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The Waters of Relationship

Mart De Haan Posted by Mart DeHaan
July 13th, 2011
89 Comments » 

Photo by: Jason Wermager

Relationships are like chemical reactions. Just as hydrogen and oxygen need one another to become the H2O of water, so we need at least one other person to show who we are and to become who we were made to be.

Doesn’t our own life, and the whole story of the Bible say that we cannot find significance, happiness, or the truth of our God, by ourselves?

Don’t we need at least one other person to show our potential for both good and evil?

And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters… (Gen 1:2)


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89 Responses to “The Waters of Relationship”

  1. SFDBWV says:
    July 13, 2011 at 6:03 am

    Mart you are right, relationships have been called chemistry on many occasions. Sometimes even electric as one may be positive the other negative and when the two come together there is current flow.

    In chemistry there are elements that remain inert until a catalyst is introduced that brings about a reaction.

    All can be used for good but sometimes when combined we get hydrogen sulfide, that rotten egg smell that comes from the combination of elements.

    Like the odious smell of rotten eggs when some people come together it can be unpleasant for both and unfortunately for those around them.

    I can certainly agree that opposites expose the character of the other. As in evil/good, happy/sad, light/dark. I can also agree that from our scripture we have heroes and villains. Like any good story you must have a hero that triumphs over the villain and everyone live happy ever after.

    The chemical soup that we Christians all are a part of should enhance the flavor of the soup. There can only be one cook in the kitchen and in our case it needs be Christ.

    We are the salt of the earth and if we lose our flavor, then we are of little use to the cook in preparing His soup.

    Love, consideration and common courtesy should be the ingredients in any relationship. I am afraid when we introduce negative personalities and people who are always looking for fault in another or enjoy spreading strife, then there is problems.

    David would still have been David without Goliath, and John the Baptist would still have introduced the Christ without Herod, but the two exposed the best and worst of each other.

    Steve

  2. BruceC says:
    July 13, 2011 at 6:36 am

    Proverbs 27:17
    Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

    This response may be a little off as both items are the same and not like good/evil. But a pair nonetheless. If we stayed cooped up in our homes and lives and never interacted with fellow believers at all levels; would we ever grow? Ever see our own need to confront those things in our life that do not please God? I doubt it. Likely we would only see our good side. We need to come together and learn and work together. To be accountable together. To allow God to work in us and through us together. And we need His Holy Spirit as our partner every day of our lives. Just as H and O make water; God wants the Holy Spirit and us to make something beautiful for His glory.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  3. tracey5tgbtg says:
    July 13, 2011 at 7:26 am

    BruceC – Prov 27:17 was the exact verse that popped into my head when I read the opener.

    Mart – you wrote: Don’t we need at least one other person to show our potential for both good and evil?

    I say yes to that question. Especially because in each and every one of us there is that potential for good and for evil.

    My daughter is a dance major in college and she learned early on that she had to accept criticism if she wanted to get any better. She welcomes critiques because she knows others can see her as she can’t see herself.

  4. alegria says:
    July 13, 2011 at 7:38 am

    After a long absence of my mom-in-law, my father-in-law commented on how easy it was to become selfish without another person around to consider. Though selfishness is always lurking under the surface for each of us, other people are extremely useful in helping us see the motives under our actions – and learn to take other’s needs into consideration.

    I think that was a part of the reason Paul admonished his spiritual kids to “not forsake the gathering together of believers.” Yet you can attend church every time the door is open, and still not get your rough edges sanded off like you will in a good friendship.

    Been spending lots of time in the hospital the last few days with my Mom. She fell at 1am on Mon morning and has descended into dementia. Prayers appreciated. Pam

  5. afranz says:
    July 13, 2011 at 8:27 am

    SFDBWV

    Couldn’t let the opportunity pass to let my appreciation of your comment about “Christian Soup” be known. That was terrific. Made my day!

  6. SFDBWV says:
    July 13, 2011 at 8:32 am

    Pam I am so sorry about your mom I do pray things improve. Some topics ago I mentioned a little boy who had been killed in an auto accident and his families difficulties dealing with the matter. Matthew’s friend Jennifer wants to thank you all for your prayers, as she told Matt she don’t know how they could have managed those first few days and weeks with out prayer.

    Her exact words to Matt were “Matt, prayer really works!”

    I also agree we need the fellowship of each other.

    I would complain of the heat and humidity here, but it would seem trivial to the heat and humidity some of the rest of you are suffering, so I will just say…it didn’t snow today and be happy about that.

    Steve

  7. Toml5169 says:
    July 13, 2011 at 8:35 am

    We are made for relationships and even Cain feared being isolated and alone. Read carefully his plea to God;”When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.5 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, hand whoever finds me will kill me.” I hear the cry of a man in fear of a life lived in isolation from both God and his fellow man. As hard as relationships can be at times, and we have all experienced those hard times, it was and is “not good for man to be alone”. I am a fairly withdrawn person overall however if I allow that to run to extreme it leads to depression and like Cain I cry out this is too much to bear. Take time today to enhance further a good relationship and possibly close the gap or as Steve suggested chemically recharge a strained or distant one. We may just find the person on the other end wishing to do the same. Be blessed and a blessing as you relate with others thru His love.

  8. Toml5169 says:
    July 13, 2011 at 9:11 am

    Pam
    I too send my sympathies and prayers (already lifted up) for both you a d yor mom. May God bring her healing swiftly.
    Love in Christ
    Tom

    Tracy
    Your daughter is wise beyond her years and that understanding will bode well for her for a lifetime.

  9. BruceC says:
    July 13, 2011 at 9:22 am

    Pam;

    Will pray for your Mom. My MIL has slipped quite badly in her mentality over the last year or so and I know it bothers my wife and the rest of the family.

    When Mart said “waters of relationship” it made me think of oil and water; which will never permanently mix. It’s like the church and the world. it will always remain apart and separated. Pour some oil into a pot of water and where does the oil go? To the top! And so we are also are to “rise above” and have victory, and we already have it in Christ!

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  10. poohpity says:
    July 13, 2011 at 9:50 am

    I agree tracey5tgbtg. Accepting critiques is described many places in the bible as being gifts or even holy. How we react to them can help us grow or can cause anger and resentment depending on how open we are to receive them.

    Matthew 7:6; Proverbs 12:1; 12:15; 12:16; 13:10; 23:12; 25:12; 28:13

  11. SFDBWV says:
    July 13, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    When I was little and just learning to speak, my older sister would make fun of the little mistakes I would make. I have no memory of this, only my mothers recounting of it for me.

