God has another name for this virus…Pestilence…a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating.

Dear Readers:

Since the Lord our God is with us, who or what can be against us?  Let’s all keep the faith, take care of our families and support those neighbors less fortunate.

During this crises, I will only be posting uplifting Bible Scriptures of comfort and support for my fellowman. 

Scripture Lesson:  “I will lift up my eyes to the hills.  From whence does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.  The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life, your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.” Psalms 121: 1-8

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

• • 

  •      DRIED PRUNES AND FRESH PLUMS

Today I decided to make a concerted effort to eat healthier.  So, I went into my office and searched my limited library books on healthy living.  To my surprise, I dusted off a book entitled Your Body Can Heal Itself.  Within its pages, the book cover boasted there were 87 foods that everyone should eat.  As I flipped through the book’s pages, my attention was captured by a bold sentence that read:  “Pleasant way to keep cancer at bay”.

Those words grabbed my attention because earlier this morning I had just completed my 16th radiation treatment for breast cancer.  And guess what ‘pleasant’ food product was named to keep cancer at bay?—PRUNES!

Now, prunes are a first cousin to plums and according to the book’s assertions(*), both fruits have a high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, fiber and potassium.  After Googling the health benefits of those ingredients, I thought, in a humorous fashion, how similar their benefits were in accordance with God’s remedy for healthy living.

Take a look at these ingredients for prunes and plums:

• Vitamin A – Important for growth and development of the immune system and for good vision.
• Vitamin C – Necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissue your body can’t produce.
• Vitamin K – The blood clotting vitamin that plays an important role in bone health by helping to prevent osteoporosis.
• Fiber – Dried plums are famous for keeping a person ‘regular’ and assist in keeping your digestive system running smoothly.
• Potassium – Fresh plums helps to support blood pressure, cardiovascular health, bone strength, and muscle strength

Some of you may not know this, but one of my most favorite scriptures is this:  “Wisdom is the principal thing;  therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”  Proverbs 4:7  (You should also know that the latter part of this verse  is to become my epitaph.)

So, in order to compare the benefits of plums/prunes, I sought the Lord and He heard my cry and delivered me from all my inquiries and gave me an understanding of how His Holy Word benefits me in much the same way as eating right.  The principal difference being that food benefits are temporal; God’s benefits  are eternal.

Now, take a look at God’s biblical ingredients:

The Holy Spirit entered my thought process:  It will be well, my child, in addition to consuming vitamin pills and fruits, to also remember that my Word holds wisdom, truth and knowledge for your growth and development not only now but also for eternity in my Father’s house:

For your growth, development and vision:  “My word is a lamp unto YOUR feet, and a light unto YOUR path.” Psalm 119:105  Amen!

For your blood pressure: “He (Jesus) did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained  eternal  redemption.  The blood of those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.  How much more, then, will the blood of Christ (that never clots nor is too high or too low), who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (now and forever more)” Hebrews 9:12-14  Hallelujah!

For keeping you ‘regular’ as I did for Paul: “But those things were gain to me (Paul), those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Philippians 3:7, 8  Glory Be to God!

In other words, God’s ‘Vitamin’ is the Holy Bible!

(*) NOTE: Information collected from Your Body Can Heal Itself is for information only.  It does not constitute medical advice or practice.

Scripture Lesson:  “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”  Revelations 3:20

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

When I was a little girl, my daddy use to sing to me this song as he twirled me around and mimicked playing a piano like Nat King Cole: ‘Straighten up and fly right…straighten up and fly right…straighten up and fly right…cool down poppa don’t you blow your top.”  It’s a song about a buzzard taking a monkey for a ride in the air.  Now, while in flight, the buzzard tries to throw the monkey off of his back.  (Click the picture for more lyrics.)

Wherein lies the premise for this week’s blog.

I know the lyrics of this song is a stretch in comparing just how many people soar through life’s journey mounted on the wrong set of wings, heading in the wrong direction, about to crash and ending up choking on past failures and unrealized illusions.  Those of us who are Believers in Christ should seek to know what His plans are for our lives.  That way, if we adhere to His plan, we are way ahead of the game, and less likely to go off half cocked.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  Ephesians 4:16

What if you don’t have a clue of what God’s will is for your life.  Well, I’m glad you asked. 

