What makes Christianity Different?

This was today’s message.

Pastor said that oftentimes you can’t use the Bible to try to convince anyone that God created the heavens and earth. Mainly, because people do not believe in the Bible. And those who do, do not believe it is Gods word. Unbelievable I’m referring to.

I can contest to this as I was the person who didn’t believe that the Bible was Gods word. I just thought of it as a book as any other.

What I do find odd though, being a born again Christian is that I believed in other religions. Many people will put their Faith in Buddha, Mohammed, and every single god and goddess that the India Faith teaches.

Many religions teach to worship objects and animals. People will actually put their faith in an animal or object, but not Jesus. This baffles me like nothing else does.

Where do they find their true comfort?

Works perhaps? Doing good works makes them feel a certain way maybe.

I would imagine that even so, still, there remains an emptiness within their heart. A tiny bit of uncertainty.

Works takes effort. Faith does not. Maybe people feel as of it can not be that easy. Yet it is! Amen!

With Christianity it’s not through works, but Faith alone. And you will never find Jesus bones as he is not dead. Unlike many other leaders who have died. We know where their bones are.

Other Religions have the will to save but not the ability to save you.

Pastor told a story of a grandma who was babysitting her granddaughter while her daughter was napping. Her toddler granddaughter wanted to go swimming in her pool. Grandma didn’t know how to swim so she put her granddaughters flotation devices on her and sat on the chaise lounge and watched.

Grandma must have taken her eyes off of her granddaughter for at least a moment, as she heard her granddaughter cry because her flotation devices came off and float away from her. In the blink of an eye, the little girl went under the water. Without thinking, grandma jumped into the water to save the child.

She had the will To save her, yet lacked the ability. They both drowned that day.

Tragic!

There are thirty thousand different religions in this world. Yet only one points to Christ. He chose us, as with all the others, humans choose them. They all have the will to save, yet lack the ability.

Religion will never convince a sinner they are loss…

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First Bible Book you Read

After becoming a Christian I took to the Bible immediately. I read it straight through from the day I got saved back in August 1996. Took months but was time well spent. No other book has ever made such an impact on my life. Many times in the past I have taken to self help books, Christian and Secular, but nothing will ever compare to Gods word. For every single thing. Positive or negative that you go through. The Bible is really a one fit fits all!

Our society wants to place the Bible on the back burner by introducing us to mere mans, thoughts on their take of Gods word. But being a born Again Christian, you are filled with the Holy Spirit. And while you can learn from great evangelicals and the alike, let’s never forget that people’s takes and interpretations can often times lead us astray if we start replacing the Bible with them.

It was not until several years later, after repenting of my sins and asking Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior, that I found my first home church.

It was a Wednesday evening service that the four of us pretty much stumbled across. We did not set out looking for a church that evening. This particular church found us. It is just what we needed at that period of our life. Both of my oldest kids got saved there in later years. That first evening visiting, the pastor was just starting in the book of Job.

I have always used Job as my Christian life book, to some degree. It’s taught me patience and to not get in the way of God working things out in his timing, not mine.

I feel like maybe the very first book in the Bible that you “really” went to great depth to study, may in fact be your own personal life book.

I’m not sure if others could relate, or for that matter even remember. Especially if you have been saved for many, many years. Maybe you don’t recall the first book of the Bible that really put your heart and soul into.

But if you do recall, try to think back to the very first book of the Bible that you really studied, not just read through.

Do you feel a certain connection to it?

Bible Reading

I ordered a book last week Called, From Daniel to Doomsday/The Countdown Has Begun.

It is written by John Hagee. I have heard of him before by my late grandma.

I have been in the word more then usual. I think most of us have. I started re-reading the book of Daniel, as well as the book of Revelation. Together. I think Revelation is twice as long, if I’m recalling right so I’ll probably finish Daniel first.

I’ve been choosing two books of the Bible to ponder and read through each month.

I’m finding as I’m getting older, I simply can not quote scripture like I once could. Next August, I will have lived half of my life as a Christian. It really does seem like just yesterday I asked Christ into my life.

I remember where I was, and all my surroundings of that glorious evening.

It brings me great joy remembering , and I do hope I never forget.

I hope everyone else remembers their life changing day too.

Keep me in the moment lyrics

By Jeremy Camp

I feel like this song would be so helpful to pray on with everyone, but specifically young people just starting out with their walk with the Lord.

