Category: Prayers For Spiritual Growth

God Is Calling Us To Meet Our Needs Through Praying

On By tgifmastermindsIn How To Pray For Others, Prayers For New Beginnings, Prayers For Spiritual Growth1 Comment
That’s for me to know and for you to find out!

There is a popular bank commercial that starts out with the announcer asking, ‘What’s in your pocket?’  Next, he goes into a litany of benefits as to why you should consider applying for one of his bank’s lines of credit, whether it is through a credit card, loan, or debit card to supply your needs.  All his message is after is that in the end, he is successful in shackling you to become indebted to the bank he represents.

There is another popular Announcer out there softly and tenderly hawking His products to the masses that He claims will bring you great benefits if only you will try them.  His question to the populace is, ‘What’s in your heart?’  He is suggesting that you plug into His 4 “P’s” — Presence, Power, Perception, and Purpose.  And the way to do that does not require you to apply for anything.  All you must do is to ask, seek and knock though the act of prayer.

Mother and Son praying together.

The good part about the second Announcer is that He is willing to help you accomplish your goals.  All you must do is to find a quiet, secluded place with few distractions.  And begin praying with the understanding that He already knows your heart’s needs and desires before you ask.  So simple use this acrostic while praying:  A.C.T.S.

A = Ask C = Confession T = Thanksgiving S = Supplication

A True Story…

Some years ago, I was in my kitchen preparing dinner when I heard a very troubling report on the radio. I immediately stoped cooking, turned off the stove and began to pray about the incident. All of a sudden, I heard a voice whisper: ‘Get on your knees.’ As I began to kneel down, very gently, ‘Somebody‘ pulled my legs out from under me and placed me faced down flat on the floor. The floor tile was extremely hot against my face. I begin to pray with all my heart and with all my soul.

The message that I received from that above experience so many years ago was that if you really want to learn how to pray for certain situations, do not take God for granted. Prayer is a powerful tool to use when seeking God’s help. In prayer, you are seeking God’s four “P’s”…his presence, his power, his perception and his purpose. Allow him to orchestrate and implement your posture as he sees fit.

I have witnessed those in deep prayer to weep, dance, twirl in laughter, speak in tongues, remove their shoes, stand, tremble, kneel, sit and faint.

My unadulterated prayer for you is this…

Precious holy Spirit, you know how much we all struggle to pray. We humbly ask that you please teach us to pray earnestly according to your will and your way. And if we do not manage to get it right, please, please, pray and intercede on our behalf to our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Amen and Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

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

God’s Goodwill Was Purchased For You

On By tgifmastermindsIn God's Heavenly Hosts, How To Pray For Others, Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For Spiritual Growth4 Comments
God’s display of goodwill was the epitome of eternal life.

Did you know that December 26th, the day after Christmas, is celebrated annually by South African citizens, in a more godly show of compassion than American citizens celebrate December 25th, Christmas Day. The South Africans use the 26th as a day of recovery from over indulging in holiday festivities. This Day of Goodwill was declared a holiday in 1994 by Nelson Mandela after he was elected the President of South Africa.

I became apprised of this information one day this week as I sat at my computer and prayed to the Holy Spirit to put into my psyche the subject matter for this week’s blog. I immediately was directed to focus on the word ‘angels’. What’s that (?), my Lord. What’s angels got to do with anything, I thought. The awareness of the presence of the Lord flooded my total being. Have you not considered, my child, the vast amount of preparation the Heavenly Hosts performed to bring about the Goodwill Gift My Father gave the world which is celebrated by earthlings on December 25th? That he so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son…

My Father acted out of compassion and the Heavenly Hosts acted out of obedience and the South Africans, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit residing in Nelson Mandela, acted out of goodwill to set aside a special day to think about the needy, the lost and the forgotten. To give back to society and not just their own families and loved ones. On the Day of Goodwill, South Africans sincerely distinguish themselves by giving back to society. These peoples’ giving can be attributed to their willingness to celebrate the birth of God’s Son by forgetting about their own wants and focusing on the needs of their fellowman.

