Right of Way
"Don't be dead right." My father used to say. It was a phrase especially used during those teenaged years where I learned to drive.
The consequences for proceeding when someone else was breaking the rules of the road was emphasized.
I came across a very interesting passage in the bible. I think you will find it interesting as well. Without further ado, Exechiel 3:17-24
17 “‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. 18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19 Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet?
20 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, 22 I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another. 23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.
When I read "I will judge betwen one sheep and another.", this was a powerful moment. Right now, I have some big decisions to make. One of the things is that I identify with being the lean sheep. I have yielded. If I went into details about how I've yielded or what was at stake, I'd be placing the focus in the wrong area. The emphasis should not be on the specific situations. God doesn't make distinctions in the whole power dynamic topic. God addresses power dynamics as a whole. Isn't that interesting!
Cooperation is expounded in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Cooperation... competition.. can you see which one God prefers? If we love God, we will choose what pleases Him.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tami on -
My dad used to say the same thing. Sometimes, the competition is just not worth it, the other person will learn and won't take as strong a stance against it if not pushed. I liked this!
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Permalink Reply by Donna King on -
Hey juline,
This is a great read....and something to think about. I like the Ecclesiastes scripture.... But What if you are just one...and not two? I am in that position now and things are going wrong at my place....and I think......"Now if I just had a man around to fix these problems....raise the water pump, get the driveway level, change the water filter, etc." Well some of these things are easy things...but I fall alot... and am scared to get on the stepstool I got for Christmas.
I believe He Loves me .... still even though I am only one and not two.
I truly believe the scripture from Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him,
to the one who seeks Him.
Personally...I don't want pity when I fall.....I just want to be able to get up again and get going again.
Great Post,
God Bless.....
Donna
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Permalink Reply by Juline Bruck on -
Hello Tami! You understood all the pieces of the puzzle that I was talking about. It is puzzling when you know you are in the right and yet to proceed would be folly. It takes discernment to know when to advance, when to stand your ground, etc. I like the phrase "I'm not retreating - I'm advancing in another direction!" That you would understand means so much to me ! Thank you!!!
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Permalink Reply by Juline Bruck on
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Hello Donna!
The effort of putting thoughts into words is completely enjoyable when you hear "Great read!"
You mentioned that you are one instead of two. It is good that you can see that this bible verse is not putting you down. I don't believe in any way that singleness is being addressed here. Rather, the insistence on the part of people who COULD be more than one-- to stay one. If you happen to be alone and that's your life at this time, that's not the same thing as having a reliable alliance choice which you would have then turned down. Good for you on clarifying your own reality!!!
The other part is if you are in relationships with people who are taking liberties, these bible verses are applicable. If you are not in these kinds of awkward connections, then that's a praise to God! There are alot of people who struggle in this area. It's an area that requires intense discretion, wisdom, patience, goodness and strength. I believe that the only way to succeed in this situation is to the spiritual antenna up and in good working order!!!
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Permalink Reply by Ronny on -
This post, and Donna's reply, made me want to share a little something from church last Sunday. I've posted elsewhere, I've been quite unwell lately and have had a lot of trouble with asthma. I made it to church last Sunday but I was feeling very tired and unwell. I couldn't really stand up with the rest, didn't have enough air to sing and could only mouth the words, was too tired to even listen to what was being talked about.
My best friend sat with me - and sat with me, she didn't stand up either. When it was time for coffee she brought me one so I didn't have to go over and queue. A few of the other ladies also came and sat with me and talked so I wouldn't feel alone. I have no idea what the sermon was about last Sunday, but I remember feeling very uplifted.
I too am alone at home, and its been hard with this latest illness. But there is help on the other end of the phone if I really need it, and I know I am not really alone.
Maybe this has all got away from the original post, but you know, I don't think its always bad to be the lean sheep. Sometimes one needs to yield to pushy people, because confrontation can beget more confrontation. Depends on the situation - as a pastor I used to know would say, you've got to choose what hills to die on. Make it count.
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Permalink Reply by Tami on
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It isn't bad to be the lean sheep once in a while, as they get the attention and the care. Myself, I don't deal very well with confrontation anymore, I would rather give ground to keep the peace. There is so little peace around me right now, I sometimes feel like I am standing surrounded by tornadoes. too much keeps blowing so strongly in the wind.
Ronny, I will pray for you. My sister has asthma and it is really scary to see someone in an asthma attack, I do'nt even want to think about having one.
