What’s beyond the horizon?

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

horizo.jpg

Have you ever gotten that feeling that there is something GREAT coming your way. A blessing that you weren’t expecting and don’t know what it may be, but that there is undoubtedly something coming that will be better than you can imagine?

I like to take a few minutes at lunch to walk to the little wooded area about back of our building and relax, pray a little, normally just talk with God. Not asking for anything, just happy that I can talk with Him. And, as I was doing so today, I got such a peaceful feeling and at the some time, one of anticipation. Somewhat like opening that present from the one family member that ALWAYS gets something fantastic for you. You may not know what’s in there, but it never fails to please. That is sorta like the feeling I have now but this feeling is far stronger than that. Not sure what to expect, just a huge blessing of some sort coming my way.

I am not able to see it, but thinking about the rainbow and His promises, it made me think of the song from Over the Rainbow. Not a hymn or Christian song, but part of the message is that despite how bad things may be in life, over the rainbow, just beyond the horizon, things will be beautiful and all will be well. That is the feeling He put into my heart. I have no idea what to expect, or when to expect it and I hope when it actually occurs I recognize it for the blessing He intends for me. Through Christ there will be something far more wonderful than I could even imagine. HE IS SO GOOD TO US!

Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. 2 Samuel 7:29

 

Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.  Psalms 3:8

 

The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

 

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:3-6

 

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

 

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.  Revelations 5:12

 

I have been praying about a lot of things, maybe one or many of those are going to be answered, maybe it is some blessing I don’t even expect and haven’t thought of wanting, but I trust Him to bless me the way He knows is best for me. I am just excitedly anticipating the blessing when it comes my way.

 

My Heavenly Father, I praise You and worship You for all that You are for us. I thank You for the blessings I have received, and those yet to come.  My greatest thanks and praise is that You loved me so much that You sent Your own Son to be sacrificed so I could be redeemed through His death and resurrection. I ask that You continue to work in my life, teach me how to better seek and serve Christ and help my faith continue to grow. I pray You will work in hearts and minds of loved ones, bless them all as well, draw all closer to You and bring those not saved to Your truth and the redemption through Jesus. I pray in Jesus name that You help me become what You wish me to be and that I know to rejoice in all the blessings You send to me.

Amen

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and that you all are ready for the many blessings He has in store, whether they big huge blessings or small ones doesn’t matter. He cares enough to bless us daily. And, as He blesses you, let Christ use you to bless others.

 

 

 

 

 

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Psalm 107

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

 

A blogging friend is doing a series on the Psalms, but I was reading ahead a little. Just sharing it. Going to let all interpret themselves as they feel fit.

 

Psalm 107
1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3
those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.[a]
4
Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
6
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
8
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
10
Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,
11
because they rebelled against God’s commands
and despised the plans of the Most High.
12
So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
13
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
14
He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
and broke away their chains.
15
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
16
for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
17
Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
18
They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.
19
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20
He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
21
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.
23
Some went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24
They saw the works of the Lord,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25
For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
26
They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
27
They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.
30
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32
Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.
33
He turned rivers into a desert,
flowing springs into thirsty ground,
34
and fruitful land into a salt waste,
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35
He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36
there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37
They sowed fields and planted vineyards
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38
he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
and he did not let their herds diminish.
39
Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40
he who pours contempt on nobles
made them wander in a trackless waste.
41
But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.
42
The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.
43
Let the one who is wise heed these things
and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord

His Creation

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

pexels-photo-1054506.jpeg

 

I love the start of the day. I like to get up early enough to have coffee on my porch and watch the sun rise. The darkness giving way to light. Seeing the mist in the low areas slowly dissolve. The sun glistening off the dew drops on the grass and leaves. Watch the wildlife in the fields. It gives me peace and comfort. I marvel at His creation, the things He made for us.

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:28

So much He did, so much He does. Some days I get preoccupied with the day to day tasks that I forget to take time to think about all He did, and does.

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

 

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

 

Yes, I rejoice in His creation, and His greatest Creation of all, His son Jesus, who died for our salvation.

