In early December, 1996, while preparing an adult Sunday School lesson from the book, “Good News For Single Folks“, by Dr. Jeremiah Wright, the Holy Spirit spoke to me. It seemed as though I was being hindered from developing my outline because I was starting from the wrong premise.

As I poised my pen to cross out yet another sentence for the umpteenth time, I hesitated. I felt in my spirit someone was calling my name. In a whisper I said, ‘Speak Lord.’ Immediately, I was led to Look up the New Testament scripture in Luke 19:10:

“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

With trepidation, I asked the Holy Spirit what exactly was it that was lost and how does it apply to singles. Again, I was led to read several scriptures in Genesis 3:21-24. There it is written all of the provisions and disciplines God administered to ‘fallen’ mankind.

• We were now to be clothed in garments of skin because we had lost our glorified bodies.
• We now knew good from evil, thus we lost our innocence. Therefore we have no excuse.
• Our minds became befuddled and we didn’t know what was good for us. In other words, we lost our freedom of choice.
• Death was ushered in and we lost eternal life.
• We were banished from the Garden and lost our eternal home and all the luxuries that went with it.
• And finally, because of the Guardian Angels with the flaming swords, we lost easy access to the Way. God placed stumbling blocks in our paths.

Once again, I humbled myself and asked the Lord what does this have to do with singles? The Holy Spirit said to me, “Tell the class that because of the acts of the first couple, (Adam and Eve), the sanctity of marriage was also abridged. Divorce and unfaithfulness were imminent. But the Good News is Jesus Christ. He is the Bridegroom who would never be unfaithful to his God nor his bride.”

So, in his sweet communion time with me, Jesus put forth this proposition in a still small voice…”Since married couples are considered single in my Father’s eyes (and the two shall be one), and single people are already single, tell everybody in your Sunday School class to marry me! Let’s elope before you have time to get lost again.”

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How many readers who visit this weekly blog can spiritually define a person, place or thing that can be classified as a sanctuary? First, in order to attempt to respond to the question a person would have to know the scope of the inquiry…and Who is doing the asking: a mortal or immortal person.

Since lots of things can be classified as sanctuaries, don’t forget to individually specify sacred domains occupied by humans, animals, insects, birds, wild life, U.S. fish and endangered species.

I RECEIVED A ‘CALLING’:

Recent statistics reveal that approximately 2.5 million children in America alone, annually experience homelessness. And not only are they homeless, but often many are depressed, victims of violence, malnourished, exposed to inclement weather, deprived from receiving a normal education, lack of health care and suffering from loneliness and self-guilt. Various sanctuary hostels exist for them.

I truly believed that the Holy Spirit had been calling me into this line of kingdom service all of my life. So, in 2006, a life transitional situation circumvented an opportunity for me to relocate from Rockville, Maryland, USA to Dallas, Texas, USA. Not long after this divine appointment was consummated, I joined a large Baptist church in Dallas. Since all new members were required to participate in a 3 month indoctrination (P-L-A-C-E) training program prior to assuming any leadership role in the affairs of the church, I attended classes that highlighted the roles of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Why? Because I always had a vision that I was to go into the highways and bi-ways and teach the gospel. Missionary work!

All 12 of Jesus’ Disciples’ Roles Explained in One Sentence

“All Twelve Disciples are considered to be the rock of the Early Church and key leaders of spreading God’s Word.”

So…Who were Jesus’ 12 Disciples, and what roles did they play in His ministry?

 I have attached a short video so that you can explore their messages, their lives, and the contributions they used in spreading Jesus’ message. There is no doubt that all 12 disciples had a unique and lasting impact on Christianity. Watch this youtube video and be blessed.

Note: Click the red title below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y4bewu1jaw

Now, you can understand why I proclaim that God prepared me to be a Sanctuary, He has always put holy ideas in my heart and mind. The Holy Spirit has not failed in re-enforcing me of my sojourn here in this life. God called me by name. God reinforced his message to me by causing me to address many of my closest friends as ‘Lovie’ and they, in turn, address me as the same. God also put a song in my heart written by Charles Wesley:

A CHARGE to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky; To serve the present age, My calling to fulfil: O may it all my powers engage To do my Master’s will!

Charles Wesley

“A CHARGE to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky; To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill: O may it all my powers engage To do my Master’s will!

Scripture Lesson:

 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19 & 20 NIV))

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(Re blogged by request)

Don’t Worry…Be Happy and Healthy In The Lord and Run With Patience!

