Sometimes it’s good to sit under the tutelage of anointed men of God. Especially when prompted to do so by the Holy Spirit. I was introduced to Dr. Munroe by one of my WordPress ‘followers’ named Jerome on this WP blog site. Needless to say, I was truly blessed and decided to reblog Dr. Munroe’s message by passing it on to you guys.
So, take a sabbatical from reading one of my personal blogs for this week and keep an open mind for just ten minutes and learn a spiritual principal about why we sometimes do not have our prayers answered because we are praying amiss and/or undeserving. Perhaps your knowledge of God’s economic 101 plan will increase under Dr. Munroe’s private tutoring. Just click the ‘red’ website below. Be sure to leave a comment and be sure to engage the Holy Spirit…for ‘in all thy getting, get an understanding’.
(Reblogged)
HOW TO HAVE ALL YOUR NEEDS MET THIS YEAR – DR MYLES MUNROE [ POWERFUL TRUTH ]
Let’s sign offwith a bit of inspirational humor from Cal and Rose Samra’s book entitled, More Holy Humor.
“Fr. Richard Carton, associate pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, was speaking to a group of second graders about the resurrection when one student asked, “What did Jesus say right after He came out of the grave?”
It was a question of great theological importance, but Fr. Carton had to explain, in words suitable to his young audience, that the Gospels do not tell us just what He said.
The hand of one little girl shot up. “I know what He said, Father,” she insisted.
“And what was that?” asked Fr. Carton.
“Taah-daah!” the girl exclaimed. (Submitted by Andy Fisher; Denville, New Jersey. P. 87)
Scripture Lesson: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 5:10
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
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
Are you familiar with Mr. and Mrs Tranquility? If not, I’ll give you some hints as to who they were. Their first permanent home was in a town called Eden. Although the weather there was never neither hot nor cold, they seldom had to worry about what clothes to wear. Their place of residence was completely self sufficient. This special town had everything they needed. Oops! I almost forgot. There were two things that the town did not have… a pharmacy and no other residents.
Now, this Special Town was built, and governed by a Lone Self-made Benefactor who incorporated his own municipal rules and by-laws. He advised his only two residents as to what they could eat and could not eat. But you guessed it! The very one thing that the Benefactor told the couple not to eat…they ate it anyway after listening to some bad advice from a strange-looking creature. Of course, they became mortally sick and soon realized they were out of the arch of eternal mortality when they could not find a pharmacy where they could purchase a remedy.
The couple’s Benefactor found them hiding and suffering in excruciating pain, arguing about which one of them was to blame for their terminal illnesses. After that damnation caper of disobedience, the couple was no longer basking in a mindset of tranquility and peace but transitioned into a mindset of blame, shame and pain.
So, the First Man, whose real name was Adam, and the First Woman, whose real name was Eve, engaged in their first argument and envy; each one blaming the other for the wrath of their Benefactor which surely was to come, not only upon them, but even their future offspring, as well.
The bitter lesson that the First Couple learned was that disobedience towards The Creator will separate you from God and deprive you of a mindset filled with tranquility and peace.
What is in the Cup of Tranquility and Peace?…
The essential ingredient is obedience to the One True God. You do not want your life to be characterized by sin and rebellion against God. The latter actions will separate you from him. Isaiah 59:2 says it best: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you.”
There are many ways to communicate in a positive manner with God, namely: through prayer, meditation, connecting with the Holy Spirit, memorizing the many names for the One True God and learning about God’s Son, Jesus Christ…just to name a few! By performing these actions through faith, we can embrace the written word in the Holy Bible Book of James 4:8: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
How would you formulate a tranquil prayer for that young mother in the picture to the left of this sentence?
Imagination is in the Cup of Tranquility and Peace. Use it! Nurture it!
Build and strengthen and perform those good things you can do for others. Imagine and embrace all those good feelings of having accomplished all those things that God has ordained you to do. Be sure to thank God in advance for keeping his promises.
Never let anyone separate you from the love of God.
Learn to accept and be content in what ever state you find yourself in, knowing that God will bring you through it. Study the life of the Apostle Paul and say what he said in Philippians 4:11, 12b, 13: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (now, that’s true tranquility). I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him (Christ) Who gives me strength.
Again, I say: whatever state you are in embrace peace, reassurance, hope, understanding, faith, calmness, strength, etc., etc., etc.
