Category: Growing In The Lord

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 “Schooled” Me Concerning Life Eternal

On By SonjaIn Growing In The Lord, How To Witness To Others, Mankind's Relationship With God, Prayers About God and MeLeave a comment

Did you know that the Holy Spirit is our Master Teacher concerning life eternal. I recall learning an awesome lesson from the Master Teacher in 2004. My personal journal reminded me that on a Saturday night in February 2004, God allowed me to experience life eternal. I had fallen asleep after studying the Sunday School lesson I was scheduled to teach the following mourning. I taught a group of third graders at my church.

“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.” Luke 6:43-44

The Holy Spirit awakened me about 4:30 a.m. I knew it was Him. He instructed me to go get my book entitled Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul. In it I found a short story relevant to my Sunday School lesson. It was very appropriate for my third graders.

I said to myself, it would really be nice if I could find a short story directly related to the book of Luke. After leafing through the book, I found the perfect story and it referenced Luke 6:33, a section on giving. (The class could certainly under that as followers of Christ, they must always try to bear good deeds/fruit for Jesus.)

After I finished reading the story, I was smiling and thanking God for awakening me and putting the finishing touches on my Sunday School lesson. I said, oh, Lord, if I had my druthers, heaven would be one long eternal night instead of a place of eternal day. I made that comment because for me and most people I know, God engages us in the most revealing conversations at nighttme or at least in the early dawn while it is still dark outside.

Immediately, my Lord responded. “Sonja, My beloved,” He said, “turn to Revelations where I speak of the fact that heaven will have neither sun nor moon.

“The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the Glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” Rev. 21-23

“Don’t you see, my child?” “Heaven will have neither sun nor moon. There will be no concept of day or night there. I AM IT! When I awake you at night to speak to you I am treating you as I treat myself. I never sleep. So why should you?. I’ll tell you like I told Jeremiah, ‘Do you want to run with the horses?’ Well, I am the horses. Wake up! Allow me to turn your nights into days.”

“If you want to walk with Me, know that there are no inhibitions that hinder Me. No walls contain Me. No doors are shut against Me. No gulfs divide Me from anything. No restraints bind Me. No insults effect Me. No regiment of time constrains Me. But most of all; No weapon formed against Me shall prosper. I say to you, come to the realization of how awesome it is to be more than a conqueror. Come. I invite you to join Me and experience eternity.”

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

God Wants To Know Just How Are You Today?

On By SonjaIn Bible Trivia, Growing In The Lord, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For New Beginnings2 Comments

Who knew? Did you? It doesn’t matter if you are sick, heavy laden, forgot to put a stamp on your letter or doubted God was able, He will always come through!

Most Bible readers are of the opinion that God’s Holy Word is alive and can take on various insights depending on who is reading it or what circumstances are occurring at that time. I, too, am of this persuasion and therefore find it beneficial to pray categorically to God about certain issues which I am wrestling with.

I generally incorporate metaphors into my prayers and recite my request by saying something like; Oh, Lord, please open up my heart and read me and uncover my emotions as I open up this Holy Bible and ingest Your word in an attempt to uncover its wisdom and strength which is necessary for me to live an upright and holy life.

If you have ever prayed a prayer similar to the one I have just described you understand how astonishing it can be when you realize that a scripture passage you have just finished reading suddenly transforms from the written word into a vivid television production. What was once black and white letters on a page is now a Technicolor Picasso. What was once prose being read by a divorcee has miraculously become an aria to the third degree and sung by the world famous Mrs. Leontyne Price.

