God Speaks To The Children, Too!

On August 30, 2018August 30, 2018 By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

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Train Up A Child…

There is one very important spiritual truth that every Christian church body should adhere to if they want to impact, in a positive way, the social order, mindset and worldview of their community. Surprisingly, it has to do with the gender makeup of their flock.

How many generations in your family are baptized believers in Jesus Christ? Is there an appreciative number of young people in your church congregation? I ask these questions because it has been said that the church is just one generation short of extinction! God also reminds us through his Word that this could be true for Scripture says: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he shall not depart from it.” Proverbs 26:6

One easy way to insure a lasting foundation in the mindset of our young boys’ and girls’ consciousness to always seek God and his righteousness is to decorate our Sunday school classrooms and corridors with five basic colors. If this was done, you would be amazed at how many biblical truths would be recalled and applied by the children as they wonder through life’s traumatic experiences. For as you know, the adult population of the church has the ordained responsibility to share God’s Word to the next generation in a meaningful and comprehensive way.

A few important discoveries and observations have been made by researchers and experts about the psychology and effects that colors have on moods, feelings and behaviors. It has also been reported that in addition to influencing physiological reactions, various colors are a powerful communication tool. Take for example the color systems used for traffic signs, traffic lights, rail road crossings, highway markings, street cross walks, national and international flags, emergency vehicles, etc.

As you can see, the world uses color effectively, so why not Jesus Christ?

The five basic colors that have been correlated to Scripture principles are: black, red, green, gold and white. When these colors are incorporated in children ministry it will make studying and learning much easier. It will also enable the teachers to explain biblical concepts and truths more vividly, which can be used by the Holy Spirit to change and direct our children’s lives in a more productive manner.

If the church’s goals are to impact social order, influence our mindset and introduce a positive worldview, than why not take a hint from the Prophet Jeremiah: “Rise in the night and cry to your God. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord; lift up your hands to him; plead for your children as they faint with hunger in the streets.” Lamentations 2:19 (Living Bible)

The color Black represents Sin. “For all have sinned, and come shot of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24

The bible clearly teaches from Genesis to Revelation that there must be a blood-sacrifice atonement for the remission of sin and no vegetable or grain offering would suffice. Genesis 3:15 announces the coming Savior, (…the Seed of the woman) as the ultimate sacrifice. Sin, which initiates from the heart of mankind, separates us from God who is Holy. Pray and ask Jesus for a contrite heart and an humble spirit.

The color Red represents the blood of Jesus Christ. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8

Romans 5:8 declares…”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And in another passage…”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 And yet another more personal passage…”I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22b Pray and ask Jesus to ‘find’ you and allow you to be His vessel.

The color Green represents your growth in the Lord. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

After salvation, you need to grow in the Lord. You also need to know that God keeps his promises and he is faithful and just to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9). While growing, you need to realize God will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). Additionally, we need to study to show ourselves approved (2 Tim. 2:15); pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17); and in an unequivocal manner know God’s plans for your life are that you prosper (Jer. 29:11). Pray and ask Jesus to order your steps in His Word.

The color Gold represents God’s purity. “The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.” Revelation 21:21

It is comforting to know that not only is God’s Holy City one of purity by design, but so are the Citizens of that City. Because of Jesus’ love for you, He is in Heaven at this very moment preparing a place for you whose streets are paved with gold. And where He is, there you shall be also (John 14:2-3). Pray to Jesus that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

The color White represents your purity. Your sins are forgiven. “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

All of your sins can be forgiven through your faith in Jesus Christ and the shedding of His blood on the cross at Calvary. The pencils depicted at the bottom of the picture are a reminder of how you can hold on to your faith. Find the black, red, green, gold and white tips, and recite their meanings. “Bind the words on your fingers; write them on the tablets of your heart (Proverbs 7:3)”. Pray to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you of your debts as you forgive those who have trespassed against you.

