Donnie, this week's prayer walk was thought-provoking. I’m not a regular poster, but I would like to respond. I’ve personally been on the “you should” train. I’ll share a story about my wake-up call. I had walked with Jesus 10 years when my husband came to know Him. I immediately tried to “guide” him on how to live his newfound faith. One day, he said, “You want me to be today, where it has taken you ten years to get to.” It was a wow slap in the face moment. Sadly, he walked away for a while, unable to meet MY expectations. Happily, he returned and served God and was a perfect example of the fruits of the spirit.
My lesson;
1. Everyone matures at different rates and stages.
2. Examine myself. “Should I” be giving advice? The old point the finger and three are coming back at you - judge not that you aren’t judged (Matthew 7:1-3 KJV)
3. Always be prepared to provide guidance and give an answer or advice if asked. But staying humble and not superior with the do it my way is the only way.
5. If someone says “I should” to me, I season it with prayer and align their words with scripture.
I’ve learned we, the Christians, are the only Bible and introduction to Christ that some will see. My goal is to work on my flesh, and I'm a continual work in progress. But I want to represent the goodness of Jesus so others will like what I present - not fake but honest. If I enjoy the pie so much, others might want to try it 😊
Thank you for shining a light and allowing us time to examine our motives as witnesses for the Lord. I appreciate and respect you. 🙏
Hi Donny! After watching today's prayer walk, the first verse I read for this morning's quiet time is 1 John 4:11 (NIV) - Dear friends, since God has loved us, we also ought to love one another." This is the verse that hit me this morning as did 1 Peter 5:5b (NIV) - "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."
I share these two verses as it does make a difference the way we phrase our words as I believe it also reflects in our actions. I too like you have used the word "should" in saying to myself, that person ought to behave in one way or another. I've also used "should" when putting myself down, like "I should not have done that." Of course, depending on that situation. I try to be a lot more conscious when I use this word. I catch myself often times afterwards. I'm human, but I do try to be more conscientious. Sometimes we can come across as being a little judgmental & maybe condemning in how we use this word when we speak to people. i do try and not do that as God is the only judge, and not me. Again, it depends on the situation and conversation. I don't do this as much now because we learn as we continue to grow in our faith until we are called to our eternal home. Humility is something I strive to do each day.
Whether someone goes to church, serves there, etc., is solely I believe between that person and God. I hope to encourage and help others by sowing seeds and not convert someone to the way I believe. That's my job. I'm only here to share the good news. If asked for my advice or opinion, that's different, but I will not force or tell someone they should do something or not. That's the free will of choice God gave us. God doesn't force Himself on anyone. He wants us to come willingly. All we are to do is share the good news and show agape love to others, even those who don't believe through random acts of kindness, etc.
I am sure I have been guilty of saying "you should" or "I should" over the years. However after listening to this Pray Walk I realise that if I am trying to help someone with something I need to say something like "How would it be if you tried another way" or "could there be a different way of doing that" thus letting them think for themselves of some way which may be better suited to them. Also need to ask myself that sort of questions.
I, also, have been on both sides of "should". I think conservatives(which I am) tend to be judgmental of others. But, that's all I knew. Now, that my kids are adults, they have opened my eyes to my error. In 1 Cor. 3, Paul tells us not to follow after "a man". I think, if we look to Jesus, and search the Bible for ourselves, that we would be less likely to tell others how to live. And, if we are in a position of leadership, then to be careful to quote God's Word rather than man's ideas, which are sometimes not correct.
I love this conversation Donny! I feel like “should” can be used in 2 different ways. The first as a commandment and the second as a gesture of beneficial possibilities. I have sadly used them both and with all honesty, I knew the meaning of both ways when spoken. I fall short daily and I feel that God has us all serving as disciples in our own way. As a Christian I have been both, the church goer and the one who worships from afar. In all my years at church and all my time not, I have felt moved by the holy spirt more when I was not at church. Yes I did feel the holy spirt and accept Jesus in my heart at church when I was 16, but since then I have found that He is with us and can work on us no matter where we are. That one day during the live, I was so broken and completely humbled by God’s presence and I felt the Holy Spirit in every inch of me. I was so overwhelmed by His grace that I was literally shaking. God used you and the others that day to pull me out of the valley I was in. We are none the same at all. My prayer from this prayer walk today is that each of us including you Donny, find a place where we can connect with God and allow him to show us how he wants us to prosper as disciples. Thank you all, love and appreciate you all🙏
Some good thoughts about how we speak to others thinking we are speaking for Jesus. I'm going to take note of how often I use "should" in conversations or how often it is said to me and consider the intent of why it is being said. Thanks for this thought provoking walk!
