WWBP - CEW Pt.2

[Diplomat]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Originally posted by babydoll:

CEW, you are amazing caw all dem question deh would drive me crazy - lol

They don't bother me at all. Its been a lot of fun [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] .

[Guest]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Mr. C, remember the young christian man that was interested in the Worship Leader in your church? He shares with you that he's constantly struggling with the lust of the flesh and he does not know how to deal with it. What would you suggest to him?

[mgfrias]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Mr. CEW,

Before this thread is locked down, I just want to thank you for answering all the questions. You're a very insightful individual and I find your answers quite helpful in some of the questions I have also. Keep up the positive contribution here on the board! It is greatly appreciated. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Diplomat]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Originally posted by Compry:

Mr. C, remember the young christian man that was interested in the Worship Leader in your church? He shares with you that he's constantly struggling with the lust of the flesh and he does not know how to deal with it. What would you suggest to him?

Excellent question. First of all, he cannot struggle with something that he is not actively thinking about. Our thoughts are like seeds and if we leave them "planted" long enough in our minds, they will bear after their own kind. We are sexual beings and the Devil is intent on taking something that God gave us to occasionally make our lives difficult. The old adage says we cannot stop the birds from flying over our heads, but we can stop them from nesting in there. Because sexual desires appeals to the essence of who we are, it can be a difficult challenge to control them. Difficult, but not impossible, and it does require some discipline.

I do think it is OK to acknowledge the desires, but a part of that acknowledgement demands that we not feed them. In other words, the lust of the flesh is real - and no one should feel guilty about experiencing same - but we do have to rely on the grace of God to enable to us effectively stop the thoughts in our minds. As I have stated on numerous occasions, we win or lose our battles in our minds. We cannot fight thoughts with thoughts but we need to use the only offensive weapon in our arsenal, and that is to declare the Word of God.

One of the fruit of the Spirit is temperance or self-control. I do not believe that God would ask us to do something that we are not capable of doing, so if we are told to control our thoughts, it means we can. Provocation of the flesh is inevitable but Paul admonishes us to be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Eph 4:23), and as challegning as this is, I do believe that as long as we are willing, the Holy Spirit is able to take us beyond our human limitations.

Practical steps to employ would include the following:

1) Immediately recognize that you can control your emotions, they do not have to control you. I mean, we do not go out and strangle someone just because they annoy us and we feel like it.

2) Guard one's thought process and by extension, the things we read, watch, and listen to. As with any warfare, our spiritual maturity determines how we effectively handle the day to day things we encounter. For example, one person may be able to listen to certain kinds of music with total control over their thought process, another person may not be able to.

3) Practice what I call mental imaging. If thoughts pop up in one's mind that one does not want to embrace, visualize "ejecting" them the way one would eject a tape or VCR. Trust me, it works [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

4) Recognize that your body can be trained. In 1 Cor 9:27, Paul states: "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection." Yes, the feelings will come from time to time but the body can be brought under subjection through recognizing that the greater one and His anointing lives in us, and through the power of the anointing we can be victorious over the flesh. There is nothing wrong in declaring: "Flesh, through the power of the Holy Spirit I bring you under subjection. You will not control me but I have the authority to control you and I declare you controlled in the name of Jesus." Trust me, it takes a bit of practice but it works as well.

5) Spend a lot a time in the Word and as much as possible, practice Phillipians 4:8, "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." It is often in the quietness of our own thoughts that we are oftentimes most provoked. If certain books, magazines, music, opens the flood gates, it may be prudent to separate oneself from them.

6) Find someone you trust who will bear you up in prayer and hold you accountable. Talking about progress made, difficulties encountered, and so on can be very beneficial. Sometimes the worst thing is to "suffer" in silence when chances are good we could be helped by someone who has "been there, done that."

7) We read that Job was just about perfect, and one of the things I found telling was his declaration: "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" (Job 31:1) Not a bad thing for us to practice either.

8) Recognize that God is on your side. He is not angry that you are challenged by thoughts and desires, but He stands ready to give you whatever it takes to be victorious if you will simply ask and allow Him.

[Guest]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Wow, thank you very much for such a thorough response. I really appreciate it.

God Bless!

[Diplomat]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Originally posted by Marilou:

Mr. CEW,

Before this thread is locked down, I just want to thank you for answering all the questions. You're a very insightful individual and I find your answers quite helpful in some of the questions I have also. Keep up the positive contribution here on the board! It is greatly appreciated. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Thank you very much. As I have said before, it has been a lot of fun and I have enjoyed it immensely. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Diplomat]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Originally posted by Compry:

Wow, thank you very much for such a thorough response. I really appreciate it.

Not a problem. Glad I could have helped.

God Bless!

Right back at ya!

[Queen]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Yoohoo, CEW, just before they close the doors on me, one more question.

1. If you fall in love in someone and you love everything about that person and feel you have peace about becoming one with this person,
would you go ahead and marry without hearing a definate "yes" from God?

also:

How would you handle a situation where you were being hit on left, right and center by a co-worker, superior or friend...providing you can't reciprocate the attraction for the lady in question, how do you tell her to "back off" without hurting her feelings / ego?

Also as a married man how you handle that same scenario. Let me go a little further, the woman knows you're married but that doesn't lessen her attraction for you, she doesn't call your house, but calls you on the cell phone or at work to chat, even suggests meeting you for lunch sometimes. The conversations are harmless, your wife knows her and thinks she has a thing for you and feels uncomfortable with the friendship. What do you do?

Arrite, mi dun now, no more questions.

[Diplomat]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Originally posted by Queen:

1. If you fall in love in someone and you love everything about that person and feel you have peace about becoming one with this person, would you go ahead and marry without hearing a definate "yes" from God?

