Whom among us have ever thought that God had failed them? Perhaps these soul-searching thoughts have entered into a person’s mind because goodness and mercy has so far rarely followed them during the course of their life time. Or maybe no consideration was given to prayerfully search out a godly counselor to guide them through life’s persistent obstructions.
Well, the Holy Spirit just wants to ask you one question…”How are you today?” (Click the song title below for the answer.) It’s me, it’s me oh Lord Standing In The Need Of Prayer 2:26 min. (Then, return to the blog for answers.)
Sincere and inquiring minds in my sphere of discipleship ministries are very cognizant of my numerous foreign mission travels abroad. And recently, a few of them were requesting hands-on information of how I coped on some of my first assignments.
So, I decided to re-visit a few of my early diary pages and blog about the very first international mission trip I took with the company I signed up with, Buckner International. (*)
(*) NOTE:Buckner Internationalhttps://www.buckner.Buckner transforms the lives of vulnerable children, enriches the lives of senior adults, and builds strong families through Christ-centered values.
Date: December 8, 2007
Dear Diary:
My limo driver to take me to DFW Airport (Dallas, Tx) was 20 minutes late. As I sat in my garage awaiting him, I silently anticipated just how marvelous and eventful the next 8 days would be. You see, I'm packed and ready to embark upon my first mission trip with Buckner to Lima, Peru. But altogether there will be approximately 28 volunteers converging to DFW from 4 USA states to be joined together to fly to Lima to visit several children orphanages and to hand out Christmas gifts, new shoes, VBS materials and a few medical supplies. Well, I'm finally at the airport and the limo driver conveniently dropped me off directly in front of Continental Airlines. The skycap assisted me with 3 bags and even took my passport and checked me in. Two of my luggages were filled with Christmas gifts for the children.
EVENT #1.
As soon as I stepped inside the airport lobby, I was stopped by airport security as I attempted to pass through security. I could not imagine I possessed any unauthorized object which I had packed on me that would not pass inspection. What did security find...2 bottles of Elmer's glue. YES! And because of Elmer, I had to get out of line, put my shoes back on and return to the ticket counter. I did not want to throw out the glue but my only other alternative was to recall my checked 2 bags and insert the glue in one of them. I decided to do the latter. The wait was turning into 15 minutes and my patience was wearing thin. Just then the Good Lord stepped in. A young couple (Amy and Casey) toting a black duffle bag with bright green Buckner tags attached got in the check in line. Not thinking of the consequences, I rushed up to them and inquired if they would pack my 2 bottles of glue in one of their carry-on bags. Amy's eyes got real big and she looked at her husband and said; "Are we supposed to do that?" Her facial expression looked like she was about to yell for security! Right then, it downed on me that I had mentally identified the couple as being a part of my Buckner group by their green luggage tags, but they didn't even know me because my luggage was on its way back to me. In haste, I identified myself and explained my predicament. We all laughed and sighed with relief and allowed the Holy Spirit to say..."catcha"! "And I'll be with you guys on your mission trip."
Event #2.
When I finally reached the boarding waiting lounge, the first person to introduce herself to me was a pleasant young lady named Mary. We did not know at the time we were assigned roommates. But our conversation mirrored each others. How much we loved the Lord, our passion for missions, how we both found and joined Buckner International, our growing relationship with the Holy Spirit and our growing opportunities to witness, support and see the scriptures come alive before our eyes. (And you know Who arranged this time for us to become sisters in Christ before our union as room mates. Praise God.)
Event #3.
During one of our first trips to an orphanage in Lima where the majority of the children were handicapped, a small boy approached me while I sat in the open court yard. At first he just stared at me. Then he came closer and took his finger and ran it along my cheek twice. 'No, it does not come off,' I remember thinking. He did it again and we just look intently at one another. I smiled and he almost did, too. My corn roll hair braids were also a big hit with the young girls, the staff and the instructors, as well. How I so enjoyed and felt blessed to be instrumental in uniting God's earthly human species into a loving, caring and inquisitive family of His.
(A free pixel image of Peruvian children being taught with braids being taught by volunteers.)
(*) NOTE:This blog is a reprint. I first wrote and published it on January 22, 2021. I truly believe that it is applicable for such a time as this. Please, prayerfully read it and sincerely continue to pray for our nation. I have faithfully posted a weekly blog in conversation with my Savior since May 2018.(Feel free to post your comments below.)
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 6:00 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
Godly methods and interventions of getting our attention comes in many ways. According to scripture, the Holy Spirit uses many avenues to reach, empower and encourage His people. As for me, more so than with human beings, God uses nature and creatures to deliver my ‘report card’. So get ready, get ready, get ready! God is doing a new thing. He wants to bless you coming in and going out!
