BRAY ALL YOU WANT TO BUT GOD WILL NOT BE MANIPULATED
So this is my closing remarks on that subject.
Be aware when someone is trying to manipulate you for the purpose of manipulating God. Some time back, I attended a meeting where the leader pitched into the people present because they had come in to the meeting room, sat down quietly and seemed to me to be praying quietly or meditating on the Lord. He berated them/us for not standing with upraised hands. I was among those who were sitting quietly concentrating in a what I thought was a prayerful manner.
Making oneself physically miserable by standing and holding up hands will not move the hand of God anymore than sitting quietly.
I point to the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, who shouted and cut themselves with stones. Flagellation is something the heathens do to impress their gods. Personally I can keep my mind on God more if I am not in pain!
I want to make it clear that I am not against standing and raising holy hands. I’m even for lifting sinful hands in repentance. I’m all for it when that’s what you want to do. It might impress people but it will not work as a means of manipulating God.
Have a wonderful day and lift up holy hands unto the Lord! And if they are sinful hands, remember our loving intercessor, Jesus.
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Sweet aroma 
I wonder what he would have said to those who feel more drawn to prostrating themselves before God
God would probably look twice to believe what he saw! 😀 Then imagine how he would run to put his loving arms around that person, draw him/her dear, and breath words of love to him/her.
Some of our man-imposed Godliness is amusing, to say the least. I think one should worship as the Spirit leads them and like you said even if they raise their sinful hands and voices the blood of Jesus that cleanses will make their prayers acceptable.
Only he knows the sincerity of the heart. The action itself does nothing – Oh, I think I will backtrack on that. For some people the very act of doing “something” is a humbling and worshiping attitude. Again it is God who knows the heart. My concern is a routine that does not begin in the heart. And it is sad that some folks do not know the difference. Thanks for stretching my brain cells, Jacque.
Hungering for the Lord…indeed!! ANd how sweet it is when our cups runeth over from His love for us!!
Nothing like it. And he built that need into us. So many look other places for the fulfillment only he can give.
i so appreciate your practical realistic outlook Oneta 🙂
Thanks for staying with me, calmkate. And thanks for your encouragement. 😀
you have so much wisdom and love to share, it is totally my pleasure 🙂
😀