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Grandmother or five; retired 55 years; Property Landlord; Buckner International missionary for 10 years; struggling unpublished memoirs writer of non-fiction personal life events!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 Is No Respecter Of Persons

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There are times when not only do I want to converse with God, but God wants to converse with me.  In the past, I recognized those times when Daddy was on the line, but often I was too busy doing something else, so I said, I’ll call you back.  Well, in short order I recognized just how dangerous that could be.

blog god has no respecter of peresons

WHAM!!  Everything I touched after that call, was like riding on a Ferris Wheel.  Going around in circles.  Accomplishing nothing.

News Flash!

Don’t you know that God has an arsenal of obstacles that he can place in your path that will trip you up, big time.  So, take my advice and don’t even try it.  Program your phone with a special ring that identifies our Father’s call and do not allow it to ring more than once before you answer it. He always has something vital to say.

That was the case in June 1983.  I had just returned home from a highly inspiring weekend women’s retreat in Massanetta Springs, Va., and was still ‘high’ on the Lord even after 4 days.  I was walking around my home thinking about just how I could ‘bottle’ or immortalize all the excitement, energy, enthusiasm, hope, love, reverence and joy we had experienced.

Believe it or not, I was even calling on the Lord for answers.  Sure enough, He was responding by calling me, but my phone was busy (gossiping with other girlfriends), or I was out shopping (with credit cards), or casually discussing the matter with a familiar face in the mirror (my own) who hadn’t a clue about nothing.

Yes, I was guilty of ignoring the very Source that I had called on in the beginning.

Well, He got tired of it and laid me flat on my back.  After becoming totally exhausted, I resorted to the couch and fell into a deep daze.

blog god has no respect er of persons

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I surrendered.

That’s when God said get up and grab your pencil and paper because I am about to turn you into Isaiah.  Just like I heard his cry, I have heard yours.  I was with all of you women at the retreat and I heard, seen and felt your compassion and love towards Me.  And you, my child, also saw Me high and lifted up sitting atop that hill in Massanetta Springs, and an ole rugged cross depicted My glory.

  The Old Rugged Cross

 So I did just what He said…arose, grabbed my pen and began to                                   write…paraphrasing Isaiah 6 beginning at verse 2.

Around the cross stood the female saints  each one holding two hands of two others; and each one having a multitude of prayers on her lips.

And one cried out unto each of us, and said, Pray, pray, pray to the Lord of host.  He’s got a job for you to do out there in the world; and he’s waiting on you to fulfill His will.

And a hazy light begin to appear above the cross as God opened the door called Morning and the atmosphere became filled with His glorious dew.

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a woman who’s been playing church.  I have not completely aligned myself with the Saints of God:  for this morning my ears have heard and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.

Then went I unto one of the Saints whose total being was on fire for the Lord, and as I took her hands in mine, they felt like live coals:

And the Holy Spirit laid it upon my heart and said Lo, ask your sister to pray for thee; and thine iniquity will be taken away and thy sin purged.

Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Eat the Word least I chew you up and spit you out.  Then fell I upon my knees and said, I will eat the word.

And he said, Get up, Go, return to your church and remember your promise to me; for if you do, I will surely reveal the scriptures to you and you shall have wisdom and understanding and you shall see me at work in you life.

You shall have power in teaching my babies and they, too, will yearn for the word; and I will open up their ears so they can understand.  I will close there eyes to the distractions around them and they shall look beyond the trash and tinfoil of this world and see only me.  And the parents will see the change in them and bring them forth to be baptized.

Then said I, Lord, how long must I eat the word and how long must I teach the gospel?  And he answered, Until the cities become more humanized and God fearing, and the inhabitants learn the power of prayer and the households are without strife and the land is filled with love.

So that no matter where the Children relocate to, if they should stray, there will be someone there to show them the way, thus many shall return, even a tenth, and shall be stronger and more faithful in their service then before.

And that tenth shall be like the mighty teil and oak trees with their leaves shaped like the hearts of man, bearing wing like fruit in all seasons; and when the inevitable comes and the leaves shall fall and the physical seed shall be planted for the last time:  Thanks be to God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and with the glorious forgiveness of every sin; our spiritual seed shall live on and continue to bear fruit for the Lord until He comes again.  Hallelujah!

