God’s Montra: Be Anchored In The Lord

How can this be done?…By allowing your life’s walk to be anchored in the Lord!

Starting from childhood, to be anchored in the Lord, you can become empowered by meditating on His Word!

And continue meditating on God’s holy Word as you grow into adolescence and later into manhood.

Let’s look at what Biblical meditation is not…

Biblical meditation certainly is not sitting in a lotus position and chanting, humming, rocking, forming circles with your fingers or washing your mind clean from all thoughts. No sir e bob!!! Neither do you need to rush out and purchase a stack of candles, incense, a mat, ear plugs and various CDs by famous gurus. (Just begin your time with the Holy Spirit (your Teacher) by reciting Psalm 19:14: “Dear, Holy Spirit, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Amen”

OK, now that you’ve been enlightened on what meditation is not…let’s look at what meditation is…

Biblical meditation is first and foremost simply focusing on God through prayerfully contemplation on his Word. First, you’ll want to quiet your spirit with a prayer of invitation for the Holy Spirit to come into your heart and ‘dine’ with you. Choose a scripture from your memory, recite it aloud a couple of times and audibly inquire of the Holy Spirit if your interpretation of meditating on that scripture is pleasing to Him. (You can do this by applying and reciting Psalm 104:34: “Lord, may my meditation be pleasing to him (You), for I rejoice in the Lord.”

You may want to continue your conversation (prayer) with the Holy Spirit by incorporating several additional scriptures that reference meditating.

Additional scriptures expressed in your own words, such as…

Psalm 63:6 “When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night…”

Psalm 1:1-2 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Psalm 119:97 “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Psalm 143:5 “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”

And in conclusion, let us remember…

In the Book of Joshua 1:8, it teaches us the “why” of Christian meditation. It goes like this: “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

Scripture Lesson: “My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. Psalm 49:3

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

God’s Desire Is For Us To Know Him Intimately…So What’s In A Name?

“Please hold my hand, Lord. For I am a sinner, saved by Your grace! I yield!

Webster defines “conversation” as having an oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas. So, what does it mean to know God intimately? Well, for me, I have come to realize that my conversations with God are very personal and private. Our relationship is one that allows us to laugh together, cry together, come to a mutual understanding especially after I have thought about the situation carefully and/or studied it prayerfully. The Holy Spirit has also made known to me my epitaph inscription; “In all thy getting, get an understanding”. (Proverbs 4:7b KJV)

Now I have a question for you…

Which would you rather have been given; a name at birth that distinguished you from other people, or a name at birth that referenced your inner most being?  I realize that’s a tough question because as we grow, our character changes.

Unlike the Native American societies, at birth, infants receive names that are descriptive that can be changed as they go through life, according to what their experiences and accomplishments are.  The vast nomenclatures for God are like that…or should I say ought to be like that as you grow more intimately in Him.

Your Christian walk and desires should be one of learning how to become more mature in grace and obedience because of a Wondrous working God.  Your prayer life could be strengthened every time you called on Him if you substituted the word “God” for one of His names (below) from Scripture that addressed your need.  Why?  Because we know with assurance, God has already shown himself worthy of that title. (Below are four examples of titles.)

“God of Heaven” “Prince of Peace” “Deliverer ” “Righteous One” ”
When prayingPray for waring nations,Pray for Kings,Praying for
for weatherPeople, Governments, andPresidents, AllJustice, Sinners,
(nature) conditions.Societies, etc.Leaders, Parents, andAll Knowledge, and
Care Givers.Jesus’ position as
the Son of God.
The Names above are to be used in prayer in place of God in order to take the focus off of yourself!

Now, perhaps you can answer my question…

Because most of us at birth were given names that merely distinguished us from other people, we are not recognized by any attainable goals or notable accomplishments. On the other hand, every time we call on the Name of the Lord in prayer by one of His descriptive Names in Scripture that actually addresses our needs, we can shout hallelujah because we know He is able, ready and willing to respond.

