JESUS HAD TO RUN FOR HIS LIFE……. St. John 11 verses 54

INTRODUCTION

Oooooooooh la la, people seems I have opened a whole can of worms with this marriage thing. Let me at this juncture reiterate Je suis célibataire et aimer (I am single and loving it).  I have a permanent problem to which I am trying to find a permanent solution. I need a prayer partner. These days I am really not into the hairy fairy Christianity.  I have ran around the church and I have foamed at the mouth.  It is now time to work the principles of God.

We will seek to bring some balance to the discussion. There seems to be a plethora of material on YouTube. Two have stuck in my mind by Pastor Funke Felix-Adejumo.- 4 levels of Maturity before Marriage and another teaching about single ladies in the church.  In the latter, I was amazed at what single ladies do in the church since this has not been my own experience. In the video on maturity for marriage she suggested that the bride to be might want to suggest washing the plate that she ate from.  Immediately what comes to mind is one’s socialization.  This strategy might work in Africa but in the West Indies our socialization is very different.  I was thinking that instead of suggesting that one wash the plate we would ask the person clearing the table what was for dessert and if they could get us another glass of juice.

Our socialization is different you can’t use one brush and paint all.  Our ancestors came to the West Indies via the middle passage and we had to fight off oppression. A number of spiritual challenges are still hounding us.  Let me introduce you to this book written by Professor Errol Miller - Marginalization of the Black Male. In addition, I went to a prayer meeting over there at Hagley Park Plaza.  In those days, they had up the map of Jamaica on the wall because elections were on the horizons and elections are not something you play with.  I call it the Jamaican Reality Show held every five years.  (Just a brief mention here seems the USA has a new Vice President, keep it in the family, keep it in the family). Then I heard the Intercessor praying against ‘the spirit of the stud’.  I was taken aback and said what is that? Then I went and did my own research.  I suggest you do your own. 

What happened to the black male during slavery?  What is a stud?

I was praying with a lady recently and she was explaining her situation to me. I asked her one question and then at her answer we both laughed.  I said my sister I was just making sure you were from my part of the world. Then we prayed. She was not the first.

We also have this playing out in the education sector the number of female to male students in our institutions of higher learning is approximately two to one. Male/ Female Student Ratio Jamaica So who do you think should be asking for whose hand in marriage? We have people marrying just for the purpose of procreation. Isaiah 3 verses 12 and 16 speak to the haughtiness of the women. They will be walking with mincing steps.

Let us look at the experience of the Black American male in the United States- The Composition of the prison population Race Composition of Prison Population The Black American population is 12.2% but the prison population is 37%

We are going somewhere people let us now look at the divorce rate of the church versus that of the world. Divorce rate around the World Rate of Divorce -World

Divorce rate in the church  Divorce Rate Church- We have happy news people it being reported as approximately 30 percent and less in the church.

The reason I am reporting this data is because those Pastors on the different social media teaching on the blissful state, I would appreciate if you could state the rate of divorce in your sphere of influence.  I am glad that your marriage is happy and prosperous but I am more interested in the Jesus Principle how have you replicated yourselfves. How many persons are on their second marriage etc.?

Single people I am now zeroing on us, I noticed that in quoting the Apostle Paul everyone seems to conveniently forget verses 7 and 8.  People let me remind you of context, pretext and post text.  You cannot use one scripture to make a doctrine.  Here is the context: I Corinthians 7 verses 7-9

1 Corinthians 7:7-9King James Version (KJV)

⁷ For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

⁸ I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.

⁹ But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

I notice everyone jumps to the ‘burn part’.  Can you imagine if there was a Mrs. Paul just assuming she missed the stoning? When these Jews use their missiles of choice even the very mosquito in your house gets killed. Case in point Achan in the book of Joshua 7 everything in his household was annihilated. The lady would be from one jail to the next bailing out her husband and most times he would be gone for extended periods. He would be on his way home and the Holy Spirit would say “I want you to change your plans”.  God knows what he is doing.

Reminds me of a man of God I listened to on YouTube who had recently been divorced. The commentator asked him what would happen now that he no longer had a wife.  The Pastor replied ‘The men of God in the Bible such as Peter, John and Paul did you ever hear of their wives Mrs. Peter, Mrs. Paul and Mrs. John? Did they not do what they were called to do? I rest my case.

From where I am sitting one of the things that we as Hamites of the lineage of Cush should be praying on a constant basis is Daniel 9.  The Bible said Daniel understood by books the season that his nation was in.  It is not about the giving and taking in marriage.  It is about what God wants to do with a people.  There are many things that we need to be repenting about.  We are still selling out each other for a trifle.

REFLECTIONS

For several years I have not had a chance to read the Bible through in a year, I decided that the appointed time had come and I had to do it this year.  I got me a number of yearly Bible Plans and I am following like Matlock (for those of you who don’t know Matlock is a Criminal lawyer who solves murder cases). While going through the New Testament I don’t know but it came to my attention that there always seems to be a number of plots and conspiracies to entrap or to kill Jesus. Then the following scripture just literally jumped out at me

John 11:47-54King James Version (KJV)

⁴⁷ Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

⁴⁸ If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

⁴⁹ And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

⁵⁰ Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

⁵¹ And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

⁵² And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

⁵³ Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

⁵⁴ Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

I mean things got so bad that the Brethren had to just leave town.  I said to myself where did you get this sappy sappy Christianity. Gentle Jesus meek and mild stuff.  No wonder the Lord had to do a Nehemiah on you Nehemiah 13 vs 25.

