tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.comments2023-11-03T08:44:12.478-07:00James' Random, Stimulating, Missional, Spiritual ThoughtsJames Noredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comBlogger1164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-12179360985454185302013-08-19T08:41:29.583-07:002013-08-19T08:41:29.583-07:00I've spoken personally with two preachers, who...I've spoken personally with two preachers, who have been in full-time ministry for over 30 years. <br /><br />Both have now left that role.<br /><br />Both attributed it to their weariness of having to cope with elders.David P Himeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18362353234349984085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-44484564748290242892013-06-11T10:11:45.598-07:002013-06-11T10:11:45.598-07:00“What tips do you have on getting a good settlemen...“What tips do you have on getting a good settlement for the car with the insurance company?” - Equip yourself with knowledge! Search on facts and know your rights and and what to receive as compensation, so you'll know what to say and to rebut when discussing the issue. <br /><br />Regrads, <br />Cayla Dupont @<a href="http://www.harlaninsurance.com/services/louisiana-business-insurance/" rel="nofollow">HarlanInsurance.com</a> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03066227107008406172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-66484010550588304232013-01-31T22:47:39.964-08:002013-01-31T22:47:39.964-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16318106390555527175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-47629928991332062702013-01-31T22:46:51.576-08:002013-01-31T22:46:51.576-08:00This loneliness can be averted by following the ex...This loneliness can be averted by following the example of Jesus, Paul and other leaders of the First Century. Build a team and train others and you will never be lonely! (2 Tim. 2:2). We must also remember that Jesus us with us! Mtt. 28:18-20 and Phil. 4:8ff! : ) Praise the Lord!<br /><br />Because of Christ,<br /><br />Marty TrujilloAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16318106390555527175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-43907760431264230942011-03-03T10:59:01.639-08:002011-03-03T10:59:01.639-08:00James, I'm 65, so you know I was raised in a l...James, I'm 65, so you know I was raised in a low, emotional church, except tapping a toe or finger during singing, and a few "amens" during the sermon and after prayers by the men, and men kneeling in the aisle during prayer. I like up-lifting services; singing praise songs and old songs that tell a story, clapping, swaying, lifting hands, even kneeling during prayer, and when I know how to levitate, I plan to do that, too, because my soul levitates within during many of our songs. The whole purpose in coming together on Sunday, is to please God with my worship. I'm not to leave saying, "I didn't get anything out of worship today.", but to ask, "Was God pleased with my worship this day?" It's not about me!!! at the center, but all about God at my center. He demands it. Who is to look around the worship center and say, "I don't like the way that person is worshiping, I'll go somewhere else if they don't stop?" Are we to be that judgmental? Watch out! David danced naked before God, and he was a man after God's own heart because of what was in David's heart. I consider my accepting of change in worship services as a sign of maturity in life and faith. Who enjoys being stuck in a rut for 60-80 years??? I'll tell you who...people with great fear and lack of trust in the One and Only God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN!Toodleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16181330708272537128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-39282849954148920292010-10-12T15:56:02.518-07:002010-10-12T15:56:02.518-07:00I definitely agree that ministers can be underappr...I definitely agree that ministers can be underappreciated and such. I grew up a "PK" so I got to see for myself. My father had an entire full time job on top of his preacher position and unfortunately, I can relate to a lot of these things in our family.Almahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08856367405066259621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-40101741704793332242010-08-16T19:27:48.964-07:002010-08-16T19:27:48.964-07:00Interesting.
To me, the loneliness is the most s...Interesting. <br /><br />To me, the loneliness is the most surprising. Odd to think that someone who spends so much of their time helping others might not have someone to be there for them when they need someone. <br /><br />Sad (but unfortunately not surprising) to hear that so many feel unappreciated.<br /><br />I appreciate my minister more than he knows. <br /><br />Try to tell him that occasionally.mmlacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07540710707089125078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-54156227183262858082010-08-16T19:18:45.449-07:002010-08-16T19:18:45.449-07:00Makes me sad for him.
