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Why does this bother me? Am I just hyper-sensitive or is this a genuine problem that could use some addressing?
I have worked on many different general construction crews for many years in the past. It seemed inevitable that each one of these crews had their ‘scapegoat’. You know, that one person who invariably got accused every time something was installed wrong, measured wrong or simply wrong. Along with that, there seemed to be a general attitude of superiority present in the heart of every employee. This seemed to be across the board (though more pronounced on specific crews).
Recently, due to some seemingly unfortunate and unexpected circumstances, I have found myself again working general construction to generate some cash flow. Much to my chagrin I have found that though working on an altogether different crew, in a different state hundreds of miles from the previous experience, with a completely different caliber people, in an entirely different circumstance, some things just seem to be universal.
Why?
I asked one person (who happens to know most, if not all, the people I’m working with) why this was. He responded with this, ‘Oh, that’s just the way you tell (name withheld to protect privacy) that you love him. That’s his love language.’ I sort of sloughed it off thinking maybe I was the one who was overreacting. However, the next day when that ‘loved’ person wasn’t there the castigating continued just the same, with him still receiving (in his absence) the brunt of it. Meanwhile, general attitudes of superiority and lack of confidence started to be seen among the other personnel.
I really don’t think the attitudes I described are genuine, but nevertheless, that almost makes their presence worse. Why would a group of men who bow their heads and pray together daily before embarking on their occupational journey need or want to undermine one another’s authority or ability? Why would they assume that constant badgering and casting doubt on one another’s skills and strengths was ‘showing love’? Why does there seem to be no comprehension of the emotional harm being done?
Or am I just being hyper-sensitive and overreacting?
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Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
What Is A Culture?
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Culture – ‘(a) The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. (b) These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population (c) These patterns, traits, and products considered with respect to a particular category, such as a field, subject, or mode of expression: (d) The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.’ (American Heritage Dictionary)
Whether we want to admit it or not, each one of us is acculturated to some extent. Many of us find that hard to believe about ourselves, but nevertheless it is true. We are greatly influenced by our surroundings, its preferences, bias’ and fashions, and all the unspoken notions it has. We are as ‘American’ as the next red-blooded person and pretty darn proud of it at that!
But what about a secondary, or sub-, culture? Are we not just as influenced by that? Do we not allow secondary influences, sub-culture influences, to manipulate our way of thinking and doing things? Should we? How important or unimportant are cultural influences? If they’re of utmost importance then how can we explain the people who aren’t present or influenced by that same culture? If they’re of little importance then why do we afford so much attention to all the idiosyncrasies of our culture?
These questions are all finding their way into my head as I find myself gradually moving away from a sub-culture that has defined all I’ve ever known. As easy as the answers seem to the head, the heart finds itself attached to preferences, ideas, notions and bias’ which are simply cultural. This does not pose any particular problem to the third-person bystander, but to me it causes quite a dilemma. I tend to like things the way I’ve always done them.
Fine, you say, continue doing things the same way. That sounds easy enough, right? Wrong! Wrong for a multiplicity of reasons, not the least of which is that causes confusion among my peers. You see, this leads us directly back to the question of culture’s importance. Those people whom I find myself surrounded by now have little to no understanding of my cultural background. For me to naively assume that my little cultural preferences are the absolute only way to accomplish any given end leads to great confusion as I try to fellowship and cooperate with my given peer group. Also, if cultural preferences are of little importance outside of that particular culture then there’s no inherent reason to impose my bias on my peers.
This is all well, fine and good to realize until………..
I’ve concluded that the litmus test of culture’s influence on my heart lies directly between me and my children. I’m ok to make a few cultural diversions. I’m cool to change a few things in an attempt to better (presumably) my life experience. I’m totally fine to leave a measure of cultural preferences behind, but the idea of my children growing up with little, or no, understanding or appreciation for that same culture that I love so well is a rather bitter pill for me to swallow. By this I’ve concluded that my heart is so acculturated that it is almost beyond hope of purification.
Let me say it a little clearer, I have idolized a culture (sub-culture) to the point that it hurts profusely as I tear it out of my heart. And further, I can hardly bear the thought of my children not seeing this same culture as the second most important thing in their life.
Clearly put, I am an idolator………………………….now, we’re glad each one of you was able to come to this blog, and we have many reasons to be thankful, will one of you please use the liberty put forth and (post a comment).
