Month: October 2019

God: The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized5 Comments

 

Blog - Angel playing hornWhen was the last time you had an “Ah-Haa” moment?  Was it last week, yesterday or maybe this morning?  Mine was just now!  Just as I began to compose my thoughts for this week’s blog, the Lord shouted in a loud voice, “STOP in the name of love, before you break my heart.  Think it over.”  Doo wop, doo wop!”

Well, I exaggerated.  The angels were not really blasting out The Supremes 1965 hit song, but I thought it was a great opener for what I am about to share with you concerning just how much God loves proof reading our writings, publishing and promoting our hieroglyphics on how we use His written word as a form of our worship.

Honestly, when life throws me a lemon, one of the most expressive ways I’ve found to cope is by journaling, or writing my grief down somewhere.  And my first thoughts this morning when I awoke were the Holy Spirit whispering to me, my child, that is just what I do…envelop someone’s heart to write things down.  (My “Ah-Haa” moment.)  You see, God is actually the Author and Finisher of our faith….who would-a-thought!

So, what are some examples in the Bible of God’s references to writing things down?  I’m so glad you asked.

  • As a Prosecuting Attorney, God said:  “Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”  Luke 1:3-4
  • As a Supreme Ruler, God said:  “This is what the Lord said, the God of Israel, says:  ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.'”  Jeremiah 30:2a
  • As the Master Teacher, God said:  “Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:9
  • Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote:  “You (the Corinthians) yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.  You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”  2 Corinthians 3:2-3

Blog - God Prefers a Written letter

Needless to say, one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day!

I realize that there are other acceptable ways Believers in Christ pay homage to Him, for example:

  1. By worshiping through music.
  2. By worshiping in fasting and praying.
  3. By worshiping conducting Bible study.
  4. By fostering unity in the body of Christ.

But for me, worshiping while journaling allows me to laugh out loud with Him, debate with Him, cry with Him, rejoice with Him, shout with Him, run with Him, Love on Him, and most of all submit to Him.

Blog - God and writing to Him

The man on the left is not a picture of my grandfather, Daddy Bob, but it reminds me of him sitting in the wooden bench swing on his front porch on a warm Spring day, slowly pumping himself back and forth as he read his Bible.  We grandchildren knew not to disturb him, but we could watch him as he from time to time looked up at the rolling clouds in the bright blue sky and spit out his tobacco.  Next, he would take his pencil from behind his ear and underlined something he had just read in the Bible.  How I longed for a peek at that page.  But that was Grandpa’s own private conversation with God and I knew he expected God to answer him in His own good time.

You may be wondering how you can use the written word as a form of worship?  May I suggest you try writing down your first positive thoughts of your day.  And in the evening pick up that list and write down how each thought was accomplished.  Did you make it happen?  Did someone else make it happen?  Was God in the mix?  Then turn it all over to Jesus in your closing written prayer.  Collect these precious pieces of paper and you will be on your way to worshipping while journaling.   Then you, too, will agree that to journal is a wonderful form of expression.

Until next week, my friends, happy journaling.

TO HELP YOU GET STARTED WITH YOUR JOURNALING, SHOP AMAZON FOR THIS JOURNAL NOTEBOOK:  I’ll Write it Down: A Two Way Chat Diary Oct 17, 2019 by Joronda Montañ Paperback      $9.95

Scripture Lesson:  “Never forget to be truthful and kind.  Hold these virtues tightly.  Write them deep within your heart.  If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.  Proverbs 4:3-5 (Living Bible)  STOP in the name of love…

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

God’s Super Woman

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Dear Readers, this weeks blog is a reprint of one I posted in May 2018.  The reason for this reprint is that I suffered some mild health issues that ‘way-laid’ me for most of the week.  I have been told by friends and family that I need to slow down and smell the roses and perhaps rethink my efforts of trying to be a “Super Woman” for the family of God in this life.

I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THAT, THOUGH!  I’LL HAVE TO CHECK WITH MY FAVORITE MENTOR…JESUS CHRIST.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS SITUATION. 

Blog - Super Woman Man in red shirt Prfect!

Okay, in our efforts to be perfect we sometimes forget to put the “e” in the mix.

So What!  Just remember what is written.

God’s requirements for success are unchanging and straightforward:  Keep the faith, keep his commandments, officiate in love and stay on his path of truth and righteousness.  Read the conversation below for a better understanding.

OH LORD, HOW CAN I BECOME A SUPER WOMAN IN THE FAMILY OF GOD?

If you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them, I will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not beneath.                                            Deuteronomy 28:13b-13a

BUT LORD, I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND.  FOR EVEN THOUGH I STUDY YOUR WORD MY HEART IS HEAVY MORE OFTEN THAN GLAD.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.                                 3 John 1:2

TELL ME, MASTER, HOW CAN MY SOUL PROSPER?

My child, it is written that the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in her.  Hebrews 10:38

HOLY FATHER, DO YOU MEAN THAT I AM PREVENTING MYSELF FROM DEVELOPING INTO  A SUPER WOMAN IN YOU BECAUSE MY FAITH IS WEAK?

Consider Abraham, he believed in me and it was accounted to him for righteousness.  Therefore know that only those who are of  faith are daughters of Abraham.                 Galatians 3:6, 7

THEN ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD, DEAR JESUS, IF I INCREASE MY FAITH IN YOU, YOU WILL BLESS ME AND MAKE ME A SUPER WOMAN?

Surely blessing I will bless you and multiplying I will multiply you.                                                Hebrews 6:14

OH, JESUS, YOU ARE SO GOOD AND SO KIND.  AND I PROMISE TO INCREASE MY FAITH AND DEPEND SOLELY UPON YOU IN EVERYTHING I DO.

