GETTNG DOWN WITH THE WORD...



Sandra getting down with
THE WORD


Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Photos compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2011

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Our Lord has again stressed to me the urgency of the application of His Word, the Holy Bible, in our daily affairs.  GOD'S Word is our sword that commands priority status.  The Word of GOD is alive and we thoroughly thrive when we think it, speak it, hear it, and DO it.  Without its regular application, we wither on the Vine.  If we fail to attend...we risk death on the Vine.   

Recently I heard a pastor say that for some people the Word got in but it didn't get down, and for some the Word gets down but it doesn't come up.  

Today our Lord said to me, "Getting down with the Word and coming up with JESUS."

Bishop T. D. Jakes' message yesterday was titled, "In the Presence of Beasts."  One scripture that he used was Mark 1:13 which states about JESUS, "And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan: and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him." 

Sandra with her Bible
 inside her "army" case

Jakes said the following in reference to his topic:

- You have to go ahead in the presence of wild beasts.

- Smile in the presence of beasts.

- God will provide for you in the presence of beasts.

Our Lord reminded me that in Matthew 4, JESUS came against Satan's opposition with the Word of GOD.  Christ repeatedly said to the devil, "It is written." 

Here is a bit of what is written about the Word of our Lord:

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:140
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Revelation 3:21
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Sandra

Written Monday March 28, 2011

CREDIT RATING

Greetings -

In the natural, there are credit ratings that determine where we stand financially and relative to what we can receive on credit from institutions and establishments.  But what about that which pertains to our Lord?  What is our credit rating with HIM?

Recently, a couple of days in the a.m., I did brief time in our Lord's Word and in prayer rather than my usual lengthy a.m. time.   There were some matters that I felt inclined to attend to which placed me in the brief a.m. mode relative to my communion with our Lord.   Those couple of days when I did that, our Lord said, "Your credit is good."  That being the case, He revealed that I had "clearance" to do those brief a.m. exercises on those couple of days.  When our Lord uttered those words, I rested in my spirit about the brief a.m. choices.  The afternoons were used to make up for the a.m. brevity.  

I haven't felt inclined to regularly depart from my daily in-depth a.m. communion with our Lord but I was glad to hear from Him that our relationship is such that He assured that my spiritual credit is good.

It is a glorious place in GOD to be trusted by Him.  The more that He can trust us, the more of Himself He will reveal to our spirits.  When our spiritual credit is good, we are ripe instruments for more profitable usages - all for the glory of GOD!

Let us pursue, in earnest, the best credit ratings in the realm of the SPIRIT.

Sandra

Written Friday March 24, 2011

Copyright 2011      

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

SCRIPTURE JOY

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.  

Exodus 7:12
...Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

Exodus 10:1
And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:

Exodus 12:13
...and when I see the blood, I will pass over you,...

Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Psalm 119:89
For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

The Acts 4:13
...they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Jeremiah 1:19
And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.

FAITH IN GOD GUEST LIST

Greetings -

There is an upcoming grand event with faith as the focus.  Here are some that are on the guest list:

- Mustard seed faith

- Bone crusher faith (I heard that definition from a Bishop recently.)

- Earthquake faith

- Volcanic faith

- SON dweller faith

- SON warrior faith

- Miniature faith

- Fire eagle faith

- Mountain moving faith

- Cliff hanger faith

- Tenacious faith

- Mountain smoking faith

- Glory faith

- Hundredfold faith

- Team lion faith

THE COMMON DEMONINATOR IS FERVENT LOVE FOR AND DEVOTION TO THE MOST HIGH GOD.

We expect a faith-filled gala. 

Hmmm...

I wonder who the faith guests will bring as dates? 

Note: Please read the post directly below this one titled, "INSIDE JOBS." 

INSIDE JOBS

Greetings -

The scriptures are from the King James Bible.

In the midst of the unrest in Egypt, Yemen and Libya, defectors have switched sides in stands against their "leaders" -  Mubarak, Saleh and Gadhafi.  The defectors have brought me joy because of their choices to defy their unjust leaders.  It reminds me of how people choose to forsake the darkness of Satan to enter into the light of Almighty GOD.  

Our Lord led me to find Bible instances of inside jobs from various positions. 

About Jezebel - 2 Kings 9:32, 33
And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.

And he said, Throw her down.  So they threw her down:..

Judges 7:22
And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow,...

1 Samuel 2:24, 25
Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress.

If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him?  Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.      

1 Kings 15:11, 13
And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father.

And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol...

1 Kings 11:11
Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.  This was fulfilled in 1 Kings 12:20.

2 Kings 21:23
And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew the king in his own house.

Judges 9:5
And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren...

2 Chronicles 32:21
...and when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

Matthew 10:21
And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.  

Matthew 10:36, 37
And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  

Matthew 10:22
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

PART 4 - THE TAMPA TIMES, AND PUBLIC PRAISE



Photo compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2011

Greetings -

The scriptures are from the King James Bible.

This is Part 4.  Here is the link to Part 3
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/part-3-tampa-times.html

Last parts from Part 3 - THE TAMPA TIMES:

I had no idea how I would find someplace to live in seven days. GOD knew, and I trusted Him.

Proverbs 3:5, 6

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.

PART 4 BEGINS:

Before I continue with the living arrangement drama, here is more about my house mates.  Below, from Part 1, is a repeated list of the house mates that were there when I moved in.