I said to myself  La Bible est très dangereuse, très, très dangereuse. This Blog is not for the uninitiated. You don’t find this material on YouTube or Google. I suppose I could have written that ‘His time had not yet come’ but I had to lean to my creative writing skills.  The current topic is more C’est la vie (It is life).

This is meat to answer to the short sighted and narrow-minded people in your life.  Who has sin this man or his parents?  St. John 9 verse 2. Nobody has sinned it is all in God’s timing and for the glory of God.

You will also have answer for the Shimei’s who wants to stone you when you are down. II Samuel 16 verse 5 -13 – They will never say who the Lord loveth he chasteneth.

I stated in an earlier Blog that people are waiting on tables instead of giving themselves to prayer and the word of God resulting in the suffering of the sheep.  The water is stagnant and the pasture has dried up and the shepherds are flitting from pasture to pasture fulfilling their ever so busy schedule.

Remember people I am sheep! Sheep! Every time I write that I am reminded of a sister in Jamaica in those early days when we were in the formative years of the ministry.  This sister would get on everybody’s high nerve and then she would say ‘Unuh hav’ fi luv mi, if unuh nuh luv mi, unuh nah guh a heaven’ (You have to love me, if you don’t love me, you are not going to heaven).  I don’t ask that you love me.  I only ask that for your sake you guard your hearts and remain at peace with me.  That is the Bible, Be at peace with all men.

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

Run – There is only one way you can describe run to show the action. 

EXAMPLES OF PERSONS WHO HAD TO BEAT A HASTY RETREAT

There are a number of persons in the Bible who had to go out so that they can come in again. There was Elijah, Jonah, King David before he reached the palace and after he inhabited the palace. Moses, the Apostle Paul and of course the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He who never harmed an insect had to flee.

The Prophet Elijah  I Kings 17 - 19

The Prophet Elijah just wrought a mighty victory whereby he had destroyed Eight Hundred and fifty priests and prophets of Baal up in the mountains.  He also got rain to fall.  He was having a real mountain top experience. Then the High Priestess of the religion in Israel sent Elijah a threat and he lost it and flee. Just goes to show the devil is not impressed at your mountain top experiences.  He is going to test every fiber of your being. Elijah also started believing in his own publicity.  ‘I am the only one left’.  God said no Elijah I have Seven Thousand others. Elijah also started believing that his case was unique.  There is no unique case.  The fact of the matter is that some of us are more naïve than others. The Bible says there is nothing that has taken you that is not common to man.

Unfortunately, Elijah’s destiny was cut short because he was intimidated and ran from a woman.  He returned just to train his successor and be taken out of the Earth in a chariot of fire.

Jonah: Jonah 1

Some of us God must do a Nehemiah on. God did not argue with Jonah. Be careful of God’s silence.  He just threw Jonah overboard into a living submarine with a GPS to Nineveh (I know you thought GPS was just invented). Let me draw your attention to the cloud by day and the fire by night.  They never got lost. Father we thank you for the next witty invention in Jesus’ name.

Jonah did his evangelistic work, the people repented and fasted. Even though Jonah was upset. The Spirit is still in the church people who are not going anywhere and is upset when your God is blessing you.

King David

It would be easier to say what did not take place in the life of King David from he came on the scene at sixteen years old life has not been the same. Anointed King by the Prophet Samuel at sixteen.  King Saul his predecessor realized that he was his successor chosen by God tried to kill him.  He had to flee for his life and along with his four hundred distressed, discontented and indebted followers had to live by instincts while in the wilderness and being relentlessly pursued by King Saul.  During all the time, He was being hounded by King Saul the Bible said he behaved himself wisely. After thirteen years he became King over Judah. Then he became King of the whole nation of Israel.

He then became relaxed when he should be at war he was watching a lady take a bath. Commiting adultery and then manslaughter. This caused God to add something to his household which ultimately lead to his son deposing him as king. When he was fleeing his son Absalom that is when Shimei decided to curse him.  He was later dealt with by King Solomon King David’s heir and successor. Be careful what you say to a man when he is down.

The moral of the story was that King David was a young man when the powerful King started pursuing him.  He did nothing to King Saul.  However, the enemy wanted to abort the plans of the Lord.

The devil is always after the significant seed. It is all written in the Books of First and Second Samuel.

Moses

The Prince of Egypt grown up in the house of the Pharaoh, of Egypt. When he came of age he wanted to identify with his people. Observed an Egyptian ill-treating a Hebrew and retaliated killing the Egyptian so he had to flee for his life from Pharaoh who wanted to kill him. He spent forty years in the wilderness.  Things could not have been so bad in the wilderness he got himself a nice African daughter and had children.  However, the Israelites spent thirty extra years in slavery.  Then the Lord decided to pay them some attention because their cry came up unto him.  Devil in this season I will not allow my mouth to be silent in Jesus’ name. Moses who left Egypt as a murderer returned to annihilate the super power of his era. The feats of Moses are recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

The Apostle Paul  Acts 23 verses 12 - 35

This gentleman became a basket case. He had to be let down through a window in a basket to save his life.  Then he had to be escorted by soldiers in secret out of the city. All this did not stop him from preaching the Gospel and writing most of the epistles..