    Mom told me that soon I picked up the habit of standing off and practicing what I was going to say before I said anything.

    It is funny because that little infraction at such a young age gave me a lifelong habit of being sure of what I say or write before I say or write it.

    What she meant to be mean and hurtful, helped me become a better speaker and better able to express myself.

    At the same time My sister was always criticized for a list of things from my father, it left her with an inferiority complex and inability to ever communicate with our father as an equal.

    Every person I have ever come into contact with during my life has left me with impressions. Some good some not so good. But each person gave me a gift of themselves, without ever knowing it.

    I adopted from each person something I liked about them and learned to use that special something they had as a part of being myself, something of them became something of me.

    I also learned to not adopt the bad behavior I seen in others, and in a similar way, their bad behavior became something I consciously avoided as becoming a behavior of mine.

    This is life and learning from life, especially from all the others I have known, each one helping me to be who I am with a little piece of them forever with me.

    One of my favorite salad dressings is oil and vinegar…an odd mix that when properly flavored with other seasonings becomes….just right.

    Steve

  12. poohpity says:
    July 13, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    Just for myself I do not find it offensive when someone challenges me to think about the things I say or my faith or beliefs. 1 Peter 3:15 if anyone asks us why we believe as we do, answer it in a gentle and respectful way not name calling, or patronizing or even down grading anyone for asking. Just as Bruce and Tracey brought up Pro. 27:17 there is also Proverbs 10:8. I do not know what it would be like to have everyone agreeing all the time and not pointing us to the truth. That would be similar to the point Mart brought up about walking in grace without truth.

  13. davids says:
    July 13, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Jesus gave the command to love one another. The measure of our love for him is our love toward others. If we were alone how could we say that we are living faithfully? It would be like saying that we need to resist temptation when there is nothing to tempt us.

  14. bubbles says:
    July 13, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Friendship is very important. It needs to be treasured and appreciated.
    However, when the most trasusred of friendships end abruptly it can be more heartbreaking and painful than a death.
    Everyone needs to really consider how they end a friendship. To suddenly end something wonderful makes the other side so completely lost.
    I do not know what to do.

  15. poohpity says:
    July 13, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    The Pastor at my church this weekend challenged us beyond believers to ask if we had any friends that were not Christians. Those who have not yet experienced the love of God. Jesus convicts us in Matthew 5:43-48; 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. God’s love reaches out to every person in creation.

    To extend that love to others, even those who do not return it would take the combination of the Holy Spirit working in our lives with our willingness to seek out those who are outside of our own family and friends to stir up the waters of relationships.

  16. bubbles says:
    July 13, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    The one who designed the hierachy of needs states humans need in no particular order water,food, clothing and shelter as must have basic needs.
    I disagree. Sometimes when there is no friendship and no sense of belonging to anyone nothing else matters.
    Material things have no meaning if there is no one with which to enjoy or share them.

  17. poohpity says:
    July 13, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    Maslow’s theory states that physiological needs are first like water, air, protein, salt, sugar, calcium, minerals and vitamins. Then comes safety and security needs from being in a safe and protected environment. Then comes love and belonging needs. Then next is esteem needs then last but not least is self actualization. If I remember right he says that people can not go to each level without the prior one being satisfied.

  18. bubbles says:
    July 13, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    What I was saying is that I disagree with some of what he said. Not having another person. . . a friend with which to enjoy and share those basic things makes them less than what they are. When you could be with one you loved, is the shelter that important? I could live in a box with the one I loved and be content.

  19. branch says:
    July 13, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    No, we do not need at least one other person to find significance, happiness, and the truth (and grace)of our God. In fact,those who have lost a loved one know that they are not alone and that there is healing in serving God and others. All we need is to trust our Lord completely and to belong to a community of believers for our lives to be productive.

  20. royalpalm says:
    July 14, 2011 at 1:38 am

    As part of God’s wisdom and grace, each one of us is shaped by the relationships we form with the people we
    encounter in our lifetime. In God’s sovereignty there is no “accidental” encounter -each one is a “divine
    appointment”. God sends each person to be blessed or be a blessing -as Bruce and Steve have shared. Some are brief moments as in a busy airport while others turn into lifetime relationships. Nevertheless each has its purpose. Often – to expose the condition of our hearts and to test our faith.

    The Scriptures reveal that God does not want us just to be polite, kind, helpful or compassionate, (Col 3:14) or develop meaningful relationships , etc but to LOVE others – everyone, even enemies. Jesus said it is the first/ greatest/ most important commandment, (Mark 12:29-31) because, as Davids pointed out, our love for others is the proof of our love for God. 1 John 4:20-21 and that it shows we are like our heavenly Father Matt. 5:44, Matt. 5:48

    Bubbles, the longing to be loved,valued, and appreciated is a void that is placed in our hearts by God which He alone can satisfy. Friends may come and go, but real peace and joy comes from knowing that God knows us (Psalm 139) and we belong to Him. (Psalm 73:23-26) Here is His promise for you and those who love Him: Psalm 91: 14-16. May the Lord use these verses to bless and encourage you. You are special!!! :)

    Alegria, and Regina, Thanks for sharing your concerns. I
    too remember you in my prayers.

  21. SFDBWV says:
    July 14, 2011 at 6:36 am

    In the very beginning God revealed that he exists with another (Genesis1: 26) “Let *us* make man in *our* image, after *our* likeness”.

    The Hebrew word for God used here in Genesis gives a multiple or plural explanation for God. More than one, actually more than two. It exposes the Triune Spirit of God, as He exists. God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

    In Genesis 2: 18 God says that it is not good for man to be alone….

    We need the company of others; God recognized this at the very beginning of our story. That proper relationship was meant to be in perfect harmony and balance just as the harmony and balance of God exists within His 3 part existence.

    *But*; here is the rub, fallen man lives outside of that perfect harmony and as a result the selfish side of fallen people harm relationships even unto death.

    No one understands the need for friends in a person’s life better than I. My son cries out every day for friends that never answer back. Friends of his own choosing of his own age, perhaps even a lover or a wife. He feels unloved and unwanted. Added pain to his already painful life. Lonely and abandoned.

    He loves me and knows I love him, but this is not what he needs; he needs his own life, complete with friends and his own proper help meet.

    We harm others when we do not consider their need or pain. A relationship with another based on love should be about giving not taking, but too often this is not the case.

    Someone who criticizes another with evil intent is not intentionally doing that person a service, though it has been said that all things work to the good for them that love the Lord.

