Month: August 2019

God’s Love Is Unconditional

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized11 Comments

Image result for free images of God's unconditional love

Since God’s love is unconditional, most people believe that all a person must do to receive his unconditional love is to “let go and let God”.  Right?

WRONG!!!  WRONG!!!  WRONG!!!

In fact, most people would be hard pressed to define just what should be ‘let go’, in order to ‘let God’.

Think about it.

Let’s say you are praying for something, or somebody or for some special event to take place.  Your heart knows you don’t have it yet, and you believe you don’t have it yet, and this mind-set  causes you to partition God’s throne numerous times.  Finally, if you never receive that which you were praying for, or if it’s delayed, you might resort to coercing God; such as not answering His ‘phone calls’; becoming judgmental and mean-spirited towards others who seem to prosper effortlessly; or just giving up all together.

Well, there’s a lesson for you to learn. 

Always remember when praying for something believe and know in your heart that you already have it.  In other words, pray in faith.  Otherwise, your ego will take over and spread doubt in your heart.  If what you are praying for is in accordance with God’s will for your life, that means that the two of you are desiring the same thing…you are One in the Spirit…AND you will receive that prayer request in God’s timing.  Your ego, aka the accuser, is never your friend.  Your ego Eases God Out!  Check out what the Bible says about your heart (where Ego lives.)

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”  Jeremiah 17:9

So STOP walking in doubt and walk by FAITH!

Another scripture that is befitting for this situation is as follows:

“Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own?  No!  He is the one who has forgiven us and given us right standing with himself.”  Romans 8:33

Just remember, you can do all things in Christ who strengthens you!

And yet another scripture:

“No, for the Scriptures tell us that for his sake we must be ready to face death at every moment of the day—we are like sheep awaiting slaughter; but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who (unconditionally) loved us enough to die for us.  For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His (unconditional) love.  Death can’t, and life can’t.  The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s (unconditional) love away.  Our fears (ego) for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the (unconditional) love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when He died for us.”  Romans 8:36-39

Therefore, believe whole heartedly that…
                                       Image result for free images of God's unconditional love

So always pray in faith, remembering that in most cases, we have not because we ask not in accordance with God’s will for our lives.  God’s word says to ask and you shall receive.  We all must come into the reasoning of understanding that God’s universe lacks nothing.  It is bountiful.  And God truly believes it is better to give than to receive.  We cannot out-give God.

In summary be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in …:

The unadulterated truth that God’s love IS unconditional and has nothing to do with mankind’s action…it’s all about God!  Human beings cannot earn God’s love through works or by eliminating pre-determined sets of coercive conditions. God is Love, plain and simple! Therefore God’s love is unconditional just because of Who He is.  Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “When we were utterly helpless with no way of escape, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners who had no use for him.  Even if we were good, we really wouldn’t expect anyone to die for us, though, of course, that might be barely possible.  But God showed his great (unconditional) love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  And since by his blood he did all this for us as sinners, how much more will he do for us now that he has declared us not guilty?”  Romans 5:6-8

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God Responds Even When You Operate On A Wing And A Prayer

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized6 Comments
B-17 Flying Fortress

1937 B-17 FLYING FORTRESS

Did you know that the idiom, “On a wing and a prayer,” stems from a World War II incident?  Wikipedia records that early in the mayhem of the war, an American pilot of a B-17 crippled aircraft called The Southern Comfort was returning to the base from a bombing raid over Germany.  The pilot suggested that his crew pray for a safe landing.

Later, in 1942 Hollywood made a film entitled The Flying Tigers, about this harrowing plane incident staring John Wayne as the pilot.  In reference to the crippled aircraft condition, actor Wayne’s character proclaimed the script’s rendition and exclaimed, “She’s coming in on one wing and a prayer.”  The rest is history!

BUT, just suppose nobody knew how to pray!

Well, in this week’s blog, I would like to share with you how the Holy Spirit communed with me on how to study for a comprehensive understanding on what the Bible says on what a prayer should consists of.

1. What Is Prayer? 

218x311 Praying Hands Clip Art

For me, prayer is earnestly calling on the Name of the Lord God.  It does not matter what posture I am in; such as knelling, or standing, or lying prostrate, just as long as I am focused on Him and His heavenly atmosphere.

Another aspect that is of less consequence to me is my grammar.  Especially chitter-chatter or three and four syllable words.  I normally just let my verbal rantings all hang out–but with reverence and respect, of course.  And what I have experienced is this:  the more I include prayer in my everyday life, the more solidified my relationship becomes with my Maker.