Some time ago, while in deep conversation with God, the Holy Spirit shared with me a thing or two about the “Great Physician”.  Basically, I came away with this penetrating thought: “Remain in me (Jesus), as I also remain in you.”  John 15:4

So, for this week’s blog I want to share with you how to be at peace and in good health in this environment even when our bodies are racked with pain; troubled with disturbing thoughts; and our spirits are questioning our faith on every side.

For your understanding, I will apply certain scripture references that will give meaning to why Jesus used so many examples of life’s emotions to teach on how to be blessed and content when all hell is breaking loose around us.

FIRST RULE OF THUMB:  THE PURPOSE

While living down here on earth, those who follow the cross ought always to be salt and light to the world, (Matthew 5:13); regardless of what physical, mental or material state we find ourselves in.  If we are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, our ways and demeanor should bring illumination and savor (preservation) to our fellow man.  Thus, living in a manner befitting the atmosphere of the Kingdom of God!

SECOND RULE OF THUMB:  THE SCRIPTURE

Our scripture is found in Matthew from chapter 4:23 through 5:12.   You will recognize it as containing The Beatitudes.  The word Blessed is used quit often and means more than just ‘happy’.  It takes on the ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the kingdom of God.

So, during my conversation with God, I asked the Holy Spirit why did He use physical human emotions that depict pain and sorrow to define the word ‘blessed’ or in some Bibles ‘happy’.  For example:

 Blessed are the poor in spirit…

Blessed are they that mourn…

Blessed are the meek… etc.

THIRD RULE OF THUMB:  GET AN UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S WORD

Why use physical emotions?  Because those examples have a deeper longing and infuse more sincere compassion not only for personal righteousness, BUT also justice for the oppressed.  Let me explain further; when scripture says blessed are the merciful it means that those souls not only forgive others but also have empathy for them.  When you are sensitive to God’s forgiveness it frees you from feeling guilty and brings comfort to your soul.

All of the qualities and emotions mentioned in these scriptures should allow us to bring peace to others.  But, it is also a catch 22 situation because it can make us vulnerable to persecution.  That’s why Jesus includes blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Children of God.

Here on earth, our only reward may be to be called “sons and daughters of God”.  And we may have to experience God’s kingdom rule while here on earth by becoming a peacemaker thus proving our fitness for the kingdom by suffering down here, but free from such pain in the Atmosphere.

FORTH RULE OF THUMB:  REFILL YOUR PRESCRIPTION (*)

Sickness and infirmities can come about through bad habits, weak constitutions, exposure to danger, crimes, accidents, birth defects, etc., but while experiencing sickness it can also reveal attitudes, values and motives which must be transformed if human beings are to be truly in harmony with God.  (Reference Matthew 5:19-48)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. …(Excerpt from Romans 5:21)

Instructions:  Take One 70 Milligram pill per day…that is, examine yourself.  Your 70 milligram pill represents your 7 senses:  seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling, intuition and telepathy.  Each milligram has been dimmed by 7 sins:  pride, anger, lust, covetousness, envy, glutton and sloth.  (All of your aches and pains can be categorized as manifesting from one of your 7 senses or 7 sins.  Therefore, take each pill with a glass of water and intense prayer.   Name the culprit and pray mightily and daily for those things that so easily beset you and hinder you from receiving good health and  intimacy with God.  Schedule a follow-up visit with Doctor Jesus in the morning.)

Scripture Reference:  “Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

(*) NOTE: ALL MEDICINE PRESCRIPTIONS RECOMMENDED HERE ARE ON SALE AT YOUR NEAREST HOLY BIBLE.

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Before answering the question that appears under the picture, please know that your answer must reference a scripture that can be found in God’s Holy Bible.

DEFINITION: “Discipline”: To make a concerted effort to teach/train a person to obey instructions and certain behaviors that if not followed could lead to various levels of punishment to the person in an effort to correct their misbehavior.

“What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Corin. 4:21)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; and your rod and your staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instructions of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he/she is old he/she will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

To respond to this blog you might feel like I've posed to you some "trick" questions to consider.  Well, I have.  Pretend you are the child in the picture.  What is she thinking as she listens to both voices.  Has she been trained in the Holy Scriptures enough to apply reasoning and truth.  Does she have a good relationship with her parents and Sunday School training.

Yes, I'm asking you to set the ending to this blog.  Put your message in the Comment chat block below.  Or if you wish, just click the 'like' button.

As I have shared with you in previous blog post, the Lord and the Holy Spirit keep up a constant conversation with me each and every day.  And I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy the challenges they place in my Spirit.  So good night and please stay in touch with God.

My Prayer:

Sweet Jesus, You and You alone know how often I struggle to fall asleep because there are so many unfinished things on my mind that worry me.  Please make me to be at peace so that I can fall asleep without a care because I know that you guarantee my safety.  Amen and Amen!