Don’t you see…God’s response to my inquiry had been divinely answered with precise results and named rewards.  Who could ask for anything more?  Why had I been so stubborned in the beginning by thinking that I could resolve my own problems.   Click the video picture below and take a few minutes to review just how God is no respecter of persons.

Scripture Lesson:  Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy 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 Perfect Gift Of Understanding

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God’s Perfect Gift of Understanding. Jesus! To know God the Father is to know Jesus.

We have all just gone through a season of giving and making new resolutions.  No doubt you made a concerted effort to give God ‘a present’ for the bountiful blessings you received last year. You appreciated your ability, with his help, to ‘almost’ keep those resolutions you vowed in 2018.

First, count your blessings and name them one by one. Then, take a pencil and paper. Specifically write down the ‘gifts’ you gave to God for all of his input in the mix. I can guarantee you, you did not outgive him. Nor was whatever gift(s) you gave him as surprising and original as his gift to you.

Let me share with you the gift God gave me.  It was awesome.  And I did not realize my gift until I started to write this blog post for you this week.

I reviewed the materials I posted in the last two blogs. I said to God these words, “I guess You have finished talking to me about the mystical signs on the dollar bill. You are also through with the 13 five pointed stars above the eagle’s head. Now for this week, what do I need to blog about?”  Immediately, God responded with scripture:

“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ  Jesus.”      Philippians 4:19

I also knew where to find the method. The attitude required of us when we fellowship or ‘give back’ to the Lord is clear.  In Micah 6:8 we find:

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Start a club with your friends. Come together to learn about Jesus.

Why have I frozen.  Speak, Lord.

 Just after I had finished typing the last word in the scripture above, I sat staring at the computer.  I said to myself, why have I frozen.  Speak Lord, thy servant is listening.  Immediately, I began to recall last week’s blog about the number 5 and its numerology meaning.  The number 5 represents God’s divine grace, mercy, goodness and favor toward humans.

And guess what!  Those two scriptures that the Lord had put into my psychic were a biblical numerology of the number 5!!

Now, in biblical numerology, single numbers can be a conglomerate of several numbers.  For example, 4 + 1 + 9 = 14, and 1 + 4 = 5.  God’s Grace!

Look again at Philippians 4:19.  It actually equals the biblical numerology number 5.

The next example is, 6 + 8 = 14, and again 1 + 4 = 5.  God’s Grace!

Look again at Micah 6:8.  It, too, actually equals the biblical numerology number 5.

You see, if you lean not unto your own understanding, but lean on God’s understanding, he will reveal to you the secrets of his knowledge and his wisdom.  He will also reveal his gifts to you.  What do you understand about the 23 Psalms?  (Exactly,..2 + 3 = 5.  And the 23rd Psalms is full of God’s grace, mercy, goodness and favor towards humankind.)

If you search your own biblical knowledge, I am sure you can come up with a number of scriptures that add up to the numerology number 5 and that depict God’s grace towards humans.  And don’t forget our extremities: 5 fingers per hand, 5 toes per foot, 5 senses, etc.  The biological creation of man was no accident either, folks.

What a blessed Christmas and New Year’s Gift I received from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He constantly shows me just how much He loves me through His word.  I love to have conversations with Him using scripture, and like Enoch, walk with Him in the cool of the day.

God’s final surprise for me was when he reminded me of John 3:16.  He said, My child, I leave you with a two-fold double whammy.  3 + 1 + 6 = 10 and 1 + 0 = 1 (God).  When I allowed my Only Begotten Son to come to earth  for 32 years, 3 + 2 = 5, to deliver you from death, hell and the grave, those two fetes alone represented my Grace and Mercy BIG TIME!!!!!

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Oh yah and Amen!!  You Rock, God!!!

