Category: Prayers About God and Me

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.



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



God’s Son Sends His Greetings On Father’s Day

On By SonjaIn Building Spiritual Bridges, Instruction on how to disciple others, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Spiritual GrowthLeave a comment
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, Ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

Exactly 3 decades ago, I wrote a call and response litany for the female population of the Baptist church I attended. It was entitled, God’s Blessings for His Ministers.” The intent of that blog was to use the adult female sisters to bless the male clergy members that shepherded the congregation on a rotating basis. And the Holy Spirit led me to use this message to bless all fathers who are celebrating Fathers Day on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

I also want to apologize at this time for the late publishing of this week’s blog due to the fact that my inspirational Guidance Counselor (the Holy Spirit) was extremely busy sorting out other areas of my life and dealing with a variety of life-matters. But all is well now, and to God be the glory.

Sisters: This is a great moment. For this time has been set aside for us, the congregational sisters, to offer blessings for you, the ministers of God, who are among us. WHAT SAITH THOU?

Ministers: Dear Sisters, we graciously receive the good tidings, but we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, for He will lift us up. (James 4:10)

Sisters: Even so, Beloveds, in the Name of Jesus we desire to bless those who bring the gospel of peace and glad tidings of good things to the world. Because as you know, not all will hear and obey nor will they believe your report. It is for this reason that you may become weary in well doing. That’s why we take this opportunity to ask God to bless you in your humility and be your refuse and your strength. (Rom. 10:15)

Ministers: Thank you for your lovingkindness, dear ones. You’re right: For there are those who refuse to accept the God who will make them holy and this is a burden in our heart.

Sisters: Well, we have come to encourage you in this matter. Take the prophets of old, who spoke in the Name of the Lord. Let their lives be an example of suffering and patience. Indeed, God counts them blessed who endure. (Jam. 5:10, 11)

Ministers: Strange you should mention patience. That’s the one area of our lives we are having the most difficulty with. All of us are in a state of pursuits. Some are pursuing higher forms of wisdom and knowledge, others are pursuing a preaching ministry in new surroundings, and still others are seeking a clearer understanding of God’s call on their lives. Maybe God’s trying to tell us something through you.

Sisters: Yes He is: Praise God! You are being blessed right now with the crown of life and you don’t even realize it. For God says as long as your pursuits incorporate the implanted word, your souls will be saved. Additional blessings will be bestowed upon you, look, once you complete your pursuits and commence actually performing the works which you learned. (Jam. 1:12, 21, 25)

Ministers: God’s call on our lives to feed His sheep, to feed you, our sisters, would let us do nothing less than to couple our faith with works. And in so doing, WE LIVE!

Sisters: Well spoken, Ministers. For truly faith without works is dead. Likewise, God’s blessings for you are never ending. (Jam. 2:26)

Ministers: Would you believe, my elect Ladies, that God desires to bless even our body parts that are used in the fulfillment of His service? for he says…Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear. (Matt. 13:16)

Blessing and cursing come out of the mouth so it is best you use these members the least. (Jas. 3:10)

He has blessed your children within you. (Ps. 147:13)

And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. (Matt. 5:8)

But most importantly …

Blessed is she totally who comes in the Name of the Lord. (Matt. 21:9)

Sisters: For truly, you have not only been called, but chosen.

Ministers: Hallelujah to His Name:

Our cry to the Lord is this. That He might continue to mold and shape our character so that we may be used of Him. We did not choose You, dear Master, but You have chosen us and by your supernatural powers, we yield.

Sisters: Likewise, our Anointed ones, we yield by saying….Blessed are the women whom God chose and caused to come into His courts. (Ps. 65:4)

ALL: Amen:

Sisters of the church showing love and admiration for the sound doctrine preached by the male clergy of their church.

