Category: Heaven Is For Real

God Allowed Me To Experience Life Eternal

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers About God and Me1 Comment

“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

This week’s blog is a page from one of my numerous prayer journals that was experienced and recorded more than eighteen years ago. At that time, I was a Sunday School teacher in the church I attended. It is my hope that the retelling of this odyssey will bless your soul just as much as it has blessed mine during my walk and communications with the Holy Spirit.

Ahh…for a good night’s rest I thought after prayerfully studying my Sunday School lesson…

The Holy Spirit awakened me about 4:30 a.m. on that divinely appointed night. I knew it was Him. He instructed me to go get my paper-back book entitled Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul. So, I quietly slipped out of bed and turned on my night light and retrieved my book. 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.

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 nighttime or at least in the early dawn while it is still dark outside.

Immediately, my Lord responded. “Daughter, My beloved,” He whispered, “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 awaken you at night to speak to you, I am treating you as I treat Myself. I never sleep! So why should you? I’ll say to you like I said to Jeremiah; ‘Do you want to run with the horses?’. Well, I Am the Horse. Wake up, my beloved! Allow me to turn your night into day.

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!!!

So now you, too, know not to curse the sudden awakening from sleep in the night. God just might be turning your nights into days. HALLELUJAH!!!

Scripture Lesson: “I (Jesus) say emphatically that anyone who listens to my message and believes in God who sent me has eternal life, and will never be dammed for his (her) sins, but has already passed out of death into life.” John 5:24

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

God Extends An Invitation To His Housewarming

On By tgifmastermindsIn God's Heavenly Hosts, Heaven Is For Real, Instruction on how to disciple others, Prayers About Biblical End Times2 Comments

I’m grateful that God sent me an invitation to his housewarming, but with all the airline plane delays, and cancellations, I wonder just how long it will take me to get there. I’m suppose to receive a crown.

The Holy Spirit spoke to me in an unusual way this week. At first I thought I was receiving messages to blog about the seventh day of creation called the Sabbath. For it is written, that was the day God “Rested” from all of his labors of creating the universe. But as I began to unpack this thesis, I soon realized that the Sabbath was not a day made for God to take his ease. But it was designed as an anointed time period (without end) for God’s people, who live in this world, to come to themselves and commence (on a daily basis) to live their lives as the following 3 bible scriptures proclaim and turn from their sins, so as not to be ruled by the snares of the evil one (Satan). In other words, the day that you repent and turn from your labor of sin and shame, that is your day of Sabbath. God’s ‘work’ was finished within 6 days and it was all good, so he took a day of rest (his Sabbath).

Luke 9:23 

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me (Jesus, God’s Son), let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Matthew 19:21  

Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Galatians 2:20 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Those persons who Romans 12:2 talk about, who are also in the world that God created but have not conformed to his will and to his ways and whose hearts and minds have not been renewed and therefore they are refusing to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, they remain under the influences of the prince of this world (Satan).

IT’S PARTY TIME…

5 Categories Of Believers In Heaven Will Receive Crowns

My child, whenever you performed missionary duties that included talking about Jesus to someone who was not a Christian or who did not know Christ, your actions were often referred to as being a soul-winner. Did you know that there is a crown awaiting such servants in heaven known as The Crown of Rejoicing? (1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV)

The Holy Spirit spoke again and reminded me of my recent doctor’s appointment I had earlier in the week. Do you recall the excitement your nurse attendant had as she related to you how obliging her patients had been all day as she shared her love for Christ. How she admitted that serving Jesus Christ was her true profession and how she longed to make heaven her eternal home. You see, my beloved, many people become so caught up in earthly activities that they forget that heaven is truly their home. The Crown of Righteousness is not for them. (2 Timothy 4:8 KJV)

Another category in which Jesus will award crowns is to all those believers who have kept the faith at the expense of loosing their own lives. It also includes those servants who suffered persecution and even temptation. They, most assuredly, will receive The Crown of Life. (James 1:12 and Revelations 2:10 KJV)

Sometimes even believers loose out on receiving their crown because of a lack of self-discipline. They don’t know when to say “No!” They get caught up in “the good things in life”, and forget about all God’s benefits. Only those who can exercise discipline will receive The Victor’s Crown. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27 KJV)

Finally, just to remind you of one of Jesus’ quotes in Matthew 9:37, where he said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Let us not forget the crown that will be awarded to the faithful leaders of the churches: pastor’s, elder’s, deacons, Sunday School teachers, and various other ministry leaders. This group of followers of Christ will receive The Crown of Glory. (1 Peter 5:4 KJV)

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX FOR YOUR INVITATION…

The Lord says, My prayer invitation for you has already been signed, sealed and delivered by St. Francis of Assisi. Bring a copy of it with you when you come to My housewarming. It reads; “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.“

Scripture Lesson: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:31-32).