Scripture Lesson: Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Luke 18:16

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God’s Desire Is That We Come To Know Him Intimately

On August 23, 2018October 3, 2018 By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

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“We will know HIM by HIS fruit.” Matt. 7:16a (Revised)

If you had your druthers, which name at birth would you rather had been given; a name that distinguished you from other people or a name that referenced your inner most being

I realize that is a serious and tough question to answer because as we live, grow and breathe, our character changes. So, who really knows what or whom one will become. Moreover, its inconvenient and cost money to change a given name that you may not like or that you may not be able to live up to.

Let’s take a quick look at our Native American Indian societies that bestow names at birth on their new born infants that reflects nature. Traditionally, these names can change according to what a person’s accomplishments and experiences are as they go through life.

God’s names for his chosen people are like that…Descriptive. And our names for God should be like that, too…Descriptive, especially in our conversational prayer life.

As a person grows in God’s grace and mercy and begins to realize when giving thanks and gratitude, that it was all because of his Wondrous-working power, our prayer communications could be strengthened and become more intimate and fervent by addressing him with a descriptive nomenclature.

Isaiah 9:6 list five descriptive Names attributed to the coming Christ:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Webster’s dictionary defines “Conversation” as having an oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions or ideas. Since most of us at birth were given names that merely distinguished us from other people, we are not known by any recognizable goals or accomplishments we may have attained. On the other hand, every time we call on the Name of Jesus in prayer, by using one of his descriptive names from Scripture that addresses our prayer need, we know with assurance God has already shown himself worthy of that title. Thus the focus is off of ourselves and on the Great I AM, Lord! JEHOVAH!

Let’s look at a prayer I led on March 16, 1999 for a Women’s Prayer Breakfast where the focus was on divine intimacy with God. See if you can identify the numerous descriptive names attributed to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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“Can you believe it! I called and He answered me.” Job 9:16 (Revised)

Most Holy and Everlasting Father, Our Jehovah Jirah; We who are called by Your Name do thank you for all your provisions for our lives.

We praise you, Lord, because you are an Om-ni-scient God! Thank you. You know everything…you are infinitely wise. We also magnify and adore you because you are an Om-nip-o-tent God. All power is thine. Thank you. We continue in prayer by saying Hallelujah to your Name, this morning, because of your Om-ni-pres-ence. Yes, you are not only glorified here in this place, put you are reigning hemispherically. Thank you.

Because you are a God who forgives, we humbly ask your pardon in those areas of our lives where we have failed to put you first. For those times when we have marched to the beat of an alien drummer. Also, when we failed to respond to your call in the manner in which your Son and our Redeemer would have responded. It is during those times that we say, Lord forgive.

It is because of your kind heartedness and your undying love for your people we submit to you all those things that so easily beset us. Our cry this morning is that as Shield and Buckler, you will surely claim us as your own; you will rescue us from our persecutors and fears and that we will survive; that in our state of perplexities and confusion, you will lift us up where we belong and remove us out of the pits of despair.

When we find ourselves cast down and we are unable to get up, you will show yourself as our Rock and you will give us the courage and strength to bind Satan, in the Name of Jesus and thus we will not be utterly destroyed. Now Lord, as we come to the close of this prayer, may we always be reminded that no matter how devastating the circumstances, You are an Overcomer and have already put the enemy under your feet and have bruised his head.

So as our Strong Tower, armed with this holy knowledge, we endeavor to always be joyful; to pray continually; to give thanks in all things and to converse with you without ceasing; for this is your will for our lives. All these things we pray and ask in the Matchless Names of Jesus the Christ. Amen!

Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:10-11 And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Blog Four Praying Intimately and He hears, pic.jpg My Sisters in Christ Calling on Emanuel in song. Click the YouTube below to hear them shouting His Name in praises.

