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Grandmother or five; retired 55 years; Property Landlord; Buckner International missionary for 10 years; struggling unpublished memoirs writer of non-fiction personal life events!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…The Author And Finisher Of Sacred Music

On By SonjaIn Building Spiritual Bridges, Godly Living and Maturing, How to Broadcast the Good NewsLeave a comment

O Happy Day (Click title to play. Click exit arrow at top of page to return to blog. )

Lyrics: “He taught me how to watch and fight and pray…fight and pray. And live rejoicing every day…every day!” O Happy Day.

The original lyricist composer of the song featured in this blog was named Philip Doddridge. He was the twentieth sibling born to his parents in London on June 26, 1702. Due to his frail health conditions, he moved to Lisbon, Portugal. In 1751 he died from tuberculosis at the age of 49.

Have you ever wondered who some of the most famous gospel song writers were. Or what life-events inspired lyricists and poetic writers to set words to melodies? Well, during Philip’s adult years, he served as an English Nonconformist minister. Philip credited his saintly Dutch mother for planting a marked Christian foundation in his spirit filled life. The stories she related to Philip helped him develop a foundation that prepared him to become useful to the Savior.

My question for you…

Are the decisions that you make in life reassuring that they compliment the agenda the Almighty has for your life? Have you not heard recited “Only what you do for Christ will last?” I have heard it recited so often. I actually thought it was a direct quote from a chapter in the Bible. Not so! This phrase is only a reference to 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (NIV)

It should be noted that Philip Doddridge did not write the famous chorus for his original poem “O Happy Day”. The famous chorus was only added by an unknown writer over one hundred years later after Philip’s death.

(Confidently, I often wonder will any of my blogs be around for future generations to read after I bid adieu.)

Below are two stanzas of this marvelous poem written by Philip Doddridge. 

O happy day that fixed my choice,
On thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

Now rest, my long divided heart.
Fixed on this blissful center, rest;
Nor ever from my Lord depart,
With Him of ev'ry good possessed.

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God Does Not Look On Our Appearances…But On Our ‘EAR’ Flanked By An “H” And A “T”!

						

				On  By SonjaIn Uncategorized3 Comments			

					


		

			



It’s no secret that the audacity of mankind, when evaluating another person’s performance is laced with shamelessness, boldness or insolence. Why do I make such a strong statement? Because basically people have trouble seeing past other peoples’ flaws.





Others occasionally harbor feelings of distrust towards people who are not like themselves. Find it difficult to see past another person’s flaws. Or basically categorize them as all good or all bad. There is no in between. Many people find it hard to accept people who are not like themselves.





The Lord Jesus has a different approach when deciding whom to appoint someone to become a leader.




















And that’s spelled “EAR” with an “H” in front and a “T” at the end!







A prophet named Samuel was a priest and last judge in Israel, who was sent by God to Bethlehem.  Samuel’s assignment was to dethrone (replace) the current King Saul and replace him with one of Jessie’s sons.  The Bethlehem man made seven of his sons pass before Samuel.  None of them pleased God.  So, Little David was called from the sheep pasture and he passed before Samuel.  After which, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the site of his brothers.  David was to become the second future king over Israel.





At another time, God called an insignificant man named Moses.  His assignment was to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage of slavery.  Moses had to contend with Pharaoh to persuade him to free God’s chosen people out of slavery in Egypt.





There are dozens of other Biblical leaders besides Samuel and David.  The above illustration is to prove that God is the One Who chooses leaders.  Not ‘want-to-be’ leaders themselves nor mere men.  It would be beneficial for those in a leadership position to examine themselves.   Become aware of what character traits you look for in a person’s behavior.  What motivates them to choose or select certain types of people to become leaders or examples for others.  Consult your Maker and follow His example.  In other words….use your ears more and put an “H” and a “T” at the end.





