God Calls All Of Us…But Will We Answer?

On By SonjaIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Life Changes5 Comments
Have you availed yourself to the Almighty? Have you proclaimed, ‘Here I am, Lord, send me?’

From the beginning, God has a call on all our lives. He sought me out from birth. I know this because I asked Him. One evening through prayer, I was led to claim His words that say “…and you shall be called Sought Out.” (Isaiah 62:12a) This name was capitalized right there on the page of the Bible. And I claimed it!

Although God called me at an early age, like most of you, I turned a deaf ear to His voice. I allowed the voices of Mr. and Mrs. Excuse, Aunt and Uncle Procrastination, and my favorite cousin, Self-willed Willie to have control over my life. They took turns distorting my hearing, understanding, mind, heart, time, talents and my treasures. Enough, all ready!

Are you listening to gossip, back-biting, false accusations, lies, and malicious conversations?

If the truth was told, we all have bodies that come designed with a myriad of voices. Did you know that your persona reflects which voice you are listening to at any given time in your life? At present (and I hope from this point forward), my persona reflects a contented sheep because the voice I am listening to is that of the Shepherd.

So, when I came to myself, I repented and prayerfully asked the Lord to forgive me for procrastinating in compiling my thoughts into a book that I have penned, entitled “Conversations With God Using Scriptures, Telling It Like It Is”. I have also thanked Him for silencing every negative voice that previously had dominion over me. For I once was young but now I am in my senior years and am privileged to see just Who it was that rescued me from the snares of life. Thank God for those of you whose eyes were opened in your youth.

But no matter what your age, begin seeking Him today. Start recognizing the extraordinary methods of operation He is performing in your lives. In my situation, He turned my personal Bible study quiet time into an interactive, stimulating and intimate conversational time with Him.

Always remember that God is calling you twenty-four hours a day; seven days a week; and 365 days a year! It is your choice to mentally leave your domain, your comfort zone, your place of many voices, and answer His call. He is the One with the still small voice. He is the Comforter. When you are ready to obey and yield, just say, “Speak Lord, thy servant is listening.”

My prayer for you…

Dear Heavenly Father, Master of the universe, we are so sorry that we constantly worry about the negative things that are happening at the moment in the world and, yes, in our own lives, too. We thank You that the hard times that we experience cause us to hear Your voice. We now want to open our lives to you and to turn away from voices spreading false hope. Please help us to look away from the reigning crime and violence and wholeheartedly surrender our lives to You with the certain knowledge that You will care for us individually and collectively for the rest of our lives. We humbly ask that you, Lord, also still those negative voices that fill our heads with doubts and fears. And we all promise that with the help of the Holy Spirit we will listen for Your call and proclaim like little Samuel and the prophet Isaiah. We will answer and say: “Here I am, Lord, send me”. Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine”. Isaiah 43:1

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

God Chastises His Children When They Disobey, Too!

On By SonjaIn Building Spiritual Bridges, Prayers For New Beginnings, Prayers For Spiritual Growth7 Comments

As I was rambling through my archives of compositions I have written over the years, I ran across a short true children’s story I wrote some 75 years ago.  The theme of the story is about why Snooky (me) and Sissy (my older sister) received a spanking from our Auntie Bea.

I believe retelling this story to you is important because as I reread the actions of the characters, those behaviors conjured up interactions I have experienced during my sojourn with my Lord and Savior.  OUCH!!

“Run, Snooky, run!! It’s getting dark and I believe we are lost!”, cried Sissy.

