Tag: Salvation

You can’t make someone do right for themselves.

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

Well. First off, as I was spending more time studying the Bible and in prayer I had things I was thinking about, working on understanding about the scripture, how God wants me to implement what I am learning, trying to see and understand what God wants of me and working to get closer to Christ in the process I came to realize somethings about me, one of which is I can process things better when I write; so, I shall write more. I don’t think I will write and post as often, but it is helpful to me and hopefully, as I had said long ago, something will hopefully be beneficial for someone else. And, with that being said…..

After Bible study last night I was speaking with the pastor and he mentioned someone that was sick so I asked if they had gone to the doctor yet and he said no. I commented that it seems they have been dealing with this issue for a while and asked if he had suggested they go to the doctor and he replied, “Yes, several times but even though we and they know they should go, you can’t make someone do the right thing for themselves.” And, I thought that while it was a simple statement and concept it was pretty darned profound.

As I thought about that, I considered times I have been he who would not help myself, whether that be getting help when I needed it, perhaps physical by not going to the doctor when I should have (yes, I am a doctor myself, but sometimes we aren’t good patients,) actual assistance with some sort of work I was doing, counseling when I was dealing with PTSD issues, or many other ways I could have benefited from getting help, one area I was bad about in past was seeking spiritual assistance when I needed it, maybe I didn’t talk to a pastor or fellow Christian that could have helped me some or maybe I didn’t study the Bible or pray about things. Thinking about ways I didn’t do it, I thought about people that sort of get help, but not really. Sometimes people come to the doctor, they need medications, the get the prescriptions and either don’t get them filled, only take it when they feel like it, take it incorrectly or don’t follow other suggestions like losing weight, stopping smoking or drinking or other medical advise. I also thought about a friend of mine who is a psychiatrist and he often would get frustrated with patients that had been listening to him, making fantastic progress and on the verge of a breakthrough when suddenly they relapse. They either quit talking about the true issue or they quit therapy. So close that he knew they were literally minutes away from getting to the point that they could actually start getting better.

I thought further about things, about times that I have seen people on the verge of doing exactly what they needed to do and just quit, give up on trying to make take the steps they need to take in order to reach that point they need to reach, almost there, but they stop short. That would be like an athlete in a marathon who is almost at the finish line and will finish and do well, but for some unknown reason just stop because they just can’t make it a little further. They were almost to break the tape and they give up and let someone else win.

How many, one way or another fall short of what God wants for them? We all fall short, but through Christ we are redeemed. I am not talking about the unsaved, but about Christians. How many fail to listen to God because they let other things interfere with their thoughts, prevent them from hearing or listening to God. Or, if they hear Him, they ignore Him. I will tell you the truth, I have been guilty of all of the above. And when I was, it was because I wouldn’t help myself by listening to Christ.

Of course, one reason to listen is to receive salvation. If we hear Christ’s call us and respond by asking forgiveness and confessing our sins and that He I the Son of God who died and was resurrected to defeat death, we can be saved.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

John 10:14-18

and, not listening keeps us from God.

He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.  Hebrews 2:1

15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

Hebrews 3:15-16

 

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].  Hebrews 4:2

 

But, what about not listening to God and missing out on the real blessings He has for us. I know I have been very bad about that.

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. Proverbs 19:20

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:5-7

 

He promises blessings to those who listen to Him.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.  John 16:13

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke 11:28

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

 

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.         1 Thessalonians 2:13

 

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.  Luke 8:21

 

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.  Mark 4:24

 

1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 28:1-2

 

He tells us that He will bless us, make us His children if we listen, that He will lift us high above others because of our faith, that we listen to Him and obey Him. I know that in the past I have been given word from God. Through prayer, studying the scripture and at times He has used others to tell me. I have not always obeyed when I heard things. Because I did not listen or obey, at times I missed out on blessings, other times I heard but did not obey, until like Jonah, He gave me no real choice but to obey and when I did, He blessed me. Making me realize that my resistance to His voice delayed my blessings and thereby diminished them. No, we can’t make people do the right thing for themselves, we cannot make one listen and obey God. What we can do is listen to Him, obey His word and help ourselves. We can pray for those who need prayer, but one that I know who always needs prayer is me. That I know when to help myself by hearing, listening and obeying God.

