PART 5 - THE TAMPA TIMES

Greetings -

This is Part 5 of "THE TAMPA TIMES."  Below are the links to the parts that preceded this one.

BEFORE TAMPA - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/before-tampa.html 

PART 1 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/tampa-times.html

PART 2 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/tampa-times-does-anybody-feel-me-on.html

PART 3 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/part-3-tampa-times.html

PART 4 - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/03/part-4-tampa-times-and-public-praise.html

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

PART 5 BEGINS:

As mentioned in previous parts, I had seven days to find somewhere else to live - more on that a bit later.

My short time in Tampa, I had visited some churches.  At one church on a Sunday, as I sat in the sanctuary, the Holy Spirit so powerfully moved within me that I sat sobbing in joy and gratitude.  Then I went to my knees in worship and adoration to our Lord.  Visibly affected by the move of the Holy Spirit upon me, one of the church members came over to where I was in the sanctuary.  He asked something like "How did you learn to praise the Lord like that?!"  I forgot what I responded. 

On another Sunday, at the same church, a member walked up to me and discreetly placed money in my hand.  I graciously thanked him.

I visited another church that had anointed services and was regularly packed to capacity on Sundays.  And even on Wednesday Bible study nights, it was regularly well attended.  It was the first church that I had attended where the teacher/pastor was so anointed in holiness that people joyously shouted at Bible study.  My experience had been more sedate Bible studies.  The ones at this church were lively and anointed!  

In my various church visits, I had met and engaged with some church members.  I also met a Christian crossing guard who worked down the street from the boarding house where I lived.  It was to those few people that our Lord led me when I was faced with the urgency to move from the boarding house in seven days.

I had few options as I was still on a job search and collecting unemployment compensation.  Most property owners won't rent to applicants in such circumstances.  I wasn't worried though because I knew that our Lord had sent me to Tampa.  His word says in Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Our Lord had arranged for me to have three options.  Below only one real name is used, and that is Tabitha. 

Here are the options:

1.) Move in with Gail, who offered to rent me, in her apartment, her bedroom.  She would move into her living room.  That didn't appeal to me as I didn't want her to give up her bedroom.  She persisted and offered that I come to visit to decide.  One advantage was that she lived close to where I could conveniently get around on public transportation to job search. 

I had met Gail at the Wendy's where she worked.  She invited me to her church; that is the one that has the lively and anointed services.

Prior to this place-to-stay situation, one day, Gail had let me know that she was still in to fornication.  That deeply bothered me relative to living with her.  Our Lord hadn't given a clear answer about the living arrangement option - but I know His Word! 

Anyhow, I went over to Gail's place.  While there, my spirit became grieved.  It was now clear that I couldn't live there.  I didn't tell Gail that day.

2.) Lillian, an elderly retired lady who had an empty bedroom.  She offered that to me at a price that I could afford.  She attended the same church as Gail.  The concern was that she lived a good distance away with very limited public transportation options.

3.) Tabitha's recommendation, Doris.  I mentioned Tabitha in a previous post titled, "PUBLIC PRAISE - http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/11/public-praise.html.
This is an excerpt from that post relative to Tabitha: "Tabitha and I began a rich friendship. We met because I was walking down the street praising the Lord."

Tabitha and Doris attended the same church.  I'm keeping it real here people - Doris had a cold spirit and I wasn't at all inclined to live with her.  She lived across the street from the boarding house.  Later...Tabitha told me that she knew about Doris' cold demeanor but didn't feel inclined to share that with me.  I guess because she knew that I urgently needed somewhere to live.

Tabitha gave me Doris' number.  I phoned her to inquire.  Her coldness was palpable.  She informed me, with reluctance in her voice, that I could stay there.  I thanked her.  When I got off the phone I pretty much told the Lord that I didn't want to stay there.

The next day I told Gail that my decision was not to stay at her place.  I again considered Lillian but couldn't get around the lack of transportation options - sigh.

Our Lord told me to call Doris again, and this time, to arrange a visit.  I reluctantly did as He instructed.  Doris and I talked and I informed her about the coldness matter and that I felt no Christian love from her.  She expressed shock.  She was slightly friendlier as we talked and I felt somewhat better.  She agreed to charge me a reasonable fee to rent there.  

Our Lord led me to volunteer once a week at a place called, The Trinity Cafe, a faith-based program that daily feeds the needy.  I love their program.  They feed the needy on tables with tablecloths, flower vase centerpieces and with real dishes and silverware (no plastic and paper).  And they have server volunteers to serve the guests just as happens in some restaurants.  I was a server and donned my apron and pleasantly said to the guests, "Welcome to The Trinity Cafe."  The cafe operators encourage the volunteer servers and staff members to engage the guests with small talk.  I didn't need such encouragement (smiles) but was pleased to know that they encourage it.