Just remember,  faith comes not by your own might, but faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.                            Romans 10:17

SO THAT I MIGHT UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY, MY LORD, LET ME REPEAT WHAT YOU SAID.  IN ORDER FOR ME TO BECOME A SUPER WOMAN IN YOUR HOUSE, I MUST LISTEN AND OBEY YOUR COMMANDMENTS AND YOU WILL MAKE ME THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL.

YOU ALSO DESIRE THAT I NOT ONLY BECOME A PROSPEROUS WOMAN, BUT THAT MY SOUL BE ENRICHED AS WELL. AND THE BLESSING IS THAT ALL OF THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED JUST BY INCREASING MY FAITH IN YOU.

That’s right, daughter.  And you should also remember that without faith it is impossible to please me.                            Hebrews 11:6

I KNOW WHAT FAITH IS, LORD, IT IS LIKE HOPING AGAINST HOPE THAT AN INCURABLE SITUATION WILL GET BETTER EVEN THOUGH YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW.

I say it a little differently…Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.           Hebrews 11:1

THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THIS VISIT AND I AM DETERMINED TO PUT MY FAITH INTO PRACTICE AND NOT ALLOW SATAN TO ROB ME OF MY SUPERIORITY IN YOU.

Well said, my beloved, for the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.                                            John 10:10

Scripture Reference:  “You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you.”                                             Deuteronomy 5:33

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

God Suggested That I Let Go And Let God

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized8 Comments

Blog - Let Go and Let God Little boyHave you ever decided to just ‘let go and let God’?  Well I did.   And I have now decided to share that experience with you guys.  All I did was to say to myself; “Enough, already!”  And guess what I decided to throw out: DOUBT, FEAR, WORRYING, INDECISIVENESS, PROCRASTINATION,  ETC., ETC., ETC.  All those things were getting old and in my way.  They kept me from becoming the person God wanted me to be.  Actually, I was hindered from performing things God’s way.  (You remember that song by Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. ‘I Did It My Way’?)

OUT, OUT, OUT YOU GO….

I don’t have any regrets, either!  All those things that were a detriment to my health and that inhibited me from being Christ-like went out the window and the Holy Spirit made room for a new creature in Christ.

You, too, can deep six those books of yours entitled “My Past,” “I Ought,” “I Might”, or “Tomorrow”.  Replace them with “My Future”, “I Can” or “I Will”.

From the very beginning, God had a calling on my life and yours, too.  He seeks us out from birth…from the womb.  I know this for a fact because I asked him.

One evening through prayer, I was led to claim His words that said…”…and you shall be called Sought Out” (see Isaiah 62:12a).  My name was capitalized right there on the pages of the Bible…”Sought Out”!

Although God called me at an early age, like most of you, I did not stop running.  I turned a deaf ear to his voice.  I allowed the voices of Mr. and Mrs. Excuse, Aunt and Uncle Procrastination, and my favorite cousin, Self-willed Willie to have control over my life.  They took turns distorting my hearing, understanding, mind, heart, time, talents and my treasures.  Enough, all ready!

If the truth was told we all have bodies that come designed with a myriad of voices.  Did you know that your persona reflects which voice you are listening to at any given time in your life?  At present (and I hope from this point forward), my persona reflects a contented sheep because the voice I am listening to is that of the Shepherd.

So, when I came to myself, I repented and prayerfully asked the Lord to forgive me for procrastinating in compiling my thoughts into a blog that I had penned entitled “Conversations With God Using Scripture”.  I have also thanked him for silencing every negative voice that previously had dominion over me.  For I once was young, but now I am in my late senior years and am privileged to see just who it was that rescued me from the snares of life.  Thank God for those of you whose eyes and ears were opened in your youth.

But no matter what your age, begin seeking him today.  Start recognizing the extraordinary methods of operation he is performing in your live.  In my situation, he turned my personal Bible study quiet time into an interactive, stimulating and intimate conversational time with him, where of I am glad.  (And I hope my blog readers are truly enjoying eavesdropping on our conversations.)

Always remember that God is calling you twenty-four hours a day; seven days a week.  It is your choice to mentally leave your domain, your comfort zone, your place of many voices and answer his call.  He is the One with the still small voice.  He is The Comforter.  When you are ready to obey and yield, just say, “Speak Lord, thy servant is listening.”

Blog - enough already trash

Hear my prayer, Oh Lord, for this load is too heavy for me.  ‘BLESSED BE GOD, WHO HAS NOT TURNED AWAY MY PRAYER, NOR HIS MERCY FROM ME’.  AMEN (Psalms 66:20)

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

God Has Empowered His People To Live Life’s Journey Within A Healthy Society

On By tgifmastermindsIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Blog - God Wants us to be healthy - joggers

Don’t Worry…Be Happy and Healthy In The Lord and Run With Patience!

Some time ago, while in deep conversation with God, the Holy Spirit 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 (Matthew 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 through 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 He use physical human emotions that depict pain and sorrow to define the word ‘blessed’ or in some Bibles ‘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 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 down here, but free from such pain in the Atmosphere.

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 – 7 times 70 Milligrams

Blog - adult-aging-bottle-1389104 (1)

Take One 70 Milligram pill per day

Instructions: Take one tablet per day…that is, examine yourself.  Your 70 milligram pill represents your 7 senses:  seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling, intuition and telepathy.  Each milligram has been dimmed by 7 sins:  pride, anger, lust, covetousness, envy, glutton and sloth.  (All of your aches and pains can be categorized as manifesting from one of your 7 senses or 7 sins.  Therefore, take each pill with a glass of water and intense prayer.   Name the culprit and pray mightily and daily for those things that so easily beset you and hinder you from receiving good health and  intimacy with God.  Schedule a follow-up visit with Doctor Jesus in the morning.)

Scripture Reference:  “Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

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