Let's see what 'Spiritual Wisdom' we really have Available...

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by Malvaro

ummmmm.... in case you didn't catch it.... i was FOR giving this sister the option based on her unique situation.... i didn't proclaim to understand her feelings but i was suggesting that we are *nit-picking* if we are not willing to give her this choice.... it would be tramatic enough for her to even to have to consider this decision, much less the weight of figuring out whether it might be right or wrong.... she needs to know that her church is 100% behind her with whatever decision she makes....

i'm not sure how my post was misunderstood....

My dear Bro. Malvaro,

For whatever reason or however it happened, evidently I DID

misunderstand your post!! And for that I am VERY SORRY! Please

accept my sincere apologies.

That is why it is so good to communicate whether it be

understanding each other better or even misunderstanding. If

we misunderstand we need to acknowledge this. Keep the doors

of communication wide open!!!! I LOVE DIALOGUING!!!

Blessings dear Brother,

Falla39

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Steadfast

However, this morning I was teaching a lesson in a series I put together called "Protecting Our Relationships". Basically, after an extended fast I began to studying some prophecy thinking that I may teach on the end times. When I listed all the scriptures that I retrieved the Lord pointed out a fact that amazed me: over 75% of everything spoken dealing with the end time had to do with relationships.

I taught several weeks on 'Protecting your Relationship with God' and for the last three weeks have taught on 'Protecting your Relationship with the Church'. I dealt with everything from critical Saints to racism and was ready to close... when suddenly the Spirit of the Lord rushed in with yet another wave of anointing. My heart began to pour out the need for us to be 'flexible' in our experience and that - even with our firm, fixed message - we need to be flexible enough to deal righteously with those things for which there is no 'easy' biblical answer.

God smote my heart and I immediately called this precious Sister up and explained her dilemma which had gone on for over 4 months. I spoke of how the same God that proclaimed the Sabbath should be 'kept holy' told them to 'remove the ox from the ditch - even on the Sabbath! Though not according to custom it WAS in line with 'keeping it holy'. What, under normal circumstances, would be forbidden became in that unique situation an act of holiness itself. Do we slam our fist down and scream, "Condemn them!" Absolutely not because the spirit of the law exceeded the law itself.

Before it was over this precious Sister was lost in the Spirit and the entire Church was on their feet weeping, talking in tongues and sincerely hugging each others' necks. God, in that one moment, built a fence around this precious Saint that salvaged her mind from condemnation and God gave us a first hand lesson on 'Protecting your Relationship with the Church' that most will never forget. It was simply overwhelming.

Steadfast- Relationships within the church are bonded by shared values/standards. No wonder God impressed you with this sermon as you spoke of "protecting your relationship to the Church."

Without speaking to the whole church; the sister's relationship to the church as a whole would have been hurt by her actions and what it symbolized to them. The sermon to all for her benefit was EXACTLY what she needed. How gracious for God to meet her need in such a public way. jmo

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by Newman

Steadfast- Relationships within the church are bonded by shared values/standards. No wonder God impressed you with this sermon as you spoke of "protecting your relationship to the Church."

Without speaking to the whole church; the sister's relationship to the church as a whole would have been hurt by her actions and what it symbolized to them. The sermon to all for her benefit was EXACTLY what she needed. How gracious for God to meet her need in such a public way. jmo

This is not original with me but I have always loved it!!

"God Always Gives His Best To Those Who Leave The Choice

with HIM". I believe when we desire to please Him, there is no

way He is not going to make a way out for us!!!

Blessings,

Falla39

[OneAccord]

Wow. Thats the only word I can think of. I am awed by the fact that this sister was so concerned about her Christian walk that she absolutely, positively refused to budge on her values until she heard from heaven. The Bible says "Without faith it is impossible to please God..." This is the kind of faith Hebrews was talking about. Doing nothing... making no decisions until God sent an answer. THAT is committing your ways unto the Lord.

Now, I was thinking of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees had every right, and were actually commanded to stone this woman. She had violated God's law and was under the penalty of death. Jesus never countered the fact that she was under the penalty of death. BUt what he did do is show that there is a better way... there is hope for redemption. There is "flexibility" in a fixed and firm message. I may not see I to eye with you on the subject of hair, but I do appreciate your convictions and for listening to, not me, or someone else... but to your Boss.

