This post was sent by an owner of a Bible discussion list. Keep in mind Jesus walked the dusty roads without air-conditioning and I can find nowhere He ever asked the Father to make Him cooler. The Lord sure gets blamed for a lot of stuff. Also keep in mind that people died here in Houston and in Dallas from the heat this summer.

One of the most haughty remarks I have ever heard is when one looks upon the problems of another and thinks to himself, "But for the grace of God.... go I."

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Dear Beloved Family of God:

We had an excellent worship service this morning with one new family visiting us here in______________ Texas. By the grace of Almighty God the air-conditioning compressor unit was replaced, and I am no longer suffering from the heat. (Bless the heart of this blessed one. nib) One of our visitors works for a refrigeration company, and the Lord helped me find the least expensive way to replace this expensive unit. Initially the cost was estimated to be as high as $1995.00. After three days and nights of 100+ degree temperatures in side my home (Preacher's Residence) and much prayer, the Lord Jesus touched the hearts of several Christians to help me with the costs. A few Christians from Alabama, Texas, and Russia came to my aid. The total replacement cost was $1,100.00. I also got a number of letters from Christians who said that they would pray for me, and God heard these prayers. I am grateful to the five Christians who came to my assistance. Our church is also thankful for this since the Preacher's Residence is owned by the Lord's church in _____________ and it did not have the monies for these repairs. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

Answers

Before we start to get judgmental we ought to walk a mile in his shoes. We are only human with all the foibles and follies that go along with that title. (human) Isn't it great that God forsaw the need for mankind to have forgiveness of sins? Perhaps your statement is made from the comfort of your own home in which the air conditioning is not only operational, but being used as well? I am willing to forgive my brother of his complaining (if indeed that was his spirit) why aren't you?

I do recall Paul having asked God to remove a thorn in his side three times. Was he complaining? I also remember Jesus (in Matthew 21) seeing a fig tree that bore no fruit and Him saying "May you never bear fruit again!" and the tree immediately withered. The passage goes on to say:

"When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. 21. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

It seem to me that this gentleman believed, asked and received. Have you done any less at times?

I am thinking of Planks and Specks right now, or should I say Beams & Motes for those KJV inclined brothers?

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999

ACK! I think I goofed. Well, there ya go being human again Nate.

Nelta, I just re-read that post and I realized that I may have made a mistake. Although, I am now just not sure where you stand on this subject. Is it me, or are you ambiguous on this post?

Ok, I'll try to make this easier...

If you were being judgemental against this brother, my original post stands.

If, however you were taking a stance WITH this brother and there was more to the thread that I did not see, then please forgive me! I am guilty of misjudging you and you deserve better than that. Please remove MY beam!

-- Anonymous, October 29, 1999