Tag: worship

It’s flu season. Did you get your Vaccination?

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

flu.jpg

It is now flu season and, given my profession, I have to deal with vaccination concerns as well as those who contract influenza. Please bear with me as I try to wear two hats today. I promise it will in one manner or another tie in for what I think are valuable life lessons. I am at least hopeful that I am able to do so adequately.

fluvax

As I said, it’s flu season and while only seeing a limited amount of cases now, that number will rise of that I have no doubt. And despite what some hear or read a few myths need to be dispelled: the influenza vaccine DOES NOT and CANNOT cause the flu, PERIOD END OF STORY! The flu shots are made with a killed virus that is incapable of causing influenza. Oh some may get some mild body aches, joint pain or headache and perhaps a slight increase in body temperature or as some call it a low grade fever (FYI medically there is no such thing as a low grade fever, a fever is a fever and if you temperature is not 100.4f or above you DO NOT HAVE A FEVER. Next: influenza vaccine has absolutely NOT been shown to cause autism in children (not have any other vaccines) the one publication that indicated that has been proven to have been totally fabricated and very loosely based on highly inaccurate, misinterpreted information. That was compounded by some uneducated celebrities and others jumping on that bad information and spreading the inaccurate information and creating situations where we are now seeing increases of measles, mumps, pertussis and s host of other diseases that only a few years ago were extremely rare. There are individuals that should not get vaccinations but those are a small number. Some will say that they know someone who’s friend’s, neighbor’s, third cousin’s mailman said had a severe reaction to a vaccination. Unfortunately, there are very rare but serious reactions to vaccinations and people have died from those adverse reactions but if one looks at the real numbers the less than 1 in 100,000 severe reactions to vaccines compared to the known complications of any of the diseases we vaccinate for is extremely, extremely small. Simply stated tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands are alive today because they avoiding contracting certain diseases by getting vaccinated. I hate that anyone die but if looking at the big picture far, far more lives are saved than are lost.

There are years where the flu that is present is not exactly the version for which one was vaccinated and, yes, there are time when someone still gets influenza however there is benefit in the form of cross immunity from the strains in the vaccine that one gets decreased severity of symptoms and usually recover much quicker than an unvaccinated person. So that even if the flu isn’t prevented for all at least it’s not as bad as it could be for those who get vaccinated.

Yet another issue about flu, there is no “stomach flu” and flu like symptoms is not nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Flu or flu like symptoms are: fevers, chills, runny nose, cough, body aches and if severe difficulty breathing and possibly wheezing. The same symptoms as a common cold and most people with flu only need the same medicines we use for colds as we treat the symptoms and try to help people be more comfortable as their body fights the flu.

Final comment about flu is that the flu medicine (tamiflu) provides minimal benefit and will slightly decrease severity of flu symptoms and decrease duration of symptoms by 1 or 2 days and that only occurs if it is started within 48 hours of symptom onset preferably before 24  hours has elapsed since symptoms started. I do not use or recommend that it be prescribed except in limited circumstances. The benefit is minimal and the adverse (bad side effects) reactions are likely enough and severe enough that in my mind “the juice ain’t worth the squeeze” in regards to taking it.

Well, obviously I believe in vaccinating against diseases. One can decrease the risks of contracting influenza by washing their hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact with those who are sick and through good nutrition which helps keep immune systems strong. Massive doses of vitamin C or other vitamins does not cure or prevent the flu or colds. And can cause more problems than they may help. The only definite effect of taking mega doses of vitamins is one has expensive urine since the majority of vitamins are water soluble so are excreted by the kidneys if one takes more than the body needs.

SO…..in order to minimize the risk to get the flu this year one needs to get good nutrition, plenty of rest, practice good hand washing/hygiene and get a flu vaccination. Even then, one cannot be absolutely guaranteed to not get influenza. BUT, doing those things make it much, much, much less likely (YES, I used 3 muches for emphasis!)