    Finding a way to gently lead another from a position of error back into a proper position is at best a mine field and takes special effort.

    If we decide to be among others then we must follow the guidelines outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 in any relationship. It is as has been said already actually a commandment from Christ Himself. That we love one another…..for what is the opposite of love?

    Which do we put forth in a relationship? Love or the many faces and names of its opposite?

    Steve

  22. pegramsdell says:
    July 14, 2011 at 6:55 am

    When my daughter first went to college, she was very lonely and didn’t have any friends. I prayed for God to give her friends and especially Christian girls to hang out with and go to church with. Well, in no time at all she was loaded with nice friends and felt better about going to school. She even met her husband at her first job there. Thank You Jesus!

    We do need each other for companionship, encouragement, love. God most of all knows this, he made Eve for Adam. If we pray for friends and spouses, won’t He hear and give us what we need?

  23. pegramsdell says:
    July 14, 2011 at 6:58 am

    Sorry Steve, didn’t see that you were posting at the same time. :)

  24. SFDBWV says:
    July 14, 2011 at 7:58 am

    Peg it is always a pleasure to see you here, no need to apologize for anything, the Holy Spirit spoke and we both heard Him.

    Steve

  25. florida7sun says:
    July 14, 2011 at 8:07 am

    Thinking of Luke 23:34 this morning the importance of forgiveness in relationships struck a cord with me. Many of us choose to cast lots for His garment as a covering for our sinful nature and our own righteousness. At times, prideful in our flesh, we find it difficult to forgive when wronged. Even the hurts we inflict upon ourselves are never forgiven and continue to weigh us down.

    “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

    How wonderful it is to receive and embrace our Lord and Savior.

    How wonderful it is “for” others and ourselves to “give” His grace and peace.

    Personal freedom from bondage is found in forgiveness.

  26. Toml5169 says:
    July 14, 2011 at 8:50 am

    You mix two gases, hydrogen and oxygen, in the right combination and you get a liquid; water. Totally different in structure and in how they might be used. Relationships are like that they change us and at times radically do so. We are radically changed by our relationship with Jesus the living water who makes us able to have relationships based on love. Water, like all liquids will conform to the vessel that holds it. If we consider the glass as circumstances in life we see a good perspective perhaps of the importance of relationships in our lives. Trials and even mountaintop blessings change and mold us, however the core of our relationships allow us to adapt to tbe surroundings and yet at the core retain the core of what we are; water. From a Christian perspective we need both the relationship with Jesus, which the Spirit maintains, and our relationships with one another to keep us godly and loving (1 Cor.13) as circumstances of life alter our shape. This allows us to interact with the world and yet remain living water. Without these relationships that keep us as living water when poured into the worlds containers we would become coffee; might taste good but cease to be living water. Cloudy and cool in Portland. Be blessed in your relationships today!

  27. bubbles says:
    July 14, 2011 at 9:25 am

    so, royalpalm, what am I to do? check in a monestary someplace and pray night and day in a little room and be thrilled to death to be alone with no other human being to talk to? Is that what you do?

    Of course I realize God alone can fill that void. I never said anyone else could.

  28. poohpity says:
    July 14, 2011 at 10:59 am

    As long as I can remember while going to church it was brought up to find an accountability partner or partners. The ones that will say the things that I may not want to hear but need to hear for my growth. The ones that are able to discuss things without taking a defensive posture when others disagree but are open to listening and learning which keeps us very humble. That one person that will be honest with me even though it may sting at first but has my best interest in mind. That person who may say, “Hey Deb you might take a look at that behavior is it being a peacemaker or is it being a troublemaker.”

    If left to our own without another person in our life that will be honest with us to see the things that we may not be aware of is a blessing far greater than any other. It is nice to around someone who flatters you all the time and agrees with you but those are the people that will not help you grow and frankly they are not being real. Like what Paul did with Peter in Antioch. (Gal 2:11-21) Paul loved Peter enough to confront his hypocrisy as iron sharpens iron.

  29. Marjorie says:
    July 14, 2011 at 11:33 am

    Sometimes we let relationships with others become more important than our eternal fellowship with God. I let that issue take over my life as I allowed my relationship with my ex-husband to violate the boundaries that I should have had. Preserving my marriage became so important that I was willing to seek peace with my husband rather than cultivate my spiritual life. My idolatry separated me from the only One who could fill my deepest needs. Luke 14:25-26,33 Friendships can be just as idolatrous as I let my marriage become. When that happens, we suffocate those around us with our neediness. We become emotional black holes–sucking at whoever dares to come near us–rather than being a source of blessing to others. Giving Christ first place is the only way to be blessed and be a blessing. By the way, my ex-husband has recently come to saving faith in Christ. Only God knows what the future will bring. By His grace, I will never allow my Lord to be pushed out of first place again.

  30. poohpity says:
    July 14, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    We ALL have areas that need some polishing and transformation that does not mean someone is bad or good it just means we are all human. Helping someone remain in their problem areas is not healthy or healing, it keeps them in denial. If we do not admit to having areas we need to work on how can we ever ask for forgiveness and cleansing. That is what Jesus repeatedly directed the religious leaders to consider that while looking at the sins in others they failed to admit them in their own lives.

  31. bubbles says:
    July 14, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    Thank you, Steve and Mart for taking care of that. It is appreciated very much.

  32. Regina says:
    July 14, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Good Evening All

    Hope all is well with you. I LOVE to reflect and ponder on the pictures chosen for each blog topic. Thought about two glasses of water, Mart, after reading your comment, “Don’t we need at least one other person to show our potential for both good and evil?

    A larger body of water came to mind after I read this Bible verse, “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters… (Gen 1:2)

    Gen. 1:2 brought to mind and ocean with Jesus and His disciples sailing on a boat during a boisterous storm, and Jesus speaking to the wind and the waters, saying, “peace, be still…”

    Mart’s intro comment also brought this Bible verse to mind, Gen. 2:18, NIV, “The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

    Pretty sure this is one of the shortest intro comment I’ve ever seen. Don’t mind the really long ones though. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies.

    Sunny and hot in Texas today. The heat has been relentless (100+ during daylight hours/96 degrees right now).

  33. Regina says:
    July 14, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    *comments

  34. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    July 15, 2011 at 4:32 am

    Hi,

    Just to let you all know I am still here and reading your comments.
    I am not logging in so much as I feel Father wants me to get to know Him and His Son and The Holy Spirit more.
    Cant do that in a room full of friends, need to get alone with Him x 3.