- Rita (house manager) and her boyfriend Richard - Black

- Emma - a Jamaican Seventh Day Adventist - Black

- Claude - a Christian who also worked as the maintenance man - Black

- Lee - an older biker type - Caucasian - alcohol addicted, and if I remember correctly, an atheist

- Pedro - Hispanic - alcohol addicted

Here is an excerpt from Part 3 - THE TAMPA TIMES that has some relevance in this part:

He told me that Rita, and some of the other house residents had complained to him about my Christianity and requested that he evict me.  He informed me that he had told them that "Ms. Hicks pays her rent" and that he didn't have a problem with me being there.  Of course, we cannot believe everything that we are told, but our Lord gave me a witness in my spirit that Bob spoke the truth about the complaints about my Christianity.  Also, I had received some "vibes" to that effect from some of the residents.  Secret agent Christianity doesn't appeal to me nor does it appeal when Christians disrespect others with self-righteous "zeal," such as when so-called Christians protest with signs that display demeaning things about the lifestyle choices of others.  We are to love the sinners but hate the sins.  That is Holy Bible truth.

Also, Bob had told me that Rita and Richard had called me crazy.  I was known for public praise, and to some that is perceived as crazy.  Previously, I published a post about my public praise actions.  I will re-post that immediately below this post.  On numerous occasions, our Lord has allowed my public praise to bear fruit for His glory, as is evidenced in my PUBLIC PRAISE post.  For the record, I confess that I am crazy - crazy about GOD.  In the Bible, they falsely accused JESUS of having a devil - John 8:48.   Truth walkers in the kingdom of GOD know that being called foul names comes with the "territory."  I consider it a compliment - further affirmation that we are truth walkers, SON dwellers, and SON warriors.  Once when I lived in a shelter, one of the residents called me an irritating m.f.  I laughed and said to her, "Thank you for the compliment."  A few minutes later she came back and apologized, which I graciously accepted. 

Years ago, during one of the Olympic seasons, one of the American swimmers who had won a gold medal told an interviewer how, when she was younger, she was taunted and teased when she trained. The interviewer asked her, now that she had a gold medal, what she wanted to say to those who had mistreated her back in her early days of training.  Her calm response was, "Thank you."  When she said that, it struck me profoundly.  Years later when I think about her response, I am again struck with admiration for what she said.

Excerpt from Part 3 - THE TAMPA TIMES:

Sometime later, Bob told Rita, Richard, and Claude, who all worked for him, to move to another one of his houses.  Rita shared with me that she was uncomfortable about the request.  They all moved.

What follows is some about my house mates:

- Richard and Rita continued to come to the boarding house occasionally.  One day Richard came there to use the washer and dryer.  He knocked on the door to my room.  He looked concerned as he informed me that they had job jeopardy issues.  He was apologetic about calling me crazy, and expressed that he knew that I was a true Christian.  We talked for a lengthy time and my heart went out to him and Rita for their job jeopardy issues.  I prayed for them.

I don't know all of the details...Bob fired Richard and Rita and soon after, he issued them an eviction notice.  They came to me quite concerned.  By then, I had my unemployment compensation.  Our Lord led me to give them funds and food on several occasions.  One day, Rita came to me to ask that I sign a document of some sort against Bob for running an illegal boarding house.  Our Lord told me not to sign the document and He gave me a scripture to support not signing it.  I forgot what the scripture was but it was something about not being yoked with unbelievers in that pursuit.  Yes, Bob was wrong but I was not to put my signature on that document - said GOD.  Richard understood about my decision.  Rita was angry.  My allegiance is to our Lord - above all else.

Again, I don't know all of the details but I do know that Rita and Richard reported Bob to the authorities for operating an unlicensed boarding house.  Mercer, who moved in about a week before the seven day vacate notices, told me one day a government worker came to the house, and questioned him about the living arrangements there.  I believe that that is why Bob gave us very short notice to move.  He knew that he was busted and needed us out of there before the authorities closed in on his shady deal.   

It is not something that I desired but it is interesting that Rita and Richard had complained to Bob about me and requested that he evict me.  Our Lord allowed them to be fired, and to be evicted.  And then they came to me for help, which I graciously provided.  That is Bible truth to love and help our enemies, as our Lord leads.

People often don't believe that our Lord will judge them when they oppose His faithful children.  His Word says in Genesis 12:3, "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:..."

- Pedro was frequently absent from his job because of his alcoholism.  He got fired, and moved in with his mother.

- As I mentioned in an earlier post, Lee and I came to like one another and shared some interesting and helpful conversations.

- Seventh Day Adventist Emma and I shared a lot about our Lord and she would come to my room and we would read the Bible together.  She had, months before, returned to our Lord after living with a man.  We helped each other learn more about our Lord until she did a combination of betrayal moves relative to me.  After our Lord informed me that it had reached a point of enough, she got an unexpected "lion" visit.  

- "Christian" Claude and I began on a good note.  There was an unsettling, though, about him.  Then Lee told me that before I moved in, he and Claude had had some sort of disagreement.  He stated that Claude threatened to harm or kill him - I cannot recall which it was.  What?!  The Lord witnessed to my spirit that Lee was telling the truth.  I had been attending church with Claude.  As I mentioned, there was some unsettling about Claude.  Lee's information added to that.  Well, the real Claude came out on me one day and he angrily got in my face close enough to kiss me.  When he did, I had no fear.  I clearly heard our Lord speak to me in my spirit.  The Lord said to me, "Don't move."  I believe that Claude was surprised that he couldn't back me down because I didn't move or show any fear.  Well, me and Claude went "toe to toe," so to speak.  He moved.

