God Answers Formal And Informal Prayers

On May 30, 2019May 10, 2024 By tgifmastermindsIn How To Witness To Others, Mankind's Relationship With God3 Comments

This morning was a day for me to thank God for answered prayer.

“Oh, to be free, to be completely unattached…what wondering I would do. I would travel to far off places and visit cities anew. I would live in a dream world and pretend to be a queen who ruled over all the lands, all the people and all the seas. But, Bah! tis nothing but fantasy with no depth, nether reason, nor cause…because truly I am satisfied just the way things are.”

So for this week, I’ve started my blog with a stanza from a poem I wrote many, many years ago. In those days I was young and my hair was still black and my limbs operated on my cue. Those days are far spent. And my worldview has also matured from fantasy to realism and Truth.

“Nevertheless, something in side me keeps crying out aloud…seek love, adventure and excitement and you will thereby obtain power.”

Listen, readers, I learned a long time ago to transfer my dependence from myself into the ever loving arms of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ve become the queen in His court, and the apple of His eye. What gives me such assurance? The main fact that He answers my prayers either through conversations with Him or by osmosis. He also causes other human beings to unknowingly relay His messages to me. And when I put my thinking cap on, I can remember Him using birds, weather, radio and TV commentators and shooting stars to convey His messages to me.

“For then a swelling in your breast will come from joys you’ve never known, as you gaze out upon the world and turn its love into songs. But, Bah! tis nothing but fantasy with no depth, nether reason, nor cause…because truly I am satisfied just the way things are.”

Yes, in my youth, I kept saying that I was satisfied…but was I. My family and friends labeled me as a dreamer. Always thinking of lofty aspirations. Keep your feet on the ground they all warned. Remember where you come from. Get your head out of the clouds. You’re going to end up just like us. Living right here in this hick town, getting married and having babies. OH, but have I surprised them! I KNOW SOMEBODY!!!

“Yes, because life is not always a pleasure, it causes many persons to dream. To manufacture make-believe of which things they hold high in esteem. But Bah! tis nothing but fantasy with no depth, nether reason, nor cause…because truly I am satisfied just the way things are.”

I no longer have to recite that poem I wrote all those many years ago because this one thing I have learned. My God heard my plea and felt my desire for something greater than what I was living at the time. He alone understood that Whom I was seeking was Him! My God finally knitted my will and my heart together and caused me to recognize His proposal. “Come unto to me He beckoned me…..”

So now, instead of daydreaming, I have learned to pray and to call on my Savior not only for my hopes and dreams but also for my fears and desires for others. He has caused me to take my mind off of myself and to embrace life in a much broader worldview. It’s not all about me. Its about serving and giving and helping and caring for others.

My God is Real. He lives within my soul. Surely, while He was on the cross I was on His mind. Our conversations get sweeter and sweeter every day. I see my prayers for my family answered. I see my prayers for the orphan children I ministered to while on international mission trips become a reality. (Once I personally met a Russian teenager who had been adopted and brought to Dallas. I was shopping at Walmart and by happenstance we met and began to talk. She shared how the Lord had placed her with a couple who wanted to adopt a teenager. I had just been to St. Petersburg on a mission trip and had prayed for the teenagers who had ‘aged’ out of orphanage care. The Lord allowed me to see His intervention in this situation. Hallelujah!)

Earlier this morning I received a phone call from my sister exclaiming how our brother had called her and conversed with her as though their riff had never happened. On another occasion, recently, a severe storm passed over an area in Oklahoma that I was praying for on behalf of a friend’s family who lived there and was in harms way.

I could go on and on witnessing to you how and in what diverse ways God answers prayers. But I trust you already know them and have tried Him for yourself. Its true, God responds to our prayers basically in three ways: Yes! No! and Wait! All I want to say is this; HE IS NEVER LATE…BUT ALWAYS ON TIME! AMEN.

