Friday, February 22nd, 2008 | Author: Larry Diehl
Are we to be patient with or tolerant of people and their beliefs? Or are they one in the same?
To be tolerant shows our ability to control oneself. Either out of necessity or want (selfish). Patience on the other hand is the giving up of ourselves as a result of love and compassion for others (selfless).
As a parent, we are generally patient with our children and tolerant of their friends. We know that over time our children will lean and understand the expectation placed on them. Conforming to our will. Their friends, we endure them for the short time they are visiting.
Thank you Father God for being patient with me,
Just thinking out loud
Category: Deep Thoughts
Friday, 22. February 2008
Deeeeep and to close with thanking Father God for being patience with you. Man does this make me think. I want that same patience, not tolerance from Father God.
TomTom
Play life to a different kind of drum
Saturday, 23. February 2008
Larry, you are correct Jesus Christ is the head of the church, but many will be lead astray by false teachers. When Jesus taught about love, it did not mean to forget the rest of the bible. Where do you get your authority? Should we just open the flood gates and allow all that want to come in the church rush in. Letting them defile themselves and our members. Wearing hats, perverted shirts, women with no modesty, kids with no respect, adults bare footed? You must draw a line, it is the responsibility of the pastors to protect the flock not open the pens so the wolves can come and feast.
There is a political agenda out there that would love to fill all our churches with the things that God so detests. Find forgiveness and seek the written truth.
Sunday, 24. February 2008
Henrietta, what is your problem, are you blind to your anger. Do you even know the life of Christ Jesus (Yes the Son of God). I don’t care what translation you read from, you are exactly who Jesus spoke of as the vipers and hypocrites. You’ve been blinded by your own love for the building, organization and the glory the members bring you. You seek followers of you, like Henrietta clones. After reading several of your posts it is obvious that you are a church leader, probably a pastor. I pray that your heart will be broken and your pride swallowed then spewed out like vomit.
God through His son Jesus Christ has drawn a line also. Luckily for all of our sake He is patient and slow to anger! Nice thoughts Larry.
Henrietta please humbly seek God’s wisdom and direction. I will be praying for you.
Sunday, 24. February 2008
Jake Thomas and other Larry followers,
You are correct about one thing, I certainly am a pastor. And I serve the body of Christ with all the authority given to me by the church. I have a responsibility to protect and encourage the body. Whether through love or discipline as dictated in the holy scripture. By the way God is concern about the bible version we read from.
Many judged Jesus for his bold and direct approach to life. Jesus longs for all of us to get back on tack with the Father and this is exactly what I am doing. I am sorry that you have a weakness to adapt to the needs and wants of the world. May the Lord God have mercy on you all.
I will continue to voice my biblical concerns as they arise.
Sunday, 24. February 2008
Henrietta and Henrietta followers,
I will be in constant prayer for your congregation. It is obvious that the Lord is not in control there, but you Henrietta are on a power trip.
“And I serve the body of Christ with all the authority given to me by the church.” That is scary when people, like this, are preaching to others that are trying to find the Lord our God. You made it plain as day who you are truly working for, not the Lord, but for your “church” (meaning the building, programs and the self glorification).
Your statements are not bold and direct, but more miss guiding (just like a viper). YES, the Lord wants us to be on his path, but you sir are doing the EXACT opposite. YOU need to reflect on yourself and your judgmental ways (yes, very judgmental). Who are you to be put on a pedestal and judge, do you think that you have all authority, given by Christ the Lord. Last time I checked “Henrietta” you are not God, so get off your high horse and humble yourself to God’s will.
I will be in constant prayer for whatever church that you placed yourself the head of.
Also here is a direct question for you. Show me in the Bible where God is concerned about the Bible version that we should read. And how would you know, because the Bible wasn’t written in english, so you are saying that you are wrong yourself.
Respond.
Monday, 25. February 2008
Where are you Henrietta. Come out of the darkness and “encourage the body” with your discipline and Dictatorship.
Monday, 25. February 2008
Jimmy Mac,
This is so typical of chrisitan’s regardless of what they say or how open they are. You are good with forcing your beliefs as true, yet when someone challenges your beliefs you come back on the defense and even attack. Why? Are you not open to the truth of real faith. You’ve judged and even attached others on this blog, why, in the name of God. Sounds like the crusades. Kill as long as it is in the name of God. I don’t agree with H_, but they are entitled to their opinion as much as you are.
Funny, it appears to me that you are more like H_ than you are different. I-m right your wrong. Sad
Monday, 25. February 2008
Jimmy Mac, lovingly as your sister in Christ, what is your problem? Why is it that you are taunting Henrieta. This is not Christ like what-so-ever. You have a real problem with people having an opinion other than yours. You are no more the absolute authority than Henrieta. You’ve both have much growing to do. Humbly Grow
Henrieta, you need to seek Christ in your life. May the Holy Spirit come into your heart softening it and opening you to God’s Holy Wisdom. I am saddened that a spiritual leader such as yourself would be so angry, hurtful and vindictive. Where is the grace that was freely given to you to share with all others. We were not given authority to select and choose who should receive or how much. Please I urger you to seek God. I will be in earnest pray for you and your new found friend Jimmy Mac.
