(An important note to the readers of Part 2 of this weekly blog post entitled, “God Speaks To Job Through James.”) When studying the biblical literature of the Book of Job in the Holy Bible, you will discern that its teaching explores the themes of trials, patience, and suffering. But to glean the unadulterated truth and wisdom as to how a person is to godly respond to such life conditions is actually recorded in the Book of James in the New Testament.
Some years ago, the Holy Spirit guided me in gathering the research for you and compiling it in a two-part blog rendition. Please feel free to post your comments on this endeavor if you feel led to do so.
C-O-N-T-I-N-U-E-D
BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, WITH NO DOUBTING, FOR HE WHO DOUBTS IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA. DRIVEN AND TOSSED BY THE WIND. James 1:6
[Our true friend Elihu suggested the manner in which you should have prayed, remember]…For has anyone said to God, I have borne chastening; I will offend no more; teach me what I do not see;’ Job 35:31, 32a
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO ENDURES TEMPTATION; FOR WHEN HE HAS BEEN APPROVED, HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE WHICH THE LORD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. James 1:12
[Job, stop that]…Do not desire the night. [For people that are in darkness are cut off. Shhhh,]…Lest he take you away with one blow. [Then a Great Ransom (Jesus) cannot deliver you and you will not receive the crown of life.] Job 36:20, 18
SO THEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, LET EVERY MAN BE SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH; James 1:19
[Oh, good, Job. You have calmed down. You have repented to God by declaring,]…Behold I am vile; what shall I answer you?I lay my hand over my mouth. Job 40:4
THEREFORE LAY ASIDE ALL FILTHINESS AND OVERFLOW OF WICKEDNESS, AND RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE IMPLANTED WORD, WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS. James 1:21
Then Job answered the Lord and said: Iknow that you can do everything, and that no purpose of yours can be withheld from you. Job 42:1, 2
[Furthermore, I receive with all meekness the engrafted word. For my own words were hollow without understanding and knowledge.]
Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand. things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Job 42:3
IF ANYONE AMONG YOU THINKS HE IS RELIGIOUS, AND DOES NOT BRIDLE HIS TONGUE BUT DECEIVES HIS OWN HEART, THIS ONE’S RELIGION IS USELESS. JAMES 1:26
[Oh, Job, how wonderful our God is! For after you repented in dust and ashes and bridled your tongue and harnessed your deceitful thoughts, the Bible says]…And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10
As we all know, great physical demands are placed on the lives of our young people and a number of extra curricular activities are vying for their attention. Consequently, devoting time to study their Sunday School lessons is a low priority on their agendas. Once a student told me that because I was so well prepared as the teacher, she did not feel she had to study. This disturbed me greatly because I knew what the Bible said about studying. I also knew what it said about teaching.
So, one Sunday I asked the class to take a moment and think about how they handle and resolve life’s challenges. After a few moments of contemplating, I asked if anyone wanted to share their most debilitating and stressful situation. What I learned from this exercise was that no student’s dilemma was resolved from hearing a word from the Holy Spirit.
So, now, I had each student’s undivided attention. And because I had altered my lesson plan, I told them the story of Job’s dilemma through the scriptures as recorded by the Apostle James. Which opened the students eyes to just how much guidance a person can receive from delving into the Holy Scriptures.
