Page 3 ----- Original Message ----- From: James To: Curtis Kekoa III Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 7:14 PM Subject: Re: [God, Family, Republic] Mrs. Bush's Remarks Embarrassing, Lacking in Discernment Curtis, Thanks for the reply.  I'm really glad you went back to scripture for direction. I think I sent the passages before about not "speaking evil" against our rulers, but here it is again just in case (Acts 23:5 and Ex. 22:28). Concerning John the Baptist, I enjoyed your response but still have to ask you, "when you correct/rebuke/reveal truth to your children, do you do it with intent to condemn them or hope and concern for their future?"  If you look at the "context of scripture" this is the overwhelming theme for correction.  When you argue with your wife, are you condemning her with anger in your heart or do you want your relationship to grow beyond what you are stuck on?  Read Ezekiel and find out how God speaks through Ezekiel talking of Israel as if she were his bride (turned harlot).  Even though God rebuked Israel he never wiped her out (which she most certainly deserved) but continually forgave her and allowed the remnant to live.  Look to Moses as he interceded for a stiff necked people.  Study the Last Supper and discover how Christ changed the Passover meal to include a Jewish betrothal ceremony (laying His life down before His bride).  Read about Christ now being our (all of us) intercessor (for no one is without sin {Romans}). The context is that God wishes no one be lost.  As you study scripture in it's entirety you'll find God to be a loving Father to ALL His children. But as I write this I remembered your Calvinistic tendencies.  I forgot about their view of only the elect (Oops).  I think that's another discussion, but for now I have to say I see too many inconsistencies with scripture to buy off on hyper Calvinism.   Have been watching some tapes by R.C. Sproul and have found them fascinating.   However, it's easy to find Sproul drifting (and forgetting) scripture when he occasionally tries to impose his hyper Calvinism. I really have no idea how God intends to use you for His purposes, so I don't want to hinder your passion in any way.  Instead, I was merely wishing to share that tremendous gift the Father has given me.  And yes, you probably could think of it as a judgment, depending upon your perspective, but I would rather look upon it as wishing the best for your future (much like a parent or sibling always wishes the best for their children or fellow siblings {in a Christ like example}). I took the "angry" and "manly" path earlier in my life always trying to prove myself more mighty and manly (reputation) than any other male out there.  However, what I quickly found was that the stronger I got in physical strength and the more I imposed it on other people the more dangerous my encounters got.  Now, when I fought other men it was always those bigger and badder, leaving worse and worse scars.  When I would impose it upon those smaller than I, I would here comments about how justice could be served by them with a bat or gun.  Just as Christ told Peter to put his sword away because those who live by the sword shall die by the sword.  It took me awhile to see the inevitable destination for which I was heading, but once I did it was a lesson well learned.  Over the years I have found much more peace and fulfillment in a approach of concern for the welfare of all those I meet.  Rarely have I found confrontation/criticism to ever help the other person or myself.  It seems to destroy bridges more than build them.  In contrast, I have found great success in listening to others and giving my testimony of what God has done for me.  I do realize there may be a time when God calls me for more confrontation and I hope to always be ready, but for now He leads me beside still waters and asks me to forgive those who trespass against me. I continue to study scripture and find this theme to be true all throughout God's word.  I get discouraged at times when I see all the hypocrisy in the church, but as I pray I find God helping me control my pride as He reveals small ways to help those around me.  It's hard at times to control the desire to do "Bigger" things for God, but I continually find Him telling me I'm not ready for such things.  So in the interim I continue praying, studying, and applying that which He so graciously shares with me. Take care my friend. ...through the Blood of Christ, (Eph. 2:13) James...
	Previous - Next Pages: 1 -2-3-4-5-6 -7-8, COPYRIGHT "DUHMAG.COM" 2005