Come Into The Deep End... with ImHisServant (2)

[Sennaria]

me too, I'm a procrastinator.....I shall have to write more on it later, but my worse areas are those that scare me, like talking to someone, or confrontational.....I, I really get scared in those kind of scenarios and tend to put it off. Anything that goes out of my comfort zone.

 

[Gidgx]

I procrasinate all the time. Right now I have to get my laudry done but that requires me to go to the laundry mat to get it done. When theres lots of people there, I don't like going. I rather go early in the morning when theres nobody there. I suppose theres a fear factor there when i procrastinate.

 

[powerofprayer]

Hi everyone! My name is Sandy and I just had to post on this one! See, I've been reading this thread for almost 2 months now but due to my PROCRASTINATION I kept saying "Tomorrow I'm going to start posting"!!! I'm the one who's always afraid of saying something stupid - but ya'll seem so wonderful & I have so much fun reading this thread that I'm going to risk it!

 

[ImHisServant]

Hi everyone! My name is Sandy and I just had to post on this one! See, I've been reading this thread for almost 2 months now but due to my PROCRASTINATION I kept saying "Tomorrow I'm going to start posting"!!! I'm the one who's always afraid of saying something stupid - but ya'll seem so wonderful & I have so much fun reading this thread that I'm going to risk it!

I think it's wonderful that you have come out from your lurking status!!

I hope to see more of you now. Don't worry about how your posts come across... it's about sharing just the way we are.

 

[ImHisServant]

Monday 12/4/06
Right Relationships

​

Acts 2:42-47


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Have you ever met someone who claimed to be a Christian but refused to engage with other believers as part of a church body? Such people will often say, “My spiritual life is between me and God. It doesn’t involve anyone else.” What a tragic, misguided view!
The Lord created each of us for relationship, both with Him and with other believers. We cannot be the complete men and women God wants us to be unless we are actively connected to others. That’s what the church is—a place of commonality wherein a collection of individuals forms one body. The benefits of these relationships are staggering. They . . .

1. Build confidence in God and in ourselves.
2. Encourage us when we are down.
3. Motivate us to greatness.
4. Stimulate our creativity.
5. Energize us when we are weary.
6. Comfort us when we are hurting.
7. Defend us when we are attacked.
8. Forgive us when we make mistakes.
9. Love us when we seem unlovable.
10. Accept us just as we are, unconditionally.

Such relationships characterized the early church—there was no concept of faith in isolation. Acts 2:44 is an amazing statement: “All those who had believed were together and had all things in common.” It is doubtful that many modern churches could make this claim. Take stock of the “right relationships” in your life. Who is it that you trust unreservedly? Who challenges you to be your very best and depends on you for the same? Friends are a blessing from the Lord; honor Him in your relationships today. [/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[rosiecotton]

Friday 12/1/06

Common Areas of Procrastination​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]God has prepared work He wants us to do, and our delays in carrying out His plan constitute disobedience. That makes habitual procrastination a serious problem. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As Christians,we not only put off daily Bible reading and tithing, but we also delay . . . [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Serving in the church. We promise to be available to work, but when the call comes, we say no. If asked, we might reply it is the length of service that doesn’t suit us. At other times we say the position itself is disagreeable to us. In both cases, if we examine our feelings, we will find we are dodging what we do not like or feel inadequate to do. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sharing our faith. We can get very anxious about how to express ourselves, what reaction we’ll get, and whether we’ll be able to answer questions adequately. When insecurity threatens us, we often choose silence and inactivity. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Surrendering our will to the Lord’s. Just thinking about giving God control in certain areas makes many of us feel fearful. So we cling to our way and avoid His. True submission says, “Lord, I am willing to do whatever You want in this situation. I will obey Your Word.” [/FONT][/SIZE]