To be continued...

Sandra

Written Saturday March 19, 2011

Copyright 2011

Please continue below to read PUBLIC PRAISE.



Photo compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2011


This is PUBLIC PRAISE that was originally posted on November 6, 2010:

Greetings -

For the past few years, I have been prone to engage in public praise of our Lord.  A lot of people praise the Lord in church and sing and dance to the Lord in church, as well as in their homes.  Well, I sometimes also praise the Lord in public when I am walking down the street, in parks, in stores... By that I don't mean "nutty" or "spooky" conduct.  Below are a few examples:

When I lived in Tampa, FL:

One evening, I was walking to a destination and got "lost."  Before I realized it, I had walked more than an hour out of my way!  (I am a walker and do it often in excess of 45 minutes).  Anyhow, the Lord had reasons for my "lost" condition.  As I walked back to re-group, the Lord told me to praise Him out loud.  I did so for more than 15 minutes and I kept on praising Him out loud.  The next thing I knew, a car drove by and the man inside the car yelled, "Worthy is His name."  I was like, Lord, is he for real or someone trying to lure me?  Just then, the car pulled in front of me into a driveway and stopped - I stopped, and a woman, Tabitha, got out on the passenger side and said that she was reclined in her seat - she heard me - and the Lord told her to get up.  The man said that he had heard me praising the Lord and he stated that the way I was praising Him, he knew that I was serious about GOD (in essence, that is what he said).  They were a Christian married couple.  They gave me a ride home and invited me to their church, which I attended.  Tabitha and I began a rich friendship.  We met because I was walking down the street praising the Lord.

Another evening, I was walking down the street praising the Lord, and a man on a bicycle said to me, "No you're not walking down the street praising the Lord?!"  He engaged me.  I smelled alcohol on his breath - no matter - the Lord had me to demonstrate HIS love.   The man shared with me that he was a Jew; he spoke some about the Lord.  He began to cry.  We prayed together.  Again, we met because I was walking down the street praising the Lord.

One day, I walked in Wal-Mart praising the Lord.  A man heard me and engaged me.  He informed me that he was a Christian teacher.  He and I spoke for a few minutes and right in the front area of Wal-Mart, we prayed out loud.  Again, we met because I came in Wal-Mart praising the Lord.

Another day, I stood in front of Walgreens "preaching" the Word.  A man came out and said, "Preach that Word, sister!"  Later that week, I went to a Wendy's to get a meal.  A woman that worked there invited me to her church.  I went and the man that had seen me at Walgreens is a member of that church.  He came up to me and reminded me that he seen me in front of the Walgreens "preaching."  He had told the Sunday school class about this lady that he had seen up at Walgreens "preaching."  The pastor's wife admiringly said to me that he had mentioned it in Sunday school.

I would walk up and down the street on the block where I lived proclaiming the gospel.  One day I "stationed" myself on the corner near a gas station and proclaimed the gospel.

Here in DC:

One day, I stood in a highly traveled area with my gospel CD playing through my earphones.  I commenced to dance to the Lord right there.  Some teen-agers about to board a bus were laughing.  I was laughing and dancing to the Lord!  No shame or hesitation.

I have determined that I am NOT going to do all of my praising and dancing before the Lord at home or in church.  Much else is being done in public...so certainly praise, worship, and dance to the glory of GOD have a public "place."

I identify with David in 2 Samuel 6:14, "And David danced before the Lord with all his might;..." 

2 Samuel 6:16

...Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.

Sandra's comments:  David was outside in public dancing...

It is my inclination to be most attracted to the most radical personalities in the Bible such as John the Baptist...they are the style that the Lord has me engineered to be - in some aspects.

Note: Now, of course, I am NOT going to be in government buildings or in business settings and break out in praise, worship and dance.  But if I am walking down the street, in the park, in stores,...I am prone to publicly praise the most high GOD whose air we breathe.

Second Note: Certainly, we are unique and have different styles - what works for some does not work for all.  May we all give GOD glory in how He leads us - individually and collectively.

Sandra

November 6, 2010

Copyright 2010

QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Greetings -

Here I share some quotes from others:

T. D. Jakes:

1. Some people don't want you to get well because your dysfunction is their employment.

2. I'm tired of disturbing people who like where they are.

3. What's wrong with you that better don't look good?

4. Have you developed an addiction to your affliction?

5. Anytime you justify your condition, you have given it license to stay.

6. You need a challenge that is so rude that it disrespects your dysfunction.

7. T. D. Jakes said that when he was poor, and dating his wife, Serita, one of her girlfriends said to her "Don't nobody want one-suit Jakes."

Sandra's comment: I wonder what that girlfriend is saying now!

Pastor Tony Evans:

1. If everybody understands you, you're not spiritual.

2. If everybody can figure you out, you're not walking with the Lord.

3. You cannot grow beyond what you know.

NOTE: Please click here to view photos, WINTER ENDING FOR SPRING BREAK http://www.photogplaza.blogspot.com/    

Noah and the ARK-ITECT

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Preface:

I have a deep respect for formal education even though I'm an eighth grade dropout who later got a GED.  It is reasonable that experience is necessary to perform in some roles and professions.  And, no doubt, formal education is essential for some job performances.  This post topic, though, is about a man who had no experience to do a task of epic proportions.  That man was Noah.  We are introduced to him in the Holy Bible in the book of Genesis.