Allow me to render the following suggestions that are germane, whether you are a Believer or non-believer.  These points will help you determine if you are operating on God’s time or your own.

• Regardless of what age you are, reexamine your life’s true accomplishments. Ask yourself if they were true contributors to your success and to the benefit of others.
• Were these contributors of success truly recognized by others and expressed in a complimentary and audible way to you. In other words, did anyone else validate what you believed you saw in yourself.
• Along the way, did you listen to your inner voice that prompted you to explore, exercise more faith, or to seek others advice.  Ask yourself; how did I respond.  Did I always do it my way?

I intentionally posed those points above because did you know that all of us have dozens of hidden talents and abilities.  Hopefully, during some phase of your life you have tried to participate in things you have never before tried.  You know that old saying, ‘Try it, you’ll like it’.  It doesn’t matter how old you are now, because you should never give up or stop experimenting.  Scripture reminds us to always consider our hearts and personality:

“Each one should test his own actions.  Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry is own load.” Galatians 5:4. 5

God gives each person at least one gift and to others, many gifts.  Experts say you should not try to figure out that gift(s) until you have experienced a number of things in life either physically or through studying about it.  You may even benefit by taking a personality test.  And don’t forget there is a lesson to be learned in your failures.  Pastor Rick Warren says people rarely see God’s good purpose when there is pain or failure or embarrassment.  But Jesus had this to say to Peter when Jesus washed his feet:

“He (Jesus) came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’  Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'”  John 13:6, 7

Finally, we all have a spiritual obligation to live within the plans God has for our individual lives.  He will richly reward us if and when we do.  This is true because if we don’t abide you will lose the path to God’s understanding of what is that good and perfect work.   It’s like running a race or practicing for some event.  If you don’t exercise your muscles they weaken and become useless to you.  In other words, you either ‘use it or lose it’.

God’s plans are truly an undeserving gift to us which allows us to soar like an eagle…not a buzzard.  And God’s eagle will never try to throw us off its back.  All we have to do is straighten up, seek Him, trust and rely on His word and operate with a cool head and not  blow our top when something so easily besets us.  (Get the picture?  Now does the song make sense?)

Those persons operating under their own strength will lose it and their reward will be a lie that crumbles and fades.  Therefore…

Scripture Lesson:  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.  I Timothy 2:15

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

Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.  “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied.”  So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house.  Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”  2 Kings 5:4, 9, 10

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

For the past 3 weeks, the Holy Spirit has placed me in a situation where He has instructed me to observe, listen and proclaim the Name of Jesus Christ to total strangers.

How swwweeeeet is that!

(Honestly, it has been more than a few years since as a  member of a few churches, I participated actively as a member of the Sunday School teaching staff, the Board of Christian Education, the church building committees, a leader/teacher for special bible study classes and workshops, a member of the Deaconess Board, and an activist and International missionary traveling to more than ten countries throughout the world for ten plus years.)

You see, as I have aged, my health has diminished, and my church participation has dwindled, also.

But through it all, the Lord has been with me, and some years ago, He promised that He would never leave me nor forsake me.  More personally, the fact that I could no longer participate in foreign mission travels to help spread the gospel, upset me the most.  However, in that vein, I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit say that from now on, He would send weary souls to me.  And certainly, during these past 3 weeks, the third part of the Holy Trinity has been working over time in my life.

Let me explain…

This week, as I searched the scriptures to get a clearer understanding of how God was directing me to write this blog, he laid it upon my heart to re-read the following scriptures concerning a valiant soldier in Aram named Naaman (not an Israelite) who was healed of Leprosy by Elisha, an Israelite prophet:

“Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.  She said to her mistress, ‘If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria!  He would cure him of his leprosy.’” 2 Kings 4:2, 3

 (I won’t use this space to retell of the first 3 incidents that happened between me and 4 perfectly total strangers during the past 2 weeks.  You can read them for yourself by scrolling backwards through my last 2 blog titles to read about those amazing encounters.)

What happen this week was even a more challenging situation.  And that’s why I found myself praying and asking God if this was another one of his ‘virtual mission trips’ that he had scheduled for me to run interference for him.

It all happened the other day at my daily hospital visit for treatment… 

You see, I am under the care of my physician who has scheduled 16 radiation treatments for me during the next several weeks.  To date, five of these treatments have been completed. During that time, I have come to know my administering lab technicians very well.  The other day, just prior to treatment, one of the technicians engaged me in a conversation and inquired of my past work history and where had I traveled.  I briefly mentioned my 28 years of employment, as well as the names of several foreign countries I had visited as an international missionary.  She was astonished!

