Comments on: The Issue of Links Staying "As Is". And Church Tonight. http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/ The Blog of Donny Pauling: former porn producer, changed by Grace and Love... Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:43:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Seriously... http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-45 Seriously... Thu, 08 Feb 2007 06:06:33 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-45 this was an interesting blog. i'm glad you posted honest feelings about your church's music. i personally don't believe that God tires of us praising Him. But a relationship with God needs time to build, just like any other relationship. I always figure that if I were just coming back into church I would not want to sing "God is great..." over and over just yet. I would rather sing to something i can relate to more like maybe the lyrics to the song "Shadow Proves the Sunshine" by Switchfoot. <br/><br/>anyway, my husband and i lead praise and worship at our church and we do "Shadow..."<br/><br/>I'm enjoying reading your blogs. You're in my thoughts and prayers! this was an interesting blog. i’m glad you posted honest feelings about your church’s music. i personally don’t believe that God tires of us praising Him. But a relationship with God needs time to build, just like any other relationship. I always figure that if I were just coming back into church I would not want to sing “God is great…” over and over just yet. I would rather sing to something i can relate to more like maybe the lyrics to the song “Shadow Proves the Sunshine” by Switchfoot.

anyway, my husband and i lead praise and worship at our church and we do “Shadow…”

I’m enjoying reading your blogs. You’re in my thoughts and prayers!

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-44 Anonymous Thu, 12 Oct 2006 19:54:08 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-44 donny, try listening to some of rob bells messages. creative, insightful, inspiring<br/><br/>http://www.mhbcmi.org/listen/index.php donny, try listening to some of rob bells messages. creative, insightful, inspiring

http://www.mhbcmi.org/listen/index.php

]]> By: Tim (Random Observations)http://tim.2wgroup.com/blog/ http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-43 Tim (Random Observations)http://tim.2wgroup.com/blog/ Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:19:14 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-43 About God 'wanting' praise. I used to get stuck on that too. Perhaps I can say something helpful. I hope I don't come across as "preaching", I'm just trying to explain something that helped me personally, so please be patient.<br/><br/>Part of the reason, I think, we get hung up on this is that we are in a completely different position than god. Sometimes what is wrong for us is right for god, because we're not in the same position, and we're not like 'him' in certain ways.<br/><br/>God is love, right?<br/><br/>Love rejoices in the truth, yes?<br/><br/>If a little kid did good at school, wouldn't you <i>want</i> to see that acknowledged and rewarded? If a man saved a life -- or a hundred -- wouldn't you want at least to see <i>that example</i> publicly praised, if not the person him/herself receive some appropriate praise and thanks?<br/><br/>The reason this is wrong for us to seek for ourselves is because we are selfish. When we seek praise, it is usually because we are being ego-driven.<br/><br/>But a universe-creating "God", if he is good at all, would not be selfish. So he would be as happy seeing "himself" praised as he is happy to see us praise <i>any</i> other good thing in life. (And in fact, the bible says HE <i>will</i> praise every good thing.) But it's not his fault he happens to be the very source of all goodness. When goodness is praised, however, we should also acknowledge the source. <br/><br/>One more point is that, frankly, we're not all that worthy of praise. Most things we do, if we're really honest, are motivated by a self-focused need, even if just a need to see ourself as a "good" person. But God ain't like that: the idea is there is something out there which <i>is</i> actually selfless.<br/><br/>A final thing is that it is beneficial for us.<br/><br/>"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." (Phil 4:8)<br/><br/>Our messed-up brains need to be realigned with goodness and truth. Part of that truth -- a big part, in fact -- is the little detail that God is, in fact, good. So it's good to remind ourselves of that, and remind ourselves of our relative position in regard to that.<br/><br/>This may not make emotional sense right away. But, me personally, I could see that intellectually, as a kind of "math", it made sense, and the rest eventually followed.<br/><br/>Regardless: I hope I've not done harm by saying this, or made things worse in any way. I wish you the best in your new journey, friend. <br/><br/>I'll try to remember to pray for you a few times, but frankly, I usually suck at that.<br/><br/>God bless you.<br/><br/>- Tim About God ‘wanting’ praise. I used to get stuck on that too. Perhaps I can say something helpful. I hope I don’t come across as “preaching”, I’m just trying to explain something that helped me personally, so please be patient.