    Strange we know The Fathers name and we know many names for Jesus, but the Holy Spirit is like the “Man with no name”. Yes He is the comforter and the Spirit of Truth and He is also a Friend.
    We all need human friends but let us not forget God who between them made everything that exist, including us.

    Bob

  35. foreverblessed says:
    July 15, 2011 at 4:33 am

    Thinking of oxygen and hydrogen, these atoms in themselves are a real miracle. Lately I read about the scope of an atom:
    Think of a football stadium:
    a little green pea in the centre of the field, that’s the nucleus
    a pinpoint at the last row of chairs in the stadium, they’re the electron of the outer circle.
    The electrons circling with the speed of light around the nucleus.
    With Oxygen that would be a nucleus, and 16 pinpoints
    Isn’t that amazing? So much empty space in the atom! Isn’t this a real miracle?

    Doesn’t the electron ever get tired of traveling so fast? Where did it get it’s speed in the first place, who gave it it’s velocity, the first time when it got a push and Someone said: now you go? Job 38:5, 19

  36. foreverblessed says:
    July 15, 2011 at 4:41 am

    Hi Bob, same with me here. Good to know everything is OK with you. With God there is no empty space, filled with love and goodness and mercy

  37. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    July 15, 2011 at 4:58 am

    Hi Foreverblessed,

    The Miracle of the atom is also reflected in the universe.

    It seems God chose a pattern and coppied it throughout creation.
    Unlike many christians I like the big bang theory.
    Forget the timescale, none of us know God’s timescale, but just think of Him throwing out all creation from the palm of His hand, just like a man throwing out seed into a field.
    The seed is growing and the harvest is ripe.

    Bob

  38. SFDBWV says:
    July 15, 2011 at 6:06 am

    Am thinking this morning of the title of Mart’s topic and how appropriate it is. *Water*, life giving, life sustaining, a necessity for all living things as we know them.

    In nature there are almost no creatures that exist totally alone. The ones that seem to usually are given a reputation from man to be rather grumpy and ill-tempered.

    Some water is clear and sparkling but bitter to the taste; some water is ice cold where some others are hot enough to burn. Some water is muddied and some inky and dark.

    I get my drinking water from a spring, so called because the water just *springs* up from the earth. It is sweet and filled with minerals naturally, no chemical treatments of any kind.

    It was there at the spring that I came to terms with God some 34 years ago, that He was God and I was not. As a result He showed me His power in a most subtle way.

    In rivers and lakes and especially the ocean there are springs that well up from the earth and flow unseen out into the waters, there are also undercurrents that can’t be seen, but have a very strong effect on many things.

    Water can erode away mountains, and nothing can stand against a flood when it comes. Water can clean away the dust and grime of the earth, as well as cool and refresh us in the heat of the day.

    Sometimes we are soothed and relaxed by the sound of a brook or the lapping of waves against the shore.

    Yes I think that *water* was a good choice for Mart in describing the relationship between us all.

    Thank you Mart.

    Steve

  39. Toml5169 says:
    July 15, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Several have expressed our need for relationships; with God, spiritual mentors, family, friends etc. Bubbles stated a few days back that when we lose all our relationships sometimes nothing else matters and she is correct. In working at a rescue mission with men and women of homelessness one common thread appears; all positive relationships they ever had have been destroyed and abandoned. God, family, mentors, friends no longer exist. What relationships that might exist are exploiting at best. Without relationships people lose their humanity or in the case of water become so polluted as to not be recognizable as such. The biggest hurdle to ending the cycle of homelessness is not drugs and addictions nor is it housing; it is relationships and the courage to reestablish them and trust other people. Our work at the rescue mission is bringing God and other people back into a persons life in trusting and healthy relationships. The vast majority of the homeless and addicted are suffer from isolation and the toll it brings over time. Every healthy relationship we all have is a blessing and a necessity to remaining pure unpolluted water. Cherish those in your life today. Be blessed and a blessing.
    Tom

  40. poohpity says:
    July 15, 2011 at 10:53 am

    Tom, I checked out your web site. You do some really good work there. Giving out hope to hopeless. :-) From 1990-97 I worked with the homeless and worked in a medical detox unit for the indigent because before I started this journey with the Lord I was also homeless living in my van with my 6 month old and 2 year old leaving a 21 year addiction to drugs and alcohol. It was quite the journey that the Lord brought me out of. The Lord gave me purpose and meaning for my life. The three of us went from being homeless to living in a bedroom in somebodies home to eventually renting our own place. I cherish those memories knowing that that was what brought me to my knees at the foot of the Cross fully dependent on the Lord for His help. That was 22 years ago next month. Thank you for the reminder that we all need someone to give us a hand up.

  41. poohpity says:
    July 15, 2011 at 11:07 am

    I was thinking this morning Mart about “The Waters of Relationship”. Some of those waters we approach and just stick our feet in, some we may go up to our knees, and some we jump into not knowing what is beneath us. Then some of those waters are very stormy which some will stay away from out of self preservation knowing that they need a life jacket (Jesus) to go near. Other waters are clear so you can see all the way to the bottom and know it is safe to go in. There are also those waters that you go in and can not see the bottom and get attacked by something below the top that tries to drag you under. I think the one good thing about any waters as long as you cling tightly to the Lord it is Jesus that will bring you safely though so you do not have to avoid getting wet.

  42. bratimus says:
    July 15, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    So are these waters of relationship,

    the same as the Living water Christ offers or are they just the waters pulled out of a well that we will still thirst after we have drinken.

  43. foreverblessed says:
    July 15, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Actually, Mart wrote that oxygen needs hydrogen to become water. As water is H2O, two atoms of H (hydrogen) and 1 of O (oxygen)(Sorry I have been a teacher in natural sciences)
    But it does not matter, the discussion goes in a nice way.

    Bob in C. the big bang, I do think it must have been with some energy. God made the nucleus of the atom, which is positive, and the electrons which are negative, He must have given the electrons a big spin-off when putting them in place, otherwise the positive and negative elements would have collided.

  44. foreverblessed says:
    July 15, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    Anyway, I like the water of relationships maybe even more. As I was thinking that we would come to our full potential, even when we would be alone, God is the author of everything in our lives, nothing is unseen, everything works together for the good. Romans 8:39

  45. Toml5169 says:
    July 15, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    Poohpity
    What a story of your life journey. With our women’s and children’s ministry it always brings such joy seeing whole families rescued. We have a beautiful facility for women and children called Shepherd’s Door and have seen many women who have lost their children to the state with no chance of having them back be reunited again. I have always so appreciated your heart in what you post and now I have a perspective as to why. If you are ever in Portland it would be my pleasure to give you a tour of all our facilities. As you already said Jesus is the only hope and we stand so firmly on that belief and give God the glory for all we do. Thank you for visiting our web site.

