"CLAIMING THE HIGH C'S"
PART IV
THE EARLY VOYAGE
And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God,
to them that are called according to His purpose.
... In all these things
we are more than conquerors
through Him that loved us
(Romans 8:28 and 37, KJV.)
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CHAPTER 9
CONFIRMATION
Athwart hawse:
The situation of a ship when driven by accident
across the fore-part of another,
whether they touch or are at a small distance from each other,
the transverse position of the former is principally understood.1
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REAL LIFE EXAMPLES
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Bill and Karen have two positive examples of confirmation.
CONFIRMATION OF HEALTH
The first example has to do with healing. In 1989, Karen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At that time, the neurologist told her, "Go home. I don't need to see you again, because there's nothing I can do for you." Such negative words of course had an impact and Karen went home and entered into a time of very deep and dark depression.
But God's Word was faithful; He came to Karen in this dark time. Karen got up and went to the elders of her church, confessing her sins and asking for the anointing of oil and prayers of healing. Following James 5:14-16, Karen entered back into health. God confirmed His Word through granting her remission of disease and renewal of mind, so that ministry and edification of His Church could continue through her. We give all Glory and Honor and Praise to our Faithful God. Hallelujah!
CONFIRMATION OF MINISTRY
The second example has to do with ordination. In 1998, Bill was ordained as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Elders gathered around and laid their hands upon him, and as he knelt before God, hundreds of witnesses gave glory to the Lord. Bill was anointed with the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit which was in Jesus and which is given to all Christ followers. Bill was sent forth from a community of Believers to bear fruit.
These two examples from "real life" are given to encourage followers of Jesus. We all have need for confirmation: it is the verification and validation of our faith. And praise God; He gives us confirmation through the Holy Bible.
Now thanks be unto God,
which always causeth us to triumph in Christ…
(II Corinthians 2:14.)
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony…
(Revelation 12:11.)
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
(I Corinthians 3:16.)
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| Why are we afraid of false hope?
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The Placebo Effect...
There are two major types of research: quantitative and qualitative. The first type, quantitative, is most usually associated with scientific research in which numbers or statistics are highly valued. Of most importance in any quantitative research are the numerical results. The second major type of research is qualitative, focusing upon human feelings or interactions and thoughts.
In many fields of research, quantitative studies are deemed to be of primary importance and these studies are usually conducted with two or more groups of people. In these research studies, there is often one group, which would be considered the control group, in which nothing is really changed. Let's call this group A.
CONFIRMATION IN ANOTHER COUNTRY
On a trip to Ireland, it was encouraging to see how confirmation was given through actions of generosity. Many mornings we heard blessings spoken upon our traveling group as we left bed and breakfast establishments. The owners believed in the need for blessings, and fervently prayed for us when we walked out the front door.
Karen had been practicing this "art of blessing" with our adult kids, but this Irish example really encouraged her to speak it more often, even with friends. The mindset was, "Let everyone who leaves this house go with God's blessing upon them. Let everyone who steps forth into the day know they are being prayed for."
These specific prayers are just simple examples of how we can each confirm praise to God and unconditional blessings on family or friends.
Simply say, "God bless you." No strings attached. No controlling mother or father. Just a request to our Father God, bless my child, bless my spouse, bless my friend. This is indeed a confirmation, for you are telling each person... "You are truly loved."
Today, take the time and bless someone. Actually acknowledge how special this person is to you. Look at them as a wonderful and unique creation. WOW! There is no one else quite like them in this whole world. Speak this out loud; let your confirmation be a blessing that anoints their heart with God's love and grace. Let it run like anointing oil down over their hair onto their face and perhaps into their heart. It will only take a moment, but you could really make someone's day special. And it might even become a habit!
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CHAPTER NINE NOTES
1 Glossary of Nautical Terms (Circa 1814).
www.psych.edu.au/vbb/woronora/maritime/Glossary.html
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