(*) NOTE: The American flag represents a Wave Offering unto the Lord. It’s colors are:

Red – The Crucified One………White – The Resurrected Lord…………Blue – The Torn Veil Shed Blood

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

God, I Need Your Wisdom, Part 2

On By SonjaIn Building Spiritual Bridges, Mankind's Relationship With God, Prayers About God and Me3 Comments

This week’s blog is a continuation from last week’s blog concerning the conversation my brother (deceased) and I had some 40 years ago. The subject of the conversation was ’How can a person believe in God but not his Son, Jesus Christ.‘ You see, my brother only believed in God but refused to accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior. I, on the other hand, believe God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be an ultimate capitulation for mankind’s sins and to unite humanity back to God.

As stated in Part 1, my brother thoroughly humiliated me and sent me fleeing from the room in tears. But much later, after much prayer and supplication, the Holy Spirit began to minister to me through God’s holy scriptures. So let’s continue discovering just how the Holy Spirit comforted me as I wrestled with my dilemma.

What is Truth? Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6  (Jesus’ life style showed mankind that doing and being in God’s will {which is the true way to live} in a consistent and obedient manner.)

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

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

12. For the perfecting of the saints
for work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ:



Then he tells what the results
should be once the gift is
shared. Perfecting saints,
furthering the ministry work,
glorifying the Body of Christ.

Don’t forget the sharing of the
gifts is to be done in peace,
so that the recipient receives
in peace and leaves in peace.

They don’t have to agree,
but if they do disagree,
than disagree in love.
13. Till we all come in the unity of
the faith, and of the knowledge
of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure
of the fulness of Christ.

14. That we henceforth be no
more children tossed to and
fro, and carried about with
every wind of doctrine, by
the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to
deceive;

15. But speaking the truth in
love, may grow up into him
in all things which is the
head, even Christ.

Suppose every profession
decided to share at the
same time in the world so
that every human being
was receiving from
someone the teaching of
the “one faith, one baptism,
etc., and we all heard and
received and even though
some disagreed, the end
result was peaceful and
respectful…

Then verse 13 would be
manifested and in that one
hour of sharing, because
of the “perfect” end results
we would no longer be
children, but on our way to
mature adults…unto
the measure of the
stature of the fulness of
Christ.

Showing no hate because there
was no angry disagreement, but
a sense of respect and love for
one another… and the more we
perfect this attitude, the more
Godlike we become and God
is the Head of all this.
16. From whom the whole body
fitly joined together and
compacted by that which
every joint supplies, accord-
ing to the effectual working in
the measure of every part
maketh increase of the body
unto the edifying of itself
in love.		If you haven’t followed me
down to verse 15, don’t even
try verse 16…forget it.

If you’ve been sitting there
doubting, countering, repeat-
ing to yourself…”she doesn’t
know what she is talking
about.” Than the “oneness”
is not in you and you have
blocked this one great hour
of sharing.

If your attitude has been
“I don’t quite understand
so I’m going to go to God
for myself…than that’s
O.K., everything is golden.
So now we can enter into
Verse 16. (This goes for
me as well.)

If any part of your body
is not working, then the
Head sends out less
supplies for it. When the
body begins to work,
the Head supplies its
needs. Christians
believe that all of this
“order” comes from the
Godhead. God’s knowledge
(free gift) is given to each
of us.
Part 3 will be presented next
Friday		Part 3 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!

God Provides Visible Signs To Worship By

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Mankind's Relationship With God, Prayers About God and Me2 Comments

Hello my dear friends. Can we talk? I truly would like to know if you would like to receive a few components on how to develop a daily Spiritual Life Support System. It’s easy if you have the right tools. Let me show you how it’s done.

Let’s say you wake up in the morning and right off the bat, all hell breaks loose. Your clock alarm didn’t go off and now you’ll have to drive the kiddies to school because time wont allow them to be ready to catch the school bus. You didn’t wake up in time to let the dog out and he messed all over the kitchen floor. You reach in your closet for that black business suit and remember that you forgot to pick it up from the dry cleaners on yesterday after work.

There you stand in the middle of your bedroom floor, disarrayed, asking yourself what’s wrong with me. I didn’t use to be this unorganized! A still small voice whispers inside you and says, remember the 4 B’s and start reciting them out loud.

