Author: Sonja

Child of the King; Christian WP Blogger; Grandmother or five; retired 55 years; Property Landlord; Buckner International missionary for 10 years; struggling unpublished memoirs writer of non-fiction personal life events!

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

On By SonjaIn 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 SonjaIn 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 SonjaIn 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 SonjaIn 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!   

God Invites Us To Come

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Prayers For Spiritual Growth4 Comments

All of my life, God has been tenderly calling me to come.

(This is an updated re-blog of a true event in my life that helped me to consummate my relationship with the Lord.)

Today is the first day of the rest of my life!  And life (especially eternal life) comes from the Son of God…Christ Jesus and what He did on the cross!

When I was a child, growing up in the church back in Illinois, one of my favorite Sunday School songs was “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling Thee Home,” by Fanny Crosby a blind Methodist hymn writer.  My sister and I used to sing that song in two part harmony.  We were pretty good, too, if I must say so myself.

Although, my family was Baptist, my sister and I and our father used to perform gospel music in a variety of other denominational churches in our town upon their invitations.  Dad also sang bass in his men’s octet group called the Benevolent Gospel Singers.  Their group performances were somewhat famous because they secured a contract to broadcasted locally for fifteen minutes on WDAN Radio station every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.   I remember walking down the dusty roads in our town on Sunday mornings, heading to Church with my siblings on a bright and sunny day, while listening to the 8-part harmony of the booming male voices of the Benevolent Gospel Singers. You could also hear them slapping their thighs as they metered out the rhythm.

Two people on their way to Church on a Sunday morning.

How was that possible you might ask more than seventy years ago.  Well I’ll tell you.  All the houses along the street in the neighborhood had their doors and windows open to collect the warm summer breeze and as my family walked along the sidewalks towards the Church we could  hear the voices of my dad and the other men blasting aloud from the radios of our neighbors all the way to church.  The music would be coming from their home radios.  I want you to visualize 5 little children jumping and strutting along to the rhythm of the gospel songs.   Happy as a lark.  Strutting to the beat or our dad as the Good Lord invited us to come and be a part of His family. What precious memories I have of those childhood days.

 Children on their way to Sunday School

The Holy Spirit Called Me a Second Time…

You see, not only was God calling me from the doorways and windows of houses as a child, but when I grew up, He was also calling me from the jitterbug floor of my favorite nightclub.   As a young adult in Motown (Detroit, Mi.), one Saturday evening a few of my girlfriends and I went out for a night of dancing.  We stayed out late and into the wee mourning hours. We had a good time.  The next day was Sunday and I had to be at church because I was the church clerk and had to read the weekly announcements to the awaiting congregation.

While sitting in the pew and bidding my turn to speak, the Sister sitting next to me kept  turning towards me and sniffing me.  Finally, she whispered, my sister, you smell like smoke!  Fear ran through me and I started to tremble.  (The night before, at the club, everybody was smoking cigarettes and that smoke was in my hair.  (For the record, I was not smoking.) Although I had bathed in preparation of Church, I did not have time to wash my hair.  My perfume and hair spray was no disguise!  But what was more frighting, I heard a silent-still-small voice say; ‘You cannot serve two masters.’  Now I realize that God was calling me even then.

Ooops! You smell like smoke!

Okay.  So I have been very transparent with my readers today and do you know why?….because what God was actually conversing with me was this message…Come as you are but don’t stay as you are.  You know the scripture verse: “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” I Corinthians 13:11)

Please pray for me that I will forever be on the battle field for the Lord. And I will do likewise for you. Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come; and he who is hearing — let him say, Come; and he who is thirsting — let him come; and he who is willing — let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

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

 

God Showed Me Agape Love…Jesus Christ

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized6 Comments

                       Click to hear “Love Lifted Me” by Alan Jackson

Come and go with me down memory lane.  I have soooo much to be grateful for.  This morning God reminded me that although I was once young, but now that I am old, I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor my seed begging bread. (Psalm 37:25)

How about you?  Did you wake up this morning with God on your mind?  Did you allow him to have a little talk with you before you started your day?  All I want to know is this,  did you count your blessings this morning.

Well I did!