We, volunteers and staff members, prayed in a circle before the guests arrived.  The manager, a Christian backslider, asked me to pray one day.  I prayed a prayer that was less than a couple of minutes long.  Later on another day, an elderly Jewish volunteer told the manager not to let me pray because I prayed too long.  I went home and our Lord led me to this scripture in Luke 6:11 - KJV, "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."  After assurances from our Lord, I didn't believe that my prayers were too long.  They were typically less than a couple of minutes in length.  Later one of the chief operators shared with me that the Jewish volunteer and his wife, also a volunteer there, had received complaints about their abrasive attitudes; she stated, though, that they faithfully came to volunteer.

The chief operators of the program are a husband and wife team.  The wife, I'll call her Dana, came to me one day and stated that another Christian volunteer had said to her, about me, that she had never met a Christian so enthusiastic about God.  Dana commended my enthusiasm.  One day, she shared with me that her daughter was soon to go on a missionary assignment to another country.  Our Lord led me to pray with her and to give her some scriptural content.  She cried in relief from the words of comfort and assurance from our Lord.  

Long story short, I lived with Doris for about two months.  Mostly, it was unpleasant.  Her coldness wore on me.  But I know that our Lord had me there for a reason - for me and for Doris.  One day, our Lord told me that I needed to get out of there before my birthday on April 30th.  With my circumstances, I had no idea where I would go.  One night, our Lord gave me a dream that Doris and her relatives were sitting in her living room talking negatively about me.   

Before I moved from Doris', I had obtained a job as a telemarketer.  I worked there, and so disliked it that one day, I said to our Lord, "Lord, please get me out of here."  It wouldn't have been decent and in order for me to quit because I needed a job and nothing else had developed.  While I was there, I performed the best that I could but it, frankly, wasn't a good fit.  Well, after about a week, our Lord did get me out of there.  I went to jail.  

To be continued...

Sandra

Written Sunday April 17, 2011

Copyright 2011          

NOTE: Please read the post directly below this one titled, "BEAUTY IS HEART DEEP."  Thank you for your indulgence.  

BEAUTY IS HEART DEEP

Greetings -

This post is primarily for more mature audiences; however, young bloods are welcome to partake.

Photos compliments of Sandra
Copyright 2011

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Joshua 14:10-13

And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day;...   

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb...for an inheritance.

Numbers 13:30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

A few days ago, I grew concerned as I viewed, on me, new signs of physical aging.  Quickly, our Lord dissolved my doubts when I went on someone's blog and read these words, "You are beautiful just as you are."  That particular blog is one that I don't recall ever visiting.  That made it all the more special that our Lord sent me to that post.  Update: Karen commented under this post that it was her blog that I visited http://www.hopefaithlife.blogspot.com/.  

About mid-week, the doubts crept in again.  Our Lord told me to search in His Scriptures for the word beautiful, and to write some of those subject citations.

Here are the ones that our Lord led me to write:

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy...

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:...

Song of Solomon 6:4
Thou art beautiful, O my love,...comely as Jerusalem,...

Isaiah 4:2
In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely...

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

The Acts 3:10
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which happened unto him.

Later that day, I went to Lidj's blog and our Lord led me to one of her older posts.  Guess what it is titled? - "Beautiful."  Tears welled in my eyes as I marveled at how our Lord so dearly met me where I was.  

A bit later, I went out and walked.  I had on earphones as I listened to a gospel selection.  Our Lord so moved upon me that, right there in public, I got demonstratively happy in the Holy Spirit.  Tears flowed down my cheeks in glorious gratitude to our Lord.  At one point, I was so filled that I stopped walking and lifted my arms in holy adoration.  I'm not ashamed to praise our Lord in public places.  For those who are inclined, here is a link to a post that I did called,

"PUBLIC PRAISE" 
http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/11/public-praise.html

As I continued to walk and cry in love to our Father, repeatedly I sang these words, "We're beautiful."  I was overcome in the Spirit in a wondrous way.  Glory to GOD'S amazing name! 

American society, for the most part, does not promote love, respect and appreciation for those who are mature in age.  They label "old" as unappealing and unattractive.  That is NOT what GOD believes nor should we, HIS children.  Hey people, GOD'S Word says:

Psalm 74:12
For God is my King of old,...