  46. SFDBWV says:
    July 16, 2011 at 6:30 am

    My friend Bob (England) has a propensity to be drawn to the science of matters, as he has already mentioned between his and foreverblssed conversation about the atom ect.

    I too have the same apatite for science, as I believe science proves the hand of God in all of its searches. What makes it enjoyable for me is that scientists aren’t looking for God, but there He is in every discovery to be seen.

    In Exodus 17: 6 we see God give water from a rock, in Exodus 17: 17 we get the name of the place this took place and the explanation for the name, I enjoy most the last sentence of the verse; “Is the Lord among us or not?”

    Scientists were amazed to take pieces of meteorites and analyze them, what they found when they put heat to these pieces of space rock is that out comes…Water.

    Water from a rock from the far reaches of space, water from a rock in a desert; in the “Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner” we hear the famous line “Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink”.

    God is everywhere, and He is offering us all an opportunity to drink from that special water He offers as described beginning in John 4: 10 – 14.

    I like to believe that as we all partake of that living water we all take God into ourselves, just as symbolically we take in Christ when eat the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Him.

    Steve

  47. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    July 16, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Hi Steve,

    I came to Jesus through science.
    It was a scientist who explained the way the universe worked and that Jesus was the person who held it all together when I was just 15 or so.
    My mouth just dropped open at the simple logic of it and I gave my heart to Jesus there and then.
    The scientist even explained how it was possible for a perfect body, without sin, to pass through a solid object just as Jesus did after His ressurection.
    Just a matter of ligning up all that space between the atoms etc. simple really, lol
    No doubt we will get chance to practice it soon!

    As for the living water, the river of God is about to flow through this land.
    I am always drawn to Ezekiels Temple and his vision of the river flowing from the temple into the dead sea, bringing life wherever it flowed.

    Bob

  48. SFDBWV says:
    July 16, 2011 at 7:44 am

    These things go together

    Some things just go together. They are compatible. They
    complement each other. They reinforce each other. They are
    all made of the same cloth.

    These things go together: alcohol, drugs, promiscuity,
    adultery, sexual immorality, pornography, vulgarity,
    profanity, lying, cheating, stealing, self-indulgence,
    squandering, excess, selfishness. Confused, messed up lives.

    These things go together: morality, chastity, decency,
    integrity, goodness, honesty, self-discipline, diligence,
    perseverence, hard work, caution, wisdom, understanding,
    concern for others. Happy lives.

  49. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    July 16, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Science still has no real idea what holds the universe together.
    Each atom has a nucleus of +ve protons that in theory should repel each other and explode apart, but something greater than the strong electromagnetic force that should force them apart binds them together so that they become one.
    How amazing is that.

    Bob

  50. SFDBWV says:
    July 16, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Sorry Bob, I was busy copying my last post from a web site, and didn’t even have the good sense to say so or sign my last posting.

    I too have heard and seen the explanation of matter being able to pass through other matter. What do you make of the “Shroud of Turin”?

    Steve

  51. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    July 16, 2011 at 8:13 am

    How did the Shroud of Turin pop up here Steve?
    I have worked in Turin and have been to the little church where it is kept.
    I know they have dated it and the pollen in it is from the correct region and time but it could have come from anyones grave at the time.
    The early church tended to venerate Icons and relics and it still is a tradition in the church of Rome and the Eastern church.
    I don’t think it matters too much about the shrouds authentisity, what does matter is that Christ’s Blood was shed and still stains the place of sacrifice on a hill called skull outside Jerusalem.
    The authentisity of that can never be disproved as it still effects peoples lives today and forever.

    Bob

  52. alegria says:
    July 16, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Pooh – thanks for sharing your incredible testimony. It reminds me that every life is precious to God…..we should never discount the value of any person, no matter what their struggles.

  53. SFDBWV says:
    July 16, 2011 at 8:33 am

    The Shroud of Turin popped up as a result of speaking of science and the properties of matter being able to pass through other matter.

    As you know the Shroud shows a crucified corpse with all of the wounds ascribed to Christ, but only clearly seen in the modern photographic negative.

    Many believe the Shroud to be the burial cloth of Christ and this image the result of His resurrection being imprinted into the cloth as a result.

    A technique unable to be explained or replicated even with today’s technology.

    Whereas I would agree with you nothing matters except the blood of Christ and His offering of salvation, I thought we were talking about science and its evidence of God.

    I would also give notice to the *logarithmic spiral*; that spiral you see in many of natures designs as in seashells, broccoli, sunflowers, low pressure weather patterns and even galaxies, all with the same mathematical ratio of structure.

    Steve

  54. poohpity says:
    July 16, 2011 at 10:42 am

    I thought the topic was about finding that one other person to show our potential for both good and evil. That one person that starts a chemical reaction in us to find significance, happiness, or the truth of our God. That one person is Jesus it is only that ONE when mixed with us produces that which we were not able to produce on our own. As water needs hydrogen and oxygen together we need Jesus in our lives to live, to be, to see our true nature and do what he has given us to do that apart from Him we are not capable of doing or understanding.

    Tom, it was my pleasure to visit your website and thank you for the invitation. To God be the glory!!!

  55. poohpity says:
    July 16, 2011 at 11:59 am

    There is no science to explain the Spirit of God and the waters of that relationship.

  56. Toml5169 says:
    July 16, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    Pooh
    You are so correct about our relationship to God being unexplainable by science; Greeks seek for wisdom ….but we preach Christ and Him crucified. If we could prove that relationship by science or man’s wisdom we would not be saved by faith but by how much we know. That is why we need to be like children, trusting and open to the miraculous rather than knowledge. I don’t discount what others have said about science and I have read many books on how science can lead one to faith. Even God says we are without excuse because of the visible evidence of creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.” All that said nothing in wisdom can discover nor explain the relationship of “God in us, the hope of glory”. On vacation for a week so have fun and I will see you all soon. Be relationally blessed!

  57. Regina says:
    July 16, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    Good Evening All

    Just stopped by to say hello. Hope all is well with you, and I’ll meet you in His presence tomorrow.