A Prayer To Walk By Faith And Not By Sight…
Dear Jesus:
By Your grace, I will walk by faith and not by sight.Your nearness is my good.And how abundant is Your goodness to those who fear You and obey Your commands.I will trust in You.I will seek You in those tranquil and peaceable places while walking on the shores of life and meditating under the fig trees (under God’s wings of protection.) Thank You Dear Lord for salvation and eternal life. I ask these blessings in the Precious Name of Christ Jesus. Amen and Amen!!
Scripture Lesson:“Consider it pure joy, my brothers [and sisters], whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
Imagine this! Let’s suppose that everyone in today’s society is going on a journey. Before embarking on this venture each traveler must register their affiliation with one of two very different societies characterized by its idealistic approach to moral and/or immoral living. Also, each person must declare their travel status. Are you traveling under the guise of a Migrant or an Immigrant?
How to know where you stand…first, realize whateveryour status, you are going to need help!
I used the word ‘guise‘ because many people apply conflicting interpretations to these two words. So, allow me to impart to you a bit of advice. Once you start your journey, you will need two things: an identification card bearing your name and status, as well as access to an InfinityBridge.
Did you know that as people cross the bridges of life their sojourn can be as a migrant today and as an immigrant tomorrow? If you are traveling as a Migrant, no matter where you go, you can always go back to your original place of origin and resume your life. But, if you decide to leave your place of origin and permanently settle down where you have immigrated to, your traveler status has now changed and you are referred to as an Immigrant. This designation means if you have legally entered this country, you can be granted permission to stay and work there without restrictions.
Reasons why you need access to an Infinity Bridge…
Since the journey for every card carrying traveler will be inflicted with setbacks and detours, an imaginary bridge named Infinity will be at their disposal at all times, and each traveler will always be welcome to use it. To access the bridge you must show your card which declares your current citizenship and reason for traveling.
This Infinity Bridge is safe and is necessary for traveling because it is limitless and has no beginning and no ending. However, each traveler will be required to pay a toll every few miles. There will be signs posted along the bridge advising when it is time to pay. The price of each toll is for the traveler (whether on the road as a Migrant or Immigrant) is required to speak directly into a voice box affixed to the bridge; declare their traveling status and reflect on how the social mores (immoral and/or moral) of each locale he or she has visited thus far, have influenced their perception on life. Just how are they viewing the world collectively. What sound measures were necessary to navigate safely and responsively through it.
At this juncture, the traveler should also assess whether or not he is traveling on the right bridge and if it is taking him in the direction he wishes to go. Other signs along the bridge will remind the traveler to get an understanding about different circumstances in life and the various ways available to him as to how they can be followed, circumvented, improved upon, mimicked or discarded.
Finally, the traveler may encounter a law enforcer who has the authority to remove him from the bridge or to issue him a citation. The traveler’s civil infractions may cause him or her to be detained for a short period of time. But know this, the ultimate critique of whether a migrant or immigrant is living an immoral or moral life comes from a much Higher Power. He is known as the Keeper of the Bridge. The One Who can set speed limits, repair potholes, revoke traffic sentences, issue pardons, right wrongs and hand out rewards. So, another suggestion for the travelers is for them to keep a copy of the ‘Traveler’s Handbook For Life‘ in their backpack. They should review it every few miles and remain on the Infinity Bridge. Do not detour off of it neither to the right nor to the left.
(You may wish to categorize the above allegory as a story that has a hidden meaning typically concerning moral and political views. And you would be correct in so doing. Therefore, please allow me to send up a quick prayer of forgiveness for intruding into your private space. Straight forward talking about ‘bridges’ is not my forte.)
Dear All-knowing God of us all: There is nothing too hard for you. We come on bended knee confessing that we have neglected the stranger among us. (I’m a witness, because I, too, have been a foreigner in a strange land.) But now, Sweet Jesus, it is our hope that You will equip all mankind to strive to build bridges and not barriers, to show love and not be loathsome, to be filled with your Spirit and not emboldened with self-righteousness.
Please unite us into a spirit of togetherness realizing that we are all fellow citizens in a state of transition through a strange land, trying to find a permanent home. Unite our hearts, souls and minds to become more like You. Constantly remind us, Lord Jesus, that You are that Bridge over troubled waters whose steel pylons were not made by human hands. Amen
Sturdy steel bridge pylonsable to support the weight of the world.
And finally, my friends, I wish you farewell and hope your journey will be a fruitful one. But most of all it is my desire that your bridge is well anchored in a sure foundation.
Scripture Lesson“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence; with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
Do Black Cats bring good luck or bad luck?You decide!