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Reprint by Request.

Who woulda thought it! Yes, our God is all-knowing and all-powerful. “But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says: “God is opposed to the proud and those who oppose him, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

And not only does that cause God to smile, it also causes God to laugh.

For example, re-examine the story found in 1st Samuel 5:1-5. There you will find the incident where God’s chosen people, the Israelites, were using the Ark of the Covenant as a good-luck charm as they went into battle with the Philistines. Not only did the Israelites lose the battle, they also lost the Ark of the Covenant. The Philistines placed the Ark in their temple along side Dagon their idol god.

The next morning when the Philistines went into their temple to worship Dagon for their victory over the Israelites they found their god Dagon flat on his face. They re-erected him, but the following morning they found Dagon’s hands and feet completely cut off. God found humor in what he had done as recorded in Psalm 59:7-8: “See what they spew from their mouths—they spew out words from their lips, and they say, “Who can hear us?” But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations.

The Ark of God vs Dagon, the Philistine’s god.

NOW FOR A LITTLE HUMOR TO TIE THE STORY TO EVERY DAY LIFE.

A middle-aged woman has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital.  While on the operating table she has a near death experience.  During that experience she sees God and asks if this is it.  God says no and explains that she has another 30 years to live.

Upon her recovery she decides to just stay in the hospital and have a face lift, liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, etc.  She even has someone come in and change her hair color.  She figures since she's got another 30 years she might as well make the most of it.

She walks out of the hospital after the last operation and is struck and killed by an ambulance speeding by.  She arrives in front of God and complains; "I thought you said I had another 30 years!"

God replies, "I didn't recognize you."

Moral of the story:

Does your appearance reflect your true life style?  Or are you just pretending with God!  Using him as a good luck charm as the Israelites (God's people) and the Philistines (God's enemy) did?

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Did you know that many people believe that the Holy Bible is a Book to be read only when you have fallen on hard times or facing death. So, that is why this week’s blog is written to remind and encourage those who believe that the Holy Bible is also a Book to be read by the living, to hold fast to God’s unchanging hand. So let’s explore one of the main reasons why non-Bible reading individuals shun God’s Holy Word.

What I am about to write may sound harsh, but please read Chapter 15 in the Book of John (Holy Bible NT). Jesus is explaining to His disciples that after He goes away (ascends to heaven), they must think of Him as the vine and the disciples as the branches. Therefore, the disciples must remain connected to the vine (the source of spiritual vitality) regardless of life’s circumstances. In other words, for strength, the disciples must hold on to their relationship with Jesus; with other believers, and also with the hostile world of non-believers.

And we, too, must do likewise. Below are some helpful hints to assist you in becoming more than conquerers when you approach your fellow man who may also be a Christian as well as a non-Bible reading individual. Remind that person that…

Naked:

When you see your fellow man through the eyes of Jesus, you don’t see him as being a sinner, or being a publican, or being a drunkard, or being dirty, etc., etc., etc. You don’t see his nakedness (that which is not godly). Your assignment is to clothe him with what he can become. You gently clothe him with the knowledge that through his faith in embracing a few spiritual things, the Holy Spirit will super naturally draw him closer to receiving Jesus Christ and His message to the world. Because with God, all things are possible. God’s Son paid it all! And all to HIM we owe!

Naked, and you clothed me….

Now, some people are naked in their sins and don’t want to be clothed. They don’t want to serve God and don’t want you to serve Him either. They don’t love their fellowman and criticize you for loving.

When the world is laughing at you and flaunting their nakedness…skating on thin ice with banana peels as bumpers…just know…John 15:20-22… ‘if they have persecuted Me, they will persecute you‘. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but they have no cloak for their sin.

So now, here is the question that God wants to ask you…Click the Red song title below.

Mississippi Children’s Choir – The Shepherd Song
YouTube · malacomg297.5K+ views · 7 years ago

5:10

Mississippi Children’s Choir – The Shepherd’s Song When God’s Children Get Together Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2CkwnkF Apple Music: …

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the Master's servant Manager...Me!

What I am about to say may surprise you… but according to Google, while 66% of Americans say they are Christians, only 20% of them believe in the written word…The Holy Bible! So, I ask you, as a follower of Christ Jesus, are you also counted among the 20% who apologize for not embracing God’s holy word as to how the Beginning came about in Chapter 1 of Genesis.

In other words, please pounder this question…”Are you shooting the wounded or healing the sick?”

STOP, young man, in the name of love. And, you, young lady…don’t take your foot off yet.

