tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post113550725931688799..comments2024-02-14T23:28:11.026-08:00Comments on FORGOTTEN PROPHETS: Love LettersJack Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136455449380540062006-01-05T02:04:00.000-08:002006-01-05T02:04:00.000-08:00Love love love. What's everyone always harping abo...Love love love. What's everyone always harping about love for?<BR/><BR/>I kid, because I love.<BR/><BR/><BR/>The reference ("without love...noise") is to ICor 13, of course. But you knew that.<BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136454708357744802006-01-05T01:51:00.000-08:002006-01-05T01:51:00.000-08:00interesting.i love this:"be careful with your word...interesting.<BR/><BR/>i love this:<BR/><BR/>"be careful with your words. You have a gift for stringing them together. Without love however, they are noise."paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02398433454024495993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136411250600151502006-01-04T13:47:00.000-08:002006-01-04T13:47:00.000-08:00What'd I do, what'd I do!?!??JWhat'd I do, what'd I do!?!??<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136365966149000492006-01-04T01:12:00.000-08:002006-01-04T01:12:00.000-08:00holy blog-o-rama batman! See there Jack... you got...holy blog-o-rama batman! <BR/><BR/>See there Jack... you got my pops all fired up. ;)<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year to you Jack. May 2006 bring nothing but goodness to you and your family.Miroslavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13681654187117784478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136327290972297242006-01-03T14:28:00.000-08:002006-01-03T14:28:00.000-08:00And peace to you my friend.It's probably child lik...And peace to you my friend.<BR/><BR/>It's probably child like but it has seemed to me that God has answered all of my prayers...<BR/><BR/>Yes<BR/>No<BR/>Not now <BR/><BR/>-victorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136245638050309632006-01-02T15:47:00.000-08:002006-01-02T15:47:00.000-08:00Greetings V--Yeah, sheep are the stupidest animal....Greetings V--<BR/><BR/>Yeah, sheep are the stupidest animal. <BR/><BR/>For me, though He slay me, yet shall I love Him.<BR/><BR/>For you, love covers a multitude of sins.<BR/><BR/>And visa versa.<BR/><BR/>As I've implied, God answers so few prayers. Perhaps he'll be impressed with a multitude of words. Or maybe these hearts are not broken enough, yet. <BR/><BR/>No need for a package. Vertical, not horizontal.<BR/><BR/>Peace<BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136104644746954642006-01-01T00:37:00.000-08:002006-01-01T00:37:00.000-08:00Truly sorry about your boys.He always has to come ...Truly sorry about your boys.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>He always has to come find us. <BR/><BR/>Everyday.<BR/><BR/>That's why His mercies are new each morning. We need them. <BR/>New. <BR/>For we are all lost as soon as we wake.<BR/><BR/>But we have to want to be found.<BR/><BR/>And when He finds us He expects us to follow Him. <BR/><BR/>I feel you Jack H.<BR/><BR/>-Victor<BR/><BR/>You got a post office box where I can send you a thing? <BR/>It's not sappy...I promise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136092878944889402005-12-31T21:21:00.000-08:002005-12-31T21:21:00.000-08:00I believe in the Jesus who is a shepherd, not a go...I believe in the Jesus who is a shepherd, not a goatherd. I can't tell the difference, but he can. I don't know how far I am from the flock, but I know which flock. I don't know if I'm so far he has to come find me, or if I'm close enough to hear his voice. Maybe that's lost, and maybe not. <BR/><BR/>My boys cannot return. <BR/><BR/>But we have a deal.<BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136091309712448582005-12-31T20:55:00.000-08:002005-12-31T20:55:00.000-08:00gHe is the way...isn't He?the Truthand the Life.Or...gHe is the way...isn't He?<BR/><BR/>the Truth<BR/><BR/>and the Life.<BR/><BR/>Or have you believed in someone else?<BR/><BR/>Or have you lost your way also?<BR/><BR/><BR/>Sorry to hear about your sons. I will pray for their return to you and to Him. I have and I will. <BR/><BR/>Do the same for my boy. Deal?<BR/><BR/>Miroslav's fatherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136087393691929372005-12-31T19:49:00.000-08:002005-12-31T19:49:00.000-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Jack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1136078599512047602005-12-31T17:23:00.000-08:002005-12-31T17:23:00.000-08:00"I've lost my faith...""Father, why have you forsa..."I've lost my faith..."