Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted February 11, 2014 Members Posted February 11, 2014 "thank God"..... Here's why: the ice and snow are beginning to melt. There were some extremely bad accidents out there, including fatalities - from traffic accidents, as well as hypothermia deaths due to power outages (no heat in the home) and due to getting lost in the snowstorms, and falling on the ice. So I'm reading now on Facebook from folks who didn't have any power outages, no accidents, have power equipment to clear off the snow -- writing, "Thank God for blessing me!" Say what? What about those folks who weren't so lucky? Did God just decide to "bless" certain people? I've always felt that corporate praise of God for His blessings was appropriate, and I never had an issue with that. I don't even have a problem with folks praising God publicly for seeing them through personal issues. But when the situation is widespread and affects many people, why in the world rub someone's nose in the fact that *you* made it through just fine **with God's help**, but others, presumably because they must not have been "worthy," or did not believe in God, or whatever strikes one's fancy about the reason, did not? okay... I'm ready. Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
thx4mercy Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 I've had the exact same issue with "God is good." Of course He is, am not denying that. But when somebody tells their story about surviving the twin towers fall of 9-11 and they say "God is good," what are the families of the ones killed thinking? Quote
fccool Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 So, unless it's good for everyone... it's not good worthy to be thankful for? Just asking. Quote
Moderators Kevin H Posted February 11, 2014 Moderators Posted February 11, 2014 God is the God of Milk and Honey... Author of weal and woe... Brother Andrew once visited Corrie TenBoom at the home that she lived in as she had gotten older and it was a nice home, and he commented on it "God really must love you" She replied sharply "He loved me just as much on the day that Betsie died." Quote
CoAspen Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 ...not speaking for rudywoofs, but...for me, it seems people often want to site God for everything in life rather than natural circumstances..... Quote
thx4mercy Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 So, unless it's good for everyone... it's not good worthy to be thankful for? Just asking. I know! I understand your question. Quote
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted February 11, 2014 Author Members Posted February 11, 2014 I'm just saying that it seems rather unfeeling to be publicly "praising God" for one's great circumstances during/after a widespread catastrophe when there are others who weren't so fortunate. It reminds me of those stories where, after a hurricane or other natural disaster, one of the buildings (but not the only one) which still stood was an Adventist school or church. People start acting like it was some sort of "sign" that SDA's are more highly favored than other people. And it starts giving some people the "thumbs in the suspenders" rather smug attitude... Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Members phkrause Posted February 11, 2014 Members Posted February 11, 2014 I have that same thought when I hear that. I say that myself when something like that happens to me or someone in my family, or even when I hear that from others. Than I think of all those that are on the opposite side of that coin and think about that verse or passage in the Bible that says, that God will not allow something to happen to us that is beyond what we can handle! Something to that effect. Either way I think its a hard concept for us to get our minds around. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
LifeHiscost Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 I've had the exact same issue with "God is good." Of course He is, am not denying that. But when somebody tells their story about surviving the twin towers fall of 9-11 and they say "God is good," what are the families of the ones killed thinking? I'm sure that will be the one of same questions asked when the final day of judgment ends the lives of those who chose not to place their lives in the hands of the Redeemer. Another question referred to by inspiration, that will be asked when those outside the gates of the holy city realize their loss, is "Why didn't you tell me so I could have made plans to prepare?". Is it best not to praise God lest someone be offended, and not let the world know they have promises they can claim when disaster comes and doesn't seem to have any logical explanation? "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."Romans 8:28 NKJV God cares! Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
CoAspen Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 Quote: Is it best not to praise God lest someone be offended, and not let the world know they have promises they can claim when disaster comes and doesn't seem to have any logical explanation? Not the topic! It was a question about how we see God and do we think that we are 'special'. Quote
LifeHiscost Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 God is the God of Milk and Honey... Author of weal and woe... Brother Andrew once visited Corrie TenBoom at the home that she lived in as she had gotten older and it was a nice home, and he commented on it "God really must love you" She replied sharply "He loved me just as much on the day that Betsie died." Although the "weal and woe" has a caveat for those so inclined. "And still you are not willing [but refuse] to come to Me, so that you might have life."John 5:40 AMP "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." John 10:10 AMP breckets parenthesis theirs' LHC God/Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
LifeHiscost Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 Your objection to the Word not having any relevance to the topic is duly noted. God/Jesus cares! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
LifeHiscost Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 Quote: Not the topic! It was a question about how we see God and do we think that we are 'special'. And if you don't feel your special, maybe that would be a good subject to bring up with Jesus Who gave His life that you might live. Jesus/God saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted February 11, 2014 Author Members Posted February 11, 2014 Your objection to the Word not having any relevance to the topic is duly noted. that was a disrespectful retort, with no basis in fact. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted February 11, 2014 Author Members Posted February 11, 2014 And if you don't feel your special, maybe that would be a good subject to bring up with Jesus Who gave His life that you might live. this is *also* disrespectful and a veiled snide remark... I think you owe CoAspen an apology Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
