Quote from Forum Archives on October 11, 2001, 8:29 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

Do you know what God has to say about us? Well, two of the
prophets who wrote the most about what the Lord wants for his
people were Isaiah and Jeremiah. The things they said that are
recorded in scripture are part of the Bible that is known as "The
Major Prophets", simply because they had so much to say.
According to Jeremiah, this is the Word he received from the Lord
regarding us:

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares
the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future." (NIV)

How does that make you feel? Well, for me, it gives me great
comfort. When I am feeling discouraged about anything at all, I
know that the plans of God are far superior to my own lame plans.

My dear brother in Christ, Larry Davies, writes today about
something that is very easy to do: say something that leads other
people to question whether you are really listening or
understand. You'll see what I mean if you read on.

I've already mentioned that God has plans to encourage each of us
and provide a future for us. That future involves His eternal
plan for our lives. What about right here and now? Larry helps
us to deal with patience and persistence in this message, but he
also writes about being sensitive to others. How I need a fresh
dose of EACH of these qualities! Please be merciful to me, O
God, for I want to serve you in every possible way. Let's read
now what my friend Larry has to say.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: "Sowing Seeds of Faith..." <sowseeds@nesbeonline.com>
Subject: Hang in There: Bad Habit but Good Theology!

Sowing Seeds of Faith

Hang in There; Bad Habit but Good Theology! Larry Davies

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. (Psalm 51)

Confession time: I mean well, but I have a bad habit. People
come for spiritual guidance and pastoral counseling. (Well,
Larry you are a pastor.) I try to listen carefully and offer
sound practical and Biblical advice. But at one point during the
session I will inevitably blurt out to someone Hang in there!

* A couple with marital problems Hang in there? What is that
supposed to mean?

* An alcoholic struggling with addiction Hang in there? Is he
really listening to me?

* A friend just told he has cancer Hang in there? Does he
think Im a bat or what?

* Our soldiers are fighting a war with terrorists Hang in
there? Have you lost your mind?

People, who come looking for hope during a time of crisis,
instead receive a canned answer Hang in there! They could
watch a talk show and get better advice. I have a tendency to
say, Hang in there, when my brain is on automatic pilot. To
someone else it could be interpreted: I dont care enough about
you to give a more meaningful answer, so hang in there! Ouch!
I am so sorry, Lord!

Have mercy on me God I confess my shortcomings to you, Lord.
Help me become a better listener. Help me to more thoughtfully
and prayerfully answer the deep concerns of others. purify me
from my sin. Confession and a desire to change is part of what
being a Christian is all about.

Larry what do you really mean when you say, Hang in there?

I thought you would never ask. The Bible calls it among other
things: persistence.

* Romans 2:7 - He will give eternal life to those who persist in
doing what is good

* Ephesians 6:10 & 18 - Be strong with the Lords mighty power.
Put on all of Gods armor so that you will be able to stand firm
Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers...

* Matthew 24:13-14 - But those who endure to the end will be
saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached
throughout the whole world

First: If you will persist in doing what is good Be strong Stay
alert Be persistent in your prayers But those who endure In
other words, God understands your trouble, your disappointments
and pain. You are not alone. Be persistent!

Second: There is a promise of reward for persistence. He will
give eternal life you will be able to stand firm you will be
saved the Good News will be preached throughout the world Gods
assurance for persistence amidst the obstacles is eternal life
and a heavenly reward.

Have you heard the story about an old mule that fell into a dry
well? The farmer didnt think the mule or the dry well was worth
saving. So, he decided to bury the mule in the well and put him
out of his misery. Initially, the poor old mule was in a panic!
But as the shovelfuls of dirt struck his back...the mule began
to... shake it off and step up! Each time the dirt hit he
would shake it off and step up. It wasn't long before the old
mule, battered and exhausted, shook off that last shovel full of
dirt and stepped triumphantly out of the well!

What seemed to bury the old donkey, actually blessed him...all
because of his persistence amidst the dirt. He was able to
shake it off and step up! Maybe this is what it really means to
hang in there. If we endure despite our difficulties and refuse
to allow panic, bitterness, or self-pity control us... The
obstacles that appear to bury us could actually become part of
Gods richest blessings!

This is especially true during todays uncertain and dangerous
times. Yet God consistently promises that if we persist, be
strong and endure through our trials, we will be able to stand
firm. It may be a bad habit, but it is certainly sound theology
when I sincerely say to you hang in there!

Sowing Seeds of Faith... Weekly devotions with ATTITUDE, humor,
great stories and a down-to-earth Bible study.

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www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

=====
--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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