It has been suspected that every time you receive a compliment for a good deed or service you have performed for the Kingdom of God an Angel was dispatched from on High to deliver it. However, many times the recipient of the message fails to recognize Who authorized the message and its method of delivery. In Psalm 91:11-12 we read where Angels are looking out for us. And also in Deuteronomy 28:8 there is a very interesting promise: “The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.”
About 25 years ago, I relocatedfrom the state of Maryland, USA to Texas, USA. This relocation required that I unite with a new church. I began to pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit would direct me to a church with a thriving international missionary outreach program. Not long after I arrived in Texas, one Saturday morning I was listening to a Christian radio station that happened to mention an announcement concerning an all day picnic which was being sponsored by a local non profit organization called Buckner International(*). This organization was extending an opportunity for listeners to volunteer to participate in a short-term international mission trip to Acapulco, Mexico. And boy of boy, was I interested.
In the ensuing years, I volunteered to travel on several international mission trips with Buckner to their children’s orphan homes in various countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe; The Bahamas; Republica Dominicana; Republica Nicaragua; Bucharest, Romania; Lima, Peru; San Miguel De Allende, Mexico; Hanoi, North Viet Nam; St. Petersburg, Russia; Ammon, Jordan; Addis Abba, Ethiopia.
What a biblical first hand education I have received from the Master Holy Ghost Teacher. And all I can say is…to God be the Glory!!!
How can I say thanks when God made a way out of no way. When I grumbled and complained when there was no black boards or chalk boards in the small make-shift class rooms for my teaching assignments for the children. How I had to rely on the children to show me how to turn a child’s chair into a desk by sitting on the floor and using the chair seat as their desk. How the Holy Ghost told me to stop whining and use a stack of small brown 4-sided sandwich bags to draw on each side to depict the characters in the Bible story I was teaching to the children. (Now the little ones can turn their lunch bag into a hand puppet and take it back to their villages and recite the bible story to their friends who could not attend the mission conference. That chalk board would not have been portable. And yes, every child receives a new pair of shoes from the Buckner foundation.
Children receive free lunch.Children receive new shoes.Turned chair into desk.
Yes, I grew up in the Lord on the mission field! I came to know just how the Son of God provides the blessed assurances of His mighty works when there are seemingly no necessary resources available. God also imputed nightly dreams in my sleep to fortify me to always remember to display blessed assurances in humility and integrity when on assignment to feed and fortify His people. A hearty “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow” is all He loves to hear.
Are you an Ambassador for the Lord? Or are you just a ‘wanna-be’? God made it happen for me and so many biblical scriptures have come to life for me. I have seen the face of God in so many hopeful little faces. The children’s expressions of love, appreciation, hope, joy, expectation for a better way of life, and last but not least, the realization that there truly is a living God and he knows where I am.
My prayer for you………….
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you from the bottom of my heart and for helping me to mature in my service and walk with You. I receive Your forgiveness to the utmost and for nurturing me until I learned to leave the unnecessary baggage of the past behind me. My prayer is not only for myself but for others who need to step out on faith. To live this year with a commitment and enthusiasm and to exert ourselves in our service for You so that Your heavenly prizes will be ours until traveling days are done. Amen and Amen.
(*) NOTE:Buckner Internationalhttps://www.buckner.Buckner transforms the lives of vulnerable children, enriches the lives of senior adults, and builds strong families through Christ-centered values.
Did you know that just as God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to proclaim the Good News Gospel, he has also appointed you and me to do likewise.
In addition to your secular education…”Acquiring (godly*) wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”(Prov. 4:7)
I have been on the battle field for the Lord for decades, and I haven’t looked back. One spiritual exercise that I frequently engage in is praying for our nation. Especially now during the 2024 Presidential Election time. Initially, the prayer I’m sharing with you below was recited by me on February 22, 1996. Feel free to compose your own prayer for healing of our Nation and a renewal of our souls.
A CITIZEN'S PRAYER FOR HER COUNTRY
Return, oh nations of the world, and more particularly the cities of the USA. Return. For you have stumbled in your evil courses. Come with your prayers ready. Come back to the Lord.
Say to Him, "Father, You don't like to hold on to iniquity, so accept our plea, and we will pay our vows with our total being.
For our possessions will not save us, nor will we seek strength from false gods. What we have acquired with our hands we will never again call gods.
We know now that in Thee and Thee alone the fatherless find a Father's love.