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God…The Author And Finisher Of My Faith

						

				On  By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment			

					


		

			

Writing is my game, story telling is my fame, but prose and poetry are my aim. I love to enlighten and expose my readers to adventure and inspirational dialogues. So, for this week’s blog you are invited to eavesdrop on a couple’s conversation.  It centers around their spiritual commitment to conduct their relationship God’s way.  All scripture references were taken from the Holy Bible and set to pen by me in early February 1998.  












           Couple having a serious discussion on whether to become engaged or not to be engaged.





Devotional Theme:                 "But The Greatest Of These Is Love"

Scriptures:                                 Excerpts Selected From The Book of St. Matthew
                                                    Female Voice (FV)

                                                    Excerpts Selected From I Corinthians 13:1-13
                                                    Male Voice (MV)






FV:	The good man brings good things out of good stored up in him.  Matt. 12:35

MV:	(Never the less)…If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  I Cor. 13:1

FV:	I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move.  Matt. 17:20

MV:	(But, woman, have you not heard) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains but have not love, I am nothing.      I Cor. 13:2

FV:	(Well) If you want to be perfect go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven.             Matt. 19:21

MV:	(Beloved) If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.               I Cor. 13:3

FV:	(Then take this advice) Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.       Matt. 5:44 & 45

MV:	(Good advice, because) Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy; it does not boast it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered it keeps no record of wrongs.                         I Cor. 13:4 & 5

FV:	(Then remember, my dear) If our brother sins against you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.                    Matt. 18:15

MV:	(Right, again) Love does not delight in evil but in truth.            I Cor. 13:6

FV:	(You exude love) You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.                                                 Matt. 5:14

MV:	(Love)…always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
                          I Cor.13:7
FV:	(Also,) You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?                           Matt. 5:13

MV:	(With love, of course!) Love never fails.  But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled.           I Cor. 13:8

FV:	(You must) Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.                                          Matt. 24:42

MV: 	(Know?)…Where there is knowledge it will pass away.  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.              
                                I Cor. 13:8b, 9 & 10

FV:	 I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.                               Matt. 18:3

MV:	When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.  When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
                                                          I Cor. 13:11
FV:	 (You have a good eye) The eye is the lamp of the body.  If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.                       Matt. 6:22

MV:	Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
                                                       I Cor. 13:12a

FV:	Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
                                                      Matt. 14:43

MV:	Now I know in part, then I shall know full, even as I am fully known.
                                                    I Cor. 13:12b

FV:	(Then know this, always) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.
                                                Matt. 22:37 & 38

MV:	And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.                  I Cor. 13:12b

FV & MV:	BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.                                        I Cor. 13:13b


-------------------THE END-----------------------








Conversations every couple should have before saying “I Do!”

















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God Provided Me With An Epithet

						

				On  By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment			

					


		

			

Earlier, in my adolescent years, I began to seriously study and embrace Christianity norms. Strangely, while doing so, a soft sweet reverberating voice infiltrated my spirit. At first, I dismissed its message. Why? Because my own personal thoughts agreed with the Messenger.






The silent voice advised me…”In all of thy ‘getting’, get an understanding!“






You see, I recognized the inner voice as being that of the Holy Spirit’s. And no doubt, I did not fully understand much of what I was reading in the Old Testament. However, now later in life, I have a deeper love, respect and understanding of whom my Savior is. For over the ensuing decades of service, my spirit has been fortified, revived and glorified. All praises be unto God for allowing me to grow in biblical grace. This feat was made possible with the international missionary trips I had been privileged to embarked upon.





Below are highlights of how the Holy Spirit has brought me closer to Matthew 5:1-14 “The Sermon On The Mount”.  And why He provided me with my epithet.





Most biblical saints when teaching the Beatitudes, translate the ensuing eleven (‘Blessed‘ phrases) messages as an indictment against the awaiting crowd. But those in attendance are mostly Orthodox Jews! They do not know Jesus Christ nor His characteristics and Who He is.