Noah and the ARK-ITECT:

One day last year our Lord told me to do something outside of the area of my expertise.  My response was that I didn't have any experience in that area.  Our Lord said, "Noah didn't have any experience building an ark."  I smiled and had to agree.  I then did that which our Lord had told me to do and was well rewarded for my obedience.  I had no experience in that area but when I agreed to obey, GOD provided the necessary help for me to perform the assignment.  Did the assignment go without any glitches?  No, there were some but I stayed the course.  GOD honored my obedience and guided every step of the way.  Not only did I perform the assignment, but upon its completion, my client wrote me a glowing letter of recommendation!  I did my role and GOD did His - after I yielded to His will.

As we visit the book of Genesis, beginning in chapter 5, we read about Noah.  GOD was the ARK-ITEC and supervised the construction of the vessel.  Our MASTER builder, GOD, led Noah, a righteous man, to build an ark of safety for his family and the assortment of animals.  

Noah built to spec, according to the "blue print" designed by Almighty GOD.  He wholly followed our Lord .  Genesis 7:5 says, "And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him."  It is an understatement to say that the ark project was a major task.  It was huge to execute precisely as our Lord directed.  It sounds daunting to me.  And Genesis 7:6 says that Noah was six hundred years old!  We know from the Word of GOD that there is no holy vision without provision from our glorious Father GOD.

How about us?  Are we building arks according to spec, as guided by our ARK-ITECT and MASTER builder, GOD?

After all, it is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being… – The Acts 17:28

AND we're a lot younger than Noah was when he got his ark assignment! (smiles)

Sandra

Written Thursday March 17, 2011

Copyright 2011  

PART 3 - THE TAMPA TIMES

Greetings -

The scriptures are from the King James Bible.

This is Part 3 of "THE TAMPA TIMES."  

Here are the links to 1 http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/tampa-times.html and 2 http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/tampa-times-does-anybody-feel-me-on.html

Also, here is a link to a related post http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/before-tampa.html

Last paragraph from Part 1:

What did I discover?  Bob and his "company" didn't have a license for a boarding house arrangement.  The official record revealed that it was a single family home.  I called and spoke to one of Bob's representatives.  I was told that the subject licensing was pending.  What?!  I'm no expert but I knew that the boarding house deal was not legit.  Of course, our Lord knew all of this - yet - He let me move in unaware of that matter.  2 Kings 4:27 - KJV says, "...and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me."  Not once did I sense that it wasn't our Lord's will for me to move into that house.  I sought Him about my dilemma.  I said something like, "Lord, I'm a Christian.  I can't be in this shady drama.  And You know I have limited options with no job..."

PART 3 BEGINS:

After my investigation into the rent increase notice, and my obvious Christian conduct, I was on the "hit list" with Rita and Richard.  Remember Richard, Rita's boyfriend, put the rent increase notice on my room door, and got angry when I questioned it.

Our Lord had not provided me an answer yet about what I was to do about the shady boarding house drama.  It was certainly of deep concern to me.  Later, due to circumstances which I will post later, Rita, Richard and I "reconciled."

In the meantime, one day I came back to the house and there was a "For Sale" sign posted for the house.  Huh?!  I spoke to Rita about it.  One thing led to another and she gave me the home number of Bob, the house owner.  I phoned him about the matter of the house being for sale.  Bob sounded sufficiently pleasant.  He told me that Rita, and some of the other house residents had complained to him about my Christianity and requested that he evict me.  He informed me that he had told them that "Ms. Hicks pays her rent" and that he didn't have a problem with me being there.  Of course, we cannot believe everything that we are told, but our Lord gave me a witness in my spirit that Bob spoke the truth about the complaints about my Christianity.  Also, I had received some "vibes" to that effect from some of the residents.  Secret agent Christianity doesn't appeal to me nor does it appeal when Christians disrespect others with
self-righteous "zeal," such as when so-called Christians protest with signs that display demeaning things about the lifestyle choices of others.  We are to love the sinners but hate the sins.  That is Holy Bible truth.       

I lived in that boarding house with two alcoholics who I loved.  It wasn't proper for me to preach to them about their addictions.  What our Lord led me to do was to offer them food, and to help them in other ways.  Initially, they had some issues with my Christianity but before I left the house, Lee and I, in particular, had come to like one another.  We had some good conversations and shared helpful information.

Now, back to Bob and our telephone conversation - he shared with me about him that "Jesus is my Lord and Savior."  I mentioned to him about the boarding house "pending" license issue.  He gave a reason for that - I forgot what he stated.  In reference to the house being for sale, Bob expressed some about that matter.  I don't recall much about what he said.  He told me that he would give me thirty days notice before I had to move from the house.  I continued to be unsettled about his business practices.  I thanked Bob and got off the phone.     

Sometime later, Bob told Rita, Richard, and Claude, who all worked for him, to move to another one of his houses.  Rita shared with me that she was uncomfortable about the request.  They all moved.

Shortly after, two new residents (I'll call them Steve and Mercer) moved into two of the vacant rooms.  It didn't make sense to me that new residents were moved in since the house was for sale.  

Well, one day I came back to the house and on my room door was a notice that instructed to vacate in seven days.  What?!  The rest of the residents had the same instruction.  I believe, at that time, that Steve and Mercer had only been there about a week.  When Steve came home, we talked.  I asked him if he had been told by the house agent when she rented to him that the house was for sale.  He was furious about the seven days to vacate notice, and stated that he had not been told about the sale posting.  He expressed that had he known that, he would not have moved in.