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

God Sends Out A Clarion Call For Workers

On August 9, 2018August 13, 2018 By SonjaIn Uncategorized2 Comments

There is a large sign in My employment office that says, “WELCOME!” This greeting is for all those who come through these doors seeking to be partakers of a Heavenly Calling in this earthly habitation called “World”. The qualifications are simple…your mission is to be molded and shaped into the likeness of the Apostle and High Priest of our profession; Namely, our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

I greet you in harmony in knowing that there is a better way; that faith without works is dead! and that faith without hope is like a hot coal being removed from the fire, placed on the hearth and watching it’s glow slowly go out. For you have come to realize that you cannot continue to grow in this Christian life alone. That is why you have darted into this employment office. You need the warmth, fellowship and support of each other and the right Employer to give you an opportunity to excel.

Blog Heavenly Hiring Frequently Asked Questions.jpg Okay…so you have questions.

First, you need to analyze, agree to, and equate to the Job Description. Know that you are applying for the position of ‘Discipleship‘, not ‘Welfare Recipient‘. You are to let go physically, emotionally and spiritually of all those things that so easily beset you and send you off on a tantrum. The job description is posted below if you choose to accept it:

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-33).

You may be wondering…”How can this be accomplished?” I’m so glad you asked. The Second thing is to repeat the First.

1. Know your job description by heart	Find it in the B-I-B-L-E
2. Know who your Supervisor is	His Name is J-E-S-U-S
3. Know what company policies are	They are called The T-E-N Commandments
4. Know what the consequences are if you do not perform.	Going to H-E-L-L in a hand basket
5. Know what your limits are and be willing and ready to accept change	I am not the P-O-T-T-E-R; I am the C-L-A-Y

The following is a Twenty-first Century Parable:

Moses received the Law, a Blueprint of what of do.
He and all the people knew who wrote those laws and who was their “Boss”.
But the Company of God, Inc., began to realize that the people could not follow the rules and regulations on a consistent basis. The Company also realized that the consequences and penalties were too sever.

So, a new policy was initiated–A BETTER WAY–and the only requirement printed in the job description was…”You must have faith!”…along with its derivative meanings and keep them.

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Revised Applicant Qualifications… (“Elysian” means blissful, delightful.)

Because some of the Ole Timers were so set in their ways and thought that the “Better Way” policy was so easy that there must be a fly in the ointment somewhere, they resigned and went to work in their same capacity at another firm.

But the younger whipper-snappers accepted the challenge based on the promises of the Employer…that He would put His Son in charge. And all the people had to do was to accept Him as the Supervisor, form a union (the Church) and begin to study the By-Laws (the Holy Bible).

You know the rest of the story; how Jesus has set an example that no man can top. How He did not just sit in His Father’s office and drink coffee all day, but came down among the workers. How He demonstrated His love by giving of Himself, tirelessly.

Nothing less is expected of us, Dear Readers of this Heavenly Calling, if we are to continue to be in the employ of this Company. We must begin to exercise our faith by releasing it to others and depending upon our Faithful God Father to keep His promise to make everything all right.

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Thank god I got the job! And He knows how I take my coffee…with 3 blood drops of sugar and no cream!

Scripture References: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews 12: 5b-6

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (former laborers), let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run (work) with perseverance the race (job) that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter (and Supervisor) of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:1-2

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God Places You Under The Tutelage Of The Holy Spirit

If I asked you the question, “When was the first time Jesus shed His blood for me?” you would no doubt reply thusly: While nailed to the Cross. My response to you would be, yes, but that was the second time. When was the first?

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……NO, NO, NO! DON’T ASK GOOGLE…GRAB YOUR BIBLE!

Before we expound on that, let me ask you another question; “Where in the Bible do you find the Lord’s Prayer?” The correct response, of course, is John 17. And it is in this chapter where our Lord Jesus Christ is praying to His Father that we will find the key to my first query.

John 17:17 reads: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Webster says, to sanctify means keep from sin. The Bible says we are kept from sin by the blood of Jesus (John 1:7). So, when Jesus prays to the Father to ‘Sanctify them‘, Jesus is saying, ‘shed My blood for (fill in your name)’! The latter part of John 17:17 also identifies Jesus for it says, ‘…by Your truth.’ “Your” refers to God and God’s truth is that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 2:22).

