Comments on: Not my Jesus http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/ Its not about the hair... Wed, 16 May 2012 19:46:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Martha http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25271 Martha Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:24:04 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25271 Wow, thank you for putting into words how I completely feel about Christianity and the emergent church. YOU totally have the right to post these words more than anyone I know. I am blessed and will save this post and pass it on to others. I don't post much but am amazed by your words, pray for you often, and truly feel like a kindred spirit as far as thinking very similarly to you. Thanks for being bold and speaking truth. Last week our pastor told us that if we were praying that our kids would have easy, safe and meaningless lives we were truly missing the boat on what it means to die to self and live for Christ. He encouraged us that we would pray that our children's lives, and ours, above all would have meaning and point others to Christ, no matter what the cost. I remember when you had your brain surgery and we were concerned whether your thinking would be affected by it. Praise God that your mind is absolutely sharp as a tack and spot on! You have a true gift with words and I thank you for being a willing vessel for our Lord and Savior! Blessings to you and your family! Marthas last blog post..<a href="http://fifferandalan.blogspot.com/2005/06/east-westhomes-best.html" rel="nofollow">East, West...Home's best!</a> Wow, thank you for putting into words how I completely feel about Christianity and the emergent church. YOU totally have the right to post these words more than anyone I know. I am blessed and will save this post and pass it on to others. I don’t post much but am amazed by your words, pray for you often, and truly feel like a kindred spirit as far as thinking very similarly to you. Thanks for being bold and speaking truth. Last week our pastor told us that if we were praying that our kids would have easy, safe and meaningless lives we were truly missing the boat on what it means to die to self and live for Christ. He encouraged us that we would pray that our children’s lives, and ours, above all would have meaning and point others to Christ, no matter what the cost. I remember when you had your brain surgery and we were concerned whether your thinking would be affected by it. Praise God that your mind is absolutely sharp as a tack and spot on! You have a true gift with words and I thank you for being a willing vessel for our Lord and Savior! Blessings to you and your family!

Marthas last blog post..East, West…Home’s best!

]]> By: Karen http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25265 Karen Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:51:42 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25265 Found my own answer - it's on there now :) Karens last blog post..<a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/OldPathsMom/612580/" rel="nofollow">Land of the free BECAUSE of the brave....</a> Found my own answer – it’s on there now :)

Karens last blog post..Land of the free BECAUSE of the brave….

]]> By: Heather http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25261 Heather Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:01:36 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25261 I love this post so much. Thank you for writing it. And thank you for continuing to write, despite any of the negative comments or feedback you get. I know it sounds strange, but your site and your words really mean a lot to me. From, a fellow cancer survivor. :cheerful: I love this post so much. Thank you for writing it. And thank you for continuing to write, despite any of the negative comments or feedback you get. I know it sounds strange, but your site and your words really mean a lot to me. From, a fellow cancer survivor. :cheerful:

]]> By: MichelleB http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25260 MichelleB Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:53:56 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25260 Well said, amen. For me after I divorced my husband of 20 years, I prayed for guidance and closure. The best step to that closure was when I sold the diamond engagement ring he gave me to www.idonowidont.com and that helped me heal. Now I am going to church more often. Well said, amen. For me after I divorced my husband of 20 years, I prayed for guidance and closure. The best step to that closure was when I sold the diamond engagement ring he gave me to http://www.idonowidont.com and that helped me heal. Now I am going to church more often.

]]> By: Rose http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25259 Rose Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:52:40 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25259 Oh, dear. I certainly did not mean to stir up emotions. I don't really disagree with your statement, but I was simply wondering if you had any perspective beyond North America. Since you say you've traveled, then you must know that no matter where Christianity is in the world, the practice differs from one place to another. Maybe I misunderstood your meaning of doctrine? Maybe, since you referenced warm and fuzzy churches, I assumed you were equating doctrine to style of practice. I guess I really don't know that much about either legalism or doctrine. Nor do I really understand much about the generalizations about warm and fuzzy churches, or what would be an acceptable church. And though I do try to Love, I don't presume I know how, exactly, at least not all the time. One thing, though, to Truthteller... wow. If only I was as blessed as you, with knowledge and education and eloquence. Oh, dear. I certainly did not mean to stir up emotions. I don’t really disagree with your statement, but I was simply wondering if you had any perspective beyond North America.

Since you say you’ve traveled, then you must know that no matter where Christianity is in the world, the practice differs from one place to another.

Maybe I misunderstood your meaning of doctrine? Maybe, since you referenced warm and fuzzy churches, I assumed you were equating doctrine to style of practice.

