God Instructed This Missionary on Fund Raising

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized8 Comments

Blog- God helps missionaries financially MISSIONARIES ARE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS SENT ABROAD TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Who says the Bible does not instruct missionaries for Jesus Christ on how to perform their ministerial duties for Him.  Well, I’m here to tell you it does!  But first, I want to share with you how God directed my efforts as an international missionary to solicit financial contributions from ordinary people in an informative, sincere, accountable and rewarding way.

When I heard the Call to missions, I did not immediately answer it because I stopped to count the cost.  I began to make all kinds of excuses to God on why I just could not give him a positive response at that time.  But one evening, my spirit was nudged a second time by the Holy Spirit to be obedient and to accept missions as my calling. I had just returned from a church sponsored mission trip to Zambia.  My memories of the poverty, the people’s quest for god-knowledge, their love of sharing their meager possessions and their faces of hope tugged at my heart strings.  I had no other choice but to cry out, ‘Lord, I yield, I yield.  I surrender myself to Thee!’

Shortly thereafter, I heard the Lord say in a conversation with me, “My dear child, for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many”.  Mark 10:45

Well, needless to say, I jumped in with both feet.  I purposed in my heart to go forth once a year to every nation carrying the gospel. My intentions were good, my message was god-centered, my guides, organizations and fellow travelers were all men and women of faith in God.

I was led by the Holy Spirit to sell my laundry mat establishment, relocate to a new city, join a new church, volunteer for international mission-orientated organizations, enroll in a few international missionary courses and began working as an all around card-carrying volunteer in my calling.  All went well for about 8 years. Then something happened.  My expense money began to run out.  Each previously annual mission trip abroad had cost me in excess of $5,000.

Fear struck me.  I became aware that I would not be able to keep my promise to God on a retiree’s budget.  I agonized over the situation.  I prayed and read my Bible for solace.  Never the less, I was still forlorn and troubled.  Then once again God conversed with me on the subject and reminded me of several scriptures: “As (you) go forth to proclaim (My) salvation day after day to the nations…(you) cannot become weary.” Paraphrased from Psalm 96:1-3.  And again; “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”  Psalm 121:8.  And again;  “But God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19.

So, I became creative in my quest to continue my work for the Lord and my efforts took wings.  I received God’s messages and re-committed myself to His calling on my life..

Now, here is a message the scriptures have for you, found in 2nd Corinthians 8:10-15:  We should give our (time, talents and money) out of a sense of stewardship and not ownership.  As stated in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.  God requires us to give according to what you can afford to help relieve the suffering of the less fortunate.  In other words, God does not put you on a guilt trip.  He does not intend for you to become one of the ‘needy’ merely because you have over extended yourself in your desire to please Him.

Below is a sample of a Newsletter I sent out requesting financial support for an overseas mission trip. You will notice it begins by my thanking those for past support and it ends with exciting information on where in the world I will be going next.

Good evening, dear friends and prayer partners, who have in the past shown me considerable kindness and generous support as I continue walking in His grace and mercy while striving to live out my sincere promise to minister to the abandon and homeless children in orphan homes around the world.

As you may know, with the Lord on my side, I have been faithful in my duties to walk worthy and to seek an understanding in the ways of our Lord as He ministers to the lost and forsaken through persons like me and others who volunteer their time, talent and services.

As I review my travel exploits through the eyes of Jesus, I have learned that it does not matter if the country we visit does or does not practices Christianity, because God always supernaturally shows up in various ways.

(Here is where I describe my last mission trip with photos and interesting happenings.)

In closing this latest Newsletter, I would like to share with you where and when my next short mission trip will take me.  God willing, on (date) I, along with other missionaries will be traveling to (name country) for 15 days.  Because this country is not a Christian nation, we will be teaching English as a second language, supplying clothing, shoes, medicines, gifts for caregivers and officials and personal hygiene supplies   The flight will be long and the finances required for this mission voyage is well over $5,000.  With God’s provisions, the balance I owe is only ($___).  This balance is due within the next few weeks.

If you are so inclined to assist me financially on this worthwhile mission journey, please use the enclosed self addressed envelope as the Lord directs you.  Please make your tax deductible check donation payable to the organization on the return envelope and write my name and trip number in the memo line.  You can also text me of your action so that I can follow up with the organization and make sure you get your receipt and I get credit.  

Thank you for your prayers for peace in this world and your generous contribution in the service of the Lord.

This has been an informative blog for all those persons contemplating serving the Lord in the mission field whether at home or abroad.  I loved performing mission duties but now I mostly serve here in the states due to aging.  Please lift me up in prayer so that I may be on the battle field for the Lord until traveling days are over.  Amen!

