God Does Not Change

On By SonjaIn Instruction on how to disciple others, Prayers About God and Me, Prayers For Life ChangesLeave a comment

Recently, my former women’s bible study group extended an invitation to me to come back as a guest speaker and teach on a specific subject from the September 2021 issue of the “Our Daily Bread” devotional magazine.  Of course, I gladly accepted their invitation and immediately set my heart, mind, and prayers on calling upon the Holy Spirit to direct and guild my preparation efforts for this humbling event.

After reading the assigned story and the Biblical scriptures (Hebrews 13:11-16) that accompanied the magazine article it was surmised that the Apostle Paul (the author of Hebrews) wanted to exhort those who are faithful in the ministry of the Lord’s holy word to keep on praising Him, not just inside the confines of familiar and comfortable surroundings, but also outside their sphere of normalcy as well…where the less fortunate reside. 

Yes, we are to keep on loving others including the unlovable; to keep on trusting in God to resolve difficult situations; to keep on respectfully responding to pastoral leaders in the church, notwithstanding those in government; and finally, to keep on praying without ceasing in the Name of Jesus our High Priest, through Whom we have access to God.  Why?  Because therein we bolster our confidence to walk by faith and not by sight.   Ask yourself this question…”Why should I change, and not do these things that Paul admonished, especially when God does not change!”

So, as I prepare to deliver a message on “Outside the Camp”, I solicit your prayers that the teaching points I impart to the ladies will come directly from scripture and the mindset of the Holy Spirit.

THIS IS NO TIME TO REST AND TAKE OUR LEAVE!

The times we are living in today are hard times for us all.  And you can imagine just how difficult it must be for those living within the margins of life.  The ‘haves’ are being called upon to help and assist the ‘have-nots’.  We must become a friend to the friendless.  A bridge over troubled waters. We must pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the world.  We must use and distribute our bounty wisely and in ways that pleases our Maker.  Remember that the more we give (from the heart) the more He gives to you.

 

Volunteer and/or give where ever you can.

Scripture Lesson: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38 

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

God Is Superior Over All

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized6 Comments
Earth Has No Sorrow That Heaven Can't Heal
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Some weeks are harder than others. So, this week, I have been praying for strength, compassion, tolerance, and a word of enlightenment from the Holy Spirit to instruct me on how to bring comfort, peace and hope to all those who come my way, looking for some relief from life’s miserable dilemmas.  And it happened that during my quiet time, I distinctively heard a still small voice whisper, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal”.

What brought all of this on…it’s a sign of the times…

Now that the worldwide Covid-19 virus has morphed into a Delta variant, more and more people are becoming depressed and disillusioned.  Hardly a day goes by that someone in my sphere of influence does not approach me with a gloom and doomed report of a dear friend, family member, neighbor, loved one, a friend of a friend, or simply a news health statistic reminding us all that someone has died from Covid.  And now it is affecting our children. Since this unsolicited bit of information is dumped on me so often, I came to realize that if I am not careful, I will allow such conversations to infiltrate my spirit and cause me to become depressed, too.

(I had a scary thought…the enemy began taunting me by repeating…it’s your fault…it’s your fault! You had no business praying for your Maker to make you an instrument of his peace!)

That was the exact moment I knew it was time for me to have a little conversation with God using Scripture. Here is some of the reinforcement the Lord gave me.

Davis Sisters – He’ll Understand And Say Well Done – YouTube

After listening to that encouraging song, I recommitted myself and vowed to the Lord that I would continue researching the scriptures in order to fortify myself with the teachings of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, so that I might persevere in becoming a beacon light to all those who find themselves on the verge of giving up on life and the cares of this world.

At-a-girl, I heard the angles shout!  We knew all along that you were God’s salt-flavored seasoning to infuse the people on earth who were beginning to lose their saltiness.  You were meant to be a light in situations where darkness is creeping in.  You have been sat on a lamp stand in order to shine brightly.  You were meant to encourage other people to put their trust in Jesus and to remind them that there is no sorrow on earth that heaven cannot heal.  For by carrying this banner on your shoulders, you will find honor in the kingdom where the Lord has gone to prepare a place for you. For our God is superior over all!!

