Comments on: Mastering Passions

By: Chrissy (joyfilledwifemom)

Chrissy (joyfilledwifemom) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:22:11 +0000

God, has really revealed somethings to me about this in the last few months. Thanks for the great post!

By: Aimee

Aimee — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:24:21 +0000

I really appreciated Kyle’s thoughts…sometimes our focus on “mastering the passions” or to “become better at mastering self” can lead us to a preoccupation with our self…I think as we simply keep our focus on Jesus and imitating Him, the “self stuff” goes away without thought or practice. When I am like Christ then I am not about self at all….and I have seen that my attempts at self-discipline are no match for my flesh/self…only the Holy Spirit and walking by faith can overcome its selfishness. This could all just be semantics, but I unfortunately have lived a long time believing my good choices have way tooo much power for change instead of seeing my emptiness and need for full reliance on Him.

By: Kyle Fever

Kyle Fever — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:59:57 +0000

I never said not to read anything from other perspectives. I never even said not to read from the Forerunner Commentary (though I would read other Biblical commentaries by more reputable scholars as well). I said use caution. Read widely, of course. But, also read more carefully, please. I obviously touched a nerve. But, don’t misunderstand or misread someone and then use that misunderstanding as a launching pad to oppose a viewpoint that was never stated.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:20:21 +0000

Excellent post and great, realistic goals.

I think it’s always good to practice denying yourself–especially in our culture. Probably *because* of our culture. Something for me to think about and practice more.

“In Him and through Him”–that’s the only way I can do it!

By: Laurie B

Laurie B — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:23:44 +0000

I have never heard of the Forerunner commentary or their sect, but I would put in a word for not restricting ourselves to reading only books written by people we agree with 100 percent.

I have learned valuable things from authors who don’t share my faith or my parenting views or my political perspective.

The world would benefit from people being more open to wisdom from others.

Sara, keep reading widely!

By: meredith

meredith — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:53:52 +0000

Sara,
Thanks so much for these thoughts. We are starting the Living Beyond Yourself BM Study on Friday…I can’t wait! your journey right now is very similar to mine and I am so inspired by your thoughts!

Is that Kyle Fever of Kyle and Laura Fever, that went to UNI…with a sister Alison Fever?? If so, completely small world.

By: Melody

Melody — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:27:53 +0000

Thank you for posting the online link for the One Year Bible. I have tried so many times to get through the Bible in one year. I have not been successful yet. I put the widget on my blog so I can pull it up every day and go into it. Maybe that will help.

By: Sara

Sara — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:49:12 +0000

Mariah…I’m so glad the move is going well! I agree on the magazines. I too, am very selective about which ones I choose to read. I especially dislike fitness magazines! Blech.

Dr. Fever …I love boxes You’re the best. I think that you guys should just hand deliver them, however It’s only 2 hours away!!! Please pretty please? It would be a blast.

By: Kyle Fever

Kyle Fever — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:19:35 +0000

Please, no. You know me better than that. I don’t think you can just start calling someone “Dr.” when you’ve known him for more than a decade–especially those camp and college years! I’ll get your address at Matt’s from Laura. Expect a box of gifts.
Good to talk with you a bit.

By: Mariah

Mariah — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:27:58 +0000

Excellent post! My husband and I were talking last night about how this move has impressed on us our need to let go of the stuff. It’s all related…at least for me. “I deserve to have this…” “It’s not fair that I should have to limit my consumption of that…” Making an overseas move really shines a light on what’s important and what’s not, and has shown me that my emotions are too tightly wrapped around my stuff. It’s been a great liberator for me! Jesus really is the ONLY one who satisfies the longings of our hearts! The move is going smoothly, by the way! We shipped the things we decided to take and now we’re visiting with folks for the last time before we fly out next week…thanks for your input a few days back! We have a mountain of things in our basement that we are not moving, and not replacing when we get there! Folks will be coming over the next few days to sift through it and take what they want. It’s so freeing! Also…and what I REALLY wanted to comment on…is that some years ago I quit reading women’s magazines. They are filled with “you deserve it” and “think of yourself first” and garbage of that sort. Directly contrary to the Word of God! I love to read and now I prefer to read my Bible and books that actually have something to say! And of course blogs… (but even then I’m selective about what goes into my mind!) Have a great day!!

-Mariah