It's been awhile since I've posted!! I just really haven't had much time to!
I have always been a huge procrastinator!! I don't think I'm as bad as I used to be though.
Two big areas in my life I continue to procrastinate in are my art and getting in shape. I keep saying over and over that I want to work on my art more. But, I never seem to 'find' the time to do it. It's like I'm always doing everything else that needs to be done, so my art never gets done. I hate that I do this!! This is a talent that God gave me and I don't use it.
Secondly, getting in shape. I know I need to eat healthier, lose weight, exercise. I always have these ideas in my head of how to go about this, but then when it gets right down to it, I say 'oh, I'll start next week, or after the holidays, etc'. I need to just do it!!
As for the topics you posted:
Serving in church- at one time I served TOO MUCH in church! I was always doing something at church and my family got neglected. So, I had to give about everything up. I am now very selective in what I do. My family is my first ministry.
Sharing our faith- I know this is something I do very little of. I find it hard to do this!
Surrendering our will- This has become easier as I've learned that God knows my future and how to get me there, as long as I just follow Him. Doesn't mean there still aren't times I don't want to do it His way, but mine!!
One thing I'm going to do (I haven't gotten this done yet, so maybe I'm procrastinating about this too!)
I'm going to sit down and write down every area of my life and changes I want to make. Like with my health. I'm going to write out a 'plan'- for eating, exercising, etc. Same with my art- figure out times I can work on it, projects I want to do.
And other areas like my spiritual life, family, friends, housework, etc etc. Every area that I'm frustrated with or don't like how things are going--areas I know that need to be changed. I'm going to write all this down and work on it over the next year. I know I can't expect things to change immediately, but hopefully this will help me to stop procrastinating!!!

 

[TrustingmyLord]

Monday 12/4/06
Right Relationships

Have you ever met someone who claimed to be a Christian but refused to engage with other believers as part of a church body?

Oh yes. I know MANY.

Such people will often say, “My spiritual life is between me and God. It doesn’t involve anyone else.” What a tragic, misguided view!

It sure is!

The Lord created each of us for relationship, both with Him and with other believers. We cannot be the complete men and women God wants us to be unless we are actively connected to others. That’s what the church is—a place of commonality wherein a collection of individuals forms one body. The benefits of these relationships are staggering. They . . .

1. Build confidence in God and in ourselves.
2. Encourage us when we are down.
3. Motivate us to greatness.
4. Stimulate our creativity.
5. Energize us when we are weary.
6. Comfort us when we are hurting.
7. Defend us when we are attacked.
8. Forgive us when we make mistakes.
9. Love us when we seem unlovable.
10. Accept us just as we are, unconditionally.

Most of the people I know who do not want to go to church, feel they dont need to, its between them and God, etc... most of these people have either one of two issues. They have either had a bad experience in church, or they are not confident in their relationship with God, feel very sinful, and church makes them feel guilty.

I mainly see it as fear. Fear of people, maybe? I happen to know one person, a good friend of mine... she feels so very unworthy, though I dont know if she is even aware of it. She sees people who are rich, she feels self concious, she sees people who appear to "live a Holy life" and she feels sinful near them.

There are many out there who view church people as nothing bt hypocrites. They dont seem to understand, in some way, we ALL are! We are ALL sinful, the only difference, really, is that "church people" admit to their sinfulness. I dont quite understand the whole hypocrite idea. Some people are perfectly fine hanging out with regular hypocrites, its the church hypocrites that really bother them. I suppose people get some crazy idea that if we are "church people" we should act better than everyone else. Which, really, is true.

One thing I have seen is that people are afraid that the moment they walk into a church they will be judged. People will look down on them, as if their sins are just so obvious and written on their faces. While these people label the church people as judgemental, the exact opposite is true. They constantly scrutinize those within the church, keeping a close eye on them, and as soon as one screws up, they laugh and point "HA! I told you so! THATS why I dont go to church!

There are always going to be some in the church that are just plain wrong in their thinking. Some really are overly critical and judgemental over goofy stuff. We will encounter people like that just about anywhere we go.

This is just another example of why we, as Christians, must be very careful to live in a way that is pleasing to God, that we will not turn people off to Jesus, or to church, with our actions.

I think attending a church is extremely crucial to our walk with God. The 1-10 list is really good. One thing I would add, is that being close with other believers helps to keep us accountable. It can also keep us closer with God. Not always, but what I mean is... I think its very important to constantly be surrounded by the things of God, constantly abiding in Him. When we stay off on our own, it is very easy to get busy with life and forget about God, forget to pray, etc.