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

God Allows A Little Humor

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers For Spiritual Growth, Prayers For Understanding8 Comments

(If Twitter ran Heaven:)

Oh, beg your pardon, sir, I thought your name was Elon.

For some reason this past week, I found myself beseeching the Holy Spirit with one nagging question: “Oh Lord, is there no humor in the Scriptures?” I guess I had become weary from reading so much gloom and doom in the chapters from the Books of Ezekiel and Jeremiah. You see, I am a member of a large bible study group that meets by phone 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) from 6:00 a.m. to about 7:30 a.m., for the purpose of reading 4 bible chapters each of the 5 days. An assistant minister of my church is our leader and the drill is for him to begin our sessions with prayer and praise, and then assign 4 participants to read one Bible chapter each, from a list on a calendar: One chapter each from the Old and New Testaments, and repeat reading chapters from Psalm and Proverbs, perpetually. After the first chapter is read, anyone on the call line can select a verse and audibly wrap a prayer around it. This procedure is repeated until all 4 chapters have been read.

Normally, I find this early morning exercise extremely gratifying and it keeps me in harmony with the sweet, sweet Spirit of Jesus Christ and orders my steps for the remainder of the day. Our latest assignment readings called for the group to read the Books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel back to back. And since there is so much gloom and doom in those two books, I found myself heavy laden over the assignments given by God to these two prophets. But thanks be to God, the Holy Spirit knew that I was harboring these melancholy feelings and just as I sat down at my computer and attempted to quiet my spirit and to pray concerning the subject I would blog about for this week, my eyes fell upon a book in my library entitled, “More Holy Humor“. The very first joke I read was anonymous, no credit was ascribed to anyone. It went like this:

“A senior pastor took a vacation and placed a new young associate-in-training in charge of preaching one of the Sunday morning sermons, since he would be away. When the pastor returned, he asked one of the members how the young associate had performed. The member replied: “He preached a dull message. Not much in it at all.” When the pastor saw his associate, the pastor asked him how he had felt about that Sunday morning he had preached. “Oh, I felt very good, sir. And I have a confession to make. I didn’t have time to put the proper research required into my own sermon, so I found one of yours and preached it. Thanks.”

Now, that bit of information brought a smile to my lips. And spontaneously I heard a still small voice whisper in my ear; My child, go back and reread a few verses in those Old Testament chapters and see how God characterized some of the foolish acts of his people as they abandoned the One true God and turned their hearts over to wooden idols and false teachers. Surely, you will discover some holy humor in them and maybe even a little sarcasm, too. And while you’re at it, reread the poem “Your Promises” I had my servant, Rob, send you earlier this week in both Spanish and English. He is a true believer whom I’ve placed in your sphere of influence; a person you have never physically met; a true friend and lover of Mine. Be encouraged by his prayerful poem, and stay focused. And always remember, my friend, let God be God! HALLELUJAH!!!

Tus promesas / Por Rob

Tus promesas, Señor,

Mi alma sostienen en paz:

Garantiza, Altísimo

De tu gran fidelidad.

Otros pueden prometer,

Pero tú tus promesas cumples.

Los enemigos del alma

Moneda falsa nos dan.

Por tu carácter, Señor

Nunca cambias tú.

Tengo plena certeza en ti, Señor

Pues, tú no puedes mentir.

Pero ya pagaste, Jehová

En Cristo mi redención,

Y para tu propia gloria, oh Dios,

Tus promesas son sí en él.

Tus misericordias, Señor,

Nuevas cada mañana son,

Y todas las cosas nos ayudan a bien

Para tu gloria, Señor.

Y todas las cosas nos ayudan a bien

Para tu gloria, Señor.

Your Promises / By Rob

Your promises, Lord, to me

Keep my soul in peace.

Your guarantee, Most High,

Of your great faithfulness.

Others make promises, too,

But you your promises keep.

The enemies of our souls

Pay us in counterfeit coin.

