If God Had Voice Mail

Author Unknown


We have all learned to live with "voice mail" as a necessary part of modern life. But have you wondered what it would be like if God decided to install voice mail? Imagine praying and hearing this:

Thank you for calling My Father's House. Please select one of the following options:

- Press 1 for Requests
- Press 2 for Thanksgiving
- Press 3 for Complaints
- Press 4 for All Other Inquiries.

What if God used the familiar excuse...

"I'm sorry, all of our angels are busy helping other saints right now. However, your prayer is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received, so please stay on the line."

Can you imagine getting these responses as you call God in Prayer:

If you would like to speak to:

- Gabriel, Press 1
- Michael, Press 2
- For a directory of other angels, Press 3
- If you'd like to hear King David sing a psalm while you are holding, please press 4.

To find out if a loved one has been assigned to Heaven, Press 5, enter his or her social security number, then press the pound key. (If you get a negative response, try area code 666.) For reservations at "My Father's House," please enter J-O-H-N, followed by 3-1-6. For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and where Noah's Ark is, please wait until you arrive here.

- Our computers show that you have already prayed once today. Please hang up and try again tomorrow so that others may have a chance to get through.

- This office is closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday.

- Please pray again Monday after 9:30 am. If you need emergency assistance when this office is closed, contact your local pastor.

"Jesus is on the Main Line"

Courtesy of Mavis Staples

Lunch with God

Author Unknown

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of Root Beer and he started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an elderly man. The man was sitting in the park just feeding some pigeons.

The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie.

The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at boy. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer.

Again, the man smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.

As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the man, and gave him a hug. The man gave him his biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?

"He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? God's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen."

Meanwhile, the elderly man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked," Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added," You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!

Part 12 --- The Lord is My Shepherd (Jehovah El HaShamayim)

Psalm 23 --- One of the most well-known passage of scriptures which is often referenced in times of distress to provide a person a measure of comfort and assurance. It's time for deeper reflection on what this passage really is conveying about the relationship between God and Man.

 

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"And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever"

 

 

 

Sheep is satisfied; 'at home' with Shepherd.

 

 

Sheep does not want to leave Shepherd or his care.

 

 

Thereis a bond of great affection and devotion.

 

 

Sheep is satisfied being in the flock of the Shepherd.

 

 

 

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So Satisfied

 

by Luther Barnes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further Reflection

 

 

Jehovah El HaShamayim  --- Lord God of the Heavens

 

 

Video --- How Great Thou Art

 

 

John 6:35 --- "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

 

Psalm 107:9 --- "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."

 

 

 

 

 

Part 11 --- The Lord is My Shepherd (Jehovah-Gmolah)

Psalm 23 --- One of the most well-known passage of scriptures which is often referenced in times of distress to provide a person a measure of comfort and assurance. It's time for deeper reflection on what this passage really is conveying about the relationship between God and Man.

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"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life"

Goodness and mercy becomes legacy.

Sheep manure is best balanced of any produced by domestic stock; when scattered efficiently over over pastures, it proves of enormous benefit to soil.

Sheep habit: Seek highest rise of ground on which to rest, insures fertility from which rich low land is re-deposited on less higher ground.

No other livestock will consume as wide a variety of herbage.

Sheep can clean up, restore ravaged land; may eat undesireable plants that can become noxious weeds if uncontrolled.

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We're Blessed

by Fred Hammond

Further Review

Jehovah-Gmolah --- The Lord of Recompenses


Blessings --- Deuteronomy 28

Psalm 1:1 --- "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

Jeremiah 29:11 --- "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."


Galatians 6:9 --- "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."


Video --- Keep Moving On


Video --- God is Not Through Blessing You


Related Blog --- Don't Forget God

Part 10 --- The Lord is My Shepherd (Jehovah M'Kaddesh)

Psalm 23 --- One of the most well-known passage of scriptures which is often referenced in times of distress to provide a person a measure of comfort and assurance. It's time for deeper reflection on what this passage really is conveying about the relationship between God and Man.