I called, "Jesus is my Lord and Savior" Bob.  I asked him about the seven day vacate notice.  This time his tone was crisp and cold.  I reminded him that he had told me that he would give me thirty days notice.  He informed me that he was acting on advice of his attorney.  Yeah right!  Bob offered no apology or offer to re-locate us.  That was it.  We were to be out of the house in seven days.       

Understandably, the house residents were quite disturbed.  I shared with Lee that I wasn't worried because I trusted GOD.  I told him that I would pray for him and the others, which I did.  Shortly after, Lee was able to make other housing arrangements.  Pedro moved in with his mother.  Later, in another post, I'll share more about the house residents and some of what happened in the house before we all had to go our separate ways. 

I had no idea how I would find someplace to live in seven days.  GOD knew, and I trusted Him.

Proverbs 3:5, 6
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.

To be continued....

Sandra 

Written March 17, 2011

Copyright 2011   

PART 2 - THE TAMPA TIMES - DOES ANYBODY FEEL ME ON, "YOUR WORD IS YOUR BOND?"

Greetings -

This is Part 2. Here is the link from Part 1of "THE TAMPA TIMES."  http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/tampa-times.html.

Also, here is another related link, "BEFORE TAMPA..." http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/before-tampa.html

Last paragraph from Part 1:

What did I discover?  Bob and his "company" didn't have a license for a boarding house arrangement.  The official record revealed that it was a single family home.  I called and spoke to one of Bob's representatives.  I was told that the subject licensing was pending.  What?!  I'm no expert but I knew that the boarding house deal was not legit.  Of course, our Lord knew all of this - yet - He let me move in unaware of that matter.  2 Kings 4:27 - KJV says, "...and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me."  Not once did I sense that it wasn't our Lord's will for me to move into that house.  I sought Him about my dilemma.  I said something like, "Lord, I'm a Christian.  I can't be in this shady drama.  And You know I have limited options with no job..."

PART 2 BEGINS:

I digress before I return to the boarding house episode.  This situation happened on the day that I was led of our Lord to seek donations.  On that day, I met "Reverend" (I'll call him Fred) who was walking down the street.  Around his neck, he wore an identification badge with his photo and notification that he was a pastor.  I shared with Fred about some of my story.  He told me that he was in the business of helping "the least of these."  My impression was that he was part of some sort of nonprofit organization that helps the needy.  I shared with Fred that I was in search of work.

Fred assured me that he could give me some work in his organization.  He gave me his number to set up an appointment.  Over days, each time that I would phone Fred, he had an excuse for not meeting with me.  Typically, I'm not one to pursue beyond about three attempts, but clearly our Lord told me to continue to pursue the matter.  After more than a week of phoning, leaving messages and speaking with Fred to get yet more excuses, I really began to question our Lord about why He desired me to keep calling Fred.  Our Lord didn't explain.  I had to obey Him, regardless.

On some days, Fred would return my calls to say that he had emergencies or that he was going out of town and so had to cancel our appointment.  Finally, after about two weeks of such actions, one day I was going, on the bus, to a Christian bookstore.  I don't remember who called who but I spoke with Fred and he agreed to meet me at the transfer point before I boarded my second bus to reach my destination.

Fred assured me that he was minutes away from where I was and that he would, very shortly, meet me there.  I waited a reasonable timeframe.  When Fred had not arrived, I phoned him.  He then told me to meet him where he was located.  I reminded him that he had told me that he would come to meet me.  He responded angrily.  I forgot exactly what he stated.

In my spirit, I sensed our Lord let me know that it was "lion time."   For the two week span with Fred, I had been in lamb formation.  Please know that I love Fred, but it was time to address his nonsense.  Now the lion in me "pounced."  I sharply said to Fred, "The Lord told me to go to the Christian bookstore."  I don't recall, verbatim, what else I said but I do remember that I said something like, "That is where I am going.  I'm not coming to meet you."  I told the "good Reverend" that real Christians keep their words.  A few more choice statements were delivered to Fred.  I ended with something like, "The Lord told me to leave you alone!"  That said - I disconnected the call.

About a month or so later, you may find it a surprise to know where I saw Fred.  That Tampa "chapter" will be posted later.

I arrived and entered the bookstore.  I made a few
low-cost purchases.  The desire of my heart was to have a comparative study Bible to compare versions side by side in one Bible.  I couldn't afford it.  Our Lord placed me back in donation solicitation mode.  He told me to go out to the bookstore parking lot to ask for donations so that I could make a Bible bookstore purchase.

After greeting them, I said this to the people who our Lord led me to ask, "Would you like to make a donation to a worthy cause?"  When they would ask what the worthy cause was, I would reply "me."  Then I would briefly tell them about my love for our Lord and a few other Christian related expressions.   

I got a couple of refusals.  A group of women got out of a car.  After my request, a couple of them stated that they might help when they came out of the bookstore.  One woman gave me a three dollar donation and suggested that I go back in the bookstore to make my request to the personnel who worked there.  The Lord had told me to go to the parking lot and that is where He wanted me to stay.  I thanked her, and politely told her of what our Lord had instructed me.  After about thirty minutes, our Lord sent His saint (I'll call her Sarah) to buy the Bible for me.  Sarah agreed to help me, and asked what I wanted in the bookstore.  Our Lord led me to respond that I would tell her when we got in the store.  Sarah agreed.  Once there, I led her to the comparative Bible section.  I sensed in my spirit which comparative Bible our Lord desired that I select.  It was about $50.00, which caused me to hesitate.  Anyway, I went for it in obedience.  Sarah, without hesitation, agreed to purchase it.  I offered her the three dollar donation that I had received earlier in the parking lot.  She refused to accept it.  I thanked Sarah for her generosity.  