Oh, thank you Holy Spirit for once again pointing me in the right direction. As you were sharing with me, I was thinking about those Heavenly Angels and their preparatory assignment, getting the world ready for the Coming King. I immediately started dissecting the word ‘angels’ and came up with 22 words with 3 or more letters.

Slang
Sage
Seal
Snag
Sea
Sale
Sane
Slag
Sang		Gale
Glean
Gas
Gal		Leg
Lag
Lane
Lean		Age
Angel
Ale
Angle		Nag

Here is what I decided to do with this list. Since goodwill means acting out of compassion instead of selfishness, by means of meditation, I have decided to use the remaining days in December to wrap a prayer around each of the 22 words and apply a Holy Scripture as the bases of each prayer. This will keep me focused on the actual reason for the season and to be thankful and grateful for the Angels of God who remained at their posts until the Blessed Event was born.

For example, below is the scripture I have chosen to formulate my prayer for the word ‘slang’. For I will use slang if necessary to introduce someone to Christ with a limited vocabulary.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

I invite you to join me in prayer to help you keep your heart and mind on whatsoever things are lovely concerning this Christmas season. Or you may consider other ways to participate in celebrating December 26th and dispensing goodwill towards others such as:

  • Boxing up everything you don’t need and giving it away
  • Make a sizable donation to a charity that helps the poor
  • Give away leftover food and unwanted gifts
  • Host a meal for the poor or homeless
  • Give back to society by volunteering with a local organization
  • Think about the word goodwill and how you can apply it to your life
Try it…You might like it!

Scripture Lesson: “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10)

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

God’s Supreme Invitation

On By tgifmastermindsIn God Father, Prayers For Spiritual Growth, Prayers For Understanding4 Comments
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;…

As the Holy Spirit guides me into becoming more and more acquainted with the awesomeness of God and his Beloved Son Jesus Christ, I confess that this whole religious experience enthralls me to dig deeper and deeper.  And it is no surprise to me that my search for Truths concerning the mysteries of God are being manifested and are becoming more apparent for me to understand. Hallelujah!

I call your attention to a scripture that in the past, I have stumbled over time and time again.  It reads: “The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Psalms 110:1 and Matthews 44:22

Now I know that most of you guys out there are way ahead of me and have interpreted your own understanding about this verse, but I was confused as to who was Who…until now!

First, David wrote the above words in a Psalms, then Jesus recited those words in the New Testament.  As I prayed about those words and their meaning as to the identity of LORD and Lord, a light bulb went on.  And I stumbled in the darkness no longer. For many years, I reasoned that JESUS was the LORD and King David was Lord. 

W_R_O_N_G ! !

The first LORD refers to God in heaven.  The second Lord refers to Jesus who at this time still resides in heaven conversing with His Father.  (Jesus is not yet the Christ.  It is prior to the time for Jesus to be born of a Virgin and enter the physical world.)  The time is…In the beginning…Genesis 1:26

Let’s examine Psalms 110:1 under the supreme invitation of another godly scripture brought to my consciousness by the Holy Spirit: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30.

God’s (LORD) yoke (the harness on his shoulders) is the weight of a sinful worldview under the influence of a Satanic spirit (who had just lost his position in heaven) which is now destined to infiltrate every human being born under the sun. And God is speaking to his Son (Lord) who is Lord over all things created.  Evidently, God’s Son, Jesus, is anxious to get on the J-O-B, (that was me thinking out loud) but God restrains Jesus and says…No Son, not yet (that’s me again)…Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies (false teachers, nonbelievers, whore Mongols, evil spirits, etc.,) a footstool for your feet.”

That’s all folks!!!

That’s my message for this week’s blog.  Let’s all dig a little deeper in the Word of God.  Just maybe he will reveal his motive for blanketing this world-wide pandemic on us all.  Just maybe with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can get our act together and become better followers of Jesus Christ.