<BR/><BR/>"Father, why have you forsaken me?"<BR/> Jesus<BR/><BR/>I understand why you can't have the father's love for Miroslav...you're not his father.<BR/><BR/>I am however, and I feel his wounds. He'll live again...his God is able to raise the dead.<BR/><BR/>-Victor<BR/><BR/>May 2006 be good for you...be careful with your words. You have a gift for stringing them together. Without love however, they are noise. <BR/><BR/>Get back to the body...take a chance, be obedient and stop forsaking the assembling. <BR/>You'll be surprised at how much Jesus loves His messed up bride. <BR/><BR/>You should too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135927769915018632005-12-29T23:29:00.000-08:002005-12-29T23:29:00.000-08:00Ah, Victor. You're talking about statistical aver...Ah, Victor. You're talking about statistical averages: Happy is that people. But the individual is promised, among other things, hardship and a cross. Quibbling aside, Jesus was NOT "happy" on the cross -- words do have meaning, after all. To be forsaken and to cry out in anguish is not "happy". And how can we forget that Jesus wept, for the individual and for a people -- Lazarus and Jerusalem. Am I sometimes content? Sometimes playful, sometimes happy? Surely this must be so. But my smile is not plastic. <BR/><BR/>As for what I may reflect, let each man decide what he sees in me. Jeramiah cannot have been happy, weeping prophet that he was. Did he reflect what he "claimed" to behold? Job, and Elijah, and every prophet you might care to cite ... I recall no "happy prophet." <BR/><BR/>Regarding M and his being "unsure" -- for so I take your reference -- you've changed the terms. "I've lost my faith" -- "the God I no longer believe in" ... this is not "unsure." This is sure. I have no respect for the honest adulterer. Being tempted is unavoidable. To waiver is to be human. Even to fall is to be expected. But to affirm that fall as proper, is contemptable. I would consider "backsliding" or "apostasy" or flat-out denial, to be a far graver condition than not being happy. <BR/><BR/>I'm the judge of no man's soul ("judge not, that ye..."). I am the judge, and properly, of every man's actions, insofar as I need to have an opinion (any of the Pastoral Letters). This cannot be a new teaching to you, grafted in as you are.<BR/><BR/>It is proper for you to challenge and question. But I'm pretty careful about not contradicting myself, and I've written enough about complexity, on this blog, for any careful reader to get an insight into what I'm about. <BR/><BR/>As for the specifics of "how come I ain't" -- I shall retain an enigmatic silence. Perhaps I've seen the world destroyed. "O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem." <BR/><BR/>"O my son Absolom! My son, my son Absolom! If only I had died instead of you - O Absolom, my son, my son!" <BR/><BR/>Jesus wept. So might I.<BR/><BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135915138973979922005-12-29T19:58:00.000-08:002005-12-29T19:58:00.000-08:00Happy.The Bible does:"Happy is that people whose G...Happy.<BR/><BR/>The Bible does:<BR/><BR/>"Happy is that people whose God is the Lord."<BR/><BR/>If you are, how come you aint? <BR/><BR/> -so-<BR/><BR/>Which is a more grave condition:<BR/><BR/>1) Saying you see, but being unable to reflect what you claim to behold?<BR/><BR/> -or-<BR/><BR/>2) Claiming you are unsure, and being honest in reflecting your doubts?<BR/><BR/><BR/> Grafted in,<BR/><BR/> VictorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135846921639409162005-12-29T01:02:00.000-08:002005-12-29T01:02:00.000-08:00Just for the high drama of it, I've moved M's resp...Just for the high drama of it, I've moved M's response and my further statements here, altered in no meaningful way. <BR/><BR/>______<BR/><BR/><BR/>Miroslav said...<BR/><BR/> Jack H,<BR/> I've posted your comments here for those that can't navigate easily to your blog. If you want to have a private email conversation, we can certainly do that.<BR/><BR/> Only a couple of things I'd like to respond to:<BR/><BR/> 1) I'm not 'annoyed' at your writing. I'll tell if you I am. Promise.<BR/><BR/> 2) I wasn't comparing my situation to that of Peter's denial. I was referring to his DOUBT when walking on the water. Perhaps you knew that and were calling THAT incident denial for some reason?? Either way, I am not comparing me to Peter any more than I am Israel... my point was to show you that there are clear examples in the Bible where true faith doubts in mind and even fails in deed. Neither of those things prove the faith to have never existed.