 

 

 

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"Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over"

 

 

Sheep especially troubled by nose (nasal) fly. Nasal fly attempts to deposit eggs on damp mucous membranes of sheep nose. If succesful eggs hatch in few days to form small slender worm-like larvae. Larvae travels up nasal passages into sheep head. Larvae burrows into flesh, set up intense irritation accompanied by severe inflammation.

 

 

For relief, sheep deliberately beat heads against trees, rocks, posts, brush; rub heads in extreme cases. Sheep may even kill itself in frenzied endeavor to gain relief. Often advanced stages of infection will lead to blindness.

When nose flies hover around flock, some sheep become frantic with fear and panic in attempt to escape; will stamp feet erratically, race from place to place on pasture. Some run so much, sheep drops from exhaustion.

 

 

Sheep may toss head up and down for hours; will hide in bush/woodland that offers shelter. Sheep may refuse to graze in open pasture. Sheep may rapidly lose weight due to excitement and distraction.

 

 

Homemade remedy: Linseed oil, tar, sulphur.

Old remedy in Palestine: olive oil mixed with sulphur and spices.   

Sheep may develop scab: an irritating, highly contagious disease caused by microscopic parasites that proliferates in warm weather, spreads by direct contact. Sheep loves to rub heads in affectionate manner. Scab often found most commonly around head. 

Dips may be built. Animal completely submerged in solution until body is soaked. Most difficult to do is the head. The head has to be plunged repeatedly to ensure scab there will be controlled there. Shepherd takes great care to tread head by hand.

Axle grease applied to head and nose of sheep so when sheep 'battle' each other there's no injury, maiming, and killing of sheep. Sheep battles occurs in autumn due to the season of mating, the rut, and self-assertion. 

Sheep have respite  from flies, insects, and scab in autumn. Sheep is fit, well, and strong.

 

Further Review

Jehovah-M'Kaddesh --- Lord Our Santifier

Part 9 -- The Lord is My Shepherd (Jehovah-Tseboath)

Psalm 23 --- One of the most well-known passage of scriptures which is often referenced in times of distress to provide a person a measure of comfort and assurance. It's time for deeper reflection on what this passage really is conveying about the relationship between God and Man.

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"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies"

Significant Points

Supply of salt and minerals to be distributed ar strategic spots by shepherd. Shepherd plans grazin/rotation program, check for poisonous weeds.

Cammas --- Blue cammas are delightful sight. White cammas much less conspicuious flower, quite attractive, and deadly menace to sheep; if lambs in particular, ate or even nibbled a few of the lily-like leaves could mean certain death; lambs become paralyzed --- succomb to toxic poisons in plants.

Shepherd clears out waterholes, springs, and drinking places for flock (the debris accumulated in autumn and winter)

Predators may be upon rimrock watching sheep, waiting for an opportunity to attack sheep.

Jesus Be a Fence Around Me

by Fred Hammond

Further Review

Jehovah-Tseboath --- The Lord of Hosts

Video ---  God Will Take Care of You

Video ---  No Weapon

Video --- The Battle Is Not Yours

Psalm 3

He Didn't Have To Do It

He didn't have to do it ---
Received the ridicule and rejection without rebuke
He didn't have to do it, but He did.

He didn't have to do it ---
Received the spitting and scourging without retaliation.
He didn't have to do it, but He did.

He didn't have to do it ---
Received the cross on His back, thorns on His head, and spear in His side without murmuring and complaining.
He didn't have to do it, but He did.

 

He didn't have to do it ---
Received the curse of death and the imprisonment of the grave.
He didn't have to do it.
He didn't have to do it.
He didn't have to do it.

He didn't have to do it ---
Made the declaration that He has all power in heaven and earth.
He arose! He arose! He arose!
Behold the nail prints in His hands!

He didn't have to do it.
He didn't have to do it.
He didn't have to do it.
He didn't have to do it, but He did...willingly.


Further Reflection

"He Didn't Have To Do It"

Courtesy of Mississippi Mass Choir

It was Me

It was me that betrayed Him one night so late.

It was me that mocked Him before Pilate.

It was me that scourge Him ---blood flowing down his back.

It was me that place the cross on His shoulders to bear through the streets, to Calvalry.

It was me.

It was me that spit in His face.

It was me that placed the thorns on His head, nails in His hands and feet.

