Month: April 2021

God Defined For Me Who He Is More Vividly

On By tgifmastermindsIn How To Pray For Others, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Non-believers1 Comment
Lord, you have examined me.
You know all about me.
You know when I sit down and when I get up.
You know my thoughts before I think them.
You know where I go and where I lie down.
You know well everything I do. Lord, even before I say a word, You already know what I am going to say. — Psalm 139:1-4

There is something about the family of God that is unique when compared with other religions and their gods.  Can you guess what it is?  I’ll give you a little hint.  It has to do with science.

 Woah!  Wait a minute Ms. Blogger.  Have you gone off your rocker?

The world characterizes people who believes in science and does not believe in God, as an atheist.  Are you saying that members of God’s family are uniquely atheist? 

God forbid!  Absolutely not!

But one of the definitions for Who God Is, is Omniscience!   The other 2 definitions for God are that he is Omnipresence and Omnipotence.

This week as I studied, I became fascinated with the meaning for ‘om-ni-science’ as I read holy scriptures that depicted God’s supernatural knowledge of everything.  And believe it or not, I have just given you the definition of the word omniscience. 

The word comes from two Latin roots:  “Omni” which means all and “scientia” which means knowledge.

So, the next time you engage atheists in a conversation, introduce them to the very Creator of what they believe in…which is science.  As a member of the family of God, you can gently boast that God is Om-ni-scient!  You might close your discussion by saying…you atheists are counterfeit believers in the Creator of science.  Which is that very thing that you hold fast. 

So, in a sense, we believe in the same God!

Continue in your witnessing by saying, since man’s knowledge (the scientists) is limited, and all of us are finite creators, why not ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand those agnostic feelings and thoughts you harbor which most atheists wrestle with.

My prayer for you to become a more effective witness for God’s Kingdom is this…

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your Word and for the privilege to be included in your family.  And I also thank you for the mysteries of how you intertwine in the hearts, souls and lives of skeptics and non-believers.  You love us all, Dear Jesus, and want none of us to miss eternity.  Help us to turn away from the trash and tinfoil of this world and what it has to offer and run into your outstretched arms of protection.  May we come to realize that all that we are, all that we hope to be and all our ‘getting’ is in your hands. Reveal yourself to us, my Lord.  Help us to turn our eyes upon Jesus and seek His precious face.  For we seek your knowledge and wisdom above anyone else’s.  Amen

Scripture Lesson:  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.  Since you are precious and honored in My sight and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.”  Isaiah 43:1, 4

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

GOD DESIRES THAT WE STAY IN TOUCH WITH HIM

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Spiritual GrowthLeave a comment
The beginning of a bible (meditation) study group.

There is much advice available to us on how to obtain success and happiness.  Yet numerous  titles on this subject most often include the word ‘Secret’.  I wonder why.   How can authors continue to title their work “The Secret to Success and Happiness” when honestly, it is no secret at all.  Using your common sense will almost always put you on a path to success and happiness in your lifetime.

The practice of setting your mind on achieving what is right and good not only for you, but also for those in your sphere of influence goes back thousands and thousands of years.  Actually, many ancient spiritual traditions have taught that being intensely aware of the moment you are presently in is the key to mastering complete control of your destiny.  Thus, what naturally follows is generally success and happiness during most of your lifetime.

As a Christian, I read the Bible not only to learn about God and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, I also explore it to learn how to stay in touch with the Godhead…the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  And because of this close spiritual association with my Maker, our relationship has blossomed in my lifetime and I sincerely hope our Great Creator has been glorified.

Let me give you just one example of how success and happiness has flooded my innermost being.

Progression of Events
About 4 years ago, I desired to start a female senior bible study group at my church. I decided to concentrate on the moment through prayer as often as time allowed. Well, ‘time’ didn’t allow for much prayer.  But I continued to put things in motion.

The next thing that happened was my health started to deteriorate very rapidly and I had to begin thinking about downsizing my living conditions. My thoughts of starting a bible study group went out the window and I earnestly begin communing with God to show me what to do.