When Sarah finished at the register, we had a brief conversation about our Lord and she shared with me what church she attended.  She gave me her number, and we went our separate ways.  The next day our Lord led me to phone Sarah to give her a message from Him.  I believe also that He gave me some scripture content for her - my memory is fuzzy on that aspect.  Sarah didn't answer her phone.  I left the message on her voice mail.  Later she phoned me in tears - joyful tears.  She explained that the message that I had shared was precisely what she needed.  She expressed how the message blessed her.  Our Lord blessed us both - me with the Bible and Sarah with the message.  Thank You, Lord!

Our Lord presented another donation solicitation opportunity for me.  He led me to contact one of my
out-of-town relatives (I'll call her Ada) to request financial help.  My family knows my inclination is NOT to ask for financial aid.  Accurately, that WAS my inclination, for as long as we can remember, until our Lord told me that that was a pride matter with me.  I needed to be humbled in that area.   

Ada agreed to mail me some funds.  The funds didn't arrive after a reasonable time.  I phoned to inquire.  She gave a reason why she hadn't sent the funds.  This went on for more than a week.  She continued to give reasons why she had not done it.  My inclination was to cease to inquire.  But our Lord urged me to pursue it.  At some point, I came to realize that the pursuit matter was not only about me but about what our Lord was doing in Ada.  She is a Christian, but keeping it real, at that time, she was more carnal than spiritual. 

Anyway, one night I dreamed that our Lord had me to strongly rebuke Ada for not keeping her word.  In the dream, I sharply said to her something like, "The Lord is angry at you because you told me that you would do it, and you didn't do it."  And in the dream, I  told her that the Lord would judge her for not keeping her word.  The dream was quite vivid and when I awoke, I was troubled for Ada because the dream made it crystal clear that the Lord was VERY angry with her.

It was early in the morning after my dream when our Lord told me to phone Ada to tell her about my dream.  I hesitated because of the early hour.  Our Lord urged me to phone.  Ada didn't answer.  I was led to leave a voice mail message about the dream.  Ada didn't return my call, but about two days later, I received the funds from her.  I mailed her a thank you card.

To be continued...        

Sandra

Written Tuesday March 15, 2011

Copyright 2011

SCRIPTURE JOY

Greetings -

The scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Psalm 145:7
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

Psalm 145:11
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power.

Exodus 14:31
And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord,...

1 Samuel 15:24
And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Isaiah 51:12
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

Exodus 15:3
The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.

1 Samuel 16:1
And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?  fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee...

FOOD DRAMA

Greetings -

Interviewer:

“What is your name?”

“Lettuce.”

“Why so wilted, Lettuce?”

“Because I am alone –
my ensemble collapsed.”

“What happened?”

“Tomatoes sliced apart,
unhappy with
their portions -
they desired more
in the mix

Cucumbers were afraid
of the drama
so they walked
out on the job

Cheese could not
handle a twosome
just lettuce and cheese –
the cheesy message was
‘Call us if you have more.’

So here I sit
wilted in despair.”

Meanwhile back on the ranch –
here comes Ranch dressing
to dress down the crew -
He pours it on thick

Ranch calls for order
and says to one and to all
“We are a unit,
come together, will ya’ll?!
United, we mix
apart we are tossed
Come on, troopers –
let us be salad.”

SON flower seed enters the scene - -
There is a meeting
of the flavors -
foolishness is pushed aside
They forge an unbreakable bond
as they all jump in the bowl

Interviewer:

“It’s a wrap, folks –
Pardon me while I partake of
the new and improved salad bar.”

Sandra

Saturday July 17, 2010

© Copyright 2010

PART 1 - THE TAMPA TIMES

Greetings -

The scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Jeremiah 17: 7, 8, 10
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Last paragraph from PART 3 - GOD'S ADVENTURE FOR ME IN CHARLESTON.  Also, here is the link to that topic in its entirety
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/02/part-3-gods-adventure-for-me-in.html.

While I was in Washington for about two days, our Lord told me that I was not going back to Charleston.  He brought back to my remembrance what the desk clerk had said, "You don't belong here."  My mission in Charleston was over.  Our Lord told me to go to Tampa.  The original plan was a go.

THE TAMPA TIMES BEGIN:

My time spent in Tampa, Florida was much lengthier than my adventure in Charleston, South Carolina.  What I will do here with my Tampa accounts is share the major highlight "moments."

When I reached the Greyhound station in Tampa, I inquired of one of the employees there about an inexpensive motel.  He suggested one.  I got a cab and the driver drove me to the subject motel.  That suggested place didn't witness in my spirit.  I left and went back to the cab.  The driver was a blessing from our Lord.  He agreed to take me to a motel that he considered better.  He didn't charge me for the additional trip which was a good distance from where we were.  The cab driver also told me that he would shut his cab meter off at a certain amount and not charge me for anything beyond that limit.  I was grateful and expressed to him, in earnest, my appreciation.  Thank you, Lord. 

We arrived at the better motel.  The cab driver was right.  It was a "fit" for me.  Also, it had free continental breakfast and Internet service for patrons.  I paid for a week in advance. 

When I got settled in some, I phoned my cousin (I'll call her Gina) to let her know that I was in Tampa.  Remember when I was in Charleston, one of my relatives had given me Gina's phone
number.  To my surprise, Gina lived about a ten minute drive from the motel.  Her job, at the time, was as a
live-in assistant for a mentally challenged client.  Gina came to pick me up and gave me a Tampa snapshot "tour."  Gina's grown daughter (I'll call her Lynn) had recently moved to Tampa and resided in a nearby boarding house. 

