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There are over 1100
stories and commentaries on this blog that began Nov 24, 2009. It is added to
daily.
Click on http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com
to read selected Sermons from
over 50 years of Rev. Wyrick's ministry.
To view Rev. Wyrick in 4 of his highly
acclaimed One Man Dramas click on the below
http://www.speakerneil.com/
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Am I
an authority on criticism? Well, as a
preacher I have certainly received (and certainly sometimes rightly so)
criticism.
Which someone commented on...the faults
found about we ministers...and how we have so much experience in dealing with it.
If he preaches sound doctrinal sermons, he
ought to be more interested in everyday problems of people; if he focuses on
practical life situations, it is because he doesn’t know much theology.
• If he emphasizes the importance of
tithing, he has his mind on money; if he doesn’t stress regular giving, he is a
poor steward of church finances.
• If he is especially strong on
soul-winning, he should be more concerned about community and national affairs;
if he is active in social and political betterment, he ought to concentrate on
evangelism.
• If he tries to encourage a friendly
atmosphere in the church, he is not conducting a dignified service; if he
places priority on reverence and order during worship, he is going to give the
church a reputation for being stuffy and unfriendly.
• If he makes a point of conveying basic
spiritual truths that he may be all things to all people, he tends to be vague
and too general; if he addresses specific sins within the congregation, he has
quit preaching and gone to meddling.
Then Moses cried
out to the Lord, "What am I to do with these
people? They are almost ready to stone me." (Exodus 17:4)
Just a
reminder that criticism is nothing new.
It's been around as long as man has been around
And...may I
reintroduce you to Job? Here was a man that the Lord called " Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one
on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns
evil.” Yet, when various calamities descended
on him and Job's friends came to be with him, they seemed to have nothing better
to do but criticize him.
And then there was Abraham Lincoln who
one day gave another of his speeches.
There had been a long train ride and he was not even the main speaker of
the day.
Afterwards, a newspaper in Chicago tore
into his words with a scathing editorial.
Among other insults about the speech was the following, "The cheeks of every American should be red
with shame at that silly, washed-out, utterance of the man who has to be
introduced to foreigners as the President of the United States". That
"terrible washed-out" speech would come to be known as The Gettysburg
Address.
Criticism sometimes
cannot stand the light of day.
. Bishop Stephen Neill, a great man of God,
made the following observation in relationship to Christians. He put it bluntly
in these words: "Criticism is the manure in which
the Lord's servants grow best."
Oh...and if you are constantly being
criticized you must be doing something. People who do little are usually criticized little. Of course, the more you do the opportunities
you have to make mistakes.
Life gets complicated doesn't it.
Criticism.
Yesterday I dealt with the loving art
giving criticism tempered by compassion, concern and common sense.
Today I want to deal with being on the
receiving end.
It's a problem...this thing called
criticism because all of us
would like to receive EVERYONE'S approval. It isn't going to happen
but nevertheless it is at the top of our "wish list."
Dwight
L. Moody, the Billy Graham of a century or more ago, once mounted the pulpit to
preach to a vast audience. He looked down and saw that someone had placed a
note on his pulpit that contained one word, “Fool!” He picked it up, examined
it, and replied, “I have received a lot of messages where the writer failed to
sign his name, but I believe
this is the first time I have seen the writer sign his name and forget the
message!”
What can be done to make it easier to handle someone in writing or
word taking you apart? Well, yes, a
sense of humor helps.
But also....ask the question when you are
being criticized, "Is it
valid?" It's hard to do...and give ourselves an
honest answer...defense mechanism automatically began to pop up...but it is a question that needs to be asked...first and foremost...and before
excuses start to kick in.
Criticism? You don't really want to live in a
cocoon. Be thankful for the benefits of criticisms. They shine a spot light where we prefer to
hide our faults in darkness.
And criticisms usually has some truth in
it and quite often some truths we have been willing to accept. So...since perfection is humanly
possible...the best we can do is be a student of our imperfections...and be
thankful for a critic (teacher) ...even if it is a class we did not
chose to attend.
Yes, we learn from criticism...that friend in disguise...about which J.C. Penny wrote,
"Those who enter (my department
store)to buy, support me.
Those who come to flatter, please me.
Those who complain, teach me how I may please others so that
more will come.
Only those hurt me who are displeased but do not complain.
They refuse me
permission to correct my errors and thus improve my service.
Would you drain the lifeblood out of criticism? Use it when it is directed at you to strengthen your power of
forgiveness. It's a challenge.
What am I talking about?
Someone has said bad things about you and I'm as of now
suggesting a good response. Well, I'm
actually suggesting plugging into Christian love and forgiveness.
Positives defeat negatives so...so...
Massage your ability to sweat the small stuff.
A criticism may be a big criticism of something that really doesn't
deserve any criticism at all. Laugh it
off. Small people have nothing better to do...then criticize...believe
it and pray for them rather than argue
Don't be a time dweller. Dwelling and dwelling
and dwelling on some snide little remark that isn't worth the effort. Or if it is a big criticism you
deserve...learn from it...sharpen your solution skills...and then get on with
life.
