God Provided The Cornerstone

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, Mankind's Relationship With God, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…Psalm 127:1a

‘The stone which the builders rejected…Psalm 118:2″

“Therefore thus says the Lord: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;…Isaiah 28:16

“HELLO WORLD! CAN WE TALK?”

Yes, I’m addressing you, my dear readers, because this blog is very special to me. Why? Because I am very serious about cultivating and expanding my time to converse with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

His presence is so sweet and His voice so soothing and His advice so penetrating that I just cannot get enough. Once, when in prayerful discussions with Him, I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit say: “For where two or three have gathered together in My Name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20). Needless to say, I took that divine message to heart and have throughout my walk with the Lord attempted to surround myself with like-minded believers who relishes* in the exploring of the Holy Scriptures.*

So as not to be presumptuous and to waste your time, this blog post is designed for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Our time together will be focused on identifying and developing our inner man’s or inner women’s spiritual life; that is eternal life. For 1st John 5:12 says, “He who has the Son has life: He who has not the Son of God does not have life.”

church attendance couple happy chart

A study released by the Institute of Family Studies (IFS) found that couples who regularly go to church together report higher levels of happiness than those who don’t. More than 3 in 4 regular church-attending couples (78 percent) say they are “very happy” or “extremely happy” in their relationship.

Now if you will permit me, I would like to share with you a synopsis of the ongoing conversations I have had with our Maker concerning how His people can continue to build up their spiritual houses; fortify their vital signs; and identify components that can help to make up a healthy and vital spiritual life support system.

“All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2nd Tim. 3:16-17

One of the main courses of study for a Christian believer is their Bible. This is the building license/stone you need to begin construction. The first part of the Bible is the Law and the Prophets and the History books. God wants us to diligently study that portion of His Word as well as the New Testament, so as not to make the same mistakes as our forefathers. The summation of the History books is found in the New Testament, 1st Corinthians 10. What one should glean from these passages are that we need the protection and guidance of God; deliverance from our past sinful lives; acknowledgment of a spiritual Head over our lives (Jesus); to be constantly fed and provided for; and lastly, to associate with family and friends, especially those of the household of faith.

News flash! Did you know that to do anything on a repetitive basis is habit forming? Therefore, the application of what we read, as well as other avenues of experiences, should fortify and/or cause lifestyle changes within us as we learn to rightly divide the Word of Truth. So, without a doubt, the study of both ancient and modern Christianity is a vital component to keep our spiritual life vibrant and healthy.

Now, let’s talk about our minds. Let’s declare every day that we will show love to somebody, speak and think only positives and words. Eventually the mind, because it is constantly being fed positive stimuli, will produce vitality in the inner man or woman and the outer man will begin to disappear. (See Phil. 4:8 (New Testament

Finally, dear readers, in our time together, let’s also reflect. Let’s look at things from God’s perspective. Just as I did when the Holy Spirit directed my attention to Matthew 18:20. The moment God is in the equation you must look inward at yourself. So, overall, when you study to show yourself approved, you should often stop to ponder over the slightest details which will put you in a state of humility. You will come to hear and see things in a new light. Remember, the opposite of humility is arrogance! And we don’t want that beast to raise its ugly head, now do we? Yes, the discipline of study that renews the mind, soul and body is directly dependent upon humility. And that’s got to be a good, vital, and healthy spiritual life support system component.

Some additional components that I have learned in my conversations with God on this subject are that it is alright to engage in various avenues of learning. For theChristian believer feasting on ‘meat’ rather than ‘milk’, don’t be afraid to pick up several Bible commentaries, dictionaries, and other translations of God’s Word. Compile a collection of biographies and other thought provoking books like Shakespeare, Plato, modern founders of Christian sects. Go hiking and explore God’s creation and creatures. Attend lectures and join book clubs. Listen to the voices of birds and frogs. Stop to smell the roses. Ask God is there a message in the face of your pet dog as he wags its tail and greets you at the door when you are late coming home. Practice living for God over and over again. Concentrate on what you are learning. Become a practitioner of prayer. Get an understanding about the matter. And finally, tell somebody how you have been changed. Become a Star Witness to the Plaintive AND the Defendant.

