SUBJECT: THE GREATEST VALUES/ RELATIONSHIPS WITH JESUS CHRIST IN LIFE
THE GREATEST HANDICAP………………………………………..FEAR
THE BEST DAY……………………………………………………………..TODAY
HARDEST THING TO DO……………………………………………….TO BEGIN
EASIEST THING TO DO…………………………………………FINDING FAULT
MOST USELESS ASSET………………………………………………….PRIDE
THE GREATEST MISTAKE………………………………………………GIVE UP
THE GREATEST STUMBLING BLOCK…………………………….EGOTISM
THE GREATEST COMFORT…………………………………WORK WELL DONE
MOST DISAGREEABLE PERSON………………………….THE COMPLAINER
WORST BANKRUPTCY…………………………………LOSS OF ENTHUSIASM
GREATEST NEED……………………………………………………COMMON SENSE
MEANEST FEELING………………..REGRET AT ANOTHER’S SUCCESS
BEST GIFT………………………………………………………….FORGIVENESS
THE HARDEST AND MOST PAINFUL TO ACCEPT……………DEFEAT
THE GREATEST MOMENT…………………………………………DEATH
THE GREATEST KNOWLEDGE…………………………………..GOD
THE GREATEST THING…………………………………………………LOVE
THE GREATEST SUCCESS IN
THE WORLD……..SELF FULFILLMENT AND PEACE OF MIND
THE EARLY PRAYER FOR THE GOD WHO NEVER SLEEPS:
Dear Heavenly Father, This morning, a few of your tried-and-true servants of the cross have assembled themselves on this prayer line to communicate with you. Please know, Lord Jesus, that we truly want to set aside this extra time to give You all the praise and all the glory by wrapping audible prayers around Your holy and blessed word.
We are solely depending on You, Dear Master, to help us with the right words to talk withYou. So, we are thanking You in advance for lending us Your ear and for knowing for certain that You listen to every word when we pray.
So, please be with us now and forever more. In the sweet Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God. Amen!
(An important note to the readers of Part 2 of this weekly blog post entitled, “God Speaks To Job Through James.”) When studying the biblical literature of the Book of Job in the Holy Bible, you will discern that its teaching explores the themes of trials, patience, and suffering. But to glean the unadulterated truth and wisdom as to how a person is to godly respond to such life conditions is actually recorded in the Book of James in the New Testament.
Some years ago, the Holy Spirit guided me in gathering the research for you and compiling it in a two-part blog rendition. Please feel free to post your comments on this endeavor if you feel led to do so.
C-O-N-T-I-N-U-E-D
BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, WITH NO DOUBTING, FOR HE WHO DOUBTS IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA. DRIVEN AND TOSSED BY THE WIND. James 1:6
[Our true friend Elihu suggested the manner in which you should have prayed, remember]…For has anyone said to God, I have borne chastening; I will offend no more; teach me what I do not see;’ Job 35:31, 32a
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO ENDURES TEMPTATION; FOR WHEN HE HAS BEEN APPROVED, HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE WHICH THE LORD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. James 1:12
[Job, stop that]…Do not desire the night. [For people that are in darkness are cut off. Shhhh,]…Lest he take you away with one blow. [Then a Great Ransom (Jesus) cannot deliver you and you will not receive the crown of life.] Job 36:20, 18
SO THEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, LET EVERY MAN BE SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH; James 1:19
[Oh, good, Job. You have calmed down. You have repented to God by declaring,]…Behold I am vile; what shall I answer you?I lay my hand over my mouth. Job 40:4
THEREFORE LAY ASIDE ALL FILTHINESS AND OVERFLOW OF WICKEDNESS, AND RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE IMPLANTED WORD, WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS. James 1:21
Then Job answered the Lord and said: Iknow that you can do everything, and that no purpose of yours can be withheld from you. Job 42:1, 2
[Furthermore, I receive with all meekness the engrafted word. For my own words were hollow without understanding and knowledge.]
Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand. things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Job 42:3
IF ANYONE AMONG YOU THINKS HE IS RELIGIOUS, AND DOES NOT BRIDLE HIS TONGUE BUT DECEIVES HIS OWN HEART, THIS ONE’S RELIGION IS USELESS. JAMES 1:26
[Oh, Job, how wonderful our God is! For after you repented in dust and ashes and bridled your tongue and harnessed your deceitful thoughts, the Bible says]…And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10
As we all know, great physical demands are placed on the lives of our young people and a number of extra curricular activities are vying for their attention. Consequently, devoting time to study their Sunday School lessons is a low priority on their agendas. Once a student told me that because I was so well prepared as the teacher, she did not feel she had to study. This disturbed me greatly because I knew what the Bible said about studying. I also knew what it said about teaching.
So, one Sunday I asked the class to take a moment and think about how they handle and resolve life’s challenges. After a few moments of contemplating, I asked if anyone wanted to share their most debilitating and stressful situation. What I learned from this exercise was that no student’s dilemma was resolved from hearing a word from the Holy Spirit.
So, now, I had each student’s undivided attention. And because I had altered my lesson plan, I told them the story of Job’s dilemma through the scriptures as recorded by the Apostle James. Which opened the students eyes to just how much guidance a person can receive from delving into the Holy Scriptures.
My BRETHREN, COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YOU FALL INTO VARIOUS TRIALS. James 1:2
(Job, I know you are not feeling well, but, do you recall when Eliphaz said…”Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.Job 5:17
KNOWING THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES PATIENCE. James 1:3
[Well, Eliphaz said that after your calamity came upon you, you declared that you wished you were dead, for you said,]…There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest. Job 3:17
BUT LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK, THAT YOU MAY BE PERFECT AND COMPLETE, LACKING NOTHING. James 1:4
[But from the very beginning, Job, you kept declaring how righteous you were and that there was no advantage to be gained if you were cleansed from your sin.] Job 35:3
[I was right there when you said]..Though he slay me, yet will I trust him. Even so, I will defend my own ways, before him. Job 13:15
IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, WHO GIVES TO ALL LIBERALLY AND WITHOUT REPROACH, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO HIM. James 1:5
[Honestly, Job, you should not have added that last part about maintaining your own ways, for you have spoken] …without knowledge, and your words were without knowledge, and wisdom. Job 34:35
BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, WITH NO DOUBTING, FOR HE WHOM DOUBTS IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN AND TOSSED BY THE WIND. James 1:6
[Our true friend Elihu suggested the manner in which you should have prayed, remember]…For has anyone said to God, ‘I have borne chastening; I will offend no more; teach me what I do not see;’ Job 35:31, 32a
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO ENDURES TEMPTATION; FOR WHEN HE HAS BEEN APPROVED, HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE WHICH THE LORD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. James 1:12
[Job, stop that]…Do not desire the night. For people that are in darkness are cut off.l Shhhh]…Lest He take you away with one blow. [Then a Great Ransom (Jesus) cannot deliver you and you will not receive the crown of life.] Job 36:20, 18
SO THEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, LET EVERY MAN BE SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH; James 1:19
[Oh, good, Job, You have calmed down. You have repented to God by declaring,]…Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand over my mouth. Job 40:4
THEREFORE LAY ASIDE ALL FILTHINESS AND OVERFLOW OF WICKEDNESS, AND RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE IMPLANTED WORD, WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS. James 1:21
Then Job answered the Lord and said: I know that you can do everything, and that no purpose of yours can be withheld from you. Job 42:1, 2
Are you aware of the manner in which God shares his creative information to mankind. Basically, it is through his Living Word, by way of his Son, Jesus Christ, and definitely through creation. I learned this divine bit of information the hard way. A few nights ago when I retired into my office to compile this blog for this week’s submission, I had the nerve to question the Holy Spirit on how in the world did He come up with all the intricate inventions and diversities that went into creating a world!
