Critiquing the Critics

There is both a destructive and constructive criticism. The effect of the former is discouragement; the result of the latter is encouragement. The first always comes from a position of superior attitude and the second from a humble spirit. It is sad, but many times a Mr. Hyde is disguised in a Doctor Jeckel’s scrubs when feigning to help one correct something in his or her life.

But you can be certain who the imposter is. He will make you want to give up; while the other, who is interested only in your welfare will stimulate you to go on. It is always wise when offering criticism to offer it as though we were on the receiving end (Gal.6:1). You know, like our Lord said, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

Let us remind ourselves when sitting in the critic’s seat that what goes around comes around.

(Borrowed from a friend - Richard Sandlin)

CONVERSATION WITH A MULE

Old Mule, you're the son of a donkey, and I'm in the image of God,Yet here we work, hitched together, a-toilin' and tillin' sod.I wonder if you work for me, or I work for you, old Mule--At times I think it's a partnership between a mule and a doggone fool. When plowing, we go the same distance, but I work harder than you.You skim the ground on four good legs, while I hobble along on two.So, Mule, mathematic'ly speaking, your four legs 'gainst my two,I do just twice the work per leg; I do twice as much as you. Soon we'll be making the corn crop, and that crop will be split three ways:A third for you, a third for me, and a third for the landlord's pay.You take your third and eat it. You're getting the best, and how;I split my third between a wife and eight kids, a banker, six hens, and a cow! And right here, Mule, I might mention, that you only plow the ground.I shuck the corn and husk it, while you're hee-hawin' around.All fall and part of the winter, old Mule, you know it's true,I break my back with a cotton-sack, tryin' to pay off the mortgage on you. Now, the only time I'm your better is when elections come.A man can vote, and a mule can not, but that don't worry you none.Because you're a wise old donkey; you know what to worry about.You knew politics wouldn't help you none, and I'm just findin' it out. So, Mule, confidentially speaking, would you change places with me?Would you take up all my worries, and still contented be?Would you change places, I'm asking; of course you know we couldn't,But would you if you could--now tell the truth--you're doggone right you wouldn't!

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. "
~ Flavia Weedn

HOW TO PRAY

'The Disciple's Prayer'
Luke 11:1 "And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."
Matthew 6:8-13 "Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
How then are we, as His disciples, to pray?
1. WITH AN EXPECTANT ATTITUDE - Vs.8
2. WITH A HEART FULL OF WORSHIP - Vs.9
3. IN AGREEMENT WITH GOD - Vs.10
4. BY PETITIONING GOD FOR OUR NEEDS - Vs.11

YOU GET WHAT YOU PREACH

With such a variety of blogs and websites to view, I have noticed there's one thing they all have in common....What's on their heart is what's on the screen.A simple thought to remember is "You get what you preach".We see in so many churches today, there is a certain element that, in most cases, is very overbearing. Negativity!You get what you preach.... If your life preaches negativity, hatred, malice, and judgement upon others, you can count on the fact that others around you will see your true inner being.In Christ there is life more abundant! This life is a life of joy and blessing.Why do so many "Christians" seem to enjoy hurting others all for the sake of their own agenda?The golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you....God's rule: Let God be the judge.....