HIS TIME HAD NOT YET COME

I had to go through all of the eighty-nine chapters of the Gospels St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John to extract this information. I will list all the scriptures so that you can read them. Some of the lessons we learn from the life of Jesus are:

1.      Keep focus

2.      Know your purpose

3.      Keep your eyes on the assignment

4.      Know who you are because if you do not then the devil will define you

5.      Know your source

6.      Be in constant contact with your source

7.      Love people you will be mediocre if you do not work out of love

8.      God does not use what He has not tested (It is written)

9.      You need to know your times and seasons

List of Scriptures speaking to the plots and conspiracies of the Scribes and Pharisees:

St. Matthew 12 verses 13-15

St. Matthew 19 verse 12

St. Matthew 21 verses 45 -46

St. Matthew 22 verses 15 - 46

St. Matthew 26 verses 3 – 5, 14 – 16, 56

St. Matthew 28 verses 12 – 13

St. Mark 3 verses 6 - 7

St Mark 7 verses 6 - 24

St. Mark 12 verse 12

St Mark 14 verses 1 – 2

St. Luke 4 verse 29

St. Luke 11 verses 53 – 54

St. Luke 20 verses 19 – 20

St. Luke 22 verse 2

St. John 5 verse 16

St John 7 verses 1 – 13, 30

St. John 8 verses 20, 59

St. John 10 verses 31, 39 – 40

St. John 11 verses 50 - 57

CONCLUSION

In concluding, I would like to take this opportunity to remind persons that we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.  We all have one Holy Spirit that is able to lead us into all truths. However, anything in life that one desires one must take the necessary steps to achieve.  The other things are going to be tested by fire and only what is done for the kingdom will last.

We have to keep our eyes on Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith likewise for the prize that has been set before us we have to keep moving forward.  These days it is about maturity and keeping focus because everything that can be shaken will be shaken.  There is only one firm foundation and that is God and His word.  In Him there is no variableness neither is there any shadow of turning.

Those of you who are already in the kingdom stay in.  Jesus went through it and show us that it can be done stay focus.  Those of you who are not in what are you waiting for?  There is no greater salvation.

Once again, this is me Lillene’s baby girl coming to you from up here in the true north.

À bientôt!

THE ULTIMATE MASTERMIND GROUP AND INNER CIRCLE……. St. Luke 6 verses 13-16

INTRODUCTION

Ooh la la, my people I did tell you that I would be around because I had to write this Blog and then some more and then the objectives for my life have been projected into the year 2025. Looks like we are going to be together for a long time if the Lord tarries.

You are all so serious I have to ensure that you release some feel-good hormones all those endorphins by giving you an amusing script from my life. I am excited my Spirit is ignited I walk in favour with God and man.  The ancients have a saying necessity is the mother of invention and as I have already told you man who have raw meat seek fire.

It is like this ever since I return to Canada everywhere I go people have been branding me as Mistress, all my correspondence has MRS. on them. In addition to that I have been having a number of experiences with the fellows. When I used to go to the library met this gentleman we spoke. Found out he was divorced I immediately volunteered to pray that he and his wife would get back together.  Self-preservation people, self-preservation.  He said it was irreconcilable differences.  In continuing to talk I advised the gentleman ‘Je ne cuisine pas du riz, du Poulet et les haricots rouges dans la Dimanche. Je lire et chante dans le lit et mange des légumes.’ The gentleman would come and sit two (2) chairs away from me in the library and we would exchange sporadic conversation like an old married couple. I only pass through the library these days. However, he makes it a point of duty to call to me whenever he sees me. He is a lovely gentleman.

Then one day I went into the Bus Stop singing my head off. There was this gentleman there, he said you are a Jamaican with his Hispanic accent. I automatically became a French Madame. I said oui, oui. We started talking he told me the number of years he was in Canada and that he was from the Dominican Republic etc (what can I say people I am easy to talk to). Of course I told him the Dominican Republic is beautiful but, it pales in comparison to Jamaica ( I should be paid for all this affiliate marketing I am doing). The gentleman then said ‘Yo quiero mucho’, I said oui, oui.  He looked at me and said ‘Comprende?’ I said Oui, oui.  He looked at me and said smiling ‘You are special’. I said oui, oui. We both laughed and the bus came.

I have had offers of marriage of convenience. I said thank you but no thank you. I love my life.

One day I got a letter and it had MRS. on it. I sat on the bed and said okay Lord you want me married then I am married.  That was the prayer point. Lord help my Holy Ghost what did I do?

I have started walking more too many encounters at the bus stop. I was at a bus stop one gentleman saw me.  First time I am seeing this gentleman in my life, he asked Where are you coming from? I said church! He said Mi like yuh enuh! I said I like me too!! The bus came.