Maybe some people dont want to be held accountable. Maybe when they walk in that church they feel convicted of sin and feel God nudging them to repent, and they dont like that. Maybe some have a sin or two they are embarrassed about and dont want others to know. Who knows. Theres so many reasons. So how do we get people into church? I have no clue at all. I suppose I shall just pray, invite people, and leave the rest up to God.

 

[Savedsis]

I think Christians need to come together with their brethren for edification..Hebrews 10:24-25 gives a command of Christians to "not forsake the assembling of the saints together."..We are commanded to come together (assemble) with the disciples, to whom we have joined ourselves, as often as they meet together.
The apostle Peter teaches us to "long for the spiritual milk" (1 Peter 2:2), and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"(11 Peter 3:18)..Our assembling together is designed by God for that very purpose...We come together to worship God in prayer, song of praise and thanksgiving, and study the Bible...It shows our love for God and our gratitude for the marvelous sacrifce of Christ...It helps us to be our brothers keeper when we assemble with them..It strenghens our marriage...It helps us bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord...It helps us lead the lost to Christ..., it helps us love the brotherhood.., it helps us bear fruit, without which we would be cut down..We are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice we must put the kingdom first...I attend out of love for God and for the good it does for me...God will continue to be God whether we worship him or not......

 

[Sennaria]

Monday 12/4/06
Right Relationships

Have you ever met someone who claimed to be a Christian but refused to engage with other believers as part of a church body?

Oh yes. I know MANY.

So do I this day.....and I was one at one time.

Such people will often say, “My spiritual life is between me and God. It doesn’t involve anyone else.” What a tragic, misguided view!

It sure is!

The eyes are blinded, they technically may be saved, for they asked for forgiveness and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, but they have no way of growing, no way of knowing how to get closer to Him. They miss out on so much....but I think, just as I, that our Lord works on them and eventually they do end up where they need to be.

The Lord created each of us for relationship, both with Him and with other believers. We cannot be the complete men and women God wants us to be unless we are actively connected to others. That’s what the church is—a place of commonality wherein a collection of individuals forms one body. The benefits of these relationships are staggering. They . . .

1. Build confidence in God and in ourselves.
2. Encourage us when we are down.
3. Motivate us to greatness.
4. Stimulate our creativity.
5. Energize us when we are weary.
6. Comfort us when we are hurting.
7. Defend us when we are attacked.
8. Forgive us when we make mistakes.
9. Love us when we seem unlovable.
10. Accept us just as we are, unconditionally.

Amen!!

Most of the people I know who do not want to go to church, feel they dont need to, its between them and God, etc... most of these people have either one of two issues. They have either had a bad experience in church, or they are not confident in their relationship with God, feel very sinful, and church makes them feel guilty.

I mainly see it as fear. Fear of people, maybe? I happen to know one person, a good friend of mine... she feels so very unworthy, though I dont know if she is even aware of it. She sees people who are rich, she feels self concious, she sees people who appear to "live a Holy life" and she feels sinful near them.

There are many out there who view church people as nothing bt hypocrites. They dont seem to understand, in some way, we ALL are! We are ALL sinful, the only difference, really, is that "church people" admit to their sinfulness. I dont quite understand the whole hypocrite idea. Some people are perfectly fine hanging out with regular hypocrites, its the church hypocrites that really bother them. I suppose people get some crazy idea that if we are "church people" we should act better than everyone else. Which, really, is true.

One thing I have seen is that people are afraid that the moment they walk into a church they will be judged. People will look down on them, as if their sins are just so obvious and written on their faces. While these people label the church people as judgemental, the exact opposite is true. They constantly scrutinize those within the church, keeping a close eye on them, and as soon as one screws up, they laugh and point "HA! I told you so! THATS why I dont go to church!

There are always going to be some in the church that are just plain wrong in their thinking. Some really are overly critical and judgemental over goofy stuff. We will encounter people like that just about anywhere we go.

This is just another example of why we, as Christians, must be very careful to live in a way that is pleasing to God, that we will not turn people off to Jesus, or to church, with our actions.