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Culture – ‘(a) The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. (b) These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population (c) These patterns, traits, and products considered with respect to a particular category, such as a field, subject, or mode of expression: (d) The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.’ (American Heritage Dictionary)
Whether we want to admit it or not, each one of us is acculturated to some extent. Many of us find that hard to believe about ourselves, but nevertheless it is true. We are greatly influenced by our surroundings, its preferences, bias’ and fashions, and all the unspoken notions it has. We are as ‘American’ as the next red-blooded person and pretty darn proud of it at that!
But what about a secondary, or sub-, culture? Are we not just as influenced by that? Do we not allow secondary influences, sub-culture influences, to manipulate our way of thinking and doing things? Should we? How important or unimportant are cultural influences? If they’re of utmost importance then how can we explain the people who aren’t present or influenced by that same culture? If they’re of little importance then why do we afford so much attention to all the idiosyncrasies of our culture?
These questions are all finding their way into my head as I find myself gradually moving away from a sub-culture that has defined all I’ve ever known. As easy as the answers seem to the head, the heart finds itself attached to preferences, ideas, notions and bias’ which are simply cultural. This does not pose any particular problem to the third-person bystander, but to me it causes quite a dilemma. I tend to like things the way I’ve always done them.
Fine, you say, continue doing things the same way. That sounds easy enough, right? Wrong! Wrong for a multiplicity of reasons, not the least of which is that causes confusion among my peers. You see, this leads us directly back to the question of culture’s importance. Those people whom I find myself surrounded by now have little to no understanding of my cultural background. For me to naively assume that my little cultural preferences are the absolute only way to accomplish any given end leads to great confusion as I try to fellowship and cooperate with my given peer group. Also, if cultural preferences are of little importance outside of that particular culture then there’s no inherent reason to impose my bias on my peers.
This is all well, fine and good to realize until………..
I’ve concluded that the litmus test of culture’s influence on my heart lies directly between me and my children. I’m ok to make a few cultural diversions. I’m cool to change a few things in an attempt to better (presumably) my life experience. I’m totally fine to leave a measure of cultural preferences behind, but the idea of my children growing up with little, or no, understanding or appreciation for that same culture that I love so well is a rather bitter pill for me to swallow. By this I’ve concluded that my heart is so acculturated that it is almost beyond hope of purification.
Let me say it a little clearer, I have idolized a culture (sub-culture) to the point that it hurts profusely as I tear it out of my heart. And further, I can hardly bear the thought of my children not seeing this same culture as the second most important thing in their life.
Clearly put, I am an idolator………………………….now, we’re glad each one of you was able to come to this blog, and we have many reasons to be thankful, will one of you please use the liberty put forth and (post a comment).
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Thursday, December 27, 2007
Joel Osteen
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Did anyone else watch the interview Larry King did with Joel Osteen last night? I just happened into a restaurant with a group of men around 9:20 and it was on. One of these men (in particular) couldn't stop singing Joel's accolades. Admittedly, I had never had much personal exposure to Joel, but last night's show didn't impress me any more than I expected it to. Check this:
KING: The book is "Become a Better You: Seven Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day". It's published by Free Press, and three million first printing. That's the most ever in that publishing company's history. Our guests are Joel Osteen, its author, and his wife Victoria. And, OK, would Britney Spears be helped by this book? What do you make of that whole -- that culture thing?
J. OSTEEN: Well, I think it's easy to get delusioned maybe is the word just with all of that fame and notoriety at such an early age. And sure, I think Britney Sears can be helped by that -- by this book. I think anybody could because it's the principles of the bible. And I think that she's -- these are good people at heart. And they just need some good guidance and good people speaking into their lives. They have got so much pressure and so much, you know, confusion in their lives. But, you know, anybody -- anybody can come up higher, and I believe she can come out of this and still live a great life.
KING: Yes. That's what many think, that this whole group, these youngsters, are basically good.
V. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.
J. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.
KING: They've just had too much, too soon.
J. OSTEEN: Well, I think so. I know Britney's been to church before. I've heard reports. And I believe down deep they love the lord. It's just, you know, things pull you away, and it's easy to make bad decisions in life.