    Love to All,
    Regina

  58. royalpalm says:
    July 17, 2011 at 1:27 am

    Hello, Bubbles,

    Sorry, for the misunderstanding – that is why this topic is about relationships- as salt of the earth we only become useful if me mingle with others. In fact Jesus commands His disciples to “go” and make disciples. I cannot find a command in the Scriptures that tells a person to live in isolation…so staying in a monastery is something I will NEVER recommend to anybody.

    On the other hand a person can always be with people, yet feel lonely because he does not have a meaningful relationship with anybody.

    In the same way, a person can be at peace and content even if he does not have lots of friends. This is the group where I belong. Since I have put my trust in the Lord, I do not have to seek friends. People just become my friends. I see them differently – as people whom Jesus died to save and I try to be kind to everybody.

    I work in a soup kitchen and the people there become my friends. I also sub teach and the students and staff become my friends. Also my neighbors. I just love them as Jesus commands. There are Jehovah’s witnesses who come to my home – we differ in our beliefs but I treat them kindly- one lady brought me a bucket of strawberries from her garden…

    The point I am making here is that when I trust in the Lord and honor Him, He also takes care of my relationships with others… I have faith that “He will lead me along paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake”, even as I interact with others.

  59. SFDBWV says:
    July 17, 2011 at 6:04 am

    Anthropology, the study of man, esp, of the variety, physical and cultural characteristics, distribution, customs, social relationships, ect. of mankind.

    This is what we do here, by way of sharing our thoughts and experiences we are a classroom and study of anthropology.

    Anthropology is a science and our classroom a laboratory.

    If we are to be successful in being able to share our thoughts and our experiences, we cannot be restricted by another’s unauthorized insistence we adhere to their ideas of the rules of order.

    Because we are a very diverse group of people, some of us are able not to let bullies get their way, while others remain silenced because of fear of being “out of order” or violating some rule.

    While the rule of human relationships should be understood clearly as explained in 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

    If we are not tolerant of others how can we expect others to be tolerant of us? If we don’t show love in our behavior, how can we expect others to believe we have love in our hearts?

    I want to feel as if I can express myself here freely without snide remarks or sarcasm or what seems to be attacks for doing so.

    Otherwise I will have to join the others who gave up on being able to do so and have left the classroom and dropped out of the conversation.

    For that is the ultimate result of someone who makes being around them unpleasant, they soon are left all alone by themselves with no relationships or friends.

    Steve

  60. tracey5tgbtg says:
    July 17, 2011 at 8:12 am

    royalpalm – as always, I am touched by your words of wisdom. Thank you for your posts.
    Matt 6:33 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

  61. Toml5169 says:
    July 17, 2011 at 9:26 am

    Regina
    What a beautiful way to express our Sunday worship; it is true we all meet there before God in a very special way.
    Royalpalm
    Your post touched me as well. A testimony to staying in step with the Spirit.
    Steve
    I hope your comments are hypothetical in nature? I always enjoy your thoughts as well as those of others. I don’t agree with everything said but I realize we all see dimly as in a mirror; but I hear the Spirit speak through all of you. We are united by the Spirit within us much more than my dimmed understanding of how to reflect it to others. I for one look to a day in glory we can all meet together in the living room of my house God is preparing for me. I just know the living room has to be large! Off to join you at the throne. Be blessed!

  62. poohpity says:
    July 17, 2011 at 9:43 am

    Steve, I am sure your last comments were meant for me. Again I ask for forgiveness for respecting Mart enough to not carry the conversation in the direction I want to take it. Forgive me for having my opinions and trying not to talk about things I know nothing about. Forgive me for not offering advice when it is not asked for. Forgive me for having a passion for God’s word and realizing that I am not perfect. Forgive me for admitting when I am wrong. Forgive me for trying to understand the topics and then discussing them. Forgive me for being me and not trying to get people to pay attention to me and learn God’s word in context. Forgive me for going to you one on one and discussing things with you in private as to not bring it public.

    I have talked with several others that have left and it was not me that was the cause for them leaving. My thoughts and opinions are not important to this blog and if it is as you say then it would probably be better for me to leave so that I will not cause any more division or be the cause of people leaving since it is not about me but furthering the cause of Christ.

    I ask again for forgiveness for those other than Steve for taking the topic off it’s road to bickering with Steve again for the last time. I am so sorry I have allowed myself to be pulled into this constant struggle of pride the devils most valuable tool.

  63. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    July 17, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Debbie & Steve,

    The title of this topic is “The Waters of Relationship”

    Waters do not always run smooth.
    Looking out of my window on the world there is a force 10 gail and the Sea is far from smooth, yet only a few days ago it was sunny and calm.
    The best thing to calm troulbed waters is to poor oil on it, not the oli of disaster as in the gulf last year but the oil of the Holy Spirit which brings:

    ” ……love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

    Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

    And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.

    If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]

    Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.”

    from Galatians 5 (Amplified Bible)

    Bob

  64. Bob in Cornwall England says:
    July 17, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Apart from spelling gale wrong I also wanted to say how quickly calm waters can become troubled waters.

    James said one misplaced word can cause a lot of trouble.

    I know that is true as I have often said things out of place and context on here, but above all else we must
    LOVE ONE ANOTHER

  65. Toml5169 says:
    July 17, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Bob
    I just want to say AMEN! Well said.

  66. poohpity says:
    July 17, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Thank you Bob. I am very convicted. The sermon I heard this morning asked if we were trying to impress people with knowledge or anything else for that matter or are we making an impact on them for Christ. Thank you for the Good Words!!

  67. SFDBWV says:
    July 17, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Pooh none of the sarcasm of your comments to me was missed by me. Not one.

    None of the people on this blog want to hear you and I arguing, so what I ask is that you keep your comments civil and show me the same courtesy that you yourself want and I will do the same.

    If I can’t comment here without your interference, then I have two options, leave the blog or try and defend myself.

    Either way I lose and you win.

    My apologies to all I have offended for doing just that, being myself and defending myself.

    Steve

  68. poohpity says:
    July 17, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Steve, why did you attack me for saying, “I thought the topic was about finding that one other person to show our potential for both good and evil. That one person that starts a chemical reaction in us to find significance, happiness, or the truth of our God. That one person is Jesus it is only that ONE when mixed with us produces that which we were not able to produce on our own. As water needs hydrogen and oxygen together we need Jesus in our lives to live, to be, to see our true nature and do what he has given us to do that apart from Him we are not capable of doing or understanding.” How was that doing anything but saying what I thought? Why is it OK for you to talk about the things you want talk about and yet it is not OK for me. That was not an attack on you and I said nothing about your character as you did when when you wrote your reply. What is wrong with writing about the topic? When someone else like Bob said something about not understanding why the shroud was brought up you talked to him about that, yet when I say anything you jump all over me. You seem to talk down to me, not to me, like you do with the guys. When someone else asks you a question you answer them yet when I do it, it is taken as a personal assault.