I’ve been thinking ’bout time and where does it go
How can I stop my life from passing me by, I don’t know

I’ve been thinking ’bout family and how it’s going so fast
Will I wake up one morning just wishing that I could go back? I’ve been thinking ’bout lately, maybe

I can make a change and let you change me
So, with all of my heart this is my prayer… oh Lord, keep me in the moment

Help me live with my eyes wide open
‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what you have for me…oh Lord, show me what matters
Throw away what I’m chasing after
‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what you have for me (what you have for me)Keep me in the moment
Oh, keep me in the moment
Keep me in the moment
‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what you have for me…

#8 Holding Cells

Random Thoughts

This is topic that I have never given much thought of until now….

The other day I was told that some people claim that scripture backs up what’s called, a ‘holding area. Or holding cell’ for those that die. 

In other words, when you die, you don’t go to heaven or hell. You go to this ‘holding area’ until judgement day. Of course I have never heard this at any funeral. 

They generally just say that the person is joe with the good Lord. Or in Glory. Neverbtgat they are off in a holding area until Jesus return.

Scripture says that the dead will rise first…
1 Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise.

Where are they rising from? Some may ask..

Not only that, but some people say that when Jesus died, before he rose again…. he was at this holding area witnessing to the people there. OT people that worshiped false Gods, etc.
It’s so very interesting!

Anything that makes me dive deeper into scripture study always excites me.

~Has anyone else ever studied these things in depth before?

#6 Beth Moore

I had another amazing day today. A very long day, but so uplifting to my spirit.

I went to a live streaming of Beth Moores Living water convention with a friend. We walked through the whole book of Colossians. 
It started at 9am and ended at 5pm. 

Today was a day to refresh and regroup. 

And just to praise and worship the Lord with other believers. 

My phone was actually off. 

 I took so many notes with an actual pen and paper, that  it felt odd not to be typing. 

But I’m ending my night feeling so very grateful to have love in my heart and friends to share my life journey with. 

I learned so much today about God, his Love, and the power of connection. ❤️

Spiritual Gift Test

So for class home work we had to take this test. Anytime I hear the word ‘test’ it frightens me. But alas’, I dove right in!

It took a full 30 minutes. Not that I was being timed. *shudder* ;o)

Personally, I feel as though we should already know what our gifts are. Especially if you have been a Christian for a good while. 

Here were my top three. 

I figured, but the order was off. None the less… they are suppose to be used to further Gods kingdom. 

I only wish it wasn’t ‘church based’ A lot of the questions I had to answer differently because they were set up in such a way that caters to your gifts within the congregation. If that makes sense…

~If anyone reading wants to share there too three, please do. 

https://spiritualgiftstest.com/spiritual-gifts-test-adult-version/

Today’s Testimony

Testimony
I woke up this morning feeling, well, like a hormonal mess!

My head was foggy and I kept waking up last night with a backache. I felt horrible! We’ve all been there before.

Dh asked me if I wanted to stay home from service and he’d just bring the kids.

I thought about it for fifteen minutes while laying in bed.

Then I started to pray. Asking the Lord to get me out of my funk. Especially mentally. It’s one thing to feel physically tired. That’s never fun first thing in the morning. But when your head feels foggy, and not clear. It’s just awful.

After another fifteen minutes I was up showering and getting ready.

Yes! Prayer works..
However, On the way to church I started feeling like I wanted to go back to bed again. But remained quiet, praying again; for Jesus to breath new life into me and give me a fresh dose of the Holy Spirit.
We arrived at church and everyone took off to their classes. Dh got a coffee and sat down in the foyer area with a bunch of others.

I decided to go in the chapel and sit by myself.
As soon as I sat down the pastor started asking us if we have ever had a Sunday where the Devil was just kicking your butt, and telling you to stay in bed.

It was odd, because this generally doesn’t happen to me. At least it hasn’t happened to me in servers years…So had I heard this message prior, I wouldn’t have been able to relate.
She went on to say that we have the authority to kick him to the curb, and claim our energy back. Physically AND mentally!
Then she mentioned that we were all here today for a very reason. Well, or course, I thought to myself. I could think of many reasons right off the top of my head.

That said…right then and there, I got up and decided that I’d go join dh for a coffee, and sit with the others. (The introverts)

When I left the chapel I saw dh sitting in his favorite chair drinking his cofffee. But all the sofas and chairs outside the chapel were already occupied.

There are also several big screen TVs where you can watch and listen to the mornings  message.

So I decided to walk towards the front entrance and sit in one of those stairs chairs.

I was only there for about fifteen minutes, when dh walked over to me and asked me if I wanted to go sit on the West wing of the campus. Apparently there are also sofas, chairs, and TVs showing the message over there he said, and oftentimes it’s quieter.

We have been at the same church for several years. But it’s so large, I have never actually seen it all. It has a school and a college too. Quite massive.

My daughter, who is employed by the church,  has recently mentioned to me an art wall in the West wing. So having that in the back of my mind, I decided to gather my belongings and make the walk with dh to the West wing.