Psalm 92:14
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Luke 2:36,38
And there was one Anna, a prophetess,...she was of great age...

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Yes, when we get older, things do "go south," but hey folks, Florida is in the south.  It is called the "Sunshine state."  We older ones are in SONSHINE STATES.  We must purpose not to let the younger folks dismiss us.  We must refuse to believe that we are less attractive because of physical aging factors.  And we should not be obsessed with outward beauty.  That is worldly conduct.  Of course, we should do our best to look attractive and appealing but obsession is sin.  1 Samuel 16:7 says, "...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."   

About four years ago, I stopped coloring my hair.  Yes, I would look younger if I colored it.  I reached a point when I said, "It is what it is."  One of my then coworkers approached me about my gray hair.  She expressed concern that it wasn't attractive.  I kindly informed her that "It is what it is" and that I wasn't going to color it anymore.  I'm confidently satisfied that it's attractive to the Lord, as well as to me. 

Also, our Lord led me to streamline my possessions and to, overall, simplify my life.  He revealed that my time investments were too much focused on stuff.  I testify here that streamlining and simplifying has allowed me to put more emphasis on the more meaningful things in life - most especially - time with our Lord.   My gratitude is immense that our Lord shared that with me.  The benefits are priceless!

Each age category has benefits.  We are to be thankful to our Lord, regardless.  Since the focus of this post is primarily about the more mature in age, here I will share some benefits to remind us of our value.  The more mature oak trees provide shade.  The seeds and saplings haven't progressed to that level yet.  We more mature agers have wisdom chests - accumulated over years.  The saplings gain from our wisdom.  We, those who love and serve GOD, know more about who we are - for the most part, we have found ourselves.  We have loved and lost - been there done that - and are wiser for the experiences.  We are more apt to recognize and discern those who are up to no good.  We are typically not inclined to feel entitled - rather we are appreciative of the gifts from GOD.       

Below is a report that made me chuckle: 

This a.m. I saw a headline on http://www.cnn.com/ that said, "Man 81, 'went to work' on intruder - tough senior fights off intruder."  The man, Bobby Smith, a stroke victim, was interviewed on video.  He fought the attempted robber with a pan in which he was cooking potatoes when the intruder came into his kitchen.  Smith said, "I hit him upside the face...  He sank to his knees...I hit him with a #2 frying skillet and it was red hot..."  Smith then got a pitchfork.  He said, "...then I went to work on him."  Smith finished by saying, "Nobody is gonna scare me..."  

Here next I will share about outward image pressures.     

Particularly, in the entertainment industry there is a focus on outward beauty.  Entertainers, and celebrities are pressured to look good.  They do Botox, peels, and surgery in desperation to retain outward beauty.  It is such bondage to be obsessed with physical appearances.  I feel, particularly, for those in the entertainment industry because they are "forced" to engage in the outward beauty chase to continue to make their livings - at least, that is what they believe.  When JESUS is not Lord in lives, deception is a major presence.  

This made me smile:

I saw a woman with a t-shirt on that stated, "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy."  

The other day when I was out and about and walking, our Lord had me to approach people and address them as beautiful and handsome.  One question I asked some folks was "How long have you been beautiful?"  I approached men, some with numerous missing teeth, and said, "Hi handsome."  So many people smiled.  It was such a pleasure to express to them about their beauty.  

At one point, I came upon a man who was heavily drunk.  He was sitting on a step drooling, and he looked barely conscious.  There were a bunch of people yards away.  I walked up to the drunken man and said, "Hi handsome.  How long have you been handsome?"  He seemed to quicken a bit.  One thing that I know is that our Lord told me to say those words to that man.  I believe that the spirit in him heard what I spoke.  

As I walked away, two women looked at at me incredulously because of what I spoke to that drunken disheveled man.  I kindly said to them something like, "We can see his dysfunction but some of us are jacked up on the inside where it isn't outwardly visible."  Later our Lord shared with me that that man is somebody's son, somebody's father, somebody's loved one.  We don't know, he could be a future minister.  GOD called him handsome for a reason.  Romans 4:17 says, "...before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."

1 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  

We, as children of GOD'S kingdom, should not focus on the things of the world.  Our holy roles are not to subscribe to the world's standards.  Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."   

Colossians 3:1,2
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Love, Sandra
your mature aged sister who is immensely glad to serve GOD, our "King of old" - Psalm 74:12.

GOD calls us beautiful.  His witness surpasses all others. 

1 John 5:9
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater:...

Sandra

Written Saturday April 16, 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.

GOD SHUT THE DOOR...

