Category: Prayers For Peace

God Desires For His Disciples To Grow Spiritually

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For Peace, Prayers For Spiritual Growth11 Comments
“Study to show yourself approved…”

How does one measure spiritual growth?  But to put it more succinctly, how does God measure spiritual growth?  My personal response is based on the Holy Scriptures:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:7 KJV

You might be tempted to measure spiritual growth with the same yardstick as one would measure personal growth, but you would be ‘dead’ wrong.  I put the word dead in bold letters and single quotes because the duration of our personal lives end in death; but the duration of our spiritual lives live on for eternity!

Let’s explore this week’s conversation with God a little deeper…

Earlier this week I received a troubling phone call from a senior friend exclaiming that the Holy Spirit had been troubling her all morning placing me on her mind.  The caller was perplexed and sought through prayer what it was she was to say to me.  My friend said the mental inclination was that she was instructed to give me three scriptures to read and meditate over:  namely, Matthew 18:18, 19 and 20.

          18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you lose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19  “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  20  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Now, this form of communication might seem strange to you, but since I, too, experience this kind of interaction with spiritual encounters, I listened to my friend’s telephone message with great enthusiasm.

So, after our conversation ended, I immediately began to read and search the scriptures to see under what situation/condition these biblical verses were dispensed by Jesus.  This messianic teaching was given to church members who attempted to restore fallen members back into the congregation.  If, after making several unsuccessful attempts to reunite the fallen members to the fold, and they do not listen, then you are to treat them as though they were a pagan or a tax collector.

Prayerfully, I conversed with the Holy Spirit and inquired what does this scripture message have to do with me. I received this answer:  You will recall that a couple of weeks ago you asked for godly intervention on resolving a disagreement you were having with a family member.  You are to apply these scriptures to your situation and therein you will find the godly answer. 

The main question according to Matt. 18:15 is whether the ‘sister or brother’ is a member of the Household of Faith and has accepted the sonship of Christ Jesus.  Seemingly, this information is important when counseling the individual in question.  If the individual has accepted Christ as their personal Savior, I am to attempt to agree in conversation with them the teachings of the Lord.  If, however, the individual in question is not a Believer, extend an invitation to them to consider following Christ just as you would a tax collector or pagan.  God alone will judge both performances and lovingly act in both persons best interest…yours and your (temporary) foe.

Blessed Reassurance…

This was my first case wherein I received a PERSONAL response from God and had my prayer answered direct from on High.  Words cannot express how blessed I felt to have receive that heavenly telephone call from my friend.  She admitted to me that she did not know under what circumstances she was led to contact me…all she knew was that she could not rest until she had delivered the message.  Hallelujah to her obedience and faithfulness. In other words, God wanted me to continue to grow in finding ways to resolve spiritual matters. Why? Because it is extremely necessary for each and every child of God to grow daily in our spiritual walk, and to increase our faith and to become stronger witnesses in his service.

My prayer for you and me…  

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your intervention in this matter. Please direct my steps in turning back to You for direction. I praise You for the prosperity that You have planned for me, for the heavenly future that You have prepared for me and your children. My continued prayer will be that all those persons who still reside out of the ark of safety will hear the Gospel, repent and accept Your invitation to take up the blood-stained banner of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen and 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!

God Said: “Wait I Say On The Lord.”

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers For Patience, Prayers For Peace4 Comments
“Having to wait doesn’t mean your needs will never be met; it just means your answer is delayed.”

It’s easy for someone to say to you, “Stop complaining”!  Or “Why are you always in a state of discontent”?  And Heaven forbid your sour disposition carries over into the way you perceive God working through your life.

Some people would label that a funky mood…

Well, sometimes, but not often, I find myself in a funky mood.  And I hate myself for it.  I’m too stubborn to break free, make that call and apologize.  The circumstances are eating me up.  My negative thoughts keep telling me it was not your fault.  So why should you be the one who takes the blame and makes the first steps to right a wrong. 

My prayers on the subject have become self-centered and I imagine displeasing to God.  I’m whining and feeling alone.  Since my angst is against a family member, and I am the elder, I feel disrespected and innocent.  Which way should I turn?  Where shall I go for solace? 

I know what the Lord requires of me.  He would want me to stop being dissatisfied with my present circumstances.  I know He would rather I make peace with my situation and call on Him to provide the timing and consoling words to make amends.

So, here is what happened. I had a conversation with the Holy Spirit, and He reminded me of the request Jesus made to his disciples to remain in Jerusalem and to wait on the gift His father had promised them.  Had they not waited, they would have missed receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit which was poured out on the assembly.

Since my talk with the Holy Spirit, my prayers have been strengthened and less self-centered.  My cry is to the Lord on High is now this; Holy Father, I am sorry for my actions thus far and the way I have handled this situation between me and a close family member.  I confess that I have been deliberately slow in making restitution and righting a wrong that has caused so much pain.  I beseech thee, Lord, to give me the strength and tenacity to offer forgiveness and to extend an olive branch in this instance.  Please go before me and prepare the way.  In the precious Name of Jesus. Amen

Yes, sometimes it takes a village of saints to send up prayers on behalf of another brother or sister.  So I am also asking your prayers on my behalf, in this situation.  God is good all the time and I know he will answer us in his own time.

Grayscale Photography of People Raising Hands
Sometimes it is hard to admit our faults…

Scripture Lesson: On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about.” Acts 1:4

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

God Has Made Us Fearfully and Wonderfully, Hallelujah!

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Peace2 Comments
Which facial expression depicts your mood today? Are you familiar with Who, what, when, where and why you were created? Is your Maker pleased with your performance? Should you be enrolled in a Meditation Group or a Physical Therapy Class?