By your character, Lord,

You can never change.

I have perfect assurance in you, Lord,

Because you cannot lie.

You, oh Lord, have paid

My redemption through Christ,

And for your glory, my God,

Your promise in him is “Yes!”

Lord, your mercies to me

New every morning they are.

You work all things together for good

For your glory, dear Lord.

You work all things together for good

For your glory, dear Lord.

Satan finally realized, but too late, that Heaven is for real. Don’t let his charades be your examples!

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

God Is Alive…He Is Not Dead – Part Two

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers About Biblical End Times, Prayers About Superstitions, Prayers For Spiritual Growth3 Comments
Why Is Reading the Bible an Important Part of the Christian Life?
I guessed it…I knew you would come to Part Two with a smile. So, let’s continue reading about how God’s Word contradicts Thomas A. Edison’s views on the hereafter.
THE DARK SIDE OF THOMAS A. EDISON (1847-1931)
        COMPOSED BY S. L. FOWLER
               (Part Two) (*)

There are little known facts about this inventor
Such as he possessed telepathic abilities, too
He could enter an altered state of consciousness
By closing his eyes and catnapping everyday around noon.

In addition to the fact listed above
He possessed another strange phenomenon
He could concentrate on someone and they would appear
Just as if he'd called them on the yet to be invented telephone.

The science of mental telepathy
Intrigued many an inventor of that day
They were curious about the mystic Occult
They risked ridicule and placed their reputations in jeopardy.

A friend of Edison's named Bert Reese
Was a renowned clairvoyant
Who could mysteriously read others written messages
Without ever having seen them before hand.

Thomas Edison's work in the hereafter
After all, might not have been in vain
For at his death on October 18, 1931, at 3:24 a.m.
Several clocks mysteriously stopped never to run again.

So, who is to say that communicating
With the unknown is ridiculous and unsound
Mr. Edison's notebooks concerning this research
Along with the apparatus' blueprints have never been found.

Now you know what was really festering
On the brain in Thomas A. Edison's head
He actually wanted to build a special machine
That would have allowed him to communicate with the dead.
        ---- THE END.  Go to website  below for additional information on Edison -----
(*) NOTE: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/dial-a-ghost-on-thomas-edisons-least-successful-invention-the-spirit-phone

Have mercy, Jesus!!!

If only the believers in Jesus Christ would take time and seriously study the Word of God. Only then would they discover the true meaning of Leviticus 19:31: “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.” Also, the Bible says channeling is abhorrent to God, and the spirits who respond to channelers are satanic. So why not let the dead bury the dead?

Speaking of being ‘defiled’, I found several incidences in Thomas Edison’s life that proved to be self-serving prophecies. First, in his biography it is recorded that his experiments performed in the basement of his home often exploded and frightened the heebie-jeebies out of his family members. Now that could have been a fore-warned sign.

Secondly, Thomas was afflicted with Scarlet Fever at an early age which caused hearing losses in both ears. Perhaps that infirmity, too, could have been a sign for him to stop listening to false doctrines and for him to plant his feet on solid ground. So, who’s to say Thomas was not forewarned during his lifetime to avoid the road he chose to travel on. (Only God knows.) Those who have ears, let him hear what thus says the Lord.

My Prayer for you…

Most Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You for the unique body you gave to mankind. And we particularly thank You, Dear Jesus, for our communicable facial features: two eyes, two ears, two intake nostrils and one mouth. But right now, Lord, I want to pray especially for those instructions You gave to our ears.

For in Matthew 11:15 You admonished us in a parable by saying, “Those who have ears to hear, let them hear”. Since You and You alone are sorely aware of how few of your people take the Word seriously and pursue an understanding of it, please allow the aide of the Holy Spirit to take residence in our hearts as it implants Your Word in the churches. And we promise to give You all the praise, honor and glory. For we know that since God the Father raised his Son, Christ Jesus, from the dead, He will do the same for all those who believe in Him. Amen and Amen!

Scripture Lesson:


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God’s Greatest Advice…WWJD

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For New Beginnings5 Comments
I have no idea what Jesus would do. Let’s call Him up!!

Tell me something. Have any of the following expressions ever escaped from your mouth?  “Awe sucks, that didn’t work!”  “What came over me?  Why did I listen to them?” “I should have known better.  I thought that person was wise!”  “I should have followed my first thought and used Google.  Google knows everything!  Right?”