NOTE: (*) Relishes: A person who deeply relishes the scriptures is typically described as a devout scholar, a spiritual contemplative, or simply a biblical enthusiast. They view reading and meditating on sacred texts as a profound joy rather than a chore. [1]

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God Has Always Dealt With Me Succinctly

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, Prayers For Life Changes, UncategorizedLeave a comment

There is no need for my readers to rush to retrieve there dictionaries. I have already done it for you. That’s right! Because just when I set aside time this week to collect my thoughts and write my weekly blog, the Holy Spirit whispered in my heart…I got this, Sister girl. The Lord of lords desires that you renew your initial solemn prayers to Him at the beginning steps of your journey with Him.

So, naturally, I went to my archives and searched through my historical records until I found two ‘dog-eared’, vintaged yellow copies of personal prayers I had written to God. I would like to share them with you as well as to renew them with my Lord and Savior.

According to Google…

To be succinct means to express ideas clearly and concisely, using exactly as many words as needed to make your point. A succinct message eliminates all unnecessary fluff and verbosity while keeping all essential information.
“My Prayer…For Myself…For my ‘calling’ to teach the Gospel”

1. To be approved by God
2. To be entrusted with the gospel.
3. To have my heart tested by God.
4. Not to seek praises from men.
5. Not to be afraid to share personal experiences as God has dealt with me.
6. To be an effective instrument whose teaching is anointed and causes the hearer to learn, understand and apply.

(circuit 1990)

“MY PLEDGE TO A HIGHER CALLING”
Dear God (My Holy Father):

I solemnly promise to focus my full attention and participation in training for the work of a Deaconess. During this workshop I will do the following:

1. Open my mind to God’s glorious majesty.
2. Pray honestly, asking the Holy Spirit for His guidance.
3. Let new ideas penetrate my being.
4. Participate enthusiastically with creative involvement.
5. Occupy my mind with the meaning and impact of my ministry
as a Deaconess on the lives of others.

Henceforth, I look forward to the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior. Amen.

(circuit 1994)

My Christian journey has definitely been a highly blessed and glorified one. My Precious Lord has blessed me by opening His expansive world to little ole me and introducing me to his earthly world-wide kingdom. The Holy Spirit has also allowed me to come to know the Son in a more intimate way. What a mighty God we serve!!

May the Lord continue to richly bless and keep you and your loved ones as you faithfully serve, bless and give thanks to Him. Amen and Amen.

Click: http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God Is Sending Out A Clarion Call To The Churches

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, How To Pray For Others, Prayers About Biblical End Times, Prayers About Freedom, UncategorizedLeave a comment
A Clarion Call to Saints and Sinners

AWAKE!…..ARISE!…..SHINE!…..GIVE GOD THE GLORY!

Following is a Citizen’s Prayer For Her Country

Return, oh nations of the world, and more particularly the cities of the USA. Return! For you have stumbled in your evil courses. Come with your prayers ready. Come back to the Lord.

Say to Him, “Father, you do not like to hold on to iniquity, so accept our plea, and we will pay our vows with our total being.

For our possessions will not save us, nor will we seek strength from false gods. What we have acquired with our hands we will never again call gods.

We know now that in Thee and Thee alone the fatherless find a Father’s love.”

And perhaps one day soon we shall hear the Father’s response…

Yes, I will heal their iniquities; of own treasurers will I love them. For my anger is turned away. I will be as dew to my people so that they may blossom like lilies; grow roots deep into the soil like the poplar tree; and grow fresh limbs that they may be as fair as the Olive tree; and as fragrant as the Trees of Lebanon.

And my cities throughout shall again dwell in my shadow and not in the shadow of death. My people shall prosper and live in abundance: they shall flourish like a vine and be famous as the Wine of Lebanon.

What has the sinner man anymore to do with self-righteousness? God says, “I’ll remind you once more! I am the pine tree that shelters you when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death; and it is to Me that your fruits or works are owed.