Scripture Lesson:  And they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer.  Psalms 78:35 (7+8+3+5=23 or 2+3=5)

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

 

 

 

 

God: My BFF

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized5 Comments

blog god: my bff selfie pic

  Hello God, our Beloved. Your beloveds are sending You a selfie.  Be sure to comment and reciprocate.  Thanks 

Who among us have not declared in so many words this expression;  “God Is My Best Friend Forever”.  Or, if you are a man, you might have said; “God Is My Co-Pilot”.  Or if you are a sentimentalist perhaps you declared; “Jesus Is All The World To Me.”

Oh, how inspirational to hear those unabridged words proclaimed by persons who love the Lord.  But, do they, really love the Lord?  Do they not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk?  Will God respond back to them in the same vernacular?  What I want to know is this…Is everybody on the same page?

Well, there is a very interesting story in the Bible where ten people who were all headed in the same direction, with the same goal in mind, thought they were going to meet up with their BFF, but only five were successful in doing so.

Check out the following parable:

(1) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (2) And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. (3) They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: (4) But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (5) While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. (6) And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. (7) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. (8) And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. (9) But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. (10) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. (11) Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. (12) But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (13) Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:1-13)

Question:  What in the world were the five foolish virgins thinking?

I asked God that question in my prayer time.  You see, I love to converse with Him on His own terms.  He often doesn’t answer me right away, but He is always on time.  In this incident, I was actually researching more information on the mysteries of the design of the one dollar bill…that part about the cluster of the 13 five-pointed star arrangement just above the head of the eagle, when ‘Google’ took me to the story of the ten virgins in Scripture.

I believe I ended up at the ten virgins story when I entered the words “5 pointed star” in the Google web browser…you know…’5 wise’ and ‘5 foolish’.  What popped up was an explanation for the number five.  Immediately, I also sensed God’s presence in communicating to me the fact that even though the Founding Fathers were attempting to illustrate that the 13 five pointed stars represented the initial 13 colonies; and the stars represented the celestial; and that the number 5 represented God’s grace, good health and marriage for all those brave souls who migrated to the New World for a new beginning, He had another purpose in mind.   There was no doubt in my mind that the Great Communicator felt that the Bible and not the dollar bill offered a much more penetrating and practical story with the ten virgins seeking marriage to depict humanity’s trek and good fortune into God’s New and Eternal World!!! (*)

blog god: my bff ten finger star

The Five Pointed Star, Designed With Ten ‘Virgin’ Fingers

HALLELUJAH!!!  LET’S TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO EXPLORE THE MESSAGE AND EXPLANATION GOD COMMUNICATED TO ME CONCERNING HIS OFFERING OF A PERFECT MARRIAGE AND HIS PREPARATION FOR A PROSPEROUS AND BRAVE NEW WORLD.

In the first picture above we see that the two best friends declare that they both love God and consider Him to be their best friend forever.  In the Scripture above, we also see that both the five wise and the five foolish virgins are approaching their Bridegroom (BFF) carrying their lamps (based on the Commandments) and expecting their lights (which represents the Law of the Torah) to be acceptable to Him.

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law (Torah) is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of (eternal) life:”  Proverbs 6:23)

Of course you know that the life of Jesus, who is God incarnate, is our lamp and fulfilled all of God’s commandments.  Jesus is the Light (Torah) of the world.  John 8:12; 9:5

Now, the Scriptures also tell us that five of the virgins were foolish.  This means that even though they had lamps (knew the Commandments) they were not exercising the law (Torah).  Or said in another way, living out the Law; or better yet, on the same page as Jesus.

Now let’s regress to the 13 five pointed stars on the dollar bill.  Notice that the stars are surrounded by brilliance.  Question:  Does your star shine brightly into God’s universe?  Does your life style represent God’s grace, a good healthy and sober life and a marriage-like commitment to God’s Word?

Check yourself.  Make sure you are on the same page as our Lord and Savior least He says in the end;  “Depart from Me.  I never knew you!”

(*) Note:  You realized that God alone is the Master Storyteller.