V. OSTEEN: That's why it's so important to, you know, surround yourself with people who can speak good things into in your life. And that's one of the things Joel tells the congregation when he gives, you know, an altar call every Sunday. He says, you know what? Bring your friends to church. Don't let them pull you down. You know, call them up, and you bring them to church. So, you know, it is important. And that's what we talk about all the time, get around good people. It influences your life.
(Did anyone see a problem with any of that? Big deal, Britney Spears has been to church. Is that going to sanctify her somehow? And is that all that matters, that we 'love the lord deep down'? What about all the confess me before men and keep my words stuff Jesus said?)
KING: Do you have any particular position on -- I'm sure there's gay members of your church.
J. OSTEEN: Oh, I'm sure there are. Our church is open to anybody. I mean, we are there to help them and give them encouragement and hope. I think the last thing we're supposed to do is put up walls and say, if you're not perfect, you can't come to my church.
KING: Because you know there are members of your church -- for example, the late Jerry Falwell was a classic example of someone who really raked at gays and lesbians.
J. OSTEEN: Yes. You know what? There are different callings. I can't fault anybody. I mean, I didn't know Jerry Falwell, but I believe I know his sons, and they are great people. But there are different callings for different things. I think sometimes, you know, God gives us different messages. But mine is about, you know, giving people hope and...
(Well said, Brother Joel, the last thing we're supposed to do is put up walls. However, the first thing we're supposed to do is call sin, sin!! Clearly Jerry Falwell DID have a different message. He had a message of hope beyond their sin, not within it!)
KING: We're back with the Osteens. Is this -- is this true, that you once exhorted women in the audience to shop at Victoria's Secret to help their marriage?
J. OSTEEN: Oh, well, that was -- that's probably true. I think the whole...
KING: That's why you're smiling all the time.
(At least he got something right, eh? I guess you can't win them all, but at least he's on the right track here.........................*rolls eyes*)
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Did anyone else watch the interview Larry King did with Joel Osteen last night? I just happened into a restaurant with a group of men around 9:20 and it was on. One of these men (in particular) couldn't stop singing Joel's accolades. Admittedly, I had never had much personal exposure to Joel, but last night's show didn't impress me any more than I expected it to. Check this:
KING: The book is "Become a Better You: Seven Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day". It's published by Free Press, and three million first printing. That's the most ever in that publishing company's history. Our guests are Joel Osteen, its author, and his wife Victoria. And, OK, would Britney Spears be helped by this book? What do you make of that whole -- that culture thing?
J. OSTEEN: Well, I think it's easy to get delusioned maybe is the word just with all of that fame and notoriety at such an early age. And sure, I think Britney Sears can be helped by that -- by this book. I think anybody could because it's the principles of the bible. And I think that she's -- these are good people at heart. And they just need some good guidance and good people speaking into their lives. They have got so much pressure and so much, you know, confusion in their lives. But, you know, anybody -- anybody can come up higher, and I believe she can come out of this and still live a great life.
KING: Yes. That's what many think, that this whole group, these youngsters, are basically good.
V. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.
J. OSTEEN: Oh, yes.
KING: They've just had too much, too soon.
J. OSTEEN: Well, I think so. I know Britney's been to church before. I've heard reports. And I believe down deep they love the lord. It's just, you know, things pull you away, and it's easy to make bad decisions in life.
V. OSTEEN: That's why it's so important to, you know, surround yourself with people who can speak good things into in your life. And that's one of the things Joel tells the congregation when he gives, you know, an altar call every Sunday. He says, you know what? Bring your friends to church. Don't let them pull you down. You know, call them up, and you bring them to church. So, you know, it is important. And that's what we talk about all the time, get around good people. It influences your life.
(Did anyone see a problem with any of that? Big deal, Britney Spears has been to church. Is that going to sanctify her somehow? And is that all that matters, that we 'love the lord deep down'? What about all the confess me before men and keep my words stuff Jesus said?)
KING: Do you have any particular position on -- I'm sure there's gay members of your church.
J. OSTEEN: Oh, I'm sure there are. Our church is open to anybody. I mean, we are there to help them and give them encouragement and hope. I think the last thing we're supposed to do is put up walls and say, if you're not perfect, you can't come to my church.
KING: Because you know there are members of your church -- for example, the late Jerry Falwell was a classic example of someone who really raked at gays and lesbians.