And because I did, that is…count my blessings…I changed my ‘Good morning prayer’ to the Lord.  Instead of asking Jesus to bless my family, friends and those He would put in my path today, I implored Him to receive my gratitude for allowing me to be an instrument of His love today.  For trusting me to go forth and to represent Him today.  To seeing fit for my family, friends and others to call me to let me know they feel my prayers and concerns for their wellbeing.  I thanked Him for putting that childhood song in my heart as a reminder of when…

“I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore.

Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;

But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me.  Yes, Agape love lifted me.  When nothing else could help…

Image result for love lifted me images

         LOVE LIFTED ME”    Pix For Music Notes Clip Art Free  Amen!

So, this morning was my time to reflect, to let go, and to let God do the talking.  He continued by reminding me of how he had snatched me out of moving traffic on a busy highway when my car stalled.  He reminded me of how he had saved my brother from sustaining mortal wounds from the Vietnam war.  He reminded me of how he had consoled my aches and pains during troubling times.  And he reminded me of how he had snatched me from the pulpit area where I was standing on holy ground in the form of a counterfeit Christian…still holding on to unconfessed sins.  (That was when I spared your life, he whispered!)

Processed with VSCOcam with g3 preset

Don’t you know, my Child, that the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.  You have acted foolishly in (a lot of ways during your lifetime.  And indeed, for a long time you have been at war with your choices.) (The emphasis in parenthesis are mine.) (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Yes, My Lord.  And now, thank you because you have opened my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.  (Psalm 119:18)

But thanks be to God, He closed our conversational time together with these words:

“For such as be blessed of him (God) shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good (wo)man are ordered by the LORD: and He delights in his/her way. Though (s)he falls, (s)he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholds him/her with His hand.  (Psalm 37:22-24)

Scripture Lesson:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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

God’s Word Reveals How To Be A ‘Christ-centered’ Tolerant Person

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized3 Comments

Blog - God's WordDefines 'Tolerance - Key

The Key That Unlocks Indifferences and Intolerances

How many keys does your keychain hold?  Do you know which key unlocks which door?  Did you know that love is the key that unlocks the door to becoming more Christ-like and tolerant towards others?

To help you remember that last sentence, your assignment for this week is to purchase seven plastic keys with chains and seven small red hearts.  Then pray about finding seven people (friends, family members or even strangers) who appear to be in need of ‘some lovin’ and prayers.  Offer them a key/heart chain set like the one in the photo.  Pray for them on the spot and let them know what door the key unlocks and that God loves them.  Invite them to get to know Someone who can help them be triumphant over whatever trial and/or tribulation they are facing.  Let them know that whenever they touch their key chain, they are opening a door that accesses a God who cares.

The reason I am asking you to pray first before approaching anyone is because the Holy Spirit wants to be allowed to lead you to people who are holding prejudices against others.  Cover them in prayer with God’s blessing and move on.  Yes, God’s word teaches tolerance BUT with limitations.  Allow the Holy Spirit to do the revealing.   That’s why laws were made!  Laws were made to give instructions on how to legally operate under rules and regulations.  In other words, laws are our guide.  Trust the Holy Spirit to be your Guide and to do his job!  Never condone an action that Jesus rebuked.

Blog-God on tolerance card pic

Note on card reads:  “One day you will learn how to give and receive love like an open window and it will feel like summer every day.”  The Apostle Paul says it better in Philippians 4:12-13.  And this scripture is in reference to both Paul’s physical needs and his social relationships.

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (*See Note below)

So remember, Love should be displayed when compromising, BUT not to the degree of  indecency.   In accordance with the Love chapter in I Corinthians 13:3-5, “Love does not behave indecently.” Also,  “Who ever practices vile things hates the light (of truth).  Matthew 23:13-14

The Lord closed our conversational time together with these wise words:  Those churches who tolerate counterfeit members must consider instituting godly standards which are outlined in I Corinthians 5:11-13.  Basically, remove the person(s), from any prominent position in the church, but allow that person to return to his position once he or she has repented and changed their ways.  See Ezekiel 18:23 and Proverbs 1:33.

P.S.  You might need to keep one of the key/heart chains for yourself if you are harboring any intolerances or prejudices against anyone.   I’m just sayin’! 