At this moment, Jesus is teaching the Sermon on the Mount to nonbelievers. The instructions within the Beatitudes however, are for the apostles and others who will be spreading the message of the Good News. For if their hearts and attitudes are not right, their message concerning the blessings which are in store for them are not available.(*)  And will not be understood.





The crowd’s attitude is that this Man’s (Jesus’) message is not for them. They already have Moses’ message (the Ten Commandments). And they are familiar with which sacrifices to bring to God’s alter during certain times of the year to expel their sins. Thus, at that time with a new slate for another year.





So remember this message… 





If your desire is to be a follower and a disciple of Jesus Christ, pray that in all thy getting, you receive a complete understand of the Beatitudes and govern yourselves forthwith. Your reward is recorded in Matthew 5:13-14:





“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men(*).





You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.





My pray unto the Holy Father is this:  





Thank you Holy Spirit for nurturing me through life’s struggles.  How wonderful it is that You speak to me personally through Your Word, and that I can respond to You through the Word.  Continue to teach me to spend time with You in this way and to hear Your voice speaking to me personally.  





Thank you Lord Jesus, sincerely, for my epithet which is already engraved on my tombstone:  “In All Thy Getting, Get An Understanding!”     Amen and Amen





(*) NOTE 1:  Non believers who to this day, reject the Holy One who is the Son of God. 





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God Is Calling Your Name?

						

				On  By SonjaIn Uncategorized2 Comments			

					


		

			


 Sleeping child hears God calling him three times.






Reprint October 24, 2024





How many friends, family members and acquaintances do you know that addresses people not by their given names, but rather by using a euphemism (a mild or indirect word or expression) that in most cases depicts an endearing term that shows hospitality and love?





For example, I often greet family and friends by saying, “Hello Lovie.  How are you?”  If a conversation pursues, I’m guilty of peppering my sentences with “Lovie” a few more times to make a point.  Now, I’m not saying that this is all bad.  I’m just saying that this week my eyes were opened to the realization that perhaps I might want to just curtail using the expression of “Lovie” as a substitute for addressing a person by their legitimate name.





Here is why…





A few years ago, my bible study group started reading 1st Samuel, a book in the Bible.  A very popular story in that book is the one about the young lad, Samuel, who had a dream while living in a priestly commune (temple) with the prophet Eli. Samuel was awakened from his dream twice by someone calling him. Samuel thought it was Eli so he got up and went to Eli. Since Eli had not been the one who called unto Samuel, Eli instructed Samuel what to say if he heard his named called a third time. Finally, the Lord did call his name again, but this time He called out, “Samuel! Samuel!” and He got Samuel’s attention. Samuel’s response was, “Here I am Lord. Speak, for your servant is listening” (1st Samuel 3:1-10).





I am very familiar with that story as I am sure you are too.  But this time Samuel’s encounter with the Lord really got my attention and I wondered how many times was a double salutation used to call somebody in the Old and New Testaments.  My research revealed that throughout all sixty-six books in the entire Bible, only nine people and one city were addressed by calling their names twice.





I immediately called upon the Holy Spirit and asked if we could have a little conversation…





In my spirit I began to realize that every time an individual was called by name twice, he or she was elevated to a greater and higher position of importance in the scheme of things in the Bible.





    

  1. Abraham!  Abraham!  He became the Father of many Nations .  (Genesis 22:11-13)
    2. 




  2. Jacob!  Jacob!  He became a great nation siring 12 tribes.  And his name was changed to Israel. (Genesis 46:1-4)
    3. 




  3. Moses!  Moses!  He was assigned to become a deliverer of God’s people.  (Exodus 3:1-10)
    4. 




  4. Samuel!  Samuel!  He was young at the time, but God was grooming him to be a priest, prophet, and judge.               (1  Samuel 3:1-10)
    5. 