And perhaps one day soon we shall hear the Father's response.
Yes, I will heal their iniquities; of my own treasurers will I love them. For my anger is turned away. I will be as dew to my people so that they may blossom like lilies; grow roots deep into the soil like the poplar tree, and grow fresh limbs that they may be as fair a the Olive tree; and as fragrant as the Trees of Lebanon.
And my cities throughout shall again dwell in my shadow and not in the shadow of death. My people shall prosper and live in abundance: they shall flourish like a vine and be famous as the Wine of Lebanon.
What has the sinner man anymore to do with self-righteousness? God says, "I'll remind you once more! I am the pine tree that shelters you when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death; and it is to Me that your fruits or works are owed.
Let the wise consider these things and let him who considers take note: for the Lord's ways are straight and the righteous walk in them, while the sinners stumble.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Amen
(*) NOTE: A person who shuns sin and who endeavors to keep God’s commandments.
ONE LAST REQUEST…BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE BIBLE IN YOUR REQUIRED READING MATERIALS.
Who woulda thought it! Yes, our God is all-knowing and all-powerful. “But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says: “God is opposed to the proud and those who oppose him, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
And not only does that cause God to smile, it also causes God to laugh.
For example, re-examine the story found in 1st Samuel 5:1-5. There you will find the incident where God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were using the Ark of the Covenant as a good-luck charm as they went into battle with the Philistines. Not only did the Israelites lose the battle, they also lost the Ark of the Covenant. The Philistines placed the Ark in their temple along side Dagon their idol god.
The next morning when the Philistines went into their temple to worship Dagon for their victory over the Israelites they found their god Dagon flat on his face. They re-erected him, but the following morning they found Dagon’s hands and feet completely cut off. God found humor in what he had done as recorded in Psalm 59:7-8: “See what they spew from their mouths—they spew out words from their lips, and they say, “Who can hear us?” But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations.
The Ark of God vs Dagon, the Philistine’s god.
NOW FOR A LITTLE HUMORTO TIE THE STORY TO EVERY DAY LIFE.
A middle-aged woman has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she has a near death experience. During that experience she sees God and asks if this is it. God says no and explains that she has another 30 years to live.
Upon her recovery she decides to just stay in the hospital and have a face lift, liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, etc. She even has someone come in and change her hair color. She figures since she's got another 30 years she might as well make the most of it.
She walks out of the hospital after the last operation and is struck and killed by an ambulance speeding by. She arrives in front of God and complains; "I thought you said I had another 30 years!"
God replies, "I didn't recognize you."
Moral of the story:
Does your appearance reflect your true life style? Or are you just pretending with God! Using him as a good luck charm as the Israelites (God's people) and the Philistines (God's enemy) did?
Do you solemnly believe that title? Because if you do, you must believe and embrace the teachings of the Old and the New Testaments. Namely, the Three Persons are: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Ghost! Also known as The Trinity! Nevertheless, none is greater or lessor or before or after the other. The Trinity is the author of the Holy Bible (Old and New Testaments).
So, I have a confession to make and I desire to make it publicly in the annuals of this blog post. I’M NOT PERFECT. AND I MAKE MISTAKES!!! AND I’M SORRY.
There, I said it! Now keep reading.
Like some of you, as a young adult, I lived an extremely self condemning life. I had an older sister (the first born) who was smarter in school than me. She was our parents favorite. She also was afforded the position of “warden” over the remaining 4 siblings because both our parents worked long hours. Our older sister lauded her position over us and she would report misdeeds us kids did to our parents that often resulted in us getting spanked or otherwise punished.
My sibling getting scolded by parent.
So naturally, my self and most of my younger siblings wandered around in life doing their own thing. Or listening to and following bad advice. Mostly going from one misguided decision to another. Confused. Wasting time, money, resources, strength and health. I contributed my share of rebellion, too.
But there was a ‘staple’ in our growing up years that help me to escape my rebellious life style. Our parents made us all attend church services every Sunday. Over the years, one Bible scripture struck in my spirit: “Blessed are the poor in spirit for they shall see God.” But wait! I thought. Will a person actually ‘see God’?
Blessed are the poor in spirit for hey shall see God.
As I grew older, I began to process that verse and came to realize that yes, because in all of thy getting, one day a person will surrender to God. That will be their day of reckoning. That day is when they will be receptive to the Word of God. So far, I have been in the wilderness of life. Now, I am ready to come out of that wilderness or thought pattern.
LESSONS LEARNED...