Let the wise consider these things and let him who considers take note: for the Lord’s ways are straight and the righteous walk in them, while the sinners stumble.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

Amen and Amen.

Click: http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God Planted My Feet On Higher Ground

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Sometimes your mind can draw a blank. And that is what my mind did to me. I sat at my computer and seemingly my prayers to the Holy Ghost failed me. Nothing came into my mind to blog about. I would start developing a subject and then go blank. I would sit at my computer and stare at a blank canvas notoriously paralyzed. After much prayer and frustration, I surrendered. HELP!

Then, in a soft, sweet, imploring voice I heard these words: “My child, all I want to hear from you tonight is a prayer for your country.” So, immediately, I grabbed one of my old journals and leafed through it. In it I found a prayer for my country that I had recited on February 22, 1996 entitled, “A Citizen’s Prayer For Her Country”. I pray that it will be acceptable to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A CITIZEN’S PRAYER FOR HER COUNTRY
Return, oh nations of the world, and more particularly the cities of the USA. Return. For you have stumbled in your evil courses. Come with your prayers ready. Come back to the Lord.

Say to Him, “Father, you don’t like to hold on to iniquity, so accept our plea, and we will pay our vows with our total being.

For our possessions will not save us, nor will we seek strength from false gods. What we have acquired with our hands we will never again call gods.

We know now that in Thee and Thee alone the fatherless find a Father’s love.”

And perhaps one day soon we shall hear the Father’s response…

Yes, I will heal their iniquities; of my own treasurers will I love them. For my anger is turned away. I will be as dew to my people so that they may blossom like lilies; grow roots deep into the soil like the poplar tree; and grow fresh limbs that they may be as fair as the Olive tree; and as fragrant as the Trees of Lebanon.

And my cities throughout shall again dwell in my shadow and not in the shadow of death. My people shall prosper and live in abundance: they shall flourish like a vine and be famous as the Wine of Lebanon.

What has the sinner man anymore to do with self-righteousness? God says, “I’ll remind you once more! I am the pine tree that shelters you when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death; and it is to Me that your fruits or works are owed.

Let the wise consider these things and let him who considers take note: for the Lord’s ways are straight and the righteous walk in them, while the sinners stumble.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

Amen.

Click: http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God Is The Divine Master Chef

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Who knew! Oh yes! God surprised me one day many years ago when I was preparing a fun game that my church sister-girls could play while on a training conference retreat. Our president said to me one day, Sister Sonja, you always come up with the most interesting exercises for our group to perform that excites everyone. So, for our upcoming conference I challenge you to present the group with some delicious “Bible-Lickin’-Good” recipes.

What a fun challenge, I thought. Lord, don’t fail me now! Please take me under your wings and let’s fly.

The Holy Spirit said to me, “I’ve got something for you, My child, that will knock their socks off.”

Did you know that there are more than one hundred different scriptures in the Holy Bible concerning preparing food concoctions? Well, after doing my research for the challenge my president handed me, I could not wait to get home to pursue the challenge. The Bible depicts food preparation as a daily chore and also as a means of entertaining strangers and guests.

Listed below is a short list of scriptures that prove my point:

  1. Esau was so hungry after a hunting experience that he sold to his brother Jacob his inheritance for a bowl of red lentil stew.
  2. Even Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples on the shore of Galilee. Jesus’s menu: fish and warm bread.
  3. The Bible also tells of an angel baking bread on hot stones for the prophet Elijah.

Now for my challenge, I wanted to do something a little different and more challenging. So, check out the 4 recipes I came up with below. (Prizes were also given.)