So, the Father ask you once again………”How are you today?”……….pray to Jesus by His Title

What is Your Need What is Jesus’ title Scripture Reference

Person to stand with meADVOCATE1 JOHN 2:1
I’m a wreckCOVER me with a BOND OF PERFECTIONCOL. 3:11-12
Be more dependableAUTHOR AND FINISHER of my faithHEBREWS 12:1-2
I need foodLord give me that BREAD FROM HEAVENJOHN 6:32-33
A better lifeYou are the BREAD OF LIFEJOHN 6:35
I’m sad, depressedYou are the BRIGHTNESS OF GOD’S GLORYHEBREWS 1:3
GuidanceBe my CHIEF SHEPHERD1 PETER 5:4
Sympathy, comfortFather of mercies and GOD OF ALL COMFORT2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4
Love my neighborLive in peace and the GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE2 CORINTHIANS 13:11
Patience and comfortGOD OF PATIENCE AND COMFORTROMANS 15:5

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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

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God Called His Son’s Name “Jesus”

On By SonjaIn Bible Trivia, God Father, Growing In The Lord, Mankind's Relationship With God, Prayers For Spiritual GrowthLeave a comment

What’s in a Name? Or perhaps the real question is why do we affix names to objects? Personally, I believe that since mankind is made in the image of God, we automatically take on similar traits and attributes of our Maker.

But, notwithstanding, the religious connection, names definitely help in creating order and defining purpose. But what is also held as precious to me is that God included mankind in this precious privilege of naming things.

God delegated authority to the First man, Adam, to name all the animals he brought to him which was an act of delegating stewardship and authority to humanity.

Fast forward…so, it was in the year of our Lord, Jesus Christ, November 5, 1982 when the Holy Spirit spoke into my heart and enlightened me on the biblical translation of Jesus and just how that name should be understood.

               THE LORD'S PRAYER - MATTHEW 6:9-13               
               (AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JESUS CHRIST)
Our Father Which Art In Heaven

(I have come down from heaven,		There are many gods of this world. But I’m talking about my Father (yours and mine) who lives in that Holy Habitation… Heaven.
Hollowed Be Thy Name

(to endorse everything
I have made.		Jesus is saying, may the name of God (His name ‘Jesus”) be written (carved) into and onto everything which thou (he) hath made both in Heaven and on earth. In the Old Testament, after King Solomon had completed the Lord’s House, using the Lord’s blueprint, the Lord God “spoke” to Solomon and said “I have hollowed this house which thou hath built, to put my name there forever.”
I Kings 9:3
Thy Kingdom Come

(I’m here! here! Look at me!
I am the Kingdom
predicted to come!
Jesus says, I’m talked about all through the Old Testament. Somebody was always saying the Kingdom will be established. My Father promised I would come through the house of David. “Then I will establish the throne of the kingdom upon Israel for ever.”
I Kings 9:5
Thy Will Be Done On Earth
As it is in Heaven

(Obey me and do my will.		Yes, I have created you in my own image and because I have a free will, you, too, have a free will. Use it and OBEY. Adam misused his will and was “set out” of safety (Eden). The angel Lucifer also misused his will and was set out of Heaven. Only God’s will now reigns in Heaven. It’s down here on earth, where I have come, that things are all messed up.

Gen. 3:23-24
Rev. 12:3
Give Us This Day Our
Daily Bread

(Recognize me as your all in all.
Accept me (Jesus) today because I am the bread of life. Pray that I might become real in your life. Digest my teachings. Digest me. Eat me and you’ll never die! Because I am the Bread of Life.

John 6:35
And Forgive Us Our Debts
As We Forgive Our Debtors

(Stop judging folks!

Accept them! Accept Me!		Be ever so careful when you include these words in your prayer. Don’t forfeit your prayer to the Father because you went down on your knees before you went to your brother and asked forgiveness.

Matthew 6:14 & 15 says…

For if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
For Thine Is The Kingdom

(I’ve told you once and I’m
telling you again. It’s me they were
talking about.		I am the authority, now. My Father has crowned me. You must receive me (Jesus) as the King before you can enter into the Kingdom of my Father.
And The Power

(Try me,
Test me, Prove me,
Use me,		If God is for you, no man can be against you. For greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world.
And The Glory

(The “secret” is no more
The mystery is cleared up.		The mystery of whose coming to save (redeem) mankind is cleared up. I am the glorious one the world has been awaiting.
Forever

(Wise up world!		You will pass away. Your works will pass away. But what I’m telling you (my word) shall last for all times.