Scripture Lesson:  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  I Peter 4:10

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

God Invites Us To Come

On By SonjaIn Godly Living and Maturing, Prayers For Spiritual Growth4 Comments

All of my life, God has been tenderly calling me to come.

(This is an updated re-blog of a true event in my life that helped me to consummate my relationship with the Lord.)

Today is the first day of the rest of my life!  And life (especially eternal life) comes from the Son of God…Christ Jesus and what He did on the cross!

When I was a child, growing up in the church back in Illinois, one of my favorite Sunday School songs was “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling Thee Home,” by Fanny Crosby a blind Methodist hymn writer.  My sister and I used to sing that song in two part harmony.  We were pretty good, too, if I must say so myself.

Although, my family was Baptist, my sister and I and our father used to perform gospel music in a variety of other denominational churches in our town upon their invitations.  Dad also sang bass in his men’s octet group called the Benevolent Gospel Singers.  Their group performances were somewhat famous because they secured a contract to broadcasted locally for fifteen minutes on WDAN Radio station every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.   I remember walking down the dusty roads in our town on Sunday mornings, heading to Church with my siblings on a bright and sunny day, while listening to the 8-part harmony of the booming male voices of the Benevolent Gospel Singers. You could also hear them slapping their thighs as they metered out the rhythm.

Two people on their way to Church on a Sunday morning.

How was that possible you might ask more than seventy years ago.  Well I’ll tell you.  All the houses along the street in the neighborhood had their doors and windows open to collect the warm summer breeze and as my family walked along the sidewalks towards the Church we could  hear the voices of my dad and the other men blasting aloud from the radios of our neighbors all the way to church.  The music would be coming from their home radios.  I want you to visualize 5 little children jumping and strutting along to the rhythm of the gospel songs.   Happy as a lark.  Strutting to the beat or our dad as the Good Lord invited us to come and be a part of His family. What precious memories I have of those childhood days.

 Children on their way to Sunday School

The Holy Spirit Called Me a Second Time…

You see, not only was God calling me from the doorways and windows of houses as a child, but when I grew up, He was also calling me from the jitterbug floor of my favorite nightclub.   As a young adult in Motown (Detroit, Mi.), one Saturday evening a few of my girlfriends and I went out for a night of dancing.  We stayed out late and into the wee mourning hours. We had a good time.  The next day was Sunday and I had to be at church because I was the church clerk and had to read the weekly announcements to the awaiting congregation.

While sitting in the pew and bidding my turn to speak, the Sister sitting next to me kept  turning towards me and sniffing me.  Finally, she whispered, my sister, you smell like smoke!  Fear ran through me and I started to tremble.  (The night before, at the club, everybody was smoking cigarettes and that smoke was in my hair.  (For the record, I was not smoking.) Although I had bathed in preparation of Church, I did not have time to wash my hair.  My perfume and hair spray was no disguise!  But what was more frighting, I heard a silent-still-small voice say; ‘You cannot serve two masters.’  Now I realize that God was calling me even then.

Ooops! You smell like smoke!

Okay.  So I have been very transparent with my readers today and do you know why?….because what God was actually conversing with me was this message…Come as you are but don’t stay as you are.  You know the scripture verse: “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” I Corinthians 13:11)

Please pray for me that I will forever be on the battle field for the Lord. And I will do likewise for you. Amen!

Scripture Lesson: “And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come; and he who is hearing — let him say, Come; and he who is thirsting — let him come; and he who is willing — let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

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

 

God Showed Me Agape Love…Jesus Christ

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized6 Comments

                       Click to hear “Love Lifted Me” by Alan Jackson

Come and go with me down memory lane.  I have soooo much to be grateful for.  This morning God reminded me that although I was once young, but now that I am old, I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor my seed begging bread. (Psalm 37:25)

How about you?  Did you wake up this morning with God on your mind?  Did you allow him to have a little talk with you before you started your day?  All I want to know is this,  did you count your blessings this morning.

Well I did!

And because I did, that is…count my blessings…I changed my ‘Good morning prayer’ to the Lord.  Instead of asking Jesus to bless my family, friends and those He would put in my path today, I implored Him to receive my gratitude for allowing me to be an instrument of His love today.  For trusting me to go forth and to represent Him today.  To seeing fit for my family, friends and others to call me to let me know they feel my prayers and concerns for their wellbeing.  I thanked Him for putting that childhood song in my heart as a reminder of when…

“I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore.

Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;

But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me.  Yes, Agape love lifted me.  When nothing else could help…

Image result for love lifted me images

         LOVE LIFTED ME”    Pix For Music Notes Clip Art Free  Amen!

So, this morning was my time to reflect, to let go, and to let God do the talking.  He continued by reminding me of how he had snatched me out of moving traffic on a busy highway when my car stalled.  He reminded me of how he had saved my brother from sustaining mortal wounds from the Vietnam war.  He reminded me of how he had consoled my aches and pains during troubling times.  And he reminded me of how he had snatched me from the pulpit area where I was standing on holy ground in the form of a counterfeit Christian…still holding on to unconfessed sins.  (That was when I spared your life, he whispered!)