 

My Heavenly Father, I worship You and Your majesty and praise You for Your mercies. I thank  You or the creation of this world, but even more so for Christ, my Redeemer and Salvation. I thank You for the reminders of all You have done for me. Help me remain humble and meek, that I never forget that You alone are worthy of praise.

Amen

I appreciate Your stopping by and letting me share my thoughts. Some days, I have challenges and talk about those, but I never forget and do not ever want those things to overshadow my marvel at God, His Son and creations.

 

 

The hole in the clouds

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

sunbeam

The other day it was overcast when I got up. Not storm clouds, but lots of clouds. You could tell the sun was rising, but couldn’t see it. Then, a hole in the clouds. The kind where the sun shines through and it has like beams of white surrounding it. I see that and I imagine  Christ coming back. I probably saw a picture like that in Sunday school or something some time in the past. I don’t know, but that morning, the place where the sun was in the sky, the hole in the clouds and all, it shined straight into my window. I had been praying about work situation, life in general, concern about kids, grandkids, all the normal life things we all have to deal with most everyday. Plus, wanting to learn to seek Him better and have more faith. I am getting much better at both, but some days, it is more difficult than others.

Now, I don’t know exactly which area He was telling me this about, maybe all of them, but I felt that He was telling me, “Don’t worry my child, I have heard your prayers. I have it all in my hands. Things will be perfect for you and you will have all you ask for and more.”

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:25-26

 

 

Then, after a couple minutes, the hole closed for a while and eventually, the clouds dissipated or the rest of the day. But, that moment, I felt Him reassure me all will be as He plans for me.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4

 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:1

 

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

 

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16

 

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:22-24

 

He will be there for me, strengthen me, bless me, protect me when needed. I have all the strength, blessings and comfort I need in Christ. He will magnify my faith, He promises so much, none of which I deserve, but I praise His Holy Name that He is gracious beyond human ability to comprehend.

 

Lord, Thank You for the reassurance that You hear my prayers and the promises that You will answer my prayers. I ask in Jesus Name that You continue to help me increase my faith and teach me more on how to seek You. Help me have the words to help others find You as well. I pray that You reach out to my unsaved loved ones and draw them too You. Use me to help them find the salvation You offer.

Amen

 

I truly appreciate all that stop by and take time to read my blog. I hope all have a blessed day and that you do your best to bless someone else.

 

 

 

 

The Rainbow

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized
agriculture clouds colors countryside
Photo by Binyamin Mellish on Pexels.com

11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

Genesis 9:11-17

 

I had some errands to run this evening, and we had some brief showers, but nothing much, but, after that there were several rainbows. Well, pretty colors and all yes, but I thought about how that is one of the few areas we can SEE the what He gave humanity as a sign of the promise to never destroy the earth with flooding again. Oh, there are areas that get flooded, but not EVERYTHING. We know He is faithful and true. But, other times, He makes promises but doesn’t give us physical signs we can see. Regardless of evidence we can see, we KNOW what He promises He will deliver. And, as I think about knowing that He will do as He promises, it is faith in action. Seeing something and believing is much easier than simply accepting it because He says so.

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Hebrews 11:1-11

 

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.  Matthew 17:20

 

Yes, God gave Noah and the rest of us prove of His promise. But, despite something I can see, I still have faith in His word, in the power of the Name of Jesus, the power of salvation and redemption. I have faith, that is something that with several of the episodes I have talked about that I have felt grow stronger. Oh, I still want it stronger still, but the extent of faith I have now is far greater than I ever have in my life. I praise Him for the gift of faith.

 

Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank You for the rainbow to show proof of Your promise. I thank You even more for not only giving me the faith to believe all of Your promises that of which I have no visual or physical evidence, but that You are strengthening my faith daily. I ask that You continue to increase my faith in You, as well as my desire to serve You. In Jesus name I ask that You help those whose faith is faltering, due to difficult circumstances in which they see no option or way out, that You show them that Christ is the way, the truth and the light. Show them their true source of deliverance and that no circumstance they face is beyond Your ability to bring them out and put them where You want them to be.