  5. Martha!  Martha!  She was the sister to Mary and Lazarus.  Martha was taught from being anxious about many things in life.  (Luke 10:38-42)
    6. 




  6. Simon!  Simon!  Also known as Peter.  He learned to rely on Jesus instead of his own self.  (Luke 22:31-32)
    7. 




  7. Saul!  Saul!  Also known later as Paul.  He changed from persecuting Christians to teaching them.  (Acts 9:4)
    8. 




  8. Lord!  Lord!  This was the title people began to use with their lips but not with their hearts.  (Matthew 7:21-22, 25:11:  Luke 6:46; 13:25)
    9. 




  9. Eloi!  Eloi!  Definition for “My God, My God”  that people still call on today.  (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1)
    10. 




  10. Jerusalem!  Jerusalem!  The name given to the only city in the Bible that was elevated to prominence.  (Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34)                                  
    11. 






 This is the conclusion of the matter…





If and when God calls your name TWICE, will you recognize him and answer the call?  Will Jesus get your attention? I truly believe that God has a place and an assignment for each and every one of us to perform. He is no respecter of person. What he has done for others, he will do for you! So, for goodness sake…don’t miss it when God calls your name…TWICE!





My prayer for you…





Dear Heavenly Father:  First of all, I want to thank You for knowing our names and just where we are at any given moment.  We also wish to thank You for Your divine organizational structure, for it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 that “There is timing and purpose for everything in God.  There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…And a time to heal.”  So, dear Jesus, please find all of us in good health, good spirits, good moral living conditions, and good hearts for service in Your vineyards.  May we all use good common sense and good judgment and be submissive to the instructions of the Holy Spirit and to always remember that love never fails when carrying out Your decrees and directions for our lives.  We humbly come laying these prayers at the feet of Jesus.  Amen!





I’ll Be Somewhere Listening For My Name  















 Scripture Lesson:  He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,  (2 Timothy 1:9 NIV)





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God’s Desire Is That We Learn To Trust And Obey

						

				On  By SonjaIn Uncategorized2 Comments			

					


		

			

Why did I use that title? Because when we disobey God’s will, we often hinder His plans to bless His people! Therefore, listen up! I have two stories to tell you. The first story is to let you know how a song was born out of a young man’s testimony.





As the story goes, more than two centuries ago, a young man attended a testimony meeting led by Dwight L. Moody, a famous American evangelist.  After listening to Mr. Moody’s biblical teaching, a young man was so moved that he stood up and openly testified.  He stated that as for him, he would trust and obey.  A note addressing the young man’s testimony was sent to John Sammis, a Presbyterian minister and song writer.  From that note, Reverend Sammis wrote the hymn entitled “Trust and Obey”.  And the lyrics of this hymn has blessed many human souls down through the ages.





The second story allows us to see what can happen when we fail to trust and obey our Lord and Savior. One evening, when I was conversing with the Holy Spirit about miracles performed by Jesus in the Bible, I recognized something. It was brought to my attention, that two(*) of the three leper stories were similar, but the one in Mark 1:41 related Jesus’ mental reaction to the situation. It reads; “Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him.”





Now, as you know, back in the day, leprosy was a deadly disease and feared not only by the people, but the priesthood as well.  Yet, after Jesus had stretched out His hand and healed the man, He informed him to go show himself to the priest and tell no other person.  According to the Law of Moses, this action had to be done or else the man’s miraculous healing experience would remain ceremonially unclean.





What Jesus realized was He knew that this healing experience would do nothing but encourage more people to riot the city and search Him out for a miracle performance and this disturbance would irritate the governing powers that be.  But the disobedience of the healed leper’s report was broadcast throughout the city and Jesus could no longer enter a city without being mobbed by the inhabitants.  Thus, hindering His ministry of teaching God’s reason for sending His Son into the world!   





(Prayerfully, Click The RED Song Title below.)





Trust and Obey (Hymns with Lyrics)













Be careful!  Be careful! Be careful not to hinder any of God’s salvation plans for humanity.  Amen and Amen!