What say you????

Scripture Lesson:  “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and He to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.  Matthew 11:27-28

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

God Has A Remedy For Negativity!

On By tgifmastermindsIn Instruction on how to disciple others, Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For New Beginnings, Prayers For Spiritual Growth3 Comments

What so ever things are lovely…

Who are you?  How many “selves” do you recognize?  Which of your “selves” is the most dominant?  And finally, which one of your “multi-selves” is the least dominant?

Now, you might ask, ‘Where is she going with this?’

Well, the goal I am trying to accomplish is this.  I believe if a person knows who they are when they wake up; who they are at noon; and who they are at bedtime; then they will be able to concentrate on their character “selves” that associate with positive emotions rather than counteracting on the “selves” that associate with negative emotions.

Are you following me? Let me explain…

God’s remedy for negativity is to count your blessings and name them one by one. So, the first thing I want you to do is physically count the number of “selves” you see in yourself as it relates to your health and well being. Don’t slight yourself. The more character roles you can identify–such as son or daughter, wife or husband, niece or nephew, aunt or uncle, student, artist, lawyer, doctor, friend, Indian chief–you get the message, etc., the less likely negative emotions such as depression will consume you and as a result, which could effect your overall health.

So, if any one of your “selves” is depressed during the day, you should immediately control your mind to think on that dynamic self that is a writer and start composing (in your mind or at the computer) the next electrifying blog that you will post. All those positive emotions that fill your heart about writing just could actually offset that negative disposition that is trying to flood your soul.

My prayer for you is that you memorize a few of the scriptures listed below and recite them when you are feeling low and despondent. Only believe and have the faith that everything will turn out all right.

Scripture Lesson:

1. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8
2. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2
3. My son do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:1-4
4. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2
5. Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2
6. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
7. My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:20-27
8. And 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 Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
9. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 
 10. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Don’t forget…let’s remember that we are not a product of ‘one’. The Good Lord made us a composite of many dispositions. Let us engage with the ‘self’ that best represents the character of Jesus Christ in all of our dealings with life’s situations.

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

God Will Never Leave Or Forsake You!

On By tgifmastermindsIn How To Pray For Others, Prayers For Spiritual Growth, Prayers For StrengthLeave a comment
My kids wont listen to me…nobody listens to me any more! What am I to do?

Have you ever been brought down so low in life that your situation tempted you to beg, borrow, or steal?  What are you saying, sister blogger?  Are you saying that that was my moment of desperation whereby I thought God had left me?  Was that the time when I sincerely embraced ideas that God had struck me down in retribution of my sins?  Was that the occasion when my friends and loved ones were hurling all kinds of accusations at me and accusing me of engaging in unbecoming activities?  How did you know that surely there had been times in my life when I thought of ending it all?

How Did I Know???  Come on now! 

I know these things because if a person lives long enough, he or she will in variably experience life’s ups and downs that in several instances seems impossible to overcome.   Especially when you are trying to overcome them all by yourself.

The question you should be asking is how I can constructively manage these life-threatening situations.

Recounting a personal example:

Earlier this week I received a telephone call from a friend that not only surprised me but also lifted me up with her message.  She reported to me that for the longest time she had been prayerfully trying to encourage her adult children to reunite with the church and to restore their faith in God.  Although her children politely listened to her, they did nothing to align themselves with an organized institution of godly teaching.  And my friend had great despair that her adult children were setting a bad example for her grandchildren when it came to knowing God and his commandments.  (My friend had more than once shared with me that she thought God had left her and ignored her prayers that she offered up for her family.)

But on this day, my friend was calling me to share some great news concerning her oldest female grandchild we will call Mary.  Mary was a college graduate and had been working for the past 7 years at various jobs.  She called her grandmother to inform her that she had saved enough money to make a down payment on a newly constructed home in a suburb of her hometown.  Mary was giving praises to the Almighty God for being the instrument that had made all these things possible.  And the grandmother’s faith was revitalized in knowing that God had not forsaken her and the prayers that she was sending up for her family were being answered.

