Comments on: Letterman Without a Laugh http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/ with Mart De Haan and Friends Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:18:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: jeremiah http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10568 jeremiah Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:19:59 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10568 "When I fail, it is because of me and my human dna coming out." What do you mean by DNA? DNA is not a Spiritual acronym. It is a scientific expression to express something scientific. Now, if on the other hand, you are referring to SINNING, as in, the SIN in you coming out, then I completely understand. St. Paul said "But if I do the very thing I do not want to do..no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." Rom 7:17 “When I fail, it is because of me and my human dna coming out.” What do you mean by DNA? DNA is not a Spiritual acronym. It is a scientific expression to express something scientific. Now, if on the other hand, you are referring to SINNING, as in, the SIN in you coming out, then I completely understand. St. Paul said “But if I do the very thing I do not want to do..no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.” Rom 7:17

]]> By: pegramsdell http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10129 pegramsdell Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:53:44 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10129 Steve, I think that you are a stand up guy. I thank God for men like you. A good example of what it is to follow Jesus. Thanks. Steve, I think that you are a stand up guy. I thank God for men like you. A good example of what it is to follow Jesus. Thanks.

]]> By: Mart De Haan http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10122 Mart De Haan Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:29:23 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10122 A follow up article shows that even if DL tried to mix humor in his original disclosure, he, like all of us, has discovered that being unfaithful to commitments is no laughing matter http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33184320/ A follow up article shows that even if DL tried to mix humor in his original disclosure, he, like all of us, has discovered that being unfaithful to commitments is no laughing matter http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33184320/

]]> By: SFDBWV http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10100 SFDBWV Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:03:47 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10100 refump, Frank, all, I have often said that this form of comunication is difficult at best. When I set down here to share with all of you my thoughts, I am usually interupted dozens of times while trying to keep a train of thought and say exactly what it is I want to say. I ain't complaining, it is just the way it has to be. If I am to be here at all. In attempting to express exactly what I want to say and therby hopefuly not create confusion, I try very hard to pick just the right words to accomplish that goal. I haven't time to edit or spell check or make certain the text is just right before posting, as usually when I post, it is because my time here is up and my presense is needed elsewhere. This is all very difficult at best. I am after all just as human as anyother. To find myself being criticized for the use of a word here or there or my intent being misunderstood, can bring frustration, and frustration is the first step to anger. I am well aware of the warning Jesus made about being angry, even in your own home. Do I get angry sometimes? You bet I do. Does that make me less a Christian? Maybe to critics it might, who are looking for thoes little cracks and openings in my armor. When I said that "I would rather be me, living from day to day engrosed in the care of my family and love for Jesus,than to be the millionaire David Letterman." This is what that statement means, from me... Letterman has fame and fortune, I have the Christ. I would rather be me! refump, your very kind words about me are very humbling and I appreciate them very much. If I am ever able to do anything here on the blog that is encouraging or uplifting or enlightening it is not because of any special ability I possess. It is from the Christ, the Holy Spirit that speaks from or throgh me. When I fail, it is because of me and my human dna coming out. Frank, I know only too well my shortcomings. I know that I can sound very stuborn and unyielding at times. You should feel sorry for the people who have to live with me. A stuborn spirit is a rebellious spirit and rebellion is sin. Many times I feel the old me bursting to come out. The fighter...Slap me, I'll slap you back, harder. Attack me, I will come at you with all I've got. I hate that guy. The Holy Spirit contains him and holds him back. But also uses him when for the purpose of uplifting the Christ and expressing the Gospel. So I can't totaly hate him or be rid of him. God uses that boldness for His purposses. So like the wild horse, the Holy Spirit has reined me in. Thank you also Frank for your friendship and encouragement. They are appreciated. Steve refump, Frank, all, I have often said that this form of comunication is difficult at best. When I set down here to share with all of you my thoughts, I am usually interupted dozens of times while trying to keep a train of thought and say exactly what it is I want to say.

