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Amy
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1 week ago
in Are Gay Christians Really Saved? on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
Great post! I have learned to speak the truth when asked, other wise I stick with, "Let everyone work out their own salvation with fear and trembling". When Christ has been invite in the Holy Spirit come in and take up residency. The bible teaches that he is the one that guides, teaches, counsels, and convicts but it's up to the individual to submit to his hand of love.
You said, I just believe that we won’t be arguing about this walking down the streets of gold. I Agree. I have had to bit my tongue a few times this week. It's going to be incredible to see Jesus face to face. :excited: woohoo!!
You said, I just believe that we won’t be arguing about this walking down the streets of gold. I Agree. I have had to bit my tongue a few times this week. It's going to be incredible to see Jesus face to face. :excited: woohoo!!
1 reply
1 week ago
in Engaging Our Gay Friends and Loved One’s With Honor and Respect – Bridging The Gap Synchroblog on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
The phrase "Love the sinner, hate the sin" is a very offensive statement to those who don't know Christ. When hate is added, love is not seen. If we would just say Love your neighbor and leave it at that, I believe more would come to Christ. We love sinners by being faithful in witnessing to them of the forgiveness that is available through Jesus Christ. A true act of love is treating someone with respect and kindness even though he/she knows you do not approve of his lifestyle or choices.
I believe pride can plays a large role when we share Christ with those who don't know Him. I have been guilty myself at times feeling that what I say will change their thinking. I'm thankful the Holy Spirit quietly whispers to me that it's the Lord that draws all hearts to himself, not me. We are called to be representatives of love in the earth, when they see us they should see the Jesus in us. I have heard many ministers say that what we need is a love revolution and I agree.
I believe pride can plays a large role when we share Christ with those who don't know Him. I have been guilty myself at times feeling that what I say will change their thinking. I'm thankful the Holy Spirit quietly whispers to me that it's the Lord that draws all hearts to himself, not me. We are called to be representatives of love in the earth, when they see us they should see the Jesus in us. I have heard many ministers say that what we need is a love revolution and I agree.
2 replies
Peter
Amy:
Thank you for your post! Two points, if I may:
(1) When you say "[w]e love sinners" what you neglect to say (and what people don't here) is "we, too, are sinners." This inclusive type of language -- especially since it is true, we are, indeed, all sinners -- helps reduce some of the us-against-you feeling.
(2) The problem is that people assume that gay people don't "know Jesus." If I tell you that I am gay and that I know Jesus, would you call me a liar? Probably not directly, but I'm gathering you will think I am in error. Lucky for me, the Light of Christ has guided me my entire life and I have no doubt about that!
Also, I should note, if you want to bridge the gap, it's people like me who you'll have to start with. :-) Many gay people have rejected Christ because they think Christ has rejected them. I speak to this in a blog post you will all most certainly disagree with, but I welcome you to read where I'm coming from: http://quakerjourney.blogspot.com/2009/05/takin...
In Peace,
Peter
In Peace,
Peter
Thank you for your post! Two points, if I may:
(1) When you say "[w]e love sinners" what you neglect to say (and what people don't here) is "we, too, are sinners." This inclusive type of language -- especially since it is true, we are, indeed, all sinners -- helps reduce some of the us-against-you feeling.
(2) The problem is that people assume that gay people don't "know Jesus." If I tell you that I am gay and that I know Jesus, would you call me a liar? Probably not directly, but I'm gathering you will think I am in error. Lucky for me, the Light of Christ has guided me my entire life and I have no doubt about that!
Also, I should note, if you want to bridge the gap, it's people like me who you'll have to start with. :-) Many gay people have rejected Christ because they think Christ has rejected them. I speak to this in a blog post you will all most certainly disagree with, but I welcome you to read where I'm coming from: http://quakerjourney.blogspot.com/2009/05/takin...
In Peace,
Peter
In Peace,
Peter
Randy Thomas
"Love Revolution" Sounds like a Lenny Kravitz song. I could get into that.
Just say no to pride. That works.
Just say no to pride. That works.
5 months ago
in After Jail Thoughts On Grace on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
wow, it's very humbling of you to admit that you can be a smart butt sometimes. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is very precious. With your friend knowing where you stand and he still opens up and empties himself to you is wonderful. That just shows that he trusts you. :)
The grace of God is beyond words for me. It's so amazing that as you were open for the Lord to use you to share and simply just be there for your friend, he ministered something to you as well. What a great and loving Father we have. I appreciate you sharing. I will continue to pray that the yoke of bondage will be broken off his life. The Lord is so loving to us that he never ceases to stop pruning us, so we can bear more fruit. I pray that the Lord will guide you and give you strength to endure this trail and come out stronger and more dependent upon him.