After hearing this great news, it took a moment for my friend and I to compose ourselves. Finally I said to her, my sister, I, too, was in prayer for you.  During the past few months, your contacts with me have been very sorrowful and I knew you were under some sort of strain.  I suspected they were growing pains that you had to bear for reasons between you and God.  After hearing such good news about your grandchild, you must have passed the test and are now reaping the rewards that come with patience, gentleness, self-control, kindness, love, joy, and peace. That represents that at all times you were in constant communication with the Holy Spirit but He was letting you do all the talking. Finally, you were at a place where peace and quietness took over.

Thanks be to God that you weathered the storm. For as you well know, our Lord and Savior will never leave or totally forsake you. All we have to do is to hold on to God’s unchanging hand.

My prayer for you and all under the sound of my voice:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for making Your work in me a ‘calling’ to be available, prepared and complete with intuition to be attuned to my fellowman’s life dilemmas. Not only to obey Your workings in order to gain Your favor, but to fortify the down-trodden, to lift up the heavy burdened and to restore the weak and weary back to Your loving arms. May I always have the fortitude to serve my Lord and Savior to the utmost and not merely man alone. Amen.

Scripture Lesson: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-13

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

God Disposes But Man Proposes!

On By tgifmastermindsIn Opposites in the bible, Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For New Beginnings, Prayers For Spiritual Growth17 Comments
OOPs! God Wants Us To Think Outside The Box.

And again I say…OOPs!  For this week’s blog title, I have used an antithesis form of speech. Why?  Because I thought the title above would infuse the curiosity of my readers more than the title: “God Uses Opposites To Express Himself On How To Obtain Righteousness”.

Now I ask you…did it work?  Are you still with me?  Have I piqued your interest enough for you to read this blog all the way through?

Well, if nothing else, you’ve learned the definition of a new word…Antithesis!  That word refers to the juxtaposition (two things with contracting views) of opposing or contrasting ideas.  And we all know that the Bible is full of opposites expressed not only by God in the creation story in Genesis, but also by Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, and many other New Testament writers.

Below I have listed a few examples found in Genesis Chapter One that depict an antithesis form of speech or writing:

  • Light and darkness
  • Day and night
  • Earth and Sky
  • Morning and evening
  • Land and sea
  • Sun and Moon
  • Male and female

Now let’s apply scripture to the proverb that God disposes but man proposes. 

  • “Many are the plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
  • “To human beings belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.”  Proverbs 16:1
  • “The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster.”  Proverbs 16:4
  • “In their hearts human beings plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  Proverbs 16:9

If you wanted to compose a sentence to share that will better explain the antitheses, you could say that even when man gives his very best to a project, in the end, it is up to fate whether man’s efforts will work out or not.  Thus, Man proposes, but God disposes (brings things to fruition or extinction).

So do not be discouraged when you read opposites in the bible.  Rather, get wisdom and in all thy getting, get an understanding about God’s word.  Study to show yourself approved and allow the Holy Spirit to show you how to rightly divide the word of truth.

The moral of the story:

Recently, I was invited to teach on several scriptures from the Book of Hebrews.  The assignment called for me to first read a short story found in Our Daily Bread magazine and use it as the basis for my scripture teaching.  Because the magazine story did not fully blend in with the overall theme of Hebrews, I had to pray hard for the Holy Spirit to help me connect the dots. This is the message the Holy Spirit communed with me:  Do not reduce holy mysteries to slogans and catchy stories, my sister.  In trying to be relevant, you are only being cute and in violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.  Having a knack for generating ‘amens’ from your audience won’t get you anywhere with the Master.  In fact, you will reap what you sow.   You can imagine, I stuck with the overall theme of Hebrews…the Old Covenant vs the New Covenant.  I was careful not to propose anything in my teaching that the Lord would dispose.