Consequently, a literal interpretation of John 17:17 could read thusly; Jesus says to His Father, ‘shed My blood for the people because I am your Son’.

Jesus is further identified in the latter part of the verse where it is written, ‘Your word is truth.’ The ‘word‘ was made flesh (Jesus) and dwelled among us. Scripture records that after Jesus prays this prayer mentioned in John 17, He prays again (Matt 26:39), this time in a more humanly and vigorous fashion. He asked the Father ‘…if it is Your will, remove this cup from Me’.

At that moment, God reminds Jesus of His Divinity and causes Jesus’ sweat to turn to blood drops (Luke 22:44). This was the first time Jesus shed blood for the remission of sin. God alone produced/purchased my salvation at this first shedding of blood. It was not the centurion’s spear that pierced Him in the side. (John 19:34)

…..GOD DID NOT NEED MAN TO HELP HIM CARRY OUT HIS PLAN OF SALVATION.

Therefore, the ‘cross’ incident was the second time Jesus shed blood and water for mankind for the remission of sin. (Trust the Holy Spirit…sit under His tutelage…you’ll learn something!)

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 4:1, 2

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“Listen my sons [and daughters], to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.” AMEN.

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

On August 2, 2018August 13, 2018 By SonjaIn Sanctification, Uncategorized2 Comments

God Reveals Five Important Facts To A Man Called Jonah

On July 24, 2018February 27, 2019 By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Did you know that there is an Old Testament Bible story about a prophet named Jonah that can help us to better understand Who God is and just what God can do? Actually, there are five very important facts, or shall I say lessons, that are revealed in this saga when a person disobeys God and attempts to run from Him rather than to do what has been assigned to his or her hands.

Yes, a prophet is a man or woman selected by God to whom he reveals his divine message to and then they are to go and share the message with others. Sometimes the message is good news and sometimes it is bad news. Whichever it is doesn’t matter. The prophet or prophetess still must deliver the message even if it means the people will get so angry that they will want to kill him or her.

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Sorry God, I don’t want to go!

Let’s focus: As you read in the Book of Jonah, you will see where God caused a great fish to perform like a submarine:

But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. 1:17

God caused a warring nation (Nineveh) to stop fighting long enough to listen attentively to a bed-time story as though they were little children:

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3:2

God caused the Holy Spirit to indwell in the hearts and minds of the people of Nineveh so that they repented of their warring ways and thoughts of themselves as being ‘all that’ and a bag of chips!

Jonah started into the city, going a day’s journey, and he proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be destroyed.” The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 3:4, 5

God caused a plant to evolve into an umbrella to provide shade for a wayward messenger:

Then the Lord God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. 4:6

God explained to a disobedient prophet with a noncontrite heart why his arms were too short to box with God:

But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” 4:10, 11

Let’s review the facts: The story of Jonah reveals that God alone is in control of the universe. He is the supreme Ruler and Judge over nature, events and peoples (including Jonah) everywhere at the same time.

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Sorry Jonah, you lose. You can’s hit what you can’t see.

The Universal message is; Man’s arms are too short to box with God. It is better to obey than to sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22

Scripture Lesson: For God so loved the world that he gave his only 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!

Jesus Prescribes A Radical Cold Remedy

On July 18, 2018February 27, 2019 By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Have you ever received instant gratification from a prayer offered up to God? Have you ever ‘tried’ Him by asking in prayer for Him to use a particular object to perform a miracle? Have you ever envisioned just how you would react if all that you asked of God was granted instantaneously? Well, this blogger has!

……………………I was sick and tired of being sick and tired!……………

The date was Tuesday evening, May 10, 1983. As I lay in bed, sick with a nasty head cold and severe sore throat which had caused me to cough up blood earlier that day, I wondered if I would ever get a good night’s sleep. After tossing and turning for several hours, I decided to begin preparing my Sunday School lesson which was found in the Book of Acts 19:11 and 12.

“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and evil spirits went out of them.”

