Seekers' Haven Queries 9/6/2009
Second Query:
We do not seek revenge against those who hurt us. Remembering Christ’s suffering and forgiveness on the cross helps us to follow His example. Often, though, the pain persists.
We maintain the confidence of those with whom we deal in our work. We avoid repeating rumors. We do not look down on others because of their errors.
We treat all with equal respect. We greet all in love, whether neighbors, garbage men, professional or friends.
In our family, those who follow Christ are quick to seek and to offer forgiveness, and to focus on serving the Lord by respecting and serving each other. When we encounter disruption to our harmony from those children who do not love the Lord, we are at a loss what to do – to continue to love unilaterally seems to condone the disruptive behavior; to take a stand in asking for Christ-like behavior leads to more alienation and rebellion.
The Quarterly Meeting for Ministry and Oversight has begun action, in a timely way, regarding a concern brought to it.
Possible additional queries:
As individuals, do we daily lay our troubles before God for His care? Do we daily lay our gifts before God for his use?
Corporately, as families and as a meeting, do we regularly lay our troubles before God for His care? Do we regularly lay our gifts before God for His use?
Seekers’ Haven Queries 11/8/2009
Fourth Query:
We plan for regular exercise and balanced meals. We also plan regular spiritual and intellectual reading. To follow the plan, amidst the many worldly distractions and “obligations,” requires constantly remembering that maintaining our health is an obligation we have to God.
To be temperate requires us to remember to work on the “to be” list before the “to do” list.
The Friend here avoids the use of alcohol completely, while his wife (not a Friend) uses it in moderation. In addition to avoiding improper use of drugs, and so on, we take care of the choices we make regarding things that are harmfull or forbidden for all our senses: things we see can see and hear on TV and on line are of particular concern.
We rely on the Bible for moral standards. We turn to Christ, whose has the power to protect us from evil and to deliver us from temptations.
Some of my neighbors are elderly, and some burdened will illness. I visit regularly, usually sharing some of my weekly batch of Doukhobor pyrahi or my homegrown herbal tea when I do. In season, I also share from my garden. I believe all these neighbors know now that they can call on me for assistance and "help around the house" when it is needed; one certainly avails himself of my help frequently. I also write fairly regularly to a Christian woman imprisoned in Canada for her pro-life witness: aside from general sharing, I hand-copy those letters of the first Friends, especially those of Isaac Penington, that were supportive of other jailed and suffering Friends; she rather likes Isaac P.
Certainly, I pray to know what else I can do in all these matters, and this has actually be fruitful.
I am less successful at loving and prayerful counsel: I have never been known for tact. I do believe I am getting better "face to face"; I need much more work when it comes to "written" communication, and I am working on this.
John KebaConrad Lindes