Scripture Lesson:  “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you…” (Matthew 7:21-23a)

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

God Provides Innovative Ways To Spread The Gospel

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Blog God provides innovative ways dollar bill 2

Blog dollar bill back side

       The U.S. Dollar is the most powerful currency in the world

Who doesn’t love money?  Who, in their life time, will not handle or spend money?  Who hasn’t talked about, invested, lost, earned, saved, deposited, exchanged, buried or stole money?  Need I say…Nobody or Everybody!!

Well, who would have thought that God would use the design of the American dollar bill to make it possible to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

God did this by first using the intellect of the founding fathers of this nation to commission the design for the Great Seal of America.  As you may know, the Great Seal has infused within its design many magical symbols.  Some historians and others believe that the reasoning for this was because several members of the founding fathers were Freemasons (or of similar persuasions) and subscribed to this school of thought.

Great Seal of the United States (obverse).svg  Great Seal of the United States (reverse).svg

The Great Seal of the United States:  Front and Back Imprints

But I believe that because the Great Seal of America was used as a pattern to design the dollar bill some centuries later, the tradition of using magical symbols to depict the destiny of America was incorporated.  And that’s where God stepped in.

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First, let’s examine the official symbol for the dollar.  As you converse with others about the Good News, your reference comes from Numbers, chapter 21 in the Bible.  The Israelites who began to speak against God were severely punished.  God sent fiery serpents to bit them.  Then God instructed Moses to make a fiery serpent image and place it on a pole.  Anyone who looked upon the pole would be cured.  Later, the design reference for the official symbol for the dollar, included the fact that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was placed on a pole and all those who looked upon Him would receive eternal life.

Next, notice the Greek alphabet letter above which means “Omega”…in Christianity it means the end of things.  God is the beginning and ending (Alpha and Omega) of things.  God alone holds the past, present and future for the American nation…NOT George Washington.  Please note that it is Ole George’s portrait that is placed within the image of the Omega alphabet sign on the face of the dollar bill.

On the reverse side of the dollar bill there are 7 words written beneath the two roundels (circles):  “The Great Seal…Of The United States.”  Also, the English word ‘One’ appears 6 times and 1 time in Latin (unum, on the eagle’s upper wing) for a total of 7.  And as you know, the number seven is held extremely sacred in the Christian religion.  Seven denotes the completion and triumph of Spirit (3) over matter (4).

By now, I hope you are experiencing  the joy and excitement one can receive when holding a dollar bill and explaining it’s origin and design to a wayward traveler, family member of friend.  For me, I just want to shout the written words, “In God We Trust”, after I carryout this godly assignment of conversing with Him and others.

The last bit of information I want to leave with you is for you to take a look at the unfinished pyramid.  Examine it closely with a magnifying glass.  Not only is it unfinished, but there is famine vegetation growth in front and plenteousness vegetation at the rear.  This represents the present state of the world now.  And feast and famine will continue to reign until the return of Christ Jesus…the ‘all seeing’ Eye within the tip of the pyramid.

There are many more signs and symbols depicted on the face of the American dollar bill, but those explanations will have to wait until another blog post.  Research and explore the dollar bill for yourself…you just might learn something and be blessed as you have your own conversations with God using Scripture.

Blog God uses innovative ways to spread the Gospel pic 4

Plant seeds by using innovative ways to spread the Good News!

Scripture Lesson:  Preach the word of God; be prepared in season and out of season; rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instructions.  2 Timothy 4:2

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

God Walks and Talks With His Own

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Did you know that as you walk and talk with God on a daily basis, it will distinguish you from all others?  I found that out a long time ago.  I also found out that without applying faith to the still small inner Voice that occupied my consciousness, I was treading on sinking sand.

Let me explain.  In my early years of conversion to Jesus Christ and His righteousness, I carried into the mix a large suitcase filled with my own way of resolving problems, conflicts, ideas, people, pursuits, etc.  I struggled with the fact if I were putting a ‘Jesus’ label on my actions, why wasn’t anything working out for the good.  I even prayed to God and questioned His ‘responses’.  I was losing so many battles that one day I said…”Really, God!”

It was during that time of defeat (and perhaps my surrendering), that I was led by the Holy Spirit to read Proverbs 4:1-7.  There, it talks about wisdom…God’s Wisdom…not my own.  The verse that stood out for me and has since become my epithet was verse 7.  “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding.”