To my surprise, the heavenly messages I received were that an opportunity would open up- for me to start a bible study group in my new residence which turned out to be a newly built 55+ senior apartment building. I have been residing at this facility for 3 years now and during that time, my physical health has improved. I have made a concerted effort to meet and greet both male and female residences and have been given the pet name of being the ‘puzzle lady’ because that activity is my pastime here.

Believe it or not, because I have bonded with so many new friends and acquaintances, several people including the resident office staff have asked me to host a bible study in the media room…but I would have to call it a ‘meditation’ class. So, in the pass 2-1/2 years I have been in prayer concerning this weighty assignment.

My Reward…

Just recently, the Lord has answered my prayers and has given me the green light to start the bible (meditation) glass here in my apartment building.  This is what happened.  While studying a biblical passage in the Gospel of Mark, the Holy Spirit gave me this interpretation.

The Parable of the Growing Seed (TNIV)  He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like.  A man scatters seed on the ground.  Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.  All by itself the soil, produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.  As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it because the harvest has come.”  Mark 4:26-29

The Holy Spirit indicated to me that the ‘man’ in this parable is you, me, a preacher or a teacher of the word of God.  The Holy Spirit went on to say that at my former church there are enough preachers and teachers.  That flock is growing strong in the kingdom of God. You, too, have grown strong in the word (seed) of God, therefore, I am removing you from this flock (putting forth the sickle) and relocating you to another pasture  to feed my sheep (my new apartment building).

Thanks be to God physical signs have also been afforded me to let me know that God’s timing is right.  I wholeheartedly stayed in touch with my Lord and Savior for three years concerning this matter.  And its success and happiness for all who attend the bible study class has already begun to manifest itself in these halls.

I’m excited!  My prayer for your endeavors in Christ are simply…

“Heavenly Father, will you please continue to help me and others to use our time in the year that lies ahead with sincere insight, dedication and love.  Help us to remain in touch with You no matter how long it takes for You to respond to our call.  For it is our desire to do everything that is assigned to our hands with absolute commitment that pleases You.  Amen.”

Scripture Lesson:  “As for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds.”  Psalm 73:28

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

God Signs, Seals and Delivers His Private Messages

On By tgifmastermindsIn How To Pray For Others, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Spiritual Growth, Prayers For UnderstandingLeave a comment
My favorite pass time is working puzzles.

One day last week, while seated at my puzzle table in the lobby of my 55+ apartment building where I reside, a fellow resident approached the table and haphazardly said to me, “Did you know there is only one place in the Bible where God personally wrote down something?”.  I looked up  from my puzzling activity and nonchalantly replied, ‘Are you sure about that?’.  “Yep! It’s that time when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments,” he continued.  ‘Oh, I don’t think you are right about that, my friend.  But let’s talk about it later,’ I replied and returned to my puzzle project.  So, my friend shuffled his weight from one foot to the other, shook his head in disbelief, shrugged his shoulders, mumbled something under his breath about ‘his knowing the Bible’, and moved on.

The reckoning…

About a week later, I was again alone in the lobby at my puzzling activities when along came my ole friend.  We exchanged greetings, then I asked him how many fingers was I holding up.  He replied four.  “That’s right,” I confirmed.  “And that’s because there are actually four times that it is recorded in the Bible that God wrote down something for a person.”  With disbelief on his face, my friend pulled up a chair and sat down, looking quizzically at me.

“Now, what I am about to say will depend on your level of faith.  Who do you say that Jesus is?” I asked him.  “I believe in John Chapter One,” my friend said.  “Yes, but do you believe that Jesus is God incarnate?” “Yes he replied.  “Well, was there any time in scripture where Jesus kneeled down and wrote something?” I continued.  “Oh, yes!  When He challenged those guys that brought a prostitute to Him.”

“Okay.  That’s one.  Now what about Daniel?  What character traits do you recall about him?  “That’s right!” my friend exclaimed.  There’s a story about something being written on the palace wall of King Belshazzar where a banquet was being held, and that only Daniel could interpret.”  “Right!  And that’s number two,” I said.  “And don’t forget, the Ten Commandments were written down for Moses…twice!” I continued in an amplified voice.  “That makes four times in all that God wrote something down for people!” I concluded.

