Complaining? - 10/11/00 12:52 AM
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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*
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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*
Can you give the quote and reference where she says that?
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In His Love, Mercy & Grace
Daryl
AH: ". . .some who profess to be Christians talk with their neighbors concerning their home difficulties. They relate their grievances in such a way as to call forth sympathy for themselves; but it is a great mistake to pour our trouble into the ear of others, especially when many of our greivances are manufactured and exist because of our irreligious life and defective character. Those who go forth to lay their private grievances before others might better remain at home to pray . . . . A lack of courtesy, a moment of petulance, a single rough, thoughtless word, will mar your reputation, and may close the door to hearts so that you can never reach them."
What are your thoughts? Have I misinterpreted this? I know that I read elsewhere that we are not to complain, but I cannot remember where or when.
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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*
[This message has been edited by Mrs. Moss (edited October 16, 2000).]
I have a couple of good friends that I can talk to about anything, and I know that they will pray about the problems in my life, and whatever I tell them will go no further. They are not the type to agree with me in condemning my husband, but will rather suggest a more tolerant point of view that I may have overlooked. This is a far cry from the type of complainting that Sister White was referring to.
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The Lord is the strength of my life and my portion forever.
[This message has been edited by Cathy Sears (edited October 16, 2000).]
I believe the best thing is to take it all to the Lord in prayer.
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In His Love, Mercy & Grace
Daryl
I also agree that trusted friends are who we should turn to when we need advice or a sounding block, but it does not seem as if this is what EGW is referring to. I don't have the whole context of where she quotes these statements from, but it does sound to me as if they are blanket statements and that we should never complain aloud about our trials.
Anyone have an opportunity yet to find out what the Bible says about this topic? I'll do some searching myself (and maybe get my Bible study group to help me out tonight, if possible!).
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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*
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The Lord is the strength of my life and my portion forever.
[This message has been edited by Cathy Sears (edited October 19, 2000).]
He talked with and to His desciples as well.
Their is nothing unscriptural about seeking out a friend to talk to.
There is a friend that is closer than a brother.... Jesus is our closest friend and brother, but there are others that are as well...
Be careful who you trust, they might bite you.
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What is popular is not always right.
What is right is not always popular.
Gerry B.
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Barb Loman
The writer of Ecclesiastes said "There is a time..." for everything.
If you read "Mind, Character and Personality" Mrs. White puts this instruction in its proper perspective. There are certain principles for healing the mind. One of them is not to impress the "negatives" into our own hearts by repeating them constantly to others.
I've seen letters written from Ellen White's own hand where she mentions "burdens" but never discusses them. Her letters contain mostly encouraging Scriptures.
Throughout the normal course of events, however, the 1st Century churchman James maps out what we should do in James 5:13-18. Verse 16 says, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed (spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially and regarding family "issues"). The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
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As the Happy Moments Roll,
Pastor Andrew
[This message has been edited by A. Marttinen (edited November 06, 2000).]
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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*
What implication does this verse have for Sarah's original question about complaining?
(Hint),
The rest of the verse (Jam.5:16), admonishes us to "pray one for another."
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"We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone!" (Eph.2:20).
Your brother in Christ
David T. Battler
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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*