My prayer for you…

Dear Heavenly Father, your children sincerely thank you for calling them to become a beacon light in a dark and unbelieving world. Help them to love and assist all those who love You and desire to learn how to trust and depend wholly upon You and Your teachings. Instruct Your workers on how to pray more specifically for what they desire to accomplish through the aide of the Holy Spirit for their fellowman. If necessary, remind them that some things come only through prayer AND fasting. Teach them not to be afraid to rebuke the enemy and all other situations that are not according to Your will and Your ways. And when it is all said and done, my Lord, we will not forget to give You all the praise, all the honor, and all the glory until our traveling days are done. In Jesus’ Name we ask it all. Amen and Amen.

Scripture Lesson: “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.” Isaiah 50:4-5

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

God Is Calling Your Name?

On By SonjaIn Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For New Beginnings, Prayers For Spiritual Growth7 Comments
Sleeping child hears God calling him three times.

Reprint October 24, 2024

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

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

Here is why…

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

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

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

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

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

This is the conclusion of the matter…

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

My prayer for you…

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

I’ll Be Somewhere Listening For My Name

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

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

God’s Divine Order Concerning Superstitions

On By SonjaIn Prayers About Superstitions, Prayers For Peace4 Comments
Do Black Cats bring good luck or bad luck? You decide!

Several years ago (when I was much younger), I joined a secular writers club at a senior center. In preparation for each weekly meeting, the president would assign five members to choose a subject and write a short story, memoir, poem or prose about it and verbally present their assignment to the group the following week. Surprisingly, most of them were very good. Of course, I contributed to this exercise quite often because I already had written something that could fit in every genre. (Confidently, I love to scribe.)

As I contemplated and prayed about what subject to present for this week’s blog, I stumbled on an old paper I wrote on superstitions that I had many years ago presented to the writer’s group. That’s it! I shouted out loud. I will check to see what the Bible has to say about superstitions. Now, although I don’t honestly believe in superstitions, I must admit that when I was ignorant on the subject, I did “participate” in acknowledging in a few of them. Such As:

Step on a crack, break your mother's back
“Step on a crack…brack your mother’s back.

You will have seven years of bad luck if you break a mirror.

What is God’s divine order for living under superstitions such as witch craft, sorcery, divination, etc….

God’s edit is don’t do it!!! Don’t live under ole wives’ tales and superstitions. God wants all of us to live by FAITH! So, what is the difference between the two? In order to become a child of the King and have our sins forgiven is for mankind to live by faith and not by fables. Superstitions, whether good or bad, is the belief that something you do (one’s actions) will somehow affect a person’s future state in life. The Scripture to hold on to in this matter is found in Hebrews 11:1…“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction (or evidence) of things not seen.”

It’s amazing how many of our superstitious ways revolve around death, hell and the grave. Take for example the following two exercises:

“The Yawn Reflex” (*)

In today’s world, we believe that it shows good manners to cover your mouth and to say excuse me after a broad and noisy yawn. Well, originally, good manners had nothing to do with it. In the ancient days, it was believed that the Devil made a person yawn so that he could gain access into the body and cause that person grave danger. If that person is observed yawning he would say excuse me because he knew that yawning was contagious and would cause the second person to yawn, too. Thus putting that person in grave danger. So the first yawner would say ‘excuse me’ for putting you in danger. The Hindu people would snap their fingers three times to counter the Devil antics.

“Now Take Sneezing” (**)

How many “Gesundheits” does a person get after sneezing? And do you know what that word means? Well it means “God bless you”. The custom of asking God’s blessing initiated with early man who believed that the spirit resided in the air and since we breathe air in to our heads, it stands to reason that the spirit resided in the head. A sneeze would accidentally expel the spirit. So a person would ask God to put it back. The act of bowing towards the sneezer was also counter-magic. For it meant, “May your soul not escape.”