Follow His lead...you'll never go wrong.

Originally Posted by Steadfast

Bro. Christenson,

Rather than go into a lengthy dialogue leading into another 'famous' hair standards thread let me 'cut' (pardon the pun) to the chase by telling you that I am, indeed, one of those who preach uncut hair is important. It is my conviction and one that I have maintained throughout my ministry for the Church I Pastor.

Should someone else cut their hair then I'll leave that to their Pastor but I find that cutting your hair as rebellion to the teachings of your spiritual Shepherd sinful. Yes. Obviously some will launch upon that like rabid wolves on fresh Pastor but my conviction remains the same. The beautiful part is that it's not 'her Pastor's conviction' at this point... but her own valuable heartfelt conviction. The same kind of conviction that so many of us should have about so many things.

However, I'm not 'trapped' as you seem to imply because I understand the spirit of the law was greater than the law itself. I have found unique and valuable guidance in my perusal of this matter and am VERY comfortable that she had every right to salvage what 'glory' she had left.

For the record, the issue (as stated before) was taken care of today. It was breathtaking how God facilitated the solution in her life. I'm a very passionate preacher and very direct in my approach to teaching God's Word. I'm not, however, the kind to humiliate people nor do I take pleasure in embarrassing anybody.

However, this morning I was teaching a lesson in a series I put together called "Protecting Our Relationships". Basically, after an extended fast I began to studying some prophecy thinking that I may teach on the end times. When I listed all the scriptures that I retrieved the Lord pointed out a fact that amazed me: over 75% of everything spoken dealing with the end time had to do with relationships.

I taught several weeks on 'Protecting your Relationship with God' and for the last three weeks have taught on 'Protecting your Relationship with the Church'. I dealt with everything from critical Saints to racism and was ready to close... when suddenly the Spirit of the Lord rushed in with yet another wave of anointing. My heart began to pour out the need for us to be 'flexible' in our experience and that - even with our firm, fixed message - we need to be flexible enough to deal righteously with those things for which there is no 'easy' biblical answer.

God smote my heart and I immediately called this precious Sister up and explained her dilemma which had gone on for over 4 months. I spoke of how the same God that proclaimed the Sabbath should be 'kept holy' told them to 'remove the ox from the ditch - even on the Sabbath! Though not according to custom it WAS in line with 'keeping it holy'. What, under normal circumstances, would be forbidden became in that unique situation an act of holiness itself. Do we slam our fist down and scream, "Condemn them!" Absolutely not because the spirit of the law exceeded the law itself.

Before it was over this precious Sister was lost in the Spirit and the entire Church was on their feet weeping, talking in tongues and sincerely hugging each others' necks. God, in that one moment, built a fence around this precious Saint that salvaged her mind from condemnation and God gave us a first hand lesson on 'Protecting your Relationship with the Church' that most will never forget. It was simply overwhelming.

Ironically, there were many women that joined her this afternoon when she did cut the knot out. They delicately moved little by little retrieving as much of the hair as they could and there wasn't a dry eye in the room as this sister sat there speaking in tongues on and off for over 3 hours. What was thought would end up being practically 'shaved' ended up leaving about 8 inches... enough that she (of her own desire) found a perfect 'clip on' type hair piece and could fix it up.

When I left the Church tonight she was still dancing around the altar.

Enough said.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by The Dean

I agree. No need to.

Yeah...and I meant Carpenter
Oh well

[COOPER]

Sounds like you have done everything to avoid cutting the hair; even hoped for Gods help.
I believe God understands cutting some to save the rest.

[rgcraig]

Steadfast that is just beautiful!

I believe God quicken in your heart the words that were spoken here and spoke directly to this sweet lady!

So thrilled with this.

[COOPER]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Steadfast that is just beautiful!

I believe God quicken in your heart the words that were spoken here and spoke directly to this sweet lady!

So thrilled with this.

Ain't that cool?

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Yeah...and I meant Carpenter
Oh well

I don't got no gotee.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Carpenter

I don't got no gotee.

how about a sheepee?