 

Okay, great you’re thinking by now. You are saying to get vaccinated but you can’t guarantee we won’t get sick. So what good is it?  And. FINE, we get what you are saying about the flu but what does this have to do with a Christian walk? And, here is where I try to be clever and make analogies. I hope that what makes sense to me actually makes sense to others as well. No one thing will guarantee us to be able to stay on the right path, serve Christ as He wishes we do so and help us avoid sin. BUT, by doing all of those things we can significantly decrease the likelihood that we will have difficulty in our Christian lives and what tools do we have to help us in that process?

The first step is to wash ourselves, rather to ask God to wash us of our sins by confessing to him that we are sinners and asking for His forgiveness.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  1 John 1:7

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

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.                         2 Corinthians 7:1

After we are clean we need to maintain nutrition by studying the scripture, learning what God has in the Bible to teach us how to live. He does this with straightforward instructions, parables, example (both of how to live and how not to live) and explaining to us how we can maintain the forgiveness and redemption He has given us and to teach us how to life for His benefit and glory.

16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.     2 Timothy 3:16-17

We can also maintain a balanced spiritual diet by spending time in prayer, talking to God, telling Him our issues and problems, our needs, and seeking His wisdom and guidance.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  Matthew 6:6

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:16-20

 

More important than that, since He already knows those things anyway and even though He knows, He does want us to tell Him those things, is that we praise and worship Him.

1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 150:1-6

 

The other part of the of maintaining our spiritual health, the vaccination if you will, is making sure to spend time with other Christians in praise and worship and fellowshipping with our Christian brothers and sisters by going to church.

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

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  Matthew 18:20

And, not only congregating with other Christians for the praise and worship, but to hear His word. I know that people learn through a variety of methods: reading about something, seeing something, doing things and hearing about something. How we learn about Christian life is the same, and if we try to learn the same material using more than one of these methods, or even better, ALL of these methods, the lessons are reinforced and better remembered. So, HEARING is a critical part as well, time sitting in the church pew LISTENING to the pastor, LISTENING to the message He is teaching from the scripture as well as listening to the messages in the songs.

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

 

SO, just as in needing to do multiple things to help decrease and hopefully avoid catching influenza we need to do multiple things to help avoid “catching sin” rather falling back into sin and thereby falling away from God. It isn’t hard to maintain your Christian life, but doing one or some of these things, while helpful, does not give you all that you need as a Christian. There are a lot of Christians that think by praying, maybe reading the Bible once in a while, they will be able to be strong and spiritually healthy Christian. I know, because I was that way. Some believe all they need to do is go to church on Sundays and then live the rest of the week in whatever manner suit them. Still others believe that once saved, always saved and all they have to do is confess their sins and ask Christ to forgive them. It doesn’t work that way. I, you, WE ALL, fail God daily and sin in some way. Maybe not big sins, but I doubt there is a person alive that doesn’t slip at least a little every day. None of these things by themselves will keep us spiritually strong; doing one or two is not enough, sometimes doing all the things He tells us to do is barely enough and it is only by being diligent in doing all of them do we best insure that we do not get “spiritually sick” and that we instead are spiritually healthy.

 

Lord, I worship You and I praise the name of Jesus who You sent to die and suffer so that I and all of us could live. I thank You for the lessons and the ways You help me see how daily life and spiritual life have parallels so I can better understand what You expect of me and how I can be a better servant for You. I pray You help me keep my immunity intact, with spiritual washing, getting all the spiritual nutrition I need and getting spiritually vaccinated. I ask in the name of Jesus that You continue to work with me and helping me to grow in Christ. I pray that You work in the hearts and minds of loved ones also and draw us all closer to You. Help us all see Your truths for us and how to better resist the temptations of life so we do not become spiritually sick and lost. I pray for several different friends who have issues with which they are dealing and that You help them through the troubled times. Give them the comfort they each need and show them Your path for their lives, how they can correct what they can correct and how to move forward with their lives in the way You have for each.

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Loves ya baby?

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

telly-savalas-who-loves-ya-baby

No, I don’t think he does, but with the catch line that was used on that show, I thought maybe it would be a “clever” start. Although, what I think is clever often leaves others (my daughters for some) shaking their heads or rolling their eyes at my dad jokes and attempts at humor. BUT, as at many other times, I digress.

