Category: Godly Living and Maturing

God Provides Wisdom On How To Grow Spiritually

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Enroll in a Bible Study Christian Group

But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory now and forever.” Amen. (*)

During the summer of 1985, I embarked upon a quest that solidly placed my feet on a path of self improvement. I was forty-five years old, and according to my standards was far from the apex of accomplishments to meet the goals I had set for myself.

The list on my refrigerator door outlining the “One Hundred Steps To Financial Freedom” still had more than two-thirds of the steps yet to be taken. At this rate, I would need two life times to attain success. So, I decided to initiate an acceleration program. This included purchasing more self-improvement books and tapes; joining a multi-level marketing enterprise that hawked vitamin supplements and financial freedom; and signing up to attend Bible study classes and organizing other women initiative groups. I was definitely on a serious mission to reinvent myself.

Woefully, this bubble of energy lasted about eighteen months. The reason being, I was out of time, money and energy with little or no change in my lifestyle. Then something happened.

I was asked to lead a seminar for a woman’s church conference. The topic was, “How to successfully defuse conflict between a woman’s Christian walk and her role in the secular world.” You see, my peers had been watching me. To the outside world I appeared to be a success and I had it all. They now wanted me to share my life experiences with others.

I flattered myself and remember saying something like, “You have it all together in the secular world, honey, just search the scriptures and find some female biblical characters to relate to and present that to the ladies.” That remark did not work. The conference group still insisted I be the speaker.

I started praying this selfish foolish prayer, but God had other plans. The more I begged him for revelations, the more he said for me to teach the ladies his way or not at all. Writer’s block stayed with me until one evening during my preparation I became exhausted. I humbled myself before God and stubbornly asked him how could I become a super woman in him. He replied, only with my help, my child, only with my help. The litany, “God’s Super Women” evolved.

NOTE (*) 2 Peter 3:18

“GOD’S SUPER WOMAN”
OH LORD, HOW CAN I BECOME A SUPER WOMAN IN THE FAMILY OF GOD?If you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them, I will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above and not beneath.
Deuteronomy 28:13b – 13a
BUT LORD, I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND. FOR EVEN THOUGH I STUDY YOUR WORD MY HEART IS HEAVY MORE OFTEN THAN GLAD.Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 1:2
TELL ME, MASTER, HOW CAN MY SOUL PROSPER?My child, it is written that the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in her.
Hebrews 10:38
HOLY FATHER, DO YOU MEAN THAT I AM PREVENTING MYSELF FROM DEVELOPING INTO A SUPER WOMAN IN YOU BECAUSE MY FAITH IS WEAK?Consider Abraham. He believed in me and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Therefore know that only those who are of faith are daughters of Abraham.
Galatians 3:6, 7
THEN ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD, DEAR JESUS, IF I INCREASE MY FAITH IN YOU, YOU WILL BLESS ME AND MAKE ME A SUPER WOMAN?
Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.
Hebrews 6:14
OH, JESUS, YOU ARE SO GOOD AND SO KIND. AND I PROMISE TO INCREASE MY FAITH AND DEPEND SOLELY UPON YOU IN EVERYTHING I DO.
Just remember, faith comes not by your own might, but by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17
SO THAT I MIGHT UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY, MY LORD, LET ME REPEAT WHAT YOU SAID. IN ORDER FOR ME TO BECOME A SUPER WOMAN IN YOUR HOUSE, I MUST LISTEN AND OBEY YOUR COMMANDMENTS AND YOU WILL MAKE ME THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL.

YOU ALSO DESIRE THAT I NOT ONLY BECOME A PROSPEROUS WOMAN, BUT THAT MY SOUL BE ENRICHED AS WELL. AND THE BLESSING IS THAT ALL OF THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED JUST BY INCREASING MY FAITH IN YOU.		That’s right, daughter. And you should also remember that without faith it is impossible to please me.
Hebrews 11:6
I KNOW WHAT FAITH IS, LORD. IT IS LIKE HOPING AGAINST HOPE THAT AN INCURABLE SITUATION WILL GET BETTER EVEN THOUGH YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW.I say it a little differently…Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THIS VISIT AND I AM DETERMINED TO PUT MY FAITH INTO PRACTICE AND NOT ALLOW SATAN TO ROB ME OF MY SUPERIORITY IN YOU.Well said, my beloved, for the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

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God Provided The Cornerstone

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, Mankind's Relationship With God, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…Psalm 127:1a

‘The stone which the builders rejected…Psalm 118:2″

“Therefore thus says the Lord: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;…Isaiah 28:16

“HELLO WORLD! CAN WE TALK?”