But dear Jesus, you said I am a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.  Your own special people, that I may proclaim the praises of Him who called me out of darkness into His marvelous light..."
(...continue praying with the help of the Holy Spirit concerning how your day has gone so far.)

Because, did You not say that he who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life?"  (...continue in your own words on just how much you trust Him.)

So, behold, Lord Jesus, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.  Therefore, my Lord, I will call my best friend right now and ask her to pray with me that I might be stead fast and unmovable in serving You no matter what the circumstances.

At the end of your day, when you have had time to reflect on your conduct and interactions with others, seek God's approval by praying this prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, did You not say to Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed.  Rightly dividing the word of truth?  How did I do?

Thank you God for once again instructing me and your children on how to stay in harmony with you and your many blessings, directions and loving care. We love you Lord and always want to be under Your protection and guidance. Continue to instruct us through constant prayer on how to conquer our fears, oppositions, disillusions and Ole slew foot…the devil himself! We ask it all in Your precious Name. Amen and Amen!

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

God Speaks To Job Through James (Part Two)

On By SonjaIn How To Pray For Others, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Life Changes5 Comments
File:Book of Job Chapter 2-4 (Bible Illustrations by Sweet Media).jpg
Job refuses to concede to his contemporaries that he has forsaken God. Job concedes only to wait until his change comes from God.

TO ALL VISITORS TO THIS BLOG POST, PLEASE SCROLL BACKWARDS TO PART ONE OF “GOD SPEAKS TO JOB THROUGH JAMES” FOR AN INTRODUCTION TO PART TWO.

(To My Readers…This is vacation time for me. Therefore, I will be Re-blogging the next three weekly blog posts.)

As promised, herein is Part Two of last week’s blog with the same title. I indicated in Part One that I had written this dialogue between myself and the Holy Spirit some years ago. And that so many revelations were flooding my heart that I had to implore my Lord to slow down and allow me to get a pad and pencil to write them down. Well, once again, in retelling this conversation to my readers, I feel the same excitement and power of the Holy Ghost. It is my prayer that as you read this inspiring message given to me from On High, you will experience the same revelations, too.

So, here goes…and I invite you to share your thoughts by contributing a comment and forwarding it to me.

“God Speaks To Job Through James“

MY BRETHERN, COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YOU FALL INTO VARIOUS TRAILS.                  James 1:2

          Job, I know you are not feeling well, but, do you recall when Eliphaz said,
           ...'Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise
          the chastening of the Almighty'.                                                                                          Job 5:17

KNOWING THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES PATIENCE.                               James 1:3

          Well, Eliphaz said that after your calamity came upon you, you declared 
          that you wished you were dead, for you said, 'There the wicked ceased
          from troubling, and there the weary are at rest.'                                                                   Job 3:17

BUT LET PATIENCE HAVE IT'S PERFECT WORK, THAT YOU MAY BE PERFECT AND
COMPLETE, LACKING NOTHING.                                                                                                   James 1:4

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

          I was right there when you said, 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.  Even so,
          I will defend my own ways before him.'                                                                                     Job 13:15 

IF ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, WHO GIVES TO ALL 
LIBERALLY AND WITHOUT REPROACH, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO HIM.                                James 1:5

          Honestly, Job, you should not have added that last part about maintaining
          your own ways, for you have spoken without knowledge and your words were
          without wisdom.                                                                                                                              Job 34:35

BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, WITH NO DOUBTING, FOR HE WHO DOUBTS IS LIKE
A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN AND TOSSED BY THE WIND.                                                    James 1:6

          Our true friend Elihu suggested the manner in which you should have
          prayed, remember...For has anyone said to God, 'I have borne chastening;
          I will offend no more; teach me what I do not see;'                                                      Job 35:31, 32a

BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO ENDURES TEMPTATION; FOR WHEN HE HAS BEEN
APPROVED, HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE WHICH THE LORD HAS 
PROMISED TO THIOSE WHO LOVE HIM.                                                                                      James 1:12