My prayer for you:

Dear Heavenly Father, we give You all the glory, honor, and praise for loving us so much that You sent down the Holy Spirit to teach and instruct us in the way of righteousness.  For you used juxtaposition terminology to instruct us in how to recognize what is life-generating and what leads to death-infused conduct.  Basically, we must embrace faith, exhibit love and practice endurance as we live out our lives and administer hope to our fellowman.  It is our prayer that You will continue to shower us with Your wisdom so that we might become more like You.  We ask that all of these various teaching methods be a blessing to others…in the mighty Name of Jesus we ask it all.  Amen.

Scripture Lesson:  “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:21

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

God Got My Immediate Attention!

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For New Beginnings, Prayers For Spiritual Growth7 Comments
When God’s son, Jesus Christ, calls your name twice, He really gets your attention!

How many friends, family members and acquaintances do you know that addresses people not by their given names, but rather by using a euphemism (a mild or indirect word or expression) that in most cases depicts an endearing term that shows hospitality and love?

For example, I often greet family and friends by saying, “Hello Lovie. How are you?” If a conversation pursues, I’m guilty of peppering my sentences with “Lovie” a few more times to make a point. Now, I’m not saying that this is all bad. I’m just saying that this week my eyes were opened to the realization that perhaps I might want to just curtail using the expression of “Lovie” as a substitute for addressing a person by their legitimate name.

Here is why…

This week my bible prayer group started reading 1st Samuel, a book in the Bible. A very popular story in that book is the one about the young lad, Samuel, who had a dream while living in a priestly commune (temple) with the prophet Eli. Samuel was awakened from his dream twice by someone calling him. Samuel thought it was Eli so he got up and went to Eli. Since Eli had not been the one who called unto Samuel, Eli instructed Samuel what to say if he heard his named called a third time. Finally, the Lord did call his name again, but this time He called out, “Samuel! Samuel!” and He got Samuel’s attention. Samuel’s response was, “Here I am Lord. Speak, for your servant is listening” (1st Samuel 3:1-10).

I am very familiar with that story as I am sure you are too. But this time Samuel’s encounter with the Lord really got my attention and I wondered how many times was a double salutation used to call somebody in the Old and New Testaments. My research revealed that throughout all sixty-six books in the entire Bible, only nine people and one city were addressed by calling their names twice.

I immediately called upon the Holy Spirit and asked if we could have a little conversation…

In my spirit I began to realize that every time an individual was called by name twice, he or she was elevated to a greater and higher position of importance in the scheme of things in the Bible.

  1. Abraham! Abraham! He became the Father of Many Nations . (Genesis 22:11-13)
  2. Jacob! Jacob! He became a great nation siring 12 tribes. And his name was changed to Israel. (Genesis 46:1-4)
  3. Moses! Moses! He was assigned to become a deliverer of God’s people. (Exodus 3:1-10)
  4. Samuel! Samuel! He was young at the time, but God was grooming him to be a priest, prophet, and judge. (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
  5. Martha! Martha! She was the sister to Mary and Lazarus. Martha was taught from being anxious about many things in life. (Luke 10:38-42)
  6. Simon! Simon! Also known as Peter. He learned to rely on Jesus instead of his own self. (Luke 22:31-32)
  7. Saul! Saul! Also known later as Paul. He changed from persecuting Christians to teaching them. (Acts 9:4)
  8. Lord! Lord! This was the title people began to use with their lips but not with their hearts. (Matthew 7:21-22, 25:11: Luke 6:46; 13:25)
  9. Eloi! Eloi! Definition for “My God, My God” that people still call on today. (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1)
  10. Jerusalem! Jerusalem! The name given to the only city in the Bible that was elevated to prominence. (Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34)

This is the conclusion of the matter…

If and when God calls your name TWICE, will you recognize him and answer the call? Will Jesus get your attention? I truly believe that God has a place and an assignment for each and every one of us to perform. He is no respecter of person. What he has done for others, he will do for you! So, for goodness sake…don’t miss it when God calls your name…TWICE!