Let’s begin at the beginning…

"Snooky Gets A Spanking" - A short story by the Blogger

On Your mark!  Get set!  Go!  As I raced across the soft thick blades of grass, I could feel the cool breeze slice across my forehead and cut under my chin which was tucked down into the clef of my chest.  My two arms were outstretched and flapping as if I was imitating a free-style swimmer fresh out of water.  My older sister, Sissy, was out running me by only a few feet and I could actually gain on her if she would only run in a straight line and help break the force of wind that hindered me when she veered to the right or to the left.  Only a little farther, I thought, as we both chugged up a small slope on the grassy knoll.  Just then, Sissy's foot slipped and she nearly lost her balance as her gait mis-stepped and I went whisking passed her to run headlong into the play area with swings.  "I won, I won," I yelled as I jumped up and down on the uneven brown gravel which stretched underneath the four-seat swing set and extended over to the seesaw, the sand box and the monkey bars.

Sissy approached the swings with a slight limp and was quietly crying as she took hold of the swing's chains and lifted herself into the seat.  "Are you OK?" I asked as we both gasped to catch our breath.  "I didn't beat you fair and square.  If you hadn't slipped you would have won," I said, trying to comfort her.  After all, she was my big sister and if I wanted her to play with me ever again, I knew better then to make her angry.  "Hold tightly and I'll push you real high.  So high that you will touch the sky and I will run underneath you," I remember saying as we started to play.

That event happened in 1947 in Washington Park located on Northwestern Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, when Sissy was nine years old and I was eight.  The park was located across the street from Aunt Bea's house where we were visiting for the weekend.  Our mother and father liked to go dancing and they would often ship us off to Aunt Bea's so they could 'cut a rug' at the neighborhood juke joint.

In those days, it was safe to allow kids to play in areas a short distance from their houses as long as the  adult could see them or the children were within "yelling distance" of the house.  The playground area where we played could be seen from our front porch and every now and again, Aunt Bea would appear on the porch and wave to us.

Time passed quickly as my sister and I took turns pushing each other in the swings.  Soon, other kids joined us and we all would be having fun squealing and kicking gravel and running from one play area to another.  We would fall down and frolic in the tall grass and pick white and yellow dandelions on that bright sunny day in early March.

Without warning, an amazing sight appeared in the sky.  All the kids looked up over the cluster of bushes and saw about seven or eight brightly colored kites with beautiful streamers attached, flying silently and almost motionlessly in the blue sky.  The kite strings floated down towards us but disappeared over the next hill.  "Come on," Someone yelled:  Come on."  "Let's go see who's flying those kites."  So we all left our safe play area and took off running over the hill and out of sight and earshot of Aunt Bea.

Just over the hill we could see each kite string in the hands of a strong teenage boy who was maneuvering and jockeying for position and going with the flow of the wind as he pumped his kite higher and higher into the air.  There was a rhythm surrounding the young men as we watched in amazement.  When one moved to the left, seemingly they all moved to the left.  And with arms raised and bodies bent into the wind's current, they would all float back to the right.  Soon, we kids were drawn into their wake and found ourselves deeper and deeper into the bowels of the park and actually lost in its landscape.  No one was really aware that the sun was going down and evening was quickly approaching.  We were just too caught up in the excitement of the moment.

It was not until we reached a small pond where white ducks and geese were swimming did Sissy and I realize that we were in an area of the park that we had never ventured to before.  As our eyes met, our mouths flew open and our eyes grew bigger as we suddenly knew we were not only lost, but out of range to yell for our Auntie to find us.  What were we to do?  We ran to each other and said not a word.  We just embraced and began to cry.  The rest of the crowd moved on and were soon out of sight over the next hill.  We were now all alone, scared and frighten out of our wits.

Sissy guided me over to a tree and we sat down and stared at the ground.  In the stillness we could hear the wind ever so softly, calling our names.  Tears were streaming and the wind was faintly whispering, Sissyyyy...Snookyyy...Sissyyyy...Snookyyy.  At the second 'wind' call, Sissy and I were on our feet and running towards the sound.  We heard it again and again.  That's no wind, that's Aunt Bea we thought as our hearts raced and our feet took wings and flew us directly into her path.  We both ran smack into her massive thighs and almost knocked her down.  But her large body and her strong arms held firm.  Her mouth was set perched atop her lower lip as her right hand took hold of Sissy's collar and her left hand grabbed the back of my neck.  Without a word she marched us across the park and up the front steps of our front porch.  (To this day, I don't believe our feet ever touched the ground.)