Amen

 

Thanks for the stop by my blog. I hope this helps someone besides just me. Pass it on as you feel He leads you and don’t forget to be a blessing to at least one other person today.

 

 

Peace and comfort

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

morning pic.jpg

This morning on way to work, I stopped at a small lake along the way (if you take the backroads) to pray. I started doing this a couple weeks ago. I like to go out on the dock, take a minute and survey the area. Just enjoy His work. However, this morning there was someone fishing on the dock and I prefer to pray in private without distractions. So, I decided to try another spot. I found a place and spent a few minutes praying, praising God, seeking His guidance, the ability to sense what His will is and for those for whom I feel a burden at the time. Then, time to get to work, but my GPS showed a different route to take instead of doubling back the way to get back to the highway. Okay Lord, You have something to show me. As I took one turn I caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye up a narrow little valley that could have been easily overlooked. Something interesting, but didn’t see well enough to be certain what it actually was I had seen. SO, I got curious about what I had seen and backed up. The picture above is what was there. Very out of place but it was pleasant to look at, peaceful, serene. I felt a peace, comfort and I sensed Him tell me, “All will be right for You, continue to trust me and have faith. You have given all to me and I will make all as it should be for My good.” Well, that has been part of every prayer, that things be right, that I have faith and trust in Him and that I surrender things to Him so He can do His will and not mine.

Then, after I got to work, I logged on to the computer, started opening the programs and such that I need to use as well as my blog and Kingjamesbibleonline (I love that site) and the verse of the day was Colossians 1:16. As I read it, I noticed the colon at the end, which told me there was more to be read there so I went to the 1st chapter and read it. So much of what was said there spoke to me this morning. I will read it more thoroughly later, spend some time praying and asking what all He is telling me. I did so some already, but will do so again when I can better focus without distraction.

 

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

 

This just sums up so much about all God has done for me.

 

Lord, I praise Your Holy Name and am so grateful for all the blessings, mercy, guidance and more than anything, my redemption through Your Son Christ. I continue to ask for more faith, better understanding, greater ability to yield all to You and that You use me as a vessel of Jesus. I pray You work in the hearts and minds of loved ones and do the same in their lives. Help us all move out of Your way. You know before I say all the things for which I have been praying and in the name of Jesus I leave all in Your hands.

Amen

 

My day had started good, but the peace, comfort, and the message from Him all helped make it better. Hoping for all to have many blessings throughout the day, and that all are able to pass a blessing on to others in some way.

The Deceived

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

pexels-photo-267559.jpeg

 

There are so many false beliefs, false prophets and deceivers in the world it is hard to even imagine the number. Some involve false gods, idolatry and satanic worship. Some start with Christianity and Biblical teaching, but divert from the true teachings and truths of Jesus. But, dealing with the deceived can be difficult. Many that are deceived want to remain so, because they are benefitting temporarily from the deception. But, what of the long term cost to them? How does one show someone that wants to be deceived the truth? Those people are usually the hardest to actually get to see the truth. Why do I speak of false beliefs and difficulty getting people to see the truth? Well, please, read on and I will explain. One issue though, in addition to this topic is what picture to put with my post. I like using photos or graphics that relate to the topic I am discussing as the graphics will often catch one’s eye better than just text, but I have a problem putting a picture of Buddha on here. SO….I will puzzle on that issue as I write. (I thought a lot about it and no way could I put a statue of Buddha on this so, The Bible is always a good choice.)