My prayer for you…

Dear Jehovah Jireh, my Provider and Maker of Heaven and Earth, we want to thank You very much for making us joyful and happy. We want to make our thoughts obedient to You, and in all things we sincerely ask that You help us to focus on all things that are beautiful and good and right so that our conversations and interactions with You will reflect Your peace and understanding. We ask these blessings in your Son’s Name, Jesus the Christ. Amen

Scripture Lesson: “Brothers (and Sisters), stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” (1 Corinthians 14:20 NIV)

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

God’s  Five Favorite Recipes From His Pulitzer Prize Winning “Cook” Book

Here is a piece of trivia:  Human history records that in 1795 a French chemist invented a canning method for preserving food which was later used by Napoleon’s army.

BUT, did you know that eating is not just about satisfying hunger pains?

For Christians, “eating” should also be about consuming God’s Word.  Why?  Basically, because eating food and eating the Word are soul mates!

God created our bodies with mortal cell materials with a shelf life that will eventually expire.  Consequently, mankind’s life existence greatly depends upon how well he or she is ‘watching’ their diet.

Nutrients from both the food one eats and the Word one ingest provides the foundation for replenishing good cells for those bad cells that have expired.  Thus, restoring the structure, integrity and function of our body, skin, hair and muscles; in addition to regenerating the manifestation of the Shekinah glory that is revealed in our appearance as we ‘dine’ at the “Oh, Taste And See” restaurant with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Psalm 34:8, Our Maker invites us to:  “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him”.  (Unlike the followers of Napoleon  who took refuge in his army.)

To enlighten you further on what I am saying, I have taken the liberty of selecting just 5 of God’s favorite recipes from his award-winning cook book, the Bible.  If you are hungry for more, let me know by leaving a comment.

I will also leave it up to you to dust off your Grandmother’s favorite recipe book to stir up your most flavorful agricultural dish for physical nourishment.

Chef’s warnings:  See if you can discern which recipe below belongs in which category.

  1.  Too much of a good thing can be fattening.
  2.  Stealing food from God’s grocery store can be fatal.
  3. Not picking the right ingredients can cause spoilage and indigestion.
  4. Using a charge card instead of paying with cash can cause your bank account to be overdrawn.

                 Ba-Manna-Bread

Set oven to “OFF”.  No heat necessary.  This bread is rained down from the sky.  It is fashioned from the residue of the morning dew.  Make only enough for one meal at a time.  If it is not all eaten, it will melt.  After it is baked, it will appear white in color with coriander seed and taste like honey wafers.

 

Question:  What is the real name for this bread from heaven and in what Bible Book is it found?

 

Blog - God's Menue for Manna:Angels.jpg

Angels preparing the dough for                               Ba-Manna-Bread

 Ex 16:4, 13, 14, 21, 31  Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you.  That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.  When the dew was gone thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.  Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. The people of Israel called the bread manna.  It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.

                  Fried Fish Sticks

 

Go down to the Nearest River and catch some fish (people) with your mouth.  Place the fish on the rocks in the desert.  The heat from the sun will fry the fish.  (Ask them how’s their life been going lately.)  Be careful not to become over heated and succumb to a heat stroke (Don’t be almost persuaded to succumb to their foolishness.)  For then you might become a meal for the beasts.  (And you know where the beasts are located.)

Question:  What is the title of the great monster ruler in this recipe.  Which Book of the Prophets is it recorded. What idiom was assigned to him?

 

 

 

Blog God's Recipe Catching Fish.jpg

Pharaoh king of Egypt and that great monster, fishing

Ezekiel 29:3b-5  You say, “The Nile belongs to me; I made it for myself.” 

But I, the Sovereign Lord says, I will put hooks in your jaws and make the fish of your streams stick to your scale.  I will pull you out from among your streams, with all the fish sticking to your scales.  I will leave you in the desert, you and all the fish of your streams.  You will fall on the open field and not be gathered or picked up.  I will give you as food to the beasts of the earth and the birds of the sky.

  

          Southern Pot-Roasted Quail

You will need cups of some east and south winds from Heaven’s grocery store.  Next, gather hundreds of the fallen feathered fowls that the winds blew in. The cooking aroma will delight the neighborhood. Prepare enough food for a number of greedy people.  Warn the obese ones to chew their food thoroughly lest they choke.  Needless to say, you may still have to call EMS….Emergency Missionary Services.

Question:  Where were the people when this “picnic” takes place.  Was this a family reunion or a “divine ruse”.