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 cannot get enough. Once, when in prayerful discussions 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 who relishes* in the exploring of the Holy Scriptures.*

So as not to be presumptuous and 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 women’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.”

church attendance couple happy chart

A study released by the Institute of Family Studies (IFS) found that couples who regularly go to church together report higher levels of happiness than those who don’t. More than 3 in 4 regular church-attending couples (78 percent) say they are “very happy” or “extremely happy” in their relationship.

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, correction 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/stone 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 the New Testament, 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 Word 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.

Now, let’s talk about our minds. Let’s declare every day that we will show love to somebody, speak and think only positives 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 (New Testament

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 theChristian 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 are 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.

NOTE: (*) Relishes: A person who deeply relishes the scriptures is typically described as a devout scholar, a spiritual contemplative, or simply a biblical enthusiast. They view reading and meditating on sacred texts as a profound joy rather than a chore. [1]

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

God Has Always Dealt With Me Succinctly

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, Prayers For Life Changes, UncategorizedLeave a comment

There is no need for my readers to rush to retrieve there dictionaries. I have already done it for you. That’s right! Because just when I set aside time this week to collect my thoughts and write my weekly blog, the Holy Spirit whispered in my heart…I got this, Sister girl. The Lord of lords desires that you renew your initial solemn prayers to Him at the beginning steps of your journey with Him.

So, naturally, I went to my archives and searched through my historical records until I found two ‘dog-eared’, vintaged yellow copies of personal prayers I had written to God. I would like to share them with you as well as to renew them with my Lord and Savior.

According to Google…

To be succinct means to express ideas clearly and concisely, using exactly as many words as needed to make your point. A succinct message eliminates all unnecessary fluff and verbosity while keeping all essential information.
“My Prayer…For Myself…For my ‘calling’ to teach the Gospel”

1. To be approved by God
2. To be entrusted with the gospel.
3. To have my heart tested by God.
4. Not to seek praises from men.
5. Not to be afraid to share personal experiences as God has dealt with me.
6. To be an effective instrument whose teaching is anointed and causes the hearer to learn, understand and apply.

(circuit 1990)

“MY PLEDGE TO A HIGHER CALLING”
Dear God (My Holy Father):

I solemnly promise to focus my full attention and participation in training for the work of a Deaconess. During this workshop I will do the following:

1. Open my mind to God’s glorious majesty.
2. Pray honestly, asking the Holy Spirit for His guidance.
3. Let new ideas penetrate my being.
4. Participate enthusiastically with creative involvement.
5. Occupy my mind with the meaning and impact of my ministry
as a Deaconess on the lives of others.

Henceforth, I look forward to the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior. Amen.

(circuit 1994)

My Christian journey has definitely been a highly blessed and glorified one. My Precious Lord has blessed me by opening His expansive world to little ole me and introducing me to his earthly world-wide kingdom. The Holy Spirit has also allowed me to come to know the Son in a more intimate way. What a mighty God we serve!!

May the Lord continue to richly bless and keep you and your loved ones as you faithfully serve, bless and give thanks to Him. Amen and Amen.

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

God Is Sending Out A Clarion Call To The Churches

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, How To Pray For Others, Prayers About Biblical End Times, Prayers About Freedom, UncategorizedLeave a comment
A Clarion Call to Saints and Sinners

AWAKE!…..ARISE!…..SHINE!…..GIVE GOD THE GLORY!

Following is a Citizen’s Prayer For Her Country

Return, oh nations of the world, and more particularly the cities of the USA. Return! For you have stumbled in your evil courses. Come with your prayers ready. Come back to the Lord.

Say to Him, “Father, you do not like to hold on to iniquity, so accept our plea, and we will pay our vows with our total being.

For our possessions will not save us, nor will we seek strength from false gods. What we have acquired with our hands we will never again call gods.

We know now that in Thee and Thee alone the fatherless find a Father’s love.”

And perhaps one day soon we shall hear the Father’s response…

Yes, I will heal their iniquities; of own treasurers will I love them. For my anger is turned away. I will be as dew to my people so that they may blossom like lilies; grow roots deep into the soil like the poplar tree; and grow fresh limbs that they may be as fair as the Olive tree; and as fragrant as the Trees of Lebanon.

And my cities throughout shall again dwell in my shadow and not in the shadow of death. My people shall prosper and live in abundance: they shall flourish like a vine and be famous as the Wine of Lebanon.

What has the sinner man anymore to do with self-righteousness? God says, “I’ll remind you once more! I am the pine tree that shelters you when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death; and it is to Me that your fruits or works are owed.