You can imagine what happened to us once we were behind closed doors!

---------------------The End-------------------

THE MORAL OF THE STORY…GOD’S CHASTISEMENT!!

There are so many ‘life lessons‘ in the above children’s story that if we truly disscet their meaning based on our own individual life experiences, they might warn us of whether or not we are in store for a trip to the ‘wood shed‘ for some sort of discipline by our Lord and Savior. So, please privately respond to the following ten questions:

1.	 Has your life been filled with ups and downs; successes and failures; lies and truths; 
                  love and hate; doubts and faith?
2.	What has caused you to slip and loose your gait?
3.	Has someone else received a reward you thought you earned?
4.	What was your reaction to the above question?
5.	Have you ever admitted to cheating or scamming anyone?
6.	Have you ventured into uncharted waters and almost drowned?
7.	Are you able to love your family, friends AND enemies?
8.	Can you turn the other cheek?
9.	Can you name and applaud your mentors?
10.   Have you endured a punishment that restricted your freedom?

Scripture Lesson: “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

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

God Is Asking You…”How’s Our Relationship?”

On By SonjaIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Spiritual Growth2 Comments
field missionary
I don’t know!…I have no idea! But I want to be in good standing and in an eternal relationship with an eternal God. Please enlighten me Holy Spirit!

Whether you consider yourself a mature Christian or a novice one, may I suggest that before you respond to God’s question, isolate yourself and take mental inventory of how you perceive some of life’s greatest values. (Do you agree or disagree with the right side of the chart below?)

The Greatest Handicap..........................................................................FEAR
The Best Day..........................................................................................TODAY
Hardest Thing To Do..............................................................................TO BEGIN
Easiest Thing To Do................................................................................FINDING FAULT
Most Useless Asset................................................................................PRIDE
Most Useful Asset...................................................................................HUMILITY
The Greatest Mistake..............................................................................GIVING UP
The Greatest Stumbling Block................................................................EGOTISM
The Greatest Comfort.......................................................................WORK WELL DONE
Most Disagreeable Person..........................................................THE COMPLAINER
Worst Bankruptcy........................................................................LOSS OF ENTHUSIASM
Greatest Need.........................................................................................COMMON SENSE
Meanest Feeling.........................................................REGRET AT ANOTHER'S SUCCESS
Best Gift...................................................................................................FORGIVENESS
The Hardest and Most Painful To Accept...............................................DEFEAT
The Greatest Moment..............................................................................DEATH
The Greatest Knowledge.........................................................................GOD
The Greatest Thing..................................................................................LOVE
The Greatest Success
      In The World.........................................SELF FULFILLMENT AND PEACE OF MIND

So, now that you have found a way to examine your emotional feelings about some of the greatest values in life, and how those feelings can influence your relationship with God, let us now try to honestly answer God’s question concerning your relationship with him.

Where To Find Your Answers…

The Holy Bible gives us a litany of Scriptures to help us evaluate our connection and relationship status with the eternal God our Maker. He also gives us the Glue, which is through the power of the Holy Spirit, to stay connected to him. But most of all, God has given us a visible Teacher, his Only Begotten Son, Christ Jesus, to be an example and to teach, lead, and guide us along the way. And to make certain that among all whom God has given to his Son, none will be lost.