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Permalink Reply by Juline Bruck on
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Well, Ronny, many worthy conversations start off on one thing and go in another direction and be blessed for it! I don't mind if this conversation goes in a different direction! I hear you.
Alone at home. My reference point for that is a long time ago like a book mark between two chapters. I was alone for about six months between relationships. Illnesses and pain reduce your world further because as you pointed out, it's hard to focus around them. The grace that you brought to this topic is your attention and thoughts. For that, I am grateful. What I might point out is that here, you have a bit of company. Now, I know it's not the same as someone's physical presence. For example, it's hard to give (((HUGS))). Some thing to consider is that you are on the same level, same abilities as anyone else. You may have strong physical symptoms, but your typing 'sounds' fine. It may be that your participation in this community reaches someone far more profoundly than someone being in the same room. I've had that happen where an online friend became someone equal in importance to me as a family member.
If I take off my initial perspective and let this conversation breathe, where could it go?? I'd like to find out.
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Permalink Reply by mia smith on -
Sister Juline, i think you miss typing the name.
i am sorry to tell you about this...... i don`t know you try to test us or not, finding the right name and chapter?
since you have a sense of humor......
i finded in the Ezeckiel
34:17:24
long time ago i readed the this BIBLE vereses.
it is very touch my heart.
the our LORD GOD wanted the unity as oneness.
we as Church(Spiritual), think about human(our self). it is one body but body have a many parts,also inside there many organ, and organism
the LORD JESUS is Head of the Church, we are body of the Church.
1Corinthians12:12-27.
for me seems what you wrote is remine me a 1Corinthians3:7-23,
each believer of the Christ JESUS, accordingly what ever the GOD givin Gifts to us to using to Glorifying the LORD GOD.
and each person what ever deed of work is going to be test by GOD and judge by GOD.
if we look back who i(you, or anyone matter) was nothing to boost about it!
because one way or other way look we are a sinner!
i think believing the LORD JESUS and have a followship with HIM is not a competition.
thank you Sister Juline, make me think more learning about my self and others.
Sister Donna and Sister Ronny, i am sorry to hear about you both, being by your self, but
alway remember HE(JESUS) is with you always.
i think you do know.......with out seeing HE give a {{{hug}}} and {{{gentle kiss}}} and alway tell you through HIS WORD saying "I LOVE YOU." and we as Sister in Christ "i love you." <:>< mia
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Permalink Reply by Donna King on
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Thanks for the great words Mia.
Ronny,
you know that God loves you and all of us. It's not a curse to be alone. It's not fun being alone. I find that the worst times are when I go home and the quiet is all around. Forunately .....I have a dog and cat who keeps me company. But there are times when I sit and cry all day and don't even know why. Then I get sinus headaches.
I have been happy since I came back from DE at Christmas. On the 9th of this month....I went back up there because my mom turned 80 and we had a Thanksgiving birthday for her. Seems like the birthday.... I liked it better than the Christman party!!! I got down at Christmas time.....and she doesn't understand depression like I do.....But for her birthday....I decided it was all for her. She got pampered and even ALL the family was there. We sure did have fun. I was really glad that I was there with them..........I drove 500 miles twice just to be able to share in the celebration.
Back to being sick.....The worst thing about being sick is to be sick when you are alone....but here....you are not alone!!! You've got Jesus Christ on your side. And you've got this whole community.
I've found this scripture from the book of James......
The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well;
The LORD will raise him up.
If he has sinned; he will be forgiven....
Confess your sins to each other
And pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The power of a rightious man is powerful and effective.
James 5:15-16
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I know you are hurting....but please (as Tami said).....Hold on to His robe as tight as you can to His robe.
I leave you with this last scripure:
O LORD my GOD, I called toYou for help
and you healed me.
Psalm 30:2
I'm praying for you.
God Bless You,
Donna
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Permalink Reply by Juline Bruck on
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Ahh, Sister Mia, if only more people felt and believed like you do!
You're welcome, by the way, if my thinking stirred up something in you that was good and useful. I am trying very hard to be an non-sinner. As you pointed out, we are all sinners! There is something beautiful and touching about the effort to be holy even if we only get closer to it. Maybe the best point that you made is that our deeds and choices are going to be tested and judged by God.
It's comforting that you are feel the answer is not competition. That confirms what I feel down deep inside too. The fun part is trying to live it out....
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