I guess I really don’t know that much about either legalism or doctrine. Nor do I really understand much about the generalizations about warm and fuzzy churches, or what would be an acceptable church. And though I do try to Love, I don’t presume I know how, exactly, at least not all the time.

One thing, though, to Truthteller… wow. If only I was as blessed as you, with knowledge and education and eloquence.

]]> By: Connie http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25257 Connie Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:47:47 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25257 Very well put, Heather. There have been many changes made during the last 40-some years and they have not been good. The church tries to fit in with the world and they call it being "progressive". As time goes on and the world becomes darker and more evil, there should be a greater distance between the church and the world. Also, I would think that a true Christian's light would be shining even brighter. Let's not hide it... or let it become extinguished by the darkness of the world. Jesus is the Way, the Truth... and the Light. Very well put, Heather. There have been many changes made during the last 40-some years and they have not been good. The church tries to fit in with the world and they call it being “progressive”. As time goes on and the world becomes darker and more evil, there should be a greater distance between the church and the world. Also, I would think that a true Christian’s light would be shining even brighter. Let’s not hide it… or let it become extinguished by the darkness of the world. Jesus is the Way, the Truth… and the Light.

]]> By: Truthteller http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25256 Truthteller Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:35:48 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25256 "God is Love, not doctrine." Over the past 28 years I have known the blessing of being a Child of the Most High God! I have taken serious the admonition to be able to "Rightly divide the Word", by studying to show myself approved. As a student of the Word I have been privileged to study on both the university and graduate level, at one of the most respected institutions of Religious study in North America. Here are a few of the Doctrinal topics of study from "Back in the Day" The Doctrine of God The Doctrine of Christ The Doctrine of The Spirit The Doctrine of Heaven The Doctrine of Satan The Doctrine of Angels The Doctrine of Demons The Doctrine of Hell The Doctrine of Sin The Doctrine of Repentance The Doctrine of Salvation The Doctrine of Forgiveness The Doctrine of Restoration The Doctrine of Stewardship The Doctrine of Righteousness The Doctrine of Mercy The Doctrine of God's Judgment The Doctrine of The Millennium You see, "Doctrine" is simply the truth of God's Word, concerning a subject in God's Word, as revealed by the full counsel of God's Word. The Full Counsel of God's Word Reveals to us: The Doctrine of Love. Heather, you are so correct, You can not truly know one apart from the Whole. That knowledge would be incomplete, and flawed. I love your spirit and passion for God :wub: “God is Love, not doctrine.”
Over the past 28 years I have known the blessing of being a Child of the Most High God! I have taken serious the admonition to be able to “Rightly divide the Word”, by studying to show myself approved. As a student of the Word I have been privileged to study on both the university and graduate level, at one of the most respected institutions of Religious study in North America.
Here are a few of the Doctrinal topics of study from “Back in the Day”
The Doctrine of God
The Doctrine of Christ
The Doctrine of The Spirit
The Doctrine of Heaven
The Doctrine of Satan
The Doctrine of Angels
The Doctrine of Demons
The Doctrine of Hell
The Doctrine of Sin
The Doctrine of Repentance
The Doctrine of Salvation
The Doctrine of Forgiveness
The Doctrine of Restoration
The Doctrine of Stewardship
The Doctrine of Righteousness
The Doctrine of Mercy
The Doctrine of God’s Judgment
The Doctrine of The Millennium

You see, “Doctrine” is simply the truth of God’s Word, concerning a subject in God’s Word, as revealed by the full counsel of God’s Word.
The Full Counsel of God’s Word Reveals to us:
The Doctrine of Love.

Heather, you are so correct, You can not truly know one apart from the Whole. That knowledge would be incomplete, and flawed.

I love your spirit and passion for God

:wub:

]]> By: Especially Heather http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25255 Especially Heather Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:32:54 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25255 @<a href="#comment-25254" rel="nofollow">Rose</a> : Yes, Rose, I have traveled outside of North America, numerous times. I am having a hard time understanding your question/statement, so correct me if I am wrong. Are you disagreeing with me on this statement: <b>Legalism has no place in scripture or in church, but sound biblical doctrine absolutely does?</b> I agree God is love, but he isnt <b>JUST</b> love. He isnt just warm and fuzzies. He is a jealous God, among other things. I encourage you, if you haven't already, to read my cancer story and my daughters story.. I speak from experience, trust me. @Rose : Yes, Rose, I have traveled outside of North America, numerous times. I am having a hard time understanding your question/statement, so correct me if I am wrong. Are you disagreeing with me on this statement: Legalism has no place in scripture or in church, but sound biblical doctrine absolutely does? I agree God is love, but he isnt JUST love. He isnt just warm and fuzzies. He is a jealous God, among other things.

