There are so many things I have got to stop doing…I am going to blow the whistle on myself and what I need to stop doing. Look at what God tells us to stop and do:
Job 37:14 “Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.”
Isaiah 1:16 “Stop doing wrong.”
Amos 7:5 “Then I cried out, “Sovereign LORD, I beg you, stop!”
Luke 8:52 “Stop wailing,” Jesus said.
John 5:14 “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”
Romans 14:13 “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.”
1 Corinthians 14:20 “Brothers, stop thinking like children.”
Here is my first and not last “Stop Doing List”:
#1 Stop making fun of other’s flaws hoping they will recognize it and stop doing it.
#2 Stop feeling like I have to be the “entertainment” wherever I am.
#3 Stop focusing only on what needs to be tweaked and not celebrate the peaks.
#4 Stop using sarcasm to get a point across.
#5 Stop taking everyone to my moan zone.
#6 Stop taking everything so serious.
#7 Stop looking at my way only…observe others and learn their ways.
#8 Stop being opposed through pride and start receiving grace through humility.
#9 Stop thinking people who are not with me are against me.
#10 Stop believing I have to do it all.
#11 Stop defending BNC and start defending the poor and needy.
Sharon Evans says,
Wow!! Far too many of these just hit home with me, too! I guess we do all share the same issues/flaws.
Have a great day, Great Pastor!
on 08 June 2009 / 10:03 AM
D says,
Adding to #7 believe/learn that the things that were here on earth first (now @ Nature’s Wonders or in local gardens) is the answer…His creations….don’t panic God doesn’t mind if you go a little organic!
#12 or it might go along with #6
STOP believing exaggerated statements…
on 08 June 2009 / 10:13 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Ha Ha…I am rebelling against organic. I am going to eat some Vienna Sausages and Spam right now!
on 08 June 2009 / 10:21 AM
Lauren Neuner says,
and some Fruit Loops!! LOL! Seriously, the list really hit home with me, too. I read through it and I’m saying out loud, “hellllo”. The big one I need to do is to stop being my biggest critic. Not good to “hit yourself”
on 09 June 2009 / 8:42 PM
Shannon Taylor says,
That’s a good list! I can agree that most of these are things I,too need to stop doing.
I was reading in James 1:27 where it says,”Real, true religion from God’s perspective is about caring for the orphans and widows who suffer needlessly and resisting the evil influence of the world.”
If we have God’s heart, we’ll stop thinking about ourselves and start living to help others.
And, if you read the verse before that James 1:26 “If you put yourself on a pedestal, thinking you have become a role model in all things religious, but you can’t control your mouth, then think again! Your mouth exposes your heart and your religion is useless.” WOW! Stop talking!
Great word for me today!
on 08 June 2009 / 10:25 AM
Mary says,
Shannon, your list just blew me away. It makes so much sense.But I was really surprised at the last one. Do we really need to defend BNC or just tell people to check us out for themselves before they judge us? People are always gonna talk about someone because that is the nature of people. No matter what anyone says, BNC is a good church. God will take care of those who are his children. As far as the poor & needy of which there are alot we can pray, we can extend the hand of friendship & christian love. Just keep feeding us God’s word & be honest no matter what. People may not like all the honesty but at least they will know that if you have something to say you will say to their face and not behind their backs.
keep up the good work.
on 08 June 2009 / 11:13 AM
Scott says,
Good stuff Shannon. #11 is what the Gospel is all about. Mary,
I think God expects US to take care of his children. Prayer is good for the poor and needy but without action it has little meaning. NOT that BNC is this way but I left a church over their in-action with people in our community that need help daily. The children of our community need help the most. They benefit from the school system free lunch and breakfast programs but when summer time hits they run out. Share and Care is drained in just a few days. Take care of the least of these, that is where you will find God.
on 08 June 2009 / 12:00 PM
Mary says,
Did not think about it that way Scott. You are right. But how do we make sure that the kids eat all year round? Question, is too much action help or hindurance? If we are always there to help do we not in a way become an enabler? I think we need to help people get to the point where they can help themselves because too many people work the system. So how do you know which it is, and what do you do? Love to hear any and all ideas.
on 10 June 2009 / 4:33 PM
Scott says,
Your Honesty is refreshing. So many times when I deal with fellow pastors I have to wade through the religious image to hear the real person. Thank you for being authentic.
on 08 June 2009 / 12:53 PM
Sherie Hammonds says,
Wow, God has really opened my eyes to some things that I need to stop doing too. My biggest one is to stop complaining about anything and everything. I should be greatful for everything he has done for me!
on 08 June 2009 / 7:36 PM
rones says,
thank god! he his able to help me….
on 08 June 2009 / 8:45 PM
scott says,
Read “Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne.
on 09 June 2009 / 7:29 AM
Hackerhog says,
1. Stop arguing w/ my nontheistic friends.
2. Stop telling anyone “you’re wrong”.
3. Stop doing all the talking.
4. Stop attempting to impose my idea over other ideas even when I believe my idea is always better.
5. Stop thinking my way is the only way and attempt to honestly see things from another person’s point of view.
6. Stop wanting to take the credit when someone’s idea is the same as mine, but they happen to communicate it before I do.
7. Stop admonishing other people’s ideas and desires when they ARE wrong and show sympathy instead.
8. Stop frowning.
9. Stop name dropping.
10. Stop backing down and instead throw down a challenge.
on 09 June 2009 / 2:37 PM
Derek Simpkins says,
10) Stop becoming the side-kick to friends – sometimes it’s ok to step out of the shaddows
9) Stop addressing issues with everyone but the person I have a problem with
7) Stop pretending I can handle it – and let God handle it for me. There’s nothing good about putting yourself in situations that will make it easy to sin and telling yourself “I got this.”
6) Stop wishing for credit and recognition – especially when all the props are going to the King
5) Stop griping about someone’s faults – and start encouraging them to do better
4) Stop hoping for someone to pave a road for me – and start “hoofin” it down the road less traveled. Sometimes the journey down the road is more rewarding than reaching the destination.
3) Stop falling back on the same dumb excuse to feel better about stumbling – and become more accountable in the areas I struggle
2) Stop telling myself how great it is to be “different” if I can’t stop doing double-takes when I come across someone who is a little more unique than the rest.
1) Stop searching for what I think is missing when I get lonely – Instead, when I feel lonely, put myself in the best company a man can have – God and his word. Nobody ever said you can only have 1 quiet time a day. And what better to fill your heart when it’s feeling empty?
on 12 June 2009 / 10:45 AM
cardfan says,
1) Stop using my thoughts, but the ones that God gives me.
2) Stop thinking that I am better than I am.
3) Stop telling people what they want to here and start telling them about Jesus and what he wants me to tell them for him.
4) Start call my old friend and show them that they matter to Jesus.
on 13 June 2009 / 6:22 PM