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.
It took me only a second to realize that what I had just received was a ‘face-time’ text message from the Holy Spirit. Oh, my goodness, I thought. It’s time for me to prepare myself to enter into my office prayer room and begin to concentrate and pray about what my weekly blog topic will be.
The first thought that entered my mind was that…oh, yeah, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. Just maybe my daughter and her family will call to say they would like to attend church with me. But immediately, doubt creeped in. So, I took a second look at the question. Aha! God’s question was a rhetorical one. I smiled then whispered, Lord God, we both know the answer to that question…it can only be your Son, Jesus the Christ!
To Past, Present and Future Mothers Everywhere “Happy Mother’s Day“
The Holy Spirit affirmed my answer to the divine question, but went on to proclaim that there is much more to the question, my child, much much more.
When our Lord and Savior comes to break bread at someone’s home, it is really at His expense. That is, He has eternal life-giving information for you. Actually, he is wearing two hats. He is hungry for a relationship with you and He is bearing gifts.
Although a guest in your home, Jesus arrives with the authority of a High Priest and a Counselor and can offer blessings not only over the food but also provide divine solutions to unanswered prayers.
Jesus also comes bearing good news.
So, If there is anything you want to ask Jesus, now is the time. “Yes, there is something I want to know. Why is this earthly world performing as though it’s going to Hell in a hand basket? What is God trying to tell us.”
God is NOT TRYING to tell us something. He has come to dine with you toSPECIFICALLY REMINDyou that this century is living under a New and Better Covenant. The earthly priests, clergymen, iman leaders, and all other religious leaders will no longer totally govern the populous. History has shown that they have disappointed God and the people have failed to pay the price or repent.
Also, God will never again deliver his unilateral covenant instructions on paper nor chiseled out on stones. God will also no longer use mere men to enlighten the populous. God will personally engage his Son Jesus Christ and/or the Holy Spirit to deliver his New bilateral Covenant by expressed way of carving it on the lining of the people’s hearts. (Blood must be shared.) However, before the New Covenant was delivered to the people, a Great Price had to be paid. Unlike when the Old Covenant was delivered ‘freely’ to the people; unsigned by the Maker, unsealed by the recipients and delivered by the mouth of a prophet or chosen messenger.
This New Covenant called for a personal auditable ‘Return Receipt Requested‘ from the recipients with a declared notation that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Scripture Lesson: “By coming up with a new plan, a new covenant between God and his people, God put the old plan on the shelf. And there it stays gathering dusts. Hebrews 8:13 The Messenger Bible
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.
Dearly Beloveds: Your curiosity and heart-felt interest in my weekly WP Blogs are humbling. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to share with you the private conversations the Holy Spirit grazes me with on a regular basis. So, please know if you have a “conversation” that you would like to share with the world, feel free to use the “Comment Section” below to enlighten us.
As you can see by the title of this week’s message, the Holy Spirit wanted to share God’s Wisdom and Understanding as to how he wishes each and every one of his followers to represent him as we share the Good News. It is my belief that the Spirit chose this topic because today (Thursday), I had to do a ‘fun’ teaching for a Senior church group on the meaning of how “oxymoron” (*) interjections can distort a person’s sentence structure and sow confusion in their message when sharing the Good News about Christianity.
So, in your sphere of influence as you retell, enlighten, hosts, connect with friends and family in holy conversation, be sure to do it under the covering of the attributes of God’s Son, Christ Jesus.
It might even bless you by first reading Galatians 5:22-26, prior to your enlightening oneself with the excerpts/examples below on the “The Fruit of the Spirit“. SO, GIVE IT A GO, MY FRIENDS!
Acts 4:32a
Self-control……All the believers were one in heart and mind.
(Restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions and desires.)
Acts 4:32b
Love……No one claimed that any of their possessions were their own, but they shared everything they had.
(Unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.)
Acts 4:33a
Peace.….With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
(Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotion.)
Acts 4:33b
Kindness…..And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all…
(The quality or state of being kind; affection.)
Acts 4:34a
Forbearance…..that there were no needy persons among them.
(The refraining from the enforcement of something as a debt, right or obligation that is due.)
Acts 4:34b
Faithfulness…..For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales…
(Faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.)
Acts 4:35a
Gentleness…..and put it at the apostles’ feet,
(The quality or state of being gentle; honorable; mildness of manner; or disposition.)
Acts 4:35a
Joy…..and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
(Delight; the expression or exhibition of such emotion.)
John 15:16
Goodness…..“but I chose you…so that you might go and bear (good) fruit—fruit that will last…”
(The quality or state of being good. {Only GOD is GOOD}. He alone enables us to bear fruit, not we ourselves.)
(*) Note:oxymoron meaning – It is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings; for example, “old news,” “deafening silence,” “organized chaos,” “an educated fool,” “sweet smelling odor” or “awfully good”. (Peppering speech with too many ‘oxymorons’ is confusing.)