Blog God's Recipe Birds flying.jpg

Quail birds flying in from the southeast 

Psalm 78:26-33  He (God) caused an east wind to blow in the heaven; and by his power he brought in the south wind.  He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea.  And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations; they were not estranged from their lust.  But while their meat was yet in their mouths, the wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.

             How to Can Preserves/Jams

Discretely assemble 6 glass canning jars with pressure lids and rings. Place uprightly on the stove a large pot filled with water that will cover the jars by 2 inches.

To insure the integrity of the glass jars when filled with the hot jam mixture, allow the empty jars only (not the lids and rings) to simmer in the hot water until ready to be filled.

Preserves and Jams should only be made with fresh fruits and in small batches, about 6 cups at a time, so that contamination wont set in.  Faithfully, assemble all of your other cooking utensils and ingredients.

With a potato masher, mercifully crush up the fruit when making jams.  However, leave the fruit whole if making preserves.

The principal thing is to truthfully follow the recipe exactly, especially when adding the sugar and pactin, a preservative.  This is the key to canning perfect preserves and jams when using God’s recipes.

When you serve the preserves and jams, lovingly remind the people that they really are what they eat!

Blog God's recipes red jam.jpg 

(Pretend like this is a ‘clay’ jar sitting on The Potter’s wheel.”)

Proverbs 2:11  Discretion shall preserve thee.

Proverbs 20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king:  and his throne is upholden by mercy. 

Psalm 25:21 My integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for thee.  

Psalm 40:11 Do not thou, O Lord, withhold thy mercy from me, let thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness ever preserve me!

 Question:  What does Proverbs 4:7 say is the key thing to get that will preserve you?
           Lake Fish Sovereign Bank

Making a withdrawal from a bank is easy.  First, you must not forget to have with you your identification and/or your pass word, and your bank account number. 

 In todays world, banking God’s way can be done from just about anywhere, any location or vintage point.   Namely, at a brick and mortar building, an electronic device, a computer, a merchant, a Tilly-the-teller, or from a good resourceful friend. 

 What you may not know is there is a secret place where a person can withdraw money.   The name of this recipe is the bank named in the title. 

 Get the name of your nearest stocked lake.  (That’s the group of non-believing family members and friends.)

Borrow your little brother’s fishing rod.  (That’s his Children’s Bible.)

Pick up some bait.  (That’s your faith.)

Head to the lake and catch some fish.  (That’s when you start enlightening folks about God’s Word.)

Open its mouth and retrieve the cash.  (That’s when you shout hallelujah and when they shout, Lord, I yield. Help my unbelief.) 

Blog God's recipes Pink Piggy bank Coins.jpg

Jesus said to retrieve the coin from a fish not a pig! 

Matthew 17:27  “…go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money:  that take and give unto them for me and thee.”

Question:  Do you know the difference between a fish and a pig?  What two men  are having this conversation?

Scripture Lesson:    Jesus answered, “It is written (Deut. 8:3):  Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

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God Speaks While We Muse…Our Thoughts Matter!

Speak, Lord. Thou servant is listening.

What an odd thought, I said to myself.  Where did that come from? I know what ‘muse’ means, Lord.  What is it You want to converse with me about this evening?

Don’t you know, my child, that I can read your thoughts, was His reply.  I can also feel your pain and sadness.  Yes, I see what is going on down there on earth with an all-seeing eye.  And, yes, it’s very sad and alarming to the masses.

Dear readers, before I begin to write my blog for this week, please allow me to define for you the meaning of the word ‘muse’.  The dictionary defines this word as; to turn something over and over in the mind meditatively and often inconclusively.  To wonder or marvel over a situation.

For months, now, I have been praying about the devastating wake of Covid-19.  And now, because of the unlawful assault on the Capitol Building in the USA seat of government, Washington, DC., I have piled on a new situation of burden bearing in my heart and in my psyche.

As I sat in my office chair, holding my head in my hands, I felt the Holy Spirit’s breath of comfort envelop me.  Hold on, He whispered.  Communicate with a prayer for understanding, for your musings are resounding loud and clear up here in Glory.

So, after a few seconds I began praying…

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for just being You.  I praise You for being Omnipotent…all knowing and all caring.  I praise You for sending the Holy Spirit to comfort us and to lead us onto the right path.  In my search for peace, Lord, in the days ahead, may You allow Your relentless and abundant love to envelope me and lift me out of this deep despair.  