As I continued to study, my attention kept going back to verse 12. Finally, I asked myself, ‘I wonder if a cloth could heal my throat.’ Immediately, my mother came to mind and the Lord reminded me of her true devotion to Him all the day long. My mother lived in another town and earlier that year she had crocheted some table doilies and mailed me a ten-piece set. I could picture her sitting in her rocking chair, crocheting, while at the same time, humming a tune and giving praises to God in prayer.

Carefully, I got out of my bed and went downstairs to the hall closet where I had placed the newly crocheted doilies. Very slowly, and with a lot of hesitation, I removed the box from the top shelf. I selected a small round coaster doily. I then tipped toed back upstairs. Boy! was I nervous and was praying all the while I returned to bed.

As I braced myself against the pillows, I held the doily in one hand and begin praying over it very softly, asking God if I was doing the right thing. My intent was to assure God I was not ‘trying’ Him, but just wanted very much to trust Him for His healing power. So, while quietly continuing to pray…almost apologetically, I laid the doily on my sore throat and pressed it with both hands securely around my throat.

Surprisingly, something began to happen in the room. The first thing I noticed was that a cool breeze of air was coming towards me. It passed through my nostrils. Actually, it rushed through my nostrils. My eyelids popped open and I put one hand over my mouth to keep from screaming. Sensing it was the Holy Spirit, my first instinct was to shout out a praise to our Lord and Savior. But at that precise moment, I had to swallow. When I did, everything went right down my throat with ease. No pain! My eyes got bigger and I began to sweat. Somehow I found the courage to whisper, ‘Lord is that you?’ In a still small voice He responded, ‘You asked to be healed, didn’t you? Well, do not waver!’

Tears of joy began to stream down my cheeks. Praises were coming from my mouth. My voice still sounded as though I had a cold, but my head was all cleared up. My eyes stopped watering. My fever had dropped. Hallelujah, I was healed! With the aide of the Holy Spirit, my mother’s doily had healed me just as Paul’s handkerchief had healed those saints in the Book of Acts.

The next evening, while watching television, the Holy Spirit nudged me to turn off the TV and go upstairs to my bedroom. Once there, I picked up my Bible from off the bed and flipped it open to Mark 3. My eyes fell on verse ten.

“For he healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about him to touch him.”

As I meditated on those words I believe Jesus was reassuring me that it was all right to have ‘tried’ Him the night before for my healing. He was saying to me in that same still small voice, “My child, I have been there and have done that!” Praise God!

(Below is a picture of the white coaster doily my mother sent me. She prayed for me and now I pray for you.)

Scripture Reference: Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete with it shall be measured to you again.”

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

God Has Good News For Single Folks

On July 9, 2018September 5, 2025 By SonjaIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Some years ago, while preparing an adult Sunday School lesson from the book, Good News For Single Folk, by Dr. Jeremiah Wright, the Holy Spirit spoke to me. It seemed as though I was being hindered from developing my outline because I was starting from the wrong premise. As I poised my pen to cross out yet another sentence for the umpteenth time, I paused. Suddenly, my spirit sensed someone calling my name. In a whisper I said, ‘Speak Lord.’ Immediately, He led me to Luke 19:10:

“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

With trepidation, I asked the Holy Spirit what exactly was it that was lost and how does it apply to singles. Again, He led me to read more scriptures from Genesis 3:21-24. There we find all of the provisions and disciplines God administered to ‘fallen’ mankind.

The Genesis scriptures reminded me… · We were now to be clothed in garments of skin because we had *lost* our glorified bodies.	God reminds us…”For [you] know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:28, 29, 30
· We now knew good from evil thus we *lost* our innocence. Therefore, we have no excuse.	*“Think now, who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off?” Job 4:7*
· Our minds became befuddled and we didn’t know what was good for us. In other words, we *lost* our freedom of choice.	“You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command…Love each other!” John 15:16, 17
· Death was ushered in and we *lost* eternal life.	*“To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” Romans 2:7*
· We were banished from the Garden and *lost* our eternal home and all the luxuries that went with it.	“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2, 3
· And finally, because of the Guardian Angels with the flaming swords, we *lost* easy access to the Way. God placed stumbling blocks in our paths.	*“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6*

Once again, I humbled myself and asked the Lord what does this have to do with singles? God said to me, “Tell the class that because of the acts of the first couple, (Adam and Eve), the sanctity of marriage was also abridged. Divorce and unfaithfulness were imminent. But the Good News is Jesus Christ! He is the Bridegroom who would never be unfaithful to his God nor to his bride.”