Let the wise consider these things and let him who considers take note: for the Lord’s ways are straight and the righteous walk in them, while the sinners stumble.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

Amen and Amen.

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

God Lovingly Sent Me To The Wood Shed

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, Mankind's Relationship With God2 Comments

You might want to ask me what do I mean by that title. Well, I guess you can call it ‘writer’s block’. For certainly, this week has been very difficult for me to put pen to paper and deliver to you my weekly blog.

But now that I have come to myself and humbly had a little talk with Jesus and also with the aid of the Holy Spirit, prayer and supplication, all is well.

The chastising message to me from on High was: You forgot to give thanks! So, written below is a brief synopsis of my predicament.

Earlier this week, I went into my office and prayerfully inquired of the Holy Spirit as to what uplifting subject I should blog about. Nothing was happening in my heart. A couple of days passed and still there was nothing typed on my WP blog page. Finally, I was led to rummage through my file cabinet drawers. After a short search, I retrieved a copy of a prayer I had written some years ago entitled, “A Revival Prayer for 9-16-03.”

Yes, as the title implies, the Baptist church that I was attending in 2003 had invited me to deliver the opening prayer for their particular 3-day revival. As I continued reviewing the 2003 prayer request letter, I saw where I had included a prayer request to God to place restrictions on an impending hurricane storm scheduled to hit the east coast causing severe destruction to life and property. (1)

Also included in that 2003 letter was a request for God to bless my new found friends in Zimbabwe, South Africa whom I met some years ago while on a missionary trip with Buckner International. (2)

Fast forward to now…2026! I still have a severe aching in my heart. WHY! It’s Friday and I still have writer’s block. I feel like I’m still in God’s wood shed! Why? A Still Small Voice whispered…”You failed to return to me and say, THANKS!”

Both Secular and Biblical advice say: Since God has responded favorably to both of your prayer requests, return to him and give thanks. First, seriously repent and receive confirmation that all is well with your soul. Also remember that a couple of weeks ago, World Vision officials came to your church and said that some disadvantaged children living in squalor in Zimbabwe needed American families to adopt/sponsor one African child. As a result, hundreds of families signed up and committed themselves for one year. PRAISE GOD!

A “Sin” Against God: In Christian theology, a lack of gratitude is viewed as a sin. Romans 1:21 in the Bible is often cited, which highlights that even though humanity knew God, “they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him”.

NOTES: (1) THANKS FOR REDIRECTING THE 2003 STORM CALLED ISABEL

(2) THANKS FOR FUNDING ZIMBABWE

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

God Demands To Know: What’s Love Got To Do With It?

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, Mankind's Relationship With God, Scriptures For Biblical Maturity, UncategorizedLeave a comment

For this week’s blog, I have chosen to share with my followers who just might be contemplating matrimony in the year 2026. This literary contribution was actually written several years ago for a young adult church conference. The dialogue is between a co-ed couple contemplating matrimony in their near future. The majority of my 2 presenters have recited this pre-marital dialogue at various venues. Namely, Christian settings, at birthday ceremonies, during marriage counseling sessions and also just for fun. Even married couples have recited this revealing heart-felt Christian exchanged while renewing their marriage vows.

My scripture references selected are taken from I Corinthians 13:1-13 for Male Voice (MV). And I used the Book of Matthew for the Female Voice (FV). What I tried to accomplish was to allow Biblical scripture verses to “talk” to each other. This idea was deposited into my holy spiritual memory bank in 1975, the year I was visiting my mother and step-father’s home in Minneapolis, MS.

“BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE”

FV: Matt. 12:35
The good man brings good things out of good stored up in him.
MV: I Cor. 13:1
(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.
FV: Matt. 17:20
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.
MV: I Cor. 13:2
(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.
FV: Matt. 19:21
(Well) If you want to be perfect go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven.
MV: I Cor. 13:3
(Beloved). If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.
FV: Matt. 5:44 & 45
(Then take this advice) Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
MV: I Cor. 13:4 &5
(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.
FV: Matt. 18:15
(Then remember, my Dear) If our brother sins against you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.
MV: I Cor. 13:6
(Right, again) Love does not delight in evil but in truth.
FV: Matt. 5:14
(You exude love) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
MV: I Cor. 13:7
(Love)…always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.
FV: Matt. 5:13
(Also,) You are the salt of the earth. But, if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
MV: I Cor. 13:8.
(With love, of course!) Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled.
FV: Matt. 24:42.
(You must) Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
MV: I Cor. 13:8b,
9 &10
(Know this)…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.
FV: Matt. 18:3.
I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
MV: I Cor. 13:11
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.
FV: Matt. 6:22
(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 ligh
MV: I Cor. 13:12a
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
FV: Matt. 14:43
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
MV: I Cor. 13:12b
Now I know in part, then I shall know full, even as I am fully known.
FV: Matt. 22:37 & 38
(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.
MV: I Cor. 13:12b
And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.
FV & MV: I Cor. 13:13b
BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.

