Ok, I understand statistics better the Charles would have you believe. From a scientific stand point I try to wiegh out all the variables and come up with another explanation for the evidence.
I have decided to open myself up to this forum, and everything I tell you is completely honest, and from the heart. It was before, but now I hold no barriers between you and what is in my mind. I have nothing to fear with the Lord on my side.
Wouldn't that have happened anyway? how do you know it's because you were saved ? Are the people who compliment you on this (presumably), of the same faith as you ?
That would be kind of silly to assume, because I did not go to church before I got saved (not including a dozen visits in ten years, to other churches, in search of the truth). The kind of people are:
My Father,
Mother,
Friends,
Wife,
nieghbors,
customers.
I would say at least 30 people have told me this. They are people who haven't seen me in a while, and people who see me every day.
did bad things happen to your business as well ? Have the blessings changed in frequency, or magnitude, since before you were saved ?
No, as matter of fact the bad things have decreased dramatically. I explained about my mechanical curse that used to happen to me every year for the last 15 years. Didn't happen this year. I always seem to have the right part, or know the right thing to say to customers.
BTW, I always tell them the truth, even before I got saved.
Is that necessarily a good thing ? was your being saved a pre-requisite for this role? (i.e. is that role in your religious community?)
Yes it is in a religious community, and outside as well too.
But the many churches that I have visited, and tried to be a part of (the music) I wasn't accepted until I got saved. It wasn't like I announced when I got saved either.
As a matter of fact, I went to 4 churches and tried to play in "the band" but they were never interested (they would almost refuse me as I asked). When I came to my current church, I didn't even want to ask, because they were too good, and I didn't want to be let down again. But I did ask the worship team leader where I could get the music sheets of the music they were playing, he asked me why, I told him I play piano, then he asked me to join on the spot. Coincidence?
But a church that didn't know me from a hole in the wall now has me as their worship leader. I have a small ministry, and Vice President of a charity org. In 8 months time. Hardly things things that I could accomplish without the help of God.
Why didn't this happen in any of the other churches I attended? Because of the people you think? Or maybe the people filled with God.
I understand it is slightly subjective, but it is a 5-1 odd.
Please note, I am not bragging here. I just sharing what God can and will do in your lives as well. I am also publicly thanking him for the opportunity to server him and my fellow man.
Something happens to me physically when I eat chocolate, listen to good music, or watch Cameron Diaz films . I just don't attribute it to the Holy Spirit. Could it be that each time you feel happy and elated you think it's the Holy Spirit that caused it, rather than the other way round ?
Because I never felt anything like it before. Its not like I'm thinking of something first all the time either, it can just come to me when I least expect it, and fill me with anyone of the gifts he has blessed me with. If I was capable of doing that to myself in my own mind, I think I would drop dead from shock on the spot. If it is true, then too many crazy people are on the streets, including myself. I have some wierd kind of desease that makes me want to Love people and forgive them, and help them. Then imaginary words pop in my head, that are never wrong.
You know, if you think there is truth in that or if it was true, then Jesus was the biggest con-artist in the world. He designed the most perfect scheme to get people to be crazy for 2000 years.
I think what he taught was perfect, its just that man doesn't know how to be like him. Man is so evil that he would even go as far to use what Jesus taught and the power of leadership that is granted to him, to hurt others. He then sets an example to people like yourself, that deters you from the one who Loves you most. Pretty sad uh?
I do it all the time. My colleagues call it 'talking bulls**t', I prefer to call it 'inspiration'. Why does the Holy Spirit have to come into it ?
Right, I never have been inspired in my 39 years of life, so I don't know what that is.
Could it be that the persons you're talking to want to hear what you're telling them? Could it also be that they are stressed, vulnerable and prone to emotional responses ?
Also, do you realize that many people from different religious persuasions can produce the same effect ? Are you all guided by the same Spirit ? How do you know that the 'right' Spirit is guiding you and not the others ?
Yes I realize that. That is why it is subjective. But I couldn't do it before. As far as other religions go, I have learned a lot about it, and I feel as though we are all worshiping the same God. Musslims believe in Jesus as a prophet, so they know him. No-one can go to heaven unless they go through him, but what does that mean exactly?
John 3:16 says:
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[1] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
It doesn't say whoever doesn't believe in him will go to hell. Jesus taught us its more important what comes out of your heart than anything else. So I can't judge those other religions, and I won't say that they have it wrong or not. I admire their dedication to the Lord. But even in those religions there are bad people, is the religion to blame or the person?
You can start to break things down and try to explain away each one of these things I posted, but you cannot explain away them as a whole.
The pyhsical thing is what gets me the most. I laugh so much when people tell me that.
The only thing I could contribute to me looking younger was that I quit smoking pot. But I only smoked less than once a month. I also used to drink beer, less than a six-pack a week. At those rates, do you think its possible to look ten years younger by quitting? I still drink a couple beers a month.
Also answered prayers, I had qui smoking, but I held on to a little weed, because I thought one day I might want to get high again. I really wasn't sure if it was OK with the Lord. so about 5 months after being saved, I went fishing and brought along a bowl.
There wasn't anything happening for about an hour. I reached in pocket and took out the bowl, was about to light it, and asked God, is this right or wrong? If it is wrong make a big fish jump out of the water. Then I said to God, I'm sorry, that is wrong of me to ask for something so specific. I take it back.
So I put the bowl back in my pocket, and contemplated if I would smoke or not.
10 mins went by, and I decided I was going to smoke it, I reached in my pocket, and the exact second my hand touched the bowl, and big fish jumped out of the water.....I through the bowl as far into the lake as possible, and when it hit the water, another big fish jumped out of the water. I then couaght 2 huge walleyes, kept one for eating. I have a pictue of me holding the fish, I should post it so you can see the joy in eyes.
Have you ever noticed yourself the difference when you look into a Christians eyes? I'm not talking about people who confess to be a Christian, and are really not. But there are certain people you will meet in your life, and they have a certain glow about them. When they tell you they are a Christain, you believe them, and can tell how sincere they really are. You wouldn't dare to mess with that person, because you believe they are good, and shouldn't be messed with.
That is the light shining through.
This message has been edited by riVeRraT, 10-29-2004 08:57 AM
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