BA MANNA BREAD

Set Oven to “OFF”. No heat necessary. This bread is rained down from Heaven (Ex.16:4). It is fashioned from the residue of the morning dew. (Ex. 16:13, 14). Make only enough for one meal at a time. If it is not all eaten, it will melt. (Ex. 16:21). After it is baked, it will appear white in color with coriander seed and taste like honey wafers. (Ex. 16:31). This dish is also know as: (Fill in the answer) (Ps.78:25)
FRENCH FRIED FISH STICKS

But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales. And I will leave thee thrown into the ___________, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the ________________. _____________; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven. What is the name of this fish? (Ez. 29:1)
HONEY BOILED FISH

“Have ye here any meat?” And they gave him a piece of a boiled fish, and of an honey comb. And he took it, and did eat before them. Who was the eater and what state was he in. (Luke 24: 41-43).
FISH STUFFED WITH PRAENMANN

Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly. (Jonah 1:17).
What is “Praenmann”?
Ecclesiastes 9:7

Below Is A Word To You From The Holy Spirit:

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (1 Timothy 4:14-15)

Click: http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God “Schooled” Me Concerning Life Eternal

On By SonjaIn Growing In The Lord, How To Witness To Others, Mankind's Relationship With God, Prayers About God and MeLeave a comment

Did you know that the Holy Spirit is our Master Teacher concerning life eternal. I recall learning an awesome lesson from the Master Teacher in 2004. My personal journal reminded me that on a Saturday night in February 2004, God allowed me to experience life eternal. I had fallen asleep after studying the Sunday School lesson I was scheduled to teach the following mourning. I taught a group of third graders at my church.

“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.” Luke 6:43-44

The Holy Spirit awakened me about 4:30 a.m. I knew it was Him. He instructed me to go get my book entitled Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul. In it I found a short story relevant to my Sunday School lesson. It was very appropriate for my third graders.

I said to myself, it would really be nice if I could find a short story directly related to the book of Luke. After leafing through the book, I found the perfect story and it referenced Luke 6:33, a section on giving. (The class could certainly under that as followers of Christ, they must always try to bear good deeds/fruit for Jesus.)

After I finished reading the story, I was smiling and thanking God for awakening me and putting the finishing touches on my Sunday School lesson. I said, oh, Lord, if I had my druthers, heaven would be one long eternal night instead of a place of eternal day. I made that comment because for me and most people I know, God engages us in the most revealing conversations at nighttme or at least in the early dawn while it is still dark outside.

Immediately, my Lord responded. “Sonja, My beloved,” He said, “turn to Revelations where I speak of the fact that heaven will have neither sun nor moon.

“The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the Glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” Rev. 21-23

“Don’t you see, my child?” “Heaven will have neither sun nor moon. There will be no concept of day or night there. I AM IT! When I awake you at night to speak to you I am treating you as I treat myself. I never sleep. So why should you?. I’ll tell you like I told Jeremiah, ‘Do you want to run with the horses?’ Well, I am the horses. Wake up! Allow me to turn your nights into days.”

“If you want to walk with Me, know that there are no inhibitions that hinder Me. No walls contain Me. No doors are shut against Me. No gulfs divide Me from anything. No restraints bind Me. No insults effect Me. No regiment of time constrains Me. But most of all; No weapon formed against Me shall prosper. I say to you, come to the realization of how awesome it is to be more than a conqueror. Come. I invite you to join Me and experience eternity.”

Click: http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God Specializes In Developing Servant Managers

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As a servant manager (blogger) for Christ, there should be no concern for one’s own fame, fortune or popularity.  Keep your eye on The Prize…The Holy Spirit!  He will unravel the mysteries of the kingdom.  Thus, the Master’s servant managers (us Christian bloggers) are those persons through whom new Christian converts can increasingly learn more about where to find examples of how to strengthen their godly character and faith that is hoped for and then pass it on to others.

So, now you have attended all of the required courses and have graduated. Your diploma reads, “Masters In Biblical Etiquette”. Your character has been transformed. Thus…

Mr. and Ms. Character, your lives are now an open book. It’s an interesting book extended to all those who care to read it. There is no discrimination; from the smallest child to the oldest human being alive you have a message.

Thus, I salute you both for those unselfish efforts you have attempted to perform in the lives of others. You know, you are really like mirrors…that is, you reflect in every mood. Every experience you encounter is automatically revealed.

