TGIF
The way too early in the morning ritual has gone on for several years now.
Miss Kitty wakes up before I do and begins purring loudly and kneading the bed and my body with vigor.
If she gains a few more pounds, she will replace my chiropractor.
I digress…
This ritual continues until I get up and feed her.
Now, when cats purr and knead, they are expressing great affection and joy at being in your presence.
Except when they want something.
When they want something, the ritual is a contrived show to make you think they adore you so that you will gladly rise and give it to them.
Now, the cat does genuinely like me…but she doesn’t trust that I like her enough to provide for her without the demonstration of feigned deep affections.
I always get up and feed the cat.
Sometimes, I put her food out while she is still sleeping.
I don’t feed her based on her actions or affections, but based on my own.
The other morning after I fed the cat, I began a time of prayer.
I would like to make you believe that this is my holy norm every morning, but that would be a lie.
I needed some things, some people I care about needed things, and I only knew one place to get them and one Person who could provide them.
I began to pray and I was praying with such eloquence and sincerity that I had to stop and note how well I was speaking.
Maybe I should write this prayer down and put it on the blog.
It was good stuff.
The truth of the matter was that I was ‘praying” to myself, for myself, hoping that perhaps God would be listening and be swayed by my performance.
I thought some faux piety, some almost heartfelt repentance, and some biblically based compliments toward the Almighty would help my case.
I don’t trust that He likes me enough to answer otherwise..
He does.
I embarrass myself with my foolish and sinful attempts to manipulate the Creator.
He answers anyway.
I am not a pet for the King, I’m a child of the King.
He says…just ask.
I believe, help my unbelief.
Make your own application…
Oh Lord, “how do i love thee, let me count the ways….: 🙂
i suspect the Lord appreciates the attention … and the confession, too
Talking about cats and not your application. 3 cats. Old one jumps on sore hip anf back and warmth and pawing feels good. Young one i rescued as kitten in parking lot. Pays me back with love. If i turn over in bed always moves to the side of my face. Middle gray cat low iq. Used to jump on bed and pee on wife to get fed. Not to me or might have gone to vet.
All 3 jump on bed and when you look at them, jump back down and run to bowl hoping you follow.
Really good, Michael, thanks….help our unbelief, Lord.
Ha, the old ‘nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight’ problem. I’m sure you didn’t begin by thinking, ‘how eloquent can I be?’ – yet this is such a good example of how our best intentions are covered in sinful humanness. We can’t escape it, but we can admit it, which you so admirably have done here.
More real people, that’s what’s needed in American Christianity. Out with the fakes.
So “rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub” works as a prayer of thanksgiving before dinner. I knew it!
Thanks for the honesty that we can all relate to.
We have a Trial Date…Sept. 13, 2016. 10 day Jury Trial.
BG can’t drop the lawsuit, that is not an option he has this far into the proceedings. Good. Me and my bros. thought that would be his strategy…to take it up to the end and then drop it before Trial and claim he was doing it for some altruistic reasons that we would all know are b.s.
We are getting ready for Discovery and Depositions. There will be a lot of things we’ll uncover and a lot of people close to the BG and Calvary Chapel situation getting deposed. Some major bombshells will be exposed and some folks will be implicated.
Looking very forward to our days in Court…finally!
Our big orange cat, the Awful Mr. Noodles, is not allowed outside. (Dangerous neighborhood for cats). He often tries to run out the back door but he’s easy to catch because he always stops to smell the flowers.
Bob Grenier’s attorney said they had something like 20 pages or something of “defamatory statements” or something like that…bogus. It’s the truth, at least the statements I made.
Bob Grenier did in fact abuse me and my brothers and Paul Grenier does in fact state that Bob Grenier molested him and that is cause for MAJOR concern as Bob is a sitting/active Pastor who is in a Position of Trust as well as Police Chaplain.
