Donny, great prayer walk. I believe and especially relate to the part of "bearing" each others burdens. As you know and most of the people here in the community, that was one of the hardest things for me to open up and ask people simply for prayer. Simply put, I did not want to bother people with things I was going through, etc. That is a form of selfish pride that I must admit. God has worked through you and this community to help me start to overcome that fear or that part of my pride. I thank everyone here for that. Because of that, it has also helped me to open up in other ways in encouraging others as much as I've been encouraged. I have several people that I talk to now and share my burdens with. I encourage them to do the same to share there's with me. There are many blessings to be received when we "bear" one another's burdens.
When I looked up scripture in the Bible on accountability, John 3:18 speaks that we are accountable for what we believe. "There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God." Ezekiel 18:30 tells us that God will hold us accountable for our sin. "Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the sovereign Lord. Turn from your sins! Don't let them destroy you!" I like Ezekiel 18:30 because if we hold one another accountable, it helps each of us to not be totally destroyed by our sins. Yes, we are of the flesh and will continue to sin, but if we hold each other accountable in love, then those sins committed may not drag us down as much if did not share with one another.
I've learned many valuable lessons when joining this community because when I do mess up or when I do open up and share my prayer requests, it releases all that weight that I'm placing on myself, and I'm able to better function in this chaotic world. But, we have to make the individual choice to open ourselves up and be willing to share those needs with other believers. When you're not used to it, it is difficult at first, but when you do, the blessings that come afterwards outweigh anything else. Thank you Donny and this community once again. God bless everyone here!
I always say that we were not designed to be islands. We need other people. I'm a pretty open book with those I trust who love me and always have my best interests at heart. I have a few close friends with whom I share accountability. I have no trouble confessing to them when I've blown it - usually it's having said something because sometimes I speak without thinking of the impact of my words. Oh, the tongue.... Of course we are accountable to God and to ourselves, but being accountable to others keeps us on the right track in our relationship with God and ourselves. Thanks for always bringing us back to the word and the truths revealed there. I appreciate you and your heart for people.
Donny, another prayer walk to inspire me to grow in my faith. The topic today was very interesting, enjoyed all the definitions and how they circled back to accountability.
Yesterday on my evening walk I was reflecting on your walks, how each one has helped me grow in my faith, appreciate my life and the gift of every new day. Thank you for sharing your heart and love of Jesus with this community. Continued blessings to you on your journey!
Very good topic As believers we need to be held accountable. I have a friend who we hold each other accountable. There are times I am total disagreement with. We pray for each other and I wait till the Lord's direction. We respect each other opinion
and I appreciate your prayer walk.
It is amazing how the Lord guided you on this journey
Question How is it going with your fun raiser? Been praying for you
Thanks for sharing Debbie. The fundraiser is going ... slowly. I have to admit, I'm not very good at these type of things but I know God has me and will provide one way or another.
Donny, thank you for the challenge to us to be accountable. We were not meant to be alone....which is why God gave us family & friends.
I LOVE the places you choose to do these Prayer Walks!! I usually listen to these without the picture so I can concentrate on what you are sharing...then watch again with the picture. I just want to be there, either walking or biking these trails. Someday...I hope to come to Canada and do these.
Good walk this morning. Heavy topic in today’s society. Yes we are of one body but evil forces work overtime to divide us. You used words like resolve, fix, blame, but I didn’t hear inspire, appreciate, grateful. Aren’t they just different positive ways of accountability? As always you have given me food for thought, another insight to consider. Growth and enlightenment is always the goal. Blessings and love ❤️
Accountability! Interesting and complex topic. As I thought about the subject I kept coming back to this one principle. If my standard is to do the right thing by following biblical teachings, particularly those of Jesus, accountability will result. My ultimate accountability, responsibility, and reckoning is to God. If I can hold true to that standard then accountability to myself and others will occur naturally. Years ago there was a movement to have “accountability partners”. I see that as a trusted friend or partner to guide me back to the path of righteousness when I stray or vice versa. Someone who helps me when I am having issues that negatively affect my relationship with God or mankind. Once again, Donny, thank you for making me think and reflect beyond my norm. If you have any thoughts on my thoughts I welcome them. I love your perspective on our Christian journey. God bless you!
The only thought I have is. If we hold ourselves accountable (even if we are trying to "do the right thing") and we slowly veer off course. potentially blinded by our sin. How will we find our way back without someone willing and able to speak into our lives?
