> General Discussions
Patience & Perserverence
hillsbororiver:
Over the last couple of years I have seen an unmistakable cycle in more than a few new members where they come in full of enthusiasm because one or two of the articles on Bible truths really hit them between the eyes and they found nuggets of truth that truly inspired them to seek out more.
Unfortunately this is where diligence gave way to impatience, the understandable desire to "know and understand everything now!"
God does not work that way.
Sometimes newer members will be put off by another member when they are told to read the articles, then read them again, check the scriptural witnesses and pray for understanding. Instead of the "slow and steady" road to knowledge many (understandably) seek the "fast track" by continually asking questions of the membership that are thoroughly addressed in the articles on Bible Truths.
Sometimes feelings are hurt because the new member feels they have been slighted and been dealt with in a callous and impatient fashion, my question to them would be "why are you not patiently reading, verifying scripture and praying for understanding?" If after a diligent effort there are still questions these questions will be dealt with in a patient and edifying manner but it is too easy to see when someone asks things that are covered extensively in Ray's papers that little to no effort has been made to read through them thoroughly.
In my own experience I felt that before I began asking pointed questions I read everything on the site to at least be familiar with the premises even if my understanding of the points were incomplete. If someone seeks to be directed to a particular topic and ask where on the site they can find it there is no doubt many will enthusiastically respond to this request.
We all need faith and patience (and more) when seeking His treasures, there is no fast track to wisdom, remember it is a steady step by step progression to spiritual maturity.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
Kat:
Hi Joe,
I know what you mean, there are so many that come through here. I really think this parable from Jesus applies to what is happening right here.
Mat 13:3 And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went out to sow.
v. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them.
v. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth. And they sprang up immediately, because they had no deepness of earth.
v. 6 And the sun rising, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away.
v. 7 And some fell among thorns. And the thorns sprung up and choked them.
v. 8 And some fell on the good ground and yielded fruit, indeed one a hundredfold, and one sixty, and one thirty.
v. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
mercy, peace, and love
Kat
hillsbororiver:
Yes Kat!
These are very appropriate verses, this same parable is in Luke and if we read a little further past where the disciples ask what this parable means, we have this;
Luk 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see and hearing they might not understand.
Luk 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Luk 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
Luk 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe and in time of temptation fall away.
Luk 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to perfection.
Luk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
skydreamers:
In your patience possess ye your souls.
Luke 21:19
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, so that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. And may the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus,
Romans 15:4-5
...knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:3-4
But also in this very thing, bringing in all diligence, filling out your faith with virtue, and with virtue, knowledge; and with knowledge self-control, and with self-control, patience, and with patience, godliness, and with godliness, brotherly kindness, and with brotherly kindness, love...
2 Peter 1:5-7
gmik:
All good points!
Seems tho that everytime a newbie introduces himself we all welcome and actually say>>>.Ask questions. Then when they ask questions we don't wan't to answer???? I don't get that. If they are excited-like we all were-they will want to know everything.
I do agree about reading the website, tho. All the answers are there so what are we talking about here???
My only frustrations w/ newbies is once they do introduce themselves so many never get back on. What happened to them? Well, Carol, for one, mentioned intimidation.
I hope all the readers/lurkers out there feel they can come on and fellowship/learn w/ us. please don't feel intimidated.
Also, just like in a family not everyone sees eye-to-eye. Don't throw the forum out just cuz you don't agree w/ one or two.
If you don't like a topic, don't read it. If you see a poster you don't agree w/ don't read it, or just move along, or gloss over that persons post. Thats for oldies too, not just newbies. Oldies don't get on topics you are tired of or have written about before.
DON'T THROW THE BABY OUT W/ THE BATH WATER.
Love One Another.
We have had a lot of people on the forum lately. We have had a lot of newbies join. Just like satan, to get in the mix, stir it up, and try to derail us.
IMHO
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