Love this. I’ve had that road where people tell me what I should or shouldn’t do. Sadly that’s the worldly nature of the church. There is a scripture where the gossiping women are told to mind their own bread. I was on the phone with someone and was lovingly sharing scripture with them. A coworker was ease dropping on my conversation. She was a new follower so o shared that scripture with her and added that in the future to listen to something else when I was on the phone. I’ve tested many churches and denominations over at least 50 years and many are the same. They only want your help if they ask for it. Then if you try they want to control you. Jealousy is a big problem in the church. I will say to someone they should forgive and follow Jesus but that’s my limit. I will encourage someone like you by trying to hear your heart and what God has spoken to you. The problem with speaking should to someone is what if I’m wrong. My daughter was told she should go on to college after high school. She wanted to wait a year. Off to college she went and she fell into the wrong crowd and became an alcoholic. I ask how I should pray for you because I know the God who has taught me teaches you. Should is often someone else’s opinion. I shouldn’t always express mine. Thanks for the discussion.
Thank you Donny for this prayer walk it was definitely God speaking to me. And thank you for taking the time. I appreciate you taking this prayer walk in the Rain. That’s Love. God, Bless Donny with a spirit of wisdom and revelation, of insight into mysteries and secrets in the deep and intimate knowledge of you by having the eyes of his heart flooded with light, so that he can know and understand the hope to which You have called him. (Ephesians 1:17-)
Donnie, this week's prayer walk was thought-provoking. I’m not a regular poster, but I would like to respond. I’ve personally been on the “you should” train. I’ll share a story about my wake-up call. I had walked with Jesus 10 years when my husband came to know Him. I immediately tried to “guide” him on how to live his newfound faith. One day, he said, “You want me to be today, where it has taken you ten years to get to.” It was a wow slap in the face moment. Sadly, he walked away for a while, unable to meet MY expectations. Happily, he returned and served God and was a perfect example of the fruits of the spirit.
My lesson;
1. Everyone matures at different rates and stages.
2. Examine myself. “Should I” be giving advice? The old point the finger and three are coming back at you - judge not that you aren’t judged (Matthew 7:1-3 KJV)
3. Always be prepared to provide guidance and give an answer or advice if asked. But staying humble and not superior with the do it my way is the only way.
5. If someone says “I should” to me, I season it with prayer and align their words with scripture.
I’ve learned we, the Christians, are the only Bible and introduction to Christ that some will see. My goal is to work on my flesh, and I'm a continual work in progress. But I want to represent the goodness of Jesus so others will like what I present - not fake but honest. If I enjoy the pie so much, others might want to try it 😊
Thank you for shining a light and allowing us time to examine our motives as witnesses for the Lord. I appreciate and respect you. 🙏
thank you for sharing Deloris
Hi Donny! After watching today's prayer walk, the first verse I read for this morning's quiet time is 1 John 4:11 (NIV) - Dear friends, since God has loved us, we also ought to love one another." This is the verse that hit me this morning as did 1 Peter 5:5b (NIV) - "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."
I share these two verses as it does make a difference the way we phrase our words as I believe it also reflects in our actions. I too like you have used the word "should" in saying to myself, that person ought to behave in one way or another. I've also used "should" when putting myself down, like "I should not have done that." Of course, depending on that situation. I try to be a lot more conscious when I use this word. I catch myself often times afterwards. I'm human, but I do try to be more conscientious. Sometimes we can come across as being a little judgmental & maybe condemning in how we use this word when we speak to people. i do try and not do that as God is the only judge, and not me. Again, it depends on the situation and conversation. I don't do this as much now because we learn as we continue to grow in our faith until we are called to our eternal home. Humility is something I strive to do each day.