Well, the Holy Spirit said to me…sit yourself down, young lady, and take note! First of all there was no ‘World’ for Me to consult. And if I told you the diverse thoughts that are in the Mind of God, you would faint (because you would be receiving too much information above your pay grade).
The best answer I can give you on this subject is the following: When a person knows who they are and where they are before they were born, that is called your divine eternal preexistence, or having omnipresence. (Some say Jeremiah had it before he was born. But read Jer. 1:5 for yourself before you repeat that piece of information.
God reveals himself to mankind through his marvelous creation. Just open your eyes and take a look around. Or take a walk around the park and smell the roses. God will meet you through General and Special Revelations.
Mankind’s first birth is of a woman therefore is known as a water birth. The second is called a re-birth (or regeneration). It can also be known as a spiritual awakening…your divine nature. That is why it is said that God reveals himself through general and special revelations.
Abraham received his second birth in Genesis 15:6. When it happened, Abraham understood it fully and because he was willing to ‘believe’ God to the max, God accounted it unto him as righteousness. So, do not over look this important piece of information! Abraham believed on an incident that had not yet happened. (The Coming Christ had not yet died on the Cross for Abe’s sin nature.) Yet, God still counted Jesus’ future act of redemption to cover Abe’s misdeeds.
It happened suddenly. Yes, it was like a bolt of lightning. Please allow me to digress a little to relate to you my story. It happened one Wednesday evening while meditating on what ‘life experience’ subject to present to the Senior Members Organization Ministry at my church. You see, every 4th Thursday of each month, the Senior’s President had appointed me the task to lead an informal ‘chit-chat’ with the members entitled, “Let’s Talk!”
Naturally, I put on my thinking cap…glanced at my book shelf, leafed through a few AARP magazines when out of no where, lightning struck.You see, I received a ‘revelation’ that shook me to my core. I felt fundamentally challenged and intimidated.
That particular mourning, during my preparation of this assignment, the Holy Spirit placed on my heart to challenge the group with the following question…”Why do you believe God allowed the Holy Spirit to record references/events of the family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus to be recorded in biblical scriptures more than 3 times?”
Praise God! Here are those Scriptures:Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-45; John 12:1-3
Since Martha was the older sibling of both her sister and brother, she displayed a 'take charge' nature and personality concerning everything. And like today, many older brothers and sisters in your families have an irritating tendency to do the same.
Back in Jesus' day, Hebrew families welcomed into their homes total strangers for lodging and nourishments. And as the scriptures record, Mary, the younger sibling, seemed derelict in her duties to support her older sister when highly important people came calling, such as Jesus and His disciples. Martha always exhibited her perfect hospitable manners. For in those days, it was considered shameful to turn away anyone from your door.
Martha's demeanor as the older sibling was to 'take charge' of the situation. Jesus was having none of that. Once, when Martha approached Jesus and asked Him to admonish her sister, Mary, to accompany her in the preparation of food for everyone. Jesus replied, Martha, you are over zealous for the wrong thing. Your desire is to make sure everybody does the right thing and certainly not to embarrass the family. Your sister, Mary, wants to hear My progress report of how "The Way" is progressing.
Have you or someone you know acted in a Martha-take-charge manner. Can you, yourself, identify with a "Martha" disposition. Can you agree that Mary's preference to kneel at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him is always the perfect position to be in. According to Scripture, Jesus visited this family's home or at least the city of this family quit often. But Martha's priorities in life caused her to miss valuable messages Jesus brought her way. It would have been better for Martha if she had mimicked the actions of her baby sister.
Another incident that scripture recalls about the busyness personality of Martha was when her brother Lazarus died. It was during that time that Martha sent for Jesus. However, Jesus delayed his coming. Martha could hardly restrain herself when she heard Jesus was finally coming. When Jesus arrived at the house, Martha berated Him and expressed her inner conflict of her disappointment in Jesus' slothfulness in His coming. Martha indicated to Jesus, had He come when she first asked Him to come, Martha was sure her brother would not have died. Jesus informed Martha that she should have known that He was the Ruler over Death and Life!