Moral of the story…

While Christians are on this earth, they will no doubt have numerous opportunities to witness or testify to others about their perceived knowledge of the written Word.  May I suggest that you guard against being too hasty or dogmatic about your perceived knowledge.  Always tread lightly when recalling absolute Truths.  And when correcting someone who thinks of themselves as being an ‘expert’ in biblical knowledge, wisdom and understanding of God’s holy word, tread with caution…pray first and foremost.

I am glad to report that my additional information to my friend was well received and the exchange of information has truly drawn us closer together.  Who knows, there may be additional times in the Bible where God wrote something down that I, too, missed.  Please send me a head’s up if I did.  I would love to receive your comments. For I am an approachable vessel of godly messages that I receive from other sisters and brothers in Christ.

My Prayer for you…

Precious Jesus,  I thank You for sending my way so many opportunities for new bits of insight that is in fact given to me as my trials that make it possible for me to be a more powerful witness for You.  It is my earnest desire that You help me to show others through my positive responses and thoughtful ways just how much I love You and Your holy Word.  Amen.  

Scripture Lesson “Each one should use whatever gift he (or she) has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.” I Peter 4:10-11

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

God Used Covid-19 To Prepare My Daughter For Her New Job

On By tgifmastermindsIn How To Pray For Others, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For ThanksgivingLeave a comment
Covid-19 Victim Who Has Lost His Sense Of Smell

Did you know that a majority of medical professionals and scientists, as well as The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention listed the loss of taste and smell as the most common symptoms effecting victims who contracted the COVID-19 pandemic virus?

Earlier this year, my daughter, her husband and their 2 young children experienced a bout with Covid that lasted about a month. Thank God they all recovered with little or no lasting effects…all, that is, except my daughter. More than once she has said to me that one of the prolonged debilitating effects of Covid-19 is that she has not regained her sense of smell.

Now the medical term for the loss of the sense of smell is called Anosmia. And some researchers believe that this condition, while not permanent, may last for an extended period of time. At times, my daughter has seen her condition as a blessing and other times as a curse. For example, last week she accidentally burned up the cookies because she forgot to set the stove timer and could not smell them burning. But this week, she scored ‘browny points’ on her new job all because she could not smell the operation of the plant she had been assigned to audit.

Let me explain…

My daughter is a vegetarian and has not eaten nor cooked red meat for a number of years. In fact the very smell of her husband cooking or barbecuing any meat makes her sick. Last week, her work assignment was to audit a meat packing plant that prepares meat and vegetable toppings for pizza companies. She accompanied several plant managers throughout the plant and observed the preparation of these products. Her host company kept asking her how did she feel. Was she becoming nauseous or experiencing an upset stomach? It was explained to her that prior auditors have had to cut their visits short because of the strong smells of cooked foods in the various areas of the plant. But seemingly, these odors did not effect my daughter and they wondered why.

An opportunity to witness…

As my daughter explained her work situation with me, all I could think of was what a wonderful opportunity for me to witness to her about the role our Lord and Savior had played in this incident. I was thinking how negligent my immediate family had become since the pandemic hit and we had not had as many opportunities to discuss church activities and services like we used to.

So at an opportune time during our conversation, I gently said to my daughter, ‘You know, sweetheart, sometimes during an illness, God uses that situation to purify our infirmities like allergies. And He uses them for His purposes. Of course, the Old Testament story about Job found that out the hard way. Job had lived a pure life in every way, yet he needed to learn (through the words of Elihu) that God can use anybody He chooses…whether that person is an enemy or friend of God.

But you found out that what you believed to be a ‘thorn in your side’ after Covid-19 was actually a ‘blessing’ in disguise. Didn’t you say that the managers that you met with told you that they would surely request that your company send you out to conduct future audits because of the professional mannerism in which you performed your tasks?’

My prayer for you and others is this…

“Dear Heavenly Father, I realize that You speak to Your flock in various ways. And during my daughter’s abstention from red meat, she had no clue that her phobia would serve as an opportunity for her to give You thanks and glory. For there is no doubt, that the good report that those managers will send back to her employer, will serve her well in the future. Please help all of us, Dear Jesus, to realize that we must become good listeners in order to point the way to other believers that there are numerous opportunities to turn hearts towards heaven even during sickness and hard times. Yes, this dreadful pandemic called Covid-19 gives us so many avenues to explore and expand our faith in the precious Name of Jesus, Amen.”