For those who can’t read, there are pictures or shall I say reflections that one can pattern after as he molds his way of life in this trying world.  For the more advanced reader there is a plot to follow which oftentimes may have you bickering with yourself and causing you to put it aside as if it was philosophy. Thus, in everyone’s library this book is essential.

It is a must to take an interest in Character.  It is a compelling obligation that we must encounter if we are to advance and know truth and enjoy the better things of life.

Conversely, the characteristics one displays depend upon oneself.  The expressions one wears will disclose their disposition.  The moods they dress in will uncover their personality.  The words they send out will reflect their intelligence.

Come unto me, Mr. Character is calling, and I will mold for you the sweetest disposition known.  Come unto me, He beseeches you, and I will shine for you the brightest star of personality.  Come unto me, He is beckoning, and I will give you an understanding and peace of mind.  I will give you advice…such as pick your friends, but not to death.  Remember to laugh with others, but not at them.  Work with initiative, but not against it.

This remarkable Book can be yours for only a glance.  Mr. Character is a reflection in your nearest mirror.  Look it over.  The character you see just might be YOU!

“What we {Your Servant Managers} have heard and now known, what our fathers {brothers and sisters in Christ} told us. We will not hide those words from people we meet; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He has done (Paraphrased from Psalm 78:3-4).

My solemn prayer for everyone who reads this blog: Dear Heavenly Father, I so much want to thank You for the privilege of being able to share my faith with others and that I can testify to them of You and Your love in such a bold manner. Especially during my time of bereavement centered around the timing of the death of my only son. I pray that You and You alone will open the hearts and lives of your children. Amen and Amen.

Click: http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God Has A New Tenant…My Son, My Son

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God has empowered his people to live life’s journey as a healthy society. So, that is why I believe God brought my boy home. So, please forgive me for being absent during these past few weeks. I had to bid farewell to someone I loved dearly.

THE PROLOGUE – Some time ago, while in deep conversation with The Holy Spirit, He shared with me a thing or two about the “Great Physician”. Basically, I came away with this penetrating thought: “Remain in me (Jesus), as I also remain in you.” John 15:4

So, for this week’s blog I want to share with you how to be at peace and in good health in this environment even when our bodies are racked with pain; troubled with disturbing thoughts; and our spirits are questioning our faith on every side.

For your understanding, I will apply certain scripture references that will give meaning to why Jesus used so many examples of life’s emotions to teach on how to be blessed and content when all hell is breaking loose around us.

FIRST RULE OF THUMB: THE PURPOSE

While living down here on earth, those who follow the cross ought always to be salt and light to the world (Mathew 5:13) regardless of what physical, mental or material state we find ourselves in. If we are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, our ways and demeanor should bring illumination and savor (preservation) to our fellow man. Thus, living in a manner befitting the atmosphere of the Kingdom of God!

SECOND RULE OF THUMB: THE SCRIPTURE

Our scripture is found in Matthew from chapter 4:23 though 5:12. You will recognize it as containing The Beatitudes. The word Blessed is used quit often and means more than just ‘happy’. It takes on the ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the kingdom of God.

So, during my conversation with God, I asked the Holy Spirit why did God use physical human emotions that depict pain and sorrow to define the word ‘blessed‘ or in some Bible’s ‘happy‘.

For Example: Blessed are the poor in spirit…Blessed are they that mourn…Blessed are the meek…etc.

THIRD RULE OF THUMB: GET AN UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S WORD

Why use physical emotions? Because those examples have a deeper longing and infuse more sincere compassion not only for personal righteousness, BUT also justice for the oppressed. Let me explain further; when scripture says blessed are the merciful it means that those souls not only forgive others but also have empathy for them. When you are sensitive to God’s forgiveness it frees you from feeling guilty and brings comfort to your soul.

All of the qualities and emotions mentioned in these scriptures should allow us to bring peace to others. But, it is also a catch 22 situation because it can also make us vulnerable to persecution. That’s why Jesus includes blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Children of God.

Here on earth, our only reward may be to be called “sons and daughters” of God. And we may have to experience God’s kingdom rule while here on earth by becoming a peacemaker thus proving our fitness for the kingdom by suffering.