I think attending a church is extremely crucial to our walk with God. The 1-10 list is really good. One thing I would add, is that being close with other believers helps to keep us accountable. It can also keep us closer with God. Not always, but what I mean is... I think its very important to constantly be surrounded by the things of God, constantly abiding in Him. When we stay off on our own, it is very easy to get busy with life and forget about God, forget to pray, etc.

Maybe some people dont want to be held accountable. Maybe when they walk in that church they feel convicted of sin and feel God nudging them to repent, and they dont like that. Maybe some have a sin or two they are embarrassed about and dont want others to know. Who knows. Theres so many reasons. So how do we get people into church? I have no clue at all. I suppose I shall just pray, invite people, and leave the rest up to God.

During the time when I didn't go were for a lot of the same reasons. It was years and years ago...I've always been a social butterfly, wallflower type and I despise social situations, they make me very uncomfortable and nervous. I'll dread something for weeks before. So this prevented me for a long time of going to church, though I did try with little success to grow without a home church, nowadays internet access does make it easier, though I've had a homechurch for a long time now.
Another thing that did prevent me from having a home church was the hypocracy (I know I didn't spell that right).....as addressed above. Made to feel inferior, dumb, not as worthy, out of the cliques that were in a church etc......Upon a move now, I make, non-cliquey (no social split ups of people) a priority in my home church. If you can walk in and by watching see cliques, that is not a church I would want to frequent.

oops posted everything up in the quote

 

[powerofprayer]

Monday 12/4/06
Right Relationships

Have you ever met someone who claimed to be a Christian but refused to engage with other believers as part of a church body?

Yes, I used to be one! I did everything a Christian was supposed to do except go to church. I am extremely shy & hate any type of "social" settings. I have now been at my home church of 500+ people (which I absolutely LOVE!) for about 4 years but I still cringe every Sunday when it's time for "meet & greet"! I am very involved with my church - children's church, cleaning crew, missionary trips - but I still have that uncomfortable shyness that won't go away. Maybe that anxiety also keeps others away from church.

Such people will often say, “My spiritual life is between me and God. It doesn’t involve anyone else.” What a tragic, misguided view!

Sometimes when people would invite me to their church, I would use that line. It kept me from having to tell them about my anxiety. I would also say "I don't have to go to church to be a Christain." Isn't that sad?


The Lord created each of us for relationship, both with Him and with other believers. We cannot be the complete men and women God wants us to be unless we are actively connected to others. That’s what the church is—a place of commonality wherein a collection of individuals forms one body. The benefits of these relationships are staggering. They . . .

1. Build confidence in God and in ourselves.
2. Encourage us when we are down.
3. Motivate us to greatness.
4. Stimulate our creativity.
5. Energize us when we are weary.
6. Comfort us when we are hurting.
7. Defend us when we are attacked.
8. Forgive us when we make mistakes.
9. Love us when we seem unlovable.
10. Accept us just as we are, unconditionally.

These are all the things I was missing out on. I also had no one to help me with accountability. I didn't realize until I started going to church that I never really had a relationship with God at all therefore, was I really a Christain?? What a difference church makes. Even with my anxiety, I hate to miss a Sunday!

Such relationships characterized the early church—there was no concept of faith in isolation. Acts 2:44 is an amazing statement: “All those who had believed were together and had all things in common.” It is doubtful that many modern churches could make this claim. Take stock of the “right relationships” in your life. Who is it that you trust unreservedly? Who challenges you to be your very best and depends on you for the same? Friends are a blessing from the Lord; honor Him in your relationships today.

Wow...my 17 year old daughter Amanda is who I depend on for spiritual guidance!! She is so devoted to the Lord. We do bible studies together and spend a lot of time in prayer & discussion. We often play "devil's advocate" with each other in order to get one another thinking on different levels. She pushes me & challenges me every day!!