So, in summary, wait on the Lord to answer you. Wait at His door with your prayers; wait at His feet with humility; wait at His table with service and thanksgiving; wait at His window with expectancy that He will open it and pour out many blessings. Through it all, WAIT.

Scripture Lesson: “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”Psalm 27:14.

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

God Can Elevate You to A Higher Dimension of Earthly Existence

On May 24, 2019June 28, 2019 By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Matthew at age 13

For Our World by Mattie J.T. Stepanek – YouTube

▶ 1:48

Apr 16, 2013 – Uploaded by Jeni Stepanek

One of Mattie J.T. Stepanek’s most popular (and needed) poems.

Mattie wrote this poem on September 11 …

Did you know that short of leaving this world permanently, you can be changed? I’m not talking about scientifically or hypnotically or even medically. I’m talking about spiritually!

That’s what happened to little Matthew J. T. Stepanek, whom I became enthralled with back in our home town in Maryland in 2004. This young lad became a legend during the thirteen years of his short life. Mayors, governors, television hosts, U.S. presidents and throngs of people paid him homage at his funeral. This kid’s light shined brightly throughout the universe while he yet lived. Let me explain how. Yes, it was during a conversation with God that he prompted me to write about Matthew and how God elevated him.

For this week’s blog, please allow me to post an article I wrote and delivered to a writing club at the Holiday Park Senior Center in Rockville, Maryland some 15 years ago, about this remarkable young boy who became the town hero.

You will be able to see how God elevated Matthew to a higher spiritual dimension of life while he yet lived among us mortals. Following is my perpetual tribute to Matt.

A Shooting Star

What does talk show hosts Oprah Winfrey and Montel Williams, Former President Jimmy Carter (Nobel Peace Price Winner), Movie star Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings”), and a young country singer Billy Gilman have in common? In a word, “Mattie”!

Who was Mattie? Just an extra-ordinary 13 year old boy who turned the modern world upside down and was eulogized this past Monday at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church which is located just a few short blocks from this building.

Matthew J. T. Stepanek died on June 22, 2004 in Children’s National Medical Center from a rare form of muscular dystrophy (MDA) at an early age. He suffered all of his life, yet brought hope, smiles and unspeakable joy to all those who met him. Mattie was affectionately known as an angel and a messenger from heaven, a shinning star, a boy matured far beyond his years, a poet and a peacemaker.

More than 1,000 people gathered to celebrate the home-going of this special little boy. Those who spoke in remembrance of him recalled the exceptional organizational skills he used to raise money for MDA; how prolific he was at only three years old, and could compose poetry with such meaning and depth. How he lovingly babysat and taught the children of a co-worker of his mother; and oh how he dreamed of one day meeting up with Osama Ben Laden and offering a platform of peace for mankind.

Early last Monday, as I listened to the news on my radio and later watched it on TV, I heard the announcer say that sections of Viers Mill Road and Connecticut Avenue would be closed from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. due to the expected traffic volume for this solemn occasion. I stopped washing dishes to listen more attentively. Who is this Mattie I asked myself. Who ever heard of a child’s funeral generating this much excitement and attention from our city government. Next the announcer read a long list of celebrates and county officials who would be officiating at the services. I was shocked. [But not God!]

Obviously, I had never heard of Matthew Stepanek. But I soon learned that this young man at such an early age had published 3 books of poetry entitled “Heartsongs”, of which the first volume appeared on the 2001 New York Times best seller list. He had appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and late night TV and had hosted the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Marathon Drive. Stepanek had also served as a state and national goodwill ambassador for MDA.

As I stood at my sink and marveled at the accomplishments of this fascinating life, and considered his handicap, I could imagine that the doctors, family members and, yes, even total strangers tried to convince the mother of Mattie to abort him early in her pregnancy. I say this because Mattie had three other siblings who died at early ages from the very same disease.

Mattie suffered, yes. But he suffered in silence. In his eulogy, former President Jimmy Carter recalled that Mattie once said he was not afraid of death and encouraged others with this quote: “Do not weep for me, for I have chosen to live and not spend time dying until death occurs.”

