-
Biblical Families is not a dating website. It is a forum to discuss issues relating to marriage and the Bible, and to offer guidance and support, not to find a wife. Click here for more information.
Giving glory to God
- Thread starter steve
- Start date
A number of years back my church was replacing their songbooks with new ones, and they were giving away the old ones and so we grabbed a stack. Now for family devotionals we just pass out the song books and sing our favorites. Everyone seems to enjoy it. Highly recommended.
Take every opportunity to be a living testimony gentlemen!
I was blessed this past Sunday by the fellowship and testimony of another brother at a pizzeria. Hoping to quell the busy day at home (the wife had a lot of work related papers to handle, you know, sometimes you have to get your donkey out of the ditch even on Sunday), I planned for our favorite restaurant pizza and a movie. As I walked through the doors I noted the patrons; a few couples seated in the booths and another male in the foyer. I wanted to talk to this guy! Part urging by the Spirit, part hoping for gym tips because he obviously went through the pain for his gains. As I placed my order the man took a seat in a two person booth. I sat in the next booth down the wall to await my tasty Grandma's Sicilian style pizza and just as I was about to strike up a conversation "Your dressed for church today" said the man. It was just what I was looking for. Next thing we know, we are sitting across from one another in the same booth. What I didn't expect was the ministry I would receive. This 6' 2" 260lb darkskinned fellow was not only a bodybuilder but a brother on fire for the Lord who knew the scripture and exuded joy from his heart in a way that glorified God for all to hear. Turns out he is also involved in a men's ministry that hosts weekly teleconferences reaching everyone from truckers to CEO's to disabled vets. I'll be dialing in next week, and will be sure to report how it goes.
Just today, I participated in a speech contest. Given 4-6 minutes of time before an audience I could only take them on a short journey. We were reviewed on content, flow, clarity and like. My presentation was supposed to be an "about you" sort of thing. With God's word in hand and spirit present I know it was about Him. All of the reviewers said openly, by written note, or in confidence that they were personally touched and hope that I continue with the group.
There is a common thread between both experiences. The Word. We can proclaim, explain, debate, justify and defend any concept and fail. But the Word of God is a good seed guaranteeing good fruit. Luke Chapter 8, the Parable of the Sower.
I was blessed this past Sunday by the fellowship and testimony of another brother at a pizzeria. Hoping to quell the busy day at home (the wife had a lot of work related papers to handle, you know, sometimes you have to get your donkey out of the ditch even on Sunday), I planned for our favorite restaurant pizza and a movie. As I walked through the doors I noted the patrons; a few couples seated in the booths and another male in the foyer. I wanted to talk to this guy! Part urging by the Spirit, part hoping for gym tips because he obviously went through the pain for his gains. As I placed my order the man took a seat in a two person booth. I sat in the next booth down the wall to await my tasty Grandma's Sicilian style pizza and just as I was about to strike up a conversation "Your dressed for church today" said the man. It was just what I was looking for. Next thing we know, we are sitting across from one another in the same booth. What I didn't expect was the ministry I would receive. This 6' 2" 260lb darkskinned fellow was not only a bodybuilder but a brother on fire for the Lord who knew the scripture and exuded joy from his heart in a way that glorified God for all to hear. Turns out he is also involved in a men's ministry that hosts weekly teleconferences reaching everyone from truckers to CEO's to disabled vets. I'll be dialing in next week, and will be sure to report how it goes.
Just today, I participated in a speech contest. Given 4-6 minutes of time before an audience I could only take them on a short journey. We were reviewed on content, flow, clarity and like. My presentation was supposed to be an "about you" sort of thing. With God's word in hand and spirit present I know it was about Him. All of the reviewers said openly, by written note, or in confidence that they were personally touched and hope that I continue with the group.
There is a common thread between both experiences. The Word. We can proclaim, explain, debate, justify and defend any concept and fail. But the Word of God is a good seed guaranteeing good fruit. Luke Chapter 8, the Parable of the Sower.
Responded to ChrisM by PM so I don't hijack the thread. Keep posting people!
Testimony time. For full effect, please read Ephesians 4.
Frankly, the part of verse 15 saying to speak the truth in love has been preached to me, read by me, and probably preached by my numerous times. A few other portions have a similar history such as verse 3 encouraging us to make every effort to keep unity amongst believers in peace. Through an intensive study in effort to present my own researched response to an acquaintance questioning my walk with God due to our beliefs in polygyny, my mind has continued to be renewed. People have challenged not only the belief, but also the best response to being questioned about it. Some say hide! Others deflect. Just not in public! Thing is, the more time I give to that advice and self contemplation the further from the Word I can get.
We want to be happy. God wants us to be happy. Psalm 37:4 promises us that He will give us the desires of our heart IF we delight in him. By doing so, our hearts and minds are corrected. Only then can we hope to be a light to those who surround us, otherwise we are the blind leading the blind.
Initially, I posted a complete email thread (names withheld) of another believers challenge regarding polygyny and my response. I've removed it from this post due to length and in respect for the other person (though not named, did not express agreement with their thread being used in support of polygyny). Praise God for the opportunity to delve into the Word and speak truth! I have created a new thread showing only my responses titled "Thanks for caring, but I am not ignorant - My reply to inquisition."
Frankly, the part of verse 15 saying to speak the truth in love has been preached to me, read by me, and probably preached by my numerous times. A few other portions have a similar history such as verse 3 encouraging us to make every effort to keep unity amongst believers in peace. Through an intensive study in effort to present my own researched response to an acquaintance questioning my walk with God due to our beliefs in polygyny, my mind has continued to be renewed. People have challenged not only the belief, but also the best response to being questioned about it. Some say hide! Others deflect. Just not in public! Thing is, the more time I give to that advice and self contemplation the further from the Word I can get.
We want to be happy. God wants us to be happy. Psalm 37:4 promises us that He will give us the desires of our heart IF we delight in him. By doing so, our hearts and minds are corrected. Only then can we hope to be a light to those who surround us, otherwise we are the blind leading the blind.
Initially, I posted a complete email thread (names withheld) of another believers challenge regarding polygyny and my response. I've removed it from this post due to length and in respect for the other person (though not named, did not express agreement with their thread being used in support of polygyny). Praise God for the opportunity to delve into the Word and speak truth! I have created a new thread showing only my responses titled "Thanks for caring, but I am not ignorant - My reply to inquisition."