A perfect relationship with God is knowing that we are in good standing and saved (from the fate of physical death unto the power of eternal life) not by our good deeds and/or righteous living, BUT by what the Bible says about faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Scripture Lessons:

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the assurance we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ” I John 5:13-14

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, (a warm-blooded man to a physically cold world) that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“In him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption (a Ransom paid to redeem our sins) through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’. Romans 8:15

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:17

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13

My Prayer For You…

Dear Heavenly Father: As your children go forth in an effort to solidify their relationship with you, please do not allow them to spend an enormous amount of time in doing so. Why? Because it may cause them to spend too much time thinking about themselves and their short comings and not enough time getting to know you. For your word says for us to (just) ask and we shall receive, seek and we shall find and knock and the door will be opened unto us.

For your children know that you are the Good Shepherd, and you know without any doubts those that are seeking to strengthen their relationship with you. For it is written that You, Jesus, know us and that we know You. And that you desire to have a strong relationship with us. We ask all of these blessings in the precious Name of Christ Jesus, Amen and Amen!

Dear God, we’re satisfied with you…but are you satisfied with us?

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

God Is The Author And Finisher Of My Writings!

On By SonjaIn Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For Understanding10 Comments
God caused me to ‘think outside the box’!

All I can say is…”To God be the glory.” That’s right! Every time someone ask me where do I get all my ideas to write about, all I can say is that the Holy Spirit empowers me to scribe. He and He alone placed the desire in my heart to put words to paper long before I was born. And, like the prophet Jeremiah, it’s like a fire shut up in my bones.

Sometimes I feel like Grandma Moses. She was a celebrated American painter who was born on September 7, 1860, in Greenwich, N.Y. She died 95 years later on December 13, 1961. Grandma Moses’ true grit was her passion to paint the great and beautiful outdoors and also everyday farm life. Some of her words in her memoirs have inspired me and her penchant to paint recorded therein mimic my very own reasons as to why I write. I believe we both are people who were born with a passion to follow through with our life’s goals. To persevere and work really hard to perfect our calling. To be passionate and conscientious about the gifts God has endowed us with. Our pursuits are what makes our Maker happy.

Take a listen to what Grandma Moses said about why she paints:

“I look out the window sometimes to seek the color of the shadows and the different greens in the trees, but when I get ready to paint, I just close my eyes and imagine a scene.”

“Memory is history recorded in our brain.  Memory is a painter…”

“I like to paint something that leads me on and on into the unknown, something that I want to see always on beyond.”

“You don’t get to be 95 without having some memories and knowing ugly things.  But I don’t believe in painting ugliness.  I paint pretty pictures.  If I put in something that was not pretty, I make it look a little better.  If people can’t get pleasure out of looking at a picture, what’s the use of painting it?”

So, all I have to do is substitute the word “write” for every time Grandma Moses uses the word “paint”. Because her feelings are my feelings exactly about ‘why I write’.

Following is an original poem I wrote about why I write…

This young man is not only thinking outside the box…
he is also thinking outdoors!
W  O  R  D  S

Words come soaring
Words come marching
Words come seeking
Words come stalking

Words come walking
Words come running
Words come creeping
Words come strumming

Words!  Words!
Who can live without them
Cluttering up your mind, they come
Like falling leaves in Autumn

Overflowing your heart in chaos
Fighting for space in your being
Establishing themselves in voices
Everybody speaking at once...bad timing

Trying to eradicate them from your head
Is like eliminating your body of waste
In a few short hours they are back again
With a vengeance, running around in haste

Words!  Words!
Are like parasites, no doubt
I have resolved to tolerate them
But only until death takes me out!

The End

My prayer for you…

Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have endowed each of us with special talents. And You are hopeful that we will commit our lives to the good deeds that You have planned for us. Please help us to discover and to carry out the purposes that You have in mind for us to become. Amen and Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

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

God Suggested For Me To Do It His Way

On By SonjaIn Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For New Beginnings, Prayers For Spiritual Growth5 Comments
Time To Clean House Or “I Threw It Out!”

How many of you guys out there remember a 1969 hit tune written by Paul Anka and recorded by both Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr entitled, “I Did It My Way?” I loved the lyrics of that song and it’s smooth melody. As I have grown older, I have learned to appreciate it’s message even more and more.

