Yes, I’m addressing you, my dear readers, because this blog is very special to me. Why? Because I am very serious about cultivating and expanding my time to converse with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

His presence is so sweet and His voice so soothing and His advice so penetrating that I just can’t get enough. Once, when in prayerful discussion with Him, I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit say: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20). Needless to say, I took that divine message to heart and have throughout my walk with the Lord attempted to surround myself with like minded believers in the Holy Scriptures.

So as not to be presumptuous and not to waste your time, this blog post is designed for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Our time together will be focused on identifying and developing our inner man’s or inner woman’s spiritual life; that is eternal life. For 1st John 5:12 says, “He who has the Son has life: He who has not the Son of God does not have life.“

Now, if you will permit me, I would like to share with you a synopsis of the ongoing conversations I have had with our Maker concerning how His people can continue to build up their spiritual houses; fortify their vital signs; and identify components that can help to make up a healthy and vital spiritual life support system.

"All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  2nd Tim. 3:16-17

One of the main courses of study for a Christian believer is their Bible.  This is the building license you need to begin construction.  The first part of the Bible is the Law and the Prophets and the History books.  God wants us to diligently study that portion of His Word as well as the New Testament, so as not to make the same mistakes as our forefathers.  The summation of the History books is found in 1st Corinthians 10.  What one should glean from these passages are that we need the protection and guidance of God; deliverance from our past sinful lives; acknowledgment of a spiritual Head over our lives (Jesus); to be constantly fed and provided for; and lastly, to associate with family and friends, especially those of the household of faith.

News flash!  Did you know that to do anything on a repetitive basis is habit forming?  Therefore, the application of what we read, as well as other avenues of experiences, should fortify and/or cause lifestyle changes within us as we learn to rightly divide the sword of Truth.  So, without a doubt, the study of both ancient and modern Christianity is a vital component to keep our spiritual life vibrant and healthy.

Useful tools to empower your learning efforts of God's Word...

• Charts, maps, blueprints and like-minded enthusiasts.
• Go on expeditions and tours of the Holy Land.
• Visit libraries and check out biblical reference books.
• Use your computer and engage Google.

Now, let’s talk about our minds. Let’s declare every day that we will show love to somebody, speak and think only positive thoughts and words. Eventually the mind, because it is constantly being fed positive stimuli, will produce vitality in the inner man or woman and the outer man will begin to disappear. (See Phil. 4:8)

Finally, dear readers, in our time together, let’s also reflect. Let’s look at things from God’s perspective. Just as I did when the Holy Spirit directed my attention to Matthew 18:20. The moment God is in the equation you must look inward at yourself. So, overall, when you study to show yourself approved, you should often stop to ponder over the slightest details which will put you in a state of humility. You will come to hear and see things in a new light. Remember, the opposite of humility is arrogance! And we don’t want that beast to raise its ugly head, now do we? Yes, the discipline of study that renews the mind, soul and body is directly dependent upon humility. And that’s got to be a good, vital, and healthy spiritual life support system component.

Some additional components that I have learned in my conversations with God on this subject are that it is alright to engage in various avenues of learning. For the Christian believer feasting on ‘meat’ rather than ‘milk’, don’t be afraid to pick up several bible commentaries, dictionaries, and other translations of God’s Word. Compile a collection of biographies and other thought provoking books like Shakespeare, Plato, modern founders of Christian sects. Go hiking and explore God’s creation and creatures. Attend lectures and join book clubs. Listen to the voices of birds and frogs. Stop to smell the roses. Ask God is there a message in the face of your pet dog as he wags its tail and greets you at the door when you’re late coming home. Practice living for God over and over again. Concentrate on what you are learning. Become a practitioner of prayer. Get an understanding about the matter. And finally, tell somebody how you have been changed. Become a Star witness to the Plaintive AND the Defendant.

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Hello world. Do you have any idea what this kind of message is called? Well, it is called an idiom. Not an idiot…but an idiom! So do yourself a favor and check out the “(*)NOTE” below before reading any further.

Now why do you think the Holy Spirit wanted me to blog about something I know nothing about. I’m in the dark about what are my P’s and Q’s and I certainly do not have any idea about your P’s and Q’s. So, here I sit at my computer, awaiting on my Spiritual Partner to just make it plain.

Why are you troubled, my child? Believe in God; believe also in Me. Cast all of your cares on Me because I (Jesus) care for you. (John 14:1)

Life is hard. And today I want you to send a message to my people that I can help them. Too many of them are getting out of the wrong side of their beds each morning. This causes them to start their day off on the wrong foot. And the people haven’t a clue as to what it will cost them throughout the rest of their day.