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Early this a.m., during my devotions with our Lord, He gave me the title of this post.  He also gave me the following scriptures:

Genesis 7:16
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.  

Revelation 3:7, 8
And to the angel of the church in Philadlephia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Later today I shared the above with a sister in Christ.  Then tonight I went to another blogger's site and noticed that she had content relative to the "door" matter.  It was after that, that our Lord told me that it was ripe to post this topic that He gave me early this a.m.  Further, He shared that someone was waiting for this post.  I have no clue who, but in obedience to our Lord, it is here.  It could be more than one person so I will express in plural.

Our Lord says:

"Children, nothing happens that is not on My radar.  I am fully aware of your questions, challenges, and fears.  I have not forgotten You.  Rejection does manifest in your lives.  I allow it because I have better for you.  My Word says in Hebrews 12:11, 'Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.'"

"My cash flow has not ceased.  When you imagine that you don't have enough, that is not Me that You believe because My Word assures you that I shall supply all of your needs according to My riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  My schedule prevails. 

"You fret about job security.  Be secure in Me.  Nothing can occur without My clearance.  Whatever I allow, I rule.  Remember that I have preeminence over all.  Any doors that I shut in your lives, it is because better ones shall open.  Your challenge is the wait.  Your challenge is the unknown.  Rest in the truth that I know, and expect You to walk by faith, not by sight. 

"People have forsaken you.  Count it all joy.  They have been removed for beneficial purposes.  Their departure does not subtract from your value.  Consider their absence an asset.  If I needed them there for you, their departure would have been prevented.  Am I not GOD?!  

"What is yours is reserved for you.  I won't allow anyone to have what is reserved for you.  It is yours.  Sow to My Spirit and witness My moves, and developments.   

"Press in to Me - press in to My Word - press in to My truth.  Cleave to My promises - draw nigh to Me and I will draw nigh to you.  I know that you are tempted to faint, and to accept an Ishmael rather than an Isaac.  Don't settle.  Press on for your "child of promise" - your Isaac. 

"Rest in my arms - let go of your anxieties - rest in Me, saith GOD."

The Acts 5:39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

I Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Philippians 4:11

..for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Sandra 

Written Wednesday April 13, 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.

HOW DOES OUR GARDEN GROW?

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

John 19:41
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden;...

Matthew 26:30
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.  

2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

My perspective of an ideal garden is one with abundant fragrances saturating the air space, and with colors that exhilarate with their stunning radiance.  And no garden is complete without the essential presence of people, and creature comfort animal assets.  Manifold flowers consume the environmental landscape.  Displayed are vivid views of lilies, gladiolas, peonies, orchids, gardenias, roses, violets, and blossoms galore. 

Spilling over the gateways are ivy leaves, and ferns.  Spread throughout are cherry blossom trees that bring gleeful delight.  Climbing philodendrons explode in green brilliance as they blanket the gold-trimmed gazebos.

Shrubs stand in glorious dignity - pruned to the hilt.  And yes, some pesky weeds are in residence, as well.  They remind me of Matthew 13:26, 30, "But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."

Grand trees soak up the scenery with strong branches aglow. Oh, such splendid shade provisions from these great rooted creations.  They feed the earth and the earth feeds them.  Their leaves speak and blow in the wind.  Trees of righteousness comes to my spiritual senses.  Isaiah 61:3, "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

Twelve fruit trees are in the midst.  I partake of peaches, apples, and oranges - oh my!  What's this?!  A snake slithers next to me with crafty aim to seduce.  Our Lord leads me to tell him, "It is written...and I'm not Eve."  I whip out of my soul arsenal, and deliver to that reptile of wickedness these words spoken by GOD in Isaiah 42:8, "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."   Be gone, devil!  He slithers away.      

Love for our Lord, and gratitude swells within me as I walk in the garden and sit in the shade of its resplendent environs.  Folks engage together in the varied delights of the garden places.  Creatures scurry, and some play with their "friends."  The diversity captivates and excites me.  I have grown in this garden.  The benefits are plentiful.  Glory to the Star of the garden - the true Vine, JESUS CHRIST - Numbers 24:17 and John 15:1.    

It delights to know that there was a garden where Christ was crucified.  Again, John 19:41, "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden;..."  And it captured my heart to read that JESUS "sung an hymn" with his disciples.  Again Matthew 26:30, "...And when they had sung an hymn,..."  I wonder if JESUS sang in the garden where He was crucified.  And does He sing with us when we sing in worship to Him?!  

Prayer:

Our glorious Father GOD, we bless Your holy name.  Thank You for Your lush gardens.  We so appreciate Your love and care for us, and that we are heirs with You and joint heirs with JESUS.