 

I suspect that many, if not all of us have asked ourselves, Who loves me? When dating, does the boyfriend or girlfriend love me? When engaged, does the fiancé? When married, does our spouse? My children? My pets? My parents and grandparents?

And, the list could go on and on, depending on the amount and type of love to which one refers. But, does anyone ever truly love another unconditionally? How much will someone sacrifice out of love? Some will and have sacrificed everything while others may sacrifice time or money. But, just because one sacrifices money does that mean they love you? Because they buy gifts does that mean they really care? If you do buy gifts for another, do they love you only because of what you have given them and not because they love you? Does having sex with someone mean love? Are any or all of those things done out of devotion and love or are they done because one or both involved wants something and they will show love as long as they are given what they want, be that attention (physical or otherwise,) gifts, money, or any other possible “reward” for showing love, or a semblance of love.

All those questions are difficult to answer and I could come up with many more about how humans show love. But, how many times do humans pretend to show emotions. Sometimes those emotions are genuine, sometimes they are not. How can one tell? Well, I really don’t know the answer to that. I have been in circumstances where I thought someone loved me, but then realized later, no they did not really. Love requires sacrifice and humans, regardless of what they say or do otherwise, are inherently selfish and greedy and have personal motivation for almost everything they do. I am not saying that there are not some genuine people, but that even the most genuine has some sort of personal agenda. I am not criticizing human nature, just recognizing a fact. We do things for those we love, partially out of love, but also because we receive something in return. Whether that be joy in seeing a loved one happy or if it is because they give us something in return. But, the underlying truth is that human love always contains an element of self service. We show love to receive. And, there are many who show love but not true love because they receive something in return that is more beneficial and valuable to them than what they show. Buying gifts does not mean one person loves another. Not buying gifts doesn’t mean one doesn’t love another. I will be honest, trying to understand the human heart, including my own, is a confusing matter. The more one tries to understand, the more confusing it becomes.

As one tries to understand human love, particularly the one writing this, one begins to realize that yes, the scripture is correct about the human heart. But, I do know someone that loved me, loves me, and will always love me. Not because of what I do, but IN SPITE of what I do for I will, we all will, eventually do some sort of wrong. Not intentionally, but we do. We all fall short, we all slip, we all sin in one manner or another. But, despite any sins, failures or shortcomings. Someone loves me. He loves me so much that He sacrificed His only Son for me. God sent His Son to die for me. Christ loved me so much that He suffered pain and torture and was executed so I could be forgiven of my sins and have life eternal with God. I suppose one could argue that God loves us in order that we can worship Him, so He gives love to get love. If that is true, I still receive rewards for worshipping and praising and loving God. The joy and comfort He provides as part of His love is amazing. Regardless of why God loves us, He does and has done more for us out of love than we could even begin to repay.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3: 16-17

 

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  Deuteronomy 6:5

 

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  Matthew 22:37

 

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

 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8

 

The last two verses especially say a lot to me. I have seen soldiers die for their friends and brothers in arms. I have seen examples of one person dying while struggling to try to rescue another. Those are noble examples of love. But, the most loving, noble, gracious thing I know of is how Christ suffered and died for me. I am so unworthy of His love and sacrifice and the gift of life eternal with Him. But, He loves me so much that He did so.

 

No, a guy with a lollipop does not represent love to me. Saying the words does not prove anything. Money or gifts don’t either. Only truly giving of oneself proves love.

THIS represents love to me!

 

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Lord, I praise You and thank You for all You have done for me. For Your unconditional love and the unimaginable sacrifice Your Son Jesus gave. I stand in awe of such great love for one as unworthy as I. I pray in Jesus’ Name that You work on me, work in my heart to help me become that which You desire of me, that I follow You as I should, that I be an example of Your love. Help me know the path You plan for me, Show me what You wish me to do and teach my how to see and feel towards others as Christ does. Please draw me and my loved ones, as well as others, to You so that we may enjoy the blessings You give and that we are able to stand in Your presence to worship and praise You.