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God Really Does Love Me; He Truly Knows My Name

On By SonjaIn Building Spiritual Bridges, Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, Prayers About God and Me, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Two weeks ago I published a blog about the spiritual name I believed the Holy Spirit had anointed me with: My name is “Sought After.” For further proof of this special anointing that transpired all those many years ago, please allow me to enlighten you as to what happened to me this week in regards to assembling my thoughts for this current blog.

Upon retrieving an old folder from my file cabinet, I came upon a rough draft copy of a letter written by me to the Dear Heavenly Father! The once white typing paper was now yellow stained, tattered and wrinkled, with a faint pencil notation on it that read ‘1994’!

As I re-read the letter that I had penned to Our Heavenly Father approximately 55 years ago, I was astonished at how I had identified the subject matter of the senders of its contents. Although the letter was being sent to God on behalf of the Deacon and Deaconess Boards of my church of which I was a deaconess at that time. HOWEVER, I actually used 2 pseudonyms to identify the senders. (Naming them the sons of Jacob and the daughters of Israel.)

The blessing revealed to me was that the Holy Spirit miraculously led me to this ancient 1994 communication letter to identify and clarify for me that my name, Sought After, is translated and recognized as God’s daughters of Israel. Therefore, I invite you to read my 1994 conversation letter to God using scripture and be enlightened on how to connect his glorified dots because: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

The sons of Jacob and the daughters of Israel who are members of the household of faith at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, have gathered in this place to once again give all praise and honor to your Name.

For we realize, Dear Master, that all gifts and benefits come from You.  And we rejoice in the knowledge that had it not been for Your son Jesus we would not have had free access to any of Your bountiful blessings.

Also, Dear Lord God, the sons of Jacob and the daughters of Israel wish to thank You for keeping us sturdy and on track in the celebration of Men and Women's Day for 1994.  For we have not travelled this spiritual road before.  So thank you for not giving up on us and for keeping us Perfectly Joined Together.

For we never took our eyes off Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith....

So, Dear Master, because You sit high and look low and may have caught a glimpse of someone murmuring or received a report of another voicing displeasure at someone's leadership capabilities, we humbly ask your forgiveness and confess that by the love of Jesus, we will strive to learn to be more considerate of one another and to cultivate our Christian lives in common.

Never let it be recorded that any of us said, "I'm on Paul's side," or "I'm for Apollo," or "Peter is my man".  For none of these persons hung, bled and died for our sins nor none of those persons can give to us eternal life.

So now Lord, as I close this prayer on behalf of the men and women of this age in life of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, I thank You again for personally calling each of us by name to be in Your service.

Not just anybody, nor will everybody heed the call, but You took a bunch of nobodies and made them somebodies in the Family of God...and for that we give You the praise, all the honor and all the glory.  Amen and Amen.



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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 Desires That We Behold His Great Physician!

						

				On  By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Growing In The Lord, Mankind's Relationship With God, Prayers For Spiritual Growth4 Comments			

					


		

			

This week in my quiet time with the Holy Spirit, his guidance allowed me to take a trip all the way back to Genesis Chapter 22, the first book in the Holy Bible. 












 I distinctly heard the Spirit ask me if I really understood the reasoning why God told Abraham to go to the land of Moriah and to take his son Isaac with him.(*)  





God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains that God would point out to him.





(Free pexel image of Modern Day Abraham and his son, Isaac.)










































So, to answer the Holy Spirit’s question, I searched my file cabinet because deep down in my spirit, I remembered delivering a teaching to a group of women in my Tuesday Morning Bible Study class in February 2018.  And sure enough, I found it!  So, as I skimmed through my presentation, I soon realized that  back then, 6 years ago, the Holy Spirit distinctively told me to present the Lord to the ladies as The Great Physician.  (The background biblical text for my teaching was based on Matthew 4:32 – 5:12).





"REMAIN IN ME, AS I ALSO REMAIN IN YOU."

This morning we are going to learn about how to be at peace and in good health even when our bodies are racked with pain and troubled with disturbing thoughts and our spirit is questioning our faith.  In other words, like our magazine story suggests, although we have put our physical dilemmas into the hands of medical professionals, we are going to look to the Word of God and discover how to get to the real source of the matter...HOW TO ARRIVE AT A BETTER HEALTH POSITION.