Processed with VSCOcam with g3 preset

Don’t you know, my Child, that the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.  You have acted foolishly in (a lot of ways during your lifetime.  And indeed, for a long time you have been at war with your choices.) (The emphasis in parenthesis are mine.) (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Yes, My Lord.  And now, thank you because you have opened my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.  (Psalm 119:18)

But thanks be to God, He closed our conversational time together with these words:

“For such as be blessed of him (God) shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good (wo)man are ordered by the LORD: and He delights in his/her way. Though (s)he falls, (s)he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholds him/her with His hand.  (Psalm 37:22-24)

Scripture Lesson:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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

God’s Word Reveals How To Be A ‘Christ-centered’ Tolerant Person

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized3 Comments

Blog - God's WordDefines 'Tolerance - Key

The Key That Unlocks Indifferences and Intolerances

How many keys does your keychain hold?  Do you know which key unlocks which door?  Did you know that love is the key that unlocks the door to becoming more Christ-like and tolerant towards others?

To help you remember that last sentence, your assignment for this week is to purchase seven plastic keys with chains and seven small red hearts.  Then pray about finding seven people (friends, family members or even strangers) who appear to be in need of ‘some lovin’ and prayers.  Offer them a key/heart chain set like the one in the photo.  Pray for them on the spot and let them know what door the key unlocks and that God loves them.  Invite them to get to know Someone who can help them be triumphant over whatever trial and/or tribulation they are facing.  Let them know that whenever they touch their key chain, they are opening a door that accesses a God who cares.

The reason I am asking you to pray first before approaching anyone is because the Holy Spirit wants to be allowed to lead you to people who are holding prejudices against others.  Cover them in prayer with God’s blessing and move on.  Yes, God’s word teaches tolerance BUT with limitations.  Allow the Holy Spirit to do the revealing.   That’s why laws were made!  Laws were made to give instructions on how to legally operate under rules and regulations.  In other words, laws are our guide.  Trust the Holy Spirit to be your Guide and to do his job!  Never condone an action that Jesus rebuked.

Blog-God on tolerance card pic

Note on card reads:  “One day you will learn how to give and receive love like an open window and it will feel like summer every day.”  The Apostle Paul says it better in Philippians 4:12-13.  And this scripture is in reference to both Paul’s physical needs and his social relationships.

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (*See Note below)

So remember, Love should be displayed when compromising, BUT not to the degree of  indecency.   In accordance with the Love chapter in I Corinthians 13:3-5, “Love does not behave indecently.” Also,  “Who ever practices vile things hates the light (of truth).  Matthew 23:13-14

The Lord closed our conversational time together with these wise words:  Those churches who tolerate counterfeit members must consider instituting godly standards which are outlined in I Corinthians 5:11-13.  Basically, remove the person(s), from any prominent position in the church, but allow that person to return to his position once he or she has repented and changed their ways.  See Ezekiel 18:23 and Proverbs 1:33.

P.S.  You might need to keep one of the key/heart chains for yourself if you are harboring any intolerances or prejudices against anyone.   I’m just sayin’! 

*Note:  (Life for the Apostle Paul and Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was NOT ‘no crystal stair’.  They had to know when to accept a person’s actions and when to call them out!  They had to submit to both tolerance and intolerance of other’s behavior.  They knew how to suffer rejection, disrespect, being lied on, beaten, prison and eventually killed!  They trusted wholeheartedly in the aide of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in this spiritual battle, you must do likewise.   To read more on this subject, read last week’s blog.)

Scripture Lesson:  “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God:  and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”  Ezekiel 18:23

“…but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”  Proverbs 1:33

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

God Has A Plan and A Remedy For Wounded Warriors

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized10 Comments
                                                                                                 Graphics Balloons  
                                               Release Your Dilemmas

How many suggestions have you received from well-meaning friends, lecturers, gurus, media or family members and counselors advising you to write down your pain on a piece of paper and then burning it or just throwing it away?  I personally have suggested that a person jot down their mental dilemmas on a piece of paper, stuff it into a helium balloon, go outside and release it into the air.

(One female participant in the exercise swore that a stubborn balloon that refused to catch an air wave and ascend upward, struggled unsuccessfully to return to earth and to occupy her mind-set again.  She said that it was only after she screamed at it and called on Heaven’s angels to command it to flee, that she was victorious in ridding herself of her demons.) …I would say that was a serious Sister!

So, my question is; whichever method you deployed, to rid yourself of worrying, did it work?

God has a plan!