I thought I knew it all and all I needed was God’s stamp on my ‘indecisiveness’.  That was definitely the wrong ‘understanding’.  In another scripture, God describes how he will test His people to see whether or not they will follow His instructions and not their own.  “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you.  The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.  In this way I will test them and see whether they [understand and] will follow my instructions.’” Exodus 16:4

The word ‘bread’ in scripture is a reference not only to God’s nourishing provisions of food, but also for God’s providential expression of Truth…God’s Word given to us through the life of Jesus Christ.

As I said earlier, as we walk and talk with God on a daily basis, that is, feast on his daily bread, it will distinguish us from all others in God’s eyes.  I am now standing on solid ground.  Amen!

Blog Standing on solid ground.jpg

Standing on Solid Ground

Scripture Lesson:  “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8

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

God, In His Wisdom, Chooses Crackpots

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Free stock photo of broken pot, jug, pot

So You Think You’re A Crackpot!…Good!

Did you know that during the past 4,000 years of civilized history, the Chinese have generated numerous proverbs for almost any situation in life.  And one of these proverbs have brought me to my blog post for this week.

Just the other day, while searching my computer files, I ran across an old ‘saved’ file of prose and poetry.  In it I discovered a Chinese proverb about two cracked clay pots that I thought you might like to hear.  Why?  Because subliminally, the conversation message therein had ‘God’ written all over it!

Honestly, I do not know whether its author, Confucius or another ancient sage mystic was inspired by the Holy Spirit when he was meditating and eventually wrote down his proverbial thoughts, but the message in his wisdom of intent is certainly straight from the mind and wisdom of God.

So, included below is some good old Chinese wisdom.  Take a look for yourself and you be the judge to weather or not you see the hand of God.

crackedpot orig  An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, which she carried across her neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.

“I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”

The old woman smiled, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path but not on the other pot’s side?

That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.”

“For two years  I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.  Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”

Moral of the story…

Each of us has their own unique flaw…But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.  You’ve just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

So, to all of my ‘crackpot’ friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path.

My final word of Chinese wisdom gleaned from my files: “A man’s faults all conform to his type of mind. Observe his faults and you may know his virtues.”

Do yourself a great big favor and take the time to send this message to all your friends who have a cracked side.  (And only God knows just how many we are!!!)

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Even the color of flowers have meanings, especially Tulips

Scripture Lesson:  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

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

God Allowed Me To Be Creative And To Set His Word To Poetry

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Ruth and Naomi, Pieter Lastman, 1624

Ruth, loyal daughter-in-law to Naomi

Sometimes, God allows me to do my own thing when I want to remember or get a better understanding of a particular story in the Bible.  I often look for key words or draw the storyline on paper; like when God is building a wall that specifically describes each right and left turn or the particular distance a character travels and which side of the city he/she decides to settle in.  I’ve learned that by doing this it helps me know in advance whether the construction or trip will bring feast or famine for the laborers or travelers.

This method of study was put into motion while reading just a few short verses in the Book of Ruth.  “In the days when the judges ruled...” was my first clue.  If judges were needed, then God’s people are making poor decisions and everybody is doing as they see fit.  In this case, Naomi’s husband, Elimelek was guilty.  Next, “…there was a famine in the land.”  Now, whenever there is a famine in the land, it indicates that nobody is calling upon the Name of God and/or everybody is disobeying God’s Word.  In other words, nobody is ‘eating’ God’s Word.  So, without saying so, the story is indicating to me that Elimelek did not consult God before making his decision to relocate to Moab.  “So a man from Bethlehem in Judah,…”  why on God’s green earth would a man of God want to leave Bethlehem, which means ‘house of bread’ and go to a place called Moab without praying about it first?  Don’t forget, Moab was the name of Lot’s first-born son by his own daughter!  (Not a good union.)

So, since the Book of Ruth only consisted of four chapters, I decided to set it to rhyme.

                         “Naomi’s Adversities Became Ruth’s University”                                        (A poetic synopsis of Chapter One)

Naomi was an Israelite pilgrim, depicted in the Book of Ruth.  She shared the biblical storyline with a Moabites who came to know Truth.