Actually, Martha's personality and business had prevented her from learning about Jesus' super natural powers. (She had been out in her back yard chasing chickens to catch and fry for Jesus' supper.)
Oh, no! More new faces and groping hands. They pull and stretch me just like a rubber band. Why do they think they have to pinch my checks And doesn't anyone use Listerine or brush their teeth.
Mom, Dad, give a five-month old little guy a break. We just went through this last week and my body still aches. Oh, no! Not the little guy. Don't give me to him again. On the first go round, he punched me dead on the chin.
Stop tickling my stomach, you ole bat. Yes you, in that stupid looking hat. Who are you anyway, with your lips poked out I guess you want to plant on me a kiss, right on my mouth.
I heard somebody say, "This one's your cousin, and here is Auntie Sue, Give Uncle Montgomery a big smile and hug Grandma's neck, wont you." The response was, "Isn't he cute. He looks just like Grand daddy Bill, I sure wish he was alive to see his grandson. He would be thrilled."
How long did they say these people would be here And why do I feel like everybody is my peer. For some reason most of them look alike And my dog, Boomer, after sniffing them, did not take one bite.
Well, just maybe this bunch of folks are special They do seem to love me much more. They brought me lots and lots of gifts and things Far more than those people from next door.
Did I hear Mommy say 'Mommy' Is she addressing that ole bat by that name. Oops, here they come in my direction It seems like lots of names in this room are the same.
Now, I noticed that Daddy and Mommy and me are called Roses' But the visitors in this house are acting like they are the bosses. They are chasing my dog and scaring my little cat, And eating everything in sight except my formulae, what's with that!
But the truth is, the more they hang around and play with me The more I'm beginning to like them Especially the old one who has the nice cushions I guess she is the pillow for everybody to relax on.
At first I was wondering if I would like where God had placed me With a daddy and mommy and a doggie and a kitty Now I know I am satisfied thanks to all these extra people Uncles and aunts and cousins and grandpas and granny's.
In July 2002, I traveled to Lusaka, Zambia, South Africa on a seventeen-day mission trip with 38 other missionaries affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the South (ABCOTS). Upon arrival to the continent, we divided up into teams and visited several towns and villages that have covenant agreements with our ABCOTS association. In these communities we taught Bible classes, preached sermons, visited orphanages and schools and shared basic family life skills with the people.
Our mode of transportation throughout the continent was by jitneys, tour buses and small planes. The countryside was beautiful and we saw our share of wild animals. Towards the end of our trip, we traveled to Zimbabwe and visited the Victory Falls. We also went on an early mourning safari in Sun City just outside of Johannesburg. We visited some historical sites in Cape Town, South Africa before flying back to the United States.
Prior to leaving on this mission trip I had fasted and prayed. I asked God to go before us and give us safe passage to all those foreign places we would be visiting. I had also prayed that we would be a blessing to the many strangers and officials we would come in contact with at airports and embassies as well as the awaiting congregations at our final destination.
It was not until I returned to the United States that I received confirmation that God had indeed answered my prayer and had been our Guide for this trip. One evening, while reading the Book of Isaiah, the words in Chapter forty-four began to transform into a pictorial expose’ of the entire trip to Zambia. The actual names of the towns and villages and many names of the churches we visited mysteriously appeared on the Bible pages in the form of scriptures instead of the original words written by Isaiah.
Instinctively, I knew that the Holy Spirit wanted to commune with me and give me a Word concerning South Africa. I grabbed my pen and paper and began to write the litany, “God’s Blessing on Zambia.”