Now imagine being in a room filled with sneezers and yawners. This combination of guests could be fatal. Don’t forget, a yawn gave the Devil access into the body and a sneeze could expel your good spirit. Thus leaving your body defenseless. The spirit of the Devil would be exposed out in the room trying to gain entrance into someone else; Gesundheits being shouted aloud from across the room; some guests bobbing up and down towards the sneezer; and the yawners approaching others and saying I’m sorry, I’m sorry for infecting you. What a hilarious scene from an Austin Powers movie.

Listed below are a few Bible Scriptures you may want to remember whenever you are tempted to cite a superstition:

“See to it that no one enslaves you through philosophy and empty deceit according to human tradition, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to the Messiah, because all the essence of deity inhabits him in bodily form. And you have been filled by him, who is he head of every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:8-10

“If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 4:6-7

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

Footnotes (*) (**): Information on these two examples were gleaned from a book entitled: “Superstitious ? Here’s Why!, by Julie Forsyth Batchelor and Claudia de Lys.

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

God…What Time Is It?

On By SonjaIn Prayers About Biblical End Times, Prayers For Peace3 Comments
Round Gold-colored Analog Watch
And God said: “My time is not your time.”

Sometimes you just gota know.  Yes, you just want to know what time it is…especially when it has to do with Eschatology.  The definition of Eschatology is the study of what the Christian Bible says is going to happen when this world comes to an end.  End time prophecy is sprinkled throughout the verses in the Bible, but the main biblical chapters that compiles the most information about this mystery is found in the Book of Revelations, followed closely by the Book of Daniel.

Currently, my bible study group is reading and praying over the verses in the Book of Revelations, and while I was studying and meditating over Chapter 19, the Holy Spirit blessed me with the most revealing interpretation of verse 19:7 which reads:  “Let us rejoice and be glad.  For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready .”

Now, I’m just sayin’…this early morning encounter with the Holy Spirit was completely ‘out of the blue’ and certainly  unexpected.  The Spirit said to me STOP! In the Name of Love and understand what you are reading.  A marriage is about to take place.  Who is getting married and to whom or to what?

Spontaneously, I spoke out loud and said, The Lord Jesus Christ is about to celebrate in marriage His reign over government rule, along with His gift of salvation! For to me, that was the “what“. (Read Revelations 19:2. ) Immediately, my thoughts went to Isaiah 9:6, and John 3:16-17.

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6  

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.   For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him [by receiving His gift of Salvation] shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  John 3:16-17.  

While Jesus Christ lived on earth, you will recall that the Lord spoke these words to His disciples:  “Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar (the Government) the things that are Caesar’s, and to God (Spiritual things) the things that are God’s.’”  Mark 12:17

At that time, the Israelites thought Jesus came to earth to overtake the Roman government through war tactics and if He did, the Israelites would be exempt from paying Roman taxes.  But It was not within God’s timing for his Son to annihilate “Babylon” (governments) just then, and institute Jesus’ Second Coming as predicted in Revelations.

So, once again, I am asking (having a conversation) with the Holy Spirit…then, what time is it?

Dear Readers of this blog…I don’t know if you also have these kinds of in-depth conversations with our God, but I do.  True, I veered off from the type of blog post I usually write each week, but I ask that you forgive me.  Perhaps the interpretation I received from the Holy Spirit for Revelations 19:7 is way off the mark according to what the scholarly biblical Eschatologists believe.  And I get that!  But I’m just sayin’… that explanation is what the Holy Spirit gave me.

What Does “No One Knows the Day or Hour” Mean
As you read God’s Word ask him to give credence and understanding to its meaning; Make sure it aligns with the Lord’s will.

Dear Heavenly Father, I read in Psalm 130 where David said that he called to You from the depths of his crises. And that he put his faith in You and trusted You and also waited for Your fulfillment of Your Word.  That’s my prayer, too, Precious One.  Not only for myself, Lord, but for all those who call upon Your Holy and All-knowing Name as their Counselor.  For my research tells me, My Lord, that while You were here on earth, approximately 200 times trick questions were asked of You, but You only gave direct answers to about 3 of them.  So, therefore, Dear Jesus, I await patiently, for You to make it plain to me the revelations of Revelations.  And in the meantime, I will continue to study and pray to show myself approved.  I ask it all in the precious Name of Christ Jesus.  Amen and Amen!  