A second technician was readying the lab room for my treatment and was not participating in our conversation.  However, on my next treatment day, when I arrived for lab work, and was seated all alone in a private waiting room, that second technician entered, shut the door and seated herself beside me.  She looked weary and began asking me how I had managed to do so many extra things in my life and how I had paid for all of my travels.

(WOW! I thought.  This is just like the other lady I blogged about earlier.  It’s an opportunity to witness for the Lord to one of His sheep.  And it does not require for me to preach like Paul.)

But this time the circumstances were more direr.  The technician briefly explained her need to earn more money, to re-examine her field of employment and also her obligations to family, a special needs woman-child, as well as her life choices as a single mother.

As we began to walk towards the examination room, time did not permit us to converse in depth, and I did not have an opportunity to impart too many encouraging words.  However, before I left the hospital, I slipped a business card in her hand and suggested that she call me at her convenience and we could continue our conversation.  I assured her I was there for her and wanted to be of assistance, if I could.

Epilogue… 

Here’s the part where the ‘Naaman Story’ comes into play.  I’m not saying that the Lord is using me as the girl from Israel, the king of Aram, Naaman or even Elisha the prophet.  I’m just sayin’ that I believe that the Lord has whispered into the ears of the total five strangers He has sent my way and said to them, ‘I hear your cry, and your desire to change and to do something more productive with your lives, and I will send you to one of my servants to direct you on the right path.’  Therefore, I’m claiming the position of being that ‘servant’…The Master’s Servant…just as I proclaim that position as the very last words in each of my blogs.

Consequently, I am asking my followers to be prayerful in this situation, and to submit their comments and suggestions, and pray that Our Heavenly Father will use me in a mighty way, and order my steps to proclaim His holy Word, until my traveling days on this earth are over.

Please know, as these situations continue to happen in my life, they are drawing me closer and closer to Him and the power of His might.  For now, right here in the United States is my mission field…where of I am glad.  To God be the glory.  Amen!

It is my prayer that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will be acceptable to my God as I earnestly attempt to minister to those sent to me my Him.

Scripture Lesson:  “I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and be glad.  O magnify the Lord with me; and let use exalt his name together!  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”  Psalms 34:1-4

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

What do you know about cars?  For one thing, did you know how inefficient they are?  I had to laugh out loud when I learned that cars take up a huge amount of space on this earth but get driven around mostly empty.  Government statistics have shown that the private car in the United States carries only 1.6 people in them per trip!

Okay, I know what you are thinking…What does the above trivia piece of information about cars have to do with participating in a conversation with God using Scripture?

Well, I’m so glad you asked.

Today, as I was traveling up the highway, heading to the Half Price Book store, to purchase a book by Linda Page entitled Healthy Healing, I decided to turn on my car CD player.  A highly popular gospel tune by Reverend Hezekiah Walker entitled  “Every Praise” blasted out from the speakers and immediately the beat caused me to sway with the rhythm and to pat the steering wheel as though it was a drum as I drove down the street. (Click below, skip the ads and watch the street performance of Mr. Walker.)

A few customers were in line in front of me, so I took this opportunity to turn aside to examine some for sale items on a shelf while at the same time still humming “Every Praise”.  Just then a strange thing happened.  I felt something pressuring against my back.  I turned and to my surprise, I was facing the customer that was ahead of me in the checkout line.  Immediately, I apologized for bumping into her, but she smilingly corrected me and said she purposely leaned back to hear what I was humming because it sounded so soothing and gave her such joy to embrace my happiness in this troubling world.

(WOW!!! I immediately thought, Lord you are doing it again.  Just like last week.  You have opened another door to present Yourself to me and to others and to give me an opportunity to witness.) 

The next thing I knew, we were both giving God praises and thanking Him for his ever presence in our lives, seen and unseen.  (You know He loves to travel incognito.)

NOW, all I want to know from you is this…

What radio station is permanently set on your car radio?  Or what artist’s music CDs do you tote around in your clove compartment for entertainment?  Do you realize that this sanctuary place of yours can become an arsenal of ammunition to prepare you to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Read the verse from 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV) below:

Jesus said, “I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to.”  John 17:4   Can we, too, recite those words before the Almighty?