My BRETHREN, COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YOU FALL INTO VARIOUS TRIALS. James 1:2
(Job, I know you are not feeling well, but, do you recall when Eliphaz said…”Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.Job 5:17
KNOWING THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES PATIENCE. James 1:3
[Well, Eliphaz said that after your calamity came upon you, you declared that you wished you were dead, for you said,]…There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest. Job 3:17
BUT LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK, THAT YOU MAY BE PERFECT AND COMPLETE, LACKING NOTHING. James 1:4
[But from the very beginning, Job, you kept declaring how righteous you were and that there was no advantage to be gained if you were cleansed from your sin.] Job 35:3
[I was right there when you said]..Though he slay me, yet will I trust him. Even so, I will defend my own ways, before him. Job 13:15
IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, WHO GIVES TO ALL LIBERALLY AND WITHOUT REPROACH, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO HIM. James 1:5
[Honestly, Job, you should not have added that last part about maintaining your own ways, for you have spoken] …without knowledge, and your words were without knowledge, and wisdom. Job 34:35
BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, WITH NO DOUBTING, FOR HE WHOM DOUBTS IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN AND TOSSED BY THE WIND. James 1:6
[Our true friend Elihu suggested the manner in which you should have prayed, remember]…For has anyone said to God, ‘I have borne chastening; I will offend no more; teach me what I do not see;’ Job 35:31, 32a
BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO ENDURES TEMPTATION; FOR WHEN HE HAS BEEN APPROVED, HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE WHICH THE LORD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. James 1:12
[Job, stop that]…Do not desire the night. For people that are in darkness are cut off.l Shhhh]…Lest He take you away with one blow. [Then a Great Ransom (Jesus) cannot deliver you and you will not receive the crown of life.] Job 36:20, 18
SO THEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, LET EVERY MAN BE SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH; James 1:19
[Oh, good, Job, You have calmed down. You have repented to God by declaring,]…Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand over my mouth. Job 40:4
THEREFORE LAY ASIDE ALL FILTHINESS AND OVERFLOW OF WICKEDNESS, AND RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE IMPLANTED WORD, WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS. James 1:21
Then Job answered the Lord and said: I know that you can do everything, and that no purpose of yours can be withheld from you. Job 42:1, 2
Are you aware of the manner in which God shares his creative information to mankind. Basically, it is through his Living Word, by way of his Son, Jesus Christ, and definitely through creation. I learned this divine bit of information the hard way. A few nights ago when I retired into my office to compile this blog for this week’s submission, I had the nerve to question the Holy Spirit on how in the world did He come up with all the intricate inventions and diversities that went into creating a world!
Well, the Holy Spirit said to me…sit yourself down, young lady, and take note! First of all there was no ‘World’ for Me to consult. And if I told you the diverse thoughts that are in the Mind of God, you would faint (because you would be receiving too much information above your pay grade).
The best answer I can give you on this subject is the following: When a person knows who they are and where they are before they were born, that is called your divine eternal preexistence, or having omnipresence. (Some say Jeremiah had it before he was born. But read Jer. 1:5 for yourself before you repeat that piece of information.
God reveals himself to mankind through his marvelous creation. Just open your eyes and take a look around. Or take a walk around the park and smell the roses. God will meet you through General and Special Revelations.
Mankind’s first birth is of a woman therefore is known as a water birth. The second is called a re-birth (or regeneration). It can also be known as a spiritual awakening…your divine nature. That is why it is said that God reveals himself through general and special revelations.
Abraham received his second birth in Genesis 15:6. When it happened, Abraham understood it fully and because he was willing to ‘believe’ God to the max, God accounted it unto him as righteousness. So, do not over look this important piece of information! Abraham believed on an incident that had not yet happened. (The Coming Christ had not yet died on the Cross for Abe’s sin nature.) Yet, God still counted Jesus’ future act of redemption to cover Abe’s misdeeds.
In July 2002, I traveled to Lusaka, Zambia, South Africa on a seventeen-day mission trip with 38 other missionaries affiliated with American Baptist Churches of the South (ABCOTS). Upon arrival to the continent, we divided up into teams and visited several towns and villages that have covenant agreements with our ABCOTS association. In these communities we taught Bible classes, preached sermons, visited orphanages and schools and shared basic family life skills with the people.
Our mode of transportation throughout the continent was by jitneys, tour buses and small planes. The countryside was beautiful and we saw our share of wild animals. Towards the end of our trip, we traveled to Zimbabwe and visited the Victory Falls. We also went on an early mourning safari in Sun City just outside of Johannesburg. We visited some historical sites in Cape Town, South Africa before flying back to the United States.
Prior to leaving on this mission trip I had fasted and prayed. I asked God to go before us and give us safe passage to all those foreign places we would be visiting. I had also prayed that we would be a blessing to the many strangers and officials we would come in contact with at airports and embassies as well as the awaiting congregations at our final destination.
It was not until I returned to the United States that I received confirmation that God had indeed answered my prayer and had been our Guide for this trip. One evening, while reading the Book of Isaiah, the words in Chapter forty-four began to transform into a pictorial expose’ of the entire trip to Zambia. The actual names of the towns and villages and many names of the churches we visited mysteriously appeared on the Bible pages in the form of scriptures instead of the original words written by Isaiah.
Instinctively, I knew that the Holy Spirit wanted to commune with me and give me a Word concerning South Africa. I grabbed my pen and paper and began to write the litany, “God’s Blessing on Zambia.”