Scripture Lesson: “God does speak — now one way, now another– though man may not perceive it. Or a man may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in his bones. Job 33:14, 19

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

God Let Go Of My Hand

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Non-believersLeave a comment
When God leaves you all alone…

Who would have thought that there could come a time when God would let go of your hand?

Think about it!  Sure…there are plenty of times when YOU let go of God’s hand.  But how many times has God let go of YOUR hand?

Let me refresh your memory.

What about that time when you had just experienced a triumphant moment of receiving accolades from your employer, classmates or family and friends.  Or shortly thereafter, you were guest of honor at a scrumptious birthday dinner.  Or better than anything else, you discovered that you were the heir of a large inheritance from a deceased wealthy relative.  Oh, how the praises went up as those blessings came down!  Or just maybe, it happened just when you were going through a debilitating sickness!  WOW! That hurts…

Then it happened…CRASH BAM…THANK YOU MAMAM!  For shortly after that, the Lord left you!  He actually took His presence away and let go of your hand!

God’s M.O.

God operates like that sometimes.  Scripture tells us that God did just that to King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32:31.

“And so, in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to try him and to know all that was in his heart.”

Now the Chronicler who wrote 1st and 2nd Chronicles does not give us the full narrative of exactly how King Hezekiah reacted (or what was in his heart concerning this matter), you have to read Isaiah Chapter 38 to get a fuller picture.  There you will discover that the Prophet Isaiah had just warned the king that God had numbered his days and that Hezekiah was about to die.  Hezekiah’s response was to turn his face to the wall and pray.  He reminded God of how faithful he had been in carrying out God’s commands and re-establishing kingdom worship and righteously serving God’s people.  God relented after hearing King Hezekiah’s prayer and healed him.

Hezekiah express his gratitude for his promised healing by requesting a divine sign from heaven sealing the promise that God would do what he said he would do.  So, God responded by causing the sun to miraculously stand still for a number of hours.  After all of this happened, however, an envoy of Babylonian princes came to visit King Hezekiah to learn more about the sun miracle and to congratulate him on his healing.  So, during all this time, “God had left him (Hezekiah) to himself, in order to try him and to know all that was in his heart.”

Lessons learned…

For me, I have learned when I am faced with the most serious adversities in life and feel as though the Lord has truly abandoned me, I find myself unable to pray earnestly to Him.  I begin to operate in my own strength until I cannot go any further.  Sometimes reluctantly, or in shame, I call on the Lord to rescue me.  In retrospect, I should be more like King Hezekiah and just turn my face to the wall and recall in my spirit all the times God has brought me out of trouble.  But unlike the king, my list of services might not be as long and as worthy as his. My flesh causes me to erroneously think that God operates on merit and not by his Spirit.

What about you?  Do you always remember the goodness of the Lord when you are faced with dilemmas in life?  Can you recite a list of godly services you have performed for the sake of others.  Do you remember how gracious and merciful our Lord is.  Do you remember that it is not by power or by might, but by My spirit says the Lord?  Do you believe that some adversities, bad news and illnesses can be in fact beneficial?  Not only for kings and people in high places, but for me and you.

My prayer for you…

“My Precious Lord Jesus, We definitely realize now that sometimes you leave us, yes, you actually let go our hands, so that You can examine our hearts.  Therefore, we thank You for the trials and difficulties that cause us to draw closer and nearer to You.  We praise you for not entirely forsaking us. This sincere prayer is offered in the matchless Name of Jesus.” Amen

Remember, Easter Sunday is within a few days, so why not concentrate on the last 7 words (phrases) of Christ. You might also see within these scriptures that God actually let go of his Son’s hand for a little while. Be blessed!

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43b
“Women, here is your son.” John 19:26b

“Here is your mother.” John 19:27

“I am thirsty.” John 19:28b
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (Which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”  Luke 23:46b

Jesus died for you and for me.

Scripture Lesson: “We who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body.” 2 Corinthians 4:11

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