These encounters I call Evangelism 101.  Single ladies I would not recommend you try this if you are not firmly grounded. The evangelism strategy is this, I meet a gentleman we talk and then the gentleman ask for an exchange of telephone number. I give it. (for I know their thoughts said the Lord). Then a few days later I get a call: It is the gentleman we exchange pleasantries. Then inevitable the next question is Can we meet? Me, certainly I go to so and so church and I am there between the hours of whatever. Do you go to church? Here it comes now people Well, I used to but I don’t anymore too much hypocrites in the church or whatever excuse. The punch line: My brother you can’t say that you are not there. So, you can’t say that! The conversation peters out and I never get a call back.

Then I have the gentleman that invited me to dinner.  He will buy the oxtail and I cook it. We will enjoy this encounter I was invited to lunch by a gentleman (this is Canada people you have to be specific). I allowed him to choose the restaurant (first mistake).  He said he knew a nice place. He took me to a Jamaican restaurant.  If you know me I don’t particularly like Jamaican restaurants, that is what I cook at least twice per week.  I want to experience the cuisine of the other ethnicities. I would want to branch here and tell you about my experience with the Sushi and wasabi but this introduction is a bit long.  Suffice it to say I don’t like Sushi. This was a restaurant that did not serve a complete meal, you had to purchase a little of everything. So I began to order I wanted a little of this and that I ordered about four (4) things, my protein, my carbohydrates, my vegetables, my plantains so by the time I was about to order my desert a piece of potato pudding I heard a grunt and the gentleman decided that he wanted to order.  He ordered two (2) items. When the cashier gave the bill, I realized what was happening the gentleman was working within a budget of Twenty Dollars ($20).  The bill was in excess and he had to go to the car and get the excess and the cashier had to write off the pennies. I am saying to myself I would have worked within the gentleman’s budget if he had told me. We could have gone to the supermarket and bought some Excelsior water crackers, cheese and some juice or Grace Coconut water. My father swore by the Excelsior water crackers.  He would eat them and drink some milk and belch and say ‘gas’.  Then say: ‘The crackers good fi deh gas yuh si’.  We could have sat outside and ate the crackers and cheese and drink the juice al fresco.  That is what most people call a picnic. The gentleman is Jamaican you have to understand the thinking.

Suffice it to say when the fellow has any challenges I am one of the first person he can call. He is having some legal challenges, so he called me wanting to find out the name of the organization that regulates the legal profession in Canada and told me what was happening. I said what? Is there not a cause people? I gave him the name and the telephone number and say keep me posted. We went to download the forms. He knows I am as straight as an arrow.  There is no variableness.  That is why I went through so I can help others not to go through. Don’t want this country to try and gobble up the destiny of the unwary.

This matter came to a head when I went into the supermarket and felt something boring into my back. When I turned around there was an elderly gentleman standing there just staring at me, I opened my eyes and almost said boo! I had to laugh.  I came home that evening and said God that prayer was too general let us rewrite that prayer. I just wrote the prayer I had prayed a number of years ago that was stolen in my Thomson Chain Reference Bible which I had forgotten about. I just refined it.  It was very effective then, God is the same yesterday today and forever.

However, as I have been saying one must be intentional about the things they do, so I have to take the prayer and dust it off.  Necessity is the mother of invention.  I need a permanent prayer partner. As Dr. Cindy Trimm would say the man don’t have to be a prayer warrior one prayer warrior in the family is enough. In addition, you get with five (5) single ladies to pray and your prayer is answered and everyone is vexed with you. Plus, everywhere I go and start praying people suddenly become ‘Prayer Analysts’ or develop ‘Pinocchio ears’ acting as if they are God. I don’t mind being a Anna go to the temple and pray and wait for the Messiah but everywhere I go and try this people suddenly develop the Martha spirit the chairs or the decoration needs fixing and disturbing my quiet time.  I will give up my freedom.  I will give up coming home on a Sunday and lying in the bed and listening to sermons for five (5) to eight (8) hours in my bed covered with my blanket that says, “My Heart Will Go On”.  We will work out the logistics of the domestic matters très importante.  Je n’aime pas tâches de domestiques.

I know you will all be praying Father, give her a husband, give her a husband, s’il vous plait (for one reason or another). Just remember I have my criteria.  I prefer a few years of heaven on earth as Pastor E.A. Adeboye would say, à beaucoup ans des trémolos. My mantra is be anxious for nothing, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Ninety-Year-old women can still have children, blind eyes are still opening and dead people are still being raised.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it.

REFLECTIONS

If I had the power there are four books I would get every high school and University to introduce as part of their curriculum.  I my days of University as a Science student there are some basic courses that you had to do before you can be promoted from one level to the next. In the Natural Sciences programme one of them was Development of Civilization. I would make these books a required course. They are as follows:

·         Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

·         Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki

·         The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

·         The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

I firmly believe that anyone who reads these books have a head start in life.

That now brings me to my Blog topic as per usual (habituallement) people I like to give you an insight into the reason why I have chosen the topic.  I was introduced to The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. I read the book in late April early May.  I had to wait my turn at the library. As I was reading I kept saying to myself I have heard these things before. However, I had a chairos moment after I read Principles 46 and 49, Mastermind Your Way to Success and Have a Heart Talk.

I sat at the bus stop and held my head and groaned and groaned and groaned and then some more.  I then said to myself, Daddy your partners are waiting on tables when they should be giving themselves continually to prayer and the word Act 6 verses 3 – 4.