My prayer for you…

Dear Heavenly Father: First of all, I want to thank You for knowing our names and just where we are at any given moment. We also wish to thank You for Your divine organizational structure, for it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 that “There is timing and purpose for everything in God. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…And a time to heal.” So, dear Jesus, please find all of us in good health, good spirits, good moral living conditions, and good hearts for service in Your vineyards. May we all use good common sense and good judgment and be submissive to the instructions of the Holy Spirit and to always remember that love never fails when carrying out Your decrees and directions for our lives. We humbly come laying these prayers at the feet of Jesus. Amen!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image.jpeg
Click the song title below. (Skip the commercial.)

2:22I’ll Be Somewhere Listening For My Name

Scripture Lesson: He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (2 Timothy 1:9 NIV)

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

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 DESIRES THAT WE STAY IN TOUCH WITH HIM

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Spiritual GrowthLeave a comment
The beginning of a bible (meditation) study group.

There is much advice available to us on how to obtain success and happiness.  Yet numerous  titles on this subject most often include the word ‘Secret’.  I wonder why.   How can authors continue to title their work “The Secret to Success and Happiness” when honestly, it is no secret at all.  Using your common sense will almost always put you on a path to success and happiness in your lifetime.

The practice of setting your mind on achieving what is right and good not only for you, but also for those in your sphere of influence goes back thousands and thousands of years.  Actually, many ancient spiritual traditions have taught that being intensely aware of the moment you are presently in is the key to mastering complete control of your destiny.  Thus, what naturally follows is generally success and happiness during most of your lifetime.

As a Christian, I read the Bible not only to learn about God and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, I also explore it to learn how to stay in touch with the Godhead…the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  And because of this close spiritual association with my Maker, our relationship has blossomed in my lifetime and I sincerely hope our Great Creator has been glorified.

Let me give you just one example of how success and happiness has flooded my innermost being.

Progression of Events
About 4 years ago, I desired to start a female senior bible study group at my church. I decided to concentrate on the moment through prayer as often as time allowed. Well, ‘time’ didn’t allow for much prayer.  But I continued to put things in motion.

The next thing that happened was my health started to deteriorate very rapidly and I had to begin thinking about downsizing my living conditions. My thoughts of starting a bible study group went out the window and I earnestly begin communing with God to show me what to do.

To my surprise, the heavenly messages I received were that an opportunity would open up- for me to start a bible study group in my new residence which turned out to be a newly built 55+ senior apartment building. I have been residing at this facility for 3 years now and during that time, my physical health has improved. I have made a concerted effort to meet and greet both male and female residences and have been given the pet name of being the ‘puzzle lady’ because that activity is my pastime here.

Believe it or not, because I have bonded with so many new friends and acquaintances, several people including the resident office staff have asked me to host a bible study in the media room…but I would have to call it a ‘meditation’ class. So, in the pass 2-1/2 years I have been in prayer concerning this weighty assignment.

My Reward…

Just recently, the Lord has answered my prayers and has given me the green light to start the bible (meditation) glass here in my apartment building.  This is what happened.  While studying a biblical passage in the Gospel of Mark, the Holy Spirit gave me this interpretation.

The Parable of the Growing Seed (TNIV)  He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like.  A man scatters seed on the ground.  Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.  All by itself the soil, produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.  As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it because the harvest has come.”  Mark 4:26-29

The Holy Spirit indicated to me that the ‘man’ in this parable is you, me, a preacher or a teacher of the word of God.  The Holy Spirit went on to say that at my former church there are enough preachers and teachers.  That flock is growing strong in the kingdom of God. You, too, have grown strong in the word (seed) of God, therefore, I am removing you from this flock (putting forth the sickle) and relocating you to another pasture  to feed my sheep (my new apartment building).