As the coronavirus mutates, and people become more cruel and more careless and more opinionated, may You become just that much more loving and discerning towards your people. Teach me and my fellowman, Oh Lord, to become more dependent on You, and open up our understanding of Your ways, so that our faith may increase as despair creeps in. 

Bless me, Lord Jesus, so that my mouth and heart speak with precision; so that I might pray with power and conviction.   And above all, to stand with courage and in hope.  For I know, now, that my meager life and thoughts do matter to You and that You hear and answer my prayers.   I pray this prayer in the precious Name of Jesus…Amen and Amen.

Scripture Lesson:  “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”  Proverbs 31:26  

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

Note: While on vacation, The author of “Conversations” has re-blogged one of her old blog messages for your review.

God Provides Innovative Ways To Spread The Gospel

Blog God provides innovative ways dollar bill 2
Blog dollar bill back side

 The U.S. Dollar is the most powerful currency in the world

Who doesn’t love money?  Who, in their life time, will not handle or spend money?  Who hasn’t talked about, invested, lost, earned, saved, deposited, exchanged, buried or stole money?  Need I say…Nobody or Everybody!!

Well, who would have thought that God would use the design of the American dollar bill to make it possible to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

God did this by first using the intellect of the founding fathers of this nation to commission the design for the Great Seal of America.  As you may know, the Great Seal has infused within its design many magical symbols.  Some historians and others believe that the reasoning for this was because several members of the founding fathers were Freemasons (or of similar persuasions) and subscribed to this school of thought.

Great Seal of the United States (obverse).svg

The Great Seal of the United States:  Front and Back Imprints

But I believe that because the Great Seal of America was used as a pattern to design the dollar bill some centuries later, the tradition of using magical symbols to depict the destiny of America was incorporated.  And that’s where God stepped in.

Blog Dollar Sign

First, let’s examine the official symbol for the dollar.  As you converse with others about the Good News, your reference comes from Numbers, chapter 21 in the Bible.  The Israelites who began to speak against God were severely punished.  God sent fiery serpents to bit them.  Then God instructed Moses to make a fiery serpent image and place it on a pole.  Anyone who looked upon the pole would be cured.  Later, the design reference for the official symbol for the dollar, included the fact that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was placed on a pole and all those who looked upon Him would receive eternal life.

Next, notice the Greek alphabet letter above which means “Omega”…in Christianity it means the end of things.  God is the beginning and ending (Alpha and Omega) of things.  God alone holds the past, present and future for the American nation…NOT George Washington.  Please note that it is Ole George’s portrait that is placed within the image of the Omega alphabet sign on the face of the dollar bill.

On the reverse side of the dollar bill there are 7 words written beneath the two roundels (circles):  “The Great Seal…Of The United States.”  Also, the English word ‘One’ appears 6 times and 1 time in Latin (unum, on the eagle’s upper wing) for a total of 7.  And as you know, the number seven is held extremely sacred in the Christian religion.  Seven denotes the completion and triumph of Spirit (3) over matter (4).

By now, I hope you are experiencing  the joy and excitement one can receive when holding a dollar bill and explaining it’s origin and design to a wayward traveler, family member of friend.  For me, I just want to shout the written words, “In God We Trust”, after I carryout this godly assignment of conversing with Him and others.

The last bit of information I want to leave with you is for you to take a look at the unfinished pyramid.  Examine it closely with a magnifying glass.  Not only is it unfinished, but there is famine vegetation growth in front and plenteousness vegetation at the rear.  This represents the present state of the world now.  And feast and famine will continue to reign until the return of Christ Jesus…the ‘all seeing’ Eye within the tip of the pyramid.

There are many more signs and symbols depicted on the face of the American dollar bill, but those explanations will have to wait until another blog post.  Research and explore the dollar bill for yourself…you just might learn something and be blessed as you have your own conversations with God using Scripture.

Blog God uses innovative ways to spread the Gospel pic 4

Plant seeds by using innovative ways to spread the Good News!