Amen

 

Well, I hope that all have a blessed day. Thank you for your time and I do hope that all have a chance to be a blessing to others.

 

 

 

When there is nothing to say, just Praise Him!

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

 

 

Some mornings when I wake up I feel great, sometimes I wake up feeling more tired than when I went to bed and still other mornings I wake up and I don’t feel great but I also don’t feel bad, basically somewhere in between. I lay in bed a minute and thank Him that He is there for me, no matter how I feel. I get up, start the coffee, brush my teeth and open my laptop and prepare to work on the blog. Some mornings He gives me a topic that I need to look to His word and pray about yet other mornings I just sit here and look at the screen, no idea about anything in particular. I had such a morning today, the ideas just were not there, then I had a thought, well, more of a question that popped into my mind; what do I say when I have nothing much to say? And, the answer is: Praise Him!

God is good, far better than I deserve. He blesses me in many ways, some I know, and others I don’t realize but He does so, but He does. He watches over me and protects me. He keeps me out of harmful situations that I don’t even know are there. Praise Him for being the Lord He is. Through His word He shows me my failures and short comings so I know what needs improved. He shows me how I can correct those failures. He teaches me not that, but how I should be in life. He supplies all my needs, physical, emotional and spiritual. What a mighty God He is and worthy of praise.

 

1 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 117:1-2

 

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:23

 

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15

 

1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
4 For the LORD [is] great, and greatly to be praised: he [is] to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Honour and majesty [are] before him: strength and beauty [are] in his sanctuary.
7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
8 Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Psalms 96:1-9

 

SO, when there really isn’t a particular burden about what to study on, what I want or need to know, I shall do as He commands and praise Him.

 

Lord, Praise You and praise Your Holy Name. Thank You for the mercies, grace, forgiveness and redemption I have been given through the sacrifice of Jesus, your son, who sacrificed His life on the cross for me. Praise You for my deliverance from sin. Praise You for who You are, the beginning and the end. I worship You Lord, because You are You.

I pray in Jesus name that You help me remember that no matter how good, how bad or whether things in my mind are just somewhere in between, that regardless of those things, I remember to praise You and seek You. Please draw me closer, draw my loved ones to You. Show us all the truth, Your will and Your way for us that we may serve You and in some way show You through our actions.

Amen.

 

I hope all have a blessed day and have a chance to bless another.

 

 

Praise Him and His Majesty

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

praise-god

 

1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
3 For the LORD [is] a great God, and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand [are] the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills [is] his also.
5 The sea [is] his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry [land].
6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Psalms 95:1-6

 

Some days, I just sit, look out the window and see all He has created, all He made for us, for Me. I think about the forgiveness, redemption and salvation Christ bought for me with His blood. All the mercies I am given that I absolutely do not deserve and, well, I cannot think of how to truly praise Him in the manner in which God deserves. Sometimes, my words fail, because, well, the words just are not enough. David was much better with his words than I will ever be and says things I can’t say well enough.

BUT, well, all I can say is He is so much more worthy of my praise than I am worthy to offer Him. But, I have been made worthy and THAT is something more for which to praise Him.

 

Lord, I Praise You for Your Majesty. I Glorify Your Holy Name and Worship Jesus who died for me and my sins. THANK YOU for your Mercy, grace and for the salvation You gave me.

 

THANK YOU LORD!

 

well, some days, I just like to give all glory to God.

 

 

Kicking the skunk

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

1200px-Striped_Skunk

I often wonder how many others have to deal with various issues I have encountered. I seriously doubt that I am that different and there must be others who experience similar life circumstances, deal with similar people that can be difficult to tolerate at times, people that seem to live to antagonize others. We always have to deal with multiple people throughout our days some are great with which to interact and others, to put it kindly, with whom the interactions are very difficult. They seem to just look for any and all opportunities to try and antagonize others or many others. Seeming to me that they are so unhappy with themselves that they can only find joy by trying to spread the discontent they feel. Sometimes masking their antagonism with pretense of compliments or concern. Backhanded complements that are actually criticisms. Other times pretending to be concerned so they tell you something but are actually trying to cause you more problems, worries or stress, “warning you” about something that may be going to happen because of something they heard or saw, but waiting hours, days or weeks before telling you. More like they were trying to find out if there was a problem they thought might happen so they could enjoy someone else’s misery. It seems they will do anything they can do to try to cause you and others problems, but pretend that they mean well when they said or did whatever it was that was intended as a negative, despite acting concerned.