Before they can finish brushing their teeth, they have already entertained frustration about something or someone, annoyance towards someone and cursed their teammates’ lack of productivity on their jobs.

They need you…are better yet, tell them they need Me!

You must warn my people by way of this blog that they will pay a heavy price for their ill feelings.

There is a method to this madness of negative thinking. First, as soon as a person wakes up they should put on a happy face. Get out of bed on the side facing towards a window. Approach the window, raise their arms to the ceiling and say, “Good morning, Lord. I feel good. And thank you Father for a peaceful night’s sleep. This day is dedicated to You.”

If a person is led to say more, just maybe they can confess to God any shortcomings they have, any demons they are battling, or any sins they need to confess. You can also plead your case through song…just click the title and take a listen.
F.C. Barnes – Rough Side Of The Mountain

And always remember you have a choice. You can begin your day on the minus or on the plus side of your mountain. Just mind your P’s and Q’s

Scripture Lesson: Anyone who is angry with his fellow man will have to stand his trial; anyone who calls his fellow man a brainless idiot will have to stand his trial in the supreme court; anyone who calls his fellow man a wicked fool is liable to be condemned to hell-fire.” Matt. 5:22 –Barclay

(*) NOTE: An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words in the phrase. For example, “beating around the bush” means avoiding speaking directly about something. 

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In other words, God wants to know why you are laughing! Ask yourself…Do you not realize that you should not make jokes in the presence of those who have just lost a loved one. Because silly inappropriate jokes are out of place. Why? Because, in God’s earthly world, every time a person is born, Jesus vicariously relives His crucifixion. Since God’s Son Rules eternity, and Judges eternity, He has authority over all humanity including those born in the past, present and future births.

The newborns, though born in sin, are born innocently and at the mercy of acquiring and accepting godly wisdom, knowledge and understanding from others. A bible scripture that bears this out is Matthew 19:14. Jesus said: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Click “YouTube” below to listen to a precious song.”)

YouTube · CedarmontKidsVEVO1.3M+ views · 2 years ago

Cedarmont Kids – Jesus Loves the Little Children

Your ‘take away’ is this…

Do you not realize that every time a child is born, the Holy Spirit awaits to see who in the world will step forward to nurture this child and introduce him (her) to the teachings of the Master, Jesus Christ. Who will mimic the holy humor in biblical scriptures and not the sarcastic humor of the world’s.

Will your testimony be like the first criminal on a cross who speaks to Jesus with bitter sarcasm(*): “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Or the second criminal on a cross who rebuked the first criminal for his sarcastic comment by asking: “Do you not fear God? This man, Jesus, has done nothing wrong, we deserve to die.”

My prayer is that everyone who reads this blog will answer the question depicted in the title…”Who do you think you are?…are you sitting around laughing and making jokes about the lost souls within your sphere of influence or are you doing everything you can to devise ways to reach them for God’s kingdom.

In times like these, we need an anchor and to be sober minded; seriousness about making our lives count for Christ. Although God is always focused on the lost, he is not opposed to humor, but he is also looking for those who will also care for lost souls just as he does. [So often God has to depend on nature, the written holy word, intuition and the Holy Spirit.]

WAKE UP AND GET DRESSED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS!

2:25NOW PLAYING

Cadet Sisters – In Times Like These

SafeTV305K views 16 years ago

Scripture Lesson: “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8)

(*) Notes: Sarcasm refers to the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say, especially in order to insult someone, or to show irritation, or just to be funny.

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

Dearly Beloveds: Your curiosity and heart-felt interest in my weekly WP Blogs are humbling. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to share with you the private conversations the Holy Spirit grazes me with on a regular basis. So, please know if you have a “conversation” that you would like to share with the world, feel free to use the “Comment Section” below to enlighten us.

As you can see by the title of this week’s message, the Holy Spirit wanted to share God’s Wisdom and Understanding as to how he wishes each and every one of his followers to represent him as we share the Good News. It is my belief that the Spirit chose this topic because today (Thursday), I had to do a ‘fun’ teaching for a Senior church group on the meaning of how “oxymoron” (*) interjections can distort a person’s sentence structure and sow confusion in their message when sharing the Good News about Christianity.

So, in your sphere of influence as you retell, enlighten, hosts, connect with friends and family in holy conversation, be sure to do it under the covering of the attributes of God’s Son, Christ Jesus.

It might even bless you by first reading Galatians 5:22-26, prior to your enlightening oneself with the excerpts/examples below on the “The Fruit of the Spirit“. SO, GIVE IT A GO, MY FRIENDS!

Acts 4:32a

Self-control……All the believers were one in heart and mind.

(Restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions and desires.)

Acts 4:32b

Love……No one claimed that any of their possessions were 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 or emotion.)