So, in his communion time with me, Jesus put forth this proposition in a still small voice…’Since married couples are considered single in my Father’s eyes (and the two shall be one), and single people are already single, tell everybody in your Sunday School class to marry Me! Let’s elope before you have time to get lost again.’

Scripture Reference: Advantages to being Single

1 Corinthians 7:32–35 “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman or girl is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit; but the married woman is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.”

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

God Hears A Sinner’s Prayer of Repentance

On July 3, 2018August 2, 2018 By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

In the Old Testament, Isaiah begins his autobiography by recording the death of his king: “In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne; high and lifted up, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1

If you are a student of the “Begots”, without reading any further into the Scriptures, you know the reason for King Uzziah’s demise. Usually, when a name or its derivative is first mentioned in Scripture, its definition is also given. King Uzziah’s name denotes that he breached a sacred law of God. In another place, the Bible gives this definition of the name: “Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.” 1 Chron. 13:10

It is not known ‘what died’ in the sinner’s life to cause him (or her) to pray a prayer of repentance; but it is known with assurance that God heard it, mainly because the sinner sincerely prayed to God with God’s own words recorded in a comparative analyses of the Psalms.

Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. V. 1

Psalm 139

O Lord, you have searched me and know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. V. 1, 2

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. V. 2

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. V. 4

For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me. V. 3

You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. V. 5, 6

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,… V. 4a	Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? V. 7
…so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. V. 4b	If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. V. 11, 12

Surely, I have been a sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. V. 5	For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. V. 13
Surely, you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. V. 6	I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. V. 14, 15a
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. V. 7, 8, 9	When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. V. 15b, 16

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. V. 10	Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. V. 21, 22
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. V. 11	How precious to me are your thoughts, O God. How vast is the sum of them! V. 17
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. V. 12	Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. V. 18

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. V. 13	If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! V. 19
Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. V. 14	If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. V. 8, 9, 10
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. V. 15, 16, 17	For they (the wicked) speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. V. 20

In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. V. 18	Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. V. 23
Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar. AMEN! V. 19	See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. AMEN! V. 24

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Scripture Epilogue…

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 NIV

“He was handed over to die because of our sins and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Romans 4:25 New Living Bible

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

God’s Super Autobiography of Jesus Christ

On June 28, 2018October 6, 2019 By SonjaIn Uncategorized3 Comments

(As Interpreted From Matthew 5:9-13, NKJ and spoken in three voices…The Father,…(the Son)…and the Holy Spirit.)

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Our Father in Heaven, (I have come down from heaven…)

There are many gods of this world. But I am talking about my Father (yours and mine) who lives in that Holy Habitation called heaven. Psalm 68:5

Hallowed be your Name. (…to endorse everything I have made…)

Jesus is saying may the Name of God (also Jesus’ Name) be written or carved into and onto everything which he has made, both in heaven and on earth. In the Old Testament, after King Solomon had completed the Lord’s House, using the Lord’s blueprint, the Lord “spoke” to Solomon and said, “I have hallowed this house which you have built, to put my Name there forever.” 1 Kings 9:3

Your Kingdom come. (I am here! Look at me! I am the Kingdom predicted to come.)

Jesus says, I am talked about throughout the Old Testament. Somebody was always saying the kingdom will be established. My Father promised I would come through the house of David. “Then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever.” 1 Kings 9:5

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Obey me and do my will.)