When we think we’re right, is about the time we realize we’ve slipped and fallen. OUCH
Monday, 25. February 2008
WOW, I can’t believe the mud slinging going on. Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed I see. Have you all missed the point of this post? Let me remind you it’s PATIENCE and I think it needs to start right now.
Monday, 25. February 2008
Well I hope their aren’t any Larry followers or Henrietta followers out there, that would just be scary. I would hope most of us here follow Jesus Christ. Although I do have to say that Larry has been a great mentor (not a false teacher, but a humble and honest one) to me and my husband.
Great points Jake and Jimmy!
Henrietta, wow, what else do I say? I really can’t believe you are a pastor, to think that this is what you are feeding your congregation, it honestly makes me sad. They must all look pretty sharp, since you do not except or invite anyone in who doesn’t fit into your mold. And you told Jake “I am sorry that you have a weakness to adapt to the needs and wants of the world”. It’s funny that you would bring up the exact points that draw me to imagine what you are like “but many will be lead astray by false teachers”. Asking Larry “Where do you get your authority”?, when he has never taken credit for any of God’s works? He is merely stating his opinion and his love for God’s will here on this blog. It did however seem that you were very proud to proclaim your position as a pastor. To be honest, I don’t think you’ve encouraged one person here on the blog, it’s kind of hard to believe you do that for your congregation.
I apologize if my words seem harsh and may the Lord forgive me if I am wrong in any way, but Sir if you truly know the Lord, wouldn’t you know or at least long to seek His true desires. He loves everyone, He excepts everyone.
I will be praying for you and your congregation as well.
Monday, 25. February 2008
I knew that if anyone was going to say something like that it would have been you, Deliverer. I knew you were out there waiting for a moment of weakness. Well, there you go. I have never claimed to be anything but human (subject to falling off path). It case you didn’t notice, yes, Henry struck a cord. But in my authentic faith I can humble myself to apologize for my anger (and I do). But that doesn’t change the points I am trying to prove with a fellow “Christian”. If hypocrites are out there saying that certain people can not come into the church, then that is exactly how the world is going to perceive us. Tell me this Deliverer, do you think that if you walked into church it would catch on fire (many do unfortunately). And it is because of people like this, that they feel that way. This is between two followers of the Lord. It is scriptural to correct a fellow believer (Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1-3), but I don’t know Henrietta, so this is the way I must speak to him.
Please by all means tell me whom I have judged and attacked on this blog so that I my apologize immediately. This is far from a crusade, just me talking to a man in the way that he would be receptive to what I have to say (can’t be sweet to all, Jesus didn’t always beat around the bush).
“I-m right your wrong. Sad” Thank you for reminding me it’s my 5 year old nephews B-day. I better call.
God bless, I still think of you in my prayers.
Monday, 25. February 2008
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
John 4: 4-26
4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.
9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this is a very deep well. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his cattle enjoyed?”
13 Jesus replied, “People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. 14 But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me some of that water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to haul water.”
16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.
17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.
Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband-18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now.”
19 “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. 20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, [fn2] where our ancestors worshiped?”
21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know so little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah will come-the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”
27 Just then his disciples arrived. They were astonished to find him talking to a woman, but none of them asked him why he was doing it or what they had been discussing. 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and went back to the village and told everyone, 29 “Come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did! Can this be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.
This is a great illustration of a few thing. 1)That Jesus witnessed to all (including women that sleep around and obviously was not liked by the town, Jesus welcomed ALL) 2)it does not matter where you worship the Lord our God and 3) Jesus knew when to be blunt to get the attention of those he was addressing.
So let me apologize to those on this blog for my arrogance. My reasonings were merely to finally receive a response from Henrietta. Again I know it was not Christ-like to speak like that, but it is frustrating when one never responds to my questions.
God bless
Monday, 25. February 2008
Hello everyone, I think? What can I say, WOW. I see a few hot under the collar posts. It’s all good (I think) when we can come together to talk openly how we honestly feel.
There are two things that I would like to focus on. First is the question of the church and it’s authority. The church is each of us and that authority comes from God, not you or I. As the church, we do come together in fellowship as an assembly. This assembly that we errantly call going to church is actually the body of Christ assembled together, Yes the body of Christ. Christ is the head of the body and all those in faith, not knowledge, works, or religious affiliation is that body. In light of this biblical fact, it is Christ that leads and directs the church. Any question? Please let me know so that we can continue to clarify if necessary.