But interesting to see a po...Makes me sad for him.<br /><br />But interesting to see a portion of this interview, my minister just referenced it in a lesson last week.<br /><br />I enjoy your blog, brother. Came across it a few months ago, I think from a link on John Dobbs' blog.mmlacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07540710707089125078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-51892129676622820662010-08-10T06:51:32.751-07:002010-08-10T06:51:32.751-07:00Hi James,
I have two thoughts on this topic. The ...Hi James,<br /><br />I have two thoughts on this topic. The first is that Anne Rice is claiming much of what Erwin McManus does in his book, "The Barbarian Way," which is more about becoming a passionate follower of Christ than just a "church goer." To live a life of service and battle for God outside the church building and become a congregation out in the field of battle. <br /><br />It's clear that Ms. Rice is not renouncing that Jesus is the Son of God or that she doesn't believe in God. I interpret her message as saying that she has heard a message of condemnation and hate from perhaps a specific church or certain Christians. It's a shame she doesn't try to find another church home that is more about proclaiming the love of Christ. <br /><br />HOWEVER, there is a HUGE problem with only focusing on the message of love. God isn't without wrath for the things he deems wrong. Yes, we can be forgiven by grace, but what of the person who doesn't motivate their heart to at least relay the message that God requires repentance and brokeness about certain activities, lifestyles, etc? It's almost like lying by omission when a person speaks to someone about a sin and does nothing but focus on how much God loves you. You have to at least warn them that what they are doing is wrong, and that there are consequences if you do not repent and and search your heart for brokeness. <br /><br />Unfortunately, many see this advice as an action of "judgment" or "condemnation." It's like caryn777 said, it's a generation that doesn't want to be told what to do. And as you know James, I was once the biggest fan of imagining God as just a "no big deal" God when it came to my agenda.<br /><br />So, should the goal be to cushion everything for our Brothers and Sisters (everyone), so that they will see God as nothing more then a parent that gives us a little look and says, "you crazy kids, go on and have fun," or at least warn them that He wants brokeness and reformation, before He sends you to Hell? How can our action of "hating the sin" be enough to fight for His way?<br /><br />In the end, doesn't He judge our hearts by who is broken and in the fight, and who is still making up cushy ways to continue sinning? Otherwise, what difference is there between TRUE followers of Christ (the doers) and the rest (who trap Christ in their mind)? Hope this makes sense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-83911737037720257402010-08-07T10:16:59.534-07:002010-08-07T10:16:59.534-07:00Rwayne,
Some good thoughts here. You said, "...Rwayne,<br /><br />Some good thoughts here. You said, "It seems like the best thing Christians can do to save Christianity is to try very hard to be Christians. The second thing is to stop scaring people off with absolute certainties about things that aren't necessarily so."<br /><br />I believe that you have hit on what is important here. The best way to overcome negative stereotypes is for people in our daily lives to see someone who is authentically seeking to imitate Christ. This will crush the stereotype. <br /><br />And eliminating dogmatism on peripheral issues is not only necessary to reach a postmodern world, it is healthy. The Pharisees argued about and obsessed about her peripherals. Jesus summed up the entire law in two commands--love God, love your neighbor. We would do well to concentrate on these two commands.James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-17218623391950526092010-08-07T10:11:54.328-07:002010-08-07T10:11:54.328-07:00RWayne, thank you for sharing these thoughts. USAT...RWayne, thank you for sharing these thoughts. USAToday does indeed succeed largely due to its simplicity. The King James suffers today in comparison for more current versions, in part due to its degree of difficulty in reading.James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-40677555333798498152010-08-04T16:39:51.598-07:002010-08-04T16:39:51.598-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-61823656274403700752010-08-04T16:39:50.941-07:002010-08-04T16:39:50.941-07:00Caryn, I'm glad that you found the article hel...Caryn, I'm glad that you found the article helpful. Anne Rice's statements at least help us to understand how many people in the world feel about us. <br /><br />As you say, we will never have a 100% PR. But we should seek to win people over with love as much as we can. Yes, as you say, we should be known by our love.