          Job, stop that...Do not desire the night.  For people that are in
          darkness are cut off.  Shhhh,...Lest he take you away with one blow.
          Then a Great Ransom (Jesus) cannot deliver you and you will not
          receive the crown of life.                                                                                               Job 36:20, 33:24b

SO, THEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, LET EVERY MAN BE SWIFT TO HEAR, 
SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH;                                                                                             James 1:19

          Oh, good, Job!  You have calmed down.  You have repented to God
          by declaring...'Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer you?"  I lay my
          hand over my mouth.'                                                                                                                Job 40:4

THEREFORE, LAY ASIDE ALL FILTHINESS AND OVERFLOW OF WICKEDNESS,
AND RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE IMPLANTED WORD, WHICH IS ABLE
TO SAVE YOUR SOULS.                                                                                                                   James 1:21

          Then Job answered the Lord and said:  'I know that you can do
           everything, and that no purpose of yours can be withheld from you.'                           Job 42:1-2

          Furthermore, I receive with all meekness the engrafted word.  For my
           own words were hollow without understanding and knowledge.

          Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too
          wonderful for me, which I did not know.'                                                                                  Job 42:3

IF ANYONE AMONG YOU THINKS HE IS RELIGIOUS, AND DOES NOT BRIDLE 
HIS TONGUE, BUT DECEIVES HIS OWN HEART, THIS ONE'S RELIGION IS USELESS.             James 1:26

          Oh, Job, how wonderful our God is!  For after you repented in dust and ashes
          and bridled your tongue and harnessed your deceitful thoughts, the Bible says,..
          And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends.  Indeed the 
          Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.  Amen!                                                         Job 42:10

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

God’s Beauty Is All About His Excellence!

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For New Beginnings2 Comments

Have you ever stopped to realize that when mankind becomes aware or conscious of something or someone having beauty, it is usually based only on a physical attraction or the functionality of the object. Not so with God. The Holy Scriptures revel that God determines a person’s beauty by their character traits and personality: In other words; the good, the bad and the ugly.

Notwithstanding, the more a person is basing their observations on WWJD (what would Jesus do), the more ‘beauty‘ shines thru to God and to the world. Because the attributes of God(*) are what makes God beautiful! Therefore, the more we know about our own personalities and character, the better decisions and choices we will make as we fine tune our actions to reflect God’s Son as His ambassadors.

One Thing I Have Desired – YouTube

Read Psalm 27:4-5.

(Click YouTube song title above to play)

One thing I have desired of the Lord,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord,

And to inquire in His temple.

There is actually a Bible verse that talks about the beauty of the Lord. It is found in Isaiah 33:17 and it says: “Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches afar.

For your information, the “king” is God. He resides in His “beauty”, aka His attributes. That land that stretches afar is Heaven. And I, yours truly, the author of this blog, am a witness that every time I sit down at my computer to write my WordPress Friday blog, the “beauty” of the Lord comes miraculously through my humble home and allows His Holy Spirit to bless me with His “beauty”. I pray a simple prayer and ask Him for His guidance and what is my subject matter for this week’s blog.

This week the Holy Spirit responded by reminding me of a small hand made bean bag that hangs on a door knob in my home with the inscription, “Let the Beauty of the Lord be upon us.” And sure enough, my fingers began to type the blog that is before you.

I have learned to rethink what I previously imaged about what things are beautiful and what things are lovely. I began to realize that my thoughts were tainted and most of what I thought denoted beauty was borne out of ‘lust’ of the eyes and not out of visions of WWJD. I whispered a quick atoning prayer and asked God to order my steps, renew my mind and truly cause me to walk closer and to think more like Him.

God’s thoughts on beauty are all about Him and His beautiful attributes and should NOT be about me.

Scripture Lesson: “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; bring an offering, and come before him; worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness.” 1 Chronicles 16:29

(*) Note: Attributes of God: His love, holiness power, eternal, infinite, unchangeable being, full of goodness and truth…just to Name a few.