For Christians, the Holy Bible is a road map on just how we should handle fretting, worrying, anxieties and pity-parties.  Listed below are just a few scripture references:

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop:  but a good word maketh it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalms 55:22
“Cast all of your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

 

Honestly, no matteBlog-God Has A Plan for Worryingr how much you pray, quote or memorize those scriptures, unfortunately it’s hard to banish intrusive and negative thoughts from your mind.  But fortunately, there is a way you can tackle and flip your fears into compliance that leads to a positive solace

First, let’s examine the mantra of a children’s bedtime story about a little engine that could.  If my memory serves me right it was, “I think I can…I think I can!”  Now, is that your mantra or is your motto, “If something can go wrong, it probably will”?

Let’s kill Kill-Roy!

The latter kind of catastrophic thinking is deadly and depletes your mental resources of embracing any positive turn of events.  I’m certain you have heard all the above rationales before concerning how to curtail worrying, but what about those negative and crippling memories that you have forgotten you buried?  Those are the culprits I want to address.  Why?  Because nine out of ten times, baptized believers are guilty of clandestinely bringing those types of silent unresolved issues into the church body and wreaking havoc within the congregation clandestinely.

God enlightened me at VBS

Recently, during my adult Vacation Bible School class, I heard the teacher refer to these types of church members as  ‘wounded warriors’.  He also taught that there was hope for these struggling saints who unknowingly fostered resentment and pain against others.  The teacher compared their situation with Christ Jesus’, Who was also a Wounded Warrior, but in a much more productive and positive way.

The biggest burden for Christ Jesus, mankind’s Supreme Warrior, was ‘The Hour‘.  Also referred to as ‘My Hour’, or ‘The time’.  Jesus was fixated on getting the timing right, the place right, the reassurance confirmed that this was exactly the sacrificial act  His Father wanted Him to perform.  The heavy burdens and cares that Jesus Christ bore were all for somebody else…US!  The suppressed burdens we carry are often malices against ourselves and/or others.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

The example Christ Jesus gave me in our conversation about this subject was an incident He had with His Mother.  ‘When My Mother worries, my child, I worry.  And there was a time when She was afraid that a party We attended would run out of wine.  ALL I HAD TO DO TO DEFUSE THE MATTER WAS TO TURN THE PHYSICAL (6 jars of water) INTO MY CLEANSING BLOOD (sweet wine).  All everybody in attendance had to do was to draw from it and drink!  For My yoke is easy and My burdens are light!’  (Matthew 11:30)

In conclusion

As I said earlier, most of us don’t even realize we are carrying old unresolved baggage in our hearts and minds.  I implore you to find a quiet and safe place where you can go to center yourself and have a little talk with Jesus.  Ask Him to reveal your ‘wrinkles’, your bumps and bruises, your idiosyncrasies from your childhood to the present day.  Find two or three friends who you can confide in and who know how to call on the Name of Jesus, and who you have heard confess intimate situations in their lives.  In other words, find some ‘healed‘ wounded warriors to walk with you.  For where two or three are gathered, in the Lord’s Name, He is in the midst.  (Matthew 15:20)

God requires more of us than just to except justice, be merciful and love kindness.

Follow these three steps, remember Jesus’ Mother’s dilemma and you will be operating in God’s plan with a remedy:

  1. Look up:  Engage the Holy Spirit and repent.
  2. Look inward:  Guard your personal wellbeing by confessing Jesus Christ and employing His teachings.
  3. Look outward:  After you have been set free, help your community of sojourners find their inner strength.

Scripture Lesson:  “Let your gentleness be apparent to all.  The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:5-7

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

 

GOD IS CALLING YOU…WILL YOU ANSWER?

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized3 Comments

                            https://youtu.be/y7yN6QtedHc (Click to view) (*)

Sometimes when God (Jesus) wants to converse with a person He calls their name twice.  For example, “Moses! Moses!” (Ex 3:4) or “Martha! Martha!” (Lk 10:41), or Simon! Simon! (Lk 22:31) or “Samuel! Samuel!” (1 Samuel 3:10).  Why is that? Could it be because God wants their undivided attention?  Or perhaps it’s because God wants to impart a truth/revelation that impacts the entire universe of people.  OR IS IT BECAUSE OTHERS ARE CALLING OUR NAME, TOO, AND GOD WANTS TO SEE IF WE RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE AND WILL ANSWER HIS CALL?

I, personally believe it is the latter.

Let’s take a closer look at the calling of Moses.  In Exodus 3:4 we read:  “God called to him from the bush and said, Moses, Moses, and Moses said, ‘Here I Am’.”  How does those sentences actually read to you?  Is Moses saying to the ‘voice’ here I am over here OR, over here…I Am!

I bet none of you chose the latter expression.  That’s because when the scriptures were translated from the Greek to the King James Bible the English punctuation marks were incorporated…sometimes mistakenly or in error or not at all.