(An Adaptation of Isaiah 44:1-5)
“Yet hear me now, O Missionaries to Zambia, My servants, and American Baptist Churches of the South whom I have chosen. Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you while on your journey:
“Fear not, O missionaries My servants; and you, Eleazar, whom I have chosen as their guide. For I will pour water on the House of Lusaka who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground of compounds in Zambia;
I will pour My Spirit on all those who journeyed to Africa and My blessing on Eleazar’s dream for the Zambian people; New churches will spring up among the grass huts like willows by the watercourses.’
Hope International Church of Lusaka will say, ‘I am the Lord’s; Bethel Church of Kafue will call himself by the Name of Jacob; Soweto Baptist Church will write with his hand, “The Lord’s” and Riverside Baptist Church of Chingola will name himself by the name of Israel.
(This 2002 prophecy is certain to come to pass, saith the Lord.)
(Anyone can read this post. Subscribers receive it by email.)
So, you need to talk with our God. Something requiring your urgent attention is going on in your life at this time. And, yes, you find yourself up against a rock and a hard spot. HELP, LORD JESUS!!
STOPIN THE NAME OF LOVE…BEFORE YOU BREAK YOUR HEART!
THAT “ALLALONE FEELING” HAPPENS TO ALL OF US!
While searching through my historical files this week, I ran across a copy of a 2017 Christmas Letter I had sent to my international missionary financial supporters. In the letter I was explaining to them how the picture image of praying hands came into existence as a Christian identity symbol for praying. So, I thought my weekly blog readers might be interested in also learning about this information. If so…just keep reading.
So, my friends, take a second look at the praying hands picture and have a little talk with Jesus while down on bended knees, with eyes closed (partially) and continue reading.
To All My Family, Friends, Loved Ones And especially to my sisters in Christ In the Tuesday Morning Bible StudyClass
Have you ever wondered what do clasped hands pointing upward towards heaven have to do with God? Well according to several references from Google search, it has to do with an acronym I have penned…R-O-S-S
Repentance-Obedience-Submission-Sincerity
However, needless to say, we have a higher authority than Google…do we not?
When the Patriarchs and holy men of the bible prayed unto the Lord, they often spread out their hands towards heaven. And the wisest man in the Bible (Solomon) went a step further; he also knelt on his knees (1 Kings 9:54).
So, at the close of this 2017 holiday season, let us posture ourselves in a position of repentance, obedience, submission and sincerity and call upon the Name of the Lord while doing so on bended knees.
Broaden your prayer to include the widows, orphans, homeless, calamity dispossessed victims, jobless, sick and shut-ins, governments, the lost, backsliders, friends, and relatives and most of all…PEACE!
W H Y ?
Because God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that who so everbelieved on Him should not parish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Be blessed and enjoy a happy and prosperous New Year!
Matthew 6:9–13 (The Lord’s Prayer): Jesus gives a direct template for how to pray, instructing believers to address God as “Our Father,” praise His holiness, ask for daily needs, seek forgiveness, and request guidance. Matthew 6:5–8: Jesus teaches the attitude of prayer, advising people to be sincere and private rather than showing off for others.
But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory now and forever.” Amen. (*)
During the summer of 1985, I embarked upon a quest that solidly placed my feet on a path of self improvement. I was forty-five years old, and according to my standards was far from the apex of accomplishments to meet the goals I had set for myself.
The list on my refrigerator door outlining the “One Hundred Steps To Financial Freedom” still had more than two-thirds of the steps yet to be taken. At this rate, I would need two life times to attain success. So, I decided to initiate an acceleration program. This included purchasing more self-improvement books and tapes; joining a multi-level marketing enterprise that hawked vitamin supplements and financial freedom; and signing up to attend Bible study classes and organizing other women initiative groups. I was definitely on a serious mission to reinvent myself.
Woefully, this bubble of energy lasted about eighteen months. The reason being, I was out of time, money and energy with little or no change in my lifestyle. Then something happened.
I was asked to lead a seminar for a woman’s church conference. The topic was, “How to successfully defuse conflict between a woman’s Christian walk and her role in the secular world.” You see, my peers had been watching me. To the outside world I appeared to be a success and I had it all. They now wanted me to share my life experiences with others.
I flattered myself and remember saying something like, “You have it all together in the secular world, honey, just search the scriptures and find some female biblical characters to relate to and present that to the ladies.” That remark did not work. The conference group still insisted I be the speaker.
I started praying this selfish foolish prayer, but God had other plans. The more I begged him for revelations, the more he said for me to teach the ladies his way or not at all. Writer’s block stayed with me until one evening during my preparation I became exhausted. I humbled myself before God and stubbornly asked him how could I become a super woman in him. He replied, only with my help, my child, only with my help. The litany, “God’s Super Women” evolved.