Scripture Lesson: “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6

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

God Never Revokes Your Prayers…You Do!

On By SonjaIn Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For Peace7 Comments
Prayer Changes Things: I called the Lord and He heard my cry by [Tafiska Nyasulu Ndovi]
Remember to thank God first BEFORE asking!

Did you know that prayer changes things?  Notice, I said prayer changes things…not changes God’s mind.  To think that our prayers changes God’s mind is presumptuous thinking.  For we read in Malachi 3:6 that “I (God) the Lord do not change”.  So, our best bet when partitioning God’s throne is just to pray that God’s will be done, and not our own. You do this by praying His word back to him.

Some time ago, a guest minister was invited to speak at a church I used to belong too.  Her message to the awaiting congregation was spirit-filled and impacted practically all in attendance.  She expounded on ways to use God’s holy word when praying specifically for life’s situations.  For surely, as you know, one of the main ways that God works in our lives is through praise and worship.

Here is what the itinerant preacher had to say on just how to partition God’s throne in the most positive method.  First, she asked the awaiting congregation the following questions:  Do you want God to ‘show up’ in due season with HIS answers to your prayers?  Or do you abandon your partitions when you do not receive a reply instantly?  Or worst yet…do you commence ‘helping’ God by taking the situation into your own hands?

The preacher recommended that when praying, begin your prayer time with God by using scripture that implores Him to do something anew for you as he has already demonstrated he can and did do in your past.  For example, pray a thankful doxology prayer first and make it a personal confession: 

Dear Holy and Everlasting Father, I thank you for blessing me and keeping me all the days of my life.  I sincerely am appreciative that you make your face to shine upon me, and you are gracious towards me.  May you always turn your face towards me and give me peace.  (Revised from Numbers 6:24)

After praying the above introductory statements, continue with your new partitions by using more scriptures, quoting chapter and verse.  Here are a few examples:

Now, Dear Jesus, according to Ephesians 1:17, 18 and 19, I sincerely ask that You bless me with the spirit of wisdom, the hope of your calling and the exceeding greatness of your power as I lead your people on this awesome journey to…(name the place or situation)

Now, Sweet Jesus, just as it is written in Ephesians 3:16, I beseech Thee to keep me and strengthen me with Thy might and holy spirit and cause me to be routed and grounded in love…as I go forth in Your Name to…(name your situation here)

Now, Holy Father and Lord of my life, just as it is written in 1 Peter 1:4, I humbly approach Your throne of grace to ask You to keep me from the corruption that is in the world through lust and pornography and to keep me from falling and present me faultless before the presence of Your glory with exceeding joy as it is also written in Jude 24.  Amen and Amen!

I ask you…are you getting the picture of what the itinerant preacher had to say?  I do heartedly hope so.

psalms chapter 1 verse 3
Practice makes perfect…Just keep praying

So, I will close with this prayer for you…

Dear Lord, may Your face shine upon all those who call upon Your Holy and Righteous Name as Your people make Your ways known upon the earth (Psalms 67:2)   And may their efforts under the guidance of the Holy Spirit turn many to righteousness (Daniel 12:3) with a zeal for good works. Amen.  (Matthew 5:1). 

Scripture Lesson: “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him (2 Corinthians 2:14).

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

God Is My Refuge And Strength

On By SonjaIn Prayers For Peace, Prayers For Strength9 Comments
God Often Displays His Strength In Whirlwinds

Hello everybody. And how is the world treating you today? As for me and my house, all is well. Why? Because I am on vacation!

Belmont, NC

While on vacation, I was thinking…although we know that God is Spirit, references in the holy scriptures allows us to also attribute/ascribe qualifications of a personal or human nature to Him. When we do characterize God in this way, He becomes the very personification of humanity. That is why I can proclaim with assurance that He is my refuge and strength.

