tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947901677057635396.post4200392096007375171..comments2023-10-11T11:32:52.788-04:00Comments on Kingdom Bloggers: I'm So Much Cooler Online!David-FireAndGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13540931140500045826noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947901677057635396.post-61254975886556694542010-02-21T01:49:31.210-05:002010-02-21T01:49:31.210-05:00I agree with Joyce and Linda. The chronically ill...I agree with Joyce and Linda. The chronically ill, disabled, isolated and house bound need the same sort of spiritual connection with the Body of Christ as those fortunate to find it within the four walls of a church. Internet ministries and prayer groups provide and fill the needs of some of the most forgotten "Livings Stones" that make up the Church of Christ.<br /><br />God began to fine tune within me His gifting of intercessory prayer for others in 2004. By Spring of 2006, He led me to an entry level position on an experimental prayer team for one of the outreach programs at my church. Eighteen months later, their policies changed and the freedom to move within the realm of the Holy Spirit was being squelched. Also, I had to commit to the day(s) I chose to serve. If I couldn't make it on a certain day, I was to contact my team leader 24 hours in advance and was responsible to find a replacement. There were no exceptions to this rule. <br /> <br />My chronic health issues and that of my mother's didn't come and go according to their agenda. I couldn't make the kind of commitment they required of me and I had to step down. Yet I was welcomed to attend the Tuesday night, Prayer Team, support group.<br /><br />I understand that rules are set in place to govern the body and to establish order within a ministry. However, they were willing to let me go, in spite of the evident impact my prayers had on the guests and certain prayer team members. I guess they preferred their rules over one who desired to make an impact for the Kingdom of God.<br /><br />On and off, I went to the Tuesday night support group until the fall 2008, when my health no longer afforded me the ability to attend it or services. I made numerous efforts to keep in contact with those I believed I had connected with on a spiritual level. With the exception of one woman, sadly, I, who had become as needy as some of the guests we prayed for, was shortly forgotten - abandoned by those whose words were just empty promises.<br /><br />But the Lord is so kind. He says in His word that He will put the lonely in families and that's just what He did in 2009 when I was introduced to the online prayer group called "BASIC" an acronym for "Brothers And Sisters In Christ".<br /><br />This group of men and women, having a united passion for Christ, also has a genuine concern for the Saints. We sorrow when others sorrow and rejoice when they rejoice. Not only are our requests taken to the Lord in prayer, on behalf of each other, but have also been met through the actions and deeds of BASICS' members. Notes with words of encouragement are being sent to bolster the faith of those whose situations are leaving them discouraged and tangible needs are being provided for as the Holy Spirit moves on the hearts of those to supply the need. And of course, for me, I am most blessed by the personal relationships that have developed from being one of its members. To me, the believers in BASIC are as close and genuine as any church family I have ever experienced. Like you said David, with the Holy Spirit, there is no distance between God and His children or with each other.<br /><br />Be blessed, my friends.<br />~Jan~~ Jan ~https://www.blogger.com/profile/12396609378779462767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947901677057635396.post-66411275679961834182010-02-16T22:22:37.686-05:002010-02-16T22:22:37.686-05:00In the best of situations, Anon is right. However,...In the best of situations, Anon is right. However, many of us are not in the best of situations. <br />For me I would not have much fellowship at all if it were not for the internet, emails and social networks. <br />There are many reasons why people cannot have face to face relationships - I think we should encourage positive online interactions and ministry.Joyce Ligharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13853208533065317514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947901677057635396.post-10163529111215636352010-02-15T19:43:22.437-05:002010-02-15T19:43:22.437-05:00I would venture to say that since the "church...I would venture to say that since the "church" is a body of people, the method of their getting together would be an open thing. And an internet gathering can reach people who might otherwise be unable attend a vibrant growing body (instead of the other kind that we have all too many of). But I would also suggest that not meeting people face to face makes it nearly impossible to truly get to know them. Consider that nonverbal communications communicates more of the information we know about others than any other medium and that most of that information is not controllable by the individual. This goes beyond the two dimensional image you might see through a webcam to all of the rest of the sensory cues that allow you to really understand (assuming you pay attention) what is going on with another person.<br /><br />For example. "I am fine" when presented in text conveys no information. When coupled with crossing of arms across the chest you have a negation of the "fine" claim; or coupled with a joyful smile and spring in the step it becomes an understatement inviting a chance to share; or coupled with a face seamed with lines of sorrow it may be someone whose needs are so burdening them they can't bear to recount them yet again; or coupled with a uric acid smell and a limp they may be suffering from gout and may or may not want to talk. These contexts cannot be lifted from a text based encounter and my experience one on one with dozens of people (I wanted to say hundreds and it may be but it may also be hubris) most who are in need can barely make the effort to walk into a church and the internet is even more uncertain because child molesters can make their online presence look quite the opposite of what they are with no clues to betray that things are "not quite right". Clues that you can get from looking around as you approach a place where people meet.<br /><br />Anyway, I could write dozens of pages on the subject of interpersonal relationships and have done so in the past, but the bottom line is that online experiences really enhance the small encounters you might make at church or at the mall or wherever by filling in information about others but they really can't replace them. Praying for one another is only one way we're commanded to help one another and the rest pretty much requires you get your hands dirty.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947901677057635396.post-25339862966017905462010-02-15T11:51:32.555-05:002010-02-15T11:51:32.555-05:00As I told you Friday, I believe we are living in m...As I told you Friday, I believe we are living in most exciting times! The ability to evangelize, exhalt and encourage has never been more accessible on a wide scale basis. I feel so blessed to be just a small part of what God is doing on the internet.<br /><br />I loved the video too! Marsha Brady is still hot! Have a great week my friend.Tony Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05525644107594362899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947901677057635396.post-45910096677201083992010-02-15T10:07:56.914-05:002010-02-15T10:07:56.914-05:00Thanks for sharing and reading along Linda.
To be...Thanks for sharing and reading along Linda.<br /><br />To be "Linda" in the comments, just use Name and URL. For the URL you can use your Facebook profile link. Or you can sign up for a Blogspot account (same as Gmail, YouTube if you have one of those.)<br /><br />BTW - We are all on Facebook - be sure to look us up.Davidhttp://www.fireandgrace.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3947901677057635396.post-478973880644860782010-02-15T07:01:38.726-05:002010-02-15T07:01:38.726-05:00David
I too have found facebook as a way to connec...David<br />I too have found facebook as a way to connect with sisters and brothers on Christ as well as other people I have met along the way.<br />Two ways that facebook has been an oasis for me is, I have for years belonged to an Online Prayer Minitry ( Prayer Warriors International) in which we receive daily Prayer Requests and Praises as well. Many of my friends and relatives know I belong to "that Prayer Group" and ask for me to put their requests online. They take comfort knowing people from all over the world will be praying.<br />I also have found facebook as a place to encourage others. It has especially been meaningful when I can do that even when I am struggling myself with "stuff", I always felt the way to go is to encourage others when I myself may need such encouragemnt. ( like call someone when you need a call, write a note when you would love to receive a note, give money when you need money...well I know you know what I mean) "Give and it shall be given to you"...actually doing these things, makes my day.<br />Linda ( as I am not that computer savvy, I have to figure out how to not be anonymous)<br />Linda from CTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com