J. OSTEEN: Yes. You know what? There are different callings. I can't fault anybody. I mean, I didn't know Jerry Falwell, but I believe I know his sons, and they are great people. But there are different callings for different things. I think sometimes, you know, God gives us different messages. But mine is about, you know, giving people hope and...
(Well said, Brother Joel, the last thing we're supposed to do is put up walls. However, the first thing we're supposed to do is call sin, sin!! Clearly Jerry Falwell DID have a different message. He had a message of hope beyond their sin, not within it!)
KING: We're back with the Osteens. Is this -- is this true, that you once exhorted women in the audience to shop at Victoria's Secret to help their marriage?
J. OSTEEN: Oh, well, that was -- that's probably true. I think the whole...
KING: That's why you're smiling all the time.
(At least he got something right, eh? I guess you can't win them all, but at least he's on the right track here.........................*rolls eyes*)
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Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sola Fide
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The following post has been taken out of another blogger's post from the other day. I thought it was good enough, clear enough and true enough to scatter around for more discussion.
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Imagine a church where the pastor tells his church to abstain from all alcohol, avoid movies, enter their children in Christian schools and that women should only wear dresses.Down the street, another pastor exhorts his congregation to get involved in environmental issues, invite your neighbors over to your house, seek to understand your surrounding culture and avoid a judgemental perceptions at all costs.Which sermon is pleasing to the Lord? The conservative message? The trendy message? Both?Possibly, neither. Consider:
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.--Romans 14:23Therefore, the pastor who calls his people to be separate from the world, giving guidelines for achieving moral purity may be calling his people to sin. Likewise, the pastor who challenges his people to be more tolerant, perhaps even more missional, laying out perfect strategies for connecting with lost people may be calling his people to sin.Because avoiding movies is bad? Or conversely, is inviting your neighbors over to your house wrong? It is, if it neglects faith. Consider these words:
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.--Hebrews 11:6If faith is not the center of our motivation, we will not be pleasing God. Neither a full-fledged boycott of the things of the world, nor an unadulterated leap into your neighbors' lives means a thing if segregated from faith. This shouldn't stump us. For if God is most pleased by the perfect obedience of His Son, and if that obedience is credited to our account by faith, then that in my life which pleases the Father must purely be the reflection of my faith in His Perfect Son.
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The following post has been taken out of another blogger's post from the other day. I thought it was good enough, clear enough and true enough to scatter around for more discussion.
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Imagine a church where the pastor tells his church to abstain from all alcohol, avoid movies, enter their children in Christian schools and that women should only wear dresses.Down the street, another pastor exhorts his congregation to get involved in environmental issues, invite your neighbors over to your house, seek to understand your surrounding culture and avoid a judgemental perceptions at all costs.Which sermon is pleasing to the Lord? The conservative message? The trendy message? Both?Possibly, neither. Consider:
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.--Romans 14:23Therefore, the pastor who calls his people to be separate from the world, giving guidelines for achieving moral purity may be calling his people to sin. Likewise, the pastor who challenges his people to be more tolerant, perhaps even more missional, laying out perfect strategies for connecting with lost people may be calling his people to sin.Because avoiding movies is bad? Or conversely, is inviting your neighbors over to your house wrong? It is, if it neglects faith. Consider these words:
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.--Hebrews 11:6If faith is not the center of our motivation, we will not be pleasing God. Neither a full-fledged boycott of the things of the world, nor an unadulterated leap into your neighbors' lives means a thing if segregated from faith. This shouldn't stump us. For if God is most pleased by the perfect obedience of His Son, and if that obedience is credited to our account by faith, then that in my life which pleases the Father must purely be the reflection of my faith in His Perfect Son.
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
Merry Christmas...to all
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Buon Natale
Joyeux Noël
Feliz Natal
聖誕快樂
عيد ميلاد سعيد
Feliz Navidad
С Рождеством Христовым!
メリークリスマス
Frohe Weihnachten
Καλά Χριστούγεννα
Christmas Alegre
Vrolijke Kerstmis
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Buon Natale
Joyeux Noël
Feliz Natal
聖誕快樂
عيد ميلاد سعيد
Feliz Navidad
С Рождеством Христовым!
メリークリスマス
Frohe Weihnachten
Καλά Χριστούγεννα
Christmas Alegre
Vrolijke Kerstmis
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sigh
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God is good...all the time!
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God is good...all the time!