Help us, please, to walk in Your "gardens" with love, and the other vital fruits of Your Spirit.  Let us please You, as we inhale and exhale Your generous air.  Help us to partake of Your fruits, and to be holy flowers grown in good ground to remain steadfastly rooted as branches in You, and in JESUS, the true vine.  Lord, You are the only true and living GOD.  Let us remain planted and immersed in Your will that gives LIFE abundantly!

Thank You, Lord - Amen

John 10:10
...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Sandra

Written Tuesday April 12, 2011

Photos are compliments of Sandra

Copyright 2011 on text and photos

- 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.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Peer through the blossoms
to view the Monument 

 

It's a bird
  It's a plane



Pretty in pink


GREETINGS -

Photos compliments of Sandra -  Copyright 2011

Please click on the link below to view more photos of the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

http://www.photogplaza.blogspot.com/

Also, our Lord led me to add to the post that I placed yesterday, "HOLY BIBLE LITERACY."  He pleasantly surprised me when I watched Bishop T.D. Jakes' live streaming service today and his main three scriptures were the very same scriptures that I used yesterday in my comments in response to Clint!   

Please indulge by reading the subject topic that is posted directly below this one.  There you can read the additonal information that our Lord had me to include after viewing Bishop Jakes' service.

Thank you

HOLY BIBLE LITERACY

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Last week I read the following in the April 2011 edition of Charisma magazine:

-  "Among professing Christians or nominal Christians, there is less and less regard for Scripture, which is translating into more biblical illiteracy." 

-  "A recent study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found 37 percent of Americans read the Bible at least once a week, but only 16 percent of Americans read it daily.  About six in 10 Americans read the Bible at least on occasion, down from three-fourths in the 1980s, according to a recent study by the Center for Bible Engagement."

This morning in my Bible reading period, our Lord placed this question in my heart, "Is biblical ignorance a sin?"  I answered, "I believe so."  He agreed, and added, "Of course, the greatest sin is not DOING what the Holy Bible mandates." 

Question -

If we didn't have our Bibles in our physical possessions, how much of it could we bring forth from our memories?      

Beginning about two years ago, our Lord emphasized to me the vital necessity of having more of the Holy Bible in my memory.  After I obeyed Him and committed to having more of His Word memorized, there came a day that I couldn't access my Bible.  A future post will share more about why.  On that day, deep persecution came my way.  Thanks be unto our Lord who had prepared me.  For more than a half hour, I was able to quote Scriptures out loud without repeating any of them.  Our Lord had me on a Scriptural memory roll.  It aided me immensely in that crisis situation.    

Note: My experience has been that the King James Bible is the easiest Bible to memorize.  Also, I firmly believe that it is a more spiritually potent and powerful version to read.  I did a previous post about the Bible version issue.  That post received more than 50 comments - some that agreed and others that didn't agree.  Here is the link to that post    http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/12/original-king-james-bible.html

May we all dig in deeper to the Word of our Lord.  It is Spirit and it is our LIFE.  We cannot afford to be biblically ignorant.  It is dangerous to neglect the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GOD.  According to Ephesians 6, we are commanded to be fully armoured in GOD.  The sword is a vital part of His armour for us.  

Mark 12:24
And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

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.

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

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.

ADDED SUNDAY APRIL 10, 2011:

This addition to "HOLY BIBLE LITERACY" was added today after I watched Bishop T. D. Jakes' live streaming Sunday service this a.m.  His Sunday services are broadcast live on the Internet and re-played all day Sundays on www.ThePottersHouse.org/.

Our Lord pleasantly surprised me when I viewed Jakes' service today.  The three main scriptures that he used in his sermon are the very same three scriptures that I used in my comments yesterday in response to Clint.  Here are excerpts from my comments with the subject three scriptures highlighted in yellow:

Excerpts -

Some months ago, I met a Christian (NOT a babe in Christ) who told me that she didn't read GOD'S Word every day.  My mouth flew open - I was appalled.  People who profess Christ as Lord and Savior and don't do daily Bible reading are suspect to me.  One reason is because years ago, when I missed daily Bible reading, my character was carnal, and NOT spiritual.

I am more wary of carnal Christians than I am of bonafide sinners.  Bonafide sinners, typically, don't know the Word of GOD to do it but carnal Christians, typically, know enough to KNOW BETTER BUT CHOOSE NOT TO DO...  To me that indicates that they can be spiritually dangerous.  Some of my experiences with carnal Christians have proven that to be truth.  These scriptures come to mind from Luke 11:24, 25,26 - KJV, "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.  And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.  Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself: and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first."