Part of the reason, I think, we get hung up on this is that we are in a completely different position than god. Sometimes what is wrong for us is right for god, because we’re not in the same position, and we’re not like ‘him’ in certain ways.

God is love, right?

Love rejoices in the truth, yes?

If a little kid did good at school, wouldn’t you want to see that acknowledged and rewarded? If a man saved a life — or a hundred — wouldn’t you want at least to see that example publicly praised, if not the person him/herself receive some appropriate praise and thanks?

The reason this is wrong for us to seek for ourselves is because we are selfish. When we seek praise, it is usually because we are being ego-driven.

But a universe-creating “God”, if he is good at all, would not be selfish. So he would be as happy seeing “himself” praised as he is happy to see us praise any other good thing in life. (And in fact, the bible says HE will praise every good thing.) But it’s not his fault he happens to be the very source of all goodness. When goodness is praised, however, we should also acknowledge the source.

One more point is that, frankly, we’re not all that worthy of praise. Most things we do, if we’re really honest, are motivated by a self-focused need, even if just a need to see ourself as a “good” person. But God ain’t like that: the idea is there is something out there which is actually selfless.

A final thing is that it is beneficial for us.

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” (Phil 4:8)

Our messed-up brains need to be realigned with goodness and truth. Part of that truth — a big part, in fact — is the little detail that God is, in fact, good. So it’s good to remind ourselves of that, and remind ourselves of our relative position in regard to that.

This may not make emotional sense right away. But, me personally, I could see that intellectually, as a kind of “math”, it made sense, and the rest eventually followed.

Regardless: I hope I’ve not done harm by saying this, or made things worse in any way. I wish you the best in your new journey, friend.

I’ll try to remember to pray for you a few times, but frankly, I usually suck at that.

God bless you.

- Tim

]]> By: dewde http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-42 dewde Fri, 06 Oct 2006 04:19:14 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-42 LOL I love your honesty dude. Don't lose that. LOL I love your honesty dude. Don’t lose that.

]]> By: Todd Porter http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-41 Todd Porter Thu, 05 Oct 2006 22:28:52 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-41 As a pastor, I am so sorry that many churches in America suck and are desperately irrelevant. Just keep looking and you will find that right church that is filled with Christ followers instead of Christians. As a pastor, I am so sorry that many churches in America suck and are desperately irrelevant. Just keep looking and you will find that right church that is filled with Christ followers instead of Christians.

]]> By: KF http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-40 KF Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:49:14 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-40 What kind of church was it that you went to? You might want to check out a different type of church. I mean...there are tons of them that really do focus on singing really meaningful songs that touch the spirit and speaking on things that really impact people's lives. You could google it for churches like that in your area...just an idea! :) What kind of church was it that you went to? You might want to check out a different type of church. I mean…there are tons of them that really do focus on singing really meaningful songs that touch the spirit and speaking on things that really impact people’s lives. You could google it for churches like that in your area…just an idea! :)