I learned something today.  And it almost equates to rocket science.  That is because, people do not usually connect Meditation exercises and good health practices as subjects that go hand in hand!  More than likely, that expression is quoted as, “It’s NOT rocket science!”

Got a minute?  We need to talk…big time!

I have mentioned to you in earlier blogs that I recently started a Mindfulness Meditation Group at the apartment complex where I live.  Needless to say, it is off to a great start!  Well, today, I had my first doctor prescribed physical therapy session and was thoroughly examined by the therapist by performing leg and arm exercises to see where my lack of strength lies and what areas of my torso needed to be revitalized. My therapist needed to design a complete 3 month therapy program for me.

To my surprise, the therapist had me to tighten and hold in my stomach muscles while performing all the leg movements/exercises, as I held on to two side bars with my hands for balancing. The therapist advised me to continue breathing as I performed these tasks.  Boy of boy, was I struggling to remain balanced and to complete the exercises in the prescribed time frame. What an exhaustive work out.

I was ashamed of my poor performance (which lasted for one hour), because during my meditation classes, I instruct the attendees to practice proper breathing methods for 20 minutes (stomach extended when inhaling and stomach deflated when exhaling), while during that time, rotate their wrist, ankles, toes, neck, and jaws.  The only difference in moving body parts in physical therapy exercises and meditation is that you are standing for one and sitting or reclining for the other.

Now here is where the two exercises meet the road.  Experts in both fields of study (meditation and physical therapy) clinically agree that in order to maintain good health, a person should at least dedicate 30 to 60 minutes a day to the breathing activities mentioned above. When they do this their blood pressure numbers can be lowered, anxieties can be erased, and a happier disposition can be experienced by all.  Researchers also claim that these improvements come about because stretching and proper breathing helps reduce stiffness in the arteries, which is ascribed to improving both blood flow and blood pressure. In addition, exercising sends fresh air to the brain to help ones thought process produce more positive functions and less negative dispositions.

WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?)

Now, King David wrote:  “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully(*) and wonderfully(**) made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”  Psalm 139:13-14

Note: (*)  “Fearfully, when translated from the Hebrew means with great reverence, heart-felt interest, and with respect.

Note (**)  “Wonderfully, when translated from the Hebrew means unique and set apart.

God was way ahead of the game all along. Those health experts were playing catch-up! The Holy Spirit suggest that you study your bible to show yourself approved. Apply the Lord’s teachings and excel in all your duties and performances rightly applying His word and truths.

So, both my new meditation assignment, and my doctor’s latest prescription for me go hand in hand.  Oh, how the Lord does order my steps.  He is in charge of all of my business. And He also designs a clear path for me to follow.  My prayer for each of you is simply this:  Dear Heavenly Father, the New Year is almost halfway over and we wish to stop right here and give thanks to You for the unending promises that You have planned for all of us to be prosper during this year.  Many of us have not as yet realized our hopes and dreams and we are becoming anxious because five months have already come and gone.  But never the less, we are trusting in You and know that Your word is true and that You want to give us a future and a hope.  Please hear our cries and help us to listen to Your voice and to obey Your will.  In the Matchless Name of Jesus I pray.  Amen!

Scripture Lesson:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:11-12

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

God Reveals My Continence To Others Through His Premise

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Peace4 Comments
ON ANY GIVEN DAY, HOW DOES GOD SEE YOU?

                                

All kidding aside, and absolutely without bragging or being presumptuous, please allow me to explain the title of this blog.  Ask yourself these two questions:  How would you like to be perceived by others, and which spiritual entity are you striving to mimic?  You have only two choices:  Truth or deception.

During my current octogenarian years of residing in a senior living lifestyle, regretfully, I do not socialize with immediate family members, old life-time friends, and acquaintances as often as I used to.  Two to six months could easily go by without making face to face or social contacts with them.  Whenever we do hook up, I am often greeted with endearing expressions of reunion like this: “Oh, how good it is to hear your sweet voice.  I have missed your laughter and spirit.  And I have longed to sit and listen to the wisdom you impart and to have you relive all your exciting adventures you encountered while on foreign mission trips.”  They also sometimes express that they were just thinking about me the other day, and here I am calling them today.

“Somebody upstairs must really like you!”  That is often their conclusion.

Please, please do not think I have been exaggerating this recounting of loved one’s greetings towards belated reunions.  For after receiving these warm comments, I am truly humbled, mystified, and grateful as to how others perceive me.  And, above all, I give God all the honor, all the praise and all the glory for His infusion and sharing of His love and compassion in my life.  I truly praise Him for allowing the Holy Spirit to infuse me in such a godly manner.  I praise Him for going before and after me.  My sincere prayer is that He will do the same for you.

Therefore, please allow me to continue in prayer for all of you out there:

Dear Heavenly Father, we all stand in awe of You.  And we wish to express our gratitude by kneeling before your throne of grace and subjecting ourselves to the righteousness of Your Son, Christ Jesus.  Our prayer is to always remain in constant touch with You by living close to You and obeying Your precepts and commandments.  It is reassuring to read in Your holy word that You will never leave us nor forsake us.  So, according to Your love and kindness, please continue to lead, guide, nourish and protect us daily, and show us Your will for our lives.  May we always be a reflection of your continence and glory as You order our steps. Amen and Amen!

Now sit back and enjoy this Gospel Song and be refreshed, renewed and refilled with the presence of the Almighty?

Just click the title below, skip the commercial and tune in:

ORDER MY STEPS IN YOUR WORD – YouTube.flv – YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watch4:57http://www.hearandplay.com/go/?p=music45&w=gospelkeys.Mar 19, 2012 · Uploaded by account5able

Scripture Lesson: Jehosaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.” 1 Kings 22:5

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!