 

[J21]

Monday 12/4/06
Right Relationships

​

Acts 2:42-47


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Have you ever met someone who claimed to be a Christian but refused to engage with other believers as part of a church body? [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Yes. My son will not come to church with us as he says that it is just a place, just a building. In that he is right but the place is filled with people who are all there for a purpose...to worship our Lord together.[/SIZE][/FONT]
Unfortunately though, there are some who seem to use it as a 'club' and/or a place to 'network'...which is to see.
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Such people will often say, “My spiritual life is between me and God. It doesn’t involve anyone else.” What a tragic, misguided view! [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Yes it is tragic. Worshipping with like minded people helps us each in our spiritual walk. Why do people go t rock concerts in groups? Because they get far more from the experience than if they went alone. The group experience heightens the enjoyment and buzz of the performance...with church, it is likewise. Joy in the experience shared is wonderfully uplifting.
The Lord created each of us for relationship, both with Him and with other believers. We cannot be the complete men and women God wants us to be unless we are actively connected to others. That’s what the church is—a place of commonality wherein a collection of individuals forms one body. The benefits of these relationships are staggering. They . . .

1. Build confidence in God and in ourselves.
2. Encourage us when we are down.
3. Motivate us to greatness.
4. Stimulate our creativity.
5. Energize us when we are weary.
6. Comfort us when we are hurting.
7. Defend us when we are attacked.
8. Forgive us when we make mistakes.
9. Love us when we seem unlovable.
10. Accept us just as we are, unconditionally. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]

Such relationships characterized the early church—there was no concept of faith in isolation. Acts 2:44 is an amazing statement: “All those who had believed were together and had all things in common.” It is doubtful that many modern churches could make this claim. Take stock of the “right relationships” in your life. Who is it that you trust unreservedly? Who challenges you to be your very best and depends on you for the same? Friends are a blessing from the Lord; honor Him in your relationships today. [/SIZE][/FONT]
I guess that with this, I would have to say my husband in the main and maybe one dear friend at church.
I hang on the 'peripheral' at church mostly. There are 'cliques' in ours which I find hard to break into on a permanent basis...I've never been a 'cliquey' type of person and don't think that they're healthy things - anywhere, but especially in a church. It's something that is suppose to be addressed with our new outlook for our church, but I am afraid that I don't have much hope that it will be changing anytime soon.
Hubby works nights so on Sundays we go to church then we have to head right back home so that he can go back to bed and catch some more sleep before he gets off to early nightshift. This means that we can't hang around and socialise. Sometimes, if he hasn't slept well the night before, he will stay home and my daughter and I go together [ separate cars as she goes off to work or out afterwards] but she sits with her boyfriend and other friends while I sit at the back with other people...this doesn't happen very often but when it does, there are times when I am surrounded by others yet feel so alone. I don't want to push myself into a group and I am left alone. In the end, the last time it happened I just left and came home. My daughter kind of told me off, asking who was I there for, people or God?
I don't know...I do know I go there to
#1 - worship my God
but the rest of it just doesn't sit right.
I've determined that if it happens again, I will go and stay and hold tight to my Father's hand, forgetting everything else, 'cos I know that it is satan trying to get me to feel this way so that it will manifest itself into other things...like not going at all. But he will not have his way. I am not going to let him.
Rambled on enough for now and probably got off the topic a bit as well...maybe it's a bit of PMT in there as well, all mixed up and jumbled around....sorry.

 

[ForHisGlory]

I hope you don't think I am totally ignoring CF... since coming home I've been really busy... so I haven't been on as much as I was before I left... but I am getting on to do this each day. We have several things we need to get done to make moving to AR a reality... so that is going on... then the 2nd is that we found out my niece's baby girl was taken away and put in foster care... we are the family's only hope of keeping this child in the family... so we've been making calls and figuring out all we need to do to try and make this happen. That is my update... I'll post the topic in my next post.

Sent you a message in your guestbook...
WELCOME BACK!!!

Your move is in my prayers and so is your niece!!!
I'll start posting tomorrow
love and hugs
Tammy

 

[LivingLifeHisWay]

Monday 12/4/06
Right Relationships

​

Acts 2:42-47


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Have you ever met someone who claimed to be a Christian but refused to engage with other believers as part of a church body? Such people will often say, “My spiritual life is between me and God. It doesn’t involve anyone else.” What a tragic, misguided view!
The Lord created each of us for relationship, both with Him and with other believers. We cannot be the complete men and women God wants us to be unless we are actively connected to others. That’s what the church is—a place of commonality wherein a collection of individuals forms one body. The benefits of these relationships are staggering. They . . .