Thanks be to God physical signs have also been afforded me to let me know that God’s timing is right.  I wholeheartedly stayed in touch with my Lord and Savior for three years concerning this matter.  And its success and happiness for all who attend the bible study class has already begun to manifest itself in these halls.

I’m excited!  My prayer for your endeavors in Christ are simply…

“Heavenly Father, will you please continue to help me and others to use our time in the year that lies ahead with sincere insight, dedication and love.  Help us to remain in touch with You no matter how long it takes for You to respond to our call.  For it is our desire to do everything that is assigned to our hands with absolute commitment that pleases You.  Amen.”

Scripture Lesson:  “As for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds.”  Psalm 73:28

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

God Signs, Seals and Delivers His Private Messages

On By tgifmastermindsIn How To Pray For Others, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Spiritual Growth, Prayers For UnderstandingLeave a comment
My favorite pass time is working puzzles.

One day last week, while seated at my puzzle table in the lobby of my 55+ apartment building where I reside, a fellow resident approached the table and haphazardly said to me, “Did you know there is only one place in the Bible where God personally wrote down something?”.  I looked up  from my puzzling activity and nonchalantly replied, ‘Are you sure about that?’.  “Yep! It’s that time when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments,” he continued.  ‘Oh, I don’t think you are right about that, my friend.  But let’s talk about it later,’ I replied and returned to my puzzle project.  So, my friend shuffled his weight from one foot to the other, shook his head in disbelief, shrugged his shoulders, mumbled something under his breath about ‘his knowing the Bible’, and moved on.

The reckoning…

About a week later, I was again alone in the lobby at my puzzling activities when along came my ole friend.  We exchanged greetings, then I asked him how many fingers was I holding up.  He replied four.  “That’s right,” I confirmed.  “And that’s because there are actually four times that it is recorded in the Bible that God wrote down something for a person.”  With disbelief on his face, my friend pulled up a chair and sat down, looking quizzically at me.

“Now, what I am about to say will depend on your level of faith.  Who do you say that Jesus is?” I asked him.  “I believe in John Chapter One,” my friend said.  “Yes, but do you believe that Jesus is God incarnate?” “Yes he replied.  “Well, was there any time in scripture where Jesus kneeled down and wrote something?” I continued.  “Oh, yes!  When He challenged those guys that brought a prostitute to Him.”

“Okay.  That’s one.  Now what about Daniel?  What character traits do you recall about him?  “That’s right!” my friend exclaimed.  There’s a story about something being written on the palace wall of King Belshazzar where a banquet was being held, and that only Daniel could interpret.”  “Right!  And that’s number two,” I said.  “And don’t forget, the Ten Commandments were written down for Moses…twice!” I continued in an amplified voice.  “That makes four times in all that God wrote something down for people!” I concluded.

Moral of the story…

While Christians are on this earth, they will no doubt have numerous opportunities to witness or testify to others about their perceived knowledge of the written Word.  May I suggest that you guard against being too hasty or dogmatic about your perceived knowledge.  Always tread lightly when recalling absolute Truths.  And when correcting someone who thinks of themselves as being an ‘expert’ in biblical knowledge, wisdom and understanding of God’s holy word, tread with caution…pray first and foremost.

I am glad to report that my additional information to my friend was well received and the exchange of information has truly drawn us closer together.  Who knows, there may be additional times in the Bible where God wrote something down that I, too, missed.  Please send me a head’s up if I did.  I would love to receive your comments. For I am an approachable vessel of godly messages that I receive from other sisters and brothers in Christ.

My Prayer for you…

Precious Jesus,  I thank You for sending my way so many opportunities for new bits of insight that is in fact given to me as my trials that make it possible for me to be a more powerful witness for You.  It is my earnest desire that You help me to show others through my positive responses and thoughtful ways just how much I love You and Your holy Word.  Amen.  

Scripture Lesson “Each one should use whatever gift he (or she) has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.” I Peter 4:10-11

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