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

God Provides Everyone Valuable Resources

On By SonjaIn Instruction on how to disciple others, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For New Beginnings2 Comments

Did you know that as long as you maintain a sincere relationship and stay connected with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will equip you with life skills that will help you fulfill the greatest successes in your life.

Trust me! I speak from experience! And I invite you to eavesdrop on a recent conversation I had with the Master. Although I am a seasoned-born again Christian (and have been for several decades), I sometimes become agitated, discombobulated, and short tempered with friends, relatives, strangers, and even myself. These recurring attitudes sickens me and is not pleasing to my Lord and Savior.

During a recent prayer time, the Holy Spirit gently interceded and instructed me to search my data base of teaching materials that I had delivered to audiences over the years. He also said for me to be encouraged and to remember the words of James 1:2 where there I was reminded to consider my dilemma an opportunity awaiting great joy. And if I would do this, my ‘seemingly’ life troubles…basically, my communication skills, would eventually produce in me character qualities that are essential in staying the course and finishing well.

Take a look, at what catalogued material I found in my files that brought me great joy:

SUBJECT: “GREATEST VALUES IN LIFE”
  • THE GREATEST HANDICAP…………………FEAR
  • THE BEST DAY…………………………………..TODAY
  • HARDEST THING TO DO…………………….TO BEGIN
  • EASIEST THING TO DO……………………….FINDING FAULT
  • MOST USELESS ASSET……………………….PRIDE
  • MOST USEFUL ASSET…………………………HUMILITY
  • THE GREATEST MISTAKE…………………….GIVING UP
  • THE GREATEST STUMBLING BLOCK…….EGOTISM
  • THE GREATEST COMFORT…………………..WORK WELL DONE
  • MOST DISAGREEABLE PERSON…………. THE COMPLAINER
  • WORST BANKRUPTCY…………………………LOSS OF ENTHUSIASM
  • GREATEST NEED………………………………….COMMON SENSE
  • MEANEST FEELING…………..REGRET AT ANOTHER’S SUCCESS
  • BEST GIFT…………………………………………….FORGIVENESS
  • THE HARDEST AND MOST PAINFUL TO ACCEPT……DEFEAT
  • THE GREATEST MOMENT………………………DEATH
  • THE GREATEST KNOWLEDGE…………………GOD
  • THE GREATEST THING…………………………..LOVE

My prayer is…

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for sometimes wondering if Your Word is still relevant in today’s world. I know fully well that Your Word remains steadfast eternally in the heavens and that I may not change nor substitute anything in it. Guard my tongue, Holy Spirit, in the precious Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Scripture Lesson: “The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:3–4).

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

God Unveil’s Hidden Explanation of Fruit of the Spirit

On By SonjaIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Spiritual Growth, Prayers For Understanding2 Comments
Explanation of our daily bread fruit basket of love is supplied through God’s Holy Word!

Surprise! Surprise! I bet you did not know that a perfect definition for the nine succulent Fruit of the Spirit Bible verses outlined in Galatians 5:22-23a could be found in Acts 4:32a thru 4:35b and one verse in John 15:16. Yes, God hid them through the ingenuity, cleverness and trappings of Saint Paul’s writings.

Every now and again, the Holy Spirit challenges me to a ‘quickie’ pop quiz. Sometimes I receive a high mark, other times I head for the wood shed. But this time I believe I did pretty good. Let’s see how well you do…

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


Forbearance		Acts 4:33b
And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all…

Acts 4:34a
…that there were no needy persons among
them.		The quality or state of being kind; affection.


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


Gentleness		Acts 4:34b
For from time to time those who owned land
or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales…

Acts 4:35a
…and put it at the apostles’ feet,
Faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person
or thing or to the oath or promise by which a
tie was contracted.