  69. poohpity says:
    July 17, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    This has never been about winning and losing for me as it is for you. It is about being able to talk with others whether they agree with me or not and I thoroughly respect those who are able to discuss things without taking offense. I also respect those who are able to point out things in me that may not honor the Lord by how I respond it does not mean I am any better or any worse than anyone it just means I am not perfect and have areas that still need a lot of work. If we understand that all that we know about God and are able to do for God is of God then we can not brag we realize it is Him working through us as imperfect as we are.

  70. bratimus says:
    July 17, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    We are baptized in water, and are anointed with oil.

    Trying to mix water a oil, just makes a mess

  71. florida7sun says:
    July 17, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    Everyone’s contributions to BTA have proven to be a blessing, even those that seem to be critical at times. However, as with the title of one of Max Lucado’s book, I have learned “It’s Not About Me.” It’s all about Jesus.

    Forgiven and filled with His grace and peace, He asks that we do likewise in being a blessing to others. It is through His loving kindnesses that we are not consumed. His compassions fail not and are new every morning. – Lamentations 3:22-23

    It truly is not about us.

    “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.” – Helen H. Lemmel

  72. royalpalm says:
    July 18, 2011 at 2:01 am

    Steve and Pooh, you are both special. Your posts have blessed and encouraged us, and your testimonies of God’s
    goodness in your lives have brought honor to His name. I admire you both fr being able to give much of yourselves in the topics here, with wisdom and understanding out of your personal experience. I learn a lot of spiritual truths from you.

    However, I am confused why you seem to find fault in each other. Pollyanna, wisely declared, “What you see depends on what you’re looking for.” This is true in our relationships. Only God is good (Mat 19:17) and He alone is wise (Jude 1:25) so when we go searching for flaws in others we will not be disappointed.

    I am guilty of this self-righteous behaviour which makes me look very,very good in my own eyes and everyone else
    wanting. It comes from pride of heart – undeserved exalted opinion of one’s self which shows in impatience with others, does not allow correction, does not tolerate competition. In the same way that pride brought down Satan from heaven and banished Adam and Eve from Eden, pride will destroy those who indulge in it. There is no room for pride in the kingdom of God.

    Jesus wants us to take out the plank from our own eyes before we offer to take the speck from other people’s eyes. (Luke 6:41-42) and also not to judge and condemn, but rather to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to give because we will be measured with same measure we use.(Luke 6:37-38).

    When Jesus said,“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”Luke 23:34, He spoke not only of those who condemned and crucified Him but also all mankind including you and me. Our heavenly Father has graciously consented – for the Son glorified Him and He glorified the Son. We can forgive each other because the penalty for all sins have been paid for. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

  73. royalpalm says:
    July 18, 2011 at 2:13 am

    P.S. To those who made kind comments about my posts, I appreciate you… “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” – I just reflect an infinitesimal* beam of that brilliant light!

    * approaching zero

  74. remarutho says:
    July 18, 2011 at 2:55 am

    Godd Morning Mart & Friends!

    Mart, as I was away at retreat I pondered your question. You wrote:

    “Relationships are like chemical reactions. Just as hydrogen and oxygen need one another to become the H2O of water, so we need at least one other person to show who we are and to become who we were made to be.”

    As I interacted with the pilgrims on this time of Christian journey, and experienced the Holy Spirit in the midst — the growth of mutual understanding of one with another there — I was deeply impressed with the complexity of the relationships in just a few days! How much more intricate and subtle are the “reactions” among persons than between a hydrogen and oxygen molecule!

    I am not sure human relationships can be reduced to the likeness of such a simple (though wonderful) chemical reaction. The most striking truth that has emerged for me these past three days is the sheer power of God in the midst of His people. It appeared to me much more like Jesus turning water to wine — or healing the paralytic! These are infinitely more complex and miraculous.

    In His grip,
    Maru

  75. Regina says:
    July 18, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    Good Evening All

    Thank you, Toml5169 (July 17, 2011 at 9:26 am),
    That’s the reason why I love that expression. :-)

    Sunny and hot in Texas today. Another 100+ degree day (and 95 degrees right now).

  76. Regina says:
    July 18, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    Well said, royalpalm (July 18, 2011 at 2:01 am), and I 2nd your comment to Steve and Pooh:

    “Steve and Pooh you are both special. Your posts have blessed and encouraged us, and your testimonies of God’s
    goodness in your lives have brought honor to His name. I admire you both fr being able to give much of yourselves in the topics here, with wisdom and understanding out of your personal experience. I learn a lot of spiritual truths from you.”

    Steve & Pooh, I don’t want either one of you to leave the BTA blog; I agree with royalpalm (and I’m sure others on this blog do too) that the wisdom, understanding of the scripture and personal experience that you share with us is much appreciated.

    Love to all,
    Regina

  77. foreverblessed says:
    July 22, 2011 at 4:09 am

    OK, now I see. Wow, this is exactly what Mart was referring:
    “so we need at least one other person to show who we are and to become who we were made to be.”

    I challenge everyone who reads this blog, to join in posting, it brings out the best and also the worst in you. You find what still is inside you, the old nature. I often post, and then look for reactions to my post. Very often none, oops, is my post so important? Yes to my old self it is. Instead of reading what others comment, and enyoing there insights, and there point of view.

    Steve, I challenge you to accept that you lose.

    “To embrace it (that you lose) is to allow the destruction of all that is in you which is not Christ. The very desire to not be destroyed must be destroyed. The cross seeks out man’s desire to not suffer, and man’s furious commitment to never lose, and his screaming logic that he is not in the wrong.”
    This is an excerpt from Crucified by Christians, by Gene Edwards (1994).
    We have to die to the old self, so as to emerge totally new in Him, Jesus

    “Here is the hallmark of the resurrection of our Lord: Having arisen from the grave, He never once referred to the events of His crucifixion. Not once. Not even one word.
    Such is the hallmark of all true resurrections. The past is forever gone! Resurrection is beyond that which is dead. Resurrection means to arise from out of death into a new realm, a new time continuum where the past never happened. Resurrection is a demarcation. Everything before resurrection no longer exists. It never happened!! That is the essence of resurrection. Everything after resurrection is new and has no connection with the events of the past! After the resurrection, all things belong to a new creation.
    The essence of crucifixion is that it is a portal to pass through to come into the fullness of resurrection. Just as surely as there can be no resurrection without crucifixion, there can be no true crucifixion without Gethsemane. Join your Lord in Gethsemane, join Him at Golgotha. Then can you join Him in resurrection!
    The One who died so magnificently lives inside you at this moment.”