Have a blessed evening. :smiles to you:
The grace of God is beyond words for me. It's so amazing that as you were open for the Lord to use you to share and simply just be there for your friend, he ministered something to you as well. What a great and loving Father we have. I appreciate you sharing. I will continue to pray that the yoke of bondage will be broken off his life. The Lord is so loving to us that he never ceases to stop pruning us, so we can bear more fruit. I pray that the Lord will guide you and give you strength to endure this trail and come out stronger and more dependent upon him.
Have a blessed evening. :smiles to you:
1 reply
Randy
No ... I admitted to be a smart ass. :-)
I hope he trusts me but better yet will trust in God. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate the prayers.
I hope he trusts me but better yet will trust in God. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate the prayers.
5 months ago
in Friday, I Am Going To Visit A Jail on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
How was your visit? Your heart of compassion for your friend shows your character of Christ. When reading through the gospels I see that each time Jesus brought healing to the brokenhearted it was because of His heart of compassion for them. As you stand in the gap for your friend, the Lord promises to answer the cry of your heart. I have learned that pleading the blood in prayer is so powerful. As you appropriate the power of Christ's blood in the life of your loved one, the power of sin and death that held him because of guilt is bound. The blood of Christ allows your loved one the opportunity to choose salvation and new birth. Now the resources of heaven are stirred on your loved one's behalf. The devil's power that held your loved one in captive because of sin is pushed back. The chains that locked your loved one's heart and mind against the gospel begins to break as you continue to pray. Angles are all around him. The bibles says, "Are they not all ministering spirit's, sent forth to minister for those who WILL inherit salvation?" Acts 16:31 is another precious promise, "Receive the Lord and be saved, you and your household." Hallelujah!!!
I just thought I would send some encouragement your way. :) I will continue to stand in agreement with you for a quick breakthrough.
I just thought I would send some encouragement your way. :) I will continue to stand in agreement with you for a quick breakthrough.
1 reply
Randy
I am going to post about it but today just simply got away from me ... and I just chilled out this evening. I will probably write about it tomorrow.
Thank you also for adding your thoughts about what themes to cover in prayer. I appreciate that.
Thank you also for adding your thoughts about what themes to cover in prayer. I appreciate that.
5 months ago
in What Ted Haggard Can Still Teach The Church on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
I understand where you are coming from and I'm very aware that the leadership role you play in points you to stand with a real firm hand. A firm hand is great and I'm not knocking the away you responded at all, I highly respect and care for our friendship. Christ was also firm with his response to the men that passed judgment with how He was conducting the Father's business. Your blog is a blessing to be a partaker in and I look forward to sharing the of Jesus with Ewe when the opportunity comes.
Taking over the world sounds like fun! :)
Taking over the world sounds like fun! :)
1 reply
Randy
Thanks. I didn't think you were knocking what I was saying.
Oh and taking over the world will be great fun ... well ... as long as I like you.
bwooohahahahhahahhaahaha ::: cough ::: hhahahha ... ha!
Oh and taking over the world will be great fun ... well ... as long as I like you.
bwooohahahahhahahhaahaha ::: cough ::: hhahahha ... ha!
5 months ago
in What Ted Haggard Can Still Teach The Church on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
Ewe, Not sure why you are so bitter but talking about my friend is not nice at all. Your statement, "There are plenty of people who do not struggle with their orientation and are very well rounded fulfilled human beings in loving relationships with their partners", is not being attacked. If you knew Randy at all you would know that his heart is simple to share the love of Jesus others. All Christ asks of us is to come to him, get to know him and let him love you. Christ does not look to see if you are in a loving relationship with another, He simple just wants you to get to know Him and receive Him. I pray this year my friend that you will invite Jesus into your heart and let Him love you.
May the Lord Jesus bless and encourage you this year.
May the Lord Jesus bless and encourage you this year.
- 2 points
- Jump to »
Randy
... well ... and to take over the world. ::: laugh :::
I think the love of Jesus is to proclaim a redemptive view of the world as a whole which includes sexuality. The scriptures state that we have *all* fallen short of the glory of God and all need a Savior for a wide variety of reasons. While I agree with you, and not Ewe, that I am not attacking the people involved in the relationships ... the mere fact of my testimony existing, and my willingness to participate in the public dialog, is at odds with the morality that Ewe ascribes too and some of his socio/political goals.
While I agree with everyone's right to self-determination ... I hold personal convictions on what is beneficial (personally and socially) that are in direct opposition to most (not all) who identify as gay.