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing!James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-2145355694087470182010-08-04T11:45:03.780-07:002010-08-04T11:45:03.780-07:00I really appreciated this article James, and I pla...I really appreciated this article James, and I plan to share it on my wall. <br /><br />As far as your question regarding perception...I'm kind of pessimistic on that front. Christians get bad publicity because we do expect more out of a generation that simply resents being told how to behave (my opinion). <br /><br />The way to change that perception is to stop fighting among ourselves and to unite, in love. "They will know us by our love" right?YMinisterswifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01199938373104456135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-15444027374783873812010-07-28T08:37:28.449-07:002010-07-28T08:37:28.449-07:00I can't read Chinese, so I don't know if y...I can't read Chinese, so I don't know if you are making great comments or are a spammer . . .James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-65880800985125811332010-07-23T12:14:44.124-07:002010-07-23T12:14:44.124-07:00There are a lot of examples of simplicity having s...There are a lot of examples of simplicity having success. USAToday capitalized on bullet formats and outlines that are easy to read and simultaneously eliminates some degree of study. The King James version was written about 5 or 6 years before Shakespeare died. While Shakespeare was writing, - this above all my son, to thine own self be true, they were down the street using the same language to write the contemporary Bible. In a comparison there was a conclusion that Shakespeare's vocabulary was about 3 times that of the Bible. A lot of 'handbooks' and manuals are written at 6th - 9th grade levels so that they are easy to pick up and use as reference. I find that sort of interesting. It seems that simple straight forward fundamental thoughts are easy to accept and understand.RWaynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04093984105216828314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-78058917948790112042010-07-10T08:57:00.434-07:002010-07-10T08:57:00.434-07:00There is a phrase that I have heard from a number ...There is a phrase that I have heard from a number of people; they say of themselves, "I am spiritual, but not religious." It is an interesting description of oneself, I suppose. I have a friend in New York who has said that he has left the Catholic Church forever. It might just be an embellished excuse, but he speaks of the willingness of Christians to go to war and murder (his words, not mine). <br /><br />In another case, I have an old friend who says that she's embarrassed being in a church where last week half the members congregated in front of a poorly installed storm door where they viewed the Virgin Mary in the glass.<br /><br />I think that a lot of us make up excuses for everything we don't want to do. For some reason, a lot of people don't want to go to church. That is the problem. The solution would be to find out why people don't want to go to church.<br /><br />I believe the good news is that it is not because any of them is really giving up on Christianity.<br /><br />Historically, the Church of Christ has given a lot of people a hard time about stuff that someone just simply MADE UP - and then tagged a convenient scripture to it. I could go through the list, but that would be far and away beside the point and you know how that goes. As I have grown older, I have come to realize that I have as many disagreements with one church as I might have with another. It is all based on someone's interpretation of what the Bible says or what it means. <br /><br />In an old Jackie Gleason movie, he stands in front of a mirror admiring himself and then he says, "its not easy being a fat narcissist." Well, its not easy being a member of a church where so many things out of the Bible are perceived as literal. There are Christians who argue that there was never any such thing as dinosaurs, the earth is only (i don't know) ?6,000?years old. There is the ever ongoing pursuit to prove that the earth actually stood still one day, or that someone lived 100s and 100s of years. Those are all the excuses that are used by those who don't want to go to church. By focusing on the specifics of the story, the bigger point is mostly missed.<br /><br />I guess that some of us are willing to accept each other for whatever is believed. However, I do have an appreciation for those who find it uncomfortable sitting through a Bible class where someone misses the whole point of the scriptures referred to, only to go on about the superficial story that seems highly improbable; in fact.