One of the soldiers in my section with Guard texted me, asking if they could be excused for part of the day during our next drill. He said he was taking his refuge vows. He is always there, does as he should and will make up the time, so I said fine. I wasn’t familiar with refuge vows, so inquired, figuring maybe I could learn something. He said he had been studying Buddhism and it was vows related to that. He and his wife had some significant issues from his daughter that created somewhat of an emotional crisis and his wife started looking for some way to help her deal with things and stumbled onto Buddhism, he saw she was less stressed and began studying that with her. Then, asked if I had noticed any changes in him over the last year. Well, I had actually. He was less abrupt in his interactions with others. Seemed less stressed. Well, of course after learning that he was studying Buddhism I had concerns that they were looking in the wrong place for the answers they need and want to help lead him to the true answer but wanting to avoid causing him to become defensive so that he won’t hear the message. Before I answered, I replied that I would answer his question, but would turn the same question on him and asked if he had noticed any changes in me. He mentioned that I had lost weight and seemed in better physical shape and then said, but besides that, yes. You seem much more relaxed, your interactions with everyone are much different. You seem to have a peace that you haven’t had since I have known you. I told him that yes, I had seen changes, similar to what he described in me and that yes, there have been some changes in me and my life. As I was typing a reply he sent a text, adding that over the last 3 months he had seen a huge change. Oh, over the last 3 years there had been changes in me, I seemed less angry all the time, I seemed less bitter with the world but it was still there, just less than before. But, over the last few months is when he noticed a real change. He said that it really surprised him and he didn’t know why. The text I was typing was explaining that I had been through some things in life that brought me to a literal come to Jesus moment. That I had been raised Christian and had those believes, but did not have Christ in my life and that in March I surrendered to Jesus again. That having Christ in my life has made the difference. He confirmed that he could see the obvious difference in me.

I obviously have concerns about this but also know that if I confront directly and tell him that Buddhism is not the answer, it will cause hostility and that he will not be open to the truth of Christ as our way to salvation and a better life as well as life eternal. So, I didn’t push hard. I have learned that people are often less likely to consider truth when confronted directly and often refuse to hear the truth if not presented in just the right way. So, in order to be able to discuss intelligently and show him Christ I the answer he needs, I will need to understand a little about Buddhism so I can anticipate his responses to various topics that may arise in conversation about Jesus and his current believes.

 

As I looked into Buddhist believes I found that it originated in India about 400-500 years before Christ was born and some of the beliefs on how to act are very similar, do not lie, kill, commit adultery or drink strong drinks. Also they teach that one should be kind to each other as well as several other values that Christ taught. Because of the similarities some Buddhists believe that Jesus was actually a Buddhist himself, with many believing He is a reincarnation of Buddha, perhaps even the final incarnation of Buddha, but they do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God as they actually don’t believe in God. Only in the path of enlightenment and obtaining nirvana through reincarnation.

And, for discussion with my friend, I will likely need to understand Buddhism better so I can prepare mentally for any points he may bring up during a discussion. As in debates, one has to anticipate the opposing view by understanding how that person sees things. But, for now, for this post, the important points I see are that many of Buddha’s teachings have similarities to Judaism and I have to wonder if in fact, he had been exposed to Jewish teachings at some point. But, then it diverts and focuses on the person trying to be a better human. But, they miss the actual origin of that peace, comfort and joy. God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. They do not see the truth that Christ is the Son of God, died and was resurrected and that He is the only way to be forgiven of sins and redeemed for our transgressions.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:6-14

Here, we read where John the Baptist was sent to help tell people of Christ, the Light of God.

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

John 14:1-7

17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 1:17-18

 

I know that it will be difficult to show my friend the errors of his ways. He has had some positive results, but like others that have false beliefs, those will have a cost that will be terrible beyond our human ability to comprehend. It is so hard to convince people like him as they see the benefit and do not want to possibly lose that. So I pray for him and others that are being deceived by false teachings.

 

My Heavenly Father, glory to You and Your Son, Jesus. I pray for those that are being deceived, those who have been tricked and do not see the truth of Jesus and His sacrifice for us all that we may come to You through the salvation Christ paid for on the cross. That He defeated death that we may have redemption. I pray that You soften the hearts of those deceived that they may be open to hear and see the truth. I pray You guide me on how to approach those individuals to help them see the way to You.

Help me grow further in Christ and teach me how to seek You. How to be a vessel for you in this world.

In Jesus Name, AMEN

 

Thanks for the time to read this. I pray that all have a blessed day. That those trapped in false beliefs find the truth.

