This week, I realized so very vividly, that the most influential people in my adult life have been my educational instructors I met during my biblical pursuits. I also discovered that most of the well preserved books in my bookcase were mostly biographies on biblical characters, numerous bible translations and a variety of those yellow and black books on subjects for ‘Dummies’.

But what caught my eye and peaked my curiosity was a file copy of an assignment I completed at the Covenant Training Institute, dated December 5, 2006, entitled “Fearless Communication – Twelve Common Struggles/Conflicts of the Heart“

My professor, who was very innovative, was aware that most of the students in my classes were preparing to become future international missionaries and Mrs. Scarborough, my favorite teacher, had prepared a series of 12 questions for us students to prayerfully confront ourselves with. And I am not ashamed to confess to you, I approached this line of imposing on my inner most thoughts with fear and great trepidation. May I remind you that this assignment was just one of three Mrs. “S” had drummed up for the class.

Take a look at the teacher’s imposing inquiries and let me know how you fare.

1. Whether to remain faithful to God and abstain from sexual relation with your partner or succumb to the flesh.   2. Whether a mother should take the first step in reconciling with her              daughter even though the underlining cause of the breakup was the daughter’s fault.   3. Should grandmothers voice their opinion concerning the correct way to raise grandchildren when it comes to providing the proper spiritual training that the children’s parents received when they were growing up. 4. Should I be torn and confused when it comes to giving money to panhandlers or should I give as the Lord has provided and cease thinking that a person is physically able to help themselves.   5. Am I really filled with the Spirit when those around me ‘speak in tongues’ and I as yet have not received that blessing. 6. I am always declaring that my hope is in the Lord, yet it is not until I have tried at least three of my ways and failed, do I remember to trust Him.  There seems to be something wrong with this scenario.   7. There is a person in my life who claims to be a Christian, but her words and mannerisms do not always line up with God’s word.  Is it up to me to bring this to her attention or should I just pray for her.  Our relationship is becoming strained because she expects me to acquiesce (or) agree with her.   8. Down deep I have some unconfessed sins that surface every now and again.  Most of them are decades old.  I have tried to purge myself of them but the memory is still vivid.  I am too ashamed to discuss this with my pastor.  What should I do?  (Knowing that these sins were prior to my conversion does not seem to help.)   9. Usually when someone does something bad, they make a joke of it by saying, ‘the Devil made me do it.’  Conversely, when a person does something good they do not give God the glory.  Is not this a sin? Should ‘Praise the Lord’ be their response?   10. Is it OK to pray for God to send judgement on someone treating you wrongly.   11. In my quest to earn more money to support my lifestyle and contributions to the works of ministry, I sometimes purchase a lottery ticket.  Is this act showing a lack of faith.   12. After many years of marriage, one partner feels that they are unequally yoked.  Is that grounds for a divorce?

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The Subtitle: “Soul Searching Conversations With The Man Upstairs”

To set the stage for this week’s blog, I found myself trying to recall what life events were the initial memories to my introduction to the Triune God. And it was not long before the Holy Spirit started to enlighten my intellect by stirring up my memory. Please allow me to share with you my divine encounter with the Triune God.

Recalling that old Negro Spiritual entitled; “I love the Lord, He heard my cry” was the first ‘call and response’ musical rendition I remember singing as a child while growing up in my home church approximately 75 years ago. The song leader would meter out each line and the congregation would repeat it in a chant.

To re-introduce you to, or refresh your memory of it, just CLICK the video below and Take A Listen:

Let’s continue my initial spiritual education. Once, during my youth upbringing, while on our way to church, my grandmother explained to me that there were several reasons why our congregation sung songs in the ‘call and response‘ fashion. Chanting, as this singing style was called, was done mainly because so many people in the church could not read. Furthermore, the collection plate took in just enough money to cover church expenses and to allow the preacher a small stipend. Nothing was left over for the purchase of a piano…not to mention hymnbooks.

Out of respect, I received all of those excuses from grandmother, but I still had my own (devilish) reasons. For months, I had been watching and taking bets on just which person would strike up the lead song at each Sunday Service. You see, I detected a power play was going on.