1. Build confidence in God and in ourselves.
2. Encourage us when we are down.
3. Motivate us to greatness.
4. Stimulate our creativity.
5. Energize us when we are weary.
6. Comfort us when we are hurting.
7. Defend us when we are attacked.
8. Forgive us when we make mistakes.
9. Love us when we seem unlovable.
10. Accept us just as we are, unconditionally.

Such relationships characterized the early church—there was no concept of faith in isolation. Acts 2:44 is an amazing statement: “All those who had believed were together and had all things in common.” It is doubtful that many modern churches could make this claim. Take stock of the “right relationships” in your life. Who is it that you trust unreservedly? Who challenges you to be your very best and depends on you for the same? Friends are a blessing from the Lord; honor Him in your relationships today. [/SIZE][/FONT]

Hi girls....sorry I haven't been posting very often lately.

I don't have many friends. I think I turn people off because being a Christian is not just a part of me; it defines me, it's who I am. I live, breath and talk about all things God. I am picky about what I say, do, see etc... I think this annoys people or they think I judge them for not being like me. I don't. I'm just convicted about a lot of things and I want to please God. I don't judge anyone for not being convicted of the same things - how fair would that be? I also have very annoying traits and people can't seem to get past them. I'm hard on myself and am very insecure; I find it difficult to have an honest, trusting relationship with someone. Maybe this could be an area you can pray for me.

Thx.

 

[rosiecotton]

Monday 12/4/06

Right Relationships​

Acts 2:42-47


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Have you ever met someone who claimed to be a Christian but refused to engage with other believers as part of a church body? Such people will often say, “My spiritual life is between me and God. It doesn’t involve anyone else.” What a tragic, misguided view! [/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Lord created each of us for relationship, both with Him and with other believers. We cannot be the complete men and women God wants us to be unless we are actively connected to others. That’s what the church is—a place of commonality wherein a collection of individuals forms one body. The benefits of these relationships are staggering. They . . . [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1. Build confidence in God and in ourselves.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2. Encourage us when we are down.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3. Motivate us to greatness.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4. Stimulate our creativity.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5. Energize us when we are weary.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6. Comfort us when we are hurting.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7. Defend us when we are attacked.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8. Forgive us when we make mistakes.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]9. Love us when we seem unlovable.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10. Accept us just as we are, unconditionally. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Such relationships characterized the early church—there was no concept of faith in isolation. Acts 2:44 is an amazing statement: “All those who had believed were together and had all things in common.” It is doubtful that many modern churches could make this claim. Take stock of the “right relationships” in your life. Who is it that you trust unreservedly? Who challenges you to be your very best and depends on you for the same? Friends are a blessing from the Lord; honor Him in your relationships today. [/FONT][/SIZE]

While I agree that it is important to be part of a church, I also believe that there are some very strong Christians who never step foot in a church for one reason or another. I just think we need to be careful that we don't lump everyone who may not attend church into the same category (like saying they don't want to be held accountable for their sin). Maybe they have one or two people that they get together with that hold them accountable.
Let's see, I guess the answer to the second part would be my husband and my best friend.

 

[ImHisServant]

Tuesday 12/5/06
Failure: The First Step to Victory​

Romans 7:15-25


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Paul tried to do the right thing, but, like us, sometimes he failed. In his letter to the Romans, Paul seems to agonize over his inability to triumph over sin at every confrontation in his life. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Don’t we all feel like Paul at times? We want to do what’s right, but our actions don’t always represent our true desires. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]However, Paul learned that failure shouldn’t be condemning–in fact, it taught him one invaluable lesson: "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10). [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Here are some things to remember about defeat: [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1) Defeat is often engineered by God. God isn’t after self-improvement. He is after death–death to our flesh, which leads to life in Him. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2) Defeat is often essential for God to fulfill His purposes in our lives. When we are broken to the point that the only place we can look is up–and see Him–then we begin to see the purposes and plans He has for our lives. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3) Defeat exposes our weaknesses and inadequacies. Our best efforts never match what God can–and wants–to do in us and through us. Defeat in our lives doesn’t mean we are defeated. It’s merely God’s way of pointing us to ultimate victory. [/FONT][/SIZE]

Please share areas where your failure was the first step toward victory.