(An Adaptation of Isaiah 44:1-5)
“Yet hear me now, O Missionaries to Zambia, My servants, and American Baptist Churches of the South whom I have chosen. Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you while on your journey:
“Fear not, O missionaries My servants; and you, Eleazar, whom I have chosen as their guide. For I will pour water on the House of Lusaka who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground of compounds in Zambia;
I will pour My Spirit on all those who journeyed to Africa and My blessing on Eleazar’s dream for the Zambian people; New churches will spring up among the grass huts like willows by the watercourses.’
Hope International Church of Lusaka will say, ‘I am the Lord’s; Bethel Church of Kafue will call himself by the Name of Jacob; Soweto Baptist Church will write with his hand, “The Lord’s” and Riverside Baptist Church of Chingola will name himself by the name of Israel.
(This 2002 prophecy is certain to come to pass, saith the Lord.)
(Anyone can read this post. Subscribers receive it by email.)
There is a tragic story-related theme, yet exuding with love adversities, recorded in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. It’s heart-stoping theme will bruise your spirit and may produce a few tears; but only until you come to the final chapter and verses of the Book of Ruth. Chapter 4:18-22. A ‘must-read‘!
May I suggest that you read it with the endearing compassion and love for Ruth that she extends towards Naomi. Followed by the supernatural love and compassion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which He has also extended to all mankind who will accept it.
In the year of our Lord, 2005 A.D., the Holy Spirit communicated with my spirit and compelled me to set Ruth’s sojourn venture into a biographic epic journey while under the tutelage of her Mother-in-law, Naomi. And without a doubt, Ruth’s divine event was that one of her offspring became the father of David.
The two main characters in the story. Naomi (on left) and Ruth (on right)
NAOMI’S ADVERSITIES BECAME RUTH’S UNIVERSITY
By Sonja (Synopsis of Chapter One in the Bible) (circa Feb. 2005)
Death came calling claiming both boys, Just as it had claimed their father. Alone, Naomi sat to grieve and fret, Her comfort: two Moabite daughters were left.
Naomi was an Israelite pilgrim, Depicted in the Book of Ruth. She shared the biblical storyline with a Moabites who came to know Truth.
By and by Naomi regained her strength And decided to return to Bethlehem. The Lord had lifted the famine, and Both daughters decided to go and lend a hand.
Naomi, her husband, Elimelech, Along with two sickly sons, Left their home in Bethlehem-Judah In search of a distant, far away region.
Naomi insisted that they not follow. But return to live with their own kin. She thanked them for their loyalty And prayed new husbands they’d win.
What necessitated this journey? Why did a famine engulf their land? Was God punishing His people? An unruly, stubborn and immoral clan.
So Orpha kissed Naomi and said adieu, But Ruth wept and clung mightily Ruth said, “Where you go I will go, Your people and God are mine, too.
Eventually, all arrived safely in Moab A land situated east of the Dead Sea. But not long afterwards Elimelech died And what was once four became three.
The two ladies arrived at Bethlehem To warm greetings from far and near. ‘Mara’ was the name Naomi chose To reintroduce herself to her peers.
Now, as the story goes, in due season, Sons Mahlon and Chilion married. One wife was Orpha, and the other Ruth, Still ten years later, both were barren.
God had dealt very bitterly with her By taking her husband and two sons. She had to bury them down in Moab, She couldn’t bring then home to Judah.
NOTE: To be continued. In the meantime, grab your Bibles and continue reading.
Oh, Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! I exclaimed after I had finished reading the precious information therein. I was shocked. While at the same time filled with awe, dabbing at wet eyes, recalling vividly the exact cites and houses we were both residing in at that time.
LORD, I WHISPERED. WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT YOU?
A CONVERSATION WITH MY DAUGHTER WHICH POINTED ME CLOSER TO GOD THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2003
I was sitting at my computer attempting to download an attachment from an e-mail when the phone rang. It was long distance from my pregnant daughter (all of 6 weeks) with a dilemma. “What”s wrong,” I asked.