And Titus 1:16 - KJV 
They profess that they know God: but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

1 John 2:4 - KJV
He that saith, I know him and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Also, I have encountered too many Christians who don't know much of GOD'S Word from memory.  That is definitely not good.... 

END OF EXCERPTS

Sandra

Written Saturday April 9, 2011

Note: The answers to 7 UPS QUIZUPS were posted Saturday April 9, 2011.  For those who are unfamiliar,
7 UPS QUIZUPS is found under a separate tab located on this blog.  Our Lord informed me that the subject quiz helps us in biblical literacy.  Thank you, Lord! 

Note: A portion of this topic is available for copying/printing/distribution.  It has been posted on blog, "FREELY RECEIVED FREELY GIVEN" at http://www.giftsfromglory.blogspot.com/.  Conditions for usage are posted there, as well. 

WHAT INCONVENIENCE?!

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Early this a.m., our Lord spoke these words to me, "I have put more power in you."  I thanked Him.  Among other Bible Scriptures that I read this morning, I read The Acts 2:26, 28, "Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance."

I went to my neighborhood grocery store this morning.  Placed on the front door was a sign that began, "Sorry for the inconvenience..."  It went on to inform that the card payment units were out of order - the sign indicated that the store personnel couldn't process debit cards, or other card payment actions.  

Our Lord wastes nothing.  Satan shows off.  GOD shows on.  My trip to the store was NOT in vain.  The Bible says in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  Our Lord had me to seize the opportunity.  I showed on for GOD.

The store sign began, "Sorry for the inconvenience..."  Our Lord emphasized to me these words, "What inconvenience?!"  It was convenient for me to "preach" the gospel.  I commenced to stand outside the store, and for about ten minutes, words from the Holy Bible poured out of my mouth.  A woman came out of the store and stated, "Preach that Word."  I acknowledged her...and then went on to proclaim, decree, and warn, from words in the Holy Bible.  And praise and glory to GOD flowed from my sanctified lips.  Glory Hallelujah!      

When done there, I went a longer distance away to another grocery store.  The so-called inconvenience at my neighborhood store resulted in blessings for me and others  - in route to, and from the other grocery store.  There is a gospel song that says, "There's a Blessing in the Storm."  Our Lord allowed me to be blessed, and to bless others.  Again, Bible truth proves itself.  

When I returned home, our Lord reminded me of what He had led me to read in The Acts 2:26, 28 before I began my grocery store journey.  "Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance."  Our Lord knew about the store sign before I arrived there.  He could have given me prior notice.  His ways are NOT our ways.  His Word was in my heart and what I read in The Acts 2 this a.m. came to pass when I got to the store.    Glory to GOD!  Indeed my heart did rejoice - my tongue was glad - and joy was surely present within me as I stood in front of that store and boldly spoke the words of our Lord contained in His Holy Bible.  All that I spoke was from my memory base due to regularly spending time in the Holy Bible - digesting it and marinating in its truth-filled flavors.  

Last night our Lord shared with me that when we live holy, and as a result, receive persecution, and demonic opposition - we are to do as the Word of GOD commands in James 1:2, "...count it all  joy."  He went on to share that when Satan fights us, we shouldn't engage in self-pity.  Self-pity is idolatry, and an insult to our Lord - as is all sin.  

Keeping things in perspective, I share Isaiah 45:7, "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." 

Satan can only start,  and do as "thus saith the Lord."  We can remember that our Lord gave Satan permission to oppose Job.  Satan must get GOD'S permission to do anything.  The Bible clearly states about GOD in Daniel 7:27, "...all dominions shall serve and obey him."   And in John 19:11, JESUS tells Pilate, "...Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above:..."

Sometimes when we are in the midst of trials, they can become so challenging that we don't remain mindful that GOD allows trials for the advancement of His kingdom purposes, and "for our profit that we might be partakers of His holiness" - Hebrews 12:10.  We are in moments in time to "put away childish things" - 1 Corinthians 13:11.  Our Lord knows how long milk is reasonably to be consumed by each of His children.  And surely He knows when milk and pacifiers need to be "put away."   Hebrews 5:14 says, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

When we live holy, and Satan fights against us, he starts things with us that he comes to regret.  Again, Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God..."  When Satan put in motion evil actions that led to the crucifixion of our Lord, he started something that he came to regret.  Our Lord's crucifixion led to His resurrection, and subsequently, He is our Lord and Savior.