Bob’s / Calvary Chapel’s bookkeepers and assistant pastors and board members and staff and his own son in fact state that he abused the church finances and was very corrupt in that regard and they state he crossed the line many times into what they believe is against the law (I believe so as well…if what they all report is acceptable and legal then there are folks who got a raw deal who were charged and convicted of similar stuff).
Add that to your pages Bob. See you in Court ahole. We are going to turn over every rock and depose many many people. This is going to be a great year upcoming. I CAN’T WAIT. I am chomping at the bit to get our days in Court…and you can’t dodge accountability and justice this time.
Like I’ve said, I’m paid up and have an agreement that I can go the distance with and do as much work on it as I want. I wish it was a 30 day Trial so we can cover even more stuff…but a 10 day Trial is great, we should be able to call a ton of witnesses.
People will have to answer subpoena’s…can’t dodge them. Folks are scared to death of Bob and Calvary Chapel…but the Court will protect them and they will have to appear and give an answer.
Many CC guys connected to Bob and Calvary Chapel Visalia will have to give an answer. Bob will have to give an answer. Those close to him who have enabled him will have to give an answer.
A Friend,
Glad to hear that you will get your day in court and this matter can be resolved.
Linnea,
I think the two most prayed prayers in our church are “Lord, have mercy”, and “help my unbelief”.
Thankfully, they have been enough.
I think all of us have been guilty of purr prayers. “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner,” is still the purest prayer we can pray. That and “Thank you.”
Thanks Michael. The battle is now getting really intense and it will get more intense as we gear up for Trial. This will be an important lesson for Calvary Chapel and Pastors and part of Church History under Calvary Chapel’s denomination someday.
I’m glad I did what I did and am doing what I’m doing. It has come at a cost, will continue to come at a cost, but I’ll leave this existence someday knowing I made a dent in that situation one way or another…and I think it will serve as an important lesson for others (Pastors and Calvary Chapel franchises) who think they can just get away with everything and hide behind their Moses Model and Calvary Chapel Stone Wall.
Just a question. What happens if you “win” the trial? You get some money?
If we win the Trial it vindicates everything I’ve been saying and calling for with regards to that situation and I think it will open new investigations and re-open old ones that I think got the good ‘ol boys wink-wink nod-nod etc.
I don’t know how it works with regards to the money end, I imagine we can then sue to recover time and money, but I’ll have to check with my attorney.
The important thing to me is that we get our days in Court…that many many people will give testimony and can’t dodge subpoena’s, that people tell the truth and that evidence is on the record and that Bob Grenier and Calvary Chapel is held accountable and that the story is told and serves as a warning to others and as an example of the terrible Calvary Chapel Legacy and Chuck Smith Moses Model and way of doing things in a corrupt manner for all to see for themselves off-blog…on the Court Record. Justice and accountability in some form for me, my brothers and many many others. It will make a dent. I will have done all I can do.
And, of course, I will tell the story and warn folks for the rest of my life and point to the Trial as evidence since the detractors and CC apologists always cry “no evidence! no evidence! ALL lies!” etc.
When we win, it will be justice and accountability in some form and will give me more credibility and a bigger platform to call for reforms in Calvary Chapel and in the Church in general.
The many testimonies on both sides are uglier and more scandalous and more depraved than you can imagine….and it is not unique to Bob Grenier and Calvary Chapel Visalia…though it will be very very shocking to many. I know all the stuff, all the pieces, all the many very bad things and all the players and all the testimony that is coming. It is worse than you can imagine. It is ridiculous that all this has gone on and Bob Grenier is still good to go with Calvary Chapels full support and endorsement as an official Calvary Chapel…but it shows how corrupt the System is and how easy it is to cover up things and put on a public veneer.
You wonder why I’m the way I am? You’ll find out when you see it all….on the record. You’ll go “Oh, I view A Friend differently now. No wonder. Wow.”
Well, best of luck to you. I’ve always thought you were in the right.
Ditto what Josh said. Good luck Alex. I know you’ve got right on your side. I hope that will be enough.