Naomi, her husband, Elimelek, along with two sickly sons, left their home in Bethlehem-Judah in search of a distant, far away region.

What necessitated this journey?  Why did a famine engulf their land?  Was God punishing His people?  An unruly, stubborn and immoral clan.

Eventually, all arrived safely in Moab, a land situated east of the Dead Sea.  But not long afterwards Elimelek died and what was once four became three.

Now, as the story goes, in due season, sons Mahlon and Chilion married.  One wife was Orpha, the other Ruth.  Still ten years later both women were barren.

Death came calling claiming both boys, just as it had claimed their father.  Alone, Naomi sat to grieve and fret, her comfort:  just two Moabite daughters.

By and by Naomi regained her strength and decided to return to Bethlehem.  The Lord had lifted the famine, and both daughters desired to go with her to give her a hand.

Naomi insisted that they not follow, but return to live with their own kin.  She thanked them for their loyalty and prayed new husbands they’d win.

So Orpha kissed Naomi and said, adieu, but Ruth wept and clung mightily.  Ruth said, “Where you go I will go, your people and your God are mine, too.”

The two ladies arrived at Bethlehem to warm greetings from far and near.  ‘Mara’ was the name Naomi chose to reintroduce herself to her peers.

God had dealt very bitterly by taking her husband and two sons.  She had to bury them down in Moab, she couldn’t bring them home to Judah.

 

So, to my readers, if you have never experimented with this form of learning God’s Word why don’t you give it a try.  It will increase your ability to run ahead of the story and  guess the ending before it happens.  But best of all, our divine Teacher, The Holy Spirit, will began to  trust you with and to anoint you with a better and deeper understanding of God’s Word.  (You may have already noticed God uses a lot of shortcuts in His writings.)

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Just like your Creator…Experiment in learning God’s Word…Be Blessed!

So all you poets out there get started…God is leaving it up to you to make His word plausible and digestible for all peoples.  Remember what the Disciple John said:

Scripture Lesson:  “Jesus did many other things as well.  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”   John 21:25

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

God Can Change Your Name, Too!

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Blog - God Can Change Your Name, Too!.jpg

But do you really know your new name in God’s Galaxy?  When He calls will you answer?

This is a true story, folks.  One day, many years ago, while studying the Bible, I noticed that in the Old and New Testaments, for many of the characters listed therein, either God or Authoritarians of conquering nations of the Israelites would change their names.  And when God changed a person’s name it was generally to what or to whom that person would become.

For example: Abram to Abraham; Sari to Sarah; Jacob to Israel; Pashur to “terror on every side”; Solomon to Jediah; Daniel to Belteshazzar; Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to Shadrach, Meshach and Abaednego; just to name a few.

So, on that day while reading the Bible, I looked up from the pages and I audibly spoke to God by whimsically asking, ‘Lord, when are You going to change my name’?  He responded instantly and said, ‘My child, I have been seeking you out all your life’.  At the time, that response did not register into my psychic.  I had no idea what God meant.

But later on, some years later, I was reading Isaiah 62:12

”And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord:  and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.”

Everything became clearer after reading that verse.  My mind (psychic) put two and two together.  That’s your name, I said to myself.  Sought Out!  Remember, the Lord said to you some time ago, that He had been seeking you out all your life.  WHY?  Because you were born a sinner and did not know you needed Him.  Jesus has been running behind you and tapping you on the shoulder and inviting you to run with Him.  You are not forsaken!

Oh, my god!  I had been reading the Bible because the stories excited me and I wanted to be able to tell them to others; but my motives were all wrong.  So, I now read the Bible to acquire a better understanding of the Son of God, to get to know Him and His message of salvation.  I yield.  I yield.  What must I do to be truly saved!  Those were the words I prayed as I put on the full armor of God.  I knew I needed Him to help me to flee from death, hell and the grave.  And to become an heir of His Kingdom and eternal life.