God, however, rejoiced to hear that Moses recognized just Who it was that was calling him.  Well, maybe not altogether…but at least Moses used God’s real Name…I AM.

Let’s continue with God’s conversation with Moses in Exodus 3:5.  “Do not draw away.  Take your shoes from your feet, for the place were you stand is holy ground.”

Through my in depth conversations with God using scriptures, here is how He has interpreted the above verse for me.  ‘Moses, concentrate on this moment only, fear not.  Remove from your mind all other distracting thoughts.  You have truly recognized Me by the power of the Holy Spirit and your total being is holy ground.’

[As an aside thought, did not Jesus have a similar conversation with Nicodemus one night?  Nick was not born of the Spirit, therefore he could not see God, nor did he know God’s real Name.  Nick addressed Jesus as Rabbi!  The very presence of the burning bush (fire) indicated that Moses was full of the Holy Spirit!!!  Thus Moses knew who God was because he had been drawn from the water and was now communing with Fire!  Jesus had to inform Nick that a man MUST be born of water and the Spirit!  And this feat does not require the womb.]

(I know this is heavy stuff and to some, even far fetched, but I’m led by the Holy Spirit…not man.)

Now please allow me to digress a little bit more.  Many of us have said, ‘When I get to heaven, I’m going to ask God why……..(fill in the blank with your question).  Well, during this conversation between God and Moses, Moses did not have to wait until eternity to question God.  Moses was meeting face to face with God and he was not taking any chances.  Moses knew that lessor gods could also perform supernatural feats and since that bush was not being consumed by fire, Moses wanted to make sure that it was the work of the Almighty.  Moses also wanted his God to proclaim His identify for Himself.

IF YOU, TOO, WILL LOOK AT THIS BIBLICAL INCIDENT THROUGH A NEW LENSE, YOU MIGHT ALSO COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL ETERNITY TO ASK GOD ABOUT THINGS THAT TROUBLE YOU DOWN HERE ON EARTH.  WHENEVER YOU RECOGNIZE THE CALL…HEAR HIS VOICE…BE IN HIS PRESENCE…JUST A-S-K HIM ANYTHING THAT SO EASILY BESETS YOU!!!!

Then answer His Call!

But first, make absolute sure you are communing with the Heavenly Father of all Creation.  Also begin to preference your thoughts with the Names of God.  Not the names that man gives to occupations.  (For God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.  John 4:24)

Don’t take any chances of the enemy slipping in.  Even when you respond to the question of what is your name.  Say, I AM _________ (fill in your name here).   That way you cover yourself with the Blood of Jesus.  Stop saying, ‘My name is ________.’  (This phrase denotes a nomenclature that man gave you.)

My Conversion and Response to the Call

Jesus called my name many, many yeas ago.  I almost missed it.  God called me by a name nobody had ever referred to me as…God called me ‘SOUGHT OUT’.  (Isaiah 62:12).  Like Moses in the video referenced at the beginning of this blog, I rolled my eyes to the left and to the right.  I looked over my shoulder, I glanced upward.  Like Samuel, I went through my house asking everybody and anybody if they had called me.  (1 Samuel 3:8).  Finally I turned to the Great I AM.

“It is I,” the Lord said in my heart…Then I replied, “Speak, Lord, thy servant is listening.”   “You have been Sought Out to do my bidding,” the Father replied.  (The rest is history!)

Yes, I answered the call!  And my fervent prayer is that one day He will say, “Well done, my beloved.  You have been faithful over a few things, now enter through the gates of Glory and take a seat beside Moses, Martha, Simon and Samuel.”  AMEN.

(*) Note:  The book Moses and the Burning Bush can be purchased on Amazon                              The Youtube video is 1:47

Scripture Lesson:  “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God Requires Us To Do Some Research

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized13 Comments

Try to find the fifteen bible book titles in the story below

Today, my name is Mrs. Sherlock Holmes.  Let’s pretend that I am the wife of Mr. Holmes, who was a fictional character created by a Scottish writer named Arthur Conan Doyle.  My husband first appeared in a novel as a “consulting detective” in 1887.
I, personally, appeared on the scene as a “consulting detective” in 1965 when the Holy Spirit queried me on my relationship with the Father.  (Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you?  Acts 19:15).