FORTH RULE OF THUMB: REFILL YOUR PRESCRIPTION(*)

Sickness and infirmities can come about through bad habits, weak constitutions, exposure to danger, crimes, accidents, birth defects, etc., but while experiencing sickness it can also reveal attitudes, values and motives which must be transformed if human beings are to be truly in harmony with God. (Reference Matthew 5:19-48)

NOTE (*) Prescription from the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, MD – 70 times 7 Milligrams Instructions:

Take one tablet per day. Your 7 milligrams are your 7 senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, taste, feeling, intuition, telepathy. Each milligram has been dimmed by 7 sins: pride, anger, lust, covetousness, envy, glutton, sloth. (All of your aches and pains can be categorized as one of your 7 senses or 7 sins. Therefore, pray mightily and daily for those things that so easily beset you and hinder you from receiving good health and intimacy with God.)

Click: http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!


God Has Good News For Single Folks

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This week I have been challenged to prayerfully partition the Holy Spirit to come into my heart and to proclaim the subject He has for me to blog about for this week. The original subject came to me thirty years ago. As I recall, the time was around December, 1996. I was preparing for an adult Sunday School lesson from the book, Good News For Single Folk, by Dr. Jeremiah Wright. I remember I was being hindered from developing my outline because I was starting from the wrong premise.

As I poised my pen to cross out yet another sentence for the umpteenth time, I paused. I felt in my spirit someone was calling my name. In a whisper I said, ‘Speak, Lord.’ Immediately, I was led to Luke 19:10:

“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

With trepidation, I asked the Holy Spirit what exactly was it that was lost and how does it apply to singles. Again, I was led to read several scriptures in Genesis 3:21-24. There we find all of the provisions and disciplines God administered to ‘fallen’ mankind.

  • We were now to be clothed in garments of skin because we had lost our glorified bodies.
  • We now knew good from evil, thus we lost our innocence. Therefore we have no excuse.
  • Our minds became befuddled and we didn’t know what was good for us. In other words, we lost our freedom of choice.
  • Death was ushered in and we lost eternal life.
  • We were banished from the Garden and lost our eternal home and all the luxuries that went with it.
  • And finally, because of the Guardian Angels with the flaming swords, we lost easy access to the Way.
  • God placed stumbling blocks in our paths.

Once again, I humbled myself and asked the Lord what does this have to do with singles? God said to me, Tell the class that because of the acts of the first couple, (Adam and Eve), the sanctity of marriage was also abridged. Divorce and unfaithfulness were imminent. But the good news is Jesus Christ. He is the Bridegroom who would never be unfaithful to his God nor to his Bride.

So, in his communion time with me, Jesus put forth this proposition in a still small voice…’Since married couples are considered single in my Father’s eyes (and the two shall be one), and single people are already single, tell everybody in your Sunday School class to marry me! Let’s elope before you have time to get lost again.’

My special prayer for all my followers…

What good is it, my brothers (and sisters), if (we) claim to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save us? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (James 2:14, 26).

Dear Heavenly Father, make me prepared not to only ask things of You but also to have the right motives so that my prayer requests will be granted. Amen and Amen.

Click: http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God Is In Control…Not You!

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God taught me this lesson on June 29, 2003. He wanted me to focus on the following:

  1. God is Ruler over all the universe
  2. God is Judge over all the universe
  3. God is everywhere in the universe at the same time
  4. God controls nature, events and people everywhere all the time

INTRODUCTION

The Bible story about a prophet named Jonah helps us to better understand Who God is and all that God is capable of doing. This Old Testament story is about Jonah’s disobedience and how he tried to run away from God and do his own thing. Because of Jonah’s action God made a fish perform like a submarine; a warring nation resemble a crying baby; a plant evolve into an umbrella and an arrogant man stripped of his contrite heart. God did all of this to show love to the world and to show Jonah that God is in control of everything.