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

Our Scripture comes from two chapters in Matthews, chapters 4:23 to 5:12, so let's read and get our foundation.

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 share in the salvation of the kingdom of God.

So, Jesus is referring to the broader meaning of "blessed" when He says blessed are those who are poor in spirit, who mourn and who are meek.  Why?  Because they are dependent on God and not the world.  They are sensitive to their spiritual faults 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...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...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...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 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...you must be righteous according to what would Jesus do. (WWJD)

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

Reference Isaiah 61 Jesus' mandate.

REMEMBER, 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











(*) NOTE OF IMPORTANCE:  Have you ever wondered why Jehovah Jireh is another Name attributed to the Son of God!  In the Book of Genesis where in God provides a lamb as a substitute for the life of Isaac (Abraham’s beloved son), God himself would repeat this very same act when he put Jesus Christ on the cross and shed His blood for all mankind (Gentiles and Jews) to give salvation and eternal life to all those persons who confessed their sins and who believed on the Name of Jesus Christ and received Him as the Son of the Living God.





SO OBVIOUSLY, THE HOLY SPIRIT WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR RECOGNITION OF THE ABRAHAM/ISAAC/SUBSTITUTE LAMB STORY meant more to the reader than just God not having to kill little Isaac. The Holy Spirit wants readers of each generation to see God’s redemptive plan for man’s initial sin (perpetuated by Adam and Eve) in the Garden of Eden.





For if it had not been for Jehovah Jireh, Our PROVIDER, the Lamb of God, Christ Jesus’ shed blood, death on the cross, burial, resurrection and ascension;  eternal death, hell and the grave would have been man’s epitaph instead of eternal life with the Son of God in heaven.  Amen! 





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







			
					

	




			
				


			

		

			
God, I Need Your Wisdom, Part 3

						

				On  By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Prayers For Spiritual Growth, Prayers For Understanding2 Comments			

					


		

			

To my dear readers…Thank you so much for finding an interest in the first 2 blogs posted on this subject matter.  I realize that I have delved into a very personal and confidential family matter that could seem to some too private to blog about.  And if that was your thoughts, I apologize.  My only thoughts were of perhaps there were other siblings out there that had surmountable disagreements that needed closure.   It is my hope and prayer that this series of blogs on the subject of WWJD (What would Jesus do!) that could shed some light on how to deal with the problem.  I am finding closure and in all my getting, acquiring an understanding on the matter (albeit biblically).





So, let us continue to digest the good and perfect advice given to me by the Holy Spirit on how to continue to love and respect others (including relatives) who might just disagree with us from time to time.






Gay priests brake the silence. Homosexual clergymen should speak out about their sexual preference






And God said to the Apostle Paul, His prisoner… (Column 1.)





And God said to me, His prisoner…(Column 2.)





17. This I say therefore, and testify
in the Lord, that ye henceforth
walk not as other Gentiles walk,
in the vanity of their mind.

18. Having the understanding
darkened, being alienated from
the life of God through the
ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness
of their heart.		The Gentile does not believe 
in God, but his own might.  So
even though God has given him
a measure of grace (because
the word says he has given it
to everybody), the Gentile is
blind (or living in darkness)
and thus ignorant.  Because 
if he was in the “know”, he
would be “in God” because
knowledge comes from God.
19.  Who being past feeling have 
given themselves over unto
lasciviousness, to work all
uncleanness with greediness.

20.  But ye have not so learned
Christ;

21.  If so be that ye have heard
him, and have been taught by
him, as the truth is in Jesus;

22.  That ye put off concern-
ing the former conversation
the old man, which is 
corrupt according to the
deceitful lusts;

23.  And be renewed in the
spirit of your mind.

24.  And that ye put on the
new man, which after God
is created in righteousness
and tru holiness.		Now you Ephesians are
just like everybody else. 
You’ve received your
gift, through grace, but
you are greedy…not
sharing.  You act like you
don’t even know where
the gift came from and
I’ve told you all about
Christ.

So it’s about time you
forget what you knew 
before Christ came
into your life (deceitful-
ness, lusts, etc.) and
be renewed with the 
Godhead knowledge
about the flowing of
the Spirit, in your mind.

And that you become 
one in the Spirit, etc.,
and let God account
it unto you as
righteousness.






Part 4  will be presented next
Friday		Part 4 will continue to
show you how God
revealed it is impossible
to only believe in him
and not his Son, Jesus
Christ.





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