Even though I was young and inexperienced, many parishioners, laypeople, bible teachers, family, friends and seminar students sort me out to debate or converse with me concerning things of the bible.  And if I did not know or have a biblically based answered, I would research it and get back with them later.  A majority of the time, the Holy Spirit was with me and my response settled the matter.
Unlike Sherlock, I am not a fictional character, but I do have a Creator.  His Name is God.  He first appeared on the scene before anything was.  In other words, He was in the Beginning.
It was during those early years in ’65 I was infusing my spirit with bible knowledge, head knowledge, and methods and mannerisms from my pastor who was a gifted preacher, teacher and researcher of God’s holy word.  Those times of sacrifice have served me well.
So, are you ready to challenge yourself and play Bible Wordspector and search the bible story below to spy out fifteen names of Bible book titles listed from both the Old and New Testaments.
I have given you the results below to check your answers.  Whether you find all 15 titles or just a few, let this be an opportunity for you to have a little conversation with God and ask him to increase your efforts/desire to get to know him better by reading, meditating and memorizing his holy word through scriptures.
 
THE BIBLE
 
 
 
Once   some   remarks   were   made   about   hidden   books   of   the   bible.
It   was   a   lulu.   Kept   some   people   looking   so   hard   for   facts   and
studying   for   the   revelations   they   were   in   a   jam,   especially   since
the   books   were   not   capitalized,   but   the   truth   finally   struck   numbers
of   our   readers.   To   others   it   was   a   real   job.   We   want   it   to   be
a   most   fascinating   few   minutes   for   you.   Yes   there   will    be   some
that   are   easy   to   spot.  Others   may   require   judges   to   determine.
We   must   also   admit,   it   usually   takes   a   minute   to   find   one   and
there   will   be   loud   lamentations,   when   you   realize   how   simple   it   is.
One   little   lady   says   she   brews   coffee   while  she   puzzles   her   brain.
There   are   fifteen   bible   books.   G O O D    H U N T I N G
 (Read each word separately and find and connect the letters to form Titles)
Mark                 Luke              Kings               Acts     Revelations        James              Ruth         Numbers           Job                Amos            Esther          Judges      Titus       Lamentations       Hebrews

Hopefully, this exercise will help you to become more diligent in the service of the Lord.  By earnestly applying yourself to the knowledge of the contents of the Bible, you will not have to be ashamed when you stand before your Maker.  I therefore encourage you to become an approved workman, correctly dividing the word of Truth.

Scripture Lesson:  “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

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

God Said Enough, Already!

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Just suppose God were to have a temper tantrum…

Act One

(Hoards of people are stampeding out of the coliseum.  The Main speaker, God, is having a temper tantrum.  All hell is breaking loose.)

“No more letters,” God shouts!  “I’ve had it!  These people make me sick!  Their comments suck!!!”  “WordPress, I’m cancelling my blog…I mean, my Bible!  These fools wont listen! So enough, already.  And out goes my computer!”

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Act Two

First, thank God for Act Two…AND OF COURSE, GOD WOULD NEVER, EVER ACT IN THIS MANNER.  THAT IS, AT LEAST NOT UNTIL JUDGEMENT DAY.

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Act Three

Get your act together people!!!…Here’s how:

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Act  Four

Start reading, discerning and praying about all the many Christian blogs that are published on WordPress.  Follow the ones you like best and are dispensing the truth about God’s business and his holy Word.  Leave a comment every now and again.  Share your experiences.  Pray.  Shout.  Cry.  Laugh.  Give.  Rejoice.  Love.  Discern.  Smile.  Forgive.  Hope.  Confess.  Repent.  Praise.  Humble. Release.  Go.  Be.  Do.  Live.  Embrace.  Receive.  Converse.  Proclaim.  Witness.  Fellowship.  Allow the word of God to penetrate your total being.  And if that’s not enough…

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Act Five

                                                        Trust in the Lord (Lyrics)

                                 Just Click, listen and rock a little and be Blessed!
                                               Trust in the Lord (Lyrics)
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Scripture Lesson:  “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

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

                                                            

 

 

God Thwarts Off Potentially Dangerous Situations, Unanimously

On By SonjaIn Uncategorized3 Comments

                             Could this man be a “Leather-faced” Angel?

What’s your perspective about miracles?  Has anything supernaturally happened in your life?  Do you equate a person’s demeanor, lifestyle, or beliefs to the manner in which our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ dispenses His favor?  What’s your take on just pure Lady Luck?

Well, this week’s blog is another true story about a family I  worshipped with a few years ago.  Their names have been altered for security reasons, but the facts are true and worth retelling low these many years later.

Plus, its my way of letting you know that God searches his earth day and night seeking someone to converse with, to bless and to save.  He truly stands at the door and knocks, hoping that because there is no door knob on his side, you will let him come in and sup with you.  (Revelations 2:20)

My personal godly chit-chats over my lifetime in his service have been awesome and from time to time I will continue to blog about them.  But since I also like to write and to interview others, it is my hope that you will also enjoy reading about total strangers who may or may not realize the handiwork of our true Father in Heaven as he desires to direct their lives.  For as you know, when you open the door it can and will provide both opportunities and adversaries that will necessitate his intervention.