In this electronic age when it so easy to insult people by email...if
this has happened to you...do not respond in like kind...smother the individual
with kindness...you
may never hear from them again...or then again you may...in the form of an
apology which will be better for both of you.
At least you won't have descended to their level.
And in closing, when you feel put
upon...you who have so little really to be criticized...just remember..
His name was Jesus Christ and He was perfect. Yet while he lived and walked among us
criticism followed him wherever he went.
Nor did his detractors run out of
insults. He was called a
glutton, a drunkard, a carouser, an illegitimate child, a fraud, a
revolutionary, a Sabbath breaker, a lunatic, an imposter, a liar, a charlatan,
a blasphemer, a seditionist, a scofflaw, an extremist, a devil, a misguided
martyr, a phantom, a missing corpse, a soon-to-be forgotten misfit. and these were
just some of the words of just some of His critics.
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QUOTE
ON CRITICISM
“Any fool can criticize, condemn and
complain and most fools do.”
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
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A new quote
(posted OCT 11) below from
Rev. Wyrick's 9th book THE SPIRITUAL ABRAHAM LINCOLN (read the rave reviews below the quote)
It was late summer in 1864 when Sherman ’s army captured Atlanta Georgia
It was Sherman
"Positive,
powerful utterances...skillfully enhancing our understanding and appreciation
of Lincoln while revealing the Divine source of his strength."
Lt.
Colonel C.A. Olsen (Ret.) Asbury College (Professor Ret.)
"The Spiritual Abraham Lincoln is
an extremely well written book that investigates what might be
termed the spiritual side of President Lincoln. It's both scholarly and very
readable. I came away impressed at Mr. Wyrick's portrayal of the President and
with an altered and enlarged vision of the man:'
William Hoffman, Award winning fiction writer; author of Blood and Guile, and
Wild Thorn
"Wyrick has authored a wonderful
examination of the spirituality of one of American history's most devoutly
religious leaders...a pleasant and readable book that has a rich depth of
information."
Maynard Pittendreigh Presbyterian
minister
"When it comes to invoking religion in
support of any of their decisions, politicians need to sit at the feet of
Abraham Lincoln. Reinhold Niebuhr once called him 'America's greatest
theologian.' Why so great? Because he invariably distinguished between human
works and the works of the Almighty. As Wyrick says, 'He wore
the mantle of humility easily: because he was more impressed with what God was
doing in the world than with what he, president of the United States in the
midst of an awful crisis, was doing. That is why in his last major speech he
distinguished between both human causes in the Civil War and the Almighty's
'own purposes.' Lincoln would have agreed that it is better to leave God-talk
out of politics than to decorate human proposals with divinity. This is a book
for our American time. Through his careful study of Lincoln's career, Wyrick
compels us to remember that piety belongs in politics only when piety
transcends politics."
Dr.
Donald W. Shriver
Emeritus professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York.
Author of An Ethic for Enemies: Forgiveness in Politics
"V. Neil Wyrick's fine work allows the reader to appreciate Abraham
Lincoln's Christian commitment and his prophetic role in American history.
Should have a wide readership."
James
H. Smylie Professor
of Church History (Ret.) Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia
"Neil
Wyrick's The Spiritual Abraham Lincoln should be read by anyone attempting to understand the man who was probably
the most complex person to ever hold the office of president of the United
States. Dr. Wyrick is intent on demonstrating that the spirituality so often
expressed in Lincoln's writings and speeches was not merely lip service to a
Deity, but rather expressions of a profound faith in a real God. It was this
faith that provided the wisdom, compassion, insight and sometimes steel that
Lincoln would need in full measure as he led the United States through
the Civil War. Dr. Wyrick's clear and unpretentious style of presentation is
very much in keeping with the character ofhis subject, and in so doing, Wyrick
makes his point very well that Lincoln, his beliefs, and the faith that formed
them, are as relevant to a troubled America in 2004 as they were in 1863."
Daniel Allen Butler, author
of "Unsinkable"; The Full Story of the RMS Titanic, The
Lusitania and The Age o f Cunard
,
QUOTE BELOW IS FROM WYRICK'S
WRITINGS
There
is no other organization in the world like the church. It is a breed unto itself. It is a congregation of sinners, not a
country club for saints. To become a
member you have to profess your unworthiness.
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO TAKE YOU THERE
(These are selected sermons from over 50 years of ministry and as a worldwide evangelist Rev. Wyrick preached them all the United States and all over the
world)
+++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++
CLICK ON www.go60.us
IT WILL TAKE YOU A NEW WEBSITE FOR SENIORS....click on
"Voice" on the home page and then on the list of authors click
on Neil Wyrick
Recent articles Rev. Wyrick has written for this web site are:
REFLECTIONS
·
Here Comes Summer (July 2012)
·
Spring (May 2012)
·
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow
(April 2012)
·
Wayward and Windy (April 2012)
Just
remember that “the pain of discipline will cost you pennies, whereas the pain
of regret will cost you millions.”