NOTE (*) 2 Peter 3:18
“GOD’S SUPER WOMAN”
OH LORD, HOW CAN I BECOME A SUPER WOMAN IN THE FAMILY OF GOD?
If you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them, I will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above and not beneath. Deuteronomy 28:13b – 13a
BUT LORD, I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND. FOR EVEN THOUGH I STUDY YOUR WORD MY HEART IS HEAVY MORE OFTEN THAN GLAD.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2
TELL ME, MASTER, HOW CAN MY SOUL PROSPER?
My child, it is written that the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in her. Hebrews 10:38
HOLY FATHER, DO YOU MEAN THAT I AM PREVENTING MYSELF FROM DEVELOPING INTO A SUPER WOMAN IN YOU BECAUSE MY FAITH IS WEAK?
Consider Abraham. He believed in me and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Therefore know that only those who are of faith are daughters of Abraham. Galatians 3:6, 7
THEN ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD, DEAR JESUS, IF I INCREASE MY FAITH IN YOU, YOU WILL BLESS ME AND MAKE ME A SUPER WOMAN?
Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you. Hebrews 6:14
OH, JESUS, YOU ARE SO GOOD AND SO KIND. AND I PROMISE TO INCREASE MY FAITH AND DEPEND SOLELY UPON YOU IN EVERYTHING I DO.
Just remember, faith comes not by your own might, but by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
SO THAT I MIGHT UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY, MY LORD, LET ME REPEAT WHAT YOU SAID. IN ORDER FOR ME TO BECOME A SUPER WOMAN IN YOUR HOUSE, I MUST LISTEN AND OBEY YOUR COMMANDMENTS AND YOU WILL MAKE ME THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL.
YOU ALSO DESIRE THAT I NOT ONLY BECOME A PROSPEROUS WOMAN, BUT THAT MY SOUL BE ENRICHED AS WELL. AND THE BLESSING IS THAT ALL OF THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED JUST BY INCREASING MY FAITH IN YOU.
That’s right, daughter. And you should also remember that without faith it is impossible to please me. Hebrews 11:6
I KNOW WHAT FAITH IS, LORD. IT IS LIKE HOPING AGAINST HOPE THAT AN INCURABLE SITUATION WILL GET BETTER EVEN THOUGH YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW.
I say it a little differently…Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THIS VISIT AND I AM DETERMINED TO PUT MY FAITH INTO PRACTICE AND NOT ALLOW SATAN TO ROB ME OF MY SUPERIORITY IN YOU.
Well said, my beloved, for the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…Psalm 127:1a
‘The stone which the builders rejected…Psalm 118:2″
“Therefore thus says the Lord: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;…Isaiah 28:16
“HELLO WORLD! CAN WE TALK?”
Yes, I’m addressing you, my dear readers, because this blog is very special to me. Why? Because I am very serious about cultivating and expanding my time to converse with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
His presence is so sweet and His voice so soothing and His advice so penetrating that I just cannot get enough. Once, when in prayerful discussions with Him, I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit say: “For where two or three have gathered together in My Name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20). Needless to say, I took that divine message to heart and have throughout my walk with the Lord attempted to surround myself with like-minded believers who relishes* in the exploring of the Holy Scriptures.*
So as not to be presumptuous and to waste your time, this blog post is designed for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Our time together will be focused on identifying and developing our inner man’s or inner women’s spiritual life; that is eternal life. For 1st John 5:12 says, “He who has the Son has life: He who has not the Son of God does not have life.”
A study released by the Institute of Family Studies (IFS) found that couples who regularly go to church together report higher levels of happiness than those who don’t. More than 3 in 4 regular church-attending couples (78 percent) say they are “very happy” or “extremely happy” in their relationship.
Now if you will permit me, I would like to share with you a synopsis of the ongoing conversations I have had with our Maker concerning how His people can continue to build up their spiritual houses; fortify their vital signs; and identify components that can help to make up a healthy and vital spiritual life support system.
“All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2nd Tim. 3:16-17
One of the main courses of study for a Christian believer is their Bible. This is the building license/stone you need to begin construction. The first part of the Bible is the Law and the Prophets and the History books. God wants us to diligently study that portion of His Word as well as the New Testament, so as not to make the same mistakes as our forefathers. The summation of the History books is found in the New Testament, 1st Corinthians 10. What one should glean from these passages are that we need the protection and guidance of God; deliverance from our past sinful lives; acknowledgment of a spiritual Head over our lives (Jesus); to be constantly fed and provided for; and lastly, to associate with family and friends, especially those of the household of faith.