The second is our willingness to engage in healthy conversation. Friends, I urge everyone to think more about what you post. I don’t want to discourage the conversation (journey for some) lets just be considerate of everyone’s opinion. Sometimes it’s not that we need to be right, but simply heard.
Let us not forget the environment that we have created at VRM fellowship? Our community is one that embraces diversity and celebrates health growth. We understand that there are NO PERFECT PEOPLE and NO PERFECT CHURCHES. Just broken people seeking spiritual truth.
Monday, 25. February 2008
Larry, this is why we love you so much, wonderful words. That’s one big AMEN.
Tuesday, 26. February 2008
Who has put who up on a pedestal now! The church is perfect when Christ is leading!
Tuesday, 26. February 2008
I just don’t get you. After all the questions and comment directed towards yourself, that’s the response that is given. I’m sorry but there needs to be more substance than that. Yes I had a moment of weakness by stooping to ones level, but I can go back apologize and explain myself. Could you expound on your statements? That does not help myself to see where your views are coming from.
God bless
Tuesday, 26. February 2008
Jimmy Mac, who are you addressing? Me, Beverly or Henrietta?
Wednesday, 27. February 2008
Henrietta.
Wednesday, 27. February 2008
Jimmy Mac,
You have a real problem with authority don’t you. Why is it that you continue to attack me for speaking the truth. If we are to remain humble to God as you’ve said you are, why then are you not correcting Beverly for her ludicrous statement above. That is what I am doing, yet you insist on angrily attaching me. It is apparent that you have received very poor spiritual guidance.
Wednesday, 27. February 2008
Oh Henry, you make me laugh.
I’m sure Bev was just trying to be encouraging to a fellow Christian. How do you conclude Jimmy has poor spiritual guidance? Would you consider God to be poor guidence, because I’m pretty sure that’s who he follows. I’m confused. Thanks for making me smile though. 
Wednesday, 27. February 2008
H.
Dude your really a jerk, why do you come this blog. You sure don’t like anyone here so why don’t you just split and start a cult. Wait you already have.
Gotta get back to the future to stop your parents from conceiving you for the health and welfare of the free world.
Wednesday, 27. February 2008
Mat 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth.
I’m sorry Henry, I serve the authority figure in my life, Christ the Lord. As far as “still” attacking you, I don’t think I am. All I’m doing is asking you to expound on your previous statements. Please indulge me with the truth that you speak (elaborate). Believe me, when you and I agree on something, I will be the first to tell you (just as Beverly did to Larry). But your statements are lacking scriptural references. The only thing that I want is to know where you are reading these things, so that I may study them too.
God bless
Thursday, 28. February 2008
Dear Jimmy Mac,
I like you really I do but sometimes the things you say cross the line from questioning to being pushy or just arrogant. You even go as far as intentionally saying something snyde almost childish. I agree with pretty much everything you say and what your trying to do with H. But sometimes with so people you are a little to hard instead of yourself. Cause I’ve never seen you talk that way face to face. God Bless
Friday, 29. February 2008
Jimmy Mac, others are starting to see the real you. Who is the proud and arrogant one? Maybe you should take a lesson from all the scripture you are throwing at me.
Friday, 29. February 2008
Henrietta,
I really don’t understand (and I am trying) what your real issue is. I would like to think that you come to challenge and grow with us. But honestly, I find it very difficult at best to even read most of your posts.
Statements such as, “others are starting to see the real you”, are disturbing. I do not know you (for certain), yet I do know Jimmy Mac and Mac has confirmed that they have no idea who you are. So with that TRUTH, how can you know the real Mac?
I pray that you are growing spiritually and that you are not just coming to harass, belittle and brutally attach people on this blog. If so you are destroying the work of the Lord.
I hope these words find you well sir.
God Bless
PS. One thing is certain, you’ve been a big part in the increase of visitor to this blog at about 20K pages viewed per month.
Friday, 29. February 2008
Henrietta and Lamb,
Today, as I reflected on your comments; a few things came to mind for a response: respond with anger, with humility or blow it off. But leave it to God to remind me through a bumper sticker:
There’s a man kneeling in front of the cross, and underneath are the words:
“I’m not perfect…….just forgiven.”
Thank you Lord
God bless
Friday, 29. February 2008
Dear H,
I’ve already talked to Jimmy Mac personally as I should have done to begin with knowing that such a predator as you was out there. You can say what you want about others behavior and words but you Really need to work on yourself first.
Jimmy again I say sorry for the harshness of my words. God bless and thank you for being such an inspiration and blessing in my walk as a new christian
Friday, 29. February 2008
Lamb,
I thank you for your encouraging words and for the personal discussion that we had. We are always seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. Even when we let the world get the best of us, He will always catch us, He never let’s go.
God bless
Friday, 29. February 2008
You guys
I’m feeling a group hug coming on.
Saturday, 1. March 2008
You are the biggest nerd Larry D! But you gotta love it.