GOD didn't tell Satan that JESUS would be raised from the dead to reign and rule forever!  The Bible speaks in 1 Corinthians 2:7, 8 these words, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."   

Revelation 11:10-12
And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet: and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither.  And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Our Lord said to me that when we are in the storms we should say to Him things like, "Lord, I wonder what good and blessings you have in motion because of these storms.  Thank You, Lord, for what You are doing for Your glory in these storms that You have allowed in our lives.  Thank You that we shall come forth as gold!" Job 23:10, "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

When Satan fights us, it is affirmation that we are in league with the insurmountable Father of lights.  

Let us routinely thank our Lord for the good that is surely in, and after the storms - when we live holy unto our Lord.  

James 5:11
Behold, we count them happy which endure....  

Sandra

Written Friday April 9, 2011

Copyright 2011

SCRIPTURE JOY, AND WE ALL NEED TO CHANGE

Sandra

Near cherry blossoms
in Washington, DC

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Philippians 3:12-14

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We all need to change - sinners and Christians.  Of course, sinners need salvation and to accept JESUS as Savior, and to choose to obey the Word of GOD.  We, Christians, need to change, as well.  Recently, I heard a pastor express that some Christians are born-again but they are NOT holy.  I believe that, often, Christians are the butt of jokes in mainstream society because holiness is NOT a lifestyle for many people who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior.  If holiness is steadfastly on display, the results will be more respect and reverence for GOD. 

Certainly, holiness, in demonstration, brings on persecution.  But it is one thing to be mocked for righteousness sake.  It is quite another thing to be mocked for unrighteousness sake.   

Herod had John the Baptist killed because John was holy.  Even though Herod had John killed, the Bible states in Mark 6:20, "For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly."  

In the book of  Exodus, as wicked as king Pharaoh was, he knew that Moses was holy.  In the book of 1 Samuel, it reveals that Saul knew that David was holy.  It says in 1 Samuel 18:12, 14, 15, "And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.  And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.  Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him."  And 2 Samuel 3:1 says, "Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker."  Clearly, our Lord is with those who are holy.

In the book of Daniel, king Darius knew that Daniel was holy.  He was "sore displeased," and could not sleep because he had had Daniel placed in the den of lions.  Daniel 6:14, 18 states, "Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.  Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him." 

In Daniel 3, king Nebuchadnezzar knew that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were holy.   He made a decree in Daniel 3:29.  It states, "Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the GOD of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other GOD that can deliver after this sort."  And Daniel 3:30 states that the king promoted the three men with the furnace testimony.  Specifically, it states, "Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province Babylon."  Babylon was the region of their captivity!  Our GOD is NOT limited by our placements or our circumstances.

Are we holy enough to be recognized as such?  Do we steadfastly shine as Moses did in Exodus 34:30?  It says, "And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone;..."  As I shared in a previous post, when I lived in Tampa, a crack addict said that she saw an aura on me.  Also, when in Tampa, I rode the bus the second time with a man when he said to me, "I see JESUS all over you."  I didn't mention those accounts to boast of me, but to boast of the power of our Lord when we steadfastly and utterly yield to His will.  When we are holy, heathen and Christians KNOW it.  We can glory in tribulations when they come as a result of our holiness.  Romans 5:3 states, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:..." 

Holiness is an ongoing process.  If we don't continue to move ahead in our Lord, we become "stuck on stupid."  The other day I said to our Lord, "I need to change."  He will lead as to how that needs to develop. 

Yes, we help sinners, but we should remain mindful that sinners help us, as well.  Some of them are kinder and more generous than some Christians.  Numerous sinners volunteer, and serve others.  Overall, do enough Christians serve others?  Or do we do more to serve ourselves in the safe and comfortable confines of our homes and church buildings?  Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."  Do we sufficiently fulfil that law of Christ? 

I feel pity for sinners who don't know our Lord, and pray regularly for their salvation.  Increasingly, though, I feel pity for, and pray for those Christians who have been born-again for years yet choose to be carnal.  The result of such choices is that, for the most part, those Christians are spiritually unprofitable and dead.  Romans 8:6 says, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."  Their unwise choices to be about death means that the best of GOD is unavailable to them.  How pitiful is that?

We all need to change - sinners and Christians.  We need to help each other.  There are lessons that we gain from sinners and there are lessons that they gain from us.  We all have valuable contributions to make from our pool of experiences.  We shouldn't outright dismiss the knowledge and wisdom bases of sinners just because they don't know our Lord.  GOD has deposited valuable talents and gifts in ALL of His creations.  When I lived in a homeless shelter, our Lord allowed me to learn from drug addicts and alcoholics, and He allowed them to learn from me.  I am grateful for their deposits into my character base.  Please know that I don't promote being friends with the world.  That is biblically unsound.  I do heartily promote that we seek our Lord for discernment in how to lovingly and wisely engage with others - sinners and saints.  