News flash! Did you know that to do anything on a repetitive basis is habit forming? Therefore, the application of what we read, as well as other avenues of experiences, should fortify and/or cause lifestyle changes within us as we learn to rightly divide the Word of Truth. So, without a doubt, the study of both ancient and modern Christianity is a vital component to keep our spiritual life vibrant and healthy.
Now, let’s talk about our minds. Let’s declare every day that we will show love to somebody, speak and think only positives and words. Eventually the mind, because it is constantly being fed positive stimuli, will produce vitality in the inner man or woman and the outer man will begin to disappear. (See Phil. 4:8 (New Testament
Finally, dear readers, in our time together, let’s also reflect. Let’s look at things from God’s perspective. Just as I did when the Holy Spirit directed my attention to Matthew 18:20. The moment God is in the equation you must look inward at yourself. So, overall, when you study to show yourself approved, you should often stop to ponder over the slightest details which will put you in a state of humility. You will come to hear and see things in a new light. Remember, the opposite of humility is arrogance! And we don’t want that beast to raise its ugly head, now do we? Yes, the discipline of study that renews the mind, soul and body is directly dependent upon humility. And that’s got to be a good, vital, and healthy spiritual life support system component.
Some additional components that I have learned in my conversations with God on this subject are that it is alright to engage in various avenues of learning. For theChristian believer feasting on ‘meat’ rather than ‘milk’, don’t be afraid to pick up several Bible commentaries, dictionaries, and other translations of God’s Word. Compile a collection of biographies and other thought provoking books like Shakespeare, Plato, modern founders of Christian sects. Go hiking and explore God’s creation and creatures. Attend lectures and join book clubs. Listen to the voices of birds and frogs. Stop to smell the roses. Ask God is there a message in the face of your pet dog as he wags its tail and greets you at the door when you are late coming home. Practice living for God over and over again. Concentrate on what you are learning. Become a practitioner of prayer. Get an understanding about the matter. And finally, tell somebody how you have been changed. Become a Star Witness to the Plaintive AND the Defendant.
NOTE: (*) Relishes: A person who deeply relishes the scriptures is typically described as a devout scholar, a spiritual contemplative, or simply a biblical enthusiast. They view reading and meditating on sacred texts as a profound joy rather than a chore. [1]
There is no need for my readers to rush to retrieve there dictionaries. I have already done it for you. That’s right! Because just when I set aside time this week to collect my thoughts and write my weekly blog, the Holy Spirit whispered in my heart…I got this, Sister girl. The Lord of lords desires that you renew your initial solemn prayers to Him at the beginning steps of your journey with Him.
So, naturally, I went to my archives and searched through my historical records until I found two ‘dog-eared’, vintaged yellow copies of personal prayers I had written to God. I would like to share them with you as well as to renew them with my Lord and Savior.
According to Google…
To be succinct means to express ideas clearly and concisely, using exactly as many words as needed to make your point. A succinct message eliminates all unnecessary fluff and verbosity while keeping all essential information.
“My Prayer…For Myself…For my ‘calling’ to teach the Gospel”
1. To be approved by God 2. To be entrusted with the gospel. 3. To have my heart tested by God. 4. Not to seek praises from men. 5. Not to be afraid to share personal experiences as God has dealt with me. 6. To be an effective instrument whose teaching is anointed and causes the hearer to learn, understand and apply.
(circuit 1990)
“MY PLEDGE TO A HIGHER CALLING”
Dear God (My Holy Father):
I solemnly promise to focus my full attention and participation in training for the work of a Deaconess. During this workshop I will do the following:
1. Open my mind to God’s glorious majesty. 2. Pray honestly, asking the Holy Spirit for His guidance. 3. Let new ideas penetrate my being. 4. Participate enthusiastically with creative involvement. 5. Occupy my mind with the meaning and impact of my ministry as a Deaconess on the lives of others.
Henceforth, I look forward to the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior. Amen.
(circuit 1994)
My Christian journey has definitely been a highly blessed and glorified one. My Precious Lord has blessed me by opening His expansive world to little ole me and introducing me to his earthly world-wide kingdom. The Holy Spirit has also allowed me to come to know the Son in a more intimate way. What a mighty God we serve!!