++++++++++++++++++
How can
we keep our faith from being a weak and fruitless thing? How can we not be foolish little men and
women groveling in the dark shadows of overeager egos.
Well, first we must do more than just pray. We must believe in our own prayers.
+++++++++++++++++++
Anxiety
out of proportion makes us become like a centipede trying to put his best foot
forward.
++++++++++++++++++
It's
an old joke, I went to the doctor and I said, “Doc, when I do this, it hurts.”
And the doctor said, “Then don't do that.”
++++++++++++++++++
How many things have you been anxious
about that were things which you knew before you got into them were probably
going to create some problems for you?
And if you asked your doctor, or your minister, or common sense and your
God, all of them would have said, “Don’t do that.”
++++++++++++++++++++
To buy into the
community of accountability we have to realize that like bikers we are divided
into two categories. Those who have fallen and those who will fall for anything. None of us are perfect.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Think
on it this way, some philosopher of old wrote it and it endures because there
is so much truth in it… every right
implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a
duty
++++++++++++++++++++++
Some of the sermon titles
posted recently
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Before you decide
to purchase or not purchase his book THE SPIRITUAL ABRAHAM LINCOLN.... view his Award Winning One Man
Dramatization of Lincoln (since he wrote the script
for this drama it will give you an insight into what you will find in the book
itself)
Available on
Amazon.com in printed form and on Amazon Kindle Books. and at
many other sites
TO VIEW THE LINCOLN
One Man DRAMA and 3 other dramas; Ben Franklin, Martin Luther & Charles
Wesley
click on the
following URL
http://www.speakerneil.com/
++++++++++++++++++++++
BELOW
ARE MORE QUOTES FROM NEIL'S RECENTLY POSTED SERMONS
++++++++++++++++++
A QUOTE FROM THOUGHTS POSTED ON MY
OTHER BLOG WYRICK'S WRITINGS ON SUNDAY APRIL 15. ENTITILED
Two stores faced each other across a very
busy street. Their owners were in constant competition
with each other. One day, the owner of
one store put out a sign that read – If
you want it, we have it!
Almost immediately the other owner put out a
sign –If we don’t have it, you don’t
need it!
A QUOTE FROM THOUGHTS POSTED ON MY
OTHER BLOG WYRICK'S WRITINGS ON THURSDAY APRIL 13TH. ENTITILED
WHO ARE
YOU?
NO…WHOSE ARE YOU?
Who are you? Whose are
you?
You influence and are influenced
according to the answer you give.
Are you are the flavor of the month because
you are determined to be like everyone else no matter what? If so, consider being more independent in our
thinking and actions...because God wants you to grow up.
It may be easier being someone's shadow but
wouldn't you really rather be a sun.
QUOTE FROM THOUGHTS POSTED ON WYRICK'S WRITINGS THURSDAY APRIL 5 FROM THOUGHT ENTITLED "Who
Are You? Whose Are You?"
This is an old quote, and a romantic one
as well but, nevertheless, can anyone say of you, “I love you not because of who you are,
but because of who I am when I am with you.”
QUOTE FROM THOUGHT PIECE POSTED
ON WYRICK'S WRITINGS TUESDAY APRIL 3 FROM THOUGHT ENTITLED
" WHEN A NATION STRAYS TOO FAR FROM BEING MORAL IT IS WELL ON IT'S WAY
TO BECOMING A MESS
James 4:17
To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it,
to him it is sin.
Someone once said: “A
belief is what you hold, a conviction is what holds you!”
So what holds you,
constructs you, leads you with a push when needed?
Quotes
POSTED ON WYRICK'S WRITING THURSDAY MARCH 29th THOUGHTS ENTITLED WHO
ARE YOU?
NO…WHOSE ARE YOU?
In a Peanuts
cartoon strip Peppermint Patty is shown talking to Charlie Brown.
“Guess what, Chuck? It’s the first day
of school and I got sent to the principal’s office.
And it’s your fault!”
Charlie Brown responds, “My fault? How
could it be my fault? Why do you say everything is my fault?”
To which she declares, “You’re my
friend, aren’t you, Chuck? You should have been a better influence on me.”
In the comics, it’s funny… but in real life it’s much more
complicated.
Would you like to read the entire thought
piece? Then... TO TAKE YOU TO THE WYRICK'S WRITING'S
SITE
click on
the following
Yes, God loves you the way you
are but he loves you too much to let you stay that way.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Click on the URL below to WATCH NEIL IN
HIS WORLD FAMOUS ONE MAN DRAMATIZATIONS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, BEN FRANKLIN,
CHARLES WESLEY AND MARTIN LUTHER
To
Order and Read
Neil's 9th book THE
SPIRITUAL ABRAHAM LINCOLN
GO TO amazon.com
QUOTES ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL INSPIRING INFORMATIVE book
STILL RECEIVING RAVE REVIEWS 8 YEARS AFTER IT'S PUBLICATION.
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