 

Lord, I praise Your Holy Name and thank You for the blessings You have been gracious enough to give to me, even though I didn’t deserve them. I thank You for my salvation paid for by the blood of Jesus who died for me and was resurrect to defeat death on my behalf. I pray in the Name of Jesus that You work in me and help be better hear You when You speak to me, to know when I am given a message from You and to know to follow Your will for my life that I may receiving further blessings and more importantly learn to walk better with Christ. I pray that any who, like I have in the past, failed to listen, hear and obey You that they not harden their hearts to Your word and lose out on the blessings You have in store for them if they follow Your will. I pray that You draw my children and other loved ones closer to You that we may all rejoice together in Heaven in the future.

Amen.

 

Thank you all who make time to read the lessons God gives me. I hope someone else was blessed as well. Have a marvelous and blessed day and try to be a blessing to someone else.

Advertisements

The Bible’s did NOT burn.

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

Hebrews_4-12

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.  Mark 13:31

I saw an article on the internet and was amazed that the building burned yet the Bible’s and Crosses didn’t. Honestly, to me that is nothing short of amazing. It also seems to be an obvious sign that His Word cannot be silenced and or destroyed.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/03/05/bibles-crosses-survive-west-virginia-church-fire/3074465002/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/abcnews.go.com/amp/US/bibles-survive-unharmed-west-virginia-church-fire-fire/story%3fid=61480158

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/west-virginia-fire-freedom-ministries-church-bibles-cross-untouched/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/religion/2019/03/05/churchs-ashes-firefighters-find-unexpected-survivors-bibles-untouched-by-flame/

Multiple sources reported on this event. The fact that so many different agencies reported us amazing. That these news networks that seem so anxious to report negatively about Christians but all report on this is almost a miracle in itself.

 

His Word IS POWERUL! It WILL ENDURE! While this is a physical demonstration of how His word will endure but more than physically enduring, it endures in the hearts of those who serve Him.

 

Lord,  Thank You for the demonstration of Your majesty and for showing us that Your word is powerful and that it will endure. Thank You for the impact Your word and Holy Spirit have had on me in my life. I praise You and tank You for my salvation, for the grace and mercy I received. I pray in the name of Jesus that we all see the true power of Your word and that we all learn to listen to Your spirit when You speak to us. Giving us the strength and power of Your word as we strive to live the life You wish as examples of Your presence in us. And that we all know the forgiveness that was paid for at the cross by the sacrifice of Your Son Christ. Please draw us all closer to You that we may be a light in a dark world.

Amen.

 

I hope all are having a wonderful day and are blessed today. Please try to be a blessing to others as well.

Psalms 37

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

1 (A Psalm of David.) Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Psalms 37:1-9

 

I was driving to work today and the DJ read a passage from Psalms 37 and it, like all the Psalms, tells how God will take care of those who believe in and serve Him. That He will reward the righteous even though we all deal with people that do us wrong and in a way says that He doesn’t want us to dwell on the wrongdoers and plot revenge. Just like in Romans 12:19 where He tells us, “……Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” He is telling us to not dwell on those kind of thoughts, that we should not try to punish those who do us wrong but to give it to Him and He will take care of that concern as He takes care of all the concerns we give to Christ.

It’s a Psalm telling us to trust Him. To seek God and have faith. To take comfort that He will take care of us and provide for us. He will give us all we need and want as long as we persevere in our faith and devotion to God.

He tells us to have faith, devotion and to commit ourselves to Him and He will reward us and protect us and that we should refrain from doing wrong.

What an amazing God we serve. I only included the first few verses but I encourage all to read Psalms 37. It gives me faith, hope, comfort, peace about what is promised to me if I follow Him and so many reasons to serve and rejoice in my Savior. But also tells me the consequences of failing to follow Him and the protection He will provide against those we are against us.