LifeHiscost Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 Originally Posted By: LifeHiscost Your objection to the Word not having any relevance to the topic is duly noted. that was a disrespectful retort, with no basis in fact. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." I gave him all the respect I could muster and probably more than he might have expected. And I don't understand how the reference to being a false witness applies. It was a fact that his objection was duly noted. Besides, how would you know, unless you're able to read my mind? You know of course, even the devil can't do that except by how he observes our behavior. And of course, if God gives us the gift of discernment. If you've been given that gift, I apologize, for I would never question His effort on your behalf. God/Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Administrators Gail Posted February 11, 2014 Administrators Posted February 11, 2014 Good topic! Is it fitting to thank God for deliverance if one or more people didn't make it? Is it the same as enjoying one's liberty even though it took WW2 to retain it? Can we thank God for the Bible even though it came to us through shed blood through the ages? Or for salvation even though it cost the life of the Son of God? The issue might be more even-handed if a supernatural being was also blamed for the evil, wouldn't it? I also wonder if a bereaved family wouldn't also thank God for the ones that survived. I can't say, not being in those shoes. The closest event I can relate to is the cancer death of my mother. But that is not something to make me feel badly that she didn't survive, say, compared to others that did. But I think of God of mourning with those who mourn. Jesus said that those who mourn would be comforted (whatever sense that is to you). Apparently the bereaved are considered in a special sense by Him for Him to include them in his most famous sermon. Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted February 11, 2014 Author Members Posted February 11, 2014 the issue is the *public* declaration of thanks for not having had something bad happen when those around you *have* been affected by a widespread disaster/incident. as I mentioned, the private thanking of God for seeing one through such incidents is not at issue... I don't think anyone would have a problem with that. But public declarations, in the face of those who weren't so favored, seems rather...mean. Not only is it not Christian, it's just plain not a considerate thing to do. When one is in a group of like-minded people, sure, folks can speak up and praise God for whatever suits their fancy. But when it's done in public, in the face of not-so-fortunate friends, family, and neighbors, I don't think a "Praise the Lord!" is necessary. It's always made me want to stick a carrot in their mouths. Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
LifeHiscost Posted February 11, 2014 Posted February 11, 2014 Quote: But I think of God of mourning with those who mourn. #689395 And I and my wife received a great deal of comfort as we read the experience of Jesus when Mary and Martha both misread His intentions when tarrying, before returning to the home of Lazaruth who had died during the interim. "Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled....Jesus wept"John 11:33,35 NASB God/Jesus cares! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
CoAspen Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Yes, and Christ was always mindful of whom He was speaking with or the group He was in. He could read the minds of others, which we can not do, and was still respectful. The name of God is bandied about by some with in the Christian community that leaves no doubt to others or an unbeliever what that person is really saying. For the most part it is an exclamation of relief and that is okay, but quite often I see the use of Gods name on the forum as if it gives 'elevation' to that persons status, not sounding humble at all. If we do that among ourselves, then how would that sound to others? It might show more love and caring for others by saying 'what can I do to alleviate their suffering'. Doesn't mean we can't be thankful to God, but then maybe God had nothing to do with our not being affected. What happens in this world, natural or otherwise, happens to everyone and I do not believe God stands in the way of those natural circumstances. Christ life and how He treated others was more often than not was 'The Sermon'! Quote
LifeHiscost Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Quote: Gods name on the forum as if it gives 'elevation' to that persons status It identifies his/her status as a prince/princess, son/daughter of the King, something that would be obvious to anyone other than the one who thinks sowing the seed wasn't really what their Father in heaven had in mind when He asked His Son to give the parable. "Anyone who rejects Me and persistently sets Me at naught, refusing to accept My teachings, has his judge [however]; for the [very] message that I have spoken will itself judge and convict him at the last day. This is because I have never spoken on My own authority or of My own accord or as self-appointed, but the Father Who sent Me has Himself given Me orders [concerning] what to say and what to tell. And I know that His commandment is (means) eternal life. So whatever I speak, I am saying [exactly] what My Father has told Me to say and in accordance with His instructions."John 12:48-50 AMP brackets parenthesis theirs LHC God cares! Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Members phkrause Posted February 12, 2014 Members Posted February 12, 2014 Quote: But I think of God of mourning with those who mourn. #689395 And I and my wife received a great deal of comfort as we read the experience of Jesus when Mary and Martha both misread His intentions when tarrying, before returning to the home of Lazaruth who had died during the interim. "Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled....Jesus wept"John 11:33,35 NASB God/Jesus cares! I'm in agreement with your statement Gail, Jesus definitely mourns for each one that dies. And LHC, that story in the Bible about the death of Lazarus, its very real to me, it lets us know that eventually we will be raised to life when he comes to get us. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
LifeHiscost Posted February 12, 2014 Posted February 12, 2014 Quote: What happens in this world, natural or otherwise, happens to everyone and I do not believe God stands in the way of those natural circumstances "That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked."Psalm 94:13 AMP brackets theirs' LHC "So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment."2 Peter 2:9 NLT God cares! Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted February 12, 2014 Author Members Posted February 12, 2014 "So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment."2 Peter 2:9 NLT oh. I see. Folks who have bad things happen to them are "ungodly" and "wicked," and *that's* why it's okay for the favored to rub it in their faces... thanks for clearing that up. NOT. Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.