Our Lord led me to a church in walking distance from the motel.  It was full gospel, and a blessing to my spirit.  I quickly began a job search, and inquired about a shelter in Tampa.  My cousin and another relative in Maryland had concerns about me living in a shelter.  The Lord arranged it where, in the boarding house where Lynn lived, another tenant was evicted for nonpayment of rent.  The subject room was next door to Lynn's room.  It became available on the Wednesday after my arrival in Tampa.

I had concerns about the room matter because I didn't have a job and existed on savings.  It would be later that I would apply, in Florida, for unemployment compensation, which I did receive.  The house
live-in manager (I'll call her Rita) made a call to seek approval due to my status.  I was accepted to move in.  The motel didn't give refunds.  I had paid through that Friday so I decided to stay there until my time had expired. 

In one of my previous posts, I shared how our Lord had to humble me because I was a giver, but rarely did I ask others for financial help.  It was such a rarity that one of my sisters told her grown daughter something like, "I know that it "kills" Sandy (my nickname) to ask for help."  Anyway our Lord shared with me that there was pride in that position of mine.  So He placed me in positions, and told me to ask for help.  It wasn't excessive - I began to do as our Lord led.

As mentioned earlier, I had some savings and one of my sister's had deposited some money into my account.  But now I had to pay rent and didn't yet have a job or my unemployment compensation.  I needed some basic things for my room.  So one day at about 9:00 a.m., our Lord told me to begin to ask for donations from people.  I asked the motel manager if they had any old linen that could be given to me.  He stated that he would get back to me about it.  I had about two more days to be there.  The manager didn't get back to me.  Our Lord told me not to ask him again.  

Then our Lord told me to start walking and to seek donations, as He led.  I asked in stores, and at other motels.  One lady in a store gave me a dollar.  Hey!  I was thankful.  It was an answer.  Not once did I get discouraged.  Our Lord sent me to ask and that is what I did.  Also, more importantly, I had to do it for spiritual reasons - my pride, you know.  And do you know what?  Praise GOD - I didn't have one "morsel" of shame.  I was on a mission from GOD!   

I walked, and asked from 9:00 a.m. until about 2:00 p.m.  I had received one dollar.  At about 2:00, I walked to a business that had a message on the awning that advertised it as a Christian business.  I said to myself something like, Is this just a sign or are these people really about GOD?  I was led by our Lord to go in.  I forgot what I said to lead one of the men there to mention the awning signage that indicated that they were Christians.  When he said that, my friendly response was, "Are you good Samaritans?"  His friendly reply was "yes."  There were about 4-5 other people present when I walked in - all Caucasians.   I told them as much as our Lord led me to say about my situation.  Individuals gave me donations.  I expressed to them my appreciation.  When I left and had walked up the street, one of the women came out of the business and gave me her donation.  The total amount gained from the people there wasn't a large sum, but the amount wasn't the core issue.  I was deeply affected by the care that those people demonstrated.  They provided enough for me to get what I needed for the room with a few dollars left.  I walked up the street and offered someone a tithe of the money.  That person graciously refused  it.  I found someone else to give it to and on my merry way I went.   

When my motel check-out date arrived, praise our Lord, Rita, the boarding house live-in manager, and her son came to get me.  I offered, and they accepted some funds for their help.  Off to my new "digs" I went.

The boarding house was sizable with about eight rooms.  I liked the  room, and it was affordable.  The other tenants (names changed) were:

- Rita (house manager) and her boyfriend Richard - Black

- Emma - a Jamaican Seventh Day Adventist - Black

- Claude - a Christian who also worked as the maintenance man - Black

- Lee - an older biker type - Caucasian - alcohol addicted, and if I remember correctly, an atheist  

- Pedro - Hispanic - alcohol addicted

I mentioned the races/cultures...to show that our Lord had arranged diversity which I love because in heaven, there is diversity.  We should embrace it on earth in accordance with the precepts of our DIVERSE Lord.

We housemates got along sufficiently well.  I hit a "snag" with Rita and Richard after I had been there about a month.  Richard placed, on my room door, a notice of a rent increase.  The effective date was a "back date" for, I believe, the previous month.  I didn't know how they did rent business in Tampa, Florida, but in D.C., you cannot raise rent prior to a 30 day notice and you certainly cannot issue a rent increase notice with an effective date listed as a previous month.  

I reasonably questioned Richard about the matter.  He got angry.  I informed him that I wasn't going for that practice.  He stated that he would contact the house owner (I'll call him Bob) and get back to me.

My nature is investigative anyhow so to pursue the issue was a "given" for me.  I heard a prominent Christian Bishop say that a lot of Christians are spiritual but lack business sense.  They are holy but don't have sufficient business skills.  I am all for spirituality but I firmly believe in solid business practices and the ability to research and investigate practical and administrative matters.  We need to be business capable and intelligent.  There is not necessarily a need to go deep but sufficient knowledge should be possessed to manage affairs successfully and effectively.  And if we cannot or do not possess the necessary knowledge, we should know what resources to pursue. 

Anyhow, off I go to the appropriate government entity in Tampa to inquire about that rent increase notice.  The man at the subject agency informed me that the subject notice was a violation of governmental policy.  I asked for the necessary documentation and received what I needed from him.  Next I went to the public library to do some "research" on the property where I lived.   