MY PRAYER FOR YOU AND YOURS…





Dear Lord Jesus, sometimes I struggle to understand and to trust and obey Your plans for my life. Please, Lord, with the aide of the Holy Spirit, prepare me to wait when You delay and do not answer my prayers immediately.  And when You do respond, help me to carry out your directions to the fullest of my capabilities. These blessings are asked in the precious Name of Christ Jesus, Amen and Amen!





(*) NOTE:  (Matthew 8:2; Mark 1:40; Luke 5:12)  





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God’s Son:  The Ultimate Sacrifice

						

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Jesus began calling his first disciples out of the saltshaker and into the world.  And guess where the saltshakers had found refuge?  In the synagogues!  Yes, hiding in plain sight.  What you may not realize is that John the Baptist was actually the first preacher of the gospel.  John’s message was one of repentance.   The Holy Spirit had already informed him that the kingdom of heaven has come near.  John preached that the Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ had already been warned by the prophet Isaiah.










This situation came about after Jesus had been reluctantly baptized in the Jordan River by His cousin, John the Baptist.  After this took place, two additional events happened.  First, God opened heaven and Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  Then, a voice from heaven was heard:  “This is my Son, Whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”





Those two events were confirmation and proof positive that Jesus Christ was the Messiah…just as John the Baptist had proclaimed.





Nevertheless, Peter’s denial of ever knowing Jesus and his braggadocio expressions of false endearment toward Christ was a let down. Also, Peter did not stay awake while Jesus prayed to his Father. Seemingly, towards the end of Jesus’s life on earth, Peter tried to avoid being publicly identified as a Christian.  (That situation can be associated with many followers today.)





Perhaps the Lord knew from the get-go, that his life’s road would be hard to climb.  Thus,  he allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him into the wilderness, and there he went on a forty day and night fast.  Jesus was also tempted by the Devil during this time.










Jesus overcame the wilds of the Devil and was successful in causing Ole Slew-foot to flee.  Next, angels came and attended to Jesus. However, the Pharisees’ disdain for Jesus was never appeased. Jesus’ teaching on: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you,” never took hold in the Pharisees’ heart.





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God’s Personality Is Rapped And Tied Up In The Second and Third Persons Of The Trinity

						

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Sharing the Fruit of the Spirit
“The Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23a)






Have you ever said to a friend, associate or loved one, “Boy oh boy, do you need help?” No? Then I would say to you, Girrrrlll, you definitely need help! Why do I say that. Because as ambassadors for Christ, we should always relate that our help comes from the Lord. And His words of instruction and encouragement are always in our hearts. Otherwise you open up yourself to be a surrogate for someone who actually needs a therapist.  And in some cases your advice could do more harm than good.





Here’s what I’ve learned over the years of trusting the teachings of Jesus.  I use product advertisements to introduce biblical advice to my friends without sounding pushy or intrusive.  Here are a few examples on how you can put God in the mix.





GOD IS LIKE "COKE", HE'S THE REAL THING.
GOD IS LIKE "PAN AM", HE MAKES THE GOING GREAT.
GOD IS LIKE "GENERAL ELECTRIC, HE LIGHTS YOUR PATH.
GOD IS LIKE "BAYER ASPIRIN", HE WORKS WONDERS.
GOD IS LIKE "HALLMARK CARDS", HE CARES ENOUGH TO SEND THE VERY 
     BEST.
GOD IS LIKE "TIDE", HE GETS THE STAINS OUT THAT OTHERS LEAVE 
      BEHIND.
GOD IS LIKE "VO 5 HAIR SPRAY", HE HOLDS THROUGH ALL KINDS OF 
     WEATHER.
GOD IS LIKE "DIAL SOAP", AREN'T YOU GLAD YOU KNOW HIM, DON'T YOU 
     WISH EVERYONE DID?
GOD IS LIKE "SEARS", HE HAS EVERYTHING.
GOD IS LIKE "ALKA SELTZER", TRY HIM, YOU'LL LIKE HIM.
GOD IS LIKE "SCOTCH TAPE", YOU CAN'T SEE HIM, BUT YOU KNOW HE'S      
     THERE.