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

Even though there are nine descriptive words for the Character of the Holy Spirit, there is no “s” at the end of fruit! Why? Well, here is what the Holy Spirit conversed with me. “Since I am the Third Person of the Trinity…and God is the First and Christ Jesus is the Second, nevertheless, We are only ONE SPIRITUAL FRUITY ANOMALY! Grammatically, there is no need for an “s”. And more importantly, against such things there is no law.

My Solemn Prayer…

Dear Lord Jesus, I sincerely pray that You will order my steps and make me prepared to let go of my inflexibility and become one with the rest of my church community. Do me, Lord, just as You and the Father and the Holy Spirit are One. In the Precious Name of Jesus, Amen.

Scripture Lesson: “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

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

God’s Son…Our Spiritual Physician

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Healing8 Comments

Many people mistakenly believe that one of the main purposes of Jesus’ sojourn here on earth was to heal those persons stricken with all sorts of sicknesses. I respectfully reject that notion. Why? Mainly because of the private teaching lessons Jesus conducted with his disciples; those twelve chosen men He ordained to carry on His work after His resurrection and ascension.

Let’s take a look at persons who are sick not only in their bodies but also who are sick mentally. It is recorded in Matthew 5:3-11, the following verses better known as “The Beatitudes”:

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First of all, the “Sermon On The Mount” recorded in Matthew Chapter 5 is where “The Beatitudes” are recorded. And in Verses one and two they begin by describing just who Jesus is about to speak to:

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,” Matthew 5:1-2

So you see where in this occasion, Jesus did not have a word for the multitudes. This particular teaching was for His disciples, only. And for the next 9 verses (5:3-11) Jesus’ teaching is specifically aimed at how the disciples are to encourage the negative thoughts of sick people by dwelling on the scriptures and not just solely on doctors and medicines! In other words…WWJD! What would Jesus do?

My encounter this week with the Holy Spirit…

I endured a health problem this week that required my hospitalization. Subsequently, I became anxious, forlorn and sad. This disposition affected my faith and attitudes towards other who were in attendance of me. I became ashamed of my actions and began to ask the Lord for His strength and reassurances. Immediately, the Holy Spirit stepped in and pointed my way towards The Beatitudes. My church family began to send me text messages which supported my innermost thoughts. The hospital staff seemed to appear to me as floating angels. Many of them prolonged their services to me just to relate an incident they had experienced where God stepped in and performed a miracle for them. That warm and comforting support seemed to be coming from on every side.

My prayer for you…

Dear Great Physician: Thank you profusely for stepping into my heart and encouraging my soul. I also pray this prayer for all those who will read this blog. For as You know my Lord, sicknesses, troubling diagnosis and pain can penetrate one’s faith and cause the strongest Believer to court with doubt. Forgive me My Savior. For this ‘storm’, too, will pass over. Amen

Scripture Lesson: “Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:12

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Encourage My Soul (Worship Song) – YouTube Chicago Church of Christ

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3:08 (Click Here)

God Provides Acts Of Benevolence During Times Of Bereavement

On By SonjaIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers for Families, Prayers For Peace8 Comments

God always has a ram in the bush during times you may need comforting.

Sometimes we are all asked to perform a task that we just wish could be delivered by another person. And generally, those assignment requests involves grievances or controversial situations. Such an assignment fell on me when my baby brother died a few years ago. What concerned me was the fact that I was not the oldest sibling and I thought our oldest sister should have stepped up to the occasion. However, since she was the matriarch of the family and ruled the roost, her decision prevailed.

Needless to say, I delivered the Eulogy for our brother!

The sadness and sorrow I felt for carrying out this assignment was mainly because of my personal feelings for the deceased. You see, my brother went home to be with the Lord at an early age of 74 years old. He had never married, nor did he have any children. Immediately after his High School graduation in 1963, he was drafted into the Army and assigned to a 3-year tour of duty in North Viet Nam. He came home from the war wounded and 100% disabled. He became a ward of the Veteran Administration and remained in their medical and hostel care until his demise.