    May God bless you all with His ressurrection life!

  78. tracey5tgbtg says:
    July 22, 2011 at 8:33 am

    foreverblessed – I so much appreciate your honesty and ability to get to the heart of the matter. The excerpt you included was very moving.

    Steve – I agree with the others. The saltiness you add to the soup is much missed.

  79. scout1 says:
    July 24, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    Hi Mart!

    I haven’t been here for a while, but I do pop by and read your posts. I’m sorry that I haven’t had time to write. But one thing that I have noticed is that Steve from W. Virginia is missing. I see that on this topic there was some disagreements.

    I sure hope Steve will come back and please add to the flavor of our sharing. I really like the way he approaches each topic.

    I must admit I also stayed away because of some “correction” that Pooh had given me, but she is what she is and I am what I am. She is very particular about the rules and defending Mart. Not that I was attacking either -but she felt like she had to admonish me too.

    Maybe with time Steve will come back contribute again to the topics.

    It’s the ingredients that determine the chemical reactions. What ingredient am I?

  80. poohpity says:
    July 25, 2011 at 9:45 am

    You are one of the missing ingredients that brings more flavor.:-(

  81. poohpity says:
    July 25, 2011 at 10:12 am

    Just because I try and follow the guidelines without success most of the time does not mean I have to be legalistic about them. I have learned my lesson obviously I have caused more damage than good. Lynda, I really do not remember admonishing you in any way and if what I said caused you to not post when you wanted to for that I am saddened and apologize.

  82. poohpity says:
    July 25, 2011 at 10:36 am

    I guess Steve was right in calling me an unauthorized person insistent to adhere to my ideas of the rules of order, sarcastic, bully, unpleasant person with no relationships or friends that has caused many people to not post.

  83. foreverblessed says:
    July 25, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Dear Pooh,
    Cheer up sister, your description of yourself it too black. I disagree, and I object to that. Once in a while you are a bit like a police, but why get so offended by that? You repent, you say sorry, and you mean it, that is great!
    You are a cherished person, much loved, bought with a price. Keep on going dear sister, all of us are being purged, step by step, seventy seven times…
    Matthew 22:21-22
    You have in no way reached the 70 times yet. So there is more room to make mistakes.
    The parable of the king and his servants, Matthew 22:23-32, 33-35

  84. foreverblessed says:
    July 25, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Sorry, wrong chaptre in Matthew, it should be
    Matthew 18:21-22
    Matthew 18:23-32, 33-35
    Forgive each other from the heart!

  85. scout1 says:
    July 25, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Pooh -You can be a bit rough, but like I said earlier, you are you and I am me. We are all so different and that’s what is best about everyone -their differences!

    It takes all the ingredients to make a great people. I find that sometimes I have to use more of one ingredient around some people and a different ingredient around someone else. It comes down to a Holy Spirit discernment to know what type of person your dealing with and try to accommodate that part of them so that a harmony or blending of flavors will come of it.

    I enjoy reading everyone’s posts and Pooh you add much to the blog.

    I just hope that Steve will reconsider and add his thoughts again as well.

  86. poohpity says:
    July 25, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    foreverblessed, that was not my description of me that was how someone else described me in a post on July, 17 2011 @6:04am. It is also how scout1 sees me and obviously others do to. If that is their opinion of me I can not change that but I can change how I respond. My behavior is the only thing I am responsible to change. With some help I will do it, there is hope for me yet. Those names just keep rambling around and around in my head and have broke my heart but there are a lot of things that I need to change.

  87. dawgsqueen39 says:
    August 5, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    I would like to ask a question if I may. I have a brother n law although, not married to my sister, that doesn’t belive in Jesus. He walks out the room during prayer at the holidays, refuses to talk about Jesus and he has outright poked fun at him. My nieces lived with me for a short time away from their mom and her boyfriend. While they stayed with me my husband and I strted them in a christian youth program where they invited christ in their hearts. They returned to their mom and her boyfriend loving Jesus. I soon was informed that my sisters boyfriend would poke fun at the shirts my nieces would wear because they had scripture on them and were of Jesus. Now, 4 and 1/2 yrs later you wouldn’t even know they knew of Jesus. My sister doesn’t talk about God and they don’t attend church. I have always had a dislike for her boyfriend because I feel he’s leading my sister and nieces down a path of spiritual distruction. She’s very hard to talk to about God and she makes me feel uneasy when I do because she never conversates with me. I try to witness of the beautiful things God has done in my life, but she makes it clear with no words that she wants no part. She’s not interested. She was never so close minded until she met this man and now she has totally changed. My question is. How should I handle her boyfriend and my sister when both seem to think Jesus is a joke? I’m very saddened because it has caused such a mess in our family and I worry for my family that they will never accept our savior and will lost for eternity. Can someone please offer some advice or even an inspirational word. thank you.

  88. oneg2dblu says:
    August 5, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    dogsqueen39… use your Faith, your relationship with Christ, and your most valuable assest, your ability to Pray to Our God. Ask Him for that which only He can do, and in His time, change their hearts for Him. Lay your cares upon Him who knows all things, provides all things, and answers the Prayers of those who love Him.
    Then, beleive you have that which you have asked for, as if it was, and leave the rest, to rest upon Him!
    We know from His Word that it is His Desire that none should perish, that all who call upon the Lord will be Saved. Be as loving as you can, and when you can’t, ask Him to provide you with the answer to your needs.
    It is a difficult place to be, having loved ones who refuse to acknowledge the value of your Faith, and the value of your Relationship with the Lord. They are blinded by their own choices, and we see through the Grace of God, a different path for us. Remember from where you came, and give them that same freedom of choice, that brought you to where you are today.
    I will pray with you, I will stand up for your caring heart for them, In Jesus name I pray. Gary

  89. oneg2dblu says:
    August 5, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    dawgsqueen39… sorry for mis-spelled reply of your blog name. I’m a work in progress, and my perfection
    awaits the One who has prepared a place for me.
    Praise God, for He is the Only One who perfects us!

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