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Monday, December 17, 2007
Shattered, Dashed and Left With Pieces
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I have no idea what God's doing! Okay, that sounded like a major oxymoron, because none of claim to have a clue about God's plans, but I am so lost in the fogginess of life's direction right now that I have no faint insinuation which ways up.
Many of you know that I lost my job abruptly 4 wks ago today. Since that time I've felt like one thing and another was certainly going to materialize just to have my hopes dashed on the rocks of tragic reality repetitively.
Once again...shattered dreams. I decided last Fri to take a brother (from church) up on his offer of temporary employment. Granted, general construction wasn't my first choice of occupations, but then beggars can't be choosers can they? I figured no one was hiring sales people during the festivities, so I'd swing a hammer to generate some cash flow and pursue 'greener pastures' mid-January or so. (I do have two open offers in sales, but both companies have the ball in their court, so there's not much I can to to expedite the process from my end.)
This brother told me he would call me Sunday evening (last evening) and tell me where to be when this morning. Last evening came and went, and now it's past 7 am this morning, and where am I at? Sitting at my computer wondering.............................what exactly is God doing?
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I have no idea what God's doing! Okay, that sounded like a major oxymoron, because none of claim to have a clue about God's plans, but I am so lost in the fogginess of life's direction right now that I have no faint insinuation which ways up.
Many of you know that I lost my job abruptly 4 wks ago today. Since that time I've felt like one thing and another was certainly going to materialize just to have my hopes dashed on the rocks of tragic reality repetitively.
Once again...shattered dreams. I decided last Fri to take a brother (from church) up on his offer of temporary employment. Granted, general construction wasn't my first choice of occupations, but then beggars can't be choosers can they? I figured no one was hiring sales people during the festivities, so I'd swing a hammer to generate some cash flow and pursue 'greener pastures' mid-January or so. (I do have two open offers in sales, but both companies have the ball in their court, so there's not much I can to to expedite the process from my end.)
This brother told me he would call me Sunday evening (last evening) and tell me where to be when this morning. Last evening came and went, and now it's past 7 am this morning, and where am I at? Sitting at my computer wondering.............................what exactly is God doing?
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
Open, or Closed?
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I am typically an ‘open book’. Generally speaking it doesn’t take any special discernment skills to determine what I’m thinking in most any situation. My life, my communications, my blog, my general demeanor all tend to betray my attitudes and feelings. This transparency has caused me much consternation in my life. I have been placed under church discipline, excommunicated, castigated, chastised, falsely accused all based on the fact that my feelings, my concerns have been exposed rather than veiled. In spite of all that I still choose to live in a glass house. Why? Because I refuse to be insincere. I refuse to be the person whose life is so un-genuine that no one believes I’m real. We’ve all met those people who obviously don’t live on the same planet as we do. I’m not one of those people. I don’t want to be one of those people. I can’t be one of those people.
However……..
Recently I have been advised, on numerous occasions, that there are certain things that I just shouldn’t blog. Why not? If my life is up-side-down out of control, why should my blog not reveal that? If my heart is hurting, why should my blog not expose that? If my family is in a genuine struggle, why should we feign that we are the pillar of faith that we aren’t? Is it wrong, or simply ‘unspiritual’, for a person to be unashamedly honest with their feelings?
Why should a blog only include those feelings and attitudes which are positive and never the deep heart pains of the blogger?
__________________________________________________
I am typically an ‘open book’. Generally speaking it doesn’t take any special discernment skills to determine what I’m thinking in most any situation. My life, my communications, my blog, my general demeanor all tend to betray my attitudes and feelings. This transparency has caused me much consternation in my life. I have been placed under church discipline, excommunicated, castigated, chastised, falsely accused all based on the fact that my feelings, my concerns have been exposed rather than veiled. In spite of all that I still choose to live in a glass house. Why? Because I refuse to be insincere. I refuse to be the person whose life is so un-genuine that no one believes I’m real. We’ve all met those people who obviously don’t live on the same planet as we do. I’m not one of those people. I don’t want to be one of those people. I can’t be one of those people.
However……..
Recently I have been advised, on numerous occasions, that there are certain things that I just shouldn’t blog. Why not? If my life is up-side-down out of control, why should my blog not reveal that? If my heart is hurting, why should my blog not expose that? If my family is in a genuine struggle, why should we feign that we are the pillar of faith that we aren’t? Is it wrong, or simply ‘unspiritual’, for a person to be unashamedly honest with their feelings?