I agree with Nonnie. “Thank you” is my favorite prayer.
I’ve prayed to myself, and worse yet, prayed to rooms full of people. I think I quit praying out loud in the presence of others for two or three years because of my disgust in my lack of victory over this sin. Of course, I was still happy to judge others for the same assumed actions.
We humans are a funny bunch.
I still don’t get the whole ‘prayer’ thing in the traditionally accepted manner.
If “God” knows all your thoughts, every communication, every word your inner-voice speaks etc…then it’s not like you have to dial him up on a special Prayer Phone.
He’s there all the time alongside…right there with your inner-voice. You don’t gots to dial him up like he’s long distance. Just be. He knows.
Your Conscience and Reason/Intellect are communing with “God” all the time. Assuming you are a believer, every thought etc is being witnessed by God and God is there. You are “praying” even at your worst moments.
In fact, I believe your Conscience and Spirit are in a synergistic relationship with “God’s Spirit” and you can’t really separate yourself from “praying”….you are in constant prayer…whether you like it or not.
BTW, thanks Josh and J.U. much appreciated.
AF,
It’s obvious that your lips don’t have to move when addressing God, as He knows our thoughts. I would argue that prayer is when we consciously address God.
Cat’s are the superior pet by far.I’m never bored with all the drama queening that comes from them.
Record setting kitty in Oregon, just turned 26! Miss Kitty has a ways to go.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3197306/Corduroy-named-world-s-oldest-living-house-cat-26.html
Don’t confuse talking to yourself with prayer.
#22 – ahem, thinking is not synonymous with praying… even tho, it is true every thought is known to God… however, an apology for thinking like a jerk might be accepted as a prayer… probably is,… i hope so anyway … an a praise that bursts forth when realizing that you’re thinking about God’s amazing grace is definitely prayer… there’s more… but that’s for people who write the ‘how to’ books, i guess…
The question is – does God hear the prayer of the unbeliever? hear being more than just the noise being made but react.
The answer is obviously no, but it does make for great conversation.
“Pray without ceasing.”
Hard to do unless you are in a constant dialogue.
X, I disagree. It’s not “talking to yourself” if you have “God” as part the internal conversation all the time.
Your position seems to be that your spirit works independently of God’s Spirit…unless and until you call time-out, dial up the God Phone and then get him on the line.
Very odd position….
….the commonly accepted position…but odd from a logical/reasonable perspective nevertheless.
MLD. “Does God hear the prayer of an unbeliever? ” Maybe the theological playbook you assume says, “obviously, no.”
However, does a caring Creator. a compassionate Savior and an ever present and persevering Spirit of Christ ignore the prayer of a loved image bearer whether or not they are a son freed from sin or a slave hostile in their sin?
Maybe the question needs to be shaped by the truth of who God really is revealed to
to be in the fullness of the Incarnation of Christ and how human beings are viewed and pursued by Him.
Maybe the greater question is; are unbelieving image bearers hearing the testimony of conscience, creation and the Gospel of Christ and interacting with such witness and considering themselves and the God of the Gospel?
What if they ask God for a healing touch or a sign of caring intervention in their lives ; not in a way that usurps the Gospel and it’s explicit promises?
Yes, God can ignore the expressions , including the prayers of persistent and protracted unbelief that persists in the presence of a Gospel witness and associated good works. But He still may choose to intervene in order to reconvene two way conversation centered around Christ and His promises.
Ahh the beautiful expressions of the synergism of a relational God awakening meaningful considerations and mutual conversation in His image bearers through the loving pleadings of His prevenient grace that promotes such a great Gospel of Christ.
Hey vic, how’s things?
From a practical point, why would an unbeliever, someone who does not believe there is a God pray to this God?
So, when the totem pole worshiper asks his ‘god’ for something, does the true and living God step in and answer his prayer? How would the totem pole worshiper know it was the real God and not just assume the god of totem… praise totem.
If he prays to the right God I would say he must already be a believer.
