Vipers #3

#3. DO NOT ENTERTAIN VIPERS

Vipers are people who are Envious, Furious, and spread their poisonous venom through Gossip and Slander.  They lash out and cannot be trusted.

We have all ran into Vipers in our lives.  You know the coworker who starts every conversation with, “Did you hear?”.   The friend who criticizes  everything and thinks if everyone where more like them and listen to everything they had to say, the world would be a better place.

One of the mistakes you and I can make when we come across Vipers, is rather than getting out of their striking distance, we try to become Snake Charmers.  We try to stay one step ahead of the bite,  try not to participate in the Gossip but will listen, and hope we can stay just close enough without getting hit with a striking blow.

Here is the problem – snake charmers will eventually get bit!

There is no such thing as an innocent bystander when it comes to gossip.  Even though you might not be the one speaking, gossips need people to listen to them.  Charles H Spurgeon once said in regards to Gossip , “the tale-bearer carrieth the devil in his tongue, and the tale-hearer carries the devil in his ear.”

Stop Trying to tame the Vipers, you will get hit with the bite of venom!!

Philippians 4:8- Finally, brothers, 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.”

Vipers #2

Growing up I had family that lived in the Southwest.  My Uncle’s job required them to move a lot and as I remember they moved back and fourth between Arizona and California a few times.

Growing up we would hear stories about my Uncle, Aunt, or Cousins waking up in the morning to find a Rattlesnake cooling off on their tile floor in the kitchen.  I was always terrified of the idea of visiting because I knew there was a chance of coming across a rattlesnake!

We need to treat “Vipers” those who are full of bitterness, are always furious, strike with their gossip, and inject venom that kills just like we would any other poisonous snake!

Yesterday I posted 5 tips for dealing with Vipers in your life.  Today we are talking about location, because location matters!!

#1. STAY AWAY FROM VIPERS!

You know what always amazes me about the National Graphic and Discovery  Shows that highlight venomous snakes?  These guys always know exactly where to find the snakes!  That is because snakes have places they like to hang out, places to hunt, and places to hide out as they enjoy their latest kill!

Where do the “Vipers” hang out in your life?

Is it by the water cooler at work?  A friend who loves to email other people’s secrets? Someone you know who always starts the conversation, “Did you hear……”.

Find our where the Vipers Hang out, know what they like and then…..

#2. RUN AWAY FROM THEM

Remember, Vipers always strike and when they do, they inject venom that will destroy you!

A Viper Cannot bite you if they cannot get close enough to Strike at You!

Stop trying to play “Snake Charmer”, when you see a Viper coming your way, RUN, because the Viper has one agenda and it leads to death!

Vipers

You and I are bound to run into Vipers at sometime in our lives.  I am not talking about actual snakes, although we may run into them as well!  I thought I would write a series of blog posts on how to deal with vipers!

In Matthew 12:34, Jesus talks about a group of people he calls Vipers.

“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Vipers are people who are full of Biternessss, they are always Envioussss, are Furioussss, and when they strike with their Gosssip,  they inject Venom that is deadly!

5 Tips on how to handle Vipers in your life:

1. STAY AWAY FROM THEM!

2. RUN AWAY FROM THEM!

3. DO NOT ENTERTAIN THEM!

4. CONFRONT THEM!

5. ADMINISTER ANTI-VENOM DAILY!

Service Saturday

Last Saturday (October 10th) a group of people from Meadowland went over to the Karney’s to help out with some yard work.  We had a blast, helped out where we could, and caught it on film!!

I personally want to thank the kind people who carved out some time from there busy lives to help out a family in need! You are the salt and light, and it was a pleasure serving with you!!  Jack may be released from the hospital this week!

Here are some pictures:

Worship is not just a Sunday Thing!

Rose getting serious with the saw!

The Karney’s have a great place, a lot of land, and a ton of trees!  Gary had to bust out the Chainsaw!!

There was a rake harmed @ this event!  John continued to use it like nothing happened!

And of Course, we had some fun!

We came, we saw, did some work, and then went home!!

All of these pictures were taken by Pam B!  Thanks for letting me put these up Pam!

Sunday in Review 10.11.09

- Thanks to Mike Freund and Kurt Rice, we had heat in the building Sunday morning!  Last week the A/C was on, this week we needed the heat!!

- We studied Genesis 39 as we continued on in our Study of Joseph.  If you missed it  here are links to the MESSAGE and the STUDY GUIDE.

- Since a Change in Latitude = Change in Attitude, we need to check or attitude in the Pit!

- When you come across “Pit Vipers” – those who are Enviousssss, Gossipsss, and Furiousssss, RUN!  Vipers bite only to inject venom, cause harm, and kill!

- We learned from Joseph that sometimes the best plan is just to RUN from Sin!  Don’t mess around with it, just get away from it!

- Pit Stop People know how to WAIT on the Lord! Pray, Surrender, and Praise! (Psalm 40:1-4)

- Rose performed a song she wrote called “Prayer” on Sunday.  It was awesome, thanks for sharing with us Rose!

- I mapped out the Chain of Betrayal in Joseph’s family on Sunday and shared some of my drawing skills (or lack there of on Sunday).

- A couple weeks ago we started a post service review meeting with some of our key Sunday Morning Leaders.  I really value the feedback and wisdom, dedication, and creativity these people share with me!!

- After Service on Sunday, multiple people said they thought this series was specifically written for them.  That is the work of the Holy Spirit!

- I had a great time meeting new friends and connecting with people I love!

- After Church on Sunday Audrey and I ended up taking Shane to Immediate Care in McHenry.  Shane went down for a 30 minute nap, and woke up with a rash over his entire body.  The Doctor diagnosed Shane with a Viral Rash, gave us some meds, and sent us home.  Shane is doing much better today (Monday), and is sleeping better!  Thanks for all the prayers everyone!

- God is at work, and I am so thankful that I have a front row seat!!