WRONG!!      I, TOO, HAVE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT!! WHAT A WASTE OF TIME!

Seemingly, people in today’s world are constantly seeking words of wisdom from supposedly dependable and intelligent people.  But as it turns out, often then not, they are chasing down a rabbit hole.  In other words, they are becoming engaged in a process that is particularly strange, problematic, and difficult to accomplish, especially as it develops or unfolds.  Realistically, there is no way to know if you can even trust the source.  I found that out the hard way.  Let me explain.

SINCE WALKING IN THE LIGHT…

Thanks be to God, I have learned that true wisdom comes from God and is characterized by the fear(*) of him.  Whether you are seeking spiritual or secular advice, you should always rely upon the acronym WWJD.

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?  

When I was a young novice entrepreneur, I ventured into a very popular multi-level marketing skim which was based on a lot of hype, false advertising, and disillusions.  I invested and lost thousands of dollars and ended up with a garage full of unused and useless products.  And the sad part was, I had persuaded a few other people to follow in my footsteps.  I regret and repent my actions to this day.

Ironically, wisdom is priceless and cannot be found in a person’s mind neither in a book nor on the internet.  Wisdom comes from God in heaven and disclosed in the Bible for mankind to uncover.  But sins and atrocities committed by people on earth can have an effect on your gaining access to wisdom from heaven.  So, beware!

MY PRAYER FOR YOU:

Dear Heavenly Father, I truly want to make my thoughts obedient to You and to focus them on all things that are beautiful and good and right so that my life will reflect Your peace. I also realize that one day You will enable us to see everything more clearly and to fully understand Your purposes. Thank You so much for increasing my joy in my decision making process because I have now learned to be more mature and god-centered in my thoughts on Whom to trust. Your continued blessings I ask in the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen and Amen.

(*) NOTE: ‘Trembling’ fear.  The kind that envelopes respect, reverence, and worship.

Scripture Lesson:  “Where then does wisdom come from, and where is understanding located?  It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the sky.”  Job 28:20

(Click below to hear this gospel song by the Staple Singers on how to reach Jesus.)

The Caravans – Call Him Up And Tell Him What You Want

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God’s Description Of A Super Woman

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Spiritual Growth5 Comments

Over the years, as I grew closer and closer to Jesus Christ, I began to keep secret diaries of special phenomenal events that happened to me in life.  And before long, I had accumulated a number of file folders full of letters, prayers, scriptures, dreams, and other sacred scribblings (for my eyes only) that retold super natural encounters or conversations I had engaged in with the Holy Spirit.

If my readers will allow me to digress a little, I would love to reveal one of the most amazing conversations I have had thus far with my Maker.  It’s entitled “A Super Women”.

You, too, can communicate with God…even in braille.

“Dear Master:

How Can I become a Super Woman in the family of God?” “If you will listen and obey the commandments of the Lord our God that I am giving you today, He will make you the head and not the tail.” Deuteronomy 28:13

“But Lord, I still don’t understand. For even though I study Your word my heart is heavy more often than glad.” “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” III 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 any woman draw back, my soul shall have 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 unto him as righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Galatians 3:6, 7

“Than 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 thee, and multiplying, I will multiply thee.” 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 that…Faith cometh not by your own might…but Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

“Oh Lord, so that I might understand completely, let me repeat what you said I must do to become a Super Woman in thy house. You also desire that I not only become a prosperous woman, but that my soul be enriched as well. And that all this can be accomplished 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’s like hoping against hope that an incurable situation will get better even though you don’t 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’m determined to put my faith into practice and not let Satan rob me of my superiority in You.” “Well spoken, my beloved, for the thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy! I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Scripture Lesson: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20

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

God Let Go Of My Hand

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Non-believersLeave a comment
When God leaves you all alone…

Who would have thought that there could come a time when God would let go of your hand?

Think about it!  Sure…there are plenty of times when YOU let go of God’s hand.  But how many times has God let go of YOUR hand?

Let me refresh your memory.

What about that time when you had just experienced a triumphant moment of receiving accolades from your employer, classmates or family and friends.  Or shortly thereafter, you were guest of honor at a scrumptious birthday dinner.  Or better than anything else, you discovered that you were the heir of a large inheritance from a deceased wealthy relative.  Oh, how the praises went up as those blessings came down!  Or just maybe, it happened just when you were going through a debilitating sickness!  WOW! That hurts…

Then it happened…CRASH BAM…THANK YOU MAMAM!  For shortly after that, the Lord left you!  He actually took His presence away and let go of your hand!