Goodbye, Mattie. I did not know you in life, but even in death your shinning star continues to light up the lives of all those who come to know you. You are riding high atop that fire truck, and we all salute you. Farewell my little angel, go now to join up with your heavenly hosts.

****************************************************************************

To learn more about Mattie you can Google his name on Youtube or just Click: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattie_Stepanek

Scripture Lesson: Young Matthew, with his pain-riddled body reminds us to: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

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

God Dealt Me A “Royal Flush” This Week

On May 17, 2019May 23, 2019 By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized6 Comments

An Earthly Royal Flush

As you may know, in a very popular card game known as Poker, the best possible straight flush is known as a “royal flush”. It consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack and ten of the same suit. And everybody knows that a “royal flush” is an unbeatable hand.

But did you know that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, can trump any “Action Jackson” at his game of Poker in a twinkle of an eye.

Now, I’m not a card player, but you just might know somebody who would love to engage you in a conversation about how to win at Poker. So, let me help you use this once in a lifetime opportunity to witness for the Lord and to allow the Holy Spirit to provide the increase to lead a lost soul into eternity.

First, let’s define what a “Royal Flush” consists of for each Player:

Action Jackson’s Definition Jesus Christ’s Definition

Ace Alpha And Omega

King King of Kings

Queen Queen of the South

Jack Jehovah Jirah

Ten Trinity: Three in One

Secondly, let’s explain where I am going with the message in this week’s blog:

All this week, the Holy Spirit has put into my consciousness the express meanings for “manna from heaven” and the name Jesus. It took me well into the first part of the week to begin to understand the connection of the two subjects. I reviewed Old Testament scriptures about how God fed the children of Israel manna from heaven while in the Wilderness, and I also reviewed several New Testament Gospels concerning the life of Jesus Christ.

And then it hit me. My conversation with God commenced!

Lord, I exclaimed…I can see clearly now. Both of these subjects You have dealt me have unique names that have caused others to proclaim…”What?” or “What manner of” thing or person “is this?”

We read in Exodus 16:15 that the heavenly bread (manna) fell, and when the children of Israel saw it they said to one another, ‘It is manna,’ because they did not know what it was. (‘Manna’ means “What is it?” in Egyptian and refers to food in Hebrew.) (Remember, the children of Israel sojourned in Egypt for a very long time and learned their language.)

We read in Matthew 8:24-27 “And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to Him (Jesus), and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marveled, saying, What manner(*) of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

(*) Note: The English word ‘manner’ is very similar to manna.)

Now with that back ground, let’s begin comparing the two subjects and be blessed by the similarities and compositions of both manna and the Man Jesus. But more importantly, with just five cards in your hand, you can witness the authority of Jesus Christ while you engage a skeptical person in a game of Poker.