    Bible Verse and Definitions for The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a)





Acts 4:32a
Self-control		All the believers were one in heart and mind.Restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires.
Acts 4:32b
Love		No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.Unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.
Acts 4:33a
Peace		With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts of emotions.
Acts 4:33b
Kindness





Acts 4:34a
Forbearance







And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all…





…that there were no needy persons among them.









The quality or state of being kind; affection.







The refraining from the enforcement of something as a debt, right or obligation that is due.









Acts 4:34b
Faithfulness




Acts 4:35a
Gentleness		For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales…

…and put it at the apostles’ feet,		Faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

The quality or state of being gentle; honorable; mildness of manner; or disposition.
Acts 4:35b
Joy		…and it was distributed to anyone who had need.Delight; the expression or exhibition of such emotion.
John 15:16
Goodness		“…but I chose you…so that you might go and bear (good) fruit–fruit that will last…”The quality or state of being good.  (Only GOD is Good.  He alone enables us to bear fruit, not we ourselves.)





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God’s Personal Message To Those Who Doubt

						

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I know you have heard the cliche God can do anything but fail. Nevertheless, at this time, I just want you to sit back. Close your eyes and listen to Sister Albertina Walker put those words to music. Click the title below and be blessed.





God’s Attribute: He Can Do Anything But Fail










Now, I want you to read an imaginary conversation. It is between the Bible characters James, brother of Jesus and Job. Job is forlorn and depressed. He feels pitifully sad and abandoned. James is attempting to comfort him.





Jas.  1:2     My brethern, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.





“Job, do you recall when Eliphaz said, Happy is the man whom God correcth:  therefore, you should not despise the chastening of the Almighty.  (5:17)





Jas.  1:3     Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.





“Well, Eliphaz said that because after your calamity came upon you, you declared that you wished you were dead for you said, “there the wicked cease from trembling and the weary be at rest.”  (3:17)





Jas.  1:4     But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.





“But from the very beginning, Job, you kept declaring how righteous you were and that there was no profit to be gained if you were cleansed from your sin.  (35:3)





“I was right there when you said, “though he slay me, yet will I serve him  BUT I will maintain my own ways before him.  (13:15) 





Jas.  1:5   If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.





“Honestly, Job, you shouldn’t have added that last part about maintaining your own ways, for you hath spoken without knowledge and your words were without wisdom.  (34:35)





Jas.  1:6   But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.





“Our TRUE friend Elihu suggested the manner in which you should have prayed, remember….Surely it is meet to be said of God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more; that which I see not teach me: if I have done eniquity, I will do no more.  (34:31, 32)





Jas.  1:12   Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to him that love him.





“Job, stop that desiring the night and endure:  For people that are in darkness are cut off.  Shhhhh, lest God should come and take thee away with his stroke.  Then a Great Ransom (Jesus) cannot deliver thee and you wont receive the crown of life  (36:20, 18)





Jas.  1:19    Wherefore my brethern, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:





Oh, good, Job.  You’ve calmed down.  You’ve repented to God by saying…Behold I am vile; what shall I answer thee:  I will lay my hand upon my mouth.  (40:4





Jas.  1:21   Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls.





“Then Job said, I admit, God, that I was naughty but now I know with asurety that thou canst do everything and that no thought can be withholden from thee.  (42:2)





“Furthermore, I receive with all meekness the engrafted word.  For my own words were hollow and without knowledge and understanding….babblings on and on about things too wonderful for me which I knew not.  (42:3)





Jas.  1:26     If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.