Assuming I know the voice of God, no. I strongly believe Jeremiah 29:11 to be true, and if I am intent on having whatever God has planned for me, then I would like to think that includes my partner. In the situation you described, I would be following my own desires and I cannot ask God to simply rubber-stamp those.

What I would like to think however is that if I do feel a sense of peace about becoming one with this person, then maybe it is just a matter of time before God makes His will known. I would have no problem waiting for the fulfilment of that promise with her. Let me add however that sometimes the only "yes" we receive is the inner peace. The challenge is in knowing if it is from God or self-manufactured, but in such situations I think confirmation would come from/through other sources; i.e. a message, a song, a conversation with someone.

How would you handle a situation where you were being hit on left, right and center by a co-worker, superior or friend...providing you can't reciprocate the attraction for the lady in question, how do you tell her to "back off" without hurting her feelings / ego?

The same way I handle it now: "I am really flattered by your attention but I cannot reciprocate your feelings on that level. However, you are such a wonderful human being that I am sure it is just a matter of time before you run into that one person who is really able to love you the way you deserve to be loved, and when you do, I will be first in line to wish you all the best."

Of course, you do hope that "wonderful human being" part is true or you may have to find suitable substitutions that leaves the person with their pride intact.

Also as a married man how you handle that same scenario. Let me go a little further, the woman knows you're married but that doesn't lessen her attraction for you, she doesn't call your house, but calls you on the cell phone or at work to chat, even suggests meeting you for lunch sometimes. The conversations are harmless, your wife knows her and thinks she has a thing for you and feels uncomfortable with the friendship. What do you do?

This is not as simple as it looks as we could be looking at a controlling situation. I would hope that my wife would not be uncomfortable with every female who happens to like me as she would be in for a challenging time. In as much as I believe that even in togetherness, a couple require their separate spaces, and friends, the transparency of those friendships should be obvious. It does take a mature person to handle these dynamics without feeling threathened, and I would hope that the strength of our relationship and her knowledge of my love for her would be all the security she needs.

If after all that there is still a problem, and assuming she is not being controlling/manipulative, I would have to consider her feelings a priority, make my friend aware that wife is not comfortable with the friendship, and try to find that balance with my wife that would make her most comfortable.

Excellent questions, and ones that really provoked my thinking.

[churchgirl]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Morning CEW,

Is there anything about you that you'd change - be it characteristics or physical traits?

[Diplomat]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Originally posted by churchgirl:

Is there anything about you that you'd change - be it characteristics or physical traits?

I do think I need to be more patient with people who do not grasp things as quickly as I do. I have been told that sometimes my annoyance in these situations is obvious, and I have been working on it. I also tend to become quiet when something or someone annoys me, and though I see this as my staying in control and not wanting to say or do something I would later regret, I have come to appreciate that there are times when it is far more useful to talk about things. I am starting to do that more, though I do tend to pick my spots.

As my goal is to be the best I can be in all areas, I guess you could say that with God's help I am constantly changing the things that are obstacles to my being that. From time to time the good Lord has done a very good job of making me aware of what those things are, at which point I have no problem changing them.

[Dailybread]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Good Afternoon Cew,

I have two biblical question sfor you and I hope you don't mind sharing your thoughts on them.

Scriptural reference:

II Kings 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 19 And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria

First question: Growing up I heard of duppy stories. Some of course were for folly but then there were those that really made me wonder if some of these (duppy) stories are real. In the Church circle you will hear it said that duppies aren't real and man cannot see spirits. Now my question is this. What exactly did Elisha's servant see when his eyes were open? Were they angels, spirits or what?

Second question: The very last verse said that Elisha told them that this was not the way and led them somewhere completely different from their original destination. Can that be considered a sin in the fact that he lied to them although he was at war?

Anxiously awaiting your response and again thanks in advance.

DB

[Diplomat]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Originally posted by Dailybread:

Scriptural reference: II Kings 6:15-19

First question: Growing up I heard of duppy stories. Some of course were for folly but then there were those that really made me wonder if some of these (duppy) stories are real. In the Church circle you will hear it said that duppies aren't real and man cannot see spirits. Now my question is this. What exactly did Elisha's servant see when his eyes were open? Were they angels, spirits or what?

Good question. First and foremost, bear in mind that on previous occasions God allowed some of his servants to see hosts of angels. One such instance was when Jacob was on his journey to Canaan for his confrontation with Esau, and he was met by some angels of God, in whom he discerned an encampment of God, at a place he would later name Mahanaim, i.e., double camp or double host, for he perceived God had sent His host to join his (Genesis 32:1-2). The same Jacob had previously seen a angels ascending and descending a ladder from heaven as God assured him of protection in a foreign land. Given that the situation referenced was again one of war, it is my conviction that what the servant saw were angels, something Elisha would have known.

Second question: The very last verse said that Elisha told them that this was not the way and led them somewhere completely different from their original destination. Can that be considered a sin in the fact that he lied to them although he was at war?

In times of war, every attempt is made on both sides to deceive each other. While on the surface of it some would call it lying, in the context of war, I do think what he said has to be looked at or judged in the same manner as every other ruse by which the enemy is deceived.

Anxiously awaiting your response and again thanks in advance.

Not a problem. Hopefully this helps.

[Tropicana]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Silly me!! How could I have forgotten this question. DUH!!

Do you find ladies who wear belly dancing costumes and blonde wigs attractive? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Diplomat]

Re: WWBP - CEW Pt.2

Originally posted by Tropicana:

Do you find ladies who wear belly dancing costumes and blonde wigs attractive?

No, and I probably wouldn't call them ladies either. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]