Within the last few years, (that is, since I’ve moved into the Octogenarian age), seemingly the messages from heaven have been for me to get my house in order. I took that advice to mean…get your AFFAIRS in order. And so, that is what I have been doing. And, do you know what? I feel relieved.

The lyrics to the following poem entitled “Time To Clean House Or I Threw It Out!”, says it all…

As I look back on my life, I decided to throw out WORRYING,
It was getting old and in the way.  It kept me
from being me.  I couldn't do things my way, like the song says.

I threw out those INHIBITIONS; they were just
crowding me out.  Made room for my NEW GROWTH,
got rid of my old dreams and doubts.

I threw out a book on MY PAST (didn't have 
time to read it anyway).  Replaced it with
NEW GOALS, started reading it every day.

I threw out childhood toys (remember how I
treasured them so?)  Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY, too.
Threw out the one from long ago.

Brought in some new books, too, called I CAN,
I WILL, and I MUST.  Threw out I might, I think,
and I ought.  WOW, you should've seen the dust!

I called up a GOOD FRIEND, 
have known Him for awhile.  
His name is GOD.   Yes, I really like His style.

He helped me to do some cleaning and added
some things Himself.  Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH.
Yes, and I put them on the shelf.

I picked up this special thing and placed it
at the front door.   I FOUND IT... it's called PEACE. 
Hallelujah!  Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking pretty nice.  
Looks good around this ole place.  
For things like WORRY and TROUBLE 'taint no more space.

It's good to do a little house cleaning.
To get rid of old things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter...

Maybe you should TRY IT FOR YOURSELF!!!

My Prayer for you...

My Darling, Jesus! There are so many things that we want to praise You for. This especially includes Your grace and Your mercy towards me and all others who are reading this blog. There are so many growing pains that You correct in our lives, that help to make our existence worthwhile. We appreciate You taking the time to help us make corrections in our life styles that need eliminating. So, continue to wash and clean up these old houses. Make us white as snow and cause us to shine like the morning sun. We have grown tired and weary of our old ways and want to earnestly ‘turn over a new leaf’ and do it Your way. Forgive us Lord. For with You, all things are possible! And we will forever give you all the praise and all the glory. Amen and Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. Enjoy life with your (spouse), whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 9:7, 9

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

God’s Nicknames Applied In Error

On By SonjaIn Building Spiritual Bridges, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Life Changes3 Comments
How do you (blindly) refer to God?

Oh, how disrespectful…how inconsiderate…how thoughtless…how embarrassing…how blasphemous!

Oh, you say, I would never do that. I would never apply a nickname to God, or refer to him with a cliche. Well, perhaps not knowingly, or intentionally, but how about innocently or mistakenly? Let me give you some examples and you count the ones that apply to you.

Examples of ways people sometimes apply nicknames to God…erroneously!

"The other day, I had to make a big decision.  I was already late for an important job interview and I had to make a choice as to whether to take the expressway to go downtown or to use the streets which was the longer way, but seemed less crowded with traffic.  Just then, 'something' said, take the streets.  I did! and sure enough, when I arrived at my appointment, the receptionist told me that my interviewer would be a little late because he texted that he was in a traffic jam on the expressway where a fatal  accident had just happened!  How's that for 'chance'?"

"You know, people often tell me that my 'insights' and 'intuitions' about a  matter are right on.  And my 'opinions' are sought out all the time.  I feel sooo 'lucky'!"

"Today, I had a really bad day at the office.  My boss threatened to fire me, but changed his mind at the last minute.  (Under my breath, I was 'cursing' him.)  Later, while on my way home from work, a driver cut right in front of me and almost made me have a car wreck.  I could have been killed!  Boy, was I 'fortunate'.   And to top it all off, when I got home, my wife reminded me that it was our night out and the babysitter was coming over.  By that time, I was so wired up I wanted to tell her to 'go shove it', but she looked so innocent, all I could 'reluctantly' say was okay, dear.  My whole day was ruined.  I guess the 'devil was in the details.'