 

Lord, I praise You and thank You for Your promises, blessings and admonition to not sin to help me remember the rewards for living as You tell us and the cost of sin. I thank You for the salvation that You gave me through the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. I pray in Jesus name that I not remain steadfast and loyal in my faith and dedication to You and but that I continue to improve my walk with Jesus. Please draw me and my loved ones closer to You so we may all rejoice in Heaven with You. Help us all to follow You and the path You set before us so we not waiver in our journey through life. I pray that You work in the hearts and minds of those struggling with life events, whether that be financial, health, work, or any other difficulties that life is presenting them. Help them see You in their circumstances and that they remember to praise You during the bad times they are having as well as the good times that You will bring their way.

Amen

 

Thanks to all for your time and visit today. I hope you all have a blessed day and that you each have a chance to be a blessing to another.

Knock. Knock. WHO’s there?

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

knock

I promise, no lame knock knock joke. During a conversation with a friend while discussing one door closing, finding other doors locked, uncertainty about even trying further doors as they didn’t feel any strong leading by the Lord in one or another particular direction. So, planning to wait for Him to unlock a door. I tend to be one that wants to be involved in things and I believe that Christ wants us to be active participants in our lives. He wants us to lean on Him but He also wants us to put some effort into things. He may unlock doors but He wants us to turn the knob and open the door to let Him into our lives or to give God the chance to do something for us.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  Revelation 3:20-22

He does stand at the door and knock, waiting for us to open the door let Him in. He won’t barge in the door but He will wait and knock again. He will make things ready for us but won’t force us to accept Him and His blessings. He will prepare a way for us but not force us to take that path but hopes that we will and even when we don’t He will still have that path waiting for us so that we can be forgiven and receive the grace and mercy He provides.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Jeremiah 29:11

He has thoughts and plans for us and wants us to reach the expected end. He wants us to receive the blessings He has to give us but we to do our part. He has all ready and waiting if we have the faith to reach out and take it.

And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luke 12:47

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

 

If we hear Him and don’t open the door, if we know what He tells us and don’t obey and prepare ourselves to do His will, we deny ourselves the blessings He has for us. If we have the faith to obey when He speaks to us, the faith to open those doors, the courage to exercise that faith, we will be blessed.

So, if He is knocking on your door to offer you salvation; if He is there waiting for you to open the door to give you the blessing for which you have been praying; open the door, take that step of faith and receive the salvation and blessings He has prepared for us all.

 

Lord, I praise You and thank You that You will stand at the door and knock, that You will unlock those locked doors and prepare a way for me. I ask in Jesus name that You help me have the faith and trust in You so that I open those doors You have unlocked and step forward in faith that I may have all that You have prepared for me. I ask that You draw me closer, that You reach out to loved ones that they hear You when You knock and that all others that hear You knocking but are fearful for some reason have the faith and courage to listen to You and follow You. So all can know the redemption and forgiveness You have waiting for them.

Amen

 

Thanks again for your visit. I hope all are blessed today and are able to be a blessing to at least one other as well.

Hitch hiking.

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

hitchhiker

 

Well, not exactly but sort of, I was thinking about sometimes as one deals with the things life throws at them, they need a lift. Like a hitch hiker out in the middle of no where, thumb out and hoping for a ride to the next town, some place they can rest, get some nourishment and prepare for the next part of the journey. Maybe it is pouring rain and chilly, the hitcher is soaked, cold, and miserable. Waiting for a ride and a warm, dry place of shelter while getting to the desired destination. Maybe the last ride they had dropped them off at the wrong location and they are lost. Maybe it seems that there is no way to get to where they want to go from where they are currently.