<BR/><BR/> 3) You seem quite content to lay the burden of my lost faith at my shoulders. I just can't understand this coming from a Reformed Thinker (which is the tidy box I've put you in, btw). My other Reformed Thinker came with the same approach. I know that the Bible teaches of an incorruptible seed... but isn't it at least *possible* that even this period of faithlessness is of God's sovereign ordination?<BR/><BR/> Much luv to ya.<BR/><BR/>__________________________<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Jack H said...<BR/><BR/> Greetings -- no private correspondence meant.<BR/><BR/> Not annoyed? I'm losing my touch. (tee hee).<BR/><BR/> I took your Peter reference to be his famous thrice denial. Your context seemed to suit it, perfectly. (Didn't bother to look up Mt 14 ... still haven't. I don't have the thing memorized chapter and verse, ya know. Do you think less of me? Again, tee hee.)<BR/><BR/> Here's the thing. I use harsh-seeming, extreme examples, for a reason. Peter's denial was from human failing -- fear and confusion. It wasn't a considered opinion after a long journey of doubt. Your words have hardened into a flat denial -- "I've lost my faith." That's the pretty way of saying it. The ugly way is, "God is a liar, and there is no God, anyway." But you didn't have this instance of Peter's doubt in mind -- rather, walking on water.<BR/><BR/> Well. If you're comparing having some doubt about walking on water after having just walked on water, with what you're doing -- well, in logic this is called the equivocal fallacy. All the two have in common, is the word doubt, which has different meanings. And doubt is not denial. If you're using words with less rigor than I would expect, there's ample opportunity to correct such usage. Doubt is not denial, and you've been clear that the issue is denial. "I've lost my faith."<BR/><BR/> There is never going to be someone who does not doubt, and fail. To point this out is to say the sun can set. Denial, however, is to say the sun will never rise again.<BR/><BR/> What is the unforgivable sin? That's the only doubt/failure/denial we need concern ourselves with, here. Everything else is obfuscation.<BR/><BR/> I'm not a "Reformed Thinker." I haven't smelled tulips for years, but I seem to recall there's something I disagreed with. I've been clear that salvation cannot be lost -- Jesus knows his sheep. So as I see it, you're either a lost sheep that he'll come find, or else you were not his sheep -- let's say goat, rather than wolf. My opinion, based on your very clear words of denial, is "goat". But lost sheep is fine, with me. I'm not the one who’s adamant, here.<BR/><BR/> Someone calling himself Victor has commented on my blog, alluding to my "anger." Indeed. I am quite content to lay the burden of my anger on my shoulders. It's not God's problem, it's mine. You seem unwilling to take a similar responsibility. I might be very harsh with such an attitude, if I felt I had authority in your life. It's the way a father raises a child -- to be responsible, and to take responsibility. But I am nothing to you but some guy -- and communication is hard enough, without being harsh. Instead, I commend you to your conscience.<BR/><BR/> I've used the analogy of adultery. Repent of it, and it is forgiven -- everybody's favorite example: the woman taken in adultery. Forgiven, because repentant. This forgiveness does not extend to you, currently, because you are unrepentant. You might even say you're not an adulterer, because you were not the "bride" of a false Christ. If so, then I repeat, "if not, never was."<BR/><BR/> I suppose it is possible that God ordains unfaithfulness. I suppose it's possible. I suppose. Like, the way a wife might be ordained to harlotry. "Honey, go out and be a whore, for a while." But I prefer to assign responsibility for harlotry not on the righteous, patient, loving husband, but on the unfaithful wife. (No slam at women, here.) Maybe I'm wrong, and God is a pimp.<BR/><BR/> [BTW, this is another reason why I would have posted this at my site -- perhaps you don't want these rather graphic examples in your comments.]<BR/><BR/><BR/> M, I am a deeply flawed man, and I hold myself up as no sort of an example. I have been given a few gifts, and I try to use them as a blessing to others. We speak/write to each other, as if we were friends, but we're not. We're friendly. There is some number of people around you, who DO know you, and genuinely care about you, and who are doing their best a Christians to aid you through this, um, "phase." I've used images like "slobbery" and "gutless." I'm certainly wrong in this. They know how important all this is. But regardless of approach -- my thunderings or their lamentations and pleas -- to be unfaithful is a vile thing. To be unfaithful to Jesus is more vile. But to repent is beautiful, and inspires many jubilations.