As Paul said, in Romans 7:18-19 ...I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
That is a very good point, Donny. I have special people in my life that I trust to be honest if I am veering off course and who I trust will listen to my counsel if needed. In looking at accountability as you discussed in this prayer walk there is accountability to hold me to my faith in those relationships. Your teachings and thoughts continue to make me think, study, and ultimately bring me closer to God. Thank you and God bless you.
Wow this has my emotions flying in many directions. First I’d like to say I have been carrying a heavy burden that has me honestly about to lose my sanity, I have shared with Anne but will share when my mind accepts to be humble in the situation. I do have a group of ladies at work and we started asking “do I smell bad fruit” meaning a nice way of saying “be still” in the moment and try to be positive in your thoughts. Thank you Donny for keeping me in check with the best of me🙏
Matthew 12:35 says that out of the man’s heart his mouth speaks. I love to listen to what you will say. This accountability issue made my mind go and listen within to find where and who is holding me accountable without being bossy or that they know best. I weigh the spirits and the motive of the heart. I have come to know that you have a true and genuine heart for Jesus and that I can trust you. Mark and I have an older couple that holds us accountable and knows their motives are godly. I had some tithe giving come up several years ago. Mark and I wanted to give to a young man starting in the ministry. The church we were attending said not to do that but to give to the church. I couldn’t take that advice so we left that church and sought God about where to invest into the Kingdom of God. We still gave where it was biblically right. God used that for us and we prayed where God laid someone on our heart to support them. When Graham first Heartland our giving was to give more support in encouragement not just financially. Then we met you and we knew God really wanted us to lend a hand to you. For both of you we have been blessed with friendships. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes prayer is what you need, so I ask what you need. I find asking and listening to the heart is the way God holds me accountable. Stay sweet and as straightforward as you are. I do appreciate you more than you know.
Thank you Donny for this inspiring prayer walk. I do have an inspiring person that I share my thoughts with. I learned to put 1 foot in front of the other and believe in faith in God.
Thanks again your prayer walks You really helped me find my path.🙏🏻
Donny, great prayer walk. I believe and especially relate to the part of "bearing" each others burdens. As you know and most of the people here in the community, that was one of the hardest things for me to open up and ask people simply for prayer. Simply put, I did not want to bother people with things I was going through, etc. That is a form of selfish pride that I must admit. God has worked through you and this community to help me start to overcome that fear or that part of my pride. I thank everyone here for that. Because of that, it has also helped me to open up in other ways in encouraging others as much as I've been encouraged. I have several people that I talk to now and share my burdens with. I encourage them to do the same to share there's with me. There are many blessings to be received when we "bear" one another's burdens.
When I looked up scripture in the Bible on accountability, John 3:18 speaks that we are accountable for what we believe. "There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God." Ezekiel 18:30 tells us that God will hold us accountable for our sin. "Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the sovereign Lord. Turn from your sins! Don't let them destroy you!" I like Ezekiel 18:30 because if we hold one another accountable, it helps each of us to not be totally destroyed by our sins. Yes, we are of the flesh and will continue to sin, but if we hold each other accountable in love, then those sins committed may not drag us down as much if did not share with one another.
I've learned many valuable lessons when joining this community because when I do mess up or when I do open up and share my prayer requests, it releases all that weight that I'm placing on myself, and I'm able to better function in this chaotic world. But, we have to make the individual choice to open ourselves up and be willing to share those needs with other believers. When you're not used to it, it is difficult at first, but when you do, the blessings that come afterwards outweigh anything else. Thank you Donny and this community once again. God bless everyone here!
I always say that we were not designed to be islands. We need other people. I'm a pretty open book with those I trust who love me and always have my best interests at heart. I have a few close friends with whom I share accountability. I have no trouble confessing to them when I've blown it - usually it's having said something because sometimes I speak without thinking of the impact of my words. Oh, the tongue.... Of course we are accountable to God and to ourselves, but being accountable to others keeps us on the right track in our relationship with God and ourselves. Thanks for always bringing us back to the word and the truths revealed there. I appreciate you and your heart for people.
I know you have a big heart for people, Cathey.
Donny, another prayer walk to inspire me to grow in my faith. The topic today was very interesting, enjoyed all the definitions and how they circled back to accountability.
Yesterday on my evening walk I was reflecting on your walks, how each one has helped me grow in my faith, appreciate my life and the gift of every new day. Thank you for sharing your heart and love of Jesus with this community. Continued blessings to you on your journey!
Thank you Linda. I am happy to hear that God is using me to help you grow.
Very good topic As believers we need to be held accountable. I have a friend who we hold each other accountable. There are times I am total disagreement with. We pray for each other and I wait till the Lord's direction. We respect each other opinion
and I appreciate your prayer walk.