Always remember that before witnessing to others, whisper a little prayer toward heaven and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the message that would be pleasing to God. Perhaps you may want to memorize what the Bible says about ‘offenses’ against others: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (Matt. 18:5, 6). And again, Scripture says, “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. (Matt. 18:8)

It’s easy for a Believer in God to publish the fact that the God they serve is a loving God and would not visit such a harsh punishment on one of his followers. But what a person forgets is that God is a just god and the faith he requires is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. And God has made us so many other promises, too, and has forgiven mankind’s act of disobedience while in the Garden of Eden, that if mankind does not have faith enough to believe in his Son Jesus Christ, then, all is lost.

So, when witnessing to others why not exercise your faith and err on the side of caution. Only speak the truth concerning heavenly things. Trust in Christ and avoid taking risks concerning things you do not understand. Trust in the Lord and the power of His might. And lean on His understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Amen and Amen!

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the Master's servant Manager...Me!

Before going any further, I want you to do something. Make an evaluation. Take one minute to block everything else from your mind and whisper out loud how this picture makes you feel.

I’ll go first. My first impression was…wow, somebody has not watered this plant. But after I glanced back up at the title I exclaimed, OOPS! That somebody is me. It was my responsibility to water and to cultivate the plant. (The plant is my Body)

I am the vine, the Holy Spirit whispered in my ear and you, Ms, Blogger, are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me.

Those 2 balls of fruit look like they are going to drop off that vine any minute. I thought, maybe, just maybe that is why Jesus cursed the fig tree in Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-14. Jesus was hungry and the fig tree had no fruit on it. (Bible scholars say the absence of fruit represents slothful Judahites who were not serving, believing nor following Jesus Christ. Jesus was extremely weary of the peoples’ conduct and He reacted.)

Put your thinking caps back on people. That’s what I did. So the first action I took was to turn off my television and get my Bible and Sunday School book out. I also called a few friends who were under the weather. One of them displayed anger towards me, but I bit my bottom lip and just let her rave and roar until she realized how silently I received her scolding. I could see, feel and hear the love in her voice and thanked God for our friendship over these many years. All was forgiven.

Since God is our source, why not hold on to what He is offering…salvation through his Son, Christ Jesus. For without Him, we can do nothing. We must remain in Him. God’s statues teaches us how to live and Jesus, through the Holy Spirit teaches us how to produce crops. Don’t forget we come from good soil from the Garden of Eden.

So truly, we are to respect the Son of God. And when we fall short, just pick yourself up, brush yourself off and remember to say a little prayer for me and someone else. Because He is everything to us.

Get ready to pat your foot, smile and be happy. Click “the red title below, “Everything to Me”.

“Everything To Me” Worship Song- RESPECT (February 2023)
YouTube · Pierce Kids2.1K+ views · 2 years ago

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the Master’s servant Manager…Me!

Did you know that developing meaningful relationships is what Christianity is all about. So, to please God, first, let us identify Whom we must use as a model to imitate. It goes without saying that when most people become ‘saved,’ baptized, a church goer and advocate of biblical teachings, they already have cultivated several people relationships. Fear, criticism and alienation may now set in because some of your current acquaintances may not be church members nor church goers.

The question is…How do you make any necessary changes among your running mates. The answer is simple…you must Re-cultivate those old relationships using Christ-like examples.

FOLLOW THIS SUCCESSFUL "MINDFULNESS" MEDITATION EXERCISE:

Breathing is very important, so, concentrate on your breathing.  Move into a comfortable position whether seated in a chair, on a couch reclining or seated.  Exercise your face muscles, do not grit your teeth nor frown.  Just concentrate on breathing deep and slowly.  Feel your lungs and stomach rise as you breathe inward through your nose and deflate as you exhale through your nose. (This begining exercise takes practice.) 

Notice any place of body tension or tightness.  Now this may sound strange, but think about those areas, concentrate on them and quietly give them permission to just relax.  You may be lead to send up a thanksgiving prayer for your body taking such good care of you.  Do not let any other subjects enter your thought process.  If your mind should wander, just bring it back and focus on your breathing.

After about 15 minutes of body preparation, you should be ready to begin your Bible study time.  Read one or two chapters at the beginning.  Always have paper and pen available.  Write down first thoughts, questions, and the Bible chapter and verses you read.  Always close with a silent prayer of thanksgiving.

CONFESSION TIME:

I have tried and taught everything I have blogged for you to do during my relationship with the Lord.  I can truthfully say this procedure works and continues to work.  In the coming weeks, I will share other exercises for you to try as you grow in grace and in the Lord.  Let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to respond with biblical answers.

I truly love the Lord because He heard my cry and pitied every groan.  As long as I live, when trouble arises, I'll hasten to His throne.

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the Master's servant Manager...Me!