I ain’t complaining, it is just the way it has to be. If I am to be here at all.

In attempting to express exactly what I want to say and therby hopefuly not create confusion, I try very hard to pick just the right words to accomplish that goal.

I haven’t time to edit or spell check or make certain the text is just right before posting, as usually when I post, it is because my time here is up and my presense is needed elsewhere.

This is all very difficult at best. I am after all just as human as anyother. To find myself being criticized for the use of a word here or there or my intent being misunderstood, can bring frustration, and frustration is the first step to anger.

I am well aware of the warning Jesus made about being angry, even in your own home. Do I get angry sometimes? You bet I do. Does that make me less a Christian? Maybe to critics it might, who are looking for thoes little cracks and openings in my armor.

When I said that “I would rather be me, living from day to day engrosed in the care of my family and love for Jesus,than to be the millionaire David Letterman.”

This is what that statement means, from me…

Letterman has fame and fortune, I have the Christ.

I would rather be me!

refump, your very kind words about me are very humbling and I appreciate them very much. If I am ever able to do anything here on the blog that is encouraging or uplifting or enlightening it is not because of any special ability I possess. It is from the Christ, the Holy Spirit that speaks from or throgh me.

When I fail, it is because of me and my human dna coming out.

Frank, I know only too well my shortcomings. I know that I can sound very stuborn and unyielding at times. You should feel sorry for the people who have to live with me. A stuborn spirit is a rebellious spirit and rebellion is sin.

Many times I feel the old me bursting to come out. The fighter…Slap me, I’ll slap you back, harder. Attack me, I will come at you with all I’ve got. I hate that guy. The Holy Spirit contains him and holds him back. But also uses him when for the purpose of uplifting the Christ and expressing the Gospel. So I can’t totaly hate him or be rid of him. God uses that boldness for His purposses. So like the wild horse, the Holy Spirit has reined me in.

Thank you also Frank for your friendship and encouragement. They are appreciated.

Steve

]]> By: Laraba http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10099 Laraba Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:39:49 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10099 It seems to me that our attitude is the critical issue. Jesus was not hesitant to point out sin, but always with an attitude of love towards others. When we see someone else struggling with sin, I hope that we would do so with a heart of compassion. We want what is God's best for other people. If someone is caught in sexual sin, or gossiping, or lying, or self-hatred, they are hurting THEMSELVES. That is NOT God's best for them. If we point out other's sin with a self-righteous attitude, we are sinning ourselves. But if we adopt the view that "everyone has to decide what is right or wrong", we also sin. Because to say that something is OK in the name of tolerance is not doing anyone else any good. Am I glad that I am not in DL's position? Absolutely. But I also know that "there but for the grace of God, go I." I have been saved by Christ and all the good in me comes from Him. And for a person who has fallen short in the sexual arena in the past, if he has repented his sins are forgiven and blotted out by the Blood of the Lamb. I haven't personally committed adultery, but that doesn't make me better than someone who has. I have plenty of sins of my own that have been and are forgiven by Christ on a daily basis. But if I am a friend with someone who IS committing sexual sin, and had the opportunity, I hope I would be able to approach that person with love and compassion that his/her choice is incredibly damaging. We want what is best for others, and what is best is repentance and turning away from all sin, with the understanding that we'll never get there completely this side of Heaven. But of course it is worth striving for with the help of God's Spirit. It seems to me that our attitude is the critical issue. Jesus was not hesitant to point out sin, but always with an attitude of love towards others. When we see someone else struggling with sin, I hope that we would do so with a heart of compassion. We want what is God’s best for other people. If someone is caught in sexual sin, or gossiping, or lying, or self-hatred, they are hurting THEMSELVES. That is NOT God’s best for them. If we point out other’s sin with a self-righteous attitude, we are sinning ourselves. But if we adopt the view that “everyone has to decide what is right or wrong”, we also sin. Because to say that something is OK in the name of tolerance is not doing anyone else any good. Am I glad that I am not in DL’s position? Absolutely. But I also know that “there but for the grace of God, go I.” I have been saved by Christ and all the good in me comes from Him. And for a person who has fallen short in the sexual arena in the past, if he has repented his sins are forgiven and blotted out by the Blood of the Lamb. I haven’t personally committed adultery, but that doesn’t make me better than someone who has. I have plenty of sins of my own that have been and are forgiven by Christ on a daily basis. But if I am a friend with someone who IS committing sexual sin, and had the opportunity, I hope I would be able to approach that person with love and compassion that his/her choice is incredibly damaging. We want what is best for others, and what is best is repentance and turning away from all sin, with the understanding that we’ll never get there completely this side of Heaven. But of course it is worth striving for with the help of God’s Spirit.