PROLOGUE…

Today, I feel good!…doo-dah…doo-dah..doo-dah…doooo!  WHY?  Because God allowed the actions of three young complete strangers to bless me real good.  Big as day!  In all of His glory.  Smiling.  Silently.  Just chillin’.  He said to me, “My child, I know your plans for today and I’ll be with you.”

Okay.  I’m not crazy.  But I did, I did see Jesus…where of I am rejoicing.  Here is how it all played out.

HIS FIRST STILL SMALL VOICE…

This past Wednesday morning I met with my contractors and went shopping for a lot of materials to renovate a rental property I own. Afterwards, I stopped by the Sears Outlet store in my town to examine a refrigerator I had seen advertised on the internet.  The young sales person who assisted me was extremely polite and explained that the refrigerator I was inquiring about was not at her store, but actually located in another city.  However, she was anxious to show me another refrigerator that she thought I would like much better.  And the price was sweeter, too.

As we walked towards the  appliance display area I informed her of my intent to pay cash for the unit.  The sales lady immediately began to exclaim how she wished she could get to the place where she could buy big ticket items for cash, but with her family obligations, her small salary and her daughters college tuition, she did not see herself becoming financially secure for a very long time.

(I immediately thought, Lord, how can I witness to this woman?)

As we continued to walk, I listened to her recite how extended family members, needy friends, poor money habits, job hopping and other money grabbing situations had put her into a mountain of debt with no savings plan in sight.  By this time, we had reached the ‘for sale’ refrigerator with a sign that read ‘take an extra 10% off’.   I immediately made a calculation that if I purchased this model I would save an additional $200.  WOW!!

I was overjoyed and in my enthusiasm, I looked at the sales person and exclaimed; ‘you have blessed my soul today.  The Lord has truly used you in His plans towards me this day.’  The clerk looked stunned and her eyes got big.  “What do you mean?  What did I do?”

“You went an extra mile,” I said to her.  “Just before you returned to the store from your lunch brake, two other sales girls had looked up on their computers the first refrigerator I wanted and told me it was not in stock.  They both dismissed me, and I started to leave the store.  But, just then you darted in the front door and one of the other sales girls called to you to assist me.  The rest is history and you have made a cash sale and the Lord has provided me with a better deal, and I have saved some money.”

“Wait!  You mean, the Lord had something to do with this?” the sales clerk asked.  “Yes, He did,” I said.  “And He used you to perform it.”

“I don’t understand,” was her response.

“Remember, earlier, you were explaining how you are having trouble managing your money?”  Well, I believe the Lord wants to show you that if you trust Him, He can surely help you manage your income and to direct you on how to make better decisions about financial matters.”

“You see, I am a believer and a missionary and trust the Lord in all things,” I told her.  “And for the life of me, I can never beat God giving on my behalf.  He’s awesome. He’s full of surprises and today He used you to bless me.  Further more, I know, if you will allow Him to work in your life, He will do the same for you.”

The Sears sales clerk did not say much to me after that.  But she was softly smiling all the while she was writing up the sale.  As she handed me my receipt, she said, “I’ll definitely  remember what you said.  Thank you for your wisdom and advice.  Have a wonderful day.”

I left the store glorifying the Lord.  My short, silent prayer request was instantly answered.  The Lord had set up an opportunity to bring in another one of His sheep into the fold.  I did not have to preach like Paul or scold or condemn.

All I had was the here and now! All I had to do was show some love and compassion.  All I had to do was to spread the Gospel.  And to let people know that what God has done for others, He will do for them.  The Holy Spirit will take it from there.

HIS SECOND STILL SMALL VOICE…

Just before returning home from my shopping trip I decided to stop and get something to eat.  I chose a fast foods taco restaurant and indulged my self with a drink and 2 crispy supreme beef tacos.  As I looked around the eatery, I observed 2 young African American  men as they conversed in their booth while awaiting their order.  They were engaged in a lively conversation full of laughter and slang expressions and having a great time.

But here is what surprised me.

After they retrieved their food orders from the front counter and had returned to their booth, they both bowed their heads and whispered a long silent prayer.  As I watched, I smiled and thought, God, you are still definitely on the scene.  I appreciate Your presence in my life and in the life of these young men.  Praise and thanksgiving is not dead.