God’s M.O.

God operates like that sometimes.  Scripture tells us that God did just that to King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32:31.

“And so, in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to try him and to know all that was in his heart.”

Now the Chronicler who wrote 1st and 2nd Chronicles does not give us the full narrative of exactly how King Hezekiah reacted (or what was in his heart concerning this matter), you have to read Isaiah Chapter 38 to get a fuller picture.  There you will discover that the Prophet Isaiah had just warned the king that God had numbered his days and that Hezekiah was about to die.  Hezekiah’s response was to turn his face to the wall and pray.  He reminded God of how faithful he had been in carrying out God’s commands and re-establishing kingdom worship and righteously serving God’s people.  God relented after hearing King Hezekiah’s prayer and healed him.

Hezekiah express his gratitude for his promised healing by requesting a divine sign from heaven sealing the promise that God would do what he said he would do.  So, God responded by causing the sun to miraculously stand still for a number of hours.  After all of this happened, however, an envoy of Babylonian princes came to visit King Hezekiah to learn more about the sun miracle and to congratulate him on his healing.  So, during all this time, “God had left him (Hezekiah) to himself, in order to try him and to know all that was in his heart.”

Lessons learned…

For me, I have learned when I am faced with the most serious adversities in life and feel as though the Lord has truly abandoned me, I find myself unable to pray earnestly to Him.  I begin to operate in my own strength until I cannot go any further.  Sometimes reluctantly, or in shame, I call on the Lord to rescue me.  In retrospect, I should be more like King Hezekiah and just turn my face to the wall and recall in my spirit all the times God has brought me out of trouble.  But unlike the king, my list of services might not be as long and as worthy as his. My flesh causes me to erroneously think that God operates on merit and not by his Spirit.

What about you?  Do you always remember the goodness of the Lord when you are faced with dilemmas in life?  Can you recite a list of godly services you have performed for the sake of others.  Do you remember how gracious and merciful our Lord is.  Do you remember that it is not by power or by might, but by My spirit says the Lord?  Do you believe that some adversities, bad news and illnesses can be in fact beneficial?  Not only for kings and people in high places, but for me and you.

My prayer for you…

“My Precious Lord Jesus, We definitely realize now that sometimes you leave us, yes, you actually let go our hands, so that You can examine our hearts.  Therefore, we thank You for the trials and difficulties that cause us to draw closer and nearer to You.  We praise you for not entirely forsaking us. This sincere prayer is offered in the matchless Name of Jesus.” Amen

Remember, Easter Sunday is within a few days, so why not concentrate on the last 7 words (phrases) of Christ. You might also see within these scriptures that God actually let go of his Son’s hand for a little while. Be blessed!

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43b
“Women, here is your son.” John 19:26b

“Here is your mother.” John 19:27

“I am thirsty.” John 19:28b
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (Which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”  Luke 23:46b

Jesus died for you and for me.

Scripture Lesson: “We who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body.” 2 Corinthians 4:11

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

God’s Road Map For Court Room Décor

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers About Freedom, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For UnderstandingLeave a comment
The Bible is my Road Map and Passport to life.

I learned something this week.  Yes, my eyes were opened to a new perspective on the Bible.  I grew up knowing, believing and respecting the teaching that the Bible was the infallible Word of God; but this week, as I read Leviticus, Chapter One in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit showed it to me as a Road Map for court etiquette.

You will recall that I have mentioned in past blog writings, that I am an early riser and often I connect with a semi-large group of believers who gather at 5:45 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. every weekday morning on the telephone for Bible study and prayer time.  Our mission, led by an assistant clergy of my church, is to read one chapter from four different books of the bible (three chapters from the O.T. and one chapter from the N.T.).

As the spirit leads, with thanksgiving, any person is allowed to ‘wrap a prayer around’ any verse that reminds them of God’s goodness.  Boy oh boy, does this exercise start my day with holy ecstasy, jubilance and solace.  The spirit runs high and by the end of the session, our leader closes out our time together by asking for prayer requests which he lifts up to the Lord.

All those who read and study the Bible know that God’s word is new and fresh every morning.  His word is also a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our pathway.  Since God likes things done in order, he gave the Levitical priests strict instructions on how to hold court at the tent of meeting (the tabernacle).