Scripture Lesson:  Preach the word of God; be prepared in season and out of season; rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instructions.  2 Timothy 4:2

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

God Inhabits Our Adoration Especially By The Acronym “R-O-S-S”

This contains an image of: National Day of Prayer Preschool Theme

Repentance-Obedience-Submission-Sincerity

Have you ever wondered what do clasped hands pointing upward towards heaven have to do with God? Well according to several references from Google search, it has to do with an acronym I have penned…R-O-S-S.

However, needless to say, we have a higher authority than Google search…do we not? When the Patriarchs and holy men in the Bible prayed unto the God, they often spread out their hands towards heaven. And the wisest man in the Bible (King Solomon) went a step further; he also knelt on his knees (1 Kings 9:54).

So, at the close of the day, let us remember to posture ourselves in a position of repentance, obedience, submission and sincerity and call upon the Name of the Lord while doing so on bended knees.

And while you are at it, why not broaden your prayer to include the following: widows, orphans, homeless, calamity dispossessed victims, jobless, sick and shut-ins, governments world-wide, the lost, backsliders, friends far and near, relatives, loved ones, and most of all…pray for peace!

Why?…

Because God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that who so ever believed on Him should not parish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

My prayer for you: Be blessed and enjoy the rest of the summer and every day there after.

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God Is Alive…He Is Not Dead – Part One

hands around a crystal ball, what does the Bible say about mediums
STOP… IN THE NAME OF LOVE. FOR GOD IS LOVE. DO NOT SEARCH FOR HIM THROUGH MEDIUMS OR FORTUNE TELLERS

No doubt, in today’s society, if you were to turn on your television, open your laptop, read a newspaper, or talk with your next-door neighbor long enough, the topics of interest would be the state of the union, wars and rumors of wars, politics, the economy, and genocide of impoverished people world-wide.

What a state of hopelessness we are living in today.  Suicides, massive deaths from a world-wide pandemic, random killings of innocent men, women and children, sex and drug trafficking are running rampant in every area of society.  Lord Help!!

WHERE IS GOD? SOMEONE IS ASKING!!!

When we examine the role and characteristics of a Triune God Whom we serve, (the Father-Son-Holy Spirit), in order to answer the above question, we should look for character traits attributed to the Holy Spirit.  Additionally, what we should never forget is the fact that the Holy Spirit only works within the heart, mind, and spirit of Believers in the Spirit of God’s Son, Christ Jesus.  And when a person confesses (repents) that he/she believes in the ‘Spirit’ of Christ, that declaration implies that they believe that Jesus was nailed to the Cross, bled, and died on the Cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb and on the third day He arose again for all mankind’s sins and that now He (the Third part of the Trinity) has taken residence in only those who believe in Him: For it is written in Acts 2:38: “Peter said to them, repent and be baptized, each of you in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

SO, GOD IS NOT DEAD!! HE LIVES IN THE HEART, MIND AND SOUL OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIS SON, JESUS THE CHRIST!!

In March 2004, I wrote a poem and recited it to fellow members of a writer’s club I was associated with. The club’s president had challenged its members to write and recite something barely known about a famous person in our history. After performing due diligence in my research (* See NOTE below), I chose Thomas A. Edison. Boy, was I surprised at what I learned. Featured below is Part One of this fascinating piece of nostalgia that I came across. After consulting with the Holy Spirit, I decided to share my poem with the readers of this week’s blog. (Please do not hesitate to send in any comments you may have in regards to its content as it relates to the title of this week’s blog.)

THE DARK SIDE OF THOMAS A. EDISON (1847-1931)
        COMPOSED BY S. L. FOWLER
               (Part One)

Thomas A. Edison was a self-taught genius
Who lived a productive 84 years.
He was the youngest of eight children and
Scarlet fever left him partially deaf in both ears.

He terrified his parents, sisters and brothers
When in the basement his experiments would explode.
They were relieved when at twelve years of age he left home
To sell newspapers not only on trains but from door to door.

A millionaire he became due to his remarkable industriousness
He produced over one thousand patented inventions
Which included the phonograph, the electric light bulb,
The alkaline battery and secret work in extrasensory perception.

You see, Thomas Edison had a dark side,
He desired to communicate with the dead.
Declaring when we die our personalities do not cross over
They remain behind wishing to communicate with the living instead.

In 1920 the scientific world buzzed with rumors due to an article 
Published in Forbes magazine, that the man who had been voted 
"America's Most Useful Citizen", was now attempting to invent
Instruments that could record sound waves from spiritual beings.