I rarely have to wonder whether or not I ‘got a prayer through’.  Or whether temptation creeped in during my prayer time to throw me off course.  Or to entertain thoughts of doubt and despair.  Usually, I just remain focused, keep it simple and remain true to myself in my confessions.

So says King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived on earth: “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”  (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

2. What is Prayer simplified with the aide of the Holy Spirit

rock dove flying beside hand

Just in case praying comes hard for you, the Apostle Paul gives us this advise:  “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”  (Romans 8:27)

I would like to share a secret with you.  A lot of times the Holy Spirit is already at work on my behalf before I take time to pray.  In other words, he puts thoughts and subject matter on my mind that require God’s intervention.  For example, often, when I am thinking of a family member or friend, I’ll make a mental note to communicate with them at a later time, but before the day is over.  Within a short period of time, that person or friend supernaturally contacts me or someone in their sphere of influence will contact me with an update or personal message about them.  (That’s God at work in spite of any of my doings.)

Not too long ago, when my daughter-in-law and son were trying to sell an expensive piece of property to no avail, I was led by the Holy Spirit not only to pray, but to contact them and suggest that they place the property in the hands of a foreign realtor with overseas connections, because their buyer was coming from afar.  Sure enough, within a few days my family showed the property to a foreign family and they subsequently purchased the house and several rooms of their furniture.  So, not only God is Good…but prayer changes things!

3. What is Operating on a Wing and a Prayer…

…fixing those situations that appear hopeless.

Image result for praying hands and a dove free image

So, it is during times like those mentioned above that lets me know that God truly opens that door and operates on a wing and a prayer.  It’s during those most difficult situations when only He can provide closure that I realize that prayer changes things.  So when praying, I modify my dialogue to increase my expectation; to believe more than just to ask and you shall receive, I also include thanksgiving and praise language and most definitely include words of omission and co-mission.  (Sins that are intentional or unintentional are nontheless sins!)

What I have just shared with my readers on the subject matter that focused on prayer is how I remain in a constant conversational dialogue with God based on his scripture references.  I trust what I have shared will be of extreme use to you in your quest to grow closer to the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, the Son of the Living God.

So with prayer and supplication, always remember it is no secrete what God can do.  Sit back and enjoy Jim Reeves’ rendition of a song by the same title.  Skip the commercial and just click the Red Thumbnail below.  May God richly bless you and yours.  In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen.

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

God Presented Himself In Short Order

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized6 Comments
Image result for map of winston-salem and Charlotte, N.C.

                       I TOOK A CHANCE.  YEP!  I TOOK A VACATION.                                                                        AND GUESS WHAT!                                                                                                           I SAW GOD!

Because I truly believe that all things that happened to me while vacationing in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina during the first 2-1/2 weeks in August were preordained by God, and because of this knowledge, it will further enable me to recognize God on that great Day through the eyes of Jesus Christ, I believe I am evolving every day as a true child of God and in the image of God.

I further believe that scripture reveals that we are already considered to be molded after God’s own image through the breath he breathed into Adam (the father of us all) at creation, and our bodies have been renewed/redeemed by the blood of Jesus due to His work on the Cross, then we shall see him (God) as he is.  For scripture says; “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”  Matthew 5:8.

It is also expressed more clearly in the following verse: “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3 

What I meant when I said, ‘I took a chance’ is simply this:  When I did not notify my bible study group of women that I would not be soliciting prayers for ‘traveling mercies’, they did not understand my position.  I told them that the reason was simple; God had already ordered my steps and all I had to do when he reveals his protection, guidance and companionship towards me is to rejoice and be exceedingly glad and to give him all the honor, all the glory and all the praise he deserves.

Blog-God Presented Himself in Short Order

So, now that my vacation is over, I can truly say that many doors were opened to me and so many kind gestures of goodwill were extended to me from total strangers that there was no doubt in my mind that Jesus was with me.  Most of the well-wishers expressed their connection with the Savior through their personal testimonies to me as to why they were drawn to me, in spite of my being surrounded by so many other people.

In other words, most of them singled me out from a crowd and presented me with gratuities, care-giver assistance, audible blessings, free transportation and religious information that armed me with reassurance of God’s presence in my life.  One by-stander even re-approached me after paying for my dinner, placed his hand on my shoulder and whispered that God wanted me to know that he knows just where I am.

Where of I was glad!