The first comparison you should see is that both manna and Jesus represent a food substance that sustains life. More succinctly, they are both ‘bread’ provided by God in Heaven for mankind’s survival. BAM! That’s the ACE trumped by Alpha and Omega! The physical food was trumped by the spiritual food! The physical food had yeast in it and was considered leavened, and relates to sin (evil). The spiritual food had no yeast in it and was considered unleavened, free of sin.
The above explanation explains Galatians 5:9 – “A little leaven (sin) leaveneth the whole lump (a man’s life).”
Next comparison – Both ‘breads’ remained with the people until the end of an era. Manna physically remained with the people until they arrived at Cannan, a land flowing with milk and honey. Jesus will remain spiritually with us until Judgement Day, a place without end. God giveth and God taketh away. BAM! That’s the physical king being trumped by the King of Kings.
Next – The Israelites had to go out daily and receive the manna so as not to starve. Thus, they had to depend on God daily. We, too, must continually receive Jesus Christ in our hearts as God’s Son so as to live eternally. But when the people of Israel disobeyed and gathered too much manna, they suffered. (How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Matt. 23:37) Likewise, when we disobey the teachings of Jesus, we, too, suffer. (The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Romans 6:23) BAM! The earthly queen is trumped by the Queen of the South!
Next – Manna came in 2 parts; meat and milk which hardened and became a type of flake bread served both day and night. Jesus’ word is also referred to as meat and milk and is sharper than a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Whichever formulae you are on, its available both day and night. BAM! Action Jackson was trumped by our Provider, Jehovah Jirah!
In conclusion – In Revelation 2:17 ( The biblical numerology of ten [2+1+7=10]); Jesus promised those who overcome that He will give them ‘some of the hidden manna’. Because they believe in Him (The Trinity; Three in One), He will continue to sustain us spiritually. His sacrificial, substitutionary death – His flesh, His blood – will continue to give those who trust Him life, forever. They shall remain in Him, and He shall remain in them [John 6:56]. BAM! The hidden manna is the trump card that you get when you pray for it in those times of temptation to do evil and dishonor God. It is the nourishment you receive, the power from on high. It is given to everyone who asks for it, everyone with a longing to be free from sin. The hidden manna gives vitality and life.

NOW, WHAT DO YOU THINK? DID NOT GOD CONVERSE WITH ME AND DID NOT HE ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DEAL ME A “ROYAL FLUSH” HAND OF SPIRITUAL TRUTHS?

I dare you to step outside of your comfort zone and reach someone searching for the truth while becoming stagnated in the wilderness. Do not allow him or her to become drunk with wine, but help them to be filled with a love for Jesus because love covers a multitude of sin. BAM!

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

Sometimes God Can Be A Hard Task Master

On May 10, 2019May 10, 2019 By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Blog God Hard Task Master

Extending a Helping Hand By Becoming a Mentor

Are you an avid Bible reader? What do you do with the information written therein? After you ingest what you’ve read, do you find ways to apply it? Were you really able to learn the lessons that you thought God expected you to? And finally, can you evaluate the effectiveness of your learning experience?

IF YOU WOULD PERMIT ME, I WOULD LIKE TO HELP YOU EVALUATE YOUR EFFECTIVENESS OF BIBLICAL CONCEPTS. FIRST, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING 3 QUESTIONS

Can you identify a set goal you harbor based on your biblical learning experience?
What bible stories can you mimic in your daily life to show that you understand the godly principles that Jesus Christ displayed or shared?
How will others be encouraged and transformed by your actions and recognize that it is not you, per se, but the godly attributes in you?

TO TEST OR NOT TO TEST, THAT IS THE QUESTION

How many of you would be willing to take a personal growth and assessment test to see how your biblical knowledge and your expectations measures up to the goals our Creator would be pleased with.

A LAYMAN’S CREDENTIALS

Some year ago, I was asked to design a self-assessment covenant booklet for a female organization at my church. This women’s auxiliary was not required to be ordained participants, but they did have the awesome responsibility to shepherd and nurture the female population of the flock that sort them out.

Basically, our Senior Pastor wanted to acquaint himself with the level of dedication and preparedness of the women who were seeking assignments in this role of responsibility.

A CONVERSATION WITH GOD ON HOW TO BECOME A BIBLICAL MUSE

After much prayer and fasting before the Lord, the Holy Spirit meticulously and painstakingly began to communicate with me how laborers in His vineyard could self-evaluate their commitment to keeping their covenant vows to Him. I tried in vain to reason with the Spirit that I was just a layperson with no formal credentials to take on such a sacred task, but He wouldn’t listen.

So, because the creation of my assessment booklet was so well received not only by the Pastor, but by the participants as well, I have decided to dust it off and present it to my blog readers as well. (By the way, I would love to receive your comments on the effectiveness of your test results. So please respond in the comment section below the blog. Thanks)

LET’S GET STARTED

There are six categories of a servant’s life that can be measured to ‘somewhat degree’ to give an idea as to how one measures up as a true (work in progress) soldier and willing vessel in the service of the Lord. See if you agree with me by taking the evaluation survey below:

Instructions: Place an “X” under the appropriate frequency on right for each bullet point. Instructions provided on tallying the “X”s at the end of article.