It is amazing how the Lord guided you on this journey
Question How is it going with your fun raiser? Been praying for you
Thanks for sharing Debbie. The fundraiser is going ... slowly. I have to admit, I'm not very good at these type of things but I know God has me and will provide one way or another.
Donny, thank you for the challenge to us to be accountable. We were not meant to be alone....which is why God gave us family & friends.
I LOVE the places you choose to do these Prayer Walks!! I usually listen to these without the picture so I can concentrate on what you are sharing...then watch again with the picture. I just want to be there, either walking or biking these trails. Someday...I hope to come to Canada and do these.
God Bless you and the people in this group.
You are most welcome Lillian. Thank you for being part of this group.
Good walk this morning. Heavy topic in today’s society. Yes we are of one body but evil forces work overtime to divide us. You used words like resolve, fix, blame, but I didn’t hear inspire, appreciate, grateful. Aren’t they just different positive ways of accountability? As always you have given me food for thought, another insight to consider. Growth and enlightenment is always the goal. Blessings and love ❤️
Accountability! Interesting and complex topic. As I thought about the subject I kept coming back to this one principle. If my standard is to do the right thing by following biblical teachings, particularly those of Jesus, accountability will result. My ultimate accountability, responsibility, and reckoning is to God. If I can hold true to that standard then accountability to myself and others will occur naturally. Years ago there was a movement to have “accountability partners”. I see that as a trusted friend or partner to guide me back to the path of righteousness when I stray or vice versa. Someone who helps me when I am having issues that negatively affect my relationship with God or mankind. Once again, Donny, thank you for making me think and reflect beyond my norm. If you have any thoughts on my thoughts I welcome them. I love your perspective on our Christian journey. God bless you!
I appreciate you sharing Linda.
The only thought I have is. If we hold ourselves accountable (even if we are trying to "do the right thing") and we slowly veer off course. potentially blinded by our sin. How will we find our way back without someone willing and able to speak into our lives?
As Paul said, in Romans 7:18-19 ...I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
That is a very good point, Donny. I have special people in my life that I trust to be honest if I am veering off course and who I trust will listen to my counsel if needed. In looking at accountability as you discussed in this prayer walk there is accountability to hold me to my faith in those relationships. Your teachings and thoughts continue to make me think, study, and ultimately bring me closer to God. Thank you and God bless you.
Wow this has my emotions flying in many directions. First I’d like to say I have been carrying a heavy burden that has me honestly about to lose my sanity, I have shared with Anne but will share when my mind accepts to be humble in the situation. I do have a group of ladies at work and we started asking “do I smell bad fruit” meaning a nice way of saying “be still” in the moment and try to be positive in your thoughts. Thank you Donny for keeping me in check with the best of me🙏
I'm glad you have people you can go to.
Thanks for sharing your burden. My time to pray is anytime God tell me to. God loves you Heidi and many on here do too.
Matthew 12:35 says that out of the man’s heart his mouth speaks. I love to listen to what you will say. This accountability issue made my mind go and listen within to find where and who is holding me accountable without being bossy or that they know best. I weigh the spirits and the motive of the heart. I have come to know that you have a true and genuine heart for Jesus and that I can trust you. Mark and I have an older couple that holds us accountable and knows their motives are godly. I had some tithe giving come up several years ago. Mark and I wanted to give to a young man starting in the ministry. The church we were attending said not to do that but to give to the church. I couldn’t take that advice so we left that church and sought God about where to invest into the Kingdom of God. We still gave where it was biblically right. God used that for us and we prayed where God laid someone on our heart to support them. When Graham first Heartland our giving was to give more support in encouragement not just financially. Then we met you and we knew God really wanted us to lend a hand to you. For both of you we have been blessed with friendships. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes prayer is what you need, so I ask what you need. I find asking and listening to the heart is the way God holds me accountable. Stay sweet and as straightforward as you are. I do appreciate you more than you know.
🙂🙏🏼
Thank you Donny for this inspiring prayer walk. I do have an inspiring person that I share my thoughts with. I learned to put 1 foot in front of the other and believe in faith in God.
Thanks again your prayer walks You really helped me find my path.🙏🏻
Accountability! Very interesting!
I love the word study (definitions); it’s my favorite way to study the Bible!! I learned several new definitions today!! Thank you!
My best friend and I hold each other accountable! I have others who have some different levels of accountability access to my life.
I find it hard to hear sometimes but I know it’s very needed cause I know it’s very easy to get off track if we’re not careful.