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 41:10

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28

I don’t know about anyone else, but I know I get worn out dealing with various aspects of life, physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Life can be harsh and can drain a person. I’m not moaning about my life being horrible, it’s better than a lot have, but it’s not perfect. Who does have a perfect life? No person I know. We all have our own worries and challenges that take a toll on a person. We all have things that make us sad, tired, helpless or hopeless. We feel like we are out in a storm, life events dumping on us, we are drenched, cold, alone and may feel like we are at a hopeless location that we have no possibility of moving out of it. That can be a physical location, financial, emotional, spiritual or other type of situation, but regardless of the circumstances we need lifted out of that situation; we need some sort of shelter and protection; we need comforting.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  Romans 15:13

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.   John 14:26

Fortunately, there is Someone to whom we can turn for that ride to our destinations. Someone that will protect us from the storms that have been beating us up spiritually with the winds and rains of whatever hardship with which we are dealing, to the point we are soaked to the core. Someone that will give us that warm, dry shelter, help us dry off, feed us spiritually, carry us to where we need to be, which may or not be where we think we should go. If we let Him, He will do all that we need.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Unlike most drivers that see a hitchhiker and are worried about what possible dangers the hitchhiker may present, God doesn’t worry about that, He sees someone with their “thumb out” asking for help, asking for that lift, asking for that shelter and comfort and Christ pulls over, helps us into His vehicle and takes care of what we need. No matter how bad one may be, Jesus is more than ready to take them in, lift them up and carry them through the storms to His “truck stop” that gives us the comfort and spiritual nutrition we need. Regardless of where we think we need to go, if we allow Christ the control He will deliver us and be sure to get us to where we need to be for His glory.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy.        Psalms 61:3

Our spiritual thumb is prayer and acknowledgement that Jesus is the son of God, if we confess that He is the Lord, that Christ is His Son who died for us. He will give us that ride we need, He will be our salvation and deliverance. What an amazing Lord He is!

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.    Romans 10:9-11

 

Lord, I praise You and thank You for the lifts You give me as I struggle through life. Lifting me out of sin and carrying me to forgiveness and salvation. I thank You for protecting me and comforting me in my times of need and for knowing where I need to go, regardless of where I want to go. For knowing better than I know what Your plans are for me. I pray in the name of Jesus that I remain sensitive to where You want to take me and not try to plan my own destinations and that I remember during the storms and hard times I remember to call out to You, to seek You for my deliverance and comfort. I ask that you draw my loved ones to You so they also seek Christ in times of need, when they feel lost so that He may carry them to the destination He knows that they need to reach. Teach them to be sensitive to what He tells them on ways they need to serve Jesus.

Amen

 

I hope all are well and that you are blessed today. Please, be a blessing to someone else today.

 

Is that what you want to be doing when Jesus comes?

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

 

 

I have heard this said in a variety of different ways since I was a child. Maybe phrased as: Would you want to meet Jesus doing that? How would you feel if Jesus saw you doing that? If Jesus came now would you be proud of how you are living? Or, any number of similar phrases uttered by my mother, grandmother and others. There was a time I would have not been proud of my life, of my actions and I would have been ashamed if Jesus had seen me that way. I am better now but sometimes, I slip a little, I get annoyed and irritated, I don’t always have as gentle of a heart and am not as quick to turn the other cheek as He wants, but I am working on that with His help. I want to be ready when He returns.

34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.
35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.         Luke 21:34-36

I posted about signs of His coming. I didn’t list all the signs but there are a lot of them in the scripture. While there are signs that the time is coming we don’t know exactly when He will come.  I always think about when there is talk of the end of the world, predictions made by people who interpret various hieroglyphs, the Mayan calendar and other ancient writings and then give specific dates for whatever apocalypse they say will cause the end of the world then suddenly, the date comes and no end of the world. Those are the ones that remind me that we will not know the time He is coming until He arrives. So we must always be ready for His return.

But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  Matthew 24:36

42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 24:42-44

But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.  Mark 13:32

 

No, we don’t know when He is coming, but when He comes what a glorious time for those who believe in Him and are saved. I fear for the unsaved but praise Him for those who will not be on Earth for the tribulations that will follow.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.                    1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

 

Lord,  Praise You and Your Holy Name. I thank You for my salvation. What a magnificent gift that is that You gave me. God, I both look forward to, and fear, the day that Christ returns. I look forward to rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus and worshipping at Your throne. But, I fear for those who continue in sin and who are not redeemed. I pray in the name of Jesus that You use me to help show others Your love and mercy that they may know the forgiveness and grace that await them if they confess Christ as Your son and ask for forgiveness of their sins. I pray that You help all know You and that You draw all my loved ones to You that they not be left behind when Christ returns.