It was me that pierce Him in His side.

He loved and forgave

It was for me He died.

Teachable Moment: Grace and Reconciliation

The tragic death of Trayvon Martin has clearly brought forth passionate discourse among all Americans specifically regarding 'stand your ground' laws enacted in 31 states.

What's more reprehensible is the murder of James Craig Anderson. The death of these two young men brought the spectre of racism to the forefront of American consciousness.

What's strikingly resonating is the idea that no matter what is done there's no respect i.e. acceptance nor appreciation of each other as a person and bigotry continues.  It's not just regarding the achievements of African-Americans, but also among Caucasians who may feel constant need to atone for the sins of others. Ultimately, this state of affairs is a cycle that only exacerbates the problem through continued resentment and bitterness.

After the speeches, rallies, and marches this teachable moment should remind everyone of the familar words:

"But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred...We cannot walk alone. As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead."   --- Martin Luther King, Jr "I Have A Dream" Speech

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Overcoming bitterness requires forgiveness. There's much misunderstanding regarding forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not imply untoward actions are condone or less reprehensible.
Forgiveness does not preclude justice.

Forgiveness provides freedom. It's "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before" (Philippians 3:13, KJV) When speaking of forgetting it's not about mere recollection of memory but rather 'letting go' of the pain and resentment associated with the memory. Indeed, unwillingness or failure to forgive is anchoring oneself to the past and preventing oneself from moving forward.

Forgiveness may be dificult for many people, there may be no doubt as to the truth of this. Forgiveness often occurs through a process of time.
Forgiveness is recognition of the truth "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)

Forgiveness is a measure of God's grace (unmerited favor)

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Grace and Mercy

Further Review


A Family Forgives

A Community Forgives

Thoughts on Trayvon Martin & James Craig Anderson


USATODAY: Understanding Forgiveness

Bible: Forgiveness


Related Blog: Part 2: Movin' from the 'Hood

Related Blog: Part 5 --- The Lord is My Shepherd (Jehovah-Ropheka



Video: Cup of Bitterness

Video: Moving Forward

President Obama's Statement

Part 1 --- Significant Mothers (Earth)

There are Five Key Mothers of the Bible who provide understanding about many issues towards practical application. By no means is the following an exhaustive explanation. Be advised it just may whet your appetite for more.

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Earth is the Mother of Creation. (Genesis 1) Earth provides understanding of the environment and science. Studying Mother Earth provides understanding of Man's identity, purpose, and responsibility. Indeed God gave Man dominion over the earth, but He also gave Man responsibility. The purpose of man is summarily expressed in the scripture, “Fear [Respect] God, and keep His commandment: for this is the whole duty of man.” Are we fulfilling our purpose? Through appreciation of creation, from awe and humility, there's realization that God is in control. There's opportunity to recognize the sovereignty of God.

Earth is a mother who is always 'pregnant' or in state of producing something, if not in one hemisphere then in another. This is not about the Gaia Movement per se, though there are shared principles. when a person understands this mother there is appreciation for human discoveries through science. the perception that the Holy Bible and Science are mutually exclusive or are always in direct contradiction to each other is reduced. the nature of any contradiction may be explained by what happens in court of law whereby witness gives testimony, but the listener is still left with the choice of whether to believe the testimony.

Significant Point --- There's biblical support for what scientists say about earth being billions of years, not thousands of years old. The bible never asserts the earth is just thousands of years old. the misapplication of the scripture (2 Peter 3:8) many Christians use to support such assertion actually contradicts the truth of god being eternal, not govern by time. The scripture is expressing that time is nothing with God. Just consider what is being expressed if a person should say, "This week is as a day, and a day is as a week."




Further Review

Related Blog: The Significance of a Mother

God is in Control

Psalm 19:1-3 --- "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard."


"Exodus Decoded" --- A documentary that explores the scientific, historical, and archeological evidence and findings from interdisciplinary experts that seems to support the veracity of biblical account of Israelites' Exodus from Egypt, inclusive of the 'Ten Plagues of Egypt'.