Well, I have some that seem to enjoy doing things like those I mentioned. I have learned to ignore them and pray for them. But, sometimes, they are not happy if you ignore them and will look for the chance to try to try, to use a phrase I know, “kick the skunk.” Just looking for a chance to create as much stink as possible. But, those who try to kick the skunk and run, usually have more “stink” from their actions than those they hoped would get “sprayed.”

Amazing to me that there are people who only find any joy in their life by trying to create drama in others’ lives or to try challenge your salvation or make you question it, trying to cause enough problems to try to make you stumble. Just waiting to have the chance to point and say “I told you he was lying and isn’t really saved.”  Well, unfortunately for them, I have a joy they cannot steal. I have God and He will protect me from these feeble attempts to cause me problems. He is my Rock and my Salvation. My fortress in times of attack.  Christ uses these things to help make my faith stronger.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:10-20

 

1 And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:
2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

2 Samuel 22:1-4

 

Sadly, there are a lot of people out there who are only content to spread discontent, allowing themselves to be used by the enemy to try to cause others to stumble. I praise God that He provides me the faith, strength, love and mercy to not only stand up to such attacks, but to grow stronger in Christ with each of the attacks.

 

Lord, I praise Your Holy Name and worship You. I thank You for the challenges and trials that You use to strengthen my faith and my relationship with Christ. I pray for those who seek to cause problems for others, that they learn of You and seek You rather than allow Satan to try to use them to try to destroy others or cause them problems. I ask in Jesus Name that You continue to work in me and use me to draw others to You. Please work in the lives of loved ones to bring them to You so they will know Your true will and way in their lives so they may follow You and live the life You plan for each one of us.

Amen

 

I appreciate you taking your time to read my post today. I hope that something was a blessing to someone, so they learn better how to deal with difficult people or circumstances. I hope all have a blessed day and find a way to bless at least one other person.

 

 

 

The Stronghold (the prayer closet)

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Salvation, Uncategorized

stronghold.jpg

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Matthew 6:5-7

I was reading in the Bible, saw this passage where it discusses going to a closet to pray and worship. ( FYI, Matthew Chapter 6 is a good chapter to read in entirety) I have always preferred to pray silently, speaking from my heart to God. I suppose that is for a variety of reasons, not wanting to draw attention to myself, not wanting to hear my own voice (which I thinks sounds horrible) and not wanting to disturb others. God hears me when I pray like that. He speaks to me. Oh, there are times, usually when out in the woods, that I pray out loud. For some reason, the fields and woods seem the best place for me to pray.

OK, so what about the stronghold? You are probably thinking. Well, there was a movie I have seen on TV several times, and its probably been couple years or more since the last time, but there was questionable activity on a Reservation, an FBI agent, who happened to be 1/2 native American was investigating. Toward the end turns out there were corrupt federal agents and others trying to mine uranium on the Reservation and since it was going to be a tremendous amount of money, they were willing to kill for it, and he and a tribal police officer were being pursued. He was told to go to the Stronghold. A place on the reservation that was supposed to be where they had good position to be able to fend off an attack. A place of safety and security.