*Note:  (Life for the Apostle Paul and Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was NOT ‘no crystal stair’.  They had to know when to accept a person’s actions and when to call them out!  They had to submit to both tolerance and intolerance of other’s behavior.  They knew how to suffer rejection, disrespect, being lied on, beaten, prison and eventually killed!  They trusted wholeheartedly in the aide of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in this spiritual battle, you must do likewise.   To read more on this subject, read last week’s blog.)

Scripture Lesson:  “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”  Ezekiel 18:23

“…but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”  Proverbs 1:33

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

God Has A Plan and A Remedy For Wounded Warriors

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized10 Comments
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                                               Release Your Dilemmas

How many suggestions have you received from well-meaning friends, lecturers, gurus, media or family members and counselors advising you to write down your pain on a piece of paper and then burning it or just throwing it away?  I personally have suggested that a person jot down their mental dilemmas on a piece of paper, stuff it into a helium balloon, go outside and release it into the air.

(One female participant in the exercise swore that a stubborn balloon that refused to catch an air wave and ascend upward, struggled unsuccessfully to return to earth and to occupy her mind-set again.  She said that it was only after she screamed at it and called on Heaven’s angels to command it to flee, that she was victorious in ridding herself of her demons.) …I would say that was a serious Sister!

So, my question is; whichever method you deployed, to rid yourself of worrying, did it work?

God has a plan!

For Christians, the Holy Bible is a road map on just how we should handle fretting, worrying, anxieties and pity-parties.  Listed below are just a few scripture references:

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop:  but a good word maketh it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalms 55:22
“Cast all of your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

 

Honestly, no matteBlog-God Has A Plan for Worryingr how much you pray, quote or memorize those scriptures, unfortunately it’s hard to banish intrusive and negative thoughts from your mind.  But fortunately, there is a way you can tackle and flip your fears into compliance that leads to a positive solace

First, let’s examine the mantra of a children’s bedtime story about a little engine that could.  If my memory serves me right it was, “I think I can…I think I can!”  Now, is that your mantra or is your motto, “If something can go wrong, it probably will”?

Let’s kill Kill-Roy!

The latter kind of catastrophic thinking is deadly and depletes your mental resources of embracing any positive turn of events.  I’m certain you have heard all the above rationales before concerning how to curtail worrying, but what about those negative and crippling memories that you have forgotten you buried?  Those are the culprits I want to address.  Why?  Because nine out of ten times, baptized believers are guilty of clandestinely bringing those types of silent unresolved issues into the church body and wreaking havoc within the congregation clandestinely.

God enlightened me at VBS

Recently, during my adult Vacation Bible School class, I heard the teacher refer to these types of church members as  ‘wounded warriors’.  He also taught that there was hope for these struggling saints who unknowingly fostered resentment and pain against others.  The teacher compared their situation with Christ Jesus’, Who was also a Wounded Warrior, but in a much more productive and positive way.

The biggest burden for Christ Jesus, mankind’s Supreme Warrior, was ‘The Hour‘.  Also referred to as ‘My Hour’, or ‘The time’.  Jesus was fixated on getting the timing right, the place right, the reassurance confirmed that this was exactly the sacrificial act  His Father wanted Him to perform.  The heavy burdens and cares that Jesus Christ bore were all for somebody else…US!  The suppressed burdens we carry are often malices against ourselves and/or others.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

The example Christ Jesus gave me in our conversation about this subject was an incident He had with His Mother.  ‘When My Mother worries, my child, I worry.  And there was a time when She was afraid that a party We attended would run out of wine.  ALL I HAD TO DO TO DEFUSE THE MATTER WAS TO TURN THE PHYSICAL (6 jars of water) INTO MY CLEANSING BLOOD (sweet wine).  All everybody in attendance had to do was to draw from it and drink!  For My yoke is easy and My burdens are light!’  (Matthew 11:30)

In conclusion

As I said earlier, most of us don’t even realize we are carrying old unresolved baggage in our hearts and minds.  I implore you to find a quiet and safe place where you can go to center yourself and have a little talk with Jesus.  Ask Him to reveal your ‘wrinkles’, your bumps and bruises, your idiosyncrasies from your childhood to the present day.  Find two or three friends who you can confide in and who know how to call on the Name of Jesus, and who you have heard confess intimate situations in their lives.  In other words, find some ‘healed‘ wounded warriors to walk with you.  For where two or three are gathered, in the Lord’s Name, He is in the midst.  (Matthew 15:20)

God requires more of us than just to except justice, be merciful and love kindness.