Yes, in a twinkle of an eye, my name, my body and my soul was changed that day.  My new name is Sought Out.  I claim it and strive with open arms to be ‘found’ in Him.  I have even placed His Name on my vanity license plates on my car.  It reads, “My Jah”.  Translated it reads, “My God”. (I can get away with using one of God’s Names on my license plate because most people do not know what “Jah” means.)  So, let’s keep it our little secret!  Jehovah is His Full Name!  And my license plates help me to witness to all who inquire ‘what does your license plates mean?’.

Psalms 68:4 reads:  “Sing unto God, sing praises to his name; extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.”

For now, I am riding on the highways and byways.  Later it will be on the streets of gold.

I now have a new lease on life and I want you to have one, too.  If you have never asked the Lord what your new name is, then, its high time you did so.  There is definitely a name change for all believers.  Read the verse below:

 Scripture Lesson:  Revelations 2:17  God says, ,”To the one who conquers [death, hell and the grave] I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him [or her] a white stone, with a new name written on the stone which no one knows except the one who receives it.”

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We are all the Lion of Judah’s Children and He knows your name!  Just ask and it shall be given.

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

God Initiated “A Fresh Start”

On By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

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A Fresh Start With A Gifted Living Tree Of Life…Free of Charge

Okay! So now that Thanksgiving is over, let us now enter wholeheartedly into the Yuletide Season.  No, that’s not a biblical scripture verse, but it could be.  However, I don’t recall the Holy Spirit directing me to compile a ‘Gospel According To Mother Fowler’.  No way!  No how!

I’m just calling your attention to the coming 2018 Yuletide Season (which, as you know refers to Christmas) because our Lord and Savior reminded me in my prayer time to take “A Fresh Start” in celebrating His birthday this year and not to become complacent.

Most of us enter the Yuletide Season with great expectation of receiving and/or giving gifts.  Sending Christmas cards to friends and loved ones or perhaps visiting them whether near or far is another activity normally scheduled.

But if the truth was told, how many of us actually stop to ‘count the many ways’ principal norms were forever changed when that little bitty Baby was born to Joseph and Mary in a stable over 2,000+ years ago in Bethlehem.  How many people realize that such an Event would offer the world “A Fresh Start”?

Let us count the ways….

One of the most famous discourses in scripture given by Jesus is the Sermon on the Mount (better known as the Beatitudes) which is recorded in Matthew and ends with the following verse:  “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” vs. 7:28

I would definitely say that God initiated “A Fresh Start”…wouldn’t you agree?
 
For one thing, the teachers of the law of Moses quoted other rabbis to support their own teachings, thus validating their teaching authority as coming strictly from human beings and traditional norms.  Jesus, on the other hand, spoke with divine authority and credited all of his actions, thoughts and instructions as coming from his Heavenly Father, God.
 
What can we learn from Matthew 7:28 and how can we apply “A Fresh Start” for this upcoming 2018 Yuletide Season.
 
For one thing, we cannot overlook the word ‘amazed’ in the verse.  The amazement was not a good thing.  Jesus’ presentation style and new way of teaching and to whom he cited as his authority left the people perplexed and bewildered.  So when Jesus had finished teaching these people on the mountainside He moved on from there and eventually returned to his own hometown of Nazareth.  He begin teaching in their synagogues and (you guessed it) they, too, were not only amazed [vs. 13:53], but they took offense [vs. 13:57].
 
“But Jesus said to them, ‘Only in their own towns and in their own homes are prophets without honor.’  And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” (vs. 13:57b-58)
 
Epilogue:  You and I may not be ‘prophets’, but we are called ‘Children of God’.  And what Jesus may be trying to tell us Kids is we should make “A Fresh Start” this season by not only giving and receiving gifts; visiting and socializing with family and friends; and giving ourselves “at-a-boys” at the close of the day.  But just maybe we should take the time to revisit the true ‘Reason for the Season’ and Who made it all possible and why.
 
So, when you wrap that gift, slip a scripture verse within the folds of the wrapping paper.  Or during your visits, ask if you can bless their home or the food that will be served by mentioning the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Announce to your family and others that you love them just as Jesus loved us.  
 