Amen

 

Well, I hope something I said blesses someone, I would encourage all to take time and read about the signs of His return and what will occur when He does come. If you are not where you think you should be when He returns, then talk to God and get to where you feel Him lead you. Have a blessed day and try to be a blessing to someone else.

 

Signs of Hope

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

hope

“My scars are someone else’s signs of hope.”

 

I saw this statement a while back, somewhere on the internet and had it tucked away in my list of topics. In a conversation with a friend the other day we were talking about hope, salvation, how Christ provided us escape from our sins and hopes through His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. All that was to allow that we, the hopeless and undeserving, would have forgiveness and salvation. Through His nail scarred hands we are saved.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.   Isaiah 53:5

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Now, I got spankings when I was a child. NO, I am not whining about how I was abused. It was punishment for wrong doings. I don’t hate my parents for spanking me. Children need disciplined and discipline needs to be sufficient to make sure a child remembers what they did, what the behavior brought and that they would rather avoid the punishment by not doing wrong in the future. BUT, this is not a blog about that, so as before I digress……let me get back on track………..

Yes, I did get spankings and they were painful. But that does not compare with the beatings Christ received when He was beaten before being crucified. The whips they used had bits of metal or bone imbedded in them so they not only stung, but cut and ripped flesh. He had nails driven into His hands and feet(still some debate on where the nails were actually placed during crucifixions, but this is not about the historical accuracy,) pounded through His feet and hoisted into the air to die a slow, painful death. All that suffering was so WE could have forgiveness. His suffering gives me hope.

I have had some tell me that when I write about hardships and difficult times they think I am whining. No, I have to admit, it isn’t always pleasant thinking about some things I have been through. There are not too many out there that enjoy thinking on unpleasant things, on difficulties I have endured. Talking or writing about them makes it even more unpleasant. BUT, God sometimes burdens me to share some things. Not to get other to pity me, not to moan and wail about poor little me. But, I was scarred; some are physical scars that are visible; others are emotional or spiritual scars. I had things I carried with me from my life experiences. Sadly, I allowed those things to become barriers between me and God. Instead of seeking Him I built walls to isolate myself emotionally. Yes, I had and have scars. But, as the quote above says, and the reason for some posts, is that my scars and difficult times, with the salvation and deliverance Christ bought for me is a sign of hope for others. Well, I hope so anyway. I hope that through this or that event in my life from which Jesus delivered me that others see some similarity and realize that if God will do that for me, He will do that for them as well. I hope that my scars show them that there is hope in Christ and that He is the only true hope for any of us.

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 12:12-13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  Romans 15:13

I pray that seeing my trials and tribulations reminds them that we all have suffered in life but more importantly that there is cause for rejoicing thanks to the hope we have in Jesus. I know that all suffer, many far worse than I, but we do all suffer and because of that we all have our own scars. But, hopefully someone will see what I have endured and have hope that if God can do what He did for me, He can do similar for them. All they have to do is believe in Him.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  Romans 10:9

 

Lord, I praise You and thank You for the salvation that was paid for through Christ’s suffering, crucifixion and resurrection. I know that I am not worthy of that, but You gave it to me anyway. I see my hopes in the knowledge that He suffered to deliver me from sin through the stripes He took for me. I pray in the name of Jesus that You use me in some way to help others see that regardless of what scars they carry, You can heal their souls, forgive them their sins, give them salvation and give them hope of a blessed eternity with You. I pray that You draw each one of us closer to You that we may give hope to one another and help each other to find Your perfect peace and the true path and plan You have for each one of us.

Amen

 

I thank you all for your time today and I hope you each have a blessed day. And, as always, that you are able to be a blessing to at least one other person today.