As we arrived I noticed a large leather couch up against the wall, and we both sat down. It was very nice, and I don’t know why I’ve never ventured out.

And then, as I looked up at the at the TV screen on the wall, continuing to hear this mornings  message,  a younger lady that I’ve never seen before reluctantly walked through the side door entrance.
She walked over to where we were both sitting and looked up at the tv screen. Right off the back unnoticed how beautifully she was dressed. And I knew I was going to want to tell her, as that is something I always compliment people on, because in this day and age I feel like no one puts any real effort to the way they look anymore. Not just for church. But anytime. Everything has gotten so casual. But that’s a whole other topic. So getting back to the real one…..
She asked if church just recently started, And was she late?
I told her that they were half way through with the first service, but another service would be starting soon and to sit down if she wants.
She looked back to the door in which she came through. Then we told her if she likes coffee, that there was a coffee bar around the corner and she can just have a latte’ while she waits for the next service.

Then she smiled, sat down next to me, and we started chatting up a storm.
I am not going to share any of that, because it was personal.
But the testimony IS, I am so blessed that the Lord revived me enough to drag myself in this morning. I know without doubt, that I was meant to be there at the very moment this lady walked in.

You know, It’s not always about us and our needs. I know we all, self included, think it is,most of the time.

Truth is, it’s about others.. and how we can be the hands and feet of the living Christ.

What we can do to bless those around us. Daily!

Even if we feel down and out, ourselves, at times.

The Lord will always restore the faithful. He’s so good like that.

Something the pastor did mention at church today, was how we are all like a mosaic painting.

 The Lord finds us at our ends rope. In pieces! Broken. And when we except him as our personal savior, trust and delight in him, he restores us. Completely!  He makes us whole again. 

 

 

So Beautiful! 
Oh! And I never did see the new art work in the West wing. Perhaps next time.

Or perhaps I will wander off to the East wing to see the new paint. I hear it’s lovely too. 😉

Self Help

1. Learn to respond to people instead of react to them. 

2. Learn to not be over excited when meeting new people, because my enthusiasm oftentimes scares people.

3. Just because I don’t see eye to eye with someone doesn’t mean I should discredit them as good people.

4. Don’t try to justify people’s bad situations by telling them that things could be worst.

5. Never look for faults. Try to focus on positives. “Be Polly Anna”

Psalms 51

Today’s Sunday School class was very interesting.

It was based on Psalms 51

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

    blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

    and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,

    and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

    and done what is evil in your sight;

so you are right in your verdict

    and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth,

    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;

    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;

    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins

    and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

    or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

    so that sinners will turn back to you.

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

    you who are God my Savior,

    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

Open my lips, Lord,

    and my mouth will declare your praise.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;

    a broken and contrite heart

    you, God, will not despise.

May it please you to prosper Zion,

    to build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,

    in burnt offerings offered whole;

    then bulls will be offered on your altar.
It was about consequences. And whether we think God still punishes us when we sin.
Or are we truly covered by his Grace? Because Jesus died for our sins.
Punishment verses’ Consequences.
We went around the table and had to share how we were punished as a child when we did something wrong, and whether we still sin, (as adults) knowing ahead of time what the consequences may be. Or does knowing about consequences hold us back. Or… Do we still fear the wrath of God, per OT.

Almost everyone said that they got the paddle or tree branch when they did wrong. But one lady in her sixties, said that her punishment was being forced under her bed in the dark with no supper. It was very sad hearing her story. She shared that to this day, she is still afraid of the dark. 

Many people said that religion has kept them on the straight and narrow. 

Personally, I did not grow up as a Christian, and was pretty much free ranged. I got in trouble a lot. Therefore I always had to live with the consequences. Which were mainly privileges taken away. I was never shamed or spanked though.

And as far as God punishing us for our sins nowadays? 

I can’t really say.

I know we have grace though. And are forgiven. Even if we do not ask for forgiveness or go to confession, etc. 

I know many religions teach that we need to keep asking for forgiveness every time we mess up. But I do not see any biblical account for this in the NT. 

We are forgiven if we are saved. It’s that simple.

This is not a free pass to mess up and sin though. Which Paul clearly states in the NT.

Consequences on the other hand, at least in my opinion, fall hand and hand with free-will. 

God gives us free will to do as we please. 

This is why there is so much violence in this world.

But there are always consequences for our actions. And that is what has kept me on the straight and narrow. For the most part.

I am an adult and can for-see what the consequences will/would be, before the action. 

I’m thankful to have grown up and given up my reckless ways. I am far from perfect. But I am not the same person I was last year. Emotionally, and Spiritually. 

And I thank the Lord for his never failing, ever lasting love, mercy, and GRACE. ❤️