Every decade has its buzz words as the late Dr. Myles Munroe said there is no new knowledge only repackaged information. The first cartoon in ‘The Success Principles’ almost brings out this point.  The cartoon shows a shelf with Self Improvement books and then below there are two bigger shelves with New and Improved Self Improvement books. The buzz words these days seem to be mastermind, mind set change and coaching.  In the nineties when the Japanese came and blew away manufacturing as the world knew it, the words were paradigm shift, quality circles, quality management and re-engineering. I remember a Human Resources Consultant who was conducting a Training Seminar at the Jamaica Mutual Life Assurance Company in the Jamaica Mutual Life Auditorium (people you have never seen auditorium like that we had a grand piano, panoramic view of Kingston etc fantastic), the trainers name was Nsombi Jaja. She just sat there looking regal in her African outfit. She is a fantastic trainer. Introduced me to the teachings of Les Brown- Another man’s opinion of me is not my reality – Les Brown 1989. Now you see why I don’t pay you any mind. The topic was interesting but I was more interested in the outfit.  I got the name of the seamstress the rest as they would say is history.

Nature abhors a vacuum, I am amazed at how persons who do not call themselves children of the Most High God (we have to be careful here because there are many gods out there and people want to equate them all, so you have sayings like whatever god is to you and a lot of love, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof) are using the universal principles of the Bible while we church goers are arguing about them. I mean people are paying crazy money to be part of one mastermind group or another just to be in the company of successful and like-minded individuals who can speak a word (as Pastor E.A. Adeboye would say). At present these people to a large extent are fulfilling the mandate of the church.

I decided to look at where the principle emanated from originally which is really not Napoleon Hill he just got a direct download. King Solomon says there is nothing new under the sun. Moses had his inner circle and they violated the principles and God himself dealt with the transgressors Aaron and Miriam. Joshua didn’t think he needed one, his first error resulted in devastation for the children of Israel.  However, we want to go to the Mastermind of all masterminds and see the principles.  I am reminded of a time a lady told me the ministers in North America are tired, so tired that Men of God were being placed in seats to preach.  I am sure the only question the Master will have for those men is ‘I have trained twelve (12) in three and a half (31/2) years, and they changed the known world then. How many have you trained in forty (40)? 

We will look at the definition of a mastermind group as laid out in The Principles of Success and look at the principles of Jesus who is the perfect example.

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

Mastermind Group – Mastermind groups are relatively new to most people, even though Napoleon Hill created the concept around 80 years ago with his book, Think and Grow Rich. A mastermind group is designed to help you navigate through challenges using the collective intelligence of others.

Inner Circle- (as per google) an exclusive group close to the center of power of an organization or movement, regarded as elitist and secretive.

We will listen to the video by Napoleon Hill the author of ‘Think and Grow Rich’.

THE BASIC REASONS FOR FORMING A MASTERMIND GROUP

The principles as laid out in The Principles of Success

1.      Acceleration of growth – the concept of more working together as a team achieving more.

2.      The infusion of new thoughts, new people and new resources – the ability to leverage the disciplines, abilities and resources of the members of the group.

3.      The Composition of a Mastermind Group – Should be made up of people who wants to take you where you are going.

4.      The size of the group – The recommended size is three (3) to twelve (12) it is not recommended that the group become too large and unwieldy and loose its purpose.

5.      Conducting a Mastermind Meeting – Meetings should be done in an orderly manner and everyone given an opportunity to share.

LET US LOOK AT THE MASTER JESUS HIMSELF 

Luke 6:13-16King James Version (KJV)

13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; 

14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 

16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

1.      The composition of Jesus’ Mastermind Group- He had many disciples but he chose twelve (12) and called them Apostles St. Luke 6 vs 13. Let us look at the characteristics of these men.  They were ordinary men most of them fishermen, a tax collector and even a revolutionary. Jesus is also showing that people have to transition from being a mere discipleship mere followers to become leaders themselves.

While these worldly mastermind groups are seeking to find the best Jesus is showing that with the right guidance any life can be transformed.

2.      The infusion of new thoughts, new people and new resources – The Jesus model come as you are, you might not have anything but I have all, if you are willing to submit to my principles and instructions. In the case of Matthew, he realized that money was secondary compared to what Jesus had to offer. The Zebedee fishing business was floundering anyway but the solution turned up. Peter partnered and his business had a new infusion of capital resources which caused his business to explode and be in the pink.

3.      The composition of a mastermind group – The mastermind group might not have started out in the most inauspicious way, one cannot forget the beginning of King David he started out with four hundred (400) discontented people I Samuel 22 verse 2 and in David's Mighty Warriors ended up with thirty-seven in all and three of them were the inner circle. They were called David’s mighty men. The three from the inner circle took on an army just to get a glass of water for the leader.  Talk about loyalty.  Jesus shows that you can transform any life if it is done the right way. All the apostles became so sold out that they all went on to achieve great things and die for the vision. I keep telling you people some of us might be called to die on the cross, boiled in oil or lose our head. It is not all about money and fame. 