<BR/><BR/> But enough.<BR/><BR/> J <BR/><BR/>_________________Jack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135748767698794082005-12-27T21:46:00.000-08:002005-12-27T21:46:00.000-08:00Did I say he makes me happy?JDid I say he makes me happy?<BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135743167646782522005-12-27T20:12:00.000-08:002005-12-27T20:12:00.000-08:00Well my brother, in the words of S. Crow, (with a ...Well my brother, in the words of S. Crow, (with a slight change...)<BR/><BR/>"If He makes you happy, then why are you so damn sad?" <BR/><BR/>-VictorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135682972197129992005-12-27T03:29:00.000-08:002005-12-27T03:29:00.000-08:00Victor -- While it is true that I am self-absorbed...Victor -- <BR/><BR/>While it is true that I am self-absorbed -- as I frankly state given any opportunity -- I use such foolishness as a tool. Likewise, my anger with God and the world. Am I wrong? Of course I'm wrong. Am I Christ-like? Not in the least. Am I arrogant? I am a bloated monster of arrogance. Do I "claim" to love Christ? I'm not sure I've made that claim anywhere in this blog. What I'm sure about is who Jesus is. Jesus saves fools like me. When I'm not busy being arrogant, I remember this and I'm grateful. Should I be perfect even as my father in heaven is perfect? Yes, I should be. But I'm not. Good thing salvation doesn't depend on my perfection, eh? Should I live a sanctified life, as well as justified? Yes, I should. Do I? No. The difference between M and myself, is that I believe and he doesn't. We're both prodigal. Have I seemed to imply otherwise? That misapprehension is herewith corrected.<BR/><BR/>Friends? No. Fellowship? No. I'm certain I've created no false impresson, in this regard.<BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135669623876923142005-12-26T23:47:00.000-08:002005-12-26T23:47:00.000-08:00J...1)Do you have any friends?2)Your words speak t...J...<BR/><BR/>1)Do you have any friends?<BR/><BR/>2)Your words speak the fullness of your heart. They seem angry and self absorbed. Neither are much like the Christ you claim to love and are called to reflect. (Most of His work was quite humble considering who He is!)<BR/><BR/>3)Do you have a place of fellowship where you give to others considering them better than yourself?<BR/><BR/><BR/>PS. Your computer stuff doesn't count. I'm talking bout people in front of you that you touch with your hands. <BR/><BR/>We had a "drive-in" church here in the south area. For real. Just like a drive-in movie. Everyone stayed in their cars and "watched" the service through their windshields and heard it through the speaker placed in the window of their cars.<BR/><BR/>Rich.<BR/><BR/>And safe.<BR/><BR/>I am a rock...I am an island.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135667855086394282005-12-26T23:17:00.000-08:002005-12-26T23:17:00.000-08:00Because I didn't want to clutter up your comments ...Because I didn't want to clutter up your comments with multiple entries. No sarcasm, there. In any event, I'm not real comfortable, intruding. <BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135666208442011132005-12-26T22:50:00.000-08:002005-12-26T22:50:00.000-08:00Jack,I've posted the above comment on my blog and ...Jack,<BR/>I've posted the above comment on my blog and deleted your last entry there referring people here. Why did you do that? Confused.<BR/>Thanks for the input! Will look for more from you in the future.Miroslavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13681654187117784478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135648931103028852005-12-26T18:02:00.000-08:002005-12-26T18:02:00.000-08:00Mama -- weeping, or whining. It's a matter of pers...Mama -- weeping, or whining. It's a matter of perspective ... or rather emphasis. In my bid to seem humble, I'll pretend I don't have an opinion. [Oh, McGoo, you've done it again.] But I do have an opinion, and it's this: [there followed many words of analyses, omitted.]<BR/><BR/>Re "concolidating" -- well, pardon me all to hell.<BR/><BR/>I don't think I used "boy" ... well, "a boy who needs a smack..." If you feel patronized, I've been misread. A common phenomenon. (How would you feel about "bucko"?) I wouldn't mock a blind man.<BR/><BR/>Now that I'm done (for the moment) being defensive :-)...<BR/><BR/>Glad to hear you don't trust Jesus. There's not really much more I can say. I don't expect anyone to have *studied* my sundry postings, but I've said a fair bit about such issues, and don't wish to repeat myself.