That's not an attack but it is definitely a serious conflict over complicated issues. Also some seem to think that the absence of conflict indicates love whereas I believe that a truly loving person enters into conflict in order to point to what they actually believe is true and best.
That's why I like people like Brady and Rose. They disagree with me but honestly believe they are pointing me to what they believe is the truth. They care enough to speak up in a way that actually invests into the relationship and dialog ... they don't do the verbal equivalent of drive-by smirking and ridicule.
They are wrong of course ::: grin ::: but ... I respect them for being honest and respectful.
Now, I do not go chasing people down to listen to me, I don't manipulate. Being a friend is not conditional on whether someone agrees with me on this one issue or not. So that is why I don't believe I am "attacking." I have zero personal need to convince others they have to agree with me. I offer my opinion when asked OR when the door opens and it's always up to others what they do with that. I have no power to make anyone do anything and that's a good thing.
Because if I did... I would have started ruling the world at the age of four, Bikini Girl would not be going to Hollywood and George Michael would be in rehab.
What?
Opinions, beliefs and the evidence of *my* life is not an attack on someone elses just because they are offended.
Even so, our moral disagreements present a really huge ... and unfortunately overly public ... conflict. Militant gay activists (I believe are very rare but influential beyond what they have actually earned or deserve) also inculcate a seriously hyper judgmentalism that makes everything that doesn't line up with their talking points a "personal attack." When you compound a fundamental moral conflict with hair trigger hyper judgementalism, you get people who think that a life pursuing "beauty and love" includes calling their opponents "diarreah."
And that works for any angle to any ideological spectrum.
So I think I understand why Ewe would feel like he does even though I think his conclusions to be out of touch with the complexity of reality and his response immature.
This comment turned into more than I intended, and you probably already know all this so ... there ya' go. :)
If you knew Randy at all you would know that his heart is simple to share the love of Jesus others.
... well ... and to take over the world. ::: laugh :::
I think the love of Jesus is to proclaim a redemptive view of the world as a whole which includes sexuality. The scriptures state that we have *all* fallen short of the glory of God and all need a Savior for a wide variety of reasons. While I agree with you, and not Ewe, that I am not attacking the people involved in the relationships ... the mere fact of my testimony existing, and my willingness to participate in the public dialog, is at odds with the morality that Ewe ascribes too and some of his socio/political goals.
While I agree with everyone's right to self-determination ... I hold personal convictions on what is beneficial (personally and socially) that are in direct opposition to most (not all) who identify as gay.
That's not an attack but it is definitely a serious conflict over complicated issues. Also some seem to think that the absence of conflict indicates love whereas I believe that a truly loving person enters into conflict in order to point to what they actually believe is true and best.
That's why I like people like Brady and Rose. They disagree with me but honestly believe they are pointing me to what they believe is the truth. They care enough to speak up in a way that actually invests into the relationship and dialog ... they don't do the verbal equivalent of drive-by smirking and ridicule.
They are wrong of course ::: grin ::: but ... I respect them for being honest and respectful.
Now, I do not go chasing people down to listen to me, I don't manipulate. Being a friend is not conditional on whether someone agrees with me on this one issue or not. So that is why I don't believe I am "attacking." I have zero personal need to convince others they have to agree with me. I offer my opinion when asked OR when the door opens and it's always up to others what they do with that. I have no power to make anyone do anything and that's a good thing.
Because if I did... I would have started ruling the world at the age of four, Bikini Girl would not be going to Hollywood and George Michael would be in rehab.
What?
Opinions, beliefs and the evidence of *my* life is not an attack on someone elses just because they are offended.
Even so, our moral disagreements present a really huge ... and unfortunately overly public ... conflict. Militant gay activists (I believe are very rare but influential beyond what they have actually earned or deserve) also inculcate a seriously hyper judgmentalism that makes everything that doesn't line up with their talking points a "personal attack." When you compound a fundamental moral conflict with hair trigger hyper judgementalism, you get people who think that a life pursuing "beauty and love" includes calling their opponents "diarreah."
And that works for any angle to any ideological spectrum.
So I think I understand why Ewe would feel like he does even though I think his conclusions to be out of touch with the complexity of reality and his response immature.