Follow these three steps, remember Jesus’ Mother’s dilemma and you will be operating in God’s plan with a remedy:

  1. Look up:  Engage the Holy Spirit and repent.
  2. Look inward:  Guard your personal wellbeing by confessing Jesus Christ and employing His teachings.
  3. Look outward:  After you have been set free, help your community of sojourners find their inner strength.

Scripture Lesson:  “Let your gentleness be apparent to all.  The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:5-7

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

 

GOD IS CALLING YOU…WILL YOU ANSWER?

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized3 Comments

                            https://youtu.be/y7yN6QtedHc (Click to view) (*)

Sometimes when God (Jesus) wants to converse with a person He calls their name twice.  For example, “Moses! Moses!” (Ex 3:4) or “Martha! Martha!” (Lk 10:41), or Simon! Simon! (Lk 22:31) or “Samuel! Samuel!” (1 Samuel 3:10).  Why is that? Could it be because God wants their undivided attention?  Or perhaps it’s because God wants to impart a truth/revelation that impacts the entire universe of people.  OR IS IT BECAUSE OTHERS ARE CALLING OUR NAME, TOO, AND GOD WANTS TO SEE IF WE RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE AND WILL ANSWER HIS CALL?

I, personally believe it is the latter.

Let’s take a closer look at the calling of Moses.  In Exodus 3:4 we read:  “God called to him from the bush and said, Moses, Moses, and Moses said, ‘Here I Am’.”  How does those sentences actually read to you?  Is Moses saying to the ‘voice’ here I am over here OR, over here…I Am!

I bet none of you chose the latter expression.  That’s because when the scriptures were translated from the Greek to the King James Bible the English punctuation marks were incorporated…sometimes mistakenly or in error or not at all.

God, however, rejoiced to hear that Moses recognized just Who it was that was calling him.  Well, maybe not altogether…but at least Moses used God’s real Name…I AM.

Let’s continue with God’s conversation with Moses in Exodus 3:5.  “Do not draw away.  Take your shoes from your feet, for the place were you stand is holy ground.”

Through my in depth conversations with God using scriptures, here is how He has interpreted the above verse for me.  ‘Moses, concentrate on this moment only, fear not.  Remove from your mind all other distracting thoughts.  You have truly recognized Me by the power of the Holy Spirit and your total being is holy ground.’

[As an aside thought, did not Jesus have a similar conversation with Nicodemus one night?  Nick was not born of the Spirit, therefore he could not see God, nor did he know God’s real Name.  Nick addressed Jesus as Rabbi!  The very presence of the burning bush (fire) indicated that Moses was full of the Holy Spirit!!!  Thus Moses knew who God was because he had been drawn from the water and was now communing with Fire!  Jesus had to inform Nick that a man MUST be born of water and the Spirit!  And this feat does not require the womb.]

(I know this is heavy stuff and to some, even far fetched, but I’m led by the Holy Spirit…not man.)

Now please allow me to digress a little bit more.  Many of us have said, ‘When I get to heaven, I’m going to ask God why……..(fill in the blank with your question).  Well, during this conversation between God and Moses, Moses did not have to wait until eternity to question God.  Moses was meeting face to face with God and he was not taking any chances.  Moses knew that lessor gods could also perform supernatural feats and since that bush was not being consumed by fire, Moses wanted to make sure that it was the work of the Almighty.  Moses also wanted his God to proclaim His identify for Himself.

IF YOU, TOO, WILL LOOK AT THIS BIBLICAL INCIDENT THROUGH A NEW LENSE, YOU MIGHT ALSO COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL ETERNITY TO ASK GOD ABOUT THINGS THAT TROUBLE YOU DOWN HERE ON EARTH.  WHENEVER YOU RECOGNIZE THE CALL…HEAR HIS VOICE…BE IN HIS PRESENCE…JUST A-S-K HIM ANYTHING THAT SO EASILY BESETS YOU!!!!

Then answer His Call!

But first, make absolute sure you are communing with the Heavenly Father of all Creation.  Also begin to preference your thoughts with the Names of God.  Not the names that man gives to occupations.  (For God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.  John 4:24)

Don’t take any chances of the enemy slipping in.  Even when you respond to the question of what is your name.  Say, I AM _________ (fill in your name here).   That way you cover yourself with the Blood of Jesus.  Stop saying, ‘My name is ________.’  (This phrase denotes a nomenclature that man gave you.)