Why should a blog only include those feelings and attitudes which are positive and never the deep heart pains of the blogger?
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Thursday, December 13, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Please Pass The Dictionary
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We all know that the proper way to say a word is to pronounce it right. However, if you proNOUNce it right it's called the proper proNUNciation. Kinda confusing, not? Generally speaking these kind of things don't bother me too much, but lately it has been to some extent. I'm well aware, as you no doubt are too, that if you put the emPHASis on the wrong sylLAble you have words that look much the same but sound quite different. Which means you pronunced them wrong or used the improper pronounciation. Now what is the point of all this? Good question.....
I used a word (actually I copied it from the text I was quoting) in my last post that I'm not quite sure how to pronunce. I've heard it one way one time and another way another time. I tend to use one pronounciation while many (most) others seem to use another one. Which is right, or is neither inherently wrong or right? Please help me get to the bottom of this, because it is causing me much consternation. The word I used was 'blessed'. Now tell me, is that word pronounced /blest/ or /bless-ed/. Please don't tell me it doesn't matter, because it most certainly does. I remember hearing a preacher say once in a message that one pronounciation is more spiritual (pertaining to spiritual, heavenly things) while the other is more natural. This makes absolutely no sense to me, but maybe I've missed the boat, as many claim.
Now, as disturbing as it has been to not be sure how to properly emphaSIZE the sylLAbles in the word 'blessed'; it hasn't been anything compared to the trauma I received the other day when I was accused of sounding 'German Baptist' (of all things) for my pronounciation of the word 'humbling'. (But that's another post for another day.)
Whew....now that that's off my chest maybe I can get some sleep......................................................zzzzzzzz
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We all know that the proper way to say a word is to pronounce it right. However, if you proNOUNce it right it's called the proper proNUNciation. Kinda confusing, not? Generally speaking these kind of things don't bother me too much, but lately it has been to some extent. I'm well aware, as you no doubt are too, that if you put the emPHASis on the wrong sylLAble you have words that look much the same but sound quite different. Which means you pronunced them wrong or used the improper pronounciation. Now what is the point of all this? Good question.....
I used a word (actually I copied it from the text I was quoting) in my last post that I'm not quite sure how to pronunce. I've heard it one way one time and another way another time. I tend to use one pronounciation while many (most) others seem to use another one. Which is right, or is neither inherently wrong or right? Please help me get to the bottom of this, because it is causing me much consternation. The word I used was 'blessed'. Now tell me, is that word pronounced /blest/ or /bless-ed/. Please don't tell me it doesn't matter, because it most certainly does. I remember hearing a preacher say once in a message that one pronounciation is more spiritual (pertaining to spiritual, heavenly things) while the other is more natural. This makes absolutely no sense to me, but maybe I've missed the boat, as many claim.
Now, as disturbing as it has been to not be sure how to properly emphaSIZE the sylLAbles in the word 'blessed'; it hasn't been anything compared to the trauma I received the other day when I was accused of sounding 'German Baptist' (of all things) for my pronounciation of the word 'humbling'. (But that's another post for another day.)
Whew....now that that's off my chest maybe I can get some sleep......................................................zzzzzzzz
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Friday, December 7, 2007
1 Peter 1:3-9
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Blessed (adored) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (cause) according to His great mercy has caused us (passive, received action) to be born again to a living hope (realized confidence) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain (effect) an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (you) who are protected (KJV - kept) by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (glorification). In this (protection and salvation) you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that (another effect) the proof (trustworthiness, genuinity) of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in (your faith is resulting in this) praise and glory and honor at the revelation (disclosure, appearing) of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining (receiving) as the outcome (result, conclusion) of your faith the salvation (deliverance, rescuing) of your souls.
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Blessed (adored) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (cause) according to His great mercy has caused us (passive, received action) to be born again to a living hope (realized confidence) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain (effect) an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (you) who are protected (KJV - kept) by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (glorification). In this (protection and salvation) you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that (another effect) the proof (trustworthiness, genuinity) of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in (your faith is resulting in this) praise and glory and honor at the revelation (disclosure, appearing) of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining (receiving) as the outcome (result, conclusion) of your faith the salvation (deliverance, rescuing) of your souls.