When we go to pray, we all need that closet, that stronghold, where we feel safe, secure, isolated from others so we can focus on seeking Christ. No other distraction or annoyances, but a place where we are privately speaking with Him. God does not like when we make big shows out of things. Oh, there is need for Pastors to preach and singers performing have a function, that is not what I mean. And, there is symbolism in kneeling at the alter that due to that, has a significance so that we know when we do, when we kneel at the alter, usually a cross somewhere near by, that we understand His sacrifice and the need to lay all the burdens, worries, sins and other issues on the altar. There are times it is important to pray out loud as well. When praying with others for someone’s needs, salvation, whatever reason for which it I being done. SO they hear and know that the people praying, as well as the one being prayed for are in Unity before Christ. The act of kneeling at the alter helps us mentally reinforce that idea. But, we do need to pray other places. A person’s stronghold can be a closet, the bedroom, a place by the river, in the middle of the woods. But we need that personal, private time with Christ. Seeking Him and talking to Him. Praising and worshipping the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He wants us to seek Him one on one. Not do it to impress others. Not for attention but to improve our relationship with and understanding of God.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

So, I just would hope that all have, or find that stronghold, that prayer closet, that one special place you can block out all distractions so you can better seek Him in private. Whatever that place is for you. It is different for all, but we all need that place seek and praise Him.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Jesus, I praise and worship You. I thank You for the mercies You show me, for Your sacrifice on the cross and defeat of death that gives me the salvation You paid for with Your blood. I thank You for helping me find my Stronghold where I can find the solitude to seek You. I thank You for the guidance You have given me and look forward to even more guidance as well as better understanding of You and Your plans for me. I pray You help me better seek You and know You. I pray You work on the hearts of family and loved ones to give them better understanding in their lives. That You work on them and show them how to find You and how to give You their burdens and lead those not saved to You.

Amen

 

Thanks once more for your time. I know it take a while to weed through my writings at times. I hope that someone finds that little bit of something they need to help them in their path through life as they struggle and try to find the Lord. We all have struggles, I just hope as I work my way through mine, something helps another. Have a most blessed day.

 

 

I crossed a bridge!

by christsavedthissinner, posted in Uncategorized

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Spiritually that is to say. I believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I know some don’t believe in them, but I was raised in that type of church. It is Biblical and what I was taught. If some don’t agree, I am not here to argue. Just telling about my experience today. I was on my way to the Armory for another “fun filled day” of annual training. Work load is not bad, pretty light for me so far and that is great. It gave me time to work on some posts I had started, but not finished.

ANYWAY, I digress. While on the way, I had about 40 minutes before I was due to start work and there is a couple blocks away, a little parking area by the river. So, I went down there, just wanted some alone time with Christ. So, I pulled into the area. Its right under the bridge I had just driven over a couple minutes before. I find places like that, with river flowing near by peaceful places for me. I decided to get out, walked to the river bank. Its the Missouri River and it was muddy, I thought on the flow of rivers, flow of life and such. Then, decided to do some praying. I was just talking to God, praising Him, giving thanks, talked to Him about wanting to be a better servant, that I wanted Him to teach my HOW to seek Jesus and for guidance on several things going on in my life to know that I am taking the right steps for Him. Asked Christ to help give me the topics and words for my blog. Prayed that He use me and this blog to help others. As I was praying, I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but my legs and knees felt weak, my whole body did. I felt something like a shiver, but more intense, rush over me. It was a powerful sensation. I kept praying, the sensation continued a little longer. After I finished, I just stood there, praising God. I felt an anointing of sorts. I felt liberation. I felt He promised to answer my prayers. Things I have asked for He will deliver. My faith is so much stronger now.

It was nothing short of AMAZING! I don’t know if that is how other people have felt when overcome by the Holy Spirit, but WOW! Never felt anything like that.

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 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.

I Corinthians  12:1-12

 

I don’t know which gift He gave me, I don’t feel like I have the gift of prophesy. I was praying in my heart and mind so don’t think it was tongues. I don’t feel smarter so not sure if it is wisdom or knowledge. Maybe healing, as with my profession, that is what I do, or at least try to do. I do know that faith is a gift, and I definitely feel much more faith. Maybe that’s it. I just know I felt the presence of Christ more intensely than I have ever felt it before. Praise God for His majesty and gifts.

Lord, I praise You and glorify You, Your Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I thank You for the experience this morning. I want more of that in my life. Please, keep me strong and dedicated to serving You.

Amen

 

Thanks for coming by, not a huge message, but I did want to share. Have a blessed day.