So, with the expressed permission of Barry and Glenda McFarland (not their real names), below is my church newsletter article of their encounter with a man Barry refers to as the “Leather-faced” angel.

 Separately, over the past few weeks, I approached Barry and Glenda somewhere in the halls of the church, to find out if they would be interested to re-tell an interesting and inspiring but potentially deadly incident that had happened to their family back in 1993.

I knew of this incident because at the time it happened, Barry was walking around the church in a state of shock and amazement sharing the experience with anyone who would listen.  After hearing his story, I pondered it for a few days, than placed it in the back of my mind.  However, I never really forgot it.  So when I needed a second article for the church’s newsletter, I began my hunt for the McFarlands.

I found Barry a few Saturdays ago in the rear choir room.  He was taking a breather between his counseling meeting with some single parents of the church and the youth department’s rehearsal for the puppet ministry.  It did not take long for Minister McFarland to close his eyes and conjure up images of what had happened that early autumn mourning in October 1993.

“I remember distinctly, it was Men’s Day at the church on October 10th, our son Joshua was two years old; and when we got to church some brothers were here from Redland Baptist Church talking to us men trying to get us to forge a partnership in ministry.  But I am getting ahead of myself.

“At home, about 6:00 a.m. that Sunday mourning, I was awakened by a tremendously loud bang on my front door.  Glenda and Joshua were asleep.  ‘Bang.’ ‘Bang.’ ‘Bang.’  The sound came again and again.  Each knock more furious than the last.  I jumped up, grabbed by shot gun and ran down stairs.

“FIRE! Everybody out!” the voice on the other side of the door was shouting.  There’s no fire in here, I thought.  With one hand I grabbed the front door knob to open it and with the other hand I tossed the shotgun over onto the love seat.  I yanked opened the door.  A leather-faced short man was standing there.  ‘What do you mean, fire. There’s no firrr…’ ‘Ping!’  ‘Ping!’ went the sound of breaking glass behind me.  I turned to investigate the noise, but when I quickly looked back at my leather-faced stranger, he was gone!

“My gawd, how could he have gotten off the porch and across the cul de sac that quickly.  No time to hunt for him now.  I bound up the stairs calling for Glenda to get up and get the baby.  Let’s get out of here.  The house is on fire!  We all got outside safely and just as we got into the family car and was backing down the drive way, the County Fire Department was running across our front yard with water hoses.  You see, the Fire Department is next door to our house.

action-adult-fire-266403

“Where is the fire?” one of the firemen asked us as we passed him in the driveway.  We could all see the curtains at the back of the house ignite and hear glass breaking.  The firemen ran around back and the flames were shooting up the rear of the house just below Joshua’s window.

“Thanks to the quick actions of the Fire Department, the flames only did exterior damage and only smoke damage to the interior.  Yet how the fire started remained a mystery.  “How do you think the fire started, Mr. McFarland?” asked the fireman.  ‘I have no idea’, I said.  ‘It’s true we barbequed yesterday, but as you can see, the grille is yards away from the house near the back fence.’  “Well, how did you know there was a fire?” was the fireman’s next question.  ‘Some short leather-faced man knocked on our door and awakened us, but he disappeared.’

“‘By the way, how did the Fire Department know that my house was on fire?’ I asked.  “Some man stuck his head in the front door of the fire station and yelled that there was a fire next door.  When we ran to investigate, we didn’t see anybody, but saw flames coming from the back of your house,” replied the fireman.

At this point, I interrupted Barry and asked if he thought the leathered faced man was his guardian angel.  Barry’s response was, I don’t know about no guardian angel, all I know and this is real clear…that my Father who is in heaven is looking down on me and my family and he keeps watch over us both day and night.

At the beginning of this blog, I asked you 4 questions.  I am now ready to share with you my personal answers to those 4 questions:  Yes, I believe in miracles; yes, numerous supernatural events have happened to me; no, I do not equate who a person is to whether or not he/she receives God’s favor; and no, I do not believe in luck!

HERE’S WHAT CAME OUT OF MY CONVERSATION(*) WITH GOD AS HE EXPLAINED THE MATTER…..

There are just too many references in scripture where the Word explains how God will and has ‘snatched’ someone, as a burning stick, out of the fire.  (See Jude 1:22; Amos 4:11; Zechariah 3:2; 1 Corinthians 3:15)

In our churches and Christian places of worship today, there are all kinds of false teachers, shepherds, leaders, prophets and prophetess, preachers and overseers that are either intentionally, by persuasion or through ignorance perverting the Truth concerning the Gospel.  In most cases, the congregation is innocent and are being duped into these false accusations.  Within the family of God are souls seeking divine intervention as to whether or not to become a follower, an apostle, a teacher or any of the other gifts of ministry.  They are desperately in need of leaders who are true contenders of the faith.