May the Lord continue to richly bless and keep you and your loved ones as you faithfully serve, bless and give thanks to Him. Amen and Amen.
Sometimes your mind can draw a blank. And that is what my mind did to me. I sat at my computer and seemingly my prayers to the Holy Ghost failed me. Nothing came into my mind to blog about. I would start developing a subject and then go blank. I would sit at my computer and stare at a blank canvas notoriously paralyzed. After much prayer and frustration, I surrendered. HELP!
Then, in a soft, sweet, imploring voice I heard these words: “My child, all I want to hear from you tonight is a prayer for your country.” So, immediately, I grabbed one of my old journals and leafed through it. In it I found a prayer for my country that I had recited on February 22, 1996 entitled, “A Citizen’s Prayer For Her Country”. I pray that it will be acceptable to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A CITIZEN’S PRAYER FOR HER COUNTRY
Return, oh nations of the world, and more particularly the cities of the USA. Return. For you have stumbled in your evil courses. Come with your prayers ready. Come back to the Lord.
Say to Him, “Father, you don’t like to hold on to iniquity, so accept our plea, and we will pay our vows with our total being.
For our possessions will not save us, nor will we seek strength from false gods. What we have acquired with our hands we will never again call gods.
We know now that in Thee and Thee alone the fatherless find a Father’s love.”
And perhaps one day soon we shall hear the Father’s response…
Yes, I will heal their iniquities; of my own treasurers will I love them. For my anger is turned away. I will be as dew to my people so that they may blossom like lilies; grow roots deep into the soil like the poplar tree; and grow fresh limbs that they may be as fair as the Olive tree; and as fragrant as the Trees of Lebanon.
And my cities throughout shall again dwell in my shadow and not in the shadow of death. My people shall prosper and live in abundance: they shall flourish like a vine and be famous as the Wine of Lebanon.
What has the sinner man anymore to do with self-righteousness? God says, “I’ll remind you once more! I am the pine tree that shelters you when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death; and it is to Me that your fruits or works are owed.
Let the wise consider these things and let him who considers take note: for the Lord’s ways are straight and the righteous walk in them, while the sinners stumble.
Who knew! Oh yes! God surprised me one day many years ago when I was preparing a fun game that my church sister-girls could play while on a training conference retreat. Our president said to me one day, Sister Sonja, you always come up with the most interesting exercises for our group to perform that excites everyone. So, for our upcoming conference I challenge you to present the group with some delicious “Bible-Lickin’-Good” recipes.
What a fun challenge, I thought. Lord, don’t fail me now! Please take me under your wings and let’s fly.
The Holy Spirit said to me, “I’ve got something for you, My child, that will knock their socks off.”
Did you know that there are more than one hundred different scriptures in the Holy Bible concerning preparing food concoctions? Well, after doing my research for the challenge my president handed me, I could not wait to get home to pursue the challenge. The Bible depicts food preparation as a daily chore and also as a means of entertaining strangers and guests.
Listed below is a short list of scriptures that prove my point:
Esau was so hungry after a hunting experience that he sold to his brother Jacob his inheritance for a bowl of red lentil stew.
Even Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples on the shore of Galilee. Jesus’s menu: fish and warm bread.
The Bible also tells of an angel baking bread on hot stones for the prophet Elijah.
Now for my challenge, I wanted to do something a little different and more challenging. So, check out the 4 recipes I came up with below. (Prizes were also given.)
BA MANNA BREAD
Set Oven to “OFF”. No heat necessary. This bread is rained down from Heaven (Ex.16:4). It is fashioned from the residue of the morning dew. (Ex. 16:13, 14). Make only enough for one meal at a time. If it is not all eaten, it will melt. (Ex. 16:21). After it is baked, it will appear white in color with coriander seed and taste like honey wafers. (Ex. 16:31). This dish is also know as: (Fill in the answer) (Ps.78:25)
FRENCH FRIED FISH STICKS
But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales. And I will leave thee thrown into the ___________, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the ________________. _____________; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven. What is the name of this fish? (Ez. 29:1)
HONEY BOILED FISH
“Have ye here any meat?” And they gave him a piece of a boiled fish, and of an honey comb. And he took it, and did eat before them. Who was the eater and what state was he in. (Luke 24: 41-43).
FISH STUFFED WITH PRAENMANN
Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly. (Jonah 1:17). What is “Praenmann”?
Below Is A Word To You From The Holy Spirit:
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (1 Timothy 4:14-15)
To All My Family, Friends, Loved Ones