To realize that Jesus Christ is with me and I need not be afraid gives me strength and hope. Why? Because believe it or not, I’m not perfect! I make mistakes. I speak out of turn and sometimes without thinking. I sometimes forget special birthdays of friends and family members. I have also been known to forget to renew insurance policies and other business affairs. I may use profanity when I stump my toe. And although I try, I cannot always please everybody.

So, when I declare that God is my refuge and strength, I truly embrace the fact that He and He alone provides me a place of shelter and safety from the pursuit of all hurt, harm and danger. I take comfort in being in Jesus’ presence, trusting in His promise of eternal life. And I always lift up prayers asking forgiveness for all my short comings, mistakes and misguided afflictions I may bestow on others.

Another thing I ask of God is to include me in providing services to others. To always be generous in sharing my blessings with others and to remember to shout praises and adoration to the glory of God.

Just because I am on vacation with my family, I do not want to neglect my readers and followers of this blog message. I am grateful to God for allowing the Holy Spirit to converse with me each week and to remind me of the goodness of God. May you, too, be blessed and enjoy His presence each and every day.

My prayer for you…

Dear Heavenly Father. I truly thank you for Who You are and for making it possible for me to focus on the things that give me hope and to look away from those things that scare and frighten me. I praise you for the promise of eternal life and the assurance that you are my refuge and strength both spiritually and personified. Amen and Amen.

Scripture Lesson: “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

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

    God Knows His Mathematics

    On By SonjaIn Prayers About Increase/Decrease, Prayers For PeaceLeave a comment

    Following is a reprint of one of my blogs from 2021…ENJOY

    Romans 8:28
    …and “All Things” include God’s creation, mankind, and Angels!

    One of the more popular themes in the Christian Bible are the stories and parables about situations that have to do with arithmetic.  In fact, the first place in the holy scriptures where the word referencing mathematics is mentioned is during God’s acts of creation of the creatures of the universe:

    “And God blessed them (the creatures), saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. (Genesis 1:22)
     

    There are also at least three scriptures in the bible that deal with addition and subtraction:

    You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)  

    Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. (Deuteronomy 12:32)  

    And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.  (Revelation 22:19)

    And, last but not least, the Bible has a lot to say about division.  This word appears approximately 68 times in scripture:

    But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.  (Luke 11:17)

    I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.  (Romans 16:17)

    My question to you is this: Do you also apply the tenaciousness of The ‘Mathematician’ as you pursue the gospel and deliver its message to the masses?

    Surprisingly, there is one disciple who experienced all four mathematical Truths while under the tutelage of Jesus of Nazareth. His name was Philip.

    portrait of Philip the Apostle

    ADDITION – While in Galilee, Jesus found Philip and invited this man to follow Him. Later that day, Philip found his brother Nathanel and invited Nat to follow Him. Jesus welcomed Nathanel and assured him that before this journey was over (people believing Jesus was sent by way of God), Nathanel would see heaven open and God’s angels descending to the Son of God. (John 1:43)

    MULTIPLICATION – While still in Galilee, Jesus looked and saw a great crowd following Him. Jesus said to Philip, where can we buy bread to feed these people. Philip doubted that no amount of money would be enough to feed this crowd of more than 5,000 people. Jesus showed Philip how just one loaf of bread and two fish could miraculously feed the people and have twelve baskets of food left over. (John 6:5)

    DIVISION – The Israelites were taught to trust in the One Spiritual God for everything. Jesus (The Physical Man) preached a message (aka The Way) that instructed the people to just trust in Him. All the people had to do was to follow the road He was on. Thomas doubted that Jesus’ road led anywhere. And Philip said to Jesus, Master, just show us the Father. Jesus’ response to Philip was son, you’re looking at the Father! (The message being that One Person could be divided into three!) (John 14:8)

    SUBTRACTION – Later on, an angel spoke to Philip and instructed him to go to a certain road and join an Ethiopian eunuch who was riding in a chariot and reading passages in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The Holy Spirit told Philip to aide the eunuch in his interpretation and understanding of the passage he was reading. Since the eunuch was returning to his home in Ethiopia from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he had no doubt heard about the crucification of Jesus, Philip used this opportunity to relate Jesus’ life and fate over the Old Testament scriptures the eunuch was seeking an understanding of. The eunuch received and embraced Philip’s message and asked to be baptized. Philip immediately took him down into the water which was nearby. When they resurfaced, the Holy Spirit supernaturally removed Philip from the scene. (Acts 8:26)

    THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER:

    SPIRITUAL ADDITION VS. SPIRITUAL MULTIPLICATION (This caption and picture is borrowed from Google.)