Acts 4:33b

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

(The quality or state of being kind; affection.)

Acts 4:34a

Forbearance…..that there were no needy persons among them.

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

Acts 4:34b

Faithfulness…..For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales…

(Faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.)

Acts 4:35a

Gentleness…..and put it at the apostles’ feet,

(The quality or state of being gentle; honorable; mildness of manner; or disposition.)

Acts 4:35a

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.)

(*) Note: oxymoron meaning – It is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings; for example, “old news,” “deafening silence,” “organized chaos,” “an educated fool,” “sweet smelling odor” or “awfully good”. (Peppering speech with too many ‘oxymorons’ is confusing.)

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NOTE: The author of this blog post was on vacation for two weeks. Now I’m back! And the blog below is a re-print. ENJOY!

Hello to all my readers/followers/newbies/curiosity seekers/and puzzle freaks. Please use your imagination and while working the puzzle below, think of situations in the Bible that reference each of the 15 Names attributed to our Lord and Savior. Try to quote from memory at least 15 scriptures where that Name can be found. (You can use a Bible concordance.)

Above all else, the Son of the Triune Creator God desires to be loved, worshipped and adored by all nations and creatures great and small. (Psalm 36:6) And what better way to get to know Him then to know His Name(s). Why is that necessary? Because each nomenclature ascribed to Him in Scriptures points us to His character and identity. In reverence, the true titles ascribed to Him are based upon His attributes that He displays as He interacts with mankind (and situations) within the Biblical narratives and also within our own personal stories, as well. (That’s when the Holy Spirit steps in.)

YES! God desires for his Son to be known!

And what better way to get to learn some of God’s Son’s Titles and Names than to work a cryptogram puzzle!

(Search and find only the part of the Name that’s printed in all capital letters.) (*)

Just think, if you will comply with the instructions I gave you in last week’s blog post entitled God Says I Am Alpha And Omega as well as with this week’s blog, “God’s Names And Titles For Jesus“, your knowledge and relationship with the Triune Lord(**) will be increased 10,000 fold!

NOTE (*) The above puzzle is printed in The Navigators Puzzle Magazine and reprinted here. (No copywrite assigned)

NOTE (**) Triune Lord. There is only One True God. God displays and manifest His glory through our senses, especially through the sense of sight. God is one in essence and three in person: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

What shall I call You, my Lord? Please reveal Yourself to me in this incident.

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Isn’t it wonderful and a blessing when out of the blue the Holy Spirit desires to converse with you and ask, “So, how are you today and what are your needs? Do you wish to speak with the Almighty? For as you know, He is the Alpha and Omega. What is your pleasure, my child?

Sometimes when we pray for a specific need, it is respectful and praiseworthy to address our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by specific titles given Him in scriptures. So, for this week’s blog, I have put together a 3-column chart (below) listing a specific need, a biblical title for Jesus that represents that need and where in the Holy Bible that specific scripture can be found. I often practice this method of prayer and I can attest to the fact that you will find tranquility and peace in your conversations with God using Scriptures.

7:50NOW PLAYING (Allow yourself a few minutes to listen to and worship with this anointed group of singers and be blessed.)

Alpha & Omega + Agnus Dei (Spontaneous) | Live | LIFE Worship

LIFE Worship

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Genesis 8:22 – While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Do you know anybody who loves to debate whether or not God exists? Or better yet, do you personally attempt to engage others in frivolous conversations that have no serious purpose, value or intent to enlighten them concerning the Majestic Character of God.

Well, on Monday, April 8, 2024, you will have an opportunity to engage in holy conversations that will take on a life of their own. In fact, you might just have nothing to say, because the miraculous solar eclipse will ‘speak‘ for you. I’m certain the people around you will be speechless, awestruck and in a state of wonder. It has been reported that during other eclipse sightings, people have actually fainted.

It is my prayer that one day soon, all the peoples of the world will one day look up and give praise, honor glory and adoration to the Son of God, our Lord, Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

It is recorded in the final Book of Revelation in the New Testament, the Earth suffers “Seven Plagues” — from disease to “intense heat” and drought, then finally a shower of deadly hailstones. Who says there is no God and who says he is not the Divine Meteorologist?

3:52NOW PLAYING

Click “Now Playing” to hear Dallas Holm sing “What Kind of Man Is This?”

(TO AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A WEEKLY BLOG JUST CLICK

“FOLLOW” AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE.)

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An “A-C-T-S” Prayer(*) For A Loved One Dealing With Mental Illness

Dearest Almighty God, Father of our Lord and Savior and Keeper of Promises…namely, The Holy Spirit:

“A” – ADORATION…

We come humbly before Your throne of grace to first and foremost to thank You for Who You are…for loving us in spite of our transgressions and for providing a sinless Surrogate to pay the ultimate price that all mankind should have endured. You and You alone are so worthy to be praised.

