23-26, "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." While others can be sandpaper to us (for our good)... we can naturally be sandpaper to others (hopefully for their good). We are all a bit sand-paperey at times... with a bit of cool whip thrown in here and there also. my two cents. R...
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| How true this is. in a matter of fact i have someone like that in my life right now. But i am trying with God's helped to be friend with her. |
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Thanks J and Woman of Joy for your comments.
J - Thank you for the Scripture verse and I agree :-)
Woman of Joy - With God's help, you can do it! :-) |
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Agatha |
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November 09, 2007 at 1:30pm |
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| I really like how you wrote about this because it relates to a lot about how I've been feeling lately... there are those people in my life who are "holy sand paper" and I'm struggling a lot because they seem to know what buttons to press to really get me in that bad mood and hurt me. I just feel like Love is what most people want and need... not the opposite. Love is what I need at the moment not persecution and hate... |
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| Wow How did I miss this post; I love you Pastor Tim. Where's that phrase angels anawares come from? You've been a great encouragement to me. |
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R |
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November 09, 2007 at 3:58pm |
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Oh darn, no one took my cool whip comparison. Hey if we could choose what we were going to get... I'd take the cool whip over sandpaper anyday, and while I'm talking cool whip how about some pie to go along with that?
Yum yum... me R.
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| Quite an excellent post. A timely word of wisdom. Thanks for sharing with us. |
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Jen D |
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November 09, 2007 at 4:10pm |
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| I love the image of irritating people as sand paper. My mother always told me that we dislike in others what we hate about ourselves. I'm now old to enough to admit that she's right more often than not. When I find myself disliking a person it's usually because we share a trait that I'd like to change in myself. |
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 Pastor Tim,
Take a break for a sec.
OK..Guess. What movie is this charactor from & what is her name? |
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Agatha, Dave, R, Brian, Jen, Shannon, Thanks so much for your comments and kind words. You guys are awesome.
Shannon, I can't remember the movie, but I think that the character's name is Dori. My friend uses that name in her e-mail address.
God bless you guys,
Pastor Tim |
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| Umm I'm thinkin of something that's orange and white. |
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VERY GOOD! Dori is correct!
It's Finding Nemo. Dori was sand paper to Marlin, but Dori was need by Marlin to find his son Nemo. Interesting huh! |
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Cool. It is coming back to me now.
Very good analogy. We all need those Dori's in our life to rub off the rough edges in order to be more like Jesus. |
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Rosie |
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November 10, 2007 at 3:11am |
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| PASTOR TIM YOU ARE AN AWESMONE CHILD OF GOD AND NO MAN CAN CHANGE THAT FACT BY ONE SINGLE WORD THEY SAY ABOUT YOU OR TO YOU .......I'LL TAKE YOUR PRAYERS ANY DAY OF THE WEEK......GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND.....ROSIE |
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R |
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November 10, 2007 at 3:58am |
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Hey!?
Of course there is a side to this that comes into question. It is revealed by this verse, "do not be deceived, evil company corrupts good habits (1 Cor.15:33)." While some can be sandpaper for our better-ment (smooth off those rough edges), there is the reality that some come around us for our detrement. If you hang around a bunch of theives, you likely will be tempted to think that taking things (like everyone else is doing), is alright also. You hang around drinkers and drug users, pretty soon what are you likely to start doing?
Influences! I also remember this verses ending verbage, "pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from this world." Keep oneself unspotted from this world?! What other examples can you come up with? Here's another that I thought of: people go to the race car track to watch the competition. After the thing is over, people drive like they are in the demolition derby! Under the influence. Hope this doesn't go against the grain. Just my two cents. - R. |
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| Pastor Tim, great little sermon here. I worked for years as a fast food restaurant manager, and there was alot of sandpaper in my life each day. Keep up the good work. |
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Well, my personality profile test Kathy had us take says I do good to use analogies. (heehee!)
I watch alot of animated stuff, so thats what comes out most of the time! I remember sitting in church once & got the preacher rolling on the floor laughing. He ask for input from the congregation & of course I had a cartoon analogy. |
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Rosie, thanks so very much for your kind words. I would pray for you any day.
Thanks D.
Scripturel, I used to work in the food service industry several years ago, and I agree. Thanks for the encouragement brother!
Shannon, while I was reading your response, I thought of the Cris Rice song, What if Cartoons got Saved."
I was thinkin' the other day,
"What if cartoons got saved?
They'd start singing praise
In a whole new way..."
Well, I was thinkin' the other day,
"What if cartoons got saved?
They'd start singing praise
In a whole new way..."
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| I went to a church briefly that would do that song during worship! It was funny. They would take songs like Sweet Alabama, & turn it to Sweet Home Up in Heaven. It was alot of fun. It just wasn't enough for me. I was even in the P&W team, but I had to step down due to my conscious. I didn't want to offer strange fire to God as worship! LOL. |
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Grant |
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November 13, 2007 at 6:53am |
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Some of us are born with the special talent to be sandpaper. As one such sandpaper personality, I surely appreciate it when I am shown love for my abrasiveness. I can't help the way I am. I try, but it just comes out that way sometimes. Folks from New York or Germany or Australia would understand. In Australia, calling someone a bastard (pardon my French) can actually be a compliment, believe it or not!
I remember giving my professors at the now Carolina Evangelical Divinity School in High Point, NC a real rough time. I wanted to know the truth and I wasn't going to take any half-baked replies for an answer. So, I challenged them on all points, and I must give them credit, they showed me so much GRACE in return, that it brings tears to my eyes even now as I reflect upon it.
So to all of you who have shown me love in return for my sandings, thank you! |
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Gene |
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November 13, 2007 at 4:46pm |
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In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor act as if you did.
I attended a series of classes on congregational development where they talked about the idea of "Pretending the Kingdom." It isn't so much that we are faking it - rather it's that we, like children - create a condition where the experience seems so real that we can use that as a basis for the reality that will come; sort of like tea parties. We eventually learn how to make tea for real and use those lessons learned to have real tea and real parties.
And, like children, we need to learn how to ignore those differences that sand on us so we can learn to play together nicely.
Great blog, PT! |
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Shannon, Grant, Gene, thanks for your comments.
Shannon, my wife went to a church one time where they did the same thing. Her conclusion was the same as yours.
Grant, I think your great. I never thought of you as sandpaper.
Gene, a fellow CS Lewis fan. Great analogy. What you said is similar to practice in sports. Simulate game situations, so when the real situation comes, you will be prepared.
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When I read the title I thought that maybe you knew my ex mother-in-law!
Good preaching brother! |
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LOL - Thanks brother. I imagine that a lot of people sympathize with you ;-)
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Hmmmm, never considered turning secular songs into Christians ones as being "strange fire". From what I've studied about church history, supposedly some of the music to several early hymns came from taverns.
I've been to a church where they've used such songs as "Wipe Out" and "Taking Care of Business". I can understand to where some people may not be comfortable with that, but I'm not so sure that's a reason to down it. |
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| Not what I mean. This is more like Christian Entertainment. Worship belongs to God & should be directed to HIM. Cartoons getting saved in a church service for the purpose of worship to our God is not a proper environment. Call it what you want. It is suitable for an entertainment environment. |
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