    Spiritual addition in ministry is when someone wins other people to Christ, but does not disciple, train, and deepen those converts to go out and do likewise. While we will review the biblical basis for spiritual multiplication, for now let it suffice to state that in Matthew 28:18-20, we are commanded to go and make disciples, not simply converts.

    My Prayer For You:

    “Lord God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, and the Multiplier of everything therein, You know me and my capabilities. You also know that I am a sinner saved by grace and the washing of the Blood of Your Son, Christ Jesus. Please touch me as You did Isaiah and his message and You did the Apostle Philip and his understanding. Make my sins disappear and be forgiven and that I will be prepared to be sent out into the world to proclaim the Gospel as one of Your messengers.” Amen and Amen!

    Scripture Lesson: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

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

    God Initiated For Mankind A Day of Independence

    On By SonjaIn Prayers About Freedom, Prayers For Peace2 Comments
    “God Shed His Grace On Thee“

    Based on the title above, I bet you thought that this week’s blog was going to be all about how and why America’s initial Pilgrims and Puritans sought their independence by seceding from Great Britain (England), which was their Mother country.  Well, your assumptions would be partially correct.  But what I really want to blog about is how those events of 1620 and 1630 line up with the word of God and the authority he has imparted to his Son, Jesus Christ, to dispense to his people regarding freedom.

    Prologue…

    On June 7, 1777, select members from the 13 American colonies met at the Continental Congress convened at the Pennsylvania State House to draft a formal statement declaring their independence and freedom from England.  Similar words had already been written in Galatians 5:1 giving all of mankind their independence and freedom in Christ Jesus.

    “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

    In the 1500s after breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church, due to a royal matrimony dispute, England created a new church denomination called the Church of England.  In addition, a royal edict declared that all England had to belong to this new denomination.  God’s word in James 4:7-8 provides guidance to all those who seek godly advice in such matters concerning the heart.

    “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded”.

    Approximately one hundred years later a group of worshipers in England known as Separatists sought to separate themselves from the Church of England so that they could practice their own religious customs freely.  Their leader, William Bradford, was successful in obtaining permission to establish a new colony in Virginia. Therefore, his congregation left England and set sail on the Mayflower in September 1620 for the New World (America).  Hopefully, the mindset of those Pilgrims aligned with the word of God which is written in Psalm 33:12.

    “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”

    Ten years later in 1630, the Puritans, yet another group of reformers seeking religious freedom, readied themselves to leave England.  Basically, they wanted to flee the harsh punishments inflected upon all those who opposed the teachings of the Church of England.  (I have no idea if the Puritans’ incentive was based on this holy word written in Galatians 5:13.)

    “For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

    The Puritans headed out for the New World under the leadership of John Winthrop, with a charter from the Massachusetts Bay Company.  This group of worshippers finally settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  It is recorded in history that this group did believe that God would protect them if they obeyed his laws and commandments.

    Approximately one hundred years later in 1777, the New World (America) had received an influx of new migrants from England, and they had established thirteen colonies along the coastal lands of America.  It was now time for the new settlers to officially gain their independence from the Mother country, Great Britain.

    On June 7, 1777, the Continental Congress met to formulate a document seceding all colonies (in force at that time and in the future) from England’s ownership and rule.  Due to in-house bickering and political disagreements, Congress had to establish a five-man committee to draft a resolution to be agreed upon prior to voting.  The resolution was finally passed and ratified on July 2, 1777.  Hear what the Bible says about legislated freedoms in 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Romans 8:2.