PARTICIPATION IN PERSONAL GROWTH DEVELOPMENT

R E G U L A R L Y

S O M E T I M E S

S E L D O M E

N E V E R

Those seeking to mentor others should attempt to acquire more than a casual knowledge of God’s Word by studying and attending outside Bible Study classes. I have…

Daily Bible Study or weekly devotions with self or friend(s) or prayer partner(s)
Enrolled in a Bible Study class at a school or church
Participate in Women’s meeting group
Participate in Women’s prayer meeting
Have my car radio set on a religious station most of the time while driving
Subscribe to one or more religious magazines, websites, or have purchased religious periodicals videos or tapes within the last three months
Read a book from the Church library
Study personal notes from sermons throughout the week
Attend religious workshops and/or conferences

2. PARTICIPATION IN WORSHIP SERVICES

Those seeking to mentor others have an opportunity to show their need for worship experiences by their faithful attendance at Sunday and midweek services. I attend…

Sunday School
Early-morning Church services
Mid-morning Church services
Wednesday Night Prayer Meetings
Week Day Bible Study Classes
Special Worship Services: (Check all that apply) New Year’s Eve Watch Night Easter Sunrise Service Thanksgiving Day Services (Including feeding others) Christmas Eve/Day Services
Participate in Mission Trips
Volunteer as a worker for VBS

3. PARTICIPATION AT CHURCH MEETINGS

In many respects, the status of those seeking to mentor others is different from the status of other organizations in the church. However, each position requires that every participant attend certain business and spiritual meetings held to impart church operational and procedural data. I would make myself available to attend…

The Monthly Layman’s Meetings Established by Pastor
The Quarterly Church Meetings
The Monthly Worker’s Council Meetings
The Annual Church Revival
Special Retreats or Other Church Functions Applicable

4. PARTICIPATION WITH OTHERS

Those seeking to mentor others must practice unceasing prayer if they are to be able to find fullness of the Christian life for themselves and if they are to be leaders among people. When counseling others, I…

Often pray for them (calling them by name) and their situation either right then or later
Instruct them to pray for their own situation either right then or later.
Instruct them to seek another spirit-filled person to help them
Just talk with them relating my own experiences, very seldom closing in prayer
Offer them a variety of scripture
Mostly, listen

5. PARTICIPATION IN THE CHURCH’S OUTREACH MINISTRIES

There are a number of ways a person seeking to mentor others can express their dedication to his or her calling. You can depend on me to…

Volunteer to work with the Vacation Bible School
Accompany others to support the Prison Ministry programs
Contribute cheerfully and regularly to the financial support of the church ministries
Make at least 2 hospital trips to visit the sick within 6 month interval
Assist in the youth Ministry
Support Nursing Home Projects
Work with Shelter Projects or other non-profits
Make at least 2 home trips to visit the sick and shut-in within 6 month intervals

SCORING OF QUESTIONS:

Each section should be treated as an individual area of growth and development. Points To Be Applied:

“REGULARLY” = 10 POINTS: “SOMETIMES” = 7 POINTS: “SELDOM” = 3 POINTS: “NEVER” = 0 POINTS

RESPONSE TO TEST RESULTS FOR PART ONE:

A SCORE OF 41 TO 50 INDICATES THAT YOU ARE APPLYING THE JESUS PRINCIPLE EXTREMELY WELL IN THIS AREA.
A SCORE OF 31 TO 40 INDICATES THAT YOU ARE APPLYING THE JESUS PRINCIPLE MOST OF THE TIME IN THIS AREA.
A SCORE OF 21 TO 30 INDICATES THAT GOD KNOWS YOUR WORKS, BUT SOME AREAS LACK A TOTAL COMMITMENT.
A SCORE OF 11 TO 20 INDICATES YOU LACK A TOTAL COMMITMENT IN THIS AREA AND PERHAPS NEED TO SEEK ANOTHER MENTOR AS YOUR MENTORING BUDDY.
A SCORE OF UP TO 10 INDICATES THAT YOU SHOULD PERHAPS RE-EXAMINE YOUR COMMITMENT TO THIS ASSIGNMENT AND BECOME A MENTEE