It was about fifteen years before his own death
Ole Tom became obsessed with the hereafter
"Was there scientific proof that man's soul was immortal,
Could life and death co-exit in in the ethereal?"

To be sure, Thomas Edison was definitely no scatter brain
He did not altogether believe in visiting seance parlors
You know, the table-tilting, object-floating, glass-breaking stuff
That is associated with quacks and unscrupulous fortunetellers.

* * * *PART TWO OF THIS BLOG TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK* * * * * 
* *Click website below for additional information on Google * *  

(*) NOTE: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/dial-a-ghost-on-thomas-edisons-least-successful-invention-the-spirit-phone

Scripture Lesson:

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God Is The Joy And The Strength Of My Life

I have often prayed for the Holy Spirit to take me back to the place where I first believed. And He often does so. In retrospect, I have come to learn, that many of the memories that are revealed to me in answer to my prayers are not in chronological order. I smile when that happens and ‘joke’ with the Holy Spirit by saying…Oh, that’s right, My Lord, You are not inhibited by time and space,.

So, it was no surprise to me this week when I sat down at my computer to begin composing this week’s blog. I sent up a quick prayer to my Father which included only four words…Lord, take me back! I went to my file cabinet and pulled out one of many file folders containing unpublished chapters from a book I have been intending to finish for a number of years. Below is an excerpt from one of the chapters entitled “Promises Given In A Still Small Voice”.

“Tell Me Oh Pretty Sky”
(An original song written by the Blogger)  

Tell me oh pretty sky,
What makes the stars so high?
What makes the rivers,
What makes the streams?
What makes the flowers and grass so green?  

If I knew all of that
I’d be so happy and gay.
God knows it all
He’s the One who knows.  
Tell me oh pretty sky.
   

The above song was actually written by my big sister, Simone, and me when we were just kids about ten and eleven years old. I remember we were sitting on our back porch of the little yellow house on Kimball Street, in a small town in Illinois, USA. We were looking upward at the the starry sky in total silence for a very long time. I was thinking, where did all those clouds go that I had seen earlier in the day.

Finally, my sister began to speak the first words of the song above. I soon interrupted her with a contributory word here and there. When the song was finished, we jumped up and ran into the house to sing it to the whole family in two-part harmony.

Surprisingly, I have remembered that song and sang its words all during my adult life. I love it! But little did I know how authentic a prayer it was until one evening about 47 years later. According to my journal, it was a Friday night in May 1996 about 12:30 a.m. while I was preparing my Sunday School lesson.

Often, I would begin my Bible study time with a song and that night I sang, “Tell Me Oh Pretty Sky.” After I had prayed, I began my study by reading the following Bible scripture: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist.” Isaiah 44:42

As I paused to meditate on those words, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me in response to my inquiry through song. He said, My child, one reason why I set the clouds up above your back porch those many years ago was to remind you that I will not forget you and have swept away your offenses like a cloud. And as for why I made the morning mist; that was just to remind you that like the mist, your sins disappear from before Me long before high noon.

Hallelujah! At last I had confirmation to all those questions in that song. The ‘what‘ turned out to be the ‘Who’. For indeed the Lord declares in a still small voice…“I am the Lord who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by Myself.” Isaiah 44:24b

My prayer of thanksgiving…

To my Beloved Master, I thank and praise You for truly You are a promise keeper, a Lord of lords, a Rock in a weary land, and a Teacher extraordinaire. For I am at odds numerous times, just like Mary and Martha, why Your ways are so forgiving and Your actions are so lovingly expressed towards me. Teach me, Heavenly Father to never doubt You again, for truly You are the Joy and the Strength of my life. Amen and Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16, 25

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

God’s HOLY WORD HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT COLORS (Reprint)

Good evening to all those beautiful souls out there who find themselves searching for my latest blog conversation with God each Friday. Well, I have good news for you. I have just been notified by WordPress (my publisher) that my most popular blog submissions so far this year have been my 3-part submission on “God’s Holy Word Has Something To Say About Colors”.

So, to show my appreciation to your loyal interests in my private and personal spiritual conversations with the Holy Spirit, I can only hope and pray that something has been written that has drawn you ever so much closer to His will and His ways. Please know that I am so very grateful for the 3,409 views this blog post has received so far in 2025. May your interest in the holy things of God continue and become more and more bountiful in the days to come.