“Oh, Job, how wonderful our God is!!!  For after you repented in dust and ashes and bridleth your tongue and harnessed your deceitful thoughts (Job’s three friends), God forgave you and restored unto you twice as much as you had before, thus blessing you and restored unto you twice as much as you had before, thus blessing you more in the latter days of your life than in the beginning . (42:10)





And Job and his family lived happily everafter.  Amen and Amen!





(All Scripture translations NKJV)





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God’s Got Rhythm And Music

						

				On  By SonjaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment			

					


		

			

Have you ever given any thought to whether or not God has rhythm?  Well, I have.  And my  research took me straight to Geneses 2:2-3.  Scriptures reads that…”And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested(*) on the seventh day from all his work which He had done.  Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it; because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”





Now, here is something I never realized before:  God takes no ‘rest’ periods from His creating everything from the first day to the sixth day. It is not only to the end of the 7th day’s work that God is mentioned as the day God allowed Himself to take a rest.  In other words, God was going about completing God’s business before He stopped to rest.  What a sanctimonious picture for us to meditate on as we evaluate our individual services unto God.  (Just how many ‘breaks‘ do we take from our labor each and every day, let alone each week  And as for God’s acumen capabilities, they are beyond comprehension.





Now let’s move on to God’s musical talents and inventions He especially adorned to a little Shepherd boy named David who would soon be king of all Israel in 1300 B. C.






David is credited as the originator of music for public worship.






 As a period is to a sentence, so a song is to the church.   Every denomination combines melodic tunes or rhythmic chants to their worship experience.  From its beginning until now, the church has used the same means of united rhythmic expression to perpetuate and spread the ideas for which it stands through song.  Thus establishing, without a doubt, that the best means for writing ideas on peoples' hearts is through music.

David was very much aware of this universal truth even as a boy.  His contribution to the world through the psalms is proof that music has no barriers and can be enjoyed by all races and nationalities.

The Book of Psalms reveal to us that there was much singing and many musical instruments in the camps of the children of Israel.  They had stringed instruments; the flute, pipe, horn, and trumpet:  and percussion instruments; the timbrel, cymbals and drum.

Listed below is a list of some of the home-made musical instruments that God put in David's heart to fashion.  He also learned his musical skills from sages and musicians of that time period.








          EXAMPLES:  INSTRUMENT                                MATERIALS
Rams HornRemove horns from ram’s head.
Small Harp (lyre)Fashion wooden frame from tree limb.
Small DrumHollow out tree trunk for base.  Use sheep hide for covering.  Use sheep’s gut for ties.
Flute, Clarinet, and PiccoloWhittle out Rabbit’s leg bone for high pitch sounds.  Whittle out tree limb for medium sounds.  Use the reeds from the nearby brook for flute-like sounds.
TamborineUse sheep hide or membrane to cover over jawbone of large animal.  (It is recorded that David slew a lion and a bear.)
Small CymbalsThread small, flat, smooth stones onto thin slivers of bark.  Shake or clang them together.
Whistle or XylophoneUse teeth from large animal (bear) or bones from birds or other small animals.





The Book of Psalms reveal to us that there was much singing and many musical instruments in the camps of the children of Israel.  They had stringed instruments; mainly the harp and psaltery:  woodwind instruments; the flute, pipe, horn, and trumpet:  and percussion instruments; the timbrel, cymbals and drum.





With the above prelude on God’s humanity features, I am hopeful that you now see another dimension of the awesomeness of our Lord and Savior.  Stand in front of a mirror.  What do you see?  I see a reflection of the Lord Jesus looking back at me.  Nevertheless, I have made an appointment with my closet.  (You’ll get that as you drive home.)   





(*) NOTE:  It is a promise that God himself will be our source of rest and peace. And it is an example in that while God didn’t need rest, he “rested” on this seventh day in order to build a rhythm into his creation for his people who do (need rest).  (Quote from Google posted Dec 22, 2019)





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