Christianity Oasis Forum

[xxJILLxx]

Hello everyone,

Ok, I knew this was going to be a touchy subject, but it is one that we should not neglect.

Let me say first, I am in no way bickering with anyone or "judging" anyone, Period.

I am in total agreement with my sister Mackenaw. Nor am i contradicting with what I am trying to get across here either.

When it comes down to "where is the love?" I have to say this, Our God is a God of comapssion and of tough love, all wrapped up into one. He cannot be one without the other, He is complete in His love.

"Spare the rod, hate the child." Is just one of the many examples of His tough love.

This post is a result upon my awakening to this topic and so i can learn and inviting others to learn with and correct me to go beyond this vicitm mentality. An He told me to share with what I am learning. Lord speaks, I listen.

God bless
♥Jill

[mlg]

wow

[Mackenaw]

Hello mack,

Thank you for honesty sister. For without Truth how do we learn what is false, right?

Tonite i was preparing dinner. I was preparing one of those complete meals in a box. I read the directions and prepared the food as directed. Now my oldest may say "Mom what are you making? That?"

Why is it that when you make a meal out of a "Box" and you make it from scratch, to some persons the meal would not be good enough to eat, to others any nuritionment, im just hungry!

And as you have stated the articles are lacking in some respect. They lack a bit of salt and pepper. Without God the article in itself is not going to help anyone, so yes i agree mackles. And to those who are more seasoned they take and let Holy Spirit add to the ingredients. But to those who are babes in Christ they may not get that and we need to make sure we add that in there for them.

As i read the articles Holy Spirit is working in me, showing me things through their words. As i interpret the sentences i now understand that some may not make the same interpretation of these words.

For example lets look at this list and how Holy Spirit interprets it for me will be in parenthesis,

Winner:
1. What have I got; (Gratitude for the things He gives us)
2. Makes thing happen; (Through my faith in God ALL things are possible)
3. How can I become; (more of what He made me to be)
4. Looks at the positive;(God being the positive factor here, turn towards Him)
5. Finds ways; (seeks HIs ways)
6. Acknowledges responsibility;(looks within, with guidance of Holy Spirit)
7. Takes guidance; (takes the road of Truth that He guides me down)
8. Sees always wins ahead; ( If i have God on my side, no way i can lose)
9. Listens more; (Stops and confers with God and what He is saying)
10. Creates goals for him/herself; (To become a better Christ follower)
11. Learns from mistakes; (Dont look back, keep looking toward the win... HIM)
12. Forgives; (practicing forgiveness )
13. Long distance runner, patient; ( Relying on Him for our drink, food and our energy)
14. Favors. (looks for Him in all situations)

Now, the boxed meal is complete... the smell through my home is good, yes i taste, it is good for nourishment ( gots lots of vitamins) BUT we cannot forget to add the "salt" . Some do it without thinking twice, while others need that guidance on what ingredients to add to where. .

By the way... the boxed meal? It was pretty good and the kids devoured it!

God bless
♥Jill

Hello Jill and Everyone

God bless you this day.

I like your analogy of the "Boxed Meal" as compared to "Scratch". And, yes I agree -- we can apply The Word, by the guidance of The Holy Spirit, to what comes our way. Hallelujah!!!

It's also wise to choose what things we allow to come into our path/walk, as well. Again, The Holy Spirit will remind us of The Word, which is Jesus, to help us choose wisely and stay on the path The Lord has chosen for us.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (principles) of the world, and not after Christ.

Philosophy is described in Strong's Bible Concordance this way...
Strong's #5385 philosophia (noun) philosophy, human wisdom: -- philosophy.

The word "spoil" as used in this same scripture -- Strong's says this...
Strong's #4812 sylagogeo (verb) to take captive: -- spoil.

I John 2:20 But ye have an unction (annointing) from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

I John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.

Wow!!! Awesome Word, huh?!!! Praise God!!!
Isn't it amazing when another Christian is sharing with us, and we get that Ding, Ding, Ding, in our spirit because it/we received Holy Spirit confirmation?!!! Yeah!!! I love that. Rarely will we receive Holy Spirit confirmation through non-Christians. Notice, I said "Rarely" -- because on occasion He will use a non-Christian or non-Christian source. But, I'm all about improving my odds, and not risking being "spoiled."

So, I'm thinking, if we seek to find answers to our problems, tendencies, etc., we should seek it through God -- on His path. The Holy Spirit will lead us to other Christians or Christians writing or Christian sources that can assist us in our quest to find the answers, if we need assistance. He is less likely to lead us to those that don't acknowledge Him.

Now, don't get me wrong, The Lord can use anyone and anything to get His messages to us, but, I think it wise to seek godly wisdom from godly sources.

I Corinthians 2: 4-16
4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

now, let's go over to Chapter 3...

I Corinthians 3:16-23

16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

18Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

21Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;

22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;

23And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Jilly, the fact that you re-visited those articles, written by another, and changed-up and added to the articles to make them more godly, says to me that you are hearing from The Holy Spirit. So, why spend your time editing other non-Christian author's writings? Why not share what The Lord gives you? Steer away from "seeking" non-Christian writings.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (principles) of the world, and not after Christ.

Oh, and by the way, I did a search on Google and within 2 minutes I found 3 Christian sources of teachings on Victim Mentality:
Beth Moore "So Long Insecurities"; Alice Smith "Breaking the Victim Mentality"; June Hunt "Victimization: Victory Over The Victim Mentality"
I happen to be a fan of Beth Moore, even though I have not read the book or listened to that teaching. I listened to a little of June Hunt's teaching on-line -- it referenced scripture quite often. I have not read or listened to Alice Smith's teaching.

Remember, let The Holy Spirit guide you.