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Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Go Forward
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When we cannot see our way
Let us trust and still obey
He who bids us forward go
Can not fail the way to show
Though the sea be deep and wide
Though a passage seem denied
Fearless let us still proceed
Since the Lord vouchsafes to lead
Though it seems the gloom of night
Though we see no ray of light
Since the Lord himself is there
'Tis not meet that we should fear
Father, teach me to realize this prayer!
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When we cannot see our way
Let us trust and still obey
He who bids us forward go
Can not fail the way to show
Though the sea be deep and wide
Though a passage seem denied
Fearless let us still proceed
Since the Lord vouchsafes to lead
Though it seems the gloom of night
Though we see no ray of light
Since the Lord himself is there
'Tis not meet that we should fear
Father, teach me to realize this prayer!
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Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Revival
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Let the revival fires burn.
How often do we pray that? How often are we really willing to accept all the ramification of that prayer?
As I was praying this morning that phrase found its way into my vernacular. As I meditated on its meaning I came under conviction that seldom am I willing to accept what that really means. I want to think out loud a little here. Please allow me to do that.
Fire burns. Fire consumes. Fire destroys. Fire has no resurrecting qualities. Fire by nature equates to destruction. From that premise I conclude that ‘revival fire’ is an oxymoron. What is this ‘revival fire’ that we so often ‘beg’ for? I think we betray the phrase more often than not. To beg for revival fire is to beg for the Lord to work to destroy, remove, consume, burn everything in our heart and life that hinders revival. Amen? Are you willing for that kind of work? Are you really willing to allow the holy Spirit free course in your heart to search out the dark corners? Are you willing to confess the dirt, trash, and corruption that is found there? Do you really mean that you want revival fire, or would you rather revival without the fire? I tell you, it is not possible. Even though the phrase ‘revival fire’ is an oxymoron, it’s also the only way to accomplish the end. If you want revival in your life, in your family, in your church, in your community, in your country; fire must burn. I say, FIRE MUST BURN!
You must allow the consuming fire of the holy Spirit of God to roar though your sin, through your pride, through your condescension, through your arrogance, through your immorality, through your anger, through your self-righteousness, through your heart consuming the corruption and purifying the precious gems. I promise, on the authority of God’s word, if you are willing to allow the fire to burn, revival will ensue. You have God’s personal guarantee.
Are you willing to allow revival fire to cut its path through your life? Are you willing for revival? You are the only thing holding it back!!
__________________________________________________
Let the revival fires burn.
How often do we pray that? How often are we really willing to accept all the ramification of that prayer?
As I was praying this morning that phrase found its way into my vernacular. As I meditated on its meaning I came under conviction that seldom am I willing to accept what that really means. I want to think out loud a little here. Please allow me to do that.
Fire burns. Fire consumes. Fire destroys. Fire has no resurrecting qualities. Fire by nature equates to destruction. From that premise I conclude that ‘revival fire’ is an oxymoron. What is this ‘revival fire’ that we so often ‘beg’ for? I think we betray the phrase more often than not. To beg for revival fire is to beg for the Lord to work to destroy, remove, consume, burn everything in our heart and life that hinders revival. Amen? Are you willing for that kind of work? Are you really willing to allow the holy Spirit free course in your heart to search out the dark corners? Are you willing to confess the dirt, trash, and corruption that is found there? Do you really mean that you want revival fire, or would you rather revival without the fire? I tell you, it is not possible. Even though the phrase ‘revival fire’ is an oxymoron, it’s also the only way to accomplish the end. If you want revival in your life, in your family, in your church, in your community, in your country; fire must burn. I say, FIRE MUST BURN!
You must allow the consuming fire of the holy Spirit of God to roar though your sin, through your pride, through your condescension, through your arrogance, through your immorality, through your anger, through your self-righteousness, through your heart consuming the corruption and purifying the precious gems. I promise, on the authority of God’s word, if you are willing to allow the fire to burn, revival will ensue. You have God’s personal guarantee.
Are you willing to allow revival fire to cut its path through your life? Are you willing for revival? You are the only thing holding it back!!
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Saturday, December 1, 2007
When God's HOT, He's HOT!!
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And I say unto you, Make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into eternal dwellings
Loyalties were realized today.............Praise GOD!!
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And I say unto you, Make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into eternal dwellings
Loyalties were realized today.............Praise GOD!!
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