Hostility?

[happybrew]

I'm having a hard time here. I've been very grateful for the support I've received here. Yet, on LIG, it seems like there is an incredible hostility to the Word of God. I know that I should expect this, but it still surprises me and shocks me every time I see it. Is it me? Am I bearing ineffective witness? I don't judge anyone, but responses said in effect I was judgemental. I'm the last person to judge. I've had problems myself with everything I've posted about. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". I certainly have sin. I've sinned on the things I've posted about!!! I didn't think I was casting stones at anyone. I told the truth as I saw it. I realize that not everyone will agree, and that's fine. I don't care. I have felt moved by the Spirit to say things. I can't ignore that, and just do nothing because it's easier. It would certainly be easier for me to just stay silent. I don't know what I expect in posting. I simply feel moved to post. Yet the response hurts me deeply. Obviously others feel hurt or uncomfortable by what I have posted. I didn't want that. Obviously, I've borne ineffective witness to my faith. I know it's not up to me to make people see things the way I do, nor should they necessarily see things the way I do. But people seem hurt, angry, and resentful. Is this the fruit I've borne???? Do I need to simply log off and be silent??? Jennie, if you read this, it's your site. What do you want?

happybrew

[Grantspastor]

HB You don't seem judgmental to me...

Dave

[Keta]

I've never had problems with your posting either.

[Hawg Caller]

H.B. I hav'nt seen a problem,we will at times be critisized for our faith, don't let it get to you. :cheers:

[Stew]

Your politics are different than mine but I don't see anything especially offensive in your posts on LIG. Your posts are articulate and mostly well thought out so I've had no real problems with them.

[DAB]

HB
I don’t read much on LIG and haven’t read any of your posts or replies to posts on LIG.
From reading your posts and replies here on Anglers Chapel, I have full confidence that your replies and posts on LIG are not judgmental, and are from your heart.
You cannot help if CHRIST shines through your writing on LIG.
Remember these scriptures.

John 15:20
20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
NIV

Matt 5:11-12

11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
NIV

Matt 5:44-45
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your
NIV


It is hard not to let those kinds of things bother you; I know they would bother me.
I think you are in need of one of these. :bearhug:


In Christ
DAB
Don Bench

[Len Spesert]

The Word of God is pretty explicit on certain subjects, and that can be offensive to some people. If you believe the Word is accurate, and you truly believe what it says, then you’re commanded to deliver it unambiguously. To do so is indeed judgmental, however it is not you who is judgmental, but rather the Judge who spoke the Word.

I’ve found your comments to be grounded in the Word, and as such, they may be offensive to some people. Let God worry about them! You just continue to post your comments, encourage the fallorn, and seek righteousness in the Word.

[CATCH AND EAT]

HB you noticed that I have quit posting on the LIG forum for the last week or so. I too cannot believe the garbage coming from some folks but I am not the judge of them nor do I wish to be. I realize just because they believe or believe in nothing does not make them a bad person. I will just choose not to read their stuff or let it affect my beliefs. If I do read it and answer back it is strictly from conviction of my own beliefs.

There has always been the anti-God crowd throughout history. Our job is to witness and plant the seed and tow the line ourselves. I'm not the best example of a Christian and have never claimed to be. I do my best that I know to do.

Regarding LIG, sometimes it is just best to step away for a bit and regain perspective. Keep the faith HB I enjoy your posts.

Bernie

[letsfish]

HB,
I cannot comment on your LIG responses. A while back I found myself just not going there - it wasn't my cup o'tea. I probably will return but I don't need to get worked up over things that aren't on my plate already.
But you my man are an individual who's responses to anything I look forward to reading, you are well spoken and ground your thoughts in the Word. I find you most refreshing. I suspect that most folks find your posts the same or at least respect you for your position(s) though they may not agree. But there are the persecuters out there ... I love the response you have got here DAB Stew and others are telling right on.

[Amahnee]

HB: Don't let what others think or say impact your psyche. The Lord gave us two ears to hear, and one mouth to speak with. This means we should listen more than talk. Too many people in this world are too timid or PC to speak up or stand up for what they believe. I commend you. Those with intelligence will pick it up, those who are ignorant, well? Keep doing what you're doing. Most people would probably think that I have one ear and two mouth's.