Several years ago (when I was much younger), I joined a secular writers club at a senior center. In preparation for each weekly meeting, the president would assign five members to choose a subject and write a short story, memoir, poem or prose about it and verbally present their assignment to the group the following week. Surprisingly, most of them were very good. Of course, I contributed to this exercise quite often because I already had written something that could fit in every genre. (Confidently, I love to scribe.)
As I contemplated and prayed about what subject to present for this week’s blog, I stumbled on an old paper I wrote on superstitions that I had many years ago presented to the writer’s group. That’s it! I shouted out loud. I will check to see what the Bible has to say about superstitions. Now, although I don’t honestly believe in superstitions, I must admit that when I was ignorant on the subject, I did “participate” in acknowledging in a few of them. Such As:
“Step on a crack…brack your mother’s back.
You will have seven years of bad luck if you break a mirror.
What is God’s divine order for living under superstitions such as witch craft, sorcery, divination, etc….
God’s edit is don’t do it!!! Don’t live under ole wives’ tales and superstitions. God wants all of us to live by FAITH! So, what is the difference between the two? In order to become a child of the King and have our sins forgiven is for mankind to live by faith and not by fables. Superstitions, whether good or bad, is the belief that something you do (one’s actions) will somehow affect a person’s future state in life. The Scripture to hold on to in this matter is found in Hebrews 11:1…“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction (or evidence) of things not seen.”
It’s amazing how many of our superstitious ways revolve around death, hell and the grave. Take for example thefollowing two exercises:
“The Yawn Reflex” (*)
In today’s world, we believe that it shows good manners to cover your mouth and to say excuse me after a broad and noisy yawn. Well, originally, good manners had nothing to do with it. In the ancient days, it was believed that the Devil made a person yawn so that he could gain access into the body and cause that person grave danger. If that person is observed yawning he would say excuse me because he knew that yawning was contagious and would cause the second person to yawn, too. Thus putting that person in grave danger. So the first yawner would say ‘excuse me’ for putting you in danger. The Hindu people would snap their fingers three times to counter the Devil antics.
“Now Take Sneezing” (**)
How many “Gesundheits” does a person get after sneezing? And do you know what that word means? Well it means “God bless you”. The custom of asking God’s blessing initiated with early man who believed that the spirit resided in the air and since we breathe air in to our heads, it stands to reason that the spirit resided in the head. A sneeze would accidentally expel the spirit. So a person would ask God to put it back. The act of bowing towards the sneezer was also counter-magic. For it meant, “May your soul not escape.”
Now imagine being in a room filled with sneezers and yawners. This combination of guests could be fatal. Don’t forget, a yawn gave the Devil access into the body and a sneeze could expel your good spirit. Thus leaving your body defenseless. The spirit of the Devil would be exposed out in the room trying to gain entrance into someone else; Gesundheits being shouted aloud from across the room; some guests bobbing up and down towards the sneezer; and the yawners approaching others and saying I’m sorry, I’m sorry for infecting you. What a hilarious scene from an Austin Powers movie.
Listed below are a few Bible Scriptures you may want to remember whenever you are tempted to cite a superstition:
“See to it that no one enslaves you through philosophy and empty deceit according to human tradition, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to the Messiah, because all the essence of deity inhabits him in bodily form. And you have been filled by him, who is he head of every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:8-10
“If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 4:6-7
“Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Footnotes (*) (**): Information on these two examples were gleaned from a book entitled: “Superstitious ? Here’s Why!, by Julie Forsyth Batchelor and Claudia de Lys.
Sometimes you just gota know. Yes, you just want to know what time it is…especially when it has to do with Eschatology. The definition of Eschatology is the study of what the Christian Bible says is going to happen when this world comes to an end. End time prophecy is sprinkled throughout the verses in the Bible, but the main biblical chapters that compiles the most information about this mystery is found in the Book of Revelations, followed closely by the Book of Daniel.
Currently, my bible study group is reading and praying over the verses in the Book of Revelations, and while I was studying and meditating over Chapter 19, the Holy Spirit blessed me with the most revealing interpretation of verse 19:7 which reads: “Let us rejoice and be glad. For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready .”
Now, I’m just sayin’…this early morning encounter with the Holy Spirit was completely ‘out of the blue’ and certainly unexpected. The Spirit said to me STOP! In the Name of Love and understand what you are reading. A marriage is about to take place. Who is getting married and to whom or to what?
Spontaneously, I spoke out loud and said, The Lord Jesus Christ is about to celebrate in marriage His reign over government rule, along with His gift of salvation! For to me, that was the “what“. (Read Revelations 19:2. ) Immediately, my thoughts went to Isaiah 9:6, and John 3:16-17.