I felt he had lived such a shallow life full of loneliness, sadness, and broken dreams. Now, perhaps you can sympathize with me as to why I was reluctant to deliver my brother’s Eulogy. So, what I did was to go to God in fervent prayer. I asked him to give me the right words, ideas, and uplifting content to compose a light-hearted and information message that would be uplifting to our family members, friends and acquaintances that would be in attendance at the funeral services.

The results of the Holy Spirit’s intervention in assisting me with composing the Eulogy was phenomenal. And just in case you (my readers) are ever put into this kind of situation, it is my prayer that you can apply some of these heavenly ideas that I received that led me to deliver a very short two minute speech that brought the funeral attendees to their feet with resounding accolades at the conclusion.

Below is an excerpt of the advise I received from a conversation with God to help me prepare a befitting Eulogy for a brother ‘less traveled’ in life then most people…

  • KISS – Keep it simple (my) servant.
  • Collect anecdotes from correspondence sent to others or harmless pranks he did to others that brought lasting memories.
  • What life-lessons did you and others learn from him as an adult or as a young child.
  • What gleeful mannerism did he play on people.
  • What made your brother unique and a cut above his peers?
  • Avoid dwelling on any sad life-long memories or events he may have suffered or did nothing to show the love of God.
  • Use this time to express any message that can alleviate guilt, sadness, shame or sorrow for the future.
A Eulogy Befitting My Brother

I am sure that there is no one gathered in this assembly today that has not heard of the bible verse I am about to quote.  And it does not matter if you are a Believer in Christ Jesus or a believer in yourself or some other gods.  Somewhere in your upbringing I know you have run across John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

You know, Brother died unexpectedly and alone...without any relatives, friends or loved ones at his bedside.   And that has bothered me to no end...so naturally I prayed about it!!!

And for comfort, during these past two weeks, the Holy Spirit has continued to give me reassurance that a host of angels were around Brother's hospital bed on that final night of his earthly residency to remind him of those most cherished words from John 3:16.

I was also comforted with the thought that those heavenly messengers were also singing praises and giving thanks for a mere mortal soul who had at an earlier age surrendered to the call of his country and had offered his life so that other generations to come might remain free.  He honorable severed in the US Army and suffered life-threatening wounds which permanently left him handicapped for the rest of his life.

The Heavenly Host had an extended conversation with me about how this mortal man was so thoughtful during his lifetime.  They were amazed at how generously after his tour of duty, he shared his remaining life with others while knowing that he himself was without wife or children to hold, provide for and to love.

And finally, the Angels concluded that although Brother was the baby of his family and resided in his home town, his surviving brother and 2 sisters lived far away in other states.  And with the urgency for my brother to answer the call and be taken up to his new celestial residency, they would not have time to get to the hospital to deliver their last 'goodbyes'.

So as I close this tribute to Brother, I believe us 3 remaining siblings have been vindicated.  Our guilt for not being at Brother's bedside has been removed.

We, the remaining siblings also hope that our brother sees us officiating now and that he has searched our hearts and realizes that without a doubt, we beg him for forgiveness for being absent from his bedside in a time of need.  We also hope that this Home-going celebration has been a worthy tribute for his journey to his celestial home.

So on behalf of Brother's immediate family members, his extended clan-family members, all his friends, loved ones, caregivers, and guests in attendance, we say 'thank you' for helping us celebrate the life of Brother, a child of the King.

My final request is to everyone under the sound of my vice...I invite you to stand and shout out in a loud voice, "Fare ye well, beloved Brother".  Then, blow a kiss to the wind and give a resounding hand clap of love in appreciation for Brother's life and his suffering for so many others.

May our Lord and Savior richly bless and keep all of you.

May Our Brother Rest In Peace – Farewell my brother

My Prayer For You:

Dear Holy Spirit, We humbly come and ask You to give us the right words to use to proclaim Your message to the masses so that the good tidings of Jesus Christ can be heard all over the earth and for every occasion under the sun. Amen

Scripture Lesson: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me (Paul), that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:18-19

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