Leaning

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

leaning

 

I leaned against a cabinet at work the other day, it is on wheels and usually is in the corner, wheels locked. WELL, as it turned out, as I leaned back against it the cabinet shifted about 3 or 4 inches and I sort of fell back. I didn’t fall down, but the support I thought I would have when I leaned on it was not there for me. Oh, I lost “cool points” when I did that but otherwise I suffered no injury. I thought about a few times that I leaned on something for support and fell. One time I was hunting morels (mushrooms) and I sat down on a fallen tree. EXCEPT, it was not really stable and it sort of rolled/shifted under my weight and PLOP onto the ground I went. No one was with me so I didn’t really get embarrassed, but I did get annoyed at myself. Similar things have happened a lot of times. I leaned on a board that I thought was nailed in place only to have the board flip up and not only did I fall, but I got whacked by the board as well. In a way all of these were sort of comical but those episodes and many other times when I leaned on different things that were not as secure as I thought and I fell or faltered.

As I thought about that, I also reflected on the times I, or others, have looked to someone or something for support only to find that the support they expected was not really there. At times I have expected someone to help me with something and they have failed to do so. That has happened when I needed assistance moving something and other times I thought I could rely on someone at a time of emotional need and find they are not there for me. I considered how some will be going through emotionally difficult times and seek the comfort and solace they want and need with drugs or alcohol but find that when the temporary relief they felt was only that, temporary, and that they find themselves right back in the same situation. We have all leaned on something that was not the support we expected or needed.

Then, I thought about some extremely hard times, needing some sort of comfort and support to help me get through those times and finally realized Christ was there for me, waiting for me to seek His help. I think about the old hymn that “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” How He is there for us when we need Him. He doesn’t pull away, fail to support our weight, or let us fall.

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.  Isaiah 41:13

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.  Psalms 18:12

He is always there for us, when no one and nothing else is there to provide us the support we need. We can rely on Christ. We can lean on Him for the comfort, guidance, protection and deliverance that we require.

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.                     Proverbs 3:5-6

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  1 Peter 5:7

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

He will supply our needs and not leave us alone. He will take our cares and burdens and make them light.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:4-5

 

Yes, I have made a mistake leaning on things and on others that have all let me fall, but Christ never let me fall, He never leaves me without the support I need, no matter the struggle I am dealing with at any time. I just need to live for Him, give Him the burdens, lean onto He who died on the cross for me so that I need not suffer.
Lord, I praise You and thank You for the help, comfort, support and guidance You have given me. I thank You for all the blessings, for my salvation and forgiveness of my sins. I pray in the name of Jesus that You continue to teach me how to better lean on Christ for the needs I have, that I seek Him to help support me in trying times. I pray that You show all my loved ones that You are there for them as well. I pray that they all come to know Your mercy and grace and the forgiveness they have for the asking. I thank You again for my many blessings and pray that all receive the greatest blessing of all, the redemption of their sins.

 

Thanks to all who take their time to read my words, I hope something in them blesses someone and that all have receive some sort of blessing today. Please try to be a blessing to someone else as well.

 

 

VICTORY!

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

victory

I was watching a documentary about World War Two the other day and part of it showed some of the celebrations for VJ and VE days. It’s hard for me to fully appreciate the joy they felt. It is hard to understand the hardships endured in the US during the war. So many of the men, and quite a few women, were gone in support of the war effort. Factories were converted from making cars, farm machinery, office equipment and such to produce tanks, airplanes, guns, and other required supplies for the military. Food items were rationed, gas was rationed, they couldn’t buy tires and a lot of other things. One way or another, the entire country was at war, regardless of whether they were in the military or not. And, when the war ended, they were going to return to normal lives. Definitely cause to celebrate.

But, as I saw them celebrating I thought about how I celebrated victories. When I was young if my team won a ball game, when I accomplished something difficult, how victorious I felt at times when I was in Iraq and a roadside bomb blew up and despite damage to vehicle I was unscathed and when bullets whizzed by but I was not hit. I celebrated all those victories. But, the victory that I celebrate, not with cheering and raucous behavior, but with silent thanks and at times tears is the victory that Christ gave me over sin and death. I celebrate my salvation, thanks to His sacrifice.