What did I discover?  Bob and his "company" didn't have a license for a boarding house arrangement.  The official record revealed that it was a single family home.  I called and spoke to one of Bob's representatives.  I was told that the subject licensing was pending.  What?!  I'm no expert but I knew that the boarding house deal was not legit.  Of course, our Lord knew all of this - yet - He let me move in unaware of that matter.  2 Kings 4:27 - KJV says, "...and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me."  Not once did I sense that it wasn't our Lord's will for me to move into that house.  I sought Him about my dilemma.  I said something like, "Lord, I'm a Christian.  I can't be in this shady drama.  And You know I have limited options with no job..."   

To be continued...

Sandra

Written Saturday March 12, 2011

Copyright 2011            

BEFORE TAMPA...GOD SAYS IN 3 JOHN 4 - I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN WALK IN TRUTH

Photo compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2010/2011

Greetings -

The Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Soon I will post on my Tampa, Florida adventure, but was led to post this first as a sort of preface to that subject topic.    

For weeks I "wrestled" with our Lord about posting some realities that I experienced in Tampa, Florida.  The main concern is that I would be judging those who professed to be Christians.  When I would "push back" from the inclination to share, our Lord would provide more confirmations that He desired me to post what I experienced.

In some previous posts, I shared about some of my spiritual failures and our Lord's forgiveness after I repented and amended my ways.  The Holy Bible states that we all sin and come short of GOD's glory - Romans 3:23.  But when "Christians" indulge in a habitual practice of sin - that is death existence.  Romans 8:6 says, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

This morning our Lord reminded me that years ago when I was a baby Christian, I made a statement, "I can tell Christians anything."  Of course, that was a statement made in ignorance because then I believed that I could trust all Christians.  Our Lord further told me that I had to post these truths because some baby Christians will read this post.  They need to know that all "Christians" cannot be trusted.  My many eye-opening experiences revealed that we are to love and forgive people, including Christians, but that trust must be proven.     

In one of my previous posts, I shared what Bishop T. D. Jakes expressed.  He said, "JESUS had one Judas out of 12 disciples.  Many pastors today have 11 Judas' and one disciple."  When I heard that, it struck my spirit strongly that Jakes spoke truth.  My spirit bears witness, based on my experiences, that "in the church," there are more with Satan than with our Lord as truth walkers in the kingdom of GOD.  Also, in the book of Revelation, of the seven churches, five of the seven were rebuked by our Lord.  Some months ago, I heard Christian music artist Carman state that most of his hurt came from "church" people.  With those accounts, among others, I came to grips about my sentiments relative to the state of Christianity.  I was relieved that I wasn't paranoid or gripped by pessimism.  The state is a reality.  Praise GOD - I am grateful for my eye-opening experiences of being betrayed by some "Christians" because the lessons have proven to be beneficial.  It is so helpful to know.  Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:..."   

Of course, we know that there ARE truth walkers in the kingdom of GOD.  I have met some fervent, sincere, righteous people who love our Lord in earnest.  Praise GOD for that - but the reality is that I have met more who profess as said in Titus 1:16 which states, "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."  Currently, Christianity, as a whole, has a blighted reputation and it is NOT all due to Satan and unjustified criticism from sinners.  2 Chronicles 7:14 states, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  May we, in earnest, be DOERS of GOD'S Holy Bible.      

Other Christians may have testimonies of being surrounded by steadfastly godly Christian brothers and sisters in Christ.  Glory to GOD!  But the reality is that all of us don't have such experiences.

Back to my hesitancy about sharing some of my realities - our Lord reminded me that the Holy Bible gives accounts of spiritual failures
and the disobedient actions of GOD's people and others, such as Adam, Eve, Peter, Paul, Jezebel, and Ahab.  The accounts are the realities of human conditions.  And our Lord reminded me that we are to judge with RIGHTEOUS judgment.  1 Corinthians 2:15 states, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,..."  And 2 Corinthians 10:6 states, "And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."

We are all works in progress.  We know that GOD can change anybody and that people do change and become better.  We have changed because of GOD in our lives, and our choices to obey Him.  We learn obedience from the things that we experience, and the things that we suffer - Hebrews 5:8.  My prayer is that we will continue to work with our Father GOD to be the best that He expects.  Also, my prayer is that others will become truth walkers who DO what GOD teaches.  

Philippians 3:2
...beware of evil workers,...

Matthew 7:15, 16
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits...

Colossians 3:25
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.   

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Psalm 118:7
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.  

Matthew 10:36
And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

Are we to fear the foes in our own Christian households?  Not at all.  When we have pure hearts and clean hands, there is NOTHING  to fear.  Fear is our enemy - faith is our friend.  Philippians 1:28, "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God."

But we are to do as it states in 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not  every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:..."  And more vitally, we are to love and forgive people, but remember that trust must be proven. 

When we steadfastly aim to please GOD, He honors our actions.  1 Samuel 2:30 states, "...but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." 

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

So, my fellow members of the body of Christ, when I post the Tampa adventure, it is the reality.  It is what it is...

Love to you all.

SON dweller,

Sandra

Written Friday March 11, 2011   

NOTE: A form of this (full content is not shown there) is made available for copy/print/distribution on my other blog FREELY RECEIVED FREELY GIVEN at http://www.giftsfromglory.blogspot.com/.  Conditions for said usage are posted there, as well.  On that blog, the title of the post is "GOD SAYS IN 3 JOHN 4 - I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN WALK IN TRUTH."