<br /><br />I think that Christianity is a big broad fundamental. It seems too bad that we are so divided by congregations; so divided by interpretations and absolute certainties. It seems to weaken our place in the world by being so divided. <br /><br />Adding to the divisions is race, creed, culture and language. I guess there is a good reason for Christian Churches being so ethnically divided; but I am not sure that I buy into all those reasons. I guess it is language in some cases and culture in other cases. It doesn't seem right, but it seems to be what everyone wants to do. <br /><br />It seems like the best thing Christians can do to save Christianity is to try very hard to be Christians. The second thing is to stop scaring people off with absolute certainties about things that aren't necessarily so. Stop arguing about things that don't really make a difference. I think that Christians should always focus on the fundamentals that all humans relate to. I think that Christians should accept the natural order that God shows in every aspect of nature. Miracles - shmiracles - we're living in the middle of the biggest miracle anyone could(not) ever imagine. It all seems to make sense when you look and see the world as it really is. <br /><br />Everything seems to run in cycles. One day there will be a resurgence in the Church.RWaynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04093984105216828314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-71907172401418920132010-05-11T10:39:07.960-07:002010-05-11T10:39:07.960-07:00Praise God! Great to hear about those who are bein...Praise God! Great to hear about those who are being restored to Christ outside the "church walls."Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08700254457008008910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-26604729612756625632010-04-14T08:09:16.686-07:002010-04-14T08:09:16.686-07:00I don't speak or read Chinese, unfortunately. ...I don't speak or read Chinese, unfortunately. I don't know if I'm being cursed at or God is being praised! Hope the latter.James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-23603750746128662902010-03-10T17:40:04.570-08:002010-03-10T17:40:04.570-08:00we should follow Christ's example... that'...we should follow Christ's example... that's why he died for us... thank you for sharing, the picture is beautiful =DDori Explorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12641748150857664167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-1450818892018007402010-03-05T10:28:53.377-08:002010-03-05T10:28:53.377-08:00Great thoughts and questions from both of you.
It...Great thoughts and questions from both of you.<br /><br />It seems that many are ok with it just being "us" inside our church walls. <br /><br />Thanks for the encouragement!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08700254457008008910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-76953060780115067432010-03-05T07:34:46.204-08:002010-03-05T07:34:46.204-08:00Yes I look at it from time to time. Reviewing your...Yes I look at it from time to time. Reviewing your evangelism material, interested in your material on how to help people find their ministry/talent. <br /><br />I have been looking for a good way for people to evaluate their own talents, and focus their ministry in an area that fulfills them so that they do more. I love my work so I do more of it, and don't feel like it is work. if people loved their ministry it would lead them to do more of it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-22189361921704823182010-03-05T07:25:59.086-08:002010-03-05T07:25:59.086-08:00Joe, I have found that personal invitation is what...Joe, I have found that personal invitation is what always works best in gettng people involved in the process. Jesus did not send out an email when calling his disciples. His call was very personal. He went from place to place when making is call.<br /><br />I have not read Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up. Have you been to my website, Missional Outrech Network? http://missionaloutreachnetwork.com I would love for you to post a review there.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing!James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-57469068940187151672010-03-05T07:20:48.389-08:002010-03-05T07:20:48.389-08:00Good thought James. You are right. How do we get ...Good thought James. You are right. How do we get more people involved in the process. Have you read, "Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up? Really challenges my thinking of a disciple by comparing to early christians.<br /><br />Joe PalmerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-7132079067657841272010-02-02T07:55:03.025-08:002010-02-02T07:55:03.025-08:00Many still have not realized the power of social n...Many still have not realized the power of social networking. With continued conversations I hope more churches will embrace the present reality. We must meet the people where they are at and as you know a vast majority are on social networking sites. Recently read a blog about a church who spent less than $500 for advertisements on Facebook for their Christmas performance. The results were outstanding. Over 100 people came via the ads and a few have connected with the body and now one family is in a small group.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08700254457008008910noreply@blogger.com