4.      The size of the group - Jesus himself had of group of twelve (12). Since, He is the perfect example and twelve (12) is the number of government then I would suggest that the size of the group don’t exceed this and of course the inner circle of three (3) Peter, James and John. The men on the Mount of Transfiguration and in the Garden of Gethsemane St. Matthew 17 verses 1 - 8 and St. Mark 14 verses 32 - 50. If we remember the model the Apostle used to grow the New Testament Church Acts 2 verses 44 - 47.  The basic and fundamental strategies don’t change we just have new and improved tools to reach more people.  Jesus preached to thousands without amplification.  People sought Him out. With the modes of transportation that we have today Apostle Paul would have navigated the world quite a few times. People are paying crazy money to be a part of these Mastermind Groups.  It just says if you have the goods people will come and we have already determined the money follow the anointing. The Apostles never raised an offering.  People threw money at their feet. 

5.      The format of the meeting – Jesus had a unique teaching style called parables. Parables taught many disciplines.  Finances -The The Financially Challenged Steward, The Kingdom of God -The Lost Coin St. Luke 15 verses 8 - 10; Wisdom/The Second Coming – The Wise and Foolish Virgins St. Matthew 25 verses 1 -13 etc. Every moment was a teaching moment for Jesus. He taught in public and private. These latter-day Mastermind groups which meets regularly while not as extensive are having results because they are consistent and focus. We church folks could learn about focus and consistency.  

PRINCIPLE 49 – HAVE A HEART TALK

People I will not go into this principle.  It is pure and simple straight out of the Sermon on the Mount.  Practical applications of the principles. We will not go around that mountain again in this post.  We will continue to have our monthly Sermon on the Mount checkup.

CONCLUSION

In concluding, as I have said people I am pure and simply a sheep and you know us sheep. Thank God that that he cares for us so that He will leave the Ninety and Nine (99) and go after the one (1). There is no one that is beyond SALVATION, Paid in full.

However, in writing there are a number of themes that need further exploring discipleship, leadership vision to name a few. My upcoming posts will be addressing these themes in unique ways.  One thing is apparent the CHURCH IS WIRED FOR SUCCESS we lack nothing but leadership. We also need to be reminded that it is the GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS CHRIST not North America. As it is in the spiritual so it is in the natural.

I was at a seminar and the gentleman who was a Jew was speaking about the techniques of communications.  He was highlighting the fact that most persons even when given a direct question will revert to the ambiguous you or other people instead of answering the question directly by saying I.  He advised that the grammatical structure is ‘I speak to you’.  However, this is what got me he said especially you Christians even ‘Jesus never said you’ He always said, ‘I am’. 

Let us start confessing who we are and walking in our dominion mandate. If you don’t know who you are you can’t tell another who they are.

Go out and buy the books people they are worth the read or go to your library and borrow them.

Once again, this is me Lillene’s baby girl coming to you from up here in the true north.

À bientôt!

THESE SIX THINGS DOTH THE LORD HATE, YEA……. Proverbs 6 verses 16 - 19

INTRODUCTION

Ooh la la, can you believe it my people we are already in the month of May. The month of double grace pour moi! It seems like the year just started yesterday, as, I have said on a number of occasion anything your heart gives you to do (under God of course) do it with all your might.  The time is indeed winding down fast.  Ooh la la can you believe what has happened over there in France.  The young French President and his even younger wife. Ladies, I keep telling you be anxious for nothing but with prayer and supplications make your request known to God. Things are also happening spiritually; the new president is pro-European union.  For those of you who don’t read the Bible don’t worry your heads, it is a bit involved.  Romans 8 verse 19 comes to mind "all of creation is groaning and waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God" and all we can be talking about is tithing, who is for and who is against, Lord help my Holy Ghost. The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.

Moving right along, I promised you in my last Blog to expound on the book I had mentioned in the last section, Mario Puzo’s, The Godfather. How I came to read the book, I think it was like the case of Mr. Salman Rushdie who had to run for his life because he had revealed family secrets.  I don’t think Mr. Puzo had to run for his life but, there was a furor when the book was published. Since I have always been a rebel without a cause I decided to see what was happening. It simply just spoke to the operations of the Sicilian Mafia, the advent of organized crime and their strict code of conduct, you deviate from the code at the risk of losing your life. You hear terminologies such as the ‘long arms of the mafia’ because, once there is a contract out on your life you are as good as dead irrespective of where in the world you run to.  Terms like ‘sleeping with the fishes’ your feet are cemented together in a container and you are thrown into the river.  They don’t take any chance with the mill stone been loosened.  They have strict codes of operations, they don’t kill you in front of your family unless they want to make a particularly brutal statement.  They don’t kill in church. I wonder where they got that from. In the book of  I Kings Joab and Adonijah ran for the temple and held onto the horn of the altar seeking mercy. Joab died and Adonijah was spared.  The mafia knows that sooner or later you will have to come out. These guys did their business and then did their confessions. Now you see why the Vatican is a city within a city and so powerful. I picked up a Toronto Star and on the front cover was a mafia story. Here is the link ”"Hit on Mobster was 'Symbolic' Experts Believe"

 The movie was superb with Marlon Brando as The Godfather, Don Corleone, these words keep coming back to me “Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in.” I am saying unlike Don Corleone I have no intention of being pulled in any place I am not willing to go. The Lord is indeed omniscient He knows the end from the beginning prepared long in advance for the situations you will encounter. For I know Raphleta says the Lord.