PROGRESSION OF EVENTS

A prophet is a man or woman selected by God to receive His divine message and than go and share the message with others. Sometimes the message is good news and sometimes it is bad news. Which ever it is doesn’t matter. The prophet still has to deliver the message even if it means the people will get so angry that they will want to kill him.

Jonah was an Israelite and his people had a lot of enemies. One day God told Jonah to deliver a “good news” message to the people in a big city called Nineveh. Jonah did not want to do this because Nineveh was an enemy of his people. Jonah decided not to obey God but to sail to another city called Joppa where he thought God could not find him. Jonah foolishly forgot that God was Ruler and Maker over all the universe. So he purchased a ticket, got on the boat and immediately went down below where he could lie down and stay out of everyone’s sight.

God was not pleased with Jonah and decided to shake him up. Since God had made the wind and the rain and the sea, He called them together and commanded them to become a great and frightening storm. So the wind started to howl, the sea started to roar and the ship started to rock and roll.

Everyone on the ship became afraid and thought they would all die from drowning. They immediately began throwing cargo overboard to lighten the load, but that did not do any good. Everybody except Jonah was praying for safety to the god they believed in. Jonah was in the bottom of the ship fast asleep. The captain of the ship awoke him, and after questioning him determined that it was Jonah’s God who was angry and He was judging them. After much debate it was decided to throw Jonah overboard in order to calm the raging sea and to please God.

Under these circumstances Jonah should have drowned but God showed him mercy and performed a miracle. He caused an extra large fish to perform like a submarine. The fish swallowed up Jonah and carried him to the bottom of the sea. Miraculously, Jonah lived in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. He couldn’t see, eat, move or do anything other than pray to God and to tell Him how sorry he was for disobeying Him. After Jonah finished praying and asking God to forgive him, the fish vomited Jonah up onto dry land.

Eventually Jonah was obedient and went to Nineveh. There he started preaching throughout the city like God told him to do. It took Jonah three days to walk from one end of town to the other telling the people that if they didn’t stop fighting their neighbors and killing innocent people God would destroy their city in forty days. Jonah’s preaching was so effective that all the people, as well as the king, listened and obeyed him. These people who were once mighty warriors were filled with the Holy Spirit and began crying out to God like little babies. They not only stopped fighting but celebrated with a party where everybody was invited, including the animals. What made this party special was that no food or drinks were served. They just offered up prayer and praise to Jonah’s God…the God of all the heavens and the earth.

When Jonah saw that God had forgiven the people of Nineveh and had spared their city, Jonah was extremely angry. Jonah knew that his God was kind and merciful and good and he did not want to share his God with those foreign people. He wanted his God to punish them. Jonah did not understand how God rules everywhere in the universe at the same time.

Jonah was so mad with God that he tried to commit suicide. He was so depressed that he left the city and climbed a hill where he sat out in the hot sun near a small bush. God caused the bush to grow large leaves that shaded Jonah all day and acted like an umbrella. God also sent a cool breeze to calm Jonah down. Soon Jonah fell asleep and when he awoke the next day the plant had died. Now Jonah was really mad at God.

God could read Jonah’s mind and knew how angry Jonah was with Him. God spoke to Jonah and asked him why he was so concerned about a little old plant that Jonah had not even planted or watered. Why was Jonah acting so hurt that the plant had only lived for one day and than died? God was wondering what was the big deal?

Jonah could not answer God. He did not know why he felt that way about a little old plant. Than God said to Jonah, “Just as you are concerned about that little plant, I am more concerned about that great city called Nineveh. It is a town that has more than 120,000 people and a lot of animals in it. At first they did not know Me. But now they know right from wrong.” God asked that arrogant misguided man whose thoughts were only of an insignificant plant, should I not have taken pity on Nineveh and saved them?

God taught Jonah a very important lesson. To draw people to Him in order to offer them eternal life, God will use messengers to speak the word, nature to challenge doubters, plants and animals to protect fools, and the Holy Spirit to convict stubborn hearts. The universal message here is that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. (Jn 3:16)

LESSON I LEARNED – GOD WANTED ME TO REACH OUT TO EVERYONE IN ORDER TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS!

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