This comment turned into more than I intended, and you probably already know all this so ... there ya' go. :)
6 months ago
in ESV Study Bible Giveaway on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
I think I'm a prime candidate for this offer for several reasons. I bought a Joyce Meyer Study bible about 8 months ago and 3 weeks ago the Lord prompt my heart to give it away. My first response was, "Oh NO GOD, I love my bible", my next thought was ok Lord I'll give it to her, but please help me give it with a grateful heart. I know the Lord has a reason for this but for now I'm without a study bible. One really cool thing the Lord has shown me though this is that I came across an old goals list in my old bible. I have been looking to get a Hebrew/ amplified version but I haven't had much luck finding one.
So to sum up this story, I just need one and amazon votes it the top 5 study bible for 2008.
So to sum up this story, I just need one and amazon votes it the top 5 study bible for 2008.
1 reply
Randy
Well, make sure you let Bob know by clicking here. I can't afford to give all those away. Thanks for sharing here and I pray you will get one (from him or on your own.)
Also, if you register your disqus comments they will automatically be published. Unregistered comments are always held in moderation.
Also, if you register your disqus comments they will automatically be published. Unregistered comments are always held in moderation.
7 months ago
in Rocker Chick K Got My Hair Did on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
I have an appointment every Saturday at Granny's Kitchen in town. When I speak of town, I'm referring to my 1500 population hometown. This is a time for me to just chill by myself and enjoy granny's company. I'm greeted with a big hug and a hello sweetie, are you having your usual. My usual consist of 2 scrabbled eggs, home fried potatoes with onions, biscuit with gravy, a side of honey, and coffee. yum... That sounds good this morning. For a long time I left in my heart that this was a ministry for me. One morning I went in a little discouraged and when she saw me, she ran over to give me a hug and that's when it hit me. The Lord has place my Saturday mornings to be a blessing to me as well. He knows all. :)
2 replies
Randy
Sounds very warm and comforting. You should blog about your small town, the good, bad, ugly, wonderful. People love small town stories.
ChaplianChas.
Amy~
No clue who you are but LOVED the story! Thanks so much for sharing. I love how the Lord blesses blessers and all that!
Keep on goin' to Granny's and lovin' on the people there, and as they love on you, share the source of your love.
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
No clue who you are but LOVED the story! Thanks so much for sharing. I love how the Lord blesses blessers and all that!
Keep on goin' to Granny's and lovin' on the people there, and as they love on you, share the source of your love.
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
7 months ago
in Who Made You Judge? - Ask It Basket on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
I love the way you put it. I sent her an email yesterday apologizing for my tone of voice and the way our conversation ended . I shared with her that I care for her very much and I didn't want her to feel like I'm pushing my personal convictions on her. Her response to me was very kind and she too apologized for getting angry. When friendships don't turn out like I would like, I just run to Him for direction, correction, and comfort. My prayer was answered and their is peace. Thank you Jesus!
Boundaries are very important, I CAN love in spite for disagreements. Seeing her through His eyes is my hearts prayer. I try to always remind myself that the only difference between us, is that I have accepted His love and forgiveness. Where would I be without Him? I have to remind myself every now and then. Self righteousness will keep you in bondage and it steals true freedom.
Boundaries are very important, I CAN love in spite for disagreements. Seeing her through His eyes is my hearts prayer. I try to always remind myself that the only difference between us, is that I have accepted His love and forgiveness. Where would I be without Him? I have to remind myself every now and then. Self righteousness will keep you in bondage and it steals true freedom.
2 replies
9 months ago
in We Must Persevere! War Against Whining Call To Action - G Bombing to Ensue on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
1. Forgiveness
2. When I have a blah day, the joy of the Lord is my strength
3. My sweet dog, Jake.
4. Wonderful loving parents, sisters, and lovely nieces and nephews
5. Answered prayers- Family restoration! ::Woohoo::
* I must add that I'm so grateful for coffee
2. When I have a blah day, the joy of the Lord is my strength
3. My sweet dog, Jake.
4. Wonderful loving parents, sisters, and lovely nieces and nephews
5. Answered prayers- Family restoration! ::Woohoo::
* I must add that I'm so grateful for coffee
1 reply
Randy
Great list and dogs are awesome.
9 months ago
in Andy Comiskey Blogs about Marriage in Support of Proposition 8 on ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected
A shout out to all your blogger Randy... If you want to see an excellent movie about a marriage covenant to your spouse and God, Fire Proof is the must see movie. I rate the movie a perfect 10!
We must support Christian movies. The movie took in over 6 million the first weekend. :)
remember the name Wayne Floyd, he's hilarious
We must support Christian movies. The movie took in over 6 million the first weekend. :)
remember the name Wayne Floyd, he's hilarious
1 reply
Randy
I heard that this movie was pretty good. I will try to check it out soon. Thanks for the shout out :).
Exactly. I'm excited for that day too.