NOTE: The author of this blog post was on vacation for two weeks. Now I’m back! And the blog below is a re-print. ENJOY!
Hello to all my readers/followers/newbies/curiosity seekers/and puzzle freaks. Please use your imagination and while working the puzzle below, think of situations in the Bible that reference each of the 15 Names attributed to our Lord and Savior. Try to quote from memory at least 15 scriptures where that Name can be found. (You can use a Bible concordance.)
Above all else, the Son of the Triune Creator God desires to be loved, worshipped and adored by all nations and creatures great and small. (Psalm 36:6) And what better way to get to know Him then to know His Name(s). Why is that necessary? Because each nomenclature ascribed to Him in Scriptures points us to His character and identity. In reverence, the true titles ascribed to Him are based upon His attributes that He displays as He interacts with mankind (and situations) within the Biblical narratives and also within our own personal stories, as well. (That’s when the Holy Spirit steps in.)
YES! God desires for his Son to be known!
And what better way to get to learn some of God’s Son’s Titles and Names than to work a cryptogram puzzle!
(Search and find only the part of the Name that’s printed in all capital letters.) (*)
U
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CHRIST KING of the Jews LORD RABBI SON OF DAVID
EMMANUEL LAMB of God MASTER REDEEMER SON OF GOD
JESUS LIGHT of the World NAZARENE SAVIOR SON OF MAN
Just think, if you will comply with the instructions I gave you in last week’s blog post entitled God Says I Am Alpha And Omega as well as with this week’s blog, “God’s Names And Titles For Jesus“, your knowledge and relationship with the Triune Lord(**) will be increased 10,000 fold!
NOTE (*) The above puzzle is printed in The Navigators Puzzle Magazine and reprinted here. (No copywrite assigned)
NOTE (**) Triune Lord. There is only One True God. God displays and manifest His glory through our senses, especially through the sense of sight. God is one in essence and three in person: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
What shall I call You, my Lord?Please reveal Yourself to me in this incident.
Isn’t it wonderful and a blessing when out of the blue the Holy Spirit desires to converse with you and ask, “So, how are you today and what are your needs? Do you wish to speak with the Almighty? For as you know, He is the Alpha and Omega. What is your pleasure, my child?
Sometimes when we pray for a specific need, it is respectful and praiseworthy to address our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by specific titles given Him in scriptures. So, for this week’s blog, I have put together a 3-column chart (below) listing a specific need, a biblical title for Jesus that represents that need and where in the Holy Bible that specific scripture can be found. I often practice this method of prayer and I can attest to the fact that you will find tranquility and peace in your conversations with God using Scriptures.
What is Your Need…
What is Jesus’ title…
Where is Scripture Found…
I need advice
Counselor
Isaiah 9:6
I need food
Bread of Heaven
John 6:32-33
I need a better life
Bread of Life
John 6:35
Person to stand with me
Advocate
1 John 2:1
Be more dependable
Author of your faith
Hebrews 12:1-2
I am a wreck
All in All
Col. 3:11-12
Guidance
Chief Shepherd
1 Peter 5:4
Sympathy, comfort
Father of Mercies
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Hope
God of Hope
Romans 15:18
Leniency
God the Judge of All
Hebrews 12:23
I am a bear faced Liar
God of Truth
Deut. 32:4
I’m sad; depressed
Brightness of Glory
Hebrews 1:3
I’m lost; no hope
Captain of Salvation
Joshua 5:14
Patience and comfort
God of Patience
Romans 15:5
Love my neighbor
God of Love and Peace
2 Corinthians 13:11
To be rescued
Deliverer
Romans 11:26
(Clip and save this chart)
7:50NOW PLAYING (Allow yourself a few minutes to listen to and worship with this anointed group of singers and be blessed.)
Genesis 8:22 – While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Do you know anybody who loves to debate whether or not God exists? Or better yet, do you personally attempt to engage others in frivolous conversations that have no serious purpose, value or intent to enlighten them concerning the Majestic Character of God.
Well, on Monday, April 8, 2024, you will have an opportunity to engage in holy conversations that will take on a life of their own. In fact, you might just have nothing to say, because the miraculous solar eclipse will ‘speak‘ for you. I’m certain the people around you will be speechless, awestruck and in a state of wonder. It has been reported that during other eclipse sightings, people have actually fainted.
It is my prayer that one day soon, all the peoples of the world will one day look up and give praise, honor glory and adoration to the Son of God, our Lord, Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
It is recorded inthe final Book of Revelation in the New Testament, the Earth suffers “Seven Plagues” — from disease to “intense heat” and drought, then finally a shower of deadly hailstones. Who says there is no God and who says he is not the Divine Meteorologist?
Conversations With God Using Scripture 