6. BONUS SECTION: CHARACTERISTICS OF A MENTORING WORKER

Serious but happy person
Sensitive to the feelings and concerns of others
Polite and courteous
Accept Jesus’ lordship in all areas of my life
Build up and encourage others
Set aside willfulness and self-pleasuring for the sake of building up the body of Christ
Pursue Christian duties just as diligently as secular duties
Recognize the Bible as the Word of God and exercise faith in areas of controversy.
Read the Bible diligently each day for meaning and guidance in my daily life
Genuinely concerned about how the church ministers to me and the life of the community
Abstain from the use and sale of intoxicating beverages
Encourage others and family members to seek the Lord
Give tithes and offerings to the support of the Church and it’s ministries
Avoid backbiting and gossip
Pray unceasingly

RESPONSE TO TEST RESULTS FOR PART TWO:

Special Individual Scoring for CHARACTERISTICS OF A MENTORING WORKER

Points to be applied: “Regularly” = 3 Points; “Sometimes” = 2 Points; “Seldom” = 1 Point; “Never” = 0 Points

Evaluation of Scores in this section:

For a Score of 17 to 24 SEE Response to a Score of 31 to 40
For a Score of 7 to 16 SEE Response to a Score of 21 to 30
For a Score of 1 to 6 SEE Response to a Score of 11 to 20

END OF TEST

Scripture Lesson: ³⁵Jesus [My Pastor] went through all the towns and villages [Church Congregation], teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing [with the aide of the Holy Spirit] every disease and sickness . ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples [Pastor’s Mentors], “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers [Mentors]into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:36-38 [Scripture embellished by me.]

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

God Was In The Mix of my Relocation Plans

On May 3, 2019May 4, 2019 By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized11 Comments

My New Home

Hello, to the cyber-world of all blogger readers and followers. My blog for this week is dedicated to anyone who is contemplating down-sizing from their current home to a 55+ community or to a senior citizen’s facility for the aging.

YES, I’VE BEEN THERE…AND DONE THAT!!

My plight is probably no different than yours, but it all started when my overall health began to fail. As late as 2015, I occupied a beautiful 3,000 sq. ft. 2-story condominium in an upscale gated and quiet enclave of 39 units. This residence had been my home for approximately 8 years when all of a sudden it started attacking me. Probably because I was single, a widow and living alone at a ripe ole age of mid 70’s.

Basically, here’s what happen.

The entire square footage of the house, seemingly, started to rearrange itself. One day my home office would be to the left of the top of the stairs and the next day to the right where it belonged.

The stair treads got deeper, steeper and lengthier. I could hardly make it up the stairs without stopping to rest halfway up. That didn’t use to happen.

The exterior entry doors managed to change their security lock combinations at will.

The washer and dryer no longer kept their programmed wash and dry cycles. Clean clothes remained in the units for weeks.

My alarm clock would go off in the mornings, I guess to remind me of appointments I needed to early rise and dress for. But I didn’t have any appointments…I don’t think.

I said to myself…”God is trying to tell me something. Maybe he wants me to move. So during the next 14 months, I did some research on accommodations for senior living that provided substantial amenities. I visited most of those facilities and I did a lot of praying.

So to make a long story short, I truly believed that my prayers were answered and the Lord guided me to find my current residence in early 2018. My new residence is marketed as a 55+ active senior apartment/home community with lots and lots of amenities and entertainment. I now reside in a different suburb from my old place just a few miles from my daughter and her family . She, my son-in-law and my 2 grandchildren are a tremendous blessing to me. I receive renewed strength from their outpouring of love towards me.