But first, a person must realize just Who was always in the wilderness with them anonymously. God was always with that person, but God did not show himself. However, now that the person is ready (has come to him or herself), God will show himself. For God blesses the meek by attending his ear towards them.
Now the question is will God show himself! God will surely show himself within a Burning Bush. The burning bush represents all the troubles and riotous living and bad mistakes that person has endured. The Fire within the bush is the Mighty God. Burning brightly...but not consuming it.
God is going to require the sinner man to approach him, but first the person must take off their shoes. Take off Satan. Get off following the path of error.
WHY?
Because now they are standing before God...standing on his path called Holy Ground. God instantly changes the person's name to Moses which means he has been drawn out of the waters of confusion. (In scripture, water represents trouble. Jesus conquered water by walking on it...putting it under His feet.)
God is in that wilderness that we all go through, but we just don't see him. We cannot see him as long as we allow ourselves to be slaves to the devil (darkness). We must come to realize that when the scales fall from our eyes and we see God, we become somebody. We can say, "I AM somebody in/with Christ Jesus!"
So now that the sinner man is barefooted (has put off error) and standing on holy ground (God) before a bush (his troubles) that is on fire (the 3rd Person of the Trinity), but not being destroyed (the bush is not consumed because trouble will always be with us), now the sinner man who has been brought into the Light is ready to receive his assignment and to begin to work for God/Jesus/Holy spirit (instead of Satan). AMEN! and AMEN!
Yes, I’m addressing you, my dear readers, because this blog is very special to me. Why? Because I am very serious about cultivating and expanding my time to converse with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
His presence is so sweet and His voice so soothing and His advice so penetrating that I just can’t get enough. Once, when in prayerful discussion with Him, I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit say: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20). Needless to say, I took that divine message to heart and have throughout my walk with the Lord attempted to surround myself with like minded believers in the Holy Scriptures.
So as not to be presumptuous and not to waste your time, this blog post is designed for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Our time together will be focused on identifying and developing our inner man’s or inner woman’s spiritual life; that is eternal life. For 1st John 5:12 says, “He who has the Son has life: He who has not the Son of God does not have life.“
Now, if you will permit me, I would like to share with you a synopsis of the ongoing conversations I have had with our Maker concerning how His people can continue to build up their spiritual houses; fortify their vital signs; and identify components that can help to make up a healthy and vital spiritual life support system.
"All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2nd Tim. 3:16-17
One of the main courses of study for a Christian believer is their Bible. This is the building license you need to begin construction. The first part of the Bible is the Law and the Prophets and the History books. God wants us to diligently study that portion of His Word as well as the New Testament, so as not to make the same mistakes as our forefathers. The summation of the History books is found in 1st Corinthians 10. What one should glean from these passages are that we need the protection and guidance of God; deliverance from our past sinful lives; acknowledgment of a spiritual Head over our lives (Jesus); to be constantly fed and provided for; and lastly, to associate with family and friends, especially those of the household of faith.
News flash! Did you know that to do anything on a repetitive basis is habit forming? Therefore, the application of what we read, as well as other avenues of experiences, should fortify and/or cause lifestyle changes within us as we learn to rightly divide the sword of Truth. So, without a doubt, the study of both ancient and modern Christianity is a vital component to keep our spiritual life vibrant and healthy.
Useful tools to empower your learning efforts of God's Word...
Charts, maps, blueprints and like-minded enthusiasts.
Go on expeditions and tours of the Holy Land.
Visit libraries and check out biblical reference books.
Use your computer and engage Google.
Now, let’s talk about our minds. Let’s declare every day that we will show love to somebody, speak and think only positive thoughts and words. Eventually the mind, because it is constantly being fed positive stimuli, will produce vitality in the inner man or woman and the outer man will begin to disappear. (See Phil. 4:8)
Finally, dear readers, in our time together, let’s also reflect. Let’s look at things from God’s perspective. Just as I did when the Holy Spirit directed my attention to Matthew 18:20. The moment God is in the equation you must look inward at yourself. So, overall, when you study to show yourself approved, you should often stop to ponder over the slightest details which will put you in a state of humility. You will come to hear and see things in a new light. Remember, the opposite of humility is arrogance! And we don’t want that beast to raise its ugly head, now do we? Yes, the discipline of study that renews the mind, soul and body is directly dependent upon humility. And that’s got to be a good, vital, and healthy spiritual life support system component.