As I read and meditated over the first chapter of Leviticus, and saw how God wanted Moses to instruct the people as to how they were to bring their offering to the Lord, the Holy Spirit showed me that the same procedure required in the days of old are being lived out today in our court system in the twenty first century.

The first lesson I learned from the scriptures was that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Three classes of society are mentioned in the following verses.  And the offering that was required of them had to be killed and its blood was to be shed.  The person (sinner) who brought their offering to the priest (a forerunner of Jesus Christ, the High Priest Who was to come) had to lay their hand on the head of their burnt offering.

Lev. 1:3    “If the offering is a burnt offering from the ‘herd’”,….The filthy rich people that owned the larger animals like oxen and cattle with hides.
Lev. 1:10  “If the offering is a burnt offering from the ‘flock’”,….The middle class people that owned smaller animals like sheep and goats, chickens, etc.
Lev. 1:14  “If the offering to the Lord is a burnt offering of ‘birds’”,…The poorer class of people without means and who would have to catch and kill their offering.  

NOW, LET’S LOOK AT WHAT OUR COURTS REQUIRE…

All witnesses arraigned in our court system must place their hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  The example given in scripture shows that each society class of people owes their survival and good fortune to God (WHO IS TRUTH) and by placing their hand on the head of their prize possession (herd, flock or bird), they are indebted to Him and just as He gives, He can take it away.  Don’t forget, the Old Testament requires that the offering must be drained of its blood and completely burn up at the ceremony’s conclusion.

CHRIST JESUS SHED HIS BLOOD FOR US!

Perhaps, if you are familiar with the Book of Leviticus, you might think that I have really taken the meaning of Chapter One to the limit.  But that’s alright.  I just like to try and relate every word of God’s revelations to my life today and make it relevant.  I trust you do the same.  So many of my friends love to read and discuss the New Testament but shy away from the Old Testament.  For me, the more I understand the Old Testament, the more God reveals himself to me in the New Testament.

See you next week. Please leave me your comment on how you relate to the Old Testament Scriptures.

Scripture Lesson:

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Psalm 119:105

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

God Was Asked…”Are You A Democrat Or A Republican?”

On By tgifmastermindsIn Heaven Is For Real, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Peace, Prayers For Thanksgiving7 Comments
At Your request, Lord, I come unto thee…heavy laden and burden.

The type of question asked in the title of this week’s blog was asked by Joshua in the Old Testament of the Bible:

  Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand.  Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
     “Neither” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.”  Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” Joshua 5:13-14

In Joshua’s case, he realized that God was in the mix of the battle the Israelites was pursuing with a Canaanite stronghold, but he wasn’t sure whose side God was on and who he was going to allow to win the battle. In my predicament, I indeed needed to poise a more poignant question to God concerning the state of affairs our nation found itself in at the nation’s capitol (Washington, D.C.) on January 6, 2021, when it was overrun by a riotous mob of insurrectionist.

So, in a prayerful posture of humility, and with a contrite heart and meek spirit, I approached the throne of grace this week and submitted myself to the Lord’s abundant mercy and compassion. Relying on the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appealed to Him on bended knee, to converse with me. And He did.

Early one morning this week, after I had finished my daily 7:00 a.m. prayer time on the telephone with about 35 other early riser prayer partners, I felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit still lingering in my bedroom. I closed my eyes and submitted my spirit to the welcoming angelic atmosphere. Speak, my Lord, I whispered, speak.

“Neither,” I heard a still small voice say, “For I am the commander over all political parties of the Lord whether they know it or not. Don’t you know, my child, that looking at conditions and affiliations from your political perspective is not a prerequisite necessary for admission into the Kingdom. If only all political entities would submit themselves to deep soul searching and look at their own agendas and motives for carrying out their actions and couple them with examples given by my Son, Jesus Christ, they would experience far more victories, accomplishments and successes from God than from their own understanding.

“It is for this reason that I have come to tell you to rest easy and to allow your emotions to be comforted with the knowledge that God’s outreached arm has you securely embedded in his care. He wants to remind you of his undying love for you and his love for his people. Put your hope in Jesus Christ. He is your Rock of salvation. Trust Him and see what the end will be. And know with assurance, if you continue to stand strong in Him, He will make your righteousness shine like the North Star and the breaking of dawn of a new day. So rise, shine, and give God the glory.” Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

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