Another fantastic movie I have watched recently, as you know people, my most favourite movie of all times is the “Sound of Music” boy meets girl a few challenges then they get married and lived happily ever after with a lot of singing. Right up there with “My Fair Lady” The rain in Spain falls only on the plains, Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, where is the pepper that Peter Piper picked? etc, etc. You can blame Wycliffe Bennet (Benet) for that part of my education, Caribbean Mass Communication (CARIMAC) Voice and Speech, right up there with the beauty queens and Radio Announcers. .The moral to the story “wey nuh ded nuh dash wey” (You should not give up on anybody or anything).  The fantastic movie though is Ben Hur Mamma Mia (What can I say, I am like the First Lady of the United States I am familiar with many languages, War Comics and Mills and Boone, were my source, another time I tell you those stories). Lovely people, this time during my visitation I was given the opportunity to watch what I wanted. I chose to watch Ben Hur, I said to myself finally Hollywood is trying to get the script right.  They are not quite there yet but, the movie looked more authentic to the period and the continent. Ooh la la, Morgan Freeman was just regal, all I saw was Jethro to Ben Hur’s Moses, such stature. Of course, you also realized that the Rastafarians did not invent locs they just made it popular.

REFLECTIONS

We now go to the topic, the last of my series which I call the little foxes that spoils the vines. I have a whole list of Blog topics that I need to get to.  I have already started writing June’s Blog in my mind.  I am excited my Spirit is ignited I walk in favour with God and man.  Please stop praying amiss I have my assignment far ahead so I am not going to die anytime soon.  Sorry about that, you can now start praying that I will fulfill my destiny. I know you will love June’s Blog.

I really did not even choose this month’s topic it chose me.  As I go through Christendom there are certain behaviours that I am observing. Irrespective of the continent, One man of God put it this way it might catch you unaware the first time, the second time through acquired wisdom you should be able to spot the devil miles in the distance. If I wrote a journal I would be able to stick my notes in  saying, Daddy did you see that? But Daddy that is sheep abuse? Daddy, You have to do something! Just giving you a glimpse into my stolen journals. There, writing to my heart’s content and did not even realize that my journals were like the Diaries of Annie Frank, widely read and I was not benefiting from my intellectual property.

This scripture in Proverbs just kept resonating in my Spirit and then an incident happened and I said you are going to do a Blog.  When the old folks in church who resembles the decorations do things you just look to the book of Numbers and say God is waiting for them to die so he can use the young ones.  But when they start teaching the young ones their bad habits that is when I say devil enough is enough.

Hence, my Blog title These six things doth the Lord hates, yea the seventh is an abomination unto Him. Proverbs 6 verses 16 – 19.

¹⁶ These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

¹⁷ A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

¹⁸ An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

¹⁹ A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

 

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

Hate – One of the meaning is to have a strong aversion to (something).

Abomination- A thing that causes disgust or hatred. An abomination in English is that which is exceptionally loathsome, hateful, sinful, wicked, or vile.

 As nouns the difference between hate and abomination is that hate is an object of hatred while abomination is an abominable act; a disgusting vice; a despicable habit.

THESE SEVEN THINGS

·         While these aren’t the total package of sins that should be avoided, they do sum up most of the wicked things condemned by God. The seven things God hates are the sins that deal with the deep heart motives of the individual. The writer of Proverbs points the finger straight at our hearts and our sinful thought processes.

In keeping with our Lord Jesus Christ’s elaboration of the Ten Commandments during His Sermon on the Mount )St. Matthew 5 vs 21 - 48. Sin is committed the moment it is conceived in the heart, even before it is committed. The avoidance of  these seven things God hates will help us expose our hidden intentions and motives.

Proverbs’ list of seven things God finds abominable:

1          Proud (haughty) look: This describes a feeling of pride and looking down upon others (Philippians 2:3, 5–11). When we begin to think of ourselves more highly and with unparalleled importance, we are forgetting the fact that anything good in us is the result of Christ living in us and that the old self is now dead (Galatians 2:20). Often, believers feel superior to other believers when they receive godly wisdom and display amazing tenacity against sin. We fail to realize these gifts were given by God through Christ and fanned into flame by the Holy Spirit and are not due to our own goodness. This sin of pride is so detested by the LORD that Paul was kept from committing this sin by being provided with “a thorn in the flesh” to humble him (2 Corinthians 12:7). Manifestation of this sin:

• Rolling the eyes in response to something said to them,
• Looking down on someone younger, different, or less intelligent
• Setting oneself up as the judge of others
• Thinking you are wiser than your parents and other elders
• Criticizing parents and other authorities
• Arguing with parents
• Disobeying and openly rebelling against authorities
• Ingratitude
• Boasting about one’s accomplishments, status, or knowledge
• Disrespect

2          Lying tongue: A lying tongue is one that speaks falsehood, knowingly and willingly, with an intention to deceive others. Lying can be used to impugn the character of a brother or to flatter a friend. It is a most detestable evil to God, who is a God of truth. Nothing we do causes us to more closely resemble the devil, who is the father of lies (John 8:44).