I encourage you, if you haven’t already, to read my cancer story and my daughters story.. I speak from experience, trust me.

]]> By: Rose http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25254 Rose Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:18:02 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25254 Have you ever traveled outside the United States of America? Have you ever been anywhere beyond the borders of your region of the country? Just curious. Because Jesus is everywhere. Not just in your town, or in North America. God is everywhere there is Love. God is Love, not doctrine. Have you ever traveled outside the United States of America? Have you ever been anywhere beyond the borders of your region of the country? Just curious. Because Jesus is everywhere. Not just in your town, or in North America. God is everywhere there is Love. God is Love, not doctrine.

]]> By: Teresa Colson http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25253 Teresa Colson Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:56:18 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25253 You go girl!! Preach it!! Your comments remind me of your dad!! You go girl!! Preach it!! Your comments remind me of your dad!!

]]> By: Fran http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25250 Fran Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:08:24 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25250 This is so good Heather. And is hitting me right in the heart tonight. In a good way. Thank you! Blessings, Fran Frans last blog post..<a href="http://kidsforhim.blogspot.com/2008/10/real-life-friends-now.html" rel="nofollow">Real life friends now</a> This is so good Heather. And is hitting me right in the heart tonight. In a good way. Thank you!

Blessings,
Fran

Frans last blog post..Real life friends now

]]> By: Kim http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25249 Kim Sun, 26 Oct 2008 04:35:11 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25249 I'm really glad you posted this. Just this week I wrote in my journal that God is not my personal genie and I can't expect Him to appear with a magic wand every time I request something. I'm really encouraged to know that there are people in America who are standing for truth. Yes, God promises us numerous blessings in His word but He also says that we should count it all joy when we encounter trials. I enjoy your blog and hope that God will continue to use you for His glory. I’m really glad you posted this. Just this week I wrote in my journal that God is not my personal genie and I can’t expect Him to appear with a magic wand every time I request something.

I’m really encouraged to know that there are people in America who are standing for truth. Yes, God promises us numerous blessings in His word but He also says that we should count it all joy when we encounter trials.

I enjoy your blog and hope that God will continue to use you for His glory.

]]> By: brenda http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25248 brenda Sun, 26 Oct 2008 04:01:36 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25248 Oh Heather...well said. brendas last blog post..<a href="http://familyrevised.blogspot.com/2008/10/fitness-friday-assignment_25.html" rel="nofollow">Fitness Friday Assignment</a> Oh Heather…well said.

brendas last blog post..Fitness Friday Assignment

]]> By: Jennifer http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25247 Jennifer Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:40:59 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25247 Spot on! This is a great post, I am going to check out the rest of your blog! Jennifers last blog post..<a href="http://ourfamilybookmarks.blogspot.com/2008/10/no-yelling-in-house_23.html" rel="nofollow">No yelling in the house!</a> Spot on! This is a great post, I am going to check out the rest of your blog!

Jennifers last blog post..No yelling in the house!

]]> By: Kate http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25246 Kate Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:34:30 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25246 Watta bing. Watta boom. Great description & conviction. k- Kates last blog post..<a href="http://katesnodgrass.blogspot.com/2008/10/today-was-first.html" rel="nofollow">Today was a First</a> Watta bing. Watta boom.
Great description & conviction.

k-

Kates last blog post..Today was a First

]]> By: paula http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25245 paula Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:07:42 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25245 Thank you Heather. My mom has a glioblastoma and it's been a rough couple of months trying to wrap my heart around the truth. Your message is a true blessing! I look forward to each blog you write. Paula Thank you Heather. My mom has a glioblastoma and it’s been a rough couple of months trying to wrap my heart around the truth. Your message is a true blessing! I look forward to each blog you write.
Paula

]]> By: Jen http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25244 Jen Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:23:27 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25244 Doesn't the Lord also tell us that if we follow Him we WILL suffer persecution and death? Not perhaps, but will?? Meek and mild? I don't think so. Jens last blog post..<a href="http://www.xanga.com/Abbas_princess/679273441/hospital-conversations.html" rel="nofollow">Hospital Conversations</a> Doesn’t the Lord also tell us that if we follow Him we WILL suffer persecution and death? Not perhaps, but will??

Meek and mild? I don’t think so.