Really now!!!  How about giving thanks to the Good  Lord above that He was  in the details...

Lessons learned...

Have you been guilty on occasion mistakenly referring to God as one of those words or phrases spoken within those quotes above? Have you ever robbed God from receiving all the honor and all the praise for his goodness, protection and guidance? If so, just remember that God is merciful and forgiving. Memorize the scripture written in Malachi 3:8: “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ ” in tithes and offerings(1).

Note: (1) Yes, you may pay your tithes. But how faithful are you in sending up “Offerings” of thanksgiving to God for his provisions, protection and insight?

Scripture Lesson: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

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”

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized2 Comments
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.

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

God Extends An Invitation To His Housewarming

On By SonjaIn God's Heavenly Hosts, Heaven Is For Real, Instruction on how to disciple others, Prayers About Biblical End Times2 Comments

I’m grateful that God sent me an invitation to his housewarming, but with all the airline plane delays, and cancellations, I wonder just how long it will take me to get there. I’m suppose to receive a crown.

The Holy Spirit spoke to me in an unusual way this week. At first I thought I was receiving messages to blog about the seventh day of creation called the Sabbath. For it is written, that was the day God “Rested” from all of his labors of creating the universe. But as I began to unpack this thesis, I soon realized that the Sabbath was not a day made for God to take his ease. But it was designed as an anointed time period (without end) for God’s people, who live in this world, to come to themselves and commence (on a daily basis) to live their lives as the following 3 bible scriptures proclaim and turn from their sins, so as not to be ruled by the snares of the evil one (Satan). In other words, the day that you repent and turn from your labor of sin and shame, that is your day of Sabbath. God’s ‘work’ was finished within 6 days and it was all good, so he took a day of rest (his Sabbath).

Luke 9:23 

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me (Jesus, God’s Son), let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Matthew 19:21  

Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Galatians 2:20 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Those persons who Romans 12:2 talk about, who are also in the world that God created but have not conformed to his will and to his ways and whose hearts and minds have not been renewed and therefore they are refusing to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, they remain under the influences of the prince of this world (Satan).

IT’S PARTY TIME…

5 Categories Of Believers In Heaven Will Receive Crowns

My child, whenever you performed missionary duties that included talking about Jesus to someone who was not a Christian or who did not know Christ, your actions were often referred to as being a soul-winner. Did you know that there is a crown awaiting such servants in heaven known as The Crown of Rejoicing? (1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV)

The Holy Spirit spoke again and reminded me of my recent doctor’s appointment I had earlier in the week. Do you recall the excitement your nurse attendant had as she related to you how obliging her patients had been all day as she shared her love for Christ. How she admitted that serving Jesus Christ was her true profession and how she longed to make heaven her eternal home. You see, my beloved, many people become so caught up in earthly activities that they forget that heaven is truly their home. The Crown of Righteousness is not for them. (2 Timothy 4:8 KJV)

Another category in which Jesus will award crowns is to all those believers who have kept the faith at the expense of loosing their own lives. It also includes those servants who suffered persecution and even temptation. They, most assuredly, will receive The Crown of Life. (James 1:12 and Revelations 2:10 KJV)

Sometimes even believers loose out on receiving their crown because of a lack of self-discipline. They don’t know when to say “No!” They get caught up in “the good things in life”, and forget about all God’s benefits. Only those who can exercise discipline will receive The Victor’s Crown. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27 KJV)

Finally, just to remind you of one of Jesus’ quotes in Matthew 9:37, where he said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Let us not forget the crown that will be awarded to the faithful leaders of the churches: pastor’s, elder’s, deacons, Sunday School teachers, and various other ministry leaders. This group of followers of Christ will receive The Crown of Glory. (1 Peter 5:4 KJV)

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX FOR YOUR INVITATION…

The Lord says, My prayer invitation for you has already been signed, sealed and delivered by St. Francis of Assisi. Bring a copy of it with you when you come to My housewarming. It reads; “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.“

Scripture Lesson: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:31-32).

