Quote from Forum Archives on October 21, 2003, 9:14 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

We've been discussing attitudes in the majority of the recent
collection of messages. In today's message, Larry Davies writes
part two of his message entitled, "Kicking Cats" Part 2. The
message is all about developing an appropriate attitude and
response, whether or not the situations around you are what
you'd like them to be.

My friends, this is real, down to earth stuff. For me, my life
over the past few years has been anything but what I might have
planned it to be. On a very practical, moment by moment level, I
have to exercise both the spirit and the actions mentioned in
this message. For me, I've used Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians
4:4-9 as my personal model. Larry Davies, in his weekly message,
cites Philippians (4:11-13) and (1 Peter 3:8-11) as New Testament
scripture passages which clearly provide the principles we need
to both learn and apply to each of our lives. Larry also gives
us a clear list to help us out, both with attitudes that we can
display and tangible things we can do.

Precious Lord, please help each of us to cling to You, confess
and repent of judgmental attitudes, to restore ourselves with an
attitude of love toward You that spills out and overflows to
others.

Yours in Christ,
Brian

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

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Read part one of Kicking Cats by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/KickingCats1.htm

"Kicking Cats" Part 2
by Larry Davies

Last week: Jim was angry at his wife so he yelled at Larry who
then threatened his top sales person, Robin, who turned and
insulted her receptionist who went home and punished her son who
in a fit of rage... kicked his poor innocent cat. Do you get the
picture? Wouldn't Jim be better off going straight to the
receptionist's house and kicking that cat himself? Let's face
it: We've all kicked a few cats.

Aren't we relieved no one ever gets their cat kicked in church?
Ouch that hurt! Even in God's house we are not immune from a
little cat-kicking. You don't believe me? Attend a few committee
meetings.

Paul wrote in a letter to the Philippians (4:11-13): "I have
learned the secret of living in every situation... For I can do
everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I
need." Wow! Paul seems to have his act together. Wouldn't you
love to have his contentment? How do we obtain it? When someone
is kicking our cat.... how can we respond like Paul with
gentleness and grace?

First... what would be the wrong way to respond to having your
cat kicked?

* Don't look for another cat to kick. That's abuse.
* Don't whine to everyone you know. That's gossip.
* Don't throw a temper tantrum. That's immature.
* Don't take your ball and go home. That's quitting.
* Don't use the silent treatment. That's weak.
* Don't vow to get even. That's revenge.
* Yet, don't do nothing. That's unhealthy for them and for you.

So, Larry... what is the right way to respond? "I can do
everything with the help of Christ."

First, let's look at the Bible. This time from Peter: "Finally,
all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each
other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.
Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say
unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing.
That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.
For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from
telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at
living in peace with others." (1 Peter 3:8-11)

So what is Peter saying to do when someone is kicking his cat?
"Work hard at living in peace..."

* Pray: Talk to God and ask for help. You can even get angry!
God can take it.
* Perspective: In light of eternity in heaven remember how God
comes first.
* Share: Spend time with a trusted friend or prayer partner and
pray together.
* Seek: Look for God's guidance on how to properly respond and
then pray for courage.
* Confront if possible: This should be done with love confident
you are obeying God will.
* Forgive: This is a process but ultimately, it's the only way
to promote healing and growth.
* Pray again: Turn the solution in faith, over to God regardless
of the immediate outcome.

Is this going to be easy? Absolutely not! Like Peter said: "Work
hard at living in peace with others."

Here is how the cat kicking story could and should end...

Jim, after much thought and prayer apologizes to his wife and
promises to be a better husband and father and begins clearing
his calendar to make time for his family. Jim also apologizes
for taking out his personal frustration on Larry. Larry seeks
out Robin and asks forgiveness for being so rude. Robin finds
the receptionist and apologizes for her terrible behavior. On
the way home, the receptionist orders pizza and over dinner
promises to be a more understanding mother and not take her work
frustrations out on him. As for Ellis, the cat... he received
quite a few extra treats that week.

What can we learn from God through Paul and Peter? The secret of
living in every situation is to look to Christ for strength,
love one another and work hard at living in peace. It sure beats
kicking cats!

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Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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