Thoreau said "Say what you have to say, not what you ought. Any truth is better than make believe." It's not scripture, but I believe it too has truth. I am of the opinion that you need to find what drives your heart, then go do it. "Guard your heart, from it comes the wellspring of life" say's the verse which book I can't tell you right now. Proverbs I think. Hang in there Bro. Don't sweat the small stuff, cuz it's all small stuff.

Dave

[Salmon Stryker]

HB- I look forward to your posts and have a great deal of respect for you.

[blacktail]

happy,

I too think your posts are very well thought out and written. I used to post more on LIG, but have very minimal posts on there now as everything turned into religious -vs- atheist, or conservative -vs- liberal. I ended up getting frustrated and sometimes angry. I still read some of the posts, but try to bite my tongue and leave when they get crazy.

Mike

[happybrew]

I think I need to just avoid LIG until I'm done with my nicotine addiction! I realized yesterday I had forgotten to take my nicotine gum all day Sunday. I didn't have any cravings to remind me, but I sure was taking things differently than I usually do. Monday, I remembered it, and I felt much better about things. Down to four pieces of gum a day, going down one each week. If I have cravings, I'll have one extra piece so I don't have temptations to buy cigarettes. Should be all done with it in about four weeks.

Thanks for all of your kind words. I think I could do better. If we keep doing what we're going, we'll keep getting what we're getting. There's always room for improvement.

happybrew

[CATCH AND EAT]

Good for you HB. I have heard it is difficult to give it up but once ya do ya sure feel better. Food tastes better, car smells better, and everyone is happier all around.

Of course the intermediate time of giving it up is a bearcat to deal with. I've seen employees darn near loose there minds trying to kick the habit so I know what it's like observing from the outside. Keep up the good work and I'll pray that the Lord will give you strength to give it up totally, gum included. Hey, think of all the money you will be saving.

[DAB]

HB
May God give you the strength to quit the habit of smokeing.
I smoked for about 15 years, I was lucky because this was B/C (before I came to a saveing faith in Christ). I just got tired of walking a mile for a Camel, Haveing the lighter leak in my pocket,ect. ect. so on a wednesday I ran out of smokes, bumbd smokes till friday at work and haven't smoked since, been smokeless and chewless for about 31 years now.
I am praying for God to give you the strength to quit.
DAB

[happybrew]

Chinookin is trying to quit too. He started the patch Monday, I think. I've been at it since the beginning of February, tried cold turkey, but kept sneaking some every few days. The urges aren't too bad now. It's the odd mood swing if I forget the gum that has me scratching my head. Chinookin's wife is quitting too, so it'll be an experience for them!

happybrew

[FM2]

hang in there hb, as you know all things are possible through God. :bearhug:

Blessings, Keith :angel:

[chinookin]

Happybrew, I didn't read the post you are talking about. I would call you a straight shooter from the posts and emails I have read and received from you. Here is one perspective I haven't seen yet. It is my perspective. A backslider knows he is doing wrong, and has guilt and doesn't want to confront ANY feelings of acknowleging that he is not only wrong, but could be doing better. Non believers have nothing AND knowhere to look for quidence, besides what the majority of people are doing. Our world is a sad and disgusting place if you watch the tv. If it bleeds, it leads. Our government is becoming more and more secular, at the voice of a few. The complacency of the majority is what is making these squeaky wheels so powerful. For the last 6 or so years. My wife and I have not so much backslid, but just have not seeked out a church or other christians to share our lives, we have just kind of put ourselves in a "safety shell". We figure, where two or more are gathered in his name, we will be in church. I personally look forword to your posts and emails. I would like to think that the many lurkers that view these posts have or will gain something from them. The few "squeaky wheels" that have hurt your feelings or angered or frustrated you are indeed the minority. Just think, If you have changed 1 persons mind about the lord, whether it be from your words, or how you respond to others words, imagine what it could do. That 1 person may be on fire and change 2 people minds, and exponentially explode with the numbers. Keep up the good fight. Don't not post. Don't be too hard on yourself, and Dont give up. Mike.
ps. Lori and I have been smokeless 1 week tomorrow. first time in 20 years. :bearhug: :yay: :dance:

[Lemon Head]

HB......An older and wiser man once told me......The secret to success is Honesty and Straightforwardness.........You are these things and more!!! You are loved by your fellow man :angel1:as these posts confirm.

Goodfisin :smile: LH