But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.    I Corinthians 15:57

Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.                                  2 Corinthians 2:14

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  Romans 6:14

What an amazing God. He sent His Son to die on the cross; He showed us mercy and grace: He forgave us when we did not deserve it: He gives us triumph over sin and death. Yes, I have had victories in life, some bigger than others, but none will ever compare to the defeat of sin and death that I did nothing to earn, yet was given through Jesus and His sacrifice for me.

 

Lord, I thank You for the victories in life but the greatest victory was the defeat of sin in my life through Your Son, Christ, who died for my sins and so I could have salvation. I praise Your Holy Name and stand in awe of Your love for us sinners. I pray in the Name of Jesus that I live as You wish me to live that I may enjoy that victory and that I am able to help others know that same victory by showing how merciful You are to us. I pray that my loved ones come to know You and that same victory, that we all are drawn close to You and see and follow Your plan for us.

Amen

 

Well, it is way cold in the middle of the country and other places at well, for those of you who have to go out in the sub-zero temperatures, be sure to dress appropriately. To those who live or are in warmer climates, well, I am jealous but also hope you enjoy the warmth He provides. I hope all have a chance to be a blessing to someone else today and are also blessed as you go about your days.

 

Oatmeal????

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

quaker

Well, no, not Quaker oatmeal, but Quaker as in the denomination.Today I was visiting with my unit chaplain at drill. He is fairly new to the unit and we had exchanged pleasantries previously but never really talked much. He has a Cross on his uniform so I knew he was a Christian Chaplain, but didn’t know what denomination, etc. So, I asked him, “So, what flavor Chaplain are you?” He looked at me kinda funny and I said, “What denomination?” I explained that I was curious about the different denominations and if he was a pastor with a church I wasn’t familiar with I would like to visit some time to learn more about it. AND……he said ae attended the Friends Seminary. I wasn’t familiar with that term and he said Quakers. Well, counting him, I know one Quaker. The only other one I knew of was the guy on Quaker Oats. We joked about him not wearing the right hat and such and then I asked if he had a few minutes because I was not familiar with that denomination and I am always interested in learning a little more. He was agreeable and we talked for several minutes about the tenets of his faith. He asked about where I went to church, we talked about my believes, the aspects of both, the differences and I commented about being raised to think that no one denomination that reach Heaven and instead there will be people from all denominations present and as long as they all believed that Jesus was the son of God who was crucified for our sins and resurrected to defeat death.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  John 14:6

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

 

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:9-10

 

 

He agreed and we talked a little more about the various churches that are more strict on ceremony (liturgy) that some believe must be followed and others that are more informal on how we can interact with God. After a few minutes I had to get back to work, but it was an interesting talk. Learning about a different denomination, not the same as the church I attend, but not a lot different. And, how, even though some in his church tend to be more rigid in their thinking (as we see in all churches) but most believed that salvation does not require one way of thinking, one way of doing things. Oh, there are some that believe the only right way to reach Heaven is the way they believe and that everyone else is wrong.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.  1 Corinthians 12:12

One aspect he mentioned that was a believe of Quakers that I strongly agreed with is that each of us is able to have a relationship with God individually. We don’t need ministers, priests, lay ministers or others to have God in our lives. We don’t have to be in church to have a significant experience with God. BUT, they also believe that gathering together is important as well. There are a lot of other denominations that believe this as well. I think a lot of people worry more about church and God on Sunday’s and then not talk to God during the week. Church is not a replacement for an individual relationship with Jesus, it is to help us have a more meaningful personal relationship with Him and to give us the chance to get together with others to help us all build up one another and be encouraged in each of our relationships with Christ.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  Colossians 3:16

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25

 

Lord, I thank You for the opportunities to visit with other Christians, those from my church as well as other churches. For the opportunity to learn more about You by understanding the believes of other denominations. I pray in Jesus name that You help me know the real truth of how to know You and have the relationship with You that best serves You and helps me be a better vessel for You. I pray that You work in my heart that I never forget that You gave Your Son that I may have life. I know there are those out there who believe wrong about some things and I pray You work on their hearts and show them (and me) the real truth. Bring us all to a closer walk and understanding of what Your will for us is on Earth.

Amen

Thank you for your time. I hope all have a blessed day and, as always, please try to be a blessing to someone else today as well.