Please stay connected to “Conversations With God Using Scripture” for the next two weeks to get another opportunity to read and digest a reprint of “God’s Holy Word Has Something to Say About Colors – Part 1 and Part 2.

Colors affecting emotion and mind. Waste paper and head silhouette
Applying Color Psychology in Everyday LifePart ONE of THREE

Have you every thought about just how much God’s choice of color for all of his vast creation affects man’s psychological persona and the recording of history? Well I have. When I began to write this post, I consulted the Holy Spirit on this subject and He reminded me of the vivid role a certain sea had at the culmination of what had been a benign relationship between two nations. That sea’s name was called…

The Red Sea

In Exodus 15:4-5 NIV “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he (God) has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea.”

Now take a look at the definition of “RED” in the color chart below and imagine how many incidents you can ascribe to the events in the Bible concerning the Red Sea. List some of the danger and excitement it caused. For instance, the daring trust and faith the Hebrew people had to place in God that the wind forces would hold back the waves. In addition to how the Hebrews felt, I am quit certain you can think of other emotions listed on the chart that Pharaoh’s army felt that affected their psychic. For after all, this conquest was a bloody one and that color is also red.

The Color Yellow

Yellow and the color gold are used interchangeably in the holy scriptures. This color mostly represents loyalty and suffering. Golden crowns are placed on kings heads and a person who is suffering from leprosy has a skin condition that has turned “YELLOW”. So joy, cheerfulness and loyalty are associated to kings, while caution and intelligent decision making are to be exerted when exposed to contagious diseases or fuels that expend energy and warmth, such as a blazing fire whose hue is described as yellow. Such traits are listed on the chart.

In Leviticus 13:32 NIV: “On the seventh day the priest is to examine the sore and if the itch has spread and there is no yellow hair in it and it does not appear to be more than skin deep, he must be shaved except for the diseased area, and the priest is to keep him in isolation another seven days.”

The Color Blue

Have you noticed that blue is the color of the sky as well as the color of deep waters here on earth. So the world is surrounded with the color blue. Therefore, when we look up at the endless span of space we can imagine a place where we can ascend and be far above all of our trails, worries, and disillusions. When we look deep into the blue sea or ocean or even the water in a fish tank, we can imagine floating away or sailing away or just wondering away from the havoc and destruction down here on this world. This color evokes peace, tranquility and calmness.

A number of Bible scholars have attributed the 7 colors of a rainbow with the 7 Names of God. Further more, they have assigned meaning to the 7 rainbow colors. The 7 colors of a rainbow are: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. (The acronym “ROY G. BIV”) is a handy reminder for the rainbow color sequence.

I personally believe the Bible scholars took the time to ascribe meaning to the rainbow colors because there is no reference to the color BLUE in all of scripture. Since well documented miracles have been recorded about supernatural healings and the bearers of those miracles have also reported to doctors and historians that they imagined they saw a “blue” hue light glowing all around the phenomenon, the color blue took on character traits of having healing powers. Thus associated with one of the names for God: Jehovah-Rapha—The Lord Our Healer.

In Exodus 15:26 NIV: He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.”

Be sure to meditate on all of the attributes of the color blue listed in the chart below. For they are ascribed in the Rainbow.

In Genesis 9:12, 13, 15b TNIV And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you (Noah) and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come. I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.” (Read the “Blue” list in the chart below and weep for joy. Hallelujah!!! and Amen!!!)

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Illustration of different color meanings in color psychology
END OF PART ONE

PLEASE RETURN NEXT FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022, FOR PART TWO OF THIS HIGHLY INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE SUBJECT ON COLOR PSYCHOLOGY IN THE BIBLE. HOPEFULLY, MY RESEARCH ON THIS SUBJECT WILL HELP INCREASE YOUR BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE ON HOW GOD EMPOWERED ALL OF US TO SEEK AND LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS GOODNESS AND MERCIES CONCERNING THE SECRETS OF CREATION.