Make a sacrifice this season by making “A Fresh Start” in spreading the Good News about that Little Bitty Baby born in Bethlehem.  Amen!
 
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Make A Fresh Start by spending time with Him. Refresh your memory.  Then share.
 
Scripture Verse:  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16
 
Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from the Master’s servant manager…ME!   
 
 

God Provides Healing Words For Those Who Suffer

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized4 Comments

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My previous blog was about your anatomy…’Dem bones.  This week I decided to converse with God about aches and pains of the anatomy.

It’s easy.  But it sure can hurt.  What am I talking about?  Just our bodies…especially when aging sets in.  The easy part comes as we learn how to be at peace and in ‘good’ health (tolerating it) even when our bodies are hurting and racked with pain and troubled with disturbing thoughts and our spirit is questioning our faith.

In other words, although we have put our physical dilemmas into the hands of medical professionals, we should also look at God’s word and discover how to get to the real source of the matter and arrive at a better health position.  For me, that’s easy!

With the help of the mind of our Master Teacher, the Holy Spirit, I will attempt to convey to you what the scriptures have to say about applying a certain reasoning to why Jesus used so many examples of life’s infirmities to teach on how to be blessed, highly favored  and content when all hell is breaking loose around you.  Here we go!

 
 
Scripture Lesson:  The following synopsis comes from several verses in two chapters in Matthews 4:23 to 5:12.
 
While living down here on earth, we ought to always be salt and light    in the world regardless of what physical, mental or material state we find ourselves in.
 
In order to be disciples of Jesus Christ, our ways and demeanor should bring illumination and savor (preservation) to our fellow man.  Constantly living in a manner befitting the atmosphere of the Kingdom of God.

  

Did you know that the word “Blessed” means more than just happy?  It has a broader meaning.  It takes on the ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the kingdom of God.

So, Jesus is referring to the broader meaning of ‘blessed’ when He says, ‘Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, who mourn and who are meek.’  Why?  Because they keep their minds dependent upon God and not the world physicians.  They are sensitive to their spiritual faults and seek God’s help, favor and comfort during their infirmities.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness’…why?  They have a deep longing for both personal righteousness and justice for the oppressed.  Thus, taking a lot of stress off of their bodies and mental state.

‘Blessed are the merciful’…why?  They both forgive and have compassion for others.  When you are sensitive to God’s forgiveness it frees you from feeling guilty and brings comfort to and removes stress from caregivers and others.  Thus, taking your mind off of yourself.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart’…why?  Those persons have no guilt trip as they engage in their devotion to God while on their beds.  Subsequently, they are spiritually able to feel Gods presence instead of concentrating on their woes.  Offering a heart of thanksgiving for the many blessings God has given you.

All of these qualities or emotions allow us to bring peace to ourselves and others even while on our beds of affliction.  BUT, hold on…wait a minute…It’s also a ‘catch 22’ situation…why?  Because it can also make us vulnerable to persecution which could put us into a ‘pity-party and bring on more ill feelings’.

Precious Jesus reminded me in our conversation that He also teaches…

‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the Children of God.’  Here on earth, our only reward may be to be called “Sons and Daughters of God”.  And we may have to physically suffer while experiencing God’s kingdom rule while here on earth by becoming a peacemaker, thus proving our fitness for the kingdom.

Kingdom Rule…

Jesus wanted to make it clear to his Jewish audience and to us that with this new teaching style, He did not come to abolish The Law of Moses.  (That some consider a bunch of rules with dire punishments.)  But to say that it was not enough to be righteous according to the Law…you must be righteous according to what would Jesus do.

WWJD?  You know the answer to that…Take up your cross (your idiosyncrasies; pain, suffering, disappointments, enemies, etc.) and follow Him.

My two cents is simply this…”Sickness and infirmities can come about through bad habits, weak constitutions, exposure to danger, crimes, accidents, birth defects, sin, malpractice, etc., but while experiencing sickness it can also reveal attitudes, values and motives which must be dealt with and transformed if human beings are to be truly in harmony with their bodies and with God.  (See Matt. 5:19-48).

Be encouraged and give thanks!

                      HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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