My Conversion and Response to the Call

Jesus called my name many, many yeas ago.  I almost missed it.  God called me by a name nobody had ever referred to me as…God called me ‘SOUGHT OUT’.  (Isaiah 62:12).  Like Moses in the video referenced at the beginning of this blog, I rolled my eyes to the left and to the right.  I looked over my shoulder, I glanced upward.  Like Samuel, I went through my house asking everybody and anybody if they had called me.  (1 Samuel 3:8).  Finally I turned to the Great I AM.

“It is I,” the Lord said in my heart…Then I replied, “Speak, Lord, thy servant is listening.”   “You have been Sought Out to do my bidding,” the Father replied.  (The rest is history!)

Yes, I answered the call!  And my fervent prayer is that one day He will say, “Well done, my beloved.  You have been faithful over a few things, now enter through the gates of Glory and take a seat beside Moses, Martha, Simon and Samuel.”  AMEN.

(*) Note:  The book Moses and the Burning Bush can be purchased on Amazon                              The Youtube video is 1:47

Scripture Lesson:  “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God Requires Us To Do Some Research

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized13 Comments

Try to find the fifteen bible book titles in the story below

Today, my name is Mrs. Sherlock Holmes.  Let’s pretend that I am the wife of Mr. Holmes, who was a fictional character created by a Scottish writer named Arthur Conan Doyle.  My husband first appeared in a novel as a “consulting detective” in 1887.
I, personally, appeared on the scene as a “consulting detective” in 1965 when the Holy Spirit queried me on my relationship with the Father.  (Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you?  Acts 19:15).

Even though I was young and inexperienced, many parishioners, laypeople, bible teachers, family, friends and seminar students sort me out to debate or converse with me concerning things of the bible.  And if I did not know or have a biblically based answered, I would research it and get back with them later.  A majority of the time, the Holy Spirit was with me and my response settled the matter.
Unlike Sherlock, I am not a fictional character, but I do have a Creator.  His Name is God.  He first appeared on the scene before anything was.  In other words, He was in the Beginning.
It was during those early years in ’65 I was infusing my spirit with bible knowledge, head knowledge, and methods and mannerisms from my pastor who was a gifted preacher, teacher and researcher of God’s holy word.  Those times of sacrifice have served me well.
So, are you ready to challenge yourself and play Bible Wordspector and search the bible story below to spy out fifteen names of Bible book titles listed from both the Old and New Testaments.
I have given you the results below to check your answers.  Whether you find all 15 titles or just a few, let this be an opportunity for you to have a little conversation with God and ask him to increase your efforts/desire to get to know him better by reading, meditating and memorizing his holy word through scriptures.
 
THE BIBLE
 
 
 
Once   some   remarks   were   made   about   hidden   books   of   the   bible.
It   was   a   lulu.   Kept   some   people   looking   so   hard   for   facts   and
studying   for   the   revelations   they   were   in   a   jam,   especially   since
the   books   were   not   capitalized,   but   the   truth   finally   struck   numbers
of   our   readers.   To   others   it   was   a   real   job.   We   want   it   to   be
a   most   fascinating   few   minutes   for   you.   Yes   there   will    be   some
that   are   easy   to   spot.  Others   may   require   judges   to   determine.
We   must   also   admit,   it   usually   takes   a   minute   to   find   one   and
there   will   be   loud   lamentations,   when   you   realize   how   simple   it   is.
One   little   lady   says   she   brews   coffee   while  she   puzzles   her   brain.
There   are   fifteen   bible   books.   G O O D    H U N T I N G
 (Read each word separately and find and connect the letters to form Titles)
Mark                 Luke              Kings               Acts     Revelations        James              Ruth         Numbers           Job                Amos            Esther          Judges      Titus       Lamentations       Hebrews

Hopefully, this exercise will help you to become more diligent in the service of the Lord.  By earnestly applying yourself to the knowledge of the contents of the Bible, you will not have to be ashamed when you stand before your Maker.  I therefore encourage you to become an approved workman, correctly dividing the word of Truth.

Scripture Lesson:  “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

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