 

 

 

Shabby chic versus upcycling

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

dresser

 

I continue my work at my parents house and as I do so I have to try to determine if things have value so I will be able to decide if it should be included in the estate auction or what other options I have for those that will not likely sell.  Things like cracked mirrors, very old but damaged picture frames, antique glassware that is ornate but have little chips, vintage furniture such as china cabinet and many other things that aren’t perfect but may be of value to someone.  One cabinet is made well out of good wood. It’s sturdy but the varnish is cracked and peeling in places, there are stains on the shelves from who knows what. I was considering trying to refinish it or paint it in how’s it may be worth more. Then as I was talking with the auctioneer about dealing with the estate to get input how to better prepare for it I showed that cabinet he very quickly said, “DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT REFINISHING IT! There are a lot of people that want the shabby chic items and if you paint it or something they won’t be interested.”  I hadn’t considered that.

We continued the talk and I mentioned the chipped glassware and I asked for his thoughts about those items and showed him a couple and asked if I should just toss them out. “NO WAY!” He said and went on to explain that there a lot of artists and others that love to use those kind of things to make something out of it to sell or for their own enjoyment. He showed a couple photos of things that people had made from items with more damage than the things I showed him.

I thought about that some after he left, and also thought about how we can either be shabby chic or upcycled Christians. Well, that isn’t accurate, because shabby chic pretty much one accepts the flaws and then tries to keep them present, not make them better. They may clean it up and perhaps touch up the finish, maybe try to keep them from getting in worse shape, but they don’t try to really improve things, just not get worse. So, while some people may be shabby chic Christians, they are not really good Christians if they are pleased to accept their flaws and sins, keep them, not change.

 

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

Galatians 6:1-5

 

upcycle

 

God wants us to remove our imperfections and make us better. He wants to improve us. He will completely remove the imperfections, sometimes altering the person to give them a new purpose. He will grind, smooth and polish until the imperfections are gone and the person can serve Him. He will make us beautiful and perfect for His will and use. If we let him. He forgives us, completely, for our sins if we confess that Christ is His Son, Died for our sins and defeated death. That we confess we are sinners and through Christ, God forgives, redeems us and removes those imperfections. Just like that, He upcycles us.

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

 

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Galatians  6:15-17

No, I don’t want to be shabby chic, I want to be upcycled. I want to be something new. I want Christ to remove the chips and imperfections, make me into something beautiful in His sight that He can use to draw others to Him. He did that already. I am human and have continued struggles but He has done so much and made tremendous progress. Oh, He aint done yet, but He continues to work in me and my life.

 

Lord, I praise and worship You. I thank You for the day, the little lessons You teach me and how You bless me every day. I ask You continue the work on me to make me into the servant You need. I pray that You work on loved ones as well. Draw them nearer to You, help they who do not know You to find You. I pray for those struggling with difficult decisions in their lives. Help them know what choice You want them to make. Help me with my decisions as well. Thank You for my salvation and the sacrifice Christ made so I may have it.

In Jesus Holy Name

AMEN

 

Thanks to all for your time. I hope something in this is a blessing to someone. Have a great day and try to bless at least one person today.

 

 

You want the nickel or the dime?

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Salvation, Uncategorized

 

Children_playing_in_street,_New_York

I read a story, joke, whatever you would call it a while back. I have seen it off and on over the years and the other day when I read it I had a thought it would make a good post topic, so here we go.

There was an old man that ran a small neighborhood store, several boys were talking and one said, here he comes, watch this. As another boy reached them the stopped him and one said, “Hey, you want the nickel or the dime? take which ever one you want.” As he held out both hands, a nickel in one, a dime in the other. The boy looked and took the nickel. The other boys all laughed and one said, “see, he think the nickel is better because its bigger” and they ran off laughing. The shopkeeper asked the boy, “Don’t you know that a dime is worth more than a nickel?” The boy answered “Yes.” The shopkeeper then asked, “Well, why do you take the nickel every time like the one boy says?” The boy answered, “Sir, they have been doing this for weeks now, everyday. If I take the dime, the game is over and they will stop. I can have a dime once, or a nickel every day for a long time.”