A Friend,
“Your position seems to be that your spirit works independently of God’s Spirit…”
That’s right – otherwise I would never commit a sin – not only that, my spirit working with God’s Spirit would not even allow the possibility for me to sin.
Yes, my spirit more often than not works independently from God’s Spirit.
“Yes, my spirit more often than not works independently from God’s Spirit.”
Well, then you aren’t saved by your own semi-synergistic doctrine that you’ve espoused over the years.
…you might want to brush up on your Apostle Paul again….
Well, then your theology has God as the participant in my sin.
I think your problem is larger than mine, becaude God saves me from my sin – even my sin as a christian.
You make God the sinner.
Does God hear the prayer of a sinner?
Which prayers do God hear?
MLD simplifies it down to a comparison between idol worship and God. Problem? The text says more.
God heard cries, even those not specifically directed at God.
Those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Jesus teaches on chutzpah style of prayer.
Jesus taught God heard the prayer of the sinner and the Phariseee, just different results.
The bible is full of prayers by many who might be excluded by church dogmas today. There are even cases where God acts even though it appears the people involved are doing something contrary to God’s intentions.
Of course when in doubt get out the old faithful book of prayers and turn to page xxx and recite an official prayer God recognizes and will answer.
It’s a beautiful last day of the week!
Oh and if God didn’t hear the prayers of a sinners we are all doomed! BTW the totem doesn’t hear a thing because it’s just a carved out dead tree. My dog normal hears me, can I pray to him?
Bob,
“Does God hear the prayer of a sinner?”
Not the question I asked. Christians are sinner – probably of the worst kind as we know better. I asked if God hears the prayers of unbeliever .. who just happen to be sinners also.
“MLD simplifies it down to a comparison between idol worship and God.”
There is no other category – all unbelievers, in fact all non Christians are idol worshipers.
MLD, I am simply applying logic to your professed theology…and it is confusing and convoluted as you state.
You are actually arguing against your own theology and demonstrating how illogical it is LOL
If separate and completely independent you can’t have the “prosthetic arms” w/o a Calvinist form of Monergism. You essentially espouse an illogical position that is only logical within a Calvinist Monergistic context.
If you cooperate with the “prosthetic arms” in your self-professed Lutheran theology…then you have the synergism of the Armenian.
AF – you are confusing justification and then the following Christian life(sometimes called sanctification.)
the “prosthetic arms” are justification – alignment of my spirit and God’s spirit as I live my life is sanctification. Easily confused by evangelicals.
But you still have God as the participant in my sin and you have not explained that.
I haven’t done much study on the theology of the Armenians, but I imagine they were Eastern Orthodox and were wiped out by the Turks. Did you mean some other group? 😉
The Armenians separated from the universal Church at the time of the Council of Chalcedon in the fifth century, as did the Coptic Christians and some other groups that fall under the heading of non-Chalcedonian monophysites. These are the Oriental Orthodox, not the same as (but quite similar to) the Eastern Orthodox. Monophysites believe Christ had one nature whereas the Church teaches He has two natures. The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox have very fraternal relations but are not in communion with each other.
The Armenians, by the way, reject the monophysite label.
Armenians are synergists, though. 🙂
Of course when in doubt get out the old faithful book of prayers <<<
Always a good idea!
“I haven’t done much study on the theology of the Armenians, but I imagine they were Eastern Orthodox and were wiped out by the Turks. Did you mean some other group?”
LOL, I always spell that wrong
MLD, I disagree (no surprise).
That just opens up another can of illogical worms.
It will never makes sense from a Logic/Reason perspective….and doesn’t. That is the trap of the Salvation-by-correct-Theology.
“That is the trap of the Salvation-by-correct-Theology.”
Hmm, I have not heard a single person here ever advocate that they or anyone else is saved by their theology – I do believe you have once again proven the correctness of the straw man fallacy.
Can you name the person who has stated anything other than salvation by the finished work of Christ?