]]> By: marma http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10098 marma Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:30:36 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10098 To your question, "(1) in his humility, incarnation, and sacrifice, or Christ (2) in his glory, power, and judgment?" the Word gives us plenty of help. 1) Should be our response to all--Paul talked about ministering in humility, and being poured out as a sacrifice for the Churches--following in Christ's steps. 2) In our boldness to preach the Gospel we have His power through the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to speak the truth in love, though, even when we are presenting the judgment to come. We are in a kingdom and we have a king, and our lives should honor our king, the Lord Jesus. I think also, with the cleansing of the temple and the way Jesus responded to the religious leaders, that we should not shrink when we are challenged for preaching the gospel and we face opposition from religious leaders. There is a time for everything, and only in the power of the Holy Spirit and by heeding God's Word will we know what to say and when. I think if anything, coming judgment on the world should remind us as believers to live Holy lives; Jesus' sacrifice should inflame our love for him, and both of those, I hope, in my life and in the family of God, will cause us to look unto Jesus, and live lives worthy of the calling we have as disciples. That's my prayer for all of us. To your question, “(1) in his humility, incarnation, and sacrifice, or Christ (2) in his glory, power, and judgment?” the Word gives us plenty of help.

1) Should be our response to all–Paul talked about ministering in humility, and being poured out as a sacrifice for the Churches–following in Christ’s steps.

2) In our boldness to preach the Gospel we have His power through the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to speak the truth in love, though, even when we are presenting the judgment to come. We are in a kingdom and we have a king, and our lives should honor our king, the Lord Jesus. I think also, with the cleansing of the temple and the way Jesus responded to the religious leaders, that we should not shrink when we are challenged for preaching the gospel and we face opposition from religious leaders.

There is a time for everything, and only in the power of the Holy Spirit and by heeding God’s Word will we know what to say and when.

I think if anything, coming judgment on the world should remind us as believers to live Holy lives; Jesus’ sacrifice should inflame our love for him, and both of those, I hope, in my life and in the family of God, will cause us to look unto Jesus, and live lives worthy of the calling we have as disciples. That’s my prayer for all of us.

]]> By: debla48 http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10097 debla48 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:04:29 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10097 I wonder what the world would be like if we loved mercy as much as we loved judgement? I wonder what the world would be like if we loved mercy as much as we loved judgement?

]]> By: poohpity http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10096 poohpity Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:20:55 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10096 My frustration with the replies to this topic has always been the same. Being the brunt of human condemnation and feeling the sorrow of those that consider themselves as holier then thou. Thinking many times if this is how a Christian acts I do not want to be one. Seeing those who need the touch of Jesus turn away from Him because those who are supposed to represent Him turn their noses up completely disgusts me. Seeing how brothers/sisters in Christ look at another and call them names or talk down to each other or behind each others backs. What is any different than the world. It seems the worst are those that were raised in so called Christian homes because they feel their sin is not as bad as someone elses. If a person really has asked the Lord into their hearts then they have to be aware that they are a sinner and it is impossible to never sin again. We are looked upon by God through the blood of Christ not our own righteousness. If we then realize how impossible it is to never sin again we will not be so quick to look at another's sin. That seems to be the point. My frustration with the replies to this topic has always been the same. Being the brunt of human condemnation and feeling the sorrow of those that consider themselves as holier then thou. Thinking many times if this is how a Christian acts I do not want to be one. Seeing those who need the touch of Jesus turn away from Him because those who are supposed to represent Him turn their noses up completely disgusts me. Seeing how brothers/sisters in Christ look at another and call them names or talk down to each other or behind each others backs. What is any different than the world.