The male elders would be sitting on the side bench in front of the pews. All would be rocking back and forth and patting their feet to the syncopated song beat. I observed that the elder brother rocking the deepest or shouting ‘amen’ the loudest or waving his arm in the air the highest would be the one to call out the response’s first line of the chant. Next, another brother would commence leading a fervent prayer. Finally, after about a good twenty minutes (or longer), emotions would subside and the choir would begin leading with a congregational song. I was never wrong in my observance nor did I ever lose a bet.

Even now with our modern way of singing songs in church, I never lost my love for the call and response method of participating in chanting call and response songs. For I truly believe that this experience was my first introduction to the ways and means of the function of the Holy Spirit(*). I also believe I was formerly introduced to the Holy Spirit after receiving water baptizing in the Name of The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

As I grew older and began to journal while studying God’s word, I was convicted that Jesus was the Son of God. I started to see a pattern in my note taking. Anytime I had a question about a particular passage of scripture, seemingly, the Holy Spirit would answer by directing me to another part of the Bible. My notebook read like two people conversing. Sometimes quarreling, with one voice rebuking and the other repenting. Other times like a child listening to her mother and also receiving good advise from a beloved deceased grandmother. (That experience caused me to see Jesus’ character mimic more and more like godly character.

Often, the next time when I reviewed my notes, I did not recognize my own handwriting. Many notations were so profound and full of wisdom (the Holy Spirit) that I questioned if the words had been written by me.

Humbly, I submit to you that I truly know Who is the real author of those encounters. It is and continues to be The Holy Spirit! Also, I know that He wants me to share my experiences with you. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, also desires for you to engage Him in holy communication. He loves to debate in profitable understandings and to lift up the heads of all those who are downtrodden and who will make themselves available to Him.

So why not come to Him…not only with your Bible, but also with pen and paper. Submit to having a dialogue with all THREE…..GOD THE FATHER; GOD THE SON; AND GOD THE HOLY GHOST.

(*) NOTE: Those chants gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

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“Becoming an Example and Servant Manager for Christ” As a servant manager (blogger) for Christ, there should be no concern for one’s own fame, fortune or popularity.  Keep your eye on The Prize…The Holy Spirit!  He will unravel the mysteries of the kingdom.  Thus, the Master’s servant managers (bloggers) are those persons through whom new Christian converts can increasingly learn more and more about where to find examples of how to strengthen their godly character and faith and then pass it on to others.

Mr. Character, your life is an open book. It’s an interesting book extended to all those who care to read it. There is no discrimination; from the smallest child to the oldest human being alive you have a message. Thus, Mr. Character, I salute you for those unselfish efforts you have attempted to perform in the lives of others. You know, you are really like a mirror…that is, you reflect in every mood. Every experience you encounter is automatically revealed. For those who can’t read, there are pictures or shall I say reflections that one can pattern after as he molds his way of life in this trying world.  For the more advanced reader there is a plot to follow which oftentimes may have you bickering with yourself and causing you to put it aside as though it was philosophy. Thus, in everyone’s library this book is essential. It is a must to take an interest in Character.  It is a compelling obligation that we must encounter if we are to advance and know truth and enjoy the better things of life. Conversely, the characteristics one displays depend upon oneself.  The expressions one wears will disclose their disposition.  The moods they dress in will uncover their personality.  The words they send out will reflect their intelligence. Come unto me, Mr. Character is calling, and I will mold for you the sweetest disposition known.  Come unto me, He beseeches you, and I will shine for you the brightest star of personality.  Come unto me, He is beckoning, and I will give you an understanding and peace of mind.  I will give you advice…such as pick your friends, but not to death.  Remember to laugh with others, but not at them.  Work with initiative, but not against it. This remarkable Book can be yours for only a glance.  Mr. Character is a reflection in your nearest mirror.  Look it over.  The character you see just might be YOU! Scripture reference: 2 Cor. 3:18  “But we all, with unveiled face [not looking through a glass darkly], beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed [into servant managers] into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, [Who also gives us] the Spirit.”

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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!

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

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?

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