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him [by receiving His gift of Salvation] shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17.
While Jesus Christ lived on earth, you will recall that the Lord spoke these words to His disciples: “Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar (the Government) the things that are Caesar’s, and to God (Spiritual things) the things that areGod’s.’” Mark 12:17
At that time, the Israelites thought Jesus came to earth to overtake the Roman government through war tactics and if He did, the Israelites would be exempt from paying Roman taxes. But It was not within God’s timing for his Son to annihilate “Babylon” (governments) just then, and institute Jesus’ Second Coming as predicted in Revelations.
So, once again, I am asking (having a conversation) with the Holy Spirit…then, what time is it?
Dear Readers of this blog…I don’t know if you also have these kinds of in-depth conversations with our God, but I do. True, I veered off from the type of blog post I usually write each week, but I ask that you forgive me. Perhaps the interpretation I received from the Holy Spirit for Revelations 19:7 is way off the mark according to what the scholarly biblical Eschatologists believe. And I get that! But I’m just sayin’… that explanation is what the Holy Spirit gave me.
As you read God’s Word ask him to give credence and understanding to its meaning; Make sure it aligns with the Lord’s will.
Dear Heavenly Father, I read in Psalm 130 where David said that he called to You from the depths of his crises. And that he put his faith in You and trusted You and also waited for Your fulfillment of Your Word. That’s my prayer, too, Precious One. Not only for myself, Lord, but for all those who call upon Your Holy and All-knowing Name as their Counselor. For my research tells me, My Lord, that while You were here on earth, approximately 200 times trick questions were asked of You, but You only gave direct answers to about 3 of them. So, therefore, Dear Jesus, I await patiently, for You to make it plain to me the revelations of Revelations. And in the meantime, I will continue to study and pray to show myself approved. I ask it all in the precious Name of Christ Jesus. Amen and Amen!
ScriptureLesson:“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6
Did you know that prayer changes things? Notice, I said prayer changes things…not changes God’s mind. To think that our prayers changes God’s mind is presumptuous thinking. For we read in Malachi 3:6 that “I (God) the Lord do not change”. So, our best bet when partitioning God’s throne is just to pray that God’s will be done, and not our own. You do this by praying His word back to him.
Some time ago, a guest minister was invited to speak at a church I used to belong too. Her message to the awaiting congregation was spirit-filled and impacted practically all in attendance. She expounded on ways to use God’s holy word when praying specifically for life’s situations. For surely, as you know, one of the main ways that God works in our lives is through praise and worship.
Here is what the itinerant preacher had to say on just how to partition God’s throne in the most positive method. First, she asked the awaiting congregation the following questions: Do you want God to ‘show up’ in due season with HIS answers to your prayers? Or do you abandon your partitions when you do not receive a reply instantly? Or worst yet…do you commence ‘helping’ God by taking the situation into your own hands?
The preacher recommended that when praying, begin your prayer time with God by using scripture that implores Him to do something anew for you as he has already demonstrated he can and did do in your past. For example, pray a thankful doxology prayer first and make it a personal confession:
Dear Holy and Everlasting Father, I thank you for blessing me and keeping me all the days of my life. I sincerely am appreciative that you make your face to shine upon me, and you are gracious towards me. May you always turn your face towards me and give me peace. (Revised from Numbers 6:24)
After praying the above introductory statements, continue with your new partitions by using more scriptures, quoting chapter and verse. Here are a few examples:
Now, Dear Jesus, according to Ephesians 1:17, 18 and 19, I sincerely ask that You bless me with the spirit of wisdom, the hope of your calling and the exceeding greatness of your power as I lead your people on this awesome journey to…(name the place or situation)
Now, Sweet Jesus, just as it is written in Ephesians 3:16, I beseech Thee to keep me and strengthen me with Thy might and holy spirit and cause me to be routed and grounded in love…as I go forth in Your Name to…(name your situation here)
Now, Holy Father and Lord of my life, just as it is written in 1 Peter 1:4, I humbly approach Your throne of grace to ask You to keep me from the corruption that is in the world through lust and pornography and to keep me from falling and present me faultless before the presence of Your glory with exceeding joy as it is also written in Jude 24. Amen and Amen!
I ask you…are you getting the picture of what the itinerant preacher had to say? I do heartedly hope so.