And because there are not enough of us brave and informed souls to warn or thwart off a potentially dangerous situation within the walls of the sanctuary, God himself has to step in and ‘snatch’ the innocent out of the fire by sending a ‘leather-faced’ angel to rescue us out of harms way.  Furthermore, God will say to those false teachers after he has changed their garments, “If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.”  Zechariah 3:7b

 

(*) Note: …came out of searching the scriptures to see what God has already said regarding this matter.

Scripture Lesson:  “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 

“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear–hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”  Jude 1:20-23

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

God Answers Formal And Informal Prayers

On By SonjaIn How To Witness To Others, Mankind's Relationship With God3 Comments

This morning was a day for me to thank God for answered prayer.

“Oh, to be free, to be completely unattached…what wondering I would do.  I would travel to far off places and visit cities anew.  I would live in a dream world and pretend to be a queen who ruled over all the lands, all the people and all the seas. But, Bah! tis nothing but fantasy with no depth, nether reason, nor cause…because truly I am satisfied just the way things are.”

So for this week, I’ve started my blog with a stanza from a poem I wrote many, many years ago.  In those days I was young and my hair was still black and my limbs operated on my cue.  Those days are far spent.  And my worldview has also matured from fantasy to realism and Truth.

“Nevertheless, something in side me keeps crying out aloud…seek love, adventure and excitement and you will thereby obtain power.”

Listen, readers, I learned a long time ago to transfer my dependence from myself into the ever loving arms of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I’ve become the queen in His court, and the apple of His eye.  What gives me such assurance?  The main fact that He answers my prayers either through conversations with Him or by osmosis.  He also causes other human beings to unknowingly relay His messages to me.  And when I put my thinking cap on, I can remember Him using birds, weather, radio and TV commentators and shooting stars to convey His messages to me.

“For then a swelling in your breast will come from joys you’ve never known, as you gaze out upon the world and turn its love into songs.  But, Bah! tis nothing but fantasy with no depth, nether reason, nor cause…because truly I am satisfied just the way things are.”

Yes, in my youth, I kept saying that I was satisfied…but was I.  My family and friends labeled me as a dreamer.  Always thinking of lofty aspirations.  Keep your feet on the ground they all warned.  Remember where you come from.  Get your head out of the clouds.  You’re going to end up just like us.  Living right here in this hick town, getting married and having babies.  OH, but have I surprised them!  I KNOW SOMEBODY!!!

“Yes, because life is not always a pleasure, it causes many persons to dream.  To manufacture make-believe of which things they hold high in esteem.  But Bah! tis nothing but fantasy with no depth, nether reason, nor cause…because truly I am satisfied just the way things are.”

I no longer have to recite that poem I wrote all those many years ago because this one thing I have learned.  My God heard my plea and felt my desire for something greater than what I was living at the time.  He alone understood that Whom I was seeking was Him!  My God finally knitted my will and my heart together and caused me to recognize His proposal.  “Come unto to me  He beckoned me…..”

So now, instead of daydreaming, I have learned to pray and to call on my Savior not only for my hopes and dreams but also for my fears and desires for others.  He has caused me to take my mind off of myself and to embrace life in a much broader worldview.  It’s not all about me.  Its about serving and giving and helping and caring for others.

My God is Real.  He lives within my soul.  Surely, while He was on the cross I was on His mind.  Our conversations get sweeter and sweeter every day.  I see my prayers for my family answered.  I see my prayers for the orphan children I ministered to while on international mission trips become a reality.  (Once I personally met a Russian teenager who had been adopted and brought to Dallas.  I was shopping at Walmart and by happenstance we met and began to talk. She shared how the Lord had placed her with a couple who wanted to adopt a teenager.  I had just been to St. Petersburg on a mission trip and had prayed for the teenagers who had ‘aged’ out of orphanage care.  The Lord allowed me to see His intervention in this situation.  Hallelujah!)

Earlier this morning I received a phone call from my sister exclaiming how our brother had called her and conversed with her as though their riff had never happened.  On another occasion, recently, a severe storm passed over an area in Oklahoma that I was praying for on behalf of a friend’s family who lived there and was in harms way.

I could go on and on witnessing to you how and in what diverse ways God answers prayers.  But I trust you already know them and have tried Him for yourself.  Its true, God responds to our prayers basically in three ways: Yes! No! and Wait!  All I want to say is this;  HE IS NEVER LATE…BUT ALWAYS ON TIME!  AMEN.

Blog God Answers Prayer

So, in summary,  wait on the Lord to answer you. Wait at His door with your prayers; wait at His feet with humility; wait at His table with service and thanksgiving; wait at His window with expectancy that He will open it and pour out many blessings.  Through it all, WAIT.  

 

Scripture Lesson: “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”Psalm 27:14.

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