My prayer for you: Dear Heavenly Father, please make me into a child of the light. For I have put behind me the dark light of sin. Please continue to break me and mold me into the light of the Lord. Help me to expose sin and be willing to work on my relationships with other people. Most people realize that certain colors can affect one’s disposition and character. Do all that is necessary to make me an instrument of Thy peace. Help me to develop this biblical truth of recognition of various colors so that all will be able to connect to your invitation to a glorious life in You. Amen and Amen.

Scripture Lesson: “You were once darkness, but now you are light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” Ephesians 5:8-9

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

God Looks Forward To January

How do you know, Sister Blogger, that God Looks Forward to January? Because a little bird told me.

I know that all of you guys out there realize that within the first few days into January (the new year), almost everybody is either thinking about or pronouncing ideas for new year’s resolutions.  And many of them are sealed with a prayer.  That’s where God comes in.  He empowers the Holy Spirit to put on their listening ears and take notes.  Why?  Because God wants a record of all those persons who strive throughout the year to perform their vows and commitments as well as those who do not. In other words, God is going to get a lot of phone calls…some legit…some not!

Of course, most the callers will have to leave a message because God’s secretaries do not answer calls when they do not recognize the phone numbers.  (You know how it is…Like when you get calls from solicitors (especially from On High) and you neither recognize them nor respond.  So, it’s like tit for tat.  You have no other choice but to leave a message for Jesus, which goes like this:

Aaah, hello…anybody there?  This is Bubbah…You remember me from last year, don’t You?  I called You, but I didn’t hear back from You.  And subsequently, I guess I really didn’t need You after all, because I failed to carry out what I intended to do.  Well, for this new year 2022, I have decided to try again, and I do really, really need Your help.  I’m miserable. 

During this past year I have overspent my bank account, especially in December, overeaten, gained weight, ignored my spouse, failed in most of my employment assignments, told a few lies, drank a little too much alcohol, and missed a few little league soccer games that my son was participating in. (We won’t talk about my lack of church attendance.)  I admit I’ve been a little negligent in my duties as a parent. 

Honestly, I need Your help big time in controlling my desires in the area of physical indulgences, as well as self-improvement indulgences.  Can You help me?  I realize now that I can’t do it alone.  Making New Year’s resolutions suck. (Excuse me, caller, you have exhausted your recording time.) I look forward to Your return call, Sir.  (This is where the rubber meets the road.  Do I leave my real name or a fake one?  I guess I have to leave my real telephone number.) Good bye.  

In my research, I discovered that New Year’s Resolutions were more religious or spiritual in nature back in the 1900s.  During that phase of history, the emphasis on most requests was for developing a stronger and more moral character, as well as a stronger work ethic, and more restraint in the face of earthly pleasures.  Times have changed basically due to advanced technology. But most medical sociologists do agree that today’s New Year’s resolution statements reflect a person’s life status, financial wealth, and life responsibilities along with their self-discipline restrictions.

But here is something you should remember:  Self-motivation will not in and of itself sustain you.  There is something in your brain called dopamine, which secrets a very powerful “neuro-hormone” that won’t allow you to succeed on your own.  Why, because they are short lived.  You actually do need the power of the Holy Spirit or a dedicated confidant that will stand with you throughout your ordeal.

A little history…

New year resolutions started back in 2000 B.C. when the Babylonian inhabitants in Europe made vows to return any farm equipment they had borrowed from their neighbor during the year.  The actual name for the month, January, was decided upon in 46 B.C. when the Julian calendar was initiated.   It was named after the two-faced Roman god, Janus.  He had a reputation of looking forward for new beginnings while at the same time looking backwards to see how he could correct his actions for a better and more prosperous year in the coming months.

So the moral of the story is whether you resolve to return borrowed equipment to your neighbor or to stop telling lies and procrastinating, we still find ourselves tapping into ancient and very powerful desires that requires the helping hand of the Holy Spirit. (God’s busiest time of the year.) If you really want a fresh new start, try Him.

Make your 2022 New Year’s Resolution “To Do” List…today.

My Prayer for the Coming Year…

“Dear All Powerful and Everlasting Father: It is so wonderful that You have promised to be with us, to strengthen us, and to help us. You have also promised, Holy Father, to hold us tightly in Your right hand and to save us from all hurt, harm and danger. Therefore, we come humbly and on bended knees to the throne of grace to lay claim on all those promises in the Precious Name of Your Son, Christ Jesus, Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

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