“Oh, everything is fine with the baby and all,” she said from the comfort of her Dallas home she shared with her husband. “But lately I have been having startling dreams about Dad. Yes, I know he’s been dead for 13 years and I accept that, but I wake up perplexed and troubled. I since something’s wrong.”
She sighed heavily, so I used that moment as my opportunity to speak. “What do you want me to do?” “How can I help you?” I said.
“Well, mom, I consider you my spiritual buddy. I called my brother but could only make small talk with him. I couldn’t bring myself to discuss my dreams. But I believe you can help me. I so wish Dad was here to see our baby. I feel so badly knowing that I wont be able to turn around and place the baby in his arms.” She blurted out all of these sentences in rapid succession and I honestly could feel her anxieties.
After quietly listening to her rambling on for a long time, I asked her if she was ready for me to respond. She said yes, so I began with a short prayer. “Thank you, God for showing me the answer.” “Listen my child, my first thoughts are of the last serious conversation you told me you had with your father. Do you remember?”
“You mean the time Dad was driving me to the airport in Detroit and I was led by the Holy Spirit to ask him if he believed in God? I also think I told him I was praying for him.””Yes, that’s the time. And that is what’s bothering you,” I interjected.
“You know, mom. Dad never answered me. After a long silence he just said, why are you praying for me? I shrugged and let the matter drop. But, you know what happened. The next month he was dead.”
“Don’t you see, Sweetheart. In your dreams you want to talk to your Dad’s spirit to tell him about the baby but your spirit is troubled because you don’t know where your Dad’s final resting place is. You are looking at his earthly life and assuming the worst.
You must always remember, “works” do not get you into nor keep you out of heaven. God looks at the heart.” Those were not my words but the answer to that whispered prayer.
Yes, a baby boy was on the way.My 4th grandson is 23 now.
So, you need to talk with our God. Something requiring your urgent attention is going on in your life at this time. And, yes, you find yourself up against a rock and a hard spot. HELP, LORD JESUS!!
STOPIN THE NAME OF LOVE…BEFORE YOU BREAK YOUR HEART!
THAT “ALLALONE FEELING” HAPPENS TO ALL OF US!
While searching through my historical files this week, I ran across a copy of a 2017 Christmas Letter I had sent to my international missionary financial supporters. In the letter I was explaining to them how the picture image of praying hands came into existence as a Christian identity symbol for praying. So, I thought my weekly blog readers might be interested in also learning about this information. If so…just keep reading.
So, my friends, take a second look at the praying hands picture and have a little talk with Jesus while down on bended knees, with eyes closed (partially) and continue reading.
To All My Family, Friends, Loved Ones And especially to my sisters in Christ In the Tuesday Morning Bible StudyClass
Have you ever wondered what do clasped hands pointing upward towards heaven have to do with God? Well according to several references from Google search, it has to do with an acronym I have penned…R-O-S-S
Repentance-Obedience-Submission-Sincerity
However, needless to say, we have a higher authority than Google…do we not?
When the Patriarchs and holy men of the bible prayed unto the Lord, they often spread out their hands towards heaven. And the wisest man in the Bible (Solomon) went a step further; he also knelt on his knees (1 Kings 9:54).
So, at the close of this 2017 holiday season, let us posture ourselves in a position of repentance, obedience, submission and sincerity and call upon the Name of the Lord while doing so on bended knees.
Broaden your prayer to include the widows, orphans, homeless, calamity dispossessed victims, jobless, sick and shut-ins, governments, the lost, backsliders, friends, and relatives and most of all…PEACE!
W H Y ?
Because God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that who so everbelieved on Him should not parish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Be blessed and enjoy a happy and prosperous New Year!
Matthew 6:9–13 (The Lord’s Prayer): Jesus gives a direct template for how to pray, instructing believers to address God as “Our Father,” praise His holiness, ask for daily needs, seek forgiveness, and request guidance. Matthew 6:5–8: Jesus teaches the attitude of prayer, advising people to be sincere and private rather than showing off for others.
To All My Family, Friends, Loved Ones