]]> By: Monicahttp://www.myspace.com/hobo_gloves http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-39 Monicahttp://www.myspace.com/hobo_gloves Thu, 05 Oct 2006 07:26:07 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-39 Hi Donny,<br/><br/>I googled you when I read your story in a XXXChurch myspace blog.<br/><br/>Firstly, congratulations! Wow, I really admire your bravery, I can't even imagine how crazy things must feel for you right now.<br/><br/>Secondly, I hope this helps you with your questions about worship. Worship helps us to be closer to God. If you think about it, the people you admire are the things you strive to become, right? So expressing the way we feel about how great God is helps us to become more like Him.<br/><br/>Worship is also an act of submission. Yep, it can be a bit embarrassing, it can be a bit weird to start off with, but putting up with all of that and worshipping God anyway is a really humbling experience. It's hard to be proud and think about how good you are if you're sincerely telling someone else how fantastic they are.<br/><br/>I hope that helps you a little bit. Take a look in a bible with an index under worship and you might find some things that explain it better.<br/><br/>I also wanted to comment on the church in general: I don't know what denomination it was, I don't want to know because I don't think any one denomination has it all right, but I think it's a great idea to visit a few churches to try and find the best one for you. I know I left my old church feeling pretty dissatisfied, but the church I'm at now truly feels like my spiritual home. However, the more you want to get out of church, the more you're going to have to put in! <br/><br/>Whew, pretty long comment. Anyway basically I just want to encourage you, I'm sure there's hundreds of people all over the world cheering you on and keeping you in their prayers.<br/><br/>God bless you Donny! Hi Donny,

I googled you when I read your story in a XXXChurch myspace blog.

Firstly, congratulations! Wow, I really admire your bravery, I can’t even imagine how crazy things must feel for you right now.

Secondly, I hope this helps you with your questions about worship. Worship helps us to be closer to God. If you think about it, the people you admire are the things you strive to become, right? So expressing the way we feel about how great God is helps us to become more like Him.

Worship is also an act of submission. Yep, it can be a bit embarrassing, it can be a bit weird to start off with, but putting up with all of that and worshipping God anyway is a really humbling experience. It’s hard to be proud and think about how good you are if you’re sincerely telling someone else how fantastic they are.

I hope that helps you a little bit. Take a look in a bible with an index under worship and you might find some things that explain it better.

I also wanted to comment on the church in general: I don’t know what denomination it was, I don’t want to know because I don’t think any one denomination has it all right, but I think it’s a great idea to visit a few churches to try and find the best one for you. I know I left my old church feeling pretty dissatisfied, but the church I’m at now truly feels like my spiritual home. However, the more you want to get out of church, the more you’re going to have to put in!

Whew, pretty long comment. Anyway basically I just want to encourage you, I’m sure there’s hundreds of people all over the world cheering you on and keeping you in their prayers.

God bless you Donny!

]]> By: Marco Barlow http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-38 Marco Barlow Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:11:45 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-38 Hey man if you write any songs, you should send them my way. I attend a worship and arts college in Lakeland(pretty much Memphis), TN and I would love to hear what's on your heart. I totally agree with you on your stance, regarding church and songs. <br/><br/>Rock On!<br/>p.s. if you can't get a hold of me from here, hit me up at www.myspace.com/marcojason<br/><br/>M Hey man if you write any songs, you should send them my way. I attend a worship and arts college in Lakeland(pretty much Memphis), TN and I would love to hear what’s on your heart. I totally agree with you on your stance, regarding church and songs.

Rock On!
p.s. if you can’t get a hold of me from here, hit me up at http://www.myspace.com/marcojason

M

]]> By: TGMChttp://www.thegreatmrchibi.com http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-37 TGMChttp://www.thegreatmrchibi.com Wed, 04 Oct 2006 02:44:30 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-37 Hey Donny. I came here off of xxxchurch's newsletter thingy. I know what you mean about the repetition thing. I got sick of it, too. <br/><br/>Here's the first hymn that I sang after that. It's... it's good, y'know?<br/><br/>http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh361.sht Hey Donny. I came here off of xxxchurch’s newsletter thingy. I know what you mean about the repetition thing. I got sick of it, too.

Here’s the first hymn that I sang after that. It’s… it’s good, y’know?

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh361.sht

]]> By: Crissy http://www.donnypauling.com/blog/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/comment-page-1/#comment-36 Crissy Tue, 03 Oct 2006 22:40:26 +0000 http://donnysramblings.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/the-issue-of-links-staying-as-is-and-church-tonight/#comment-36 Come to LA and visit Oasis.... http://www.oasisla.org !! It is a great church! Come to LA and visit Oasis…. http://www.oasisla.org !! It is a great church!

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