Practice makes perfect…Just keep praying
So, I will close with this prayer for you…
Dear Lord, may Your face shine upon all those who call upon Your Holy and Righteous Name as Your people make Your ways known upon the earth (Psalms 67:2) And may their efforts under the guidance of the Holy Spirit turn many to righteousness (Daniel 12:3) with a zeal for good works. Amen. (Matthew 5:1).
Scripture Lesson:“Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Hello everybody. And how is the world treating you today? As for me and my house, all is well. Why? Because I am on vacation!
Belmont, NC
While on vacation, I was thinking…although we know that God is Spirit, references in the holy scriptures allows us to also attribute/ascribe qualifications of a personal or human nature to Him. When we do characterize God in this way, He becomes the very personification of humanity. That is why I can proclaim with assurance that He is my refuge and strength.
To realize that Jesus Christ is with me and I need not be afraid gives me strength and hope. Why? Because believe it or not, I’m not perfect! I make mistakes. I speak out of turn and sometimes without thinking. I sometimes forget special birthdays of friends and family members. I have also been known to forget to renew insurance policies and other business affairs. I may use profanity when I stump my toe. And although I try, I cannot always please everybody.
So, when I declare that God is my refuge and strength, I truly embrace the fact that He and He alone provides me a place of shelter and safety from the pursuit of all hurt, harm and danger. I take comfort in being in Jesus’ presence, trusting in His promise of eternal life. And I always lift up prayers asking forgiveness for all my short comings, mistakes and misguided afflictions I may bestow on others.
Another thing I ask of God is to include me in providing services to others. To always be generous in sharing my blessings with others and to remember to shout praises and adoration to the glory of God.
Just because I am on vacation with my family, I do not want to neglect my readers and followers of this blog message. I am grateful to God for allowing the Holy Spirit to converse with me each week and to remind me of the goodness of God. May you, too, be blessed and enjoy His presence each and every day.
My prayer for you…
Dear Heavenly Father. I truly thank you for Who You are and for making it possible for me to focus on the things that give me hope and to look away from those things that scare and frighten me. I praise you for the promise of eternal life and the assurance that you are my refuge and strength both spiritually and personified. Amen and Amen.
Scripture Lesson: “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
…and “All Things” include God’s creation, mankind, and Angels!
One of the more popular themes in the Christian Bible are the stories and parables about situations that have to do with arithmetic. In fact, the first place in the holy scriptures where the word referencing mathematics is mentioned is during God’s acts of creation of the creatures of the universe:
“And God blessed them (the creatures), saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. (Genesis 1:22)
There are also at least three scriptures in the bible that deal with addition and subtraction:
You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)
Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. (Deuteronomy 12:32)
And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take awayhis part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:19)
And, last but not least, the Bible has a lot to say about division. This word appears approximately 68 times in scripture:
But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. (Luke 11:17)
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17)
My question to you is this: Do you also apply the tenaciousness of The ‘Mathematician’ as you pursue the gospel and deliver its message to the masses?
Surprisingly, there is one disciple who experienced all four mathematical Truths while under the tutelage of Jesus of Nazareth. His name was Philip.
Portrate of the Apostle Philip
ADDITION – While in Galilee, Jesus found Philip and invited this man to follow Him. Later that day, Philip found his brother Nathanel and invited Nat to follow Him. Jesus welcomed Nathanel and assured him that before this journey was over (people believing Jesus was sent by way of God), Nathanel would see heaven open and God’s angels descending to the Son of God. (John 1:43)
MULTIPLICATION – While still in Galilee, Jesus looked and saw a great crowd following Him. Jesus said to Philip, where can we buy bread to feed these people. Philip doubted that no amount of money would be enough to feed this crowd of more than 5,000 people. Jesus showed Philip how just one loaf of bread and two fish could miraculously feed the people and have twelve baskets of food left over. (John 6:5)
DIVISION – The Israelites were taught to trust in the One Spiritual God for everything. Jesus (The Physical Man) preached a message (aka The Way) that instructed the people to just trust in Him. All the people had to do was to follow the road He was on. Thomas doubted that Jesus’ road led anywhere. And Philip said to Jesus, Master, just show us the Father. Jesus’ response to Philip was son, you’re looking at the Father! (The message being that One Person could be divided into three!) (John 14:8)
SUBTRACTION – Later on, an angel spoke to Philip and instructed him to go to a certain road and join an Ethiopian eunuch who was riding in a chariot and reading passages in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The Holy Spirit told Philip to aide the eunuch in his interpretation and understanding of the passage he was reading. Since the eunuch was returning to his home in Ethiopia from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he had no doubt heard about the crucification of Jesus, Philip used this opportunity to relate Jesus’ life and fate over the Old Testament scriptures the eunuch was seeking an understanding of. The eunuch received and embraced Philip’s message and asked to be baptized. Philip immediately took him down into the water which was nearby. When they resurfaced, the Holy Spirit supernaturally removed Philip from the scene. (Acts 8:26)
THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER:
SPIRITUAL ADDITION VS. SPIRITUAL MULTIPLICATION (This caption and picture is borrowed from Google.)