Whether someone goes to church, serves there, etc., is solely I believe between that person and God. I hope to encourage and help others by sowing seeds and not convert someone to the way I believe. That's my job. I'm only here to share the good news. If asked for my advice or opinion, that's different, but I will not force or tell someone they should do something or not. That's the free will of choice God gave us. God doesn't force Himself on anyone. He wants us to come willingly. All we are to do is share the good news and show agape love to others, even those who don't believe through random acts of kindness, etc.
Thanks again Donny!
Thank you Donny for all you do and thank for letting me get your shirt
I am sure I have been guilty of saying "you should" or "I should" over the years. However after listening to this Pray Walk I realise that if I am trying to help someone with something I need to say something like "How would it be if you tried another way" or "could there be a different way of doing that" thus letting them think for themselves of some way which may be better suited to them. Also need to ask myself that sort of questions.
I, also, have been on both sides of "should". I think conservatives(which I am) tend to be judgmental of others. But, that's all I knew. Now, that my kids are adults, they have opened my eyes to my error. In 1 Cor. 3, Paul tells us not to follow after "a man". I think, if we look to Jesus, and search the Bible for ourselves, that we would be less likely to tell others how to live. And, if we are in a position of leadership, then to be careful to quote God's Word rather than man's ideas, which are sometimes not correct.
I love this conversation Donny! I feel like “should” can be used in 2 different ways. The first as a commandment and the second as a gesture of beneficial possibilities. I have sadly used them both and with all honesty, I knew the meaning of both ways when spoken. I fall short daily and I feel that God has us all serving as disciples in our own way. As a Christian I have been both, the church goer and the one who worships from afar. In all my years at church and all my time not, I have felt moved by the holy spirt more when I was not at church. Yes I did feel the holy spirt and accept Jesus in my heart at church when I was 16, but since then I have found that He is with us and can work on us no matter where we are. That one day during the live, I was so broken and completely humbled by God’s presence and I felt the Holy Spirit in every inch of me. I was so overwhelmed by His grace that I was literally shaking. God used you and the others that day to pull me out of the valley I was in. We are none the same at all. My prayer from this prayer walk today is that each of us including you Donny, find a place where we can connect with God and allow him to show us how he wants us to prosper as disciples. Thank you all, love and appreciate you all🙏
Thank you for your prayers
Some good thoughts about how we speak to others thinking we are speaking for Jesus. I'm going to take note of how often I use "should" in conversations or how often it is said to me and consider the intent of why it is being said. Thanks for this thought provoking walk!
Let us know how that goes. 🙂
Love this. I’ve had that road where people tell me what I should or shouldn’t do. Sadly that’s the worldly nature of the church. There is a scripture where the gossiping women are told to mind their own bread. I was on the phone with someone and was lovingly sharing scripture with them. A coworker was ease dropping on my conversation. She was a new follower so o shared that scripture with her and added that in the future to listen to something else when I was on the phone. I’ve tested many churches and denominations over at least 50 years and many are the same. They only want your help if they ask for it. Then if you try they want to control you. Jealousy is a big problem in the church. I will say to someone they should forgive and follow Jesus but that’s my limit. I will encourage someone like you by trying to hear your heart and what God has spoken to you. The problem with speaking should to someone is what if I’m wrong. My daughter was told she should go on to college after high school. She wanted to wait a year. Off to college she went and she fell into the wrong crowd and became an alcoholic. I ask how I should pray for you because I know the God who has taught me teaches you. Should is often someone else’s opinion. I shouldn’t always express mine. Thanks for the discussion.
Thank you Donny for this prayer walk it was definitely God speaking to me. And thank you for taking the time. I appreciate you taking this prayer walk in the Rain. That’s Love. God, Bless Donny with a spirit of wisdom and revelation, of insight into mysteries and secrets in the deep and intimate knowledge of you by having the eyes of his heart flooded with light, so that he can know and understand the hope to which You have called him. (Ephesians 1:17-)
Thank you for your prayer Kathryn.