Well, first thought is WOW! That kid was smart. BUT, since probably a tale written by an adult, not truly a child’s wisdom. The bigger thought I had is how often people, including Christians see an opportunity to take a nickel or dime and immediately take the dime. Failing to realize that a short term gain often costs far more in return. They jump at the chance to have more of something immediately, instead of looking to the long term benefit of accepting less now but gaining daily thereafter. Some, compromise in order to get that one big payoff, but fail to see the cost over time. Somewhat like receiving a savings bond as a gift, then cashing it in immediately instead of waiting until it is mature to get the full value.

I also see that some lose sight of the real prize, life eternal with Christ. They see shortcuts, take them and gain. Sometimes, subtle compromises, other times, they sacrifice so much more, they lose their path and may have worldly rewards, but not the eternal rewards they could have if they remained diligent in their faith. They are fooled by satan to see the short term benefit, succumbing to that, rather than seeing what is happening and staying the course they should be following. They choose an easier path to get something they desire that is temporary, giving up something else they say they want that would be eternal. They take the dime, losing more over the long run.

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:13-21

 

Some try to take shortcuts, use the wide gate and think the way that is found there is easier and at first it may be so, but then realize the easy path is not truly easier and they may lose so much more than they can imagine. Some try the short cut, to take the dime right away, and end up costing their souls. There is hope of course, confession to Christ that He is the Son of God who died to redeem us, confess their sins, ask forgiveness of Him and then, take the straight gate. Once on that path, it is easier and more profitable in the long run.

 

Our Father in Heaven, I praise You can glorify You and Your Son, Jesus. I ask for Your help in always taking the straight gate and Your path for me. Help make me sensitive to Your will and way. Teach me the patience to know the benefit to make the choices that will benefit me in the long run and not to be willing to take a quick gain in one area that will have much higher costs in another. I pray You work in the hearts and minds of loved ones that they see Your truth as well. Guide them and point them in the way You would have them go so that Your will is done. I thank You for my salvation and the guidance, lessons and help with the trials of life. I ask Your hand be on circumstances in my life that I be sensitive to Your guidance and that what serves You best be so. Please continue to help me learn to seek You and lean on Christ in time of need.

In Jesus Holy Name, AMEN

 

I hope there was some type of blessing for someone in my words. I know that everytime I write I learn by seeking Him in prayer and in His Word. Don’t forget to try to be a blessing to someone today. We could all use some sort of Blessing.

Memorial Day!

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

cemetery

I just wanted to take a minute and think about my brothers and sisters in arms, regardless of war or branch of service that were they who gave their lives.

For many people Memorial Day is a long weekend, the start of summer, barbecues and such. Many will visit the cemeteries to visit the graves of family members who have died. Others will be sure to thank veterans and the military. Today is a day for those who died in the service of the country. I don’t object to the other things, and for many years, that was my Memorial Day.  But, for those of us who serve or served in the military at war, it develops a different holiday. Those of us in that group have more than likely lost friends, some many, some only a few, but regardless of when or where, ANY who died in the service of our nation are brothers and sisters. I lost friends, acquaintances and saw others die as I tried to help them. Some, many I never learned their names but those I counted as friends, their names are forever seared into my mind. Some I can tell you about when and how, others, I can talk about that and what was done to try to help them to no avail. It matters not to me, they are all FAMILY! A family that has bonds that others cannot understand. I have spoken with veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts, when the conversation moves towards anything combat related there is a subtle, knowing look exchanged. No words required. We see and feel each others pain and sorrow from those things.

It is Thursday as I write this, I had lunch with a friend of mine from our time together in Iraq. We went through some pretty significant events together. But, the conversation is rarely, if ever about that, we know, we needn’t speak of such. Rather, we talk about other guys that were there, funny moments, well, compared to the rest of the time. Today, conversation of Iraq was the mud that you encounter there in the winter and other minor details that help us remember the less bad times there.

But, as you prepare your celebrations, PLEASE, take a moment to remember those who were lost. And, pray for those in harms way now that God keep them all safe.

 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

 

Lord, I pray to you in the name of Jesus that You keep all the military members safe from harm and bring them home to their families. Be with those whose family members died, give them the peace and comfort only YOU can provide. I pray that You work in the hearts and minds of those people, the families and the military that You draw them to You and lead them all to salvation.

 

Amen