    “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

     In conclusion of this brief American History Lesson, please allow me to draw another quote from the Holy Bible; John 8:36.

    “So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

    THUS, AS A RESULT OF THESE ACTS CHRONICLED ABOVE, A FEW DEVOTED INDIVIDUALS ESTABLISHED THE 4TH OF JULY WHICH HAS BECOME A NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

    Below is a prayer in song for the land and inhabitants of America. Skip the commercials and stand and salute the American flag as you prayerfully listen to the words. Just CLICK the name Kate Smith.

    Kate Smith – God Bless America – 1938 Irving Berlin – YouTube

    Scripture Lesson: “That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:21

    (All Scripture quotes in this blog are from the English Standard Version (ESV).

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

    God Desires For His Disciples To Grow Spiritually

    On By SonjaIn Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For Peace, Prayers For Spiritual Growth11 Comments

    How does one measure spiritual growth?  But to put it more succinctly, how does God measure spiritual growth?  My personal response is based on the Holy Scriptures:

    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
    “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:7 KJV

    You might be tempted to measure spiritual growth with the same yardstick as one would measure personal growth, but you would be ‘dead’ wrong.  I put the word dead in bold letters and single quotes because the duration of our personal lives end in death; but the duration of our spiritual lives live on for eternity!

    Let’s explore this week’s conversation with God a little deeper…

    Earlier this week I received a troubling phone call from a senior friend exclaiming that the Holy Spirit had been troubling her all morning placing me on her mind.  The caller was perplexed and sought through prayer what it was she was to say to me.  My friend said the mental inclination was that she was instructed to give me three scriptures to read and meditate over:  namely, Matthew 18:18, 19 and 20.

              18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you lose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19  “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  20  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

    Now, this form of communication might seem strange to you, but since I, too, experience this kind of interaction with spiritual encounters, I listened to my friend’s telephone message with great enthusiasm.

    So, after our conversation ended, I immediately began to read and search the scriptures to see under what situation/condition these biblical verses were dispensed by Jesus.  This messianic teaching was given to church members who attempted to restore fallen members back into the congregation.  If, after making several unsuccessful attempts to reunite the fallen members to the fold, and they do not listen, then you are to treat them as though they were a pagan or a tax collector.

    Prayerfully, I conversed with the Holy Spirit and inquired what does this scripture message have to do with me. I received this answer:  You will recall that a couple of weeks ago you asked for godly intervention on resolving a disagreement you were having with a family member.  You are to apply these scriptures to your situation and therein you will find the godly answer. 

    The main question according to Matt. 18:15 is whether the ‘sister or brother’ is a member of the Household of Faith and has accepted the sonship of Christ Jesus.  Seemingly, this information is important when counseling the individual in question.  If the individual has accepted Christ as their personal Savior, I am to attempt to agree in conversation with them the teachings of the Lord.  If, however, the individual in question is not a Believer, extend an invitation to them to consider following Christ just as you would a tax collector or pagan.  God alone will judge both performances and lovingly act in both persons best interest…yours and your (temporary) foe.

    Blessed Reassurance…

    This was my first case wherein I received a PERSONAL response from God and had my prayer answered direct from on High.  Words cannot express how blessed I felt to have receive that heavenly telephone call from my friend.  She admitted to me that she did not know under what circumstances she was led to contact me…all she knew was that she could not rest until she had delivered the message.  Hallelujah to her obedience and faithfulness. In other words, God wanted me to continue to grow in finding ways to resolve spiritual matters. Why? Because it is extremely necessary for each and every child of God to grow daily in our spiritual walk, and to increase our faith and to become stronger witnesses in his service.

    My prayer for you and me…  

    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your intervention in this matter. Please direct my steps in turning back to You for direction. I praise You for the prosperity that You have planned for me, for the heavenly future that You have prepared for me and your children. My continued prayer will be that all those persons who still reside out of the ark of safety will hear the Gospel, repent and accept Your invitation to take up the blood-stained banner of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen

    Scripture Lesson: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  Colossians 2:6-7

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