<BR/><BR/>You've "trusted in Him completely (to the best of my ability that is) and believed His claims to be the Christ. Now… I’m not so sure." No, you are sure. *Who do you trust?* "Not Jesus" -- forget all this "at the moment noise." *I'm only committing adultary at the moment.*<BR/><BR/>The paragraph "RE: Mr. Pastor’s opinion of me and ..." I think a careful reading of what I've said will resolve any apparant inconsistancy. I'm a careful guy. I sense some irritation, here. I bring a different perspective, and there will be no apology forthcoming for that. If I'm wrong, you've only been a little annoyed. If I'm right, the consequenses are more grave. So I dare be annoying. You use your past walk as evidence. That walk brought you to unfaithfulness. There's no debate in my mind, puke or not. "I know my sheep..."<BR/><BR/>Comparing your denial to that of Peter is dishonest, or at best muddy. I'm not going to explain it.<BR/><BR/>"I don’t claim it to be a “phase.” That *WOULD BE* weak." Compare with: "at the moment."<BR/><BR/>"My faith WAS real and it was MINE." But you lost it, because God cannot hold onto his own. Poor, stupid, weak, feckless god.<BR/><BR/>"love does not fail" ... what does the word "fail" mean, here? Don't make me call you "lad."<BR/><BR/>The whore/wife analogy was meant to be concidered from the man's perspective.<BR/><BR/>"Have patience … I’m doing my best." Yeah, the ego is a tough serpent.<BR/><BR/>Yeah, God can remove his blessing. For a time. Those who would not be patronized, remain faithful. Curse God and die? No. Though He slay me, yet shall I love Him.<BR/><BR/>"rambling" "disjointed" "irratic" -- a rhetorical device, meant to disarm the hostile reader. Didn't work, I guess. :-)<BR/><BR/>"never answered this question on your blog, 'What is the basis of faith?'" I didn't answer it, because, as I say, it's not about specifics. But I did answer it.<BR/><BR/>"You also stated that faith cannot be lost." This is not a new teaching. You haven't done your homework. I should quote scripture to someone who doesn't trust scripture?<BR/><BR/>Oh, I love Calvin. Funniest comic strip ever.<BR/><BR/><BR/>JJack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135623819055725442005-12-26T11:03:00.000-08:002005-12-26T11:03:00.000-08:00Jack H,My epic comment response can be found under...Jack H,<BR/>My epic comment response can be found under the topic "Comforting Words" where your thoughts were left. Just FYI, in the future if you look at the right hand column on my blog, below profile and Ten Most Recent Posts, ... you will find Ten Most Recent Comments. You can keep up to speed using that section. Shows who posted what, where, and a brief intro... Click the first hyperlink and it will take you straight to that comment.Miroslavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13681654187117784478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135618996283052282005-12-26T09:43:00.000-08:002005-12-26T09:43:00.000-08:00Jack and Miroslav,Jeremiah came to my mind -- more...Jack and Miroslav,<BR/>Jeremiah came to my mind -- more than Job's friends.Deborahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06057721213407566490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135588394958587892005-12-26T01:13:00.000-08:002005-12-26T01:13:00.000-08:00The word "immediate" is yours, not mine. However l...The word "immediate" is yours, not mine. However long it takes, is it working.<BR/><BR/>Re my little allegory -- what more can I say. Words.<BR/><BR/>Not "kind" -- "kindest." Y was raised in darkness. You, my friend, have heard the word. With him, I will give every courtesy, and I will be gentle -- he merits all compassion. I have decided to love Y. Hell might not extend its borders, by one. But you, who have tasted the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit, tasted the goodness of the word... The guts that Judas exploded? Full of the Last Supper.Jack Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04599425185005999225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19936712.post-1135586705752841402005-12-26T00:45:00.000-08:002005-12-26T00:45:00.000-08:00RE: Immediate - Well, Jesus sure did put some urge...RE: Immediate - Well, Jesus sure did put some urgency to his message so I can't knock you for doing likewise.<BR/><BR/>Gotcha on the Pharisee/thumpin' thing.<BR/><BR/>But come on now, don't leave me hangin' on A Tale. I just need a LITTLE more to go on than what was shared in the allegory. Or are you getting frustrated with a young chap like me?<BR/><BR/>and how come Youseff gets kind regards and I just get nuthin' but 'never mind'. :)Miroslavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13681654187117784478noreply@blogger.com