Just before I left the restaurant, I walked over to the young men’s table and asked if I could address them.  I commended them for giving thanks in a public place and asked the Lord to continue to bless them.  They both smiled and returned the blessing.  And one of them exclaimed to me that he was a young deacon in his church.

To God be the glory.  And may we all accept our Devine Assignments while here on earth because all we have is NOW!  Yes, to God be the glory for the things He has done.

And How’s your day been?  😊

Scripture Lesson:   It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus’ and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephesians 2:10

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

This week I was reading Pastor Rick Warren’s book entitled The Purpose Driven Life when I received a ‘stay-at-home’ lunch invitation from God.  There were no ifs, ands or buts about it.  My invitation was sent special delivery.

To be honest, at first, I was not aware of what (or WHO) led me to the book, but I was compelled to open and browse through it after reading the sub-title printed on the bottom of the book cover:  “What on Earth Am I Here For?”

So, I opened the book and the page fell on Chapter 12; “Developing Your Friendship With God”.

As I began to read Chapter 12, all I could think of was alphabet soup!  I reference soup because as I have shared with some of my readers, I have been going through a layer of sicknesses that according to the doctors I will be facing for some years to come.  Some home remedies have been suggested that I change my diet and begin consuming lots and lots of soups and salads.

Personally, I was praying and asking the Lord to examine my motives, frame of mind and service to Him.  I was reminding Him of His many promises of contributing comfort and care for His people.  I was seeking a closer walk with Him and His plans for my life.  In other words, I wanted reassurance of our friendship.

God’s response to me was written in the first sentence of Chapter 12:  “(My child,) you are as close to God as you choose to be.” (p. 92)  The Holy Spirit continued to speak and He said; I AM your friend and always will be.  It is up to you to develop your friendship with Me.

THUS BEGAN GOD’S RECIPE FOR OUR LUNCHEON MEAL:  ALPHABET SOUP(*)

(*) And Pastor Warren’s chapter 12 provided our divine recipe.

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED OUR LUNCH TOGETHER.  TRY THE SOUP…YOU’LL LIKE IT!

Scripture Lesson:  Draw close to God and God will draw close to you.  James 4:8a

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

Examine My Heart, Lord!

Now that’s a scary thought!  Especially now, when all eyes and ears are glued to the television…watching the 2020 Impeachment of the President of the United States of America!

Is your heart steadfast on Jesus and His Word?

Are you reminded of the Names Isaiah (9:6) ascribed to Our Coming Lord and Savior: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Are we depending on Him to sort things out?

Are we remembering the scared charge given us in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)? “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Where is our faith these gloomy days?

I want to encourage all who are under the reading of this blog to take courage!  Rejoice! and again, I say, Rejoice!  Continue to draw men and women, boys and girls to our Savior.

Let your hope be unto the Lord God Almighty.  Let your trust be in Him who created the Heavens and the Earth.  Let your hope be vested in a Higher Entity.  Let not your heart be troubled.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the USA.  Amen

Scripture Lesson:   Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who has made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.  Psalm 100:1-5

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

“Use me, oh, Lord, until you use me up!”

Isn’t it amazing how God raises up certain individuals to do his bidding?  I’m not just talking about imminent tasks, but events that will not happen for generations to come.

And what is more amazing is that when God sets his plans in motion, he rarely changes his mind.  In other words, in God’s sovereignty, we are to understand and believe that God can use anyone or anything to achieve his divine purpose.

I remember a time when I was much younger that I wrote a poem entitled “A World Of Make Believe”.  How unlike God I was when I wrote down my thoughts.  The poem went like this:

Oh, but to be free, oh, but to be 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 that ruled over all the lands, all the people and all the seas.

 Bah!  Tis nothing but fantasy with no depth neither reason nor cause; for truly I am satisfied just the way things are.  Nevertheless, something inside me is crying out aloud: “Seek love, adventure and excitement and you will thereby obtain power.”

“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 to song.”  Yes, because life is not always a pleasure it causes many-a-woman to dream.  To manufacture make believe of which things she holds high in esteem.

Bah!  Tis nothing but fantasy with no depth neither reason nor cause;  for truly I am satisfied just the way things are. 

Well, obviously, I wasn’t satisfied just the way things were, and that line about ‘power’, strictly rubbish!  The only true thing in the poem to date is that I have traveled to far off places and visited cities anew.

