Of Christmas Past

This is going to be different than my usual posts.

Dealing With Others

Christmas Memories

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

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Do Not Fear The Log*!

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but not consider the plank* in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and look, a plank is in your own eye!

Matthew 7:3-4 NKJV 

* - I think of a plank as a 2x4 piece of wood, also known as a big piece of wood. That reminded me of a Ren & Stimpy skit that included a song about the log as a toy. Hee hee. It's an inside joke that makes me laugh.

"I don't understand that chick. She always fall for the same type of guy. When I try to point it out to her, she get mad at me!"

"Why is she always late? And then when she finally gets here, nothing is up to her standards."

"It only takes but a minute before he gets angry and blows up. We are always arguing and I'm tired of it."

"Why are you so stubborn?!"

That woman never uses the sense the Good Lord gave her."

That's because you always do this. Your life would be much easier if you didn't but You.Just.Don't.Get.It!"

Isn't it always easy to point out someone else's mistakes and faults? And when you are arguing, how many of us use those facts as weapons? One thing I've learned in my short life is no one likes to have their shortcomings pointed out. It's embarrassing. Or maybe it's just me who doesn't like that.

Now a few of us are okay with criticism but only when we ask for it. In my teens, I got this small poster that read "Before you give me advice, be sure I want it." People always give their two cents unsolicited and then get mad when you get mad.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expounded on many things that millions feel are the central tenets of the Christian faith, and He told the people to remove the plank (aka the log-see above) out of their own eye before helping others with the speck in theirs.

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:3-5 NKJV

A few weeks ago, an acquaintance and I had an argument and as I was commenting to someone else, I realized I could be wrong. I am grown enough to admit my wrongs, so I set off on a fact-finding mission. What was revealed during my biblical search and chatting with a friend is the two of us were talking of two different things. I also realized that at this point, I needed to let go and let God. I chose to focus on my response and the need to speak the truth in love.

Turning it back to me and how I responded will help in further dealing with this person about that argument. Getting myself straight first will help get to one accord or at the least, agreeing to disagree.

Few people will pause and examine ourselves, but that is the very thing that Christ preached. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you want people to be patient with you, be patient with them. If you want people to understand you, understand them. 

Focus on that plank of yours and you'll probably surprise the other person. When you then come to them, you'll be able to speak the truth in love and your new way of dealing may help them to see the light or be less defensive. Then resolution and forgiveness will be easily attained.

How do you get rid of your log?

Be blessed and Stay encouraged!

Scripture To Get You Through

I am not going to start like I usually do. I was reading an article bu Dorothy Beal on Blogher about the best verses to help while you run a marathon: 26.2 Bible Verses For Running Or Racing. I thought about those verses that get you through anything. My list will probably be unorthodox. 

Life

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

What are those verses that help you through life?

Feeling Fat, Ugly, Round, Heavy, Bloated, Etc.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

Feeling Unworthy

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ Philippians 1:6

Feeling Powerless

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10: 4-6

I could go on, but these are just a few of what I use to help me. Are there any verses that help you deal with your doubt or negative feelings?

It's Not The Rapper!

Every now and again, I am going to bring something in the form of Christian news. This is a gentle rant.

I was at the website Streaming Faith, and I saw an article that made me pause and shake my head. I gotta little upset because it's no different than what I read back in the 1980s and 1990s.

As Christians, we know that there are those pastors, evangelists, ministers, teachers, etc., etc., that can lead a Christian astray. Especially if said Christian refuses to read the bible on their own. I am absolutely sure if they did, they would pause in their following.

This pastor claims that rapper Lil Wayne is leading youths astray. Really? I am no fan of Lil Wayne. But it is not Lil Wayne or even rappers or Hollywood. The rampant immorality and debauchery is a people never knowing Christ or them turning away from him.

And really this is like Calvin Butts talking about gangsta rap back in the late 1980s. Every now and again, there comes a well-meaning pastor who in the book talks about the true causes, but uses the leading rapper/singer/celebrity to drive the point home.

I don't mind conferences where they teach the youth in the church about the ills of emulating the hip-hop community, but to title your book after a rapper? No. It's not fair to anybody when this happens.

You can read all bout it here. Is Lil Wayne a pied piper making teens follow his way? Each person must answer that question for themselves, and answer these, too. What about the parents? What about the pastors, ministers, teachers at this church and others? This pastor decided to write a book about it, but what are others doing?

I guess I just prefer teaching children and teens to make better choices that line up with God's word rather than attacking a rapper. And mainstream media? They'll just think this pastor is stirring up controversy and trying to make money off Lil Wayne.

If children and others who do emulate Lil Wayne and the rest of his kind saw people soldiering for Christ, and using His word as their guide, then they could hear Lil Wayne and see how his lyrics don't line up, and either stop listening or listen with a grain of salt, for lack of better terminology.

It's ugly out there, but the best way to combat it is to walk the walk.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a [lamp stand], and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV

Is it Lil Wayne leading them astray? Who did the pastors and leading theologians rail against in your day?

Is Your Foundation Secure?

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

(Back To The Basics - Word of God by Mark Taylor creationswap.com)