Yes, I have created you in my image and because I have a free will, you, too, have a free will. Use it and obey. Adam misused his will and was driven out of Eden. The angel Lucifer also misused his will and was cast out of heaven. Genesis 3:23, 14; Revelations 12:9

God’s will alone now reigns in heaven. It is down here on earth, where I have come, that things are all messed up.

Give us this day our daily bread. (Recognize me as your all in all.)

Accept me today because I am the Bread of Life, says Jesus. Pray that I might become real in your life. Digest my teachings. Digest me. Eat me and you will never be hungry again. But best of all, you will never die. I repeat, “I Am the Bread of Life.” John 6:35

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Repent!)

Be ever so careful when you include these words in your prayer. Don’t forfeit your prayer to the Father because you went down on your knees before you went to your brother or sister and asked for forgiveness. Luke 11:4

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Stop judging folk! Accept them! Accept Me!)

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14, 15

For Yours is the Kingdom, (I have told you once and I am telling you again. It is me they were talking about!)

I am the authority now. My Father has crowned me, “The Word of God”. You must receive me as King before you can enter into the Kingdom of my Father, says the Lord. Revelations 19:16

And the power, (Try me. Test me. Prove me. Use me.)

If God is for you, no man can be against you. Because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John 4;4

And the glory, (The secret is no more. The mystery is cleared up.)

The mystery of who is coming to save and redeem mankind is cleared up. I am the glorious One the world has been waiting for. John 3:16

Forever, (Wise up world!)

You will pass away. Your works will pass away. But what I am telling you is that my Word shall last for all times. Isaiah 40:8

Amen. (So be it.)

Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:5-7 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:…”

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

God’s Blessing on Zambia

On June 18, 2018August 3, 2018 By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Prior to embarking on overseas mission assignments, many missionaries engage in devotionals that include prayer and fasting; bible study and journaling; and beseeching God’s throne for safe traveling mercies. They also pray that their journey will be a blessing for the awaiting congregations and churches in the remote villages, as well as the many strangers and officials they meet along the way. Some missionaries have discovered that after interacting and ministering to a foreign audience, it is difficult to know if their words and/or actions are received in love and sincerity because often their messages are conveyed through an interpreter. The message below is divine proof that God knows the heart of missionaries and can use his written word to respond to an unspoken concern that might be troubling a missionary’s spirit. In this case, while reading Isaiah 45, the Holy Spirit transposed the original names of the towns listed there to the towns, villages and churches the missionary had visited in Zambia, South Africa and communed a message of ‘a job well done’ to the missionary travelers.

LUSAKA CITY MAP

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An Adaptation of Isaiah 44:1-5

“Yet hear me now, O Missionaries to Zambia, My servants, and American Baptist Churches of the South whom I have chosen.

“Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you while on your journey:

“Fear not, O missionaries My servants; and you Eleazar, whom I have chosen as their guide.

“For I will pour water on the House of Lusaka who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground of compounds in Zambia;

“I will pour My Spirit on all those who journeyed to Africa and My blessing on Eleazar’s dream for the Zambian people;

New churches will spring up among the grass huts like willows by the watercourses.

Hope International Church of Lusaka will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’,

Bethel Church of Kafue will call himself by the Name of Jacob;

Soweto Baptist Church will write with his hand, ‘The Lord’s’ and

Riverside Baptist Church of Chingola will name himself by the name of Israel.”

(This 2002 prophecy is certain to come to pass, saith the Lord.)

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“He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother!”

Scripture Verses: So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can human beings do to me?” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:6; 8

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

Conversations With God Using Scripture

Author: Sonja

God Speaks To The Children, Too!

God’s Desire Is That We Come To Know Him Intimately

God Sends Out A Clarion Call For Workers

God Places You Under The Tutelage Of The Holy Spirit

God Reveals Five Important Facts To A Man Called Jonah

Jesus Prescribes A Radical Cold Remedy

God Has Good News For Single Folks

God Hears A Sinner’s Prayer of Repentance

God’s Super Autobiography of Jesus Christ

God’s Blessing on Zambia

LUSAKA CITY MAP

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