It seems the worst are those that were raised in so called Christian homes because they feel their sin is not as bad as someone elses. If a person really has asked the Lord into their hearts then they have to be aware that they are a sinner and it is impossible to never sin again. We are looked upon by God through the blood of Christ not our own righteousness. If we then realize how impossible it is to never sin again we will not be so quick to look at another’s sin. That seems to be the point.

]]> By: wretch-like-me http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10095 wretch-like-me Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:31:08 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10095 foreverblessed: thankyou, thankyou, thankyou God Be Praised. I echo in concert with Spurgeon. Blessed is the wind that drives me into the port of my Savior's arms. Happy Wounds, that make me seek the Beloved Physician. Huggs frank foreverblessed:
thankyou, thankyou, thankyou
God Be Praised. I echo in concert with Spurgeon. Blessed is the wind that drives me into the port of my Savior’s arms. Happy Wounds, that make me seek the Beloved Physician.

Huggs
frank

]]> By: refump http://www.beenthinking.org/2009/10/02/letterman-without-a-laugh/#comment-10094 refump Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:34:25 +0000 http://www.beenthinking.org/?p=7124#comment-10094 SFDBWV, As I stated earlier, I have admired you & your blogs on various subjects. I see you as one of the leaders on this blog site. Sort of the father figure of this blog. You have excellent knowledge of God's word & express your views well. You have a passion for the lost which is evident as you have often shared a very clear plan of salvation when the occasion may have called for it. Just so you know you have not offended me by any of your comments regarding this subject so no apology needed. The intent of my comments were/are not to accuse anyone (as I have also stated earlier, I am in no position to accuse anyone except myself) of anything. My intent is a cautionary one. You have strong convictions & have been a great encourager to many if not all many times. Our strengths are also our weaknesses & in sharing your strong convictions you came across as a bit condemning to those of us that have been guilty of sexual sin by either thought or by the actual deed. I just wanted, in a cautionary way, say wait a minute lets be careful about coming on too strong. To answer Mart's latest question "What concerns or fears does the subject stir up for us?", I would answer I fear we can sometimes express our hate of the sin so strongly that it spills over into sounding like we hate the sinner as well which will only serve to drive the lost away from God. I also fear we/I will lose sight of where we came from, that is lost in sin, & become condemnation heavy & not balanced with love. SFDBWV, As I stated earlier, I have admired you & your blogs on various subjects. I see you as one of the leaders on this blog site. Sort of the father figure of this blog. You have excellent knowledge of God’s word & express your views well. You have a passion for the lost which is evident as you have often shared a very clear plan of salvation when the occasion may have called for it. Just so you know you have not offended me by any of your comments regarding this subject so no apology needed. The intent of my comments were/are not to accuse anyone (as I have also stated earlier, I am in no position to accuse anyone except myself) of anything. My intent is a cautionary one. You have strong convictions & have been a great encourager to many if not all many times. Our strengths are also our weaknesses & in sharing your strong convictions you came across as a bit condemning to those of us that have been guilty of sexual sin by either thought or by the actual deed. I just wanted, in a cautionary way, say wait a minute lets be careful about coming on too strong. To answer Mart’s latest question “What concerns or fears does the subject stir up for us?”, I would answer I fear we can sometimes express our hate of the sin so strongly that it spills over into sounding like we hate the sinner as well which will only serve to drive the lost away from God. I also fear we/I will lose sight of where we came from, that is lost in sin, & become condemnation heavy & not balanced with love.

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