As you know, many of Your people, friends, pleasure seekers and, yes, back-sliders gather from time to time to fellowship with one another and to often give You thanks, reverence and to partition Your throne of grace for mercy. It is no different today. For today, just before we begin our day, a few of your humble servants have been asked to call upon Your precious Name on behalf of several subjects troubling our hearts and our commitment to the faith.

“C” – CONFESSION…

So, here we are, Lord, standing in the need of answered prayer.

Our task is to pray for those in our mist and on our hearts who are suffering from mental illnesses. For we adore You, Lord Jesus, and we trust You and receive You as our Father of light and know that You hear our cries and pitied every troubling groan. For as long as we live…when trouble rises, we will hasten to your throne.

Jennifer Holliday, Donald Vails – I Love The Lord (Live)

It’s no secret to You, Holy Spirit, that down here on earth there is an ingrained stigma against all those who suffer from mental illnesses, especially attributed to help-seeking adolescence, and young people. They are the ones who bear the brunt of the negative name-calling and criticism associated with mental illness. Suicide is the leading cause of death within this group.

“T” – THANKSGIVING…

Lord Jesus, it is this urgent matter that we are sending up this fervent prayer on their behalf today. We beseech You and give You all the glory for your infinite power to bring hope, comfort, professional help, protection and most of all deliverance from this debilitating illness. To praise You and give You thanks for taking the shackles off their feet, so they, too, can dance.

Mary Mary – Shackles (Praise You) LyricsYouTube · Lyrics 90’s3 minutes, 15 secondsSep 2, 2023

“S” – SUPPLICATION…

We earnestly plead that You, My Lord, give the mentally challenged an understanding that their loved ones will do everything in their power to make the journey to recovery a successful one. That everyone involved in their health caregiving will seek the best professional resources for them. Treat them with respect, nurture and attend to their persona with dignity and pray for their recovery, in the precious Name of Jesus we ask it all, Amen and Amen.

This prayer is being offered up on behalf of all those under the sound of my voice who stand in the need of prayer. For it is written in James 1:5, to seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom when asking the difficult decisions needed to help our loved ones who suffer in their infirmities of troubled minds. In the matchless Name of Christ Jesus I pray, Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

(*) NOTE:  “So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness …(Google)

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Today, you are encouraged to come and go with me to a place where we can talk. Where we can learn about how to have perfect peace and be in good health at the same time, even when our bodies are racked with pain; and troubled with disturbing thoughts; and our spirit is questioning our faith. Christ’s perfect peace is enough for me!

With the help of the Comforter (the Holy Spirit), I will attempt, by using Scripture, to apply a certain reasoning to why Jesus Christ used so many examples of life’s emotions to teach on how to be blessed and content when all hell is breaking loose all around you.

Our Scriptures comes out of two chapters from the Book of Matthew 4:23 to 5:12, so let’s establish our foundation and get an understanding.

While living down here on earth we ought always to be salt and light to the world regardless of what physical, mental or material state we find ourselves in. If we are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, our ways and demeanor should bring illumination and savor (preservation) to our fellow man. Living in a manner befitting the atmosphere of the Kingdom of God!

The word “Blessed” means more than just happy. It takes on the ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who also share in the knowledge of salvation of the kingdom of God, especially if they are suffering from self-imposed various diseases.(*)

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 are dependent on God and not the world. They are sensitive to their spiritual fault and seek God’s help and comfort. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…why? They have a deep longing for both personal righteousness and justice for the oppressed. 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. Blessed are the pure in heart…why? They have no guilt trip as they engage in their devotion to God and therefore are spiritually able to feel God’s presence.

All of these qualities or emotions allow us to bring peace to others. But it is also a catch 22 situation, because it can also make us vulnerable to persecution. Jesus goes on to teach, “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 experience God’s kingdom rule while here on earth by becoming a peacemaker thus proving our fitness for the eternal kingdom by suffering.

Jesus wanted to make clear to his Jewish audience that with this new teaching style, He did not come to abolish The Law of Moses. But to say that it was not enough to be righteous according to the Law…why? You must be righteous according to what would Jesus do (WWJD).

Take up your cross (your idiosyncrasies) and follow Him.

(Picture of Moses at right shown smashing the first set of tablets given to him by God.)

NOTE: (*) Sickness and infirmities can come about through bad habits, weak constitutions, exposure to danger, crimes, accidents, birth defects, etc., but while experiencing sickness it can also reveal attitudes, values and motives which must be transformed if human beings are to be truly in harmony with God. Matt. 5:19-48

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