My point is simply this:  When God decided to announce the future for his world, he was very specific as to who would deliver his people, Israel, out of bondage from Babylon.  God chose Cyrus.  God had already shown Isaiah (41:25) this man who would be from the northeast.  And Scripture says that God revealed this man’s name more than two centuries before he conquered Israel from Babylon and the Medes.

Cyrus was a pagan Gentile king who some say was a foreshadow or Jesus Christ.  God put into the mind of Cyrus, King of Persia, not only to deliver Israel from Babylonian captivity, but to also assist them in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.

Oh, how I wish that my forethoughts could be so destine to impact the future.  How I wish I could hear more clearly from on high and be more of a true servant for our Lord and Savior.

Please don’t misunderstand me.  God has done marvelous things for me whereof I am mighty glad.  I just want to be used more and more by him.  My prayer is ‘order my steps in your word, King Jesus, order my steps in your word’.  For I am truly available to You.

Always remember, just as God used pagan kings to deliver his people from bondage, he can use you and me.  Amen!

Scripture Lesson: 

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

(WWJE) What would Jesus eat?  Savor the flavors the Savior tasted!

Did you know that God has a sense of humor?  I found that out a long time ago and the Holy Spirit and I shared a lot of laughs.  But recently, I had been anxious about a lot of things and it made me kind of out of sorts with myself.  Let me share with you my predicament.

Within the past week, I had to endure an impending surgery.  The procedure had been scheduled to be performed after the 2019 year-end holidays and I was good with that.  I celebrated a milestone end of November 80^th birthday party; entertained a host of out of town relatives; made lavished accommodations at a popular hotel; partied with a celebrity group of friends and loved ones; and received lots of gifts, cards and congratulations.

During the Christmas season, I received rave revues on a church Christmas play I directed and performed in, along with twelve other ladies from my Sunday School class.  I also gave and received a bundle of lovely Christmas gifts.  And finally, I brought in the New Year on my knees.  Life could not have been better…thank the Lord!

Now its January 2020, and since celebrations and holidays were over, I decided to dedicate some quality time to prepare myself for the scheduled surgery.  I had full confidence in the power of my Lord and Savior to pull me through the ordeal, so most of my meditation time was spent in communing  with God through A-C-T-S…adoration; confession; thanksgiving; and supplication.

I told very few people of my medical condition, but did assemble a group of 6 people (including my Assistant Pastor) to accompany me to the hospital for prayer on the morning of the surgery.

WITHOUT A HITCH, ALL WENT WELL WITH MY OPERATION IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE NIGHT BEFORE, MY E-MAIL ACCOUNT WAS HACKED AND ALL OF MY SENT, STORED AND SAVED INFORMATION WAS PERMANENTLY DEPLETED BY THE CULPRITS.

That act alone, almost knocked me off my prayer mantra…”Be not dismayed what ere betide.  God will take care of you.”  Now here’s where the humor part comes in.

A few convalescing days after the surgery, I heard the Lord distinctly say, “My child, watch your diet.”  My response was quickened with a response of, “Oh, Lord, what’s food got to do with it?”  Later that evening I went out to a restaurant with a friend and had a delicious crab cake dinner.  Boy of boy, was it yummy!

THE NEXT DAY, I WAS SICKER THAN A DOG AND CONTEMPLATING RETURNING TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OF THE HOSPITAL…IT WAS JUST THAT BAD!

No, I didn’t hear God say, I told you so.  He’s not that kind of God.  But I was led to research several books in the Bible that listed foods, because with some sicknesses, the body can heal itself when those foods are digested.

God was trying to tell me that everything I am eating is not good for my digestive system nor my health.  So, I am making an appointment with a dermatologist to have an allergy test.  I know that the Lord is looking out for my best interest and my only hope is that I am listening and will receive His instructions.  (All I can say is ‘make it plain, Lord, make it plain.)  The older I get, the thicker the wax gets in my ears.  And believe it or not, when I grabbed my herb book entitled Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss, it automatically opened to information on the herb Angelica.  It said, Tea made from this herb dropped into the eyes helps dimness of sight and into the ears helps deafness.” (P. 199)

     “God”, I said…”You’re funny!” 

Below are some Bible Scriptures I found that seemed as though God sent a message directly to me:

 Bible Verses about Food

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