While waiting to retrieve my luggages at the turn-table belt at the airport, another well-wisher approached me and my wheel-chair handler.  He handed both of us a $2 dollar bill.  He said his wife sent him over to present us with the money which her mother had made a habit of saving in her bible after blessing the $2 dollar bills and then giving them out to people as she traveled.  Her mother was now deceased and she was carrying on that family tradition.  The man blessed us, then disappeared into the crowd.

Yes, I saw the hand of God in short order at every turn of my travels and it humbled me.  Not withstanding the love, fellowship, emergency intervention and prayer time my son’s family experienced while they shared their hospitality with Grandmother Punkin-Dunkin (my nickname) while I was in Charlotte.

Travel is good for the soul!  

My advice to you is to begin to recognize God in all of his splendor and glory, even while on vacation  He does not just reside in brick and mortar buildings or great cathedrals.  You will see God in the least of his people as well as in the greatest.  He resides in persons of all nations, in inanimate objects and in the atmosphere.  We all have so much to give if only we will trust God and grasp the realization that the cattle on a thousand hills are the Lords.  We are only His stewards.

May I forever remain God’s instrument of his giving heart and strive to be an open-fist laborer in his vineyard.  I invite you to come see a Man who knows how to travel and who knows where you are at all times.  Amen

Scripture Lesson:  “You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me.  You know when I am resting or when I am working, [or when I am on vacation], and from heaven you discover my thoughts.  You notice everything I do and everywhere I go.  Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.  I can’t understand all of this!  Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.  Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight?  If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there.  If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there.  Psalm 139:1-8

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

God Asks What’s Your Mindset?

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized5 Comments
Image result for Jesus teaching Mary and His disciples picture

A Tale Of Mary and Martha

Would you agree, that many believers in Christ, read and study the Truths of the Bible, the characters in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ only to find themselves examining one’s own character traits to see if they measure up to that particular psychological profile?

STOP!

If that is your plumb line when you engage yourself in deep bible study, please take a moment to consider what I am about to share with you as it was related to me through a recent conversation with God in a summer bible study class.

During the summer, when many of my church’s extra-curricular activities and special meetings are curtailed, or suspended for a few months, the administrative staff offers summer book clubs that members can participate in on a volunteer basis for 6 weeks.  The book the staff chose for this summer was Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World by Joanna Weaver.

As I participated in this book club, I was amazed at how profoundly and skillfully Mrs. Weaver was able to communicate biblical truths to me through the study of a tale of two sisters featured in the bible named Mary and Martha, Luke 10:38-42.  The author makes a point that when the story of Mary and Martha are preached, most listeners tend to equate themselves with either Mary’s character or Martha’s character.  (Mary sits mesmerized in the living room at Jesus’ feet along with the men, as they listen to the teachings of the Master, while Martha is busying herself in the kitchen, slaving over preparations for lodging and the meal to be served later to their guests.  She asks Jesus to make Mary come and help her.  Jesus declines saying that Mary has chosen the better part!)

The author states and I now also agree, that if you are of the mindset that this bible story is meant for you to choose which sister’s character trait you best identify with, you may be missing the whole spiritual nugget of this passage.  Weaver writes: “Stereotypes keep us from embracing truth.  The story of Mary and Martha was never meant to be a psychological profile or a role play in which we choose the character with whom we most identify.  This is the story of two different responses to one singular occasion.  In it, we should find not our personality type, but the kind of heart Christ longs for us to have.” Page 101

Lesson Learned By Me…God asks, what is your mindset?

 God wants us to check our mindset when we enter into the sanctuary of his presence and the study of his word.  Ask yourself is the bible story a study of someone’s character or a lesson on the correct way to respond to biblical norms and godly instructions.  Jesus said that Mary had chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

Your assignment is to write your own paragraph, using scriptures, on why Jesus responded to Martha in that manner.

During my conversations with God, I purposely lay bare my heart and desires to be at peace with him and to choose the better part of all circumstances of life with the aide and comfort of the Holy Spirit, sent to us at the ascension of Christ Jesus after His resurrection.  And the Holy Spirit promises to support my propensity for change in the words of the following scripture lesson below.

Scripture Lesson:  “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.  Ezekiel 36:26-27

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

 

 

 

 

God Instructed This Missionary on Fund Raising

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized8 Comments

Blog- God helps missionaries financially MISSIONARIES ARE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS SENT ABROAD TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Who says the Bible does not instruct missionaries for Jesus Christ on how to perform their ministerial duties for Him.  Well, I’m here to tell you it does!  But first, I want to share with you how God directed my efforts as an international missionary to solicit financial contributions from ordinary people in an informative, sincere, accountable and rewarding way.