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

God’s Son Had A Brief Sojourn On Earth

On By SonjaIn Instruction on how to disciple others, Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For Understanding2 Comments
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

For more than ten years, I was a sojourner in the army of God as a volunteer missionary with an international orphan organization that specialized in transforming volunerable children’s lives, building strong families and enriching the lies of senior adults based on incorporating the tenent principles associated with Christ-centered values.

In last week’s blog on this site, I mentioned that people often asked me how I could remember so much background information about lineages and genealogies in the Bible. Others also wanted to know my secret for ascertaining the direction a particular character in the Bible would pursue. Well, because of those statements, this week I received several requests for specific examples. I found two perfect New Testament parables in Luke to enlighten you guys from chapters 18 and 19, concerning the blind beggar and the story of Zacchaeus in the tree.

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Lord, I want to see,”
It was great sitting in the branches and looking down on everyone. Then the most amazing thing happened. Jesus stopped and looked up at Zacchaeus. ‘Zacchaeus,’ He said, ‘I want to come to your house for a meal!’ Zacchaeus jumped down at once and quickly showed Jesus the way to his house. Some of the people were very angry. Why was Jesus being kind to Zacchaeus? Didn’t He know how horrible he was? – Slide 3

“Zacchaeus, come down from that tree. I want to go home with you”, Jesus said.

(Using a descriptive Legend Expressed by Jews in Jesus’ Day):

City of Jericho - A town occupied by citizens of mixed identity.
A Beggar          - An Israelite belief that God would never allow his children to beg 
                                 for bread.
The Beggar      - He Recognized Jesus as being a Son (descendant) of King David.
The Beggar      - Although despised by some, Jesus said he had more faith than others.
Blind Person    - An informative (defect/illness) that plagues sinners.
Tax Collector   - An occupation imposed by Rome and despised by Jews.
Tax Collector   - Although ostracized by some, identified by Jesus as a son of Abraham.
The crowd       - Disrespected Jesus.  Identified Jesus as being from Nazareth, a city
                                where nothing good could come out of.
The crowd       - Disrespected the blind man.  Told him to shut up.
The crowd       - Disapproved of Jesus going to dine at the home of a tax collector.

Following is a brief summation of both parables:

It is recorded in scripture that Jesus passed through the ancient city of Jericho on at least two occasions. Large crowds followed Him. Jesus never failed to take time to heal people that the crowds considered to be an outcast in their communities. In both stories, the two men involved with our Lord had isolated themselves from the crowd and they both had a need. The blind beggar who sat along the road side needed his sight to be restored (Luke 18:35-43). Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, short in stature and who had climbed a tree to see Jesus, he needed to be converted from his wicked ways. (Luke 19:1-10)

The crowds who followed Jesus had shown indignation towards these two men and expressed their distain and were non obliging towards Jesus’ reception of them. The crowd wanted and expected Jesus to only associate with ‘their‘ kind, and not to have anything to do with those who were considered to be an outcast.

Jesus turned the tables on the crowd by proclaiming that the blind man was deserving to receive his sight based on his level of faith he had demonstrated in Jesus. And on behalf of Zacchaeus, Jesus said to the crowd that in spite of this man’s occupation, he never the less still was a child of Abraham and that the Son of Man (Jesus) came to seek and to save what was lost.

My prayer for you…

Heavenly Father, I truly want to proclaim Your message and live in such a way that people will be able to see from my actions that I am serious about my faith. And I also pray for everyone who comes to this blog post and desires to follow in Your footsteps after reading conversational stories as to how You structured Your life’s journey while a sojourner on earth. How Your heart’s desire was to aide and abet Your fellowman. Please, Lord Jesus, help us all to get this attribute right. Amen.