Jens last blog post..Hospital Conversations

]]> By: deborah http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25243 deborah Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:14:43 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25243 Nice website.I like your reality comment about warm-fuzzy's. Please visit and share some of your thoughts also at the www.thedailylily.com. deborahs last blog post..<a href="http://www.thedailylily.com/?p=888" rel="nofollow">Quote with inspriation</a> Nice website.I like your reality comment about warm-fuzzy’s.
Please visit and share some of your thoughts also at the http://www.thedailylily.com.

deborahs last blog post..Quote with inspriation

]]> By: Sheila S http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25242 Sheila S Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:43:23 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25242 For (too) many years, I honestly believed that receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior was going to keep me from experiencing pain and suffering, even though Scriptural passages such as 2 Timothy 3:12 didn't quite support my little theory. Eventually, when trial followed trial and sorrow became a habitual visitor in my life, I was tempted to ask "Why?" But the answer from the Lord seemed to be: "Because I love you, and you won't grow spiritually while you're on the beach sipping lemonade." We have a God who is perfect in wisdom, love, goodness and mercy who desires to conform us to the image of His Son, and that pathway does involve suffering. To think we can accept Christ's gift of redemption (purchased at enormous cost to Him) and then live our lives in disobedience to (or ignorance of) His Word reveals spiritual immaturity, and as you say, Heather, it's like slapping Him in the face. When we realize that there are no accidents in God's economy, and when we accept the cup of suffering that He allows in our lives, He proves to us that His grace is sufficient for every trial. We become closer to Him while we're in the valley than when we're on the mountaintop. The Word of God is the key to knowing God as He really is and walking with Him in obedience. We should never be taken in by the "prosperity gospel" or be "experience driven" (lured by that which makes us feel good) instead of what the Bible teaches. Thanks, Heather, for your beautiful reminder of the cost of following Jesus. Your life is a touching testimony of one who has been through the fire and found Him to be completely trustworthy. You inspire us all! For (too) many years, I honestly believed that receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior was going to keep me from experiencing pain and suffering, even though Scriptural passages such as 2 Timothy 3:12 didn’t quite support my little theory. Eventually, when trial followed trial and sorrow became a habitual visitor in my life, I was tempted to ask “Why?” But the answer from the Lord seemed to be: “Because I love you, and you won’t grow spiritually while you’re on the beach sipping lemonade.”

We have a God who is perfect in wisdom, love, goodness and mercy who desires to conform us to the image of His Son, and that pathway does involve suffering. To think we can accept Christ’s gift of redemption (purchased at enormous cost to Him) and then live our lives in disobedience to (or ignorance of) His Word reveals spiritual immaturity, and as you say, Heather, it’s like slapping Him in the face.

When we realize that there are no accidents in God’s economy, and when we accept the cup of suffering that He allows in our lives, He proves to us that His grace is sufficient for every trial. We become closer to Him while we’re in the valley than when we’re on the mountaintop.

The Word of God is the key to knowing God as He really is and walking with Him in obedience. We should never be taken in by the “prosperity gospel” or be “experience driven” (lured by that which makes us feel good) instead of what the Bible teaches.

Thanks, Heather, for your beautiful reminder of the cost of following Jesus. Your life is a touching testimony of one who has been through the fire and found Him to be completely trustworthy. You inspire us all!

]]> By: Karen http://especiallyheather.com/2008/10/21/not-my-jesus/comment-page-1/#comment-25241 Karen Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:22:45 +0000 http://especiallyheather.com/?p=1340#comment-25241 I couldn't agree more Heather. Let me add to your soapbox - it's about time people quit calling themselves Christians when they know nothing about christianity! To be a Christian is to be "Christ-like" - to stand for those things that He stood for, to love what He loves and hate what He hates. One can be saved and be pro-choice or pro-sodomy but they cannot be "Christians" because Jesus said both are an abomination to Him. So, not to steal any of your thunder - just wanted to add to it :) Good post! Karens last blog post..<a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/OldPathsMom/606319/" rel="nofollow">What President Bush Did Wrong</a> I couldn’t agree more Heather. Let me add to your soapbox – it’s about time people quit calling themselves Christians when they know nothing about christianity! To be a Christian is to be “Christ-like” – to stand for those things that He stood for, to love what He loves and hate what He hates. One can be saved and be pro-choice or pro-sodomy but they cannot be “Christians” because Jesus said both are an abomination to Him. So, not to steal any of your thunder – just wanted to add to it :) Good post!

Karens last blog post..What President Bush Did Wrong

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