It goes without saying I am totally happy living here and am celebrating 16 months under glorious living conditions and new surroundings. Just view the above pictures and see for yourself. But basically because of one request I made to management, it has greatly contributed to making my living here much more rewarding. And that’s because God was in the mix!

I ASKED THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE IF I COULD HOLD A CELEBRATION FOR MY FRIENDS AND ANY APARTMENT RESIDENT WHO WISHED TO ATTEND A HOUSE BLESSING SERVICE FOR THIS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED EDIFICE, AND THEY AGREED.

So after searching the internet for a litany model, reprinted below, I invited my pastors and guests to come and help me make a smooth transition. I also treated everyone to a delicious meal while fellowshipping in the beautifully decorated dining hall.

Leader:  Wondrous God, the skies and the highest heavens cannot contain you, much less any building made by human hands. Yet you dwell on this earth among us and make yourself intimately known in the places we dwell. So it is, we ask you to bless this complex and use it for your glory through the lives of those who make it their home.

Guests: Fill this building with your Holy Spirit. May its walls, its furnishings, its presence in this community, declare your praise.

Leader:  As we ask your blessing upon this structure, we ask that its resources might particularly bless the life of this sister in the Lord. May she be refreshed in the shelter of this place and that her life may be able to show forth your loving-kindness as a light upon a stand that leads others, also, to give you praise.

Guests:  Also, may all the inhabitance of this apartment complex accept the joy that comes from a place of their own; the peace to be found behind their own front door, the confidence bestowed within one’s living room, the security of one’s own bedroom–and in these gifts given, may the families of this complex always affirm your holy and eternal presence.

Leader:  May the needs to be found in this building become the framework for prayers of dependence upon you; and may you, O God, attend to every prayer uttered aloud or in secret, touching each heart with the certainty that no prayer goes unanswered.

Guests: As people are greeted into this place may they also know what it means to be welcomed into your outstretched arms, embraced with a love that draws them ever nearer to you. May this be a home that provides a place in which people find new commitment to one another, a sense of peace and belonging that replaces estrangement and hostility, a comforting hope that replaces grief and loss, a sacred sense of worth that erases the poverty of hopelessness.

Leader:  In everything that happens within these walls dear Master–from the refreshed hopefulness of awakening in the morning, to the holiness of shared meals and other friendly gatherings, to the solemnity of bedtime’s trusting prayers, to the interaction with staff and contract workers–may all who find themselves between the foundation and shingles of this place come to know a renewed and empowering awareness of your sheltering presence in this world.

ALTOGETHER…….

We collectively ask these blessings in the precious Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

My gathering consisted of approximately 55 guests and 2 Pastors. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the food. They also took a tour and admired the ambiance and decor of the facilities. Already I have made a reputation for myself here. The residents have labeled me as the ‘puzzle lady’ because that is where I spend most of my day…at the puzzle table. I also have recently started a writer’s club, attend the drumba exercise class, swim in the heated pool, and frequent the fitness room from time to time. My favorite past time is watching old movies in our private theater room.

Ddrumba class

A Typical Drumba Class…What Fun!

God has blessed my latter days better than the former…whereof I am glad. (By the way, my health and memory have improved and I am living the life of Riley!) Thank you Lord!

P.S. Feel free to use the Litany for an occasion you may have.

P.S.S. There’s a message behind each emoji. Just move your mouse over it.

Scripture Lesson: The steps of good (wo)men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. I have been young and now I am old. And in all my years I have never seen the Lord forsake a (wo)man who loves him; nor have I seen the children of the godly go hungry. Instead, the godly are able to be generous with their gifts and loans to others, and their children are a blessing. Psalms 37:23-26 (Living Bible)

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

Conversations With God Using Scripture

Month: May 2019

God Answers Formal And Informal Prayers

This morning was a day for me to thank God for answered prayer.