The Significance of a Mother

During these perilous times it is nice to pause and ponder the biblical examples that illustrates “The Significance of a Mother”



Earth --- The Good Mother

(Psalm 19:1)

Philosophically, ‘good’ is defined as that which fulfills its purpose. The purpose of man is summarily expressed in the scripture, “Fear God, and keep His commandment: for this is the whole duty of man.” A good mother is one that fulfills ther purpose --- Recognize the sovereignty of the Lord God Almighty in spirit and in truth.



Eve --- The Mortal Mother

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

In today’s soceity, there are many tasks that a mother performs for her household. It is sometimes easy to forget the fact one is not ‘supermom’. It is beneficial to remember the common poem, “God, grant me the Serenity to accept the I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference.”



Rebekah --- The Troubled Mother

(II Corinthians 4:8-9)

There are times in the life of a mother when life circumstances cause one to become troubled in her spirit. Sometimes a mother just needs to talk talk to the Lord God Almighty in prayer. The Lord God provides such comforting words as “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”



Mary --- The Notable Mother

(Proverbs 13:15)

Many times mothers are not recognized for the many contributions to her household. Ceremonies, flowers, cards, and kind words may not be expressed towards a mother. It is a wise mother who is not focusing on obtaining the favor of man, but is focusing on obtaining the favor of God. A wise mother remembers the scriptures, “But without faith it is impossible to please God.” A wise mother is a faithful mother (full of faith).



Jerusalem --- The Adored Mother

(Revelations 12:1)

Taking time to pause and ponder the significance of a mother brings forth adoration and awe. A mother is blessed of God. A mother shares the responsibility of Productivity. A mother serves the Lord God with all her heart, mind, soul, and might. A mother should be edified when she remembers the scripture, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Rejoice! O mother, the Lord God Almighty shall not forget your labor of Love!

The Answer

Children are crying and hurting inside.

Adults have fears and tears due to abuse suffered through the years.

Marriage and Divorce have become a cycle of pain.

Excuse given, "no suffering, no gain."

Suicide is rampant, many see no hope.

Children on the playground selling dope.

Gangs in schools as well as the streets. Violence is on the rise.

Rape by a six year old?!? Sin knows no size. Iniquity abounds before our eyes!

Christians declare, "Jesus is the Way!"

Yet, when asked for time and humility the excuse is "Not today." Oh, so sad no time to even pray!

Jesus is The Answer for the World Today

"Christian" is 'Christ-like' and what did Jesus do? Did He just stand in a synagogue or sit in a pew? Jesus went where the need was great. Man needed a physician. Emergency! Before it's too late!

Jesus dwelled not in a 'comfort zone'. He was scorned, rebuked, and criricized by the leaders of the day. He made the difference and showed many people He is the Way; Not only by His words which confounded the wise, but His compassion is what made Lazarus rise!

He spoke to the outcast of soceity --- the ten lepers He healed. "Thank you" was what one came to say. Compassion declared, "Jesus is the Way!"

He confronted bigotry --- spoke to the Samaritan woman one day. Compassion broke the barriers. She learned Jesus is the Way!

O' men of all the earth, fulfill your purpose, please do not delay. Show compassion to all men to declare, "Jesus Christ is the Way!"

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."  --- John 13:35

Further Reading

Blog: Just A'Knocking  

MLK Jr. Sermon, 06.11.1967: "A Knock at Midnight"

Serve.gov

Like a Mustard Seed

"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

--- Matthew 17:20



The scripture is speaking not about the size of faith, but the power of faith.

Lyrics

I have the faith to see the invisible,
expect the incredible,
receive the impossible;
oh faith that can conquer any, anything.

Faith that uproots my problems,
oh faith to know that God can solve them.
Faith to envision my freedom,
I have faith that can conquer anything.

Faith to reach the unreachable,
Faith to fight the unbeatable,
Faith to remove the unmoveable,
Faith that withstands the invincible,
Faith that can conquer anything. 

 

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."  --- Mark 9:23

Did You Get the Memo?

TO: YOU
DATE: TODAY
FROM: GOD
SUBJECT: YOURSELF
REFERENCE: LIFE

I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help.

If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic; don’t despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work: think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what its like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance: think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn’t live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend; you might brighten someone’s day!