> Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship
Forum Blues
meee:
--- Quote from: CEO on August 01, 2009, 01:16:15 PM ---Hi Joe
A couple of years ago I noticed the turnover here on the forum. It kind of shocked me, How can one leave the mountaintop? Did they leave for something better, and if they did why didn't they tell us? Now it just does not bother me, mainly because I know God is sovereign. The secondary reason is Paul describing 'all the churches in asia have deserted me.' Even after knowing the truth, the true truth, believers have been leaving the word for thousnads of years. I don't get it. And that is fine.
Askseeknock
Charles
--- End quote ---
Maybe though,they aren't leaving the Truth. If they had their feelings hurt or if they were shot down when they posted, that might cause them to not partake of the unlove that was shown them. Just a thought.
hugs,meee
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: meee on August 01, 2009, 01:34:56 PM ---
--- Quote from: CEO on August 01, 2009, 01:16:15 PM ---Hi Joe
A couple of years ago I noticed the turnover here on the forum. It kind of shocked me, How can one leave the mountaintop? Did they leave for something better, and if they did why didn't they tell us? Now it just does not bother me, mainly because I know God is sovereign. The secondary reason is Paul describing 'all the churches in asia have deserted me.' Even after knowing the truth, the true truth, believers have been leaving the word for thousnads of years. I don't get it. And that is fine.
Askseeknock
Charles
--- End quote ---
Maybe though,they aren't leaving the Truth. If they had their feelings hurt or if they were shot down when they posted, that might cause them to not partake of the unlove that was shown them. Just a thought.
hugs,meee
--- End quote ---
Hi Charles,
This is one of the reasons I started this topic, I am sure there are more than a few who have wondered why people who seemed to have found fellowship and comfort even some spiritual nourishment here suddenly disappear, it was also meant to speak to those who may have left but still check in as a "guest" from time to time.
In my very first post in this thread I mentioned or should I say speculated on some of the reasons they may have left, I felt pretty sure that some of them experienced the same feelings I myself have had periodically. As Ray has said repeatedly being a member here or even a reader of Bible Truths has no direct determination on one's salvation, their elect status or whether they are chosen or not, if God has chosen you He will provide the path that leads you to the first resurrection or better yet to the "change" without tasting death.
Perhaps these folks who have moved on were placed here for the specific purpose of teaching us patience, empathy, longsuffering, godliness, brotherly love, etc. Shouldn't we continue to pray for their spiritual growth and peace as we pray for our own selves, families and friends?
His Peace to you Brother Charles,
Joe
Hi meee! (I say that every morning when I wake up and look in the mirror) ;)
Your point is well taken as there certainly have been times when we all have not shown the patience of Christ toward some who for whatever reason came into this fellowship. I know I have been guilty of jumping to conclusions about the motives of people who just might have a style of communication that I do not find to be easily discernible or particularly inviting. I have come to realize that my own style has and does put some people on the defensive or even inspires them to refrain from ever commenting on things I might write. We all find some people more in tune with us and our present condition more than we can relate to others, on the other hand our perception of others is actually due to our present condition.
Yes, there have been some intemperate statements made in response to questions and thoughts people have posted but more often than not there were also sympathetic responses mingled in too, I have noticed that some will only note the negative, some will acknowledge the positive but will attempt pitting one against the other and then there will be some who are mature enough in spirit to recognize there will never be a perfect place to gather while we are all still in this flesh, this body of sin and death.
That is why we are called to be overcomers!
I think there has also been some resentment (totally understandable) that some people feel when their posts, comments, feelings are not acknowledged, they feel ignored. I do not respond to every topic and sometimes in retrospect I feel as if I have contributed to someone experiencing this emptiness, I could have easily wrote a word or two but for whatever reason (there are many and laziness certainly comes to mind) I didn't.
Thank you for your observation, it is my hope that all of us pay closer attention to and have empathy for all the sisters and brothers who come across our paths.
Peace,
Joe
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: firefly77 on August 01, 2009, 11:25:57 AM ---Joe,
Just a little compliment on your writing style. I always enjoy reading any of your comments; they are sprinkled with honesty, transparency, truth, patience, and humor. Thank you! You are truly an inspiration to me.
Angie
--- End quote ---
Dear Angie,
Thank you for the generous and kind words.
Peace to you Sister,
Joe
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: Judy on July 15, 2009, 03:56:10 AM ---To all who posted, what a wonderful thread. See what you started Roy! And it is good. There is another reason someone might drop out. I have a tendency to gather info and then get bored which is why I need teachers. I was never much for detail, never having had the patience for it. Also, when problems arise and I am overwhelmed I tend to QUIT GOD, hate to reach out and withdraw, that all or nothing attitude. Well, hot or cold if you like. Anyway, I do appreciate the moderators and everyone that comes on here and also miss them when it has been awhile. Judy
--- End quote ---
Hi Judy,
I also tend to run hot and cold in my participation and dedication, sometimes I study, pray & post with a manic fervor and other times I either only observe and contemplate or totally withdraw. :-\
You know there is hope even for folks like us; ;)
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Peace,
Joe
firefly77:
--- Quote ---To all who posted, what a wonderful thread. See what you started Roy! And it is good. There is another reason someone might drop out. I have a tendency to gather info and then get bored which is why I need teachers. I was never much for detail, never having had the patience for it. Also, when problems arise and I am overwhelmed I tend to QUIT GOD, hate to reach out and withdraw, that all or nothing attitude. Well, hot or cold if you like. Anyway, I do appreciate the moderators and everyone that comes on here and also miss them when it has been awhile. Judy
Hi Judy,
I also tend to run hot and cold in my participation and dedication, sometimes I study, pray & post with a manic fervor and other times I either only observe and contemplate or totally withdraw. Undecided
You know there is hope even for folks like us; Wink
--- End quote ---
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.
3:7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
All is of God :)
Angie
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