 

[Hisbygrace]

Dear heavenly Father I ask You in Jesus' name to be with my CF sisters and brothers today and keep each of them under Your protection and care. Meet their needs Father as they go through this day and may all glory divine be Yours. Amen.

 

[Sennaria]

Hi girls....sorry I haven't been posting very often lately.

I don't have many friends. I think I turn people off because being a Christian is not just a part of me; it defines me, it's who I am. I live, breath and talk about all things God. I am picky about what I say, do, see etc... I think this annoys people or they think I judge them for not being like me. I don't. I'm just convicted about a lot of things and I want to please God. I don't judge anyone for not being convicted of the same things - how fair would that be? I also have very annoying traits and people can't seem to get past them. I'm hard on myself and am very insecure; I find it difficult to have an honest, trusting relationship with someone. Maybe this could be an area you can pray for me.

Thx.

Heavenly Father,
I just pray that You bless this child of Yours, who lives her life not as the world would have her live, but as You would have her live. She looks not for approval from the world, but only approval from You. Praise God, such a wonderous way to live. Help her Lord, draw her into the cleft of the rock, Your Hiding Place so that she feels secure, so that her heart softens on herself, thus allowing her to draw close to others through Your love of her.

In Jesus Name
Amen.

 

[Sennaria]

Dear heavenly Father I ask You in Jesus' name to be with my CF sisters and brothers today and keep each of them under Your protection and care. Meet their needs Father as they go through this day and may all glory divine be Yours. Amen.

In agreement, I pray
Amen

 

[ForHisGlory]

Tuesday 12/5/06
Failure: The First Step to Victory​

Romans 7:15-25


[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Paul tried to do the right thing, but, like us, sometimes he failed. In his letter to the Romans, Paul seems to agonize over his inability to triumph over sin at every confrontation in his life. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Don’t we all feel like Paul at times? We want to do what’s right, but our actions don’t always represent our true desires. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]However, Paul learned that failure shouldn’t be condemning–in fact, it taught him one invaluable lesson: "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10). [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Here are some things to remember about defeat: [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1) Defeat is often engineered by God. God isn’t after self-improvement. He is after death–death to our flesh, which leads to life in Him. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2) Defeat is often essential for God to fulfill His purposes in our lives. When we are broken to the point that the only place we can look is up–and see Him–then we begin to see the purposes and plans He has for our lives. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3) Defeat exposes our weaknesses and inadequacies. Our best efforts never match what God can–and wants–to do in us and through us. Defeat in our lives doesn’t mean we are defeated. It’s merely God’s way of pointing us to ultimate victory. [/FONT][/SIZE]

Please share areas where your failure was the first step toward victory.

Trying to heal the relationships with my daughters...
Every time I tried harder things got worse.
Then I took it to the Alter and left it in God's hands...it took a little more time with one than the other...
But it couldn't have worked out any better...especially with ME trying to fix it.

We're closer now than we ever were.

 

[ForHisGlory]

Hi girls....sorry I haven't been posting very often lately.

I don't have many friends. I think I turn people off because being a Christian is not just a part of me; it defines me, it's who I am. I live, breath and talk about all things God. I am picky about what I say, do, see etc... I think this annoys people or they think I judge them for not being like me. I don't. I'm just convicted about a lot of things and I want to please God. I don't judge anyone for not being convicted of the same things - how fair would that be? I also have very annoying traits and people can't seem to get past them. I'm hard on myself and am very insecure; I find it difficult to have an honest, trusting relationship with someone. Maybe this could be an area you can pray for me.

Thx.

Praying and wanting you to know that I've been where you are and for the same reasons.
Hugs and Prayers and, feel free to PM me anytime.
Tammy