Isaiah 40
AMEN
(SO BE IT)		A MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

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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…Are You Listening…We’re Ready To Hear

On By SonjaIn Growing In The Lord, How To Witness To Others, Prayers For New Beginnings, Prayers For Understanding, UncategorizedLeave a comment

The above title has been the pronouncement directed to the Holy Trinity by every Baptized Believer, every person of faith, and yes, by even you and me, more likely at the beginning of every new year. Did you know that such a pronounced statement denotes authority. So, for your information, a new year (2026) has arrived and is in a position to provide hope, gloom or doom. BUT WILL IT? IT WILL NOT!

Can you guess WHY?

Because as soldiers in God’s army, there are obligations and preparations that we, ourselves, must provide.

It’s called WWJD! What Would Jesus Do.

If you are like me, seemingly every day so far in this new year, total strangers felt led to approach me and engage me in conflicting conversations concerning the state of the USA union and other upsetting conversations that are voiced on local news outlets. This would often happen while I was engaged with my own personal activities. 


I'm trying to get a relaxing pedicure. Congregants sought my opinions after church services! I was sometimes engaged in conversation while in my exercise class.  And, boy, was I surprised to learn how much interest the young people had in politics and current events. Go figure!!!

May I direct your attention to a paraphrased version of Matthew 10:2-10 (…as Jesus speaks to his original twelve disciples.) They, too, thought they were ready to hear what thus says the Lord.

“There shall be no gold, silver, or copper to fill your purse, no pack for the road, no second coat, no shoes, no stick…(WHY?)…the worker earns his keep. Or perhaps “I” should say, the worker (indubitably) MUST earn his/ her keep!

In other words, when you are asked by anyone to stand in the gap (or shoes) for the SON of God, be sure…be very sure your opinions reflects the mindset of Christ Jesus. That is, having the wisdom of a serpent (Like Matthew 10:16 puts it) in order to survive as a sheep of the Father in the midst of ravenous wolves. Therefore, it is imperative when you pray about current events and life issues at the beginning of a new year, in general to remember what Jesus has promised already that “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you”. John 16:23.

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

God Is An Awesome God…Deferred Help Concerning Sordid Things, Part 2

On By SonjaIn Growing In The Lord, Prayers For Healing, Prayers For Understanding, Scriptures For Biblical MaturityLeave a comment

I hope your 2025 yearend holidays and your 2026 New Year’s Celebration were fulfilling!

Also, here’s hoping you will start your day with some joyful and smooth Holiday music. Just click the scene below, sit back and enjoy! After being filled with ecstasy, click it off and return to reading the Part 2.

Last week, on Friday, December 26, 2025, I printed Part 1 of this saga and sent it along your way by mode of WordPress. To refresh your memory, scale down to the bottom of this blog page to the word “Related” and click the title for Part 1. 

TITLE:  Buried Sordid Memories Exhumed (Continued from Part 1)

The first few lessons were conducted on our street.  Mr. Wilson would allow me to drive about five blocks up to the elementary school's parking lot, turn around and drive back, passing my house for another ten blocks in the opposite direction.  All the while, Mr. Wilson would instruct me on the proper driving habits I was to employ:  lower your left arm straight out the window when making a left turn; raise your arm at the elbow when making a right turn; and hang your arm straight down when slowing down or stopping.  Mr. Wilson would always show me how to maneuver my feet on the break, clutch and gas peddle as I operated the stick-shift throttle.  His way of 'showing me' was to place his hands on my knee and apply pressure.

When I would make a mistake such as to cause the car to vibrate because the clutch was not applied properly or to stall out due to the fact that I gunned it, Mr. Wilson never raised his voice to reprimand me.  He just placed his hands on my knee and applied pressure.