Manifestation of this sin:

• Withholding information that others need to have
• Not telling the truth about a wrongdoing
• Hypocritical words
• Flattering to gain something from someone
• Exaggerating the facts
• Implying that something is true, or purposely leading someone to an incorrect assumption
• Telling partial truths
• Not honoring parents’ rules when they are absent
• Not offering evidence against a wrongdoer when necessary
• Committing to doing something with no real intention of following through
• Making excuses
• Blaming others for own sinful actions

3          Hands that shed innocent blood: This refers to cold-blooded murder. We may never have orchestrated killing someone or never have touched a gun or knife, but in Matthew 5:21–24, Jesus says that anyone hating someone else unreasonably without offering room for forgiveness commits a sin equivalent to murder. John reiterates this concept in 1 John 3:15.
Manifestation of this sin:

·         Bullying

·         Hitting, biting, kicking, hurting others

·         Striking parents

·         Carelessly abusing or killing for amusement or nebulous reasons

4          An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations: This encompasses thinking or conceiving evil against any individual or group for personal benefit or other misguided objectives, similar to modern-day terrorists actions. Any sin is basically a wicked scheme. David’s sin against Uriah the Hittite and Bathsheba comes to mind (2 Samuel 11). The heart of an evil man continually contrives schemes to bring others to ruin, whether physically or spiritually.
Manifestation of this sin:

·         Plotting revenge

·         Snubbing someone

·         Conspiring to deceive or hurt someone

·         Lying about a long series of actions to cover sin

5          Feet that be swift in running to mischief: Those whose feet are quick to rush into evil display no resistance whatsoever to sin. There are many examples in the Bible, and having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 5:16), we are expected to be wise in this regard (Romans 6:11–14; Ephesians 5:5, 11). In the Garden of Eden, Eve had the first experience of temptation. She displayed no resistance to the serpent’s temptation. Instead, as soon as the devil attracted her to the fruit, she “saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye” (Genesis 3:6). Eve had sinned at that moment itself. In contrast the attitude of Jesus: when tired and hungry after forty days and forty nights of fasting, He refused to yield to the devil’s tempting and killed the temptation in His mind without allowing it to grow into sin (Matthew 4:1–11). “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Manifestation of this sin:

·         Joining with others to do wrong when the authority is not present

·         Delighting in doing wrong

6          False witness that speaketh lies: This is similar to the sin of the lying tongue mentioned earlier, but this form of lying is given special mention as it could send an innocent person to jail or even lead to him being stoned to death as happened to Naboth, thanks to false witnesses instigated by the wicked Jezebel (1 Kings 21:8–14). The prohibition against bearing false witness is the ninth of the Ten Commandments, and the New Testament is equally condemning of it. Colossians 3:9–10 explains the reason for the continued prohibition against lying. Christians are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and, as such, we reflect His nature. We have been released from our “old self” with its evil practices such as lying and bearing false witness.
Manifestation of this sin:

·         Falsely accusing someone of misbehavior and sin

·         Misrepresenting a disagreement between people

·         Falsely describing the actions of another person in a way that implies his guilt

·         Not offering evidence against someone when asked to give testimony

·         Covering for someone who has committed a wrongdoing

7          He that soweth discord among brethren: Brothers are created by God to live in unity (Psalm 133:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:9). Believers are brothers and sisters since they have one Father God and one Brother, Jesus Christ. The Church is also the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27). In many situations strife among brothers and even within the church seems unavoidable, but anyone who purposely causes disruption to peace in the body of Christ will displease God above all, since that person gives room for others to sin (very important) and for himself to sin further (1 John 2:9–11; 4:19–21). Moreover, Jesus pronounced a great blessing on peacemakers, the privilege to be called “sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Manifestation of this sin:

• Teasing
• Listening to gossip and repeating gossip
• Slandering, repeating truths that will harm another person’s reputation
• Leading others to imagine the worst about someone
• Stirring up disagreements and jealousies
• Arousing suspicions against someone
• Meddling in the disagreements of others
• Taking sides in disagreements
• Envying the success and blessing of others

CONCLUSION

In concluding, as I have stated previously this is the final in my series of the little foxes that spoil the vines.  As previously mentioned, these sins speaks to the heart condition and reflects the things that were stated in the Sermon on the Mount by our Lord Jesus Christ.

We can understand why the seventh is an abomination because this anarchy took place in heaven by Lucifer himself and divided the angelic host.  When it is manifested in the body of Christ it is still very demonic, diabolic and leads to all kinds of evil work.

The Bible says in the book of 2 Corinthians 5 verses 16-17 we are to know no man after the flesh.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

For such reason, God did not leave the salvation plan to man because those who should be saved would be damned and vice versa. The thief on the cross was forgiven instantly. People please stop making salvation complex.  It is not!! What we need to be working on is the conversion process so we can all become mature in Christ. Scriptures like Proverbs 6 verse 16-19 point the way. The day we start thinking of the other person more highly than ourselves the transformation in the body of Christ will be miraculous.

 Philippians 2:3King James Version (KJV)

³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Je t'aime!!

Once again, this is me Lillene’s baby girl coming to you from up here in the true north.

À bientôt!

REFERENCES
Got Questions.org
The Doorposts Blog