When I heard the Call to missions, I did not immediately answer it because I stopped to count the cost.  I began to make all kinds of excuses to God on why I just could not give him a positive response at that time.  But one evening, my spirit was nudged a second time by the Holy Spirit to be obedient and to accept missions as my calling. I had just returned from a church sponsored mission trip to Zambia.  My memories of the poverty, the people’s quest for god-knowledge, their love of sharing their meager possessions and their faces of hope tugged at my heart strings.  I had no other choice but to cry out, ‘Lord, I yield, I yield.  I surrender myself to Thee!’

Shortly thereafter, I heard the Lord say in a conversation with me, “My dear child, for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many”.  Mark 10:45

Well, needless to say, I jumped in with both feet.  I purposed in my heart to go forth once a year to every nation carrying the gospel. My intentions were good, my message was god-centered, my guides, organizations and fellow travelers were all men and women of faith in God.

I was led by the Holy Spirit to sell my laundry mat establishment, relocate to a new city, join a new church, volunteer for international mission-orientated organizations, enroll in a few international missionary courses and began working as an all around card-carrying volunteer in my calling.  All went well for about 8 years. Then something happened.  My expense money began to run out.  Each previously annual mission trip abroad had cost me in excess of $5,000.

Fear struck me.  I became aware that I would not be able to keep my promise to God on a retiree’s budget.  I agonized over the situation.  I prayed and read my Bible for solace.  Never the less, I was still forlorn and troubled.  Then once again God conversed with me on the subject and reminded me of several scriptures: “As (you) go forth to proclaim (My) salvation day after day to the nations…(you) cannot become weary.” Paraphrased from Psalm 96:1-3.  And again; “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”  Psalm 121:8.  And again;  “But God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19.

So, I became creative in my quest to continue my work for the Lord and my efforts took wings.  I received God’s messages and re-committed myself to His calling on my life..

Now, here is a message the scriptures have for you, found in 2nd Corinthians 8:10-15:  We should give our (time, talents and money) out of a sense of stewardship and not ownership.  As stated in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.  God requires us to give according to what you can afford to help relieve the suffering of the less fortunate.  In other words, God does not put you on a guilt trip.  He does not intend for you to become one of the ‘needy’ merely because you have over extended yourself in your desire to please Him.

Below is a sample of a Newsletter I sent out requesting financial support for an overseas mission trip. You will notice it begins by my thanking those for past support and it ends with exciting information on where in the world I will be going next.

Good evening, dear friends and prayer partners, who have in the past shown me considerable kindness and generous support as I continue walking in His grace and mercy while striving to live out my sincere promise to minister to the abandon and homeless children in orphan homes around the world.

As you may know, with the Lord on my side, I have been faithful in my duties to walk worthy and to seek an understanding in the ways of our Lord as He ministers to the lost and forsaken through persons like me and others who volunteer their time, talent and services.

As I review my travel exploits through the eyes of Jesus, I have learned that it does not matter if the country we visit does or does not practices Christianity, because God always supernaturally shows up in various ways.

(Here is where I describe my last mission trip with photos and interesting happenings.)

In closing this latest Newsletter, I would like to share with you where and when my next short mission trip will take me.  God willing, on (date) I, along with other missionaries will be traveling to (name country) for 15 days.  Because this country is not a Christian nation, we will be teaching English as a second language, supplying clothing, shoes, medicines, gifts for caregivers and officials and personal hygiene supplies   The flight will be long and the finances required for this mission voyage is well over $5,000.  With God’s provisions, the balance I owe is only ($___).  This balance is due within the next few weeks.

If you are so inclined to assist me financially on this worthwhile mission journey, please use the enclosed self addressed envelope as the Lord directs you.  Please make your tax deductible check donation payable to the organization on the return envelope and write my name and trip number in the memo line.  You can also text me of your action so that I can follow up with the organization and make sure you get your receipt and I get credit.  

Thank you for your prayers for peace in this world and your generous contribution in the service of the Lord.

This has been an informative blog for all those persons contemplating serving the Lord in the mission field whether at home or abroad.  I loved performing mission duties but now I mostly serve here in the states due to aging.  Please lift me up in prayer so that I may be on the battle field for the Lord until traveling days are over.  Amen!

Scripture Lesson:  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  I Peter 4:10

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