In time I learned how to synchronize all the pedals and was actually driving pretty good.  One Sunday afternoon, Mr. Wilson suggested that I continue driving past the elementary school and proceed up the hill towards the baseball park.  This route proved to be somewhat of a challenge for me because of the twists and turns in the steep road.  Fear overtook me and my grip on the steering wheel displayed white knuckles and my upper teeth bit down over my lip with extreme force. My body was rigid and my breathing laborious as I leaned towards the windshield struggling to take each curve as smoothly as I could.

As the road leveled off I sighed with relief and began to relax as I attempted to transfer my right foot from the clutch pedal to the gas pedal.  But I couldn't!  Something was holding my leg in place.  For a half second, I took my eyes off the road and looked down at my knee.  To my surprise, my dress was up around my waist and Mr Wilson's hand was on the inside of my right thigh.  I screamed bloody murder!!

I raised both my hands off the steering wheel and desperately tried to jump out of my side of a moving car.  Mr. Wilson was yelling some words of apology and struggling to get control of the steering wheel with one hand and pulling me back into the moving car with the other.

Somehow, between the two of us, we were able to bring the vehicle under control and I veered off the road and onto the entrance curb of the baseball field.  (Of all the Sunday afternoons, the playing field was empty of any activity.)  I looked over at Mr Wilson and he was crying real tears.  He started talking real fast saying something about being sorry and that all he was trying to do was to help me apply the right amount of pressure to the pedals so as not to burn up his new car.  His display of emotions caused me to believe him at the time.  And immediately I thought that perhaps I had over-reacted and imagined something that did not actually happen.  I adjusted my skirt and we both composed ourselves as we sat in deafening silence.

Finally, I asked Mr. Wilson to drive us home but he insisted that I remain behind the wheel, back the car up and proceed home.  As I drove, he continuously complimented me on my newly acquired driving skills and compared me and my accomplishments with his unassuming and timid wife.  He built up my confidence real good and I began to feel special.  But the payoff was he offered to let me use his car when I went to the DMV office to take my driving test.  He reasoned that I would be more familiar with his car than my dad's car because I had learned on the Chevrolet.  Honestly, I wanted nothing more to do with Mr. Wilson, but what would my parents think if I refused his generous offer.

When I arrived at my front door, I resolved to go into the house with a big smile on my face.  I had already convinced myself that this incident had never taken place.  That nothing had happened out of the ordinary.  Who would have believed me anyway?  (Back in the day, if a neighbor caught another neighbor's child misbehaving, the neighbor had the consent of the parents to discipline that child.)

So my secret remained buried all of these years until now.  Thank you, Ms. Opal, for helping to remove that skeleton from the closet of a frightened teenage girl.








The Holy Spirit Is Upon Me And Has Given Me Peace





The Bible absolutely has something to say about how to overcome past hurts and sordid memories. In 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 you will find the answer. Read it and weep! God sent his Son, Christ Jesus, to take away all miseries and sorrows from everyone who proclaims the Name of his Son and walks in His light. With the aide of the Holy Spirit it only takes one (person) to teach one (another).





There are no ‘big’ sins and ‘little’ sins. And there is nothing you (personally) can do to draw you closer to God.  Jesus PAID it all.   And it is all to Him you and I owe.  The only thing we have to do is to cover ourselves with His pure sinless blood. Remember, even if a wrongful act took the life of someone you knew or loved, if that person was already blood-stained(*) when they died, that is, covered with the blood of Jesus, The Father will welcome them home.





So, now you know.  Start seeing your life through God’s transformation eyes.  Remove your cataracts in both eyes.  Cast your hope on things eternal, on godly thoughts offering freedom from shame and identity tied to past sins.  This process hinges on steadfastness and intentionally dwelling on God’s truth and not on the enemies of darkness and finding freedom from past lies that shaped you, not just the sin all by itself.





(*) NOTE:  Died as a believer in Christ Jesus.





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