Spiritual addition in ministry is when someone wins other people to Christ, but does not disciple, train, and deepen those converts to go out and do likewise. While we will review the biblical basis for spiritual multiplication, for now let it suffice to state that in Matthew 28:18-20, we are commanded to go and make disciples, not simply converts.
My Prayer For You:
“Lord God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, and the Multiplier of everything therein, You know me and my capabilities. You also know that I am a sinner saved by grace and the washing of the Blood of Your Son, Christ Jesus. Please touch me as You did Isaiah and his message and You did the Apostle Philip and his understanding. Make my sins disappear and be forgiven and that I will be prepared to be sent out into the world to proclaim the Gospel as one of Your messengers.” Amen and Amen!
Scripture Lesson: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
Based on the title above, I bet you thought that this week’s blog was going to be all about how and why America’s initial Pilgrims and Puritans sought their independence by seceding from Great Britain (England), which was their Mother country. Well, your assumptions would be partially correct. But what I really want to blog about is how those events of 1620 and 1630 line up with the word of God and the authority he has imparted to his Son, Jesus Christ, to dispense to his people regarding freedom.
Prologue…
On June 7, 1777, select members from the 13 American colonies met at the Continental Congress convened at the Pennsylvania State House to draft a formal statement declaring their independence and freedom from England. Similar words had already been written in Galatians 5:1 giving all of mankind their independence and freedom in Christ Jesus.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
In the 1500s after breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church, due to a royal matrimony dispute, England created a new church denomination called the Church of England. In addition, a royal edict declared that all England had to belong to this new denomination. God’s word in James 4:7-8 provides guidance to all those who seek godly advice in such matters concerning the heart.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded”.
Approximately one hundred years later a group of worshipers in England known as Separatists sought to separate themselves from the Church of England so that they could practice their own religious customs freely. Their leader, William Bradford, was successful in obtaining permission to establish a new colony in Virginia. Therefore, his congregation left England and set sail on the Mayflower in September 1620 for the New World (America). Hopefully, the mindset of those Pilgrims aligned with the word of God which is written in Psalm 33:12.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”
Ten years later in 1630, the Puritans, yet another group of reformers seeking religious freedom, readied themselves to leave England. Basically, they wanted to flee the harsh punishments inflected upon all those who opposed the teachings of the Church of England. (I have no idea if the Puritans’ incentive was based on this holy word written in Galatians 5:13.)
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
The Puritans headed out for the New World under the leadership of John Winthrop, with a charter from the Massachusetts Bay Company. This group of worshippers finally settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It is recorded in history that this group did believe that God would protect them if they obeyed his laws and commandments.
Approximately one hundred years later in 1777, the New World (America) had received an influx of new migrants from England, and they had established thirteen colonies along the coastal lands of America. It was now time for the new settlers to officially gain their independence from the Mother country, Great Britain.
On June 7, 1777, the Continental Congress met to formulate a document seceding all colonies (in force at that time and in the future) from England’s ownership and rule. Due to in-house bickering and political disagreements, Congress had to establish a five-man committee to draft a resolution to be agreed upon prior to voting. The resolution was finally passed and ratified on July 2, 1777. Hear what the Bible says about legislated freedoms in 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Romans 8:2.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
In conclusion of this brief American History Lesson, please allow me to draw another quote from the Holy Bible; John 8:36.
“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
THUS, AS A RESULT OF THESE ACTS CHRONICLED ABOVE, A FEW DEVOTED INDIVIDUALS ESTABLISHED THE 4TH OF JULY WHICH HAS BECOME A NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Below is a prayer in song for the land and inhabitants of America. Skip the commercials and stand and salute the American flag as you prayerfully listen to the words.Just CLICK the name Kate Smith.
Scripture Lesson:“That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:21
(All Scripture quotes in this blog are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
![Prayer Changes Things: I called the Lord and He heard my cry by [Tafiska Nyasulu Ndovi]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OF72J-J2L.jpg)
Conversations With God Using Scripture 