We all need to change.  For the glory of GOD, what changes do we need to make in our attitudes, and lifestyles?  How can we better serve our Lord, and others?  Love must be a core ingredient - without love, we are nothing.  

We must evolve.  None of us has arrived.  We are all students and teachers.  We won't truly arrive unless we do the will of our Lord, and when we exit this earth to arrive in heaven.  Until then, we must evolve to become better and better with a steadfast aim for the BEST.  That can only be successfully done with GOD as our FIRST LOVE.  

Why settle...when the optimum is attainable?

2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Sandra

Written Tuesday April 5, 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.

UTTERLY OBEY GOD

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible. 

Sometime ago, I heard a pastor say relative to GOD, "Partial obedience is disobedience."

Recently, our Lord again stressed to me the importance of utterly obeying what He instructs.  The New Oxford American Dictionary defines utter as - complete; absolute.

In Joshua 6:18, GOD's people were told, "And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it."

What happened?  Foolish Achan took of the accursed thing and as a result GOD'S people were defeated - Joshua 7:5.  When questioned by Joshua, Achan responded in Joshua 7:21, "When I saw among the spoils...then I coveted them, and took them; and behold they are hid in the earth..."

Now we know that nothing is hidden from our Lord but there are times that we deceive ourselves into believing that GOD is not on watch.  The truth of the matter is that GOD is always on watch and absolutely nothing escapes His view.  But we can be deceived or reckless - sometimes both - in the dark chambers of our hearts.  Then there is the matter of our Lord not always rendering swift justice so we foolishly go into modes of "we have escaped" the consequences.  We may be in those modes for "seasons" but most of us have lived to learn that the consequences of our wrong deeds do manifest - on GOD's schedule.  Typically, He doesn't provide detailed advance notices when He is closing in with His "hammer."  Truly, it is in our best interest to quickly repent and make rapid turns from our wicked ways because none of us enjoys "hammer time."

Now back to Achan - he not only brought judgment on himself but on his entire family.  They all perished because Achan didn't utterly obey GOD.  After GOD's judgment upon Achan and his family, GOD allowed Joshua and company to utterly destroy their enemies - Joshua 8:26.  Prior to that victory, our Lord had informed Joshua that, in that instance, they could have the spoil whereas in the Achan episode, they were forbidden to partake of the spoils for themselves.  They were told in Joshua 6:24, "And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein; only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord."  

Joshua 8:2 says, "And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves:..." 

If only Achan had waited, he could have received
GOD-approved spoils without jeopardy that fatally affected him and his family.  Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."  

Sometimes, our Lord's answer is not no, but wait.  Not only are we to wait but we are instructed by our Lord to wait right - without murmuring and complaining.  It has been said, "Praise pays."  I have learned that it absolutely does pay to praise GOD in the midst of storms, and mountaintop experiences.  His Word says in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

Here are other "utterly" scriptures from Joshua:

Joshua 11:11,12
And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe:...

And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded.

Joshua 11:15
As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.

Joshua 11:20, 21
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses.

...Joshua destroyed them utterly...

From Joshua, we go to King Saul who didn't fare so well with GOD'S "utterly" commands.  In 1 Samuel 15:3 our Lord instructs Saul, "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass."

What did Saul do?  He partially obeyed GOD which amounted to full disobedience from the perspective of our Lord.  1 Samuel 15:8 states, "And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people..."  1 Samuel 15:9 states, "But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly."

That is NOT what GOD told Saul to do.  Samuel confronted Saul about his failure to utterly obey GOD.  Saul answers in 1 Samuel 15:21, "But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal."

Samuel comes back at Saul with 1 Samuel 15:22, 23, "...Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.  Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king."         

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

Saul lost his kingly position because he did NOT utterly obey GOD.  Achan lost his life, and his family perished with him.

It is no trivial matter to our Lord when we fail to utterly obey Him.  When He tells us to utterly obey Him, that is precisely, completely and absolutely what He means.  When we fail to do as instructed by the only wise GOD, He utterly makes it clear to us that He is certainly angry.  Only He knows how His judgments manifest and when.    

May we steadfastly utterly DO according to the guidance of our Lord for the advancement of His kingdom, and for our profit - to be partakers of His holiness - Hebrews 12:10.

Sandra

Written Sunday April 3, 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.