Scripture Lesson: “You became imitators of us and of the Lord. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it. (1 Thessalonians 1:6, 8)

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

God Carried Me On Eagle’s Wings

On By SonjaIn Building Spiritual Bridges, Prayers About God and Me2 Comments
People Sharing Memories Of God’s Loving Care

It’s good to reminisce sometimes…don’t you think? You know, just to kick back and let your mind wander. Recall an assortment of events from an earlier time in your past life. And, yes, your mind will conjure up some good times and some bad times and some regrettable times. Well, I found myself doing just that as I settled down to write this week’s blog. And of course, the Holy Spirit wasted no time in connecting me with the Second Person of the Trinity. Jesus Christ.

My first thoughts were of my (deceased) paternal grandmother. I remembered (when I was a youngster) how she loved for me to comb and scratch her hair in the afternoons. She sat in her wooden porch swing and hummed her favorite hymns. I loved that assignment because I dreamed of becoming a hairdresser when I grew up. Next, I had a scary and frightful thought. I remembered riding in the back seat of a car. A neighbor and his wife were driving. We were driving pretty fast on the expressway. All of a sudden, the front hood of the car came unlatched. It flew back onto our windshield and momentarily blinded the driver. We all started screaming. Somehow, the driver was able to safely steer the car over to the far right lane and onto the grass. I saw several cars veering around our car in an attempt to avoid a collision. Miraculously, no one was hurt.

My next thoughts were mostly about my later years when I became more active in my church. People would ask me how I remembered so much background about lineages and genealogies in the Bible. They also wondered how I could ascertain the direction a particular character in the Bible would pursue. I remember telling that person that I always studied the Bible with a pencil and paper nearby. I would jot down thoughts that entered my mind concerning the chapters I read. To this day, I still study like that.

And that habit is what steered me to write about eagles in today’s blog.

Bible Verses About Eagles

As I began to catalogue the ‘eagle’ scriptures, I started to realize something profound. God had been carrying me on eagle’s wings all my life. God had been my protector from all hurt, harm and danger. I also realized that though I may exalt myself like an eagle, there is no cleft in a rock where I can hide from Him.

Some Little Known Facts About The Eagle's Nest
                         By S. L. Fowler

Most birds build only one nest per year
Which cradles their eggs to be hatched
But some birds build two or three new homes in a season
Because they are more industrious than the rest.

The Bald Eagle uses the same nest year after year
And is known to be a monogamous creature
This bird of prey possesses keenness of vision
Which helps her to spot her prey and make wise decisions.

America's national symbolic bird builds her nest
High in the cleft of mountaintops or in a very tall and sturdy tree
And each year the eagle keeps the nest in repair
By applying more and more materials to the existing aerie.

You can imagine that in just a few short years
After continuously adding new branches and mud
The eagle's nest would be so massive and heavy
Many scientists believe it could possibly weigh a ton.

As I studied the Holy Bible, I became mesmerized with God’s word and just how much he had to say about birds and especially eagles. And once when I was a member of a writer’s group, I wrote the above short poem about the eagle. The bible’s depiction of eagles is extensive. They are creatures of strength. They have broad wings of protection. Eagles possess keen eyesight for searching. They have the capability to soar to great heights. Eagles can wreak havoc with their mighty claws. They remain for a lifetime with one mate and one nest. But what is most amazing about the eagle is that it can hide from predators by flying directly into the blinding glare of sun rays.

My prayer for you…

Dear Heavenly Father, how wonderful it is that You speak to us personally through Your Word, during our life time. And that we can respond to You metaphorically through the Word. It is our desire that You teach us to spend more time with You in this way and to hear Your voice speaking to us personally each and every day of our lives. Amen.

Scripture Lesson: “The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle’s, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 49:16

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