Some additional components that I have learned in my conversations with God on this subject are that it is alright to engage in various avenues of learning. For the Christian believer feasting on ‘meat’ rather than ‘milk’, don’t be afraid to pick up several bible commentaries, dictionaries, and other translations of God’s Word. Compile a collection of biographies and other thought provoking books like Shakespeare, Plato, modern founders of Christian sects. Go hiking and explore God’s creation and creatures. Attend lectures and join book clubs. Listen to the voices of birds and frogs. Stop to smell the roses. Ask God is there a message in the face of your pet dog as he wags its tail and greets you at the door when you’re late coming home. Practice living for God over and over again. Concentrate on what you are learning. Become a practitioner of prayer. Get an understanding about the matter. And finally, tell somebody how you have been changed. Become a Star witness to the Plaintive AND the Defendant.
Hello world. Do you have any idea what this kind of message is called? Well, it is called an idiom. Not an idiot…but an idiom! So do yourself a favor and check out the “(*)NOTE” below before reading any further.
Now why do you think the Holy Spirit wanted me to blog about something I know nothing about. I’m in the dark about what are my P’s and Q’s and I certainly do not have any idea about your P’s and Q’s. So, here I sit at my computer, awaiting on my Spiritual Partner to just make it plain.
Why are you troubled, my child? Believe in God; believe also in Me. Cast all of your cares on Me because I (Jesus) care for you. (John 14:1)
Life is hard. And today I want you to send a message to my people that I can help them. Too many of them are getting out of the wrong side of their beds each morning. This causes them to start their day off on the wrong foot. And the people haven’t a clue as to what it will cost them throughout the rest of their day.
Before they can finish brushing their teeth, they have already entertained frustration about something or someone, annoyance towards someone and cursed their teammates’ lack of productivity on their jobs.
They need you…are better yet, tell them they need Me!
You must warn my people by way of this blog that they will pay a heavy price for their ill feelings.
There is a method to this madness of negative thinking. First, as soon as a person wakes up they should put on a happy face. Get out of bed on the side facing towards a window. Approach the window, raise their arms to the ceiling and say, “Good morning, Lord. I feel good. And thank you Father for a peaceful night’s sleep. This day is dedicated to You.”
If a person is led to say more, just maybe they can confess to God any shortcomings they have, any demons they are battling, or any sins they need to confess. You can also plead your case through song…just click the title and take a listen. F.C. Barnes – Rough Side Of The Mountain
And always remember you have a choice. You can begin your day on the minus or on the plus side of your mountain. Just mind your P’s and Q’s
Scripture Lesson: Anyone who is angry with his fellow man will have to stand his trial; anyone who calls his fellow man a brainless idiot will have to stand his trial in the supreme court; anyone who calls his fellow man a wicked fool is liable to be condemned to hell-fire.” Matt. 5:22 –Barclay
(*) NOTE: An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words in the phrase. For example, “beating around the bush” means avoiding speaking directly about something.
In other words, God wants to know why you are laughing! Ask yourself…Do you not realize that you should not make jokes in the presence of those who have just lost a loved one. Because silly inappropriate jokes are out of place. Why? Because, in God’s earthly world, every time a person is born, Jesus vicariously relives His crucifixion. Since God’s Son Rules eternity, and Judges eternity, He has authority over all humanity including those born in the past, present and future births.
The newborns, though born in sin, are born innocently and at the mercy of acquiring and accepting godly wisdom, knowledge and understanding from others. A bible scripture that bears this out is Matthew 19:14. Jesus said: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Click “YouTube” below to listen to a precious song.”)
Do you not realize that every time a child is born, the Holy Spirit awaits to see who in the world will step forward to nurture this child and introduce him (her) to the teachings of the Master, Jesus Christ. Who will mimic the holy humor in biblical scriptures and not the sarcastic humor of the world’s.
Will your testimony be like the first criminal on a cross who speaks to Jesus with bitter sarcasm(*): “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Or the second criminal on a cross who rebuked the first criminal for his sarcastic comment by asking: “Do you not fear God? This man, Jesus, has done nothing wrong, we deserve to die.”
My prayer is that everyone who reads this blog will answer the question depicted in the title…”Who do you think you are?…are you sitting around laughing and making jokes about the lost souls within your sphere of influence or are you doing everything you can to devise ways to reach them for God’s kingdom.
In times like these, we need an anchor and to be sober minded; seriousness about making our lives count for Christ. Although God is always focused on the lost, he is not opposed to humor, but he is also looking for those who will also care for lost souls just as he does. [So often God has to depend on nature, the written holy word, intuition and the Holy Spirit.]
Scripture Lesson: “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8)
(*) Notes: Sarcasm refers to the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say, especially in order to insult someone, or to show irritation, or just to be funny.
Conversations With God Using Scripture 