God bless and keep you, Jilly.
Love,
Mack

[realtmg]

By Faith, we overcome all. TRUE trust in our maker.
Nice thread..
Luv ya

Real

[xxJILLxx]

Hello mackenaw and everyone,

It seems to me that we are discussing more of the secular article than we are victim mentality. Which is not my intentions of this post.

Let me start with why i started this post, if i may. It is no secret that i myself have low self esteem, i have told that to many of my family here before. So in researching i find this article than bam this lightbulb moment, right? Then i see this subtitle of victim mentality.

Here we go, victim mentality... whats that i ask? I research some more and wow alot of these things hitting home with me. Also, i feel the need to share with my family here at the Oasis, maybe it can help someone as it was helping me. We can grow together type thing. If you go back and look at all my posts i think in every one i mention.. Let us learn together or something to that effect. Not pointing fingers at anyone period.

Now as far as seeking Christian sources i feel i have done that, i posted within a Christian source... Christianity Oasis. Now here we can grow and learn to gether if they so wish to, whomever feels the need within themselves.

I brought the food to the table, at a family function. One may say, " Oh my look what she brought to the table, she didnt even bake that cake it is store bought." Although my intentions where for us to get the nurishment from the food. It is not my responsibility if one does not care for the type of cake i brought that i bought with good intentions for all to enjoy. To enjoy the fellowship and vitamins and nutrients that we can get from it.

Now when our body digests food, our body naturaly gets rid of the things we dont need, and some things we have to get rid of on our own.

Also,didnt our Lord use wordly methods of teaching to drive the point home spiritualy? Isnt that a parable? Even then the disciples didnt understand. So Our Lord says "To him who has ears let him hear". The message was for the one who could hear spiritualy as i was.



God bless
♥Jill[/quote]

[Dora]

Jill

I don't understand the self esteem. So I am glad you are seeking and sharing.

I know God doesn't want us going around feeling lower than a worm. But yet we are to find our esteem through Him, not of our own. Some where in the middle is who we are I suppose. And who we are in Him is even greater. Much greater.

Love ya sis.

Love ya all.

[Mackenaw]

Hello Jill, Pine and Everyone,

God bless you this day.

Have you ever considered that those that have self-esteem and self-confidence and no victim mentality, must be stripped down by God, before He can begin to build their confidence in Him? We cannot fully esteem Him when we are full of ourselves and self-confident.

This walk requires that we be totally dependent in Him, confident in Him -- in His abilities -- and that we esteem Lord God Almighty, only!

Worldly teachings, tell us to build ourselves up and to believe in ourselves, alone -- in our abilities. Having us recite mantras about self: You can do this, You will do that, You are capable, You are good, etc.

The Word teaches that God loves us because He created us, and we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us. We are not alone -- it is through Him that we are able to do.

Man does not define you, us, me. We like to recite that line when it comes to people saying bad things about us, but we have to apply it to all the lofty and complimentary things that people may say about us too. Because man does not define us. Only God defines us.

I don't know about you, but having God, The Creator, tell me He loves me and that He will never leave me nor forsake me, makes me feel AWESOME. He even says He will give me the words to speak.

So, why would I encourage a fellow brother or sister in Christ to digest "worldly" teachings and principles that encourage building self-esteem and self-confidence, when The Word tells us not to? What, so you can be built up by worldly teachings, only to be stripped down again by the blessed, humbling work of God?

Hebrews 12:12-13
(12) Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
(13) And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

The Lord God Almighty loves you.

God bless and keep you.
Love,
Mack

[vahn]

I don't know when it was , probably some 100 years ago or something , at one of my 1000th attempts of sobering up , I think it was either at "camp rehab" or an AA meeting , I heard this guy say " I thank God for the way I drank , and the amount I drank , ant for as long as I drank " , I almost fell off my chair !!

FFWD , 80 some years later , I was pushed to a podium with a penguin outfit , the words out of my mouth were , " I thank God for the way I drank , and the amount I drank , ant for as long as I drank , for without which I would not have the joy of being in the company of my Lord Jesus , The Christ " as I watched a couple of fellows that DID fall off their chairs .

If it weren't for the beatings I took from my very own hands as a result of the actions I had taken outside of my control , that I had come to realize my powerlessness and hence the need of a Power Outside of myself , Greater than myself . It was out of that humility that I looked up .

Mistake #1 : What is alcoholism ? , Why am I one ? where does it come from ? how long am I gonna be one ? Where , when , what , why ?
So long as I continued to ask myself those questions , I STAYED in the problem .

Talking about the problem , DOES NOT solve the problem . I needed something that would take me beyond and away from it in order for me to start the healing process . First it was the Big Book , that re-introduced me to having a personal relationship with God , then it was the 12 steps that showed me how to accomplish that task , then a sponsor who showed me the action of so doing , the first thing of which , he says "If you want to get out of your head , you need to get into another's" (Love Another as you would yourself)

The 11th step reads "SOUGHT , through prayer and meditation , to IMPROVE our conscious CONTACT with GOD , praying ONLY for the KNOWLEDGE of HIS WILL for us , and the POWER (His) to carry it OUT "

It matters NOT how or why we have or got to be what WE think of ourselves , it more of , "Where do we go from here !"

The best I could do FOR myself was beat myself to the ground , The best decision I made was "I AIN"T STAYIN HERE"

God was the last thing I tried ... The First thing that worked !


In Christ , our Lord

[realtmg]

Vahn,
Real life experiences are our best teachers eh?

Mathew 6:33 comes too mind..........." But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

As a slogan of A.A. states, "Easy Does It"; it reminds me of a time in my life when I tried too hard and missed alot.

In conclusion,

Philippians: 4: 4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Luv ya

Real