How to Bless My Family

Happy Sunday! Hope you had a wonderful week!  Last Sunday was Men’s Day at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.  The guest speaker was Bishop David Cooper from New Hope Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.   His topic was, “How to Bless My Family”.  From the very beginning, God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.”  Genesis 1:28 (New Living Translation)  God intended for man and woman to be a blessing.  He still expects us to be a blessing, especially to our families. HOW TO BLESS MY FAMILY... KISS – Affection - Bishop Cooper used Genesis 27:26-29 as his text,  these excerpts are from the Message Translation.  Then Isaac said, "Come close, son, and kiss me."   We need to show our children appropriate physical affection.  Sadly, whippings do not count as affection even if it does hurt you more than it hurts your child. LOL!  Studies have shown that children raised in orphanages who were not regularly touched as infants or who suffered prolonged periods of time without any human contact failed to thrive. Infants who were not soothed and nurtured by touch did not physically grow and developed severe social problems. (http://www.suite101.com/content/newborns-need-touch-a70941) SMELL – Destiny -  "He came close and kissed him and Isaac smelled the smell of his clothes."  Isaac recognize who Esau was, he didn't ask him to stay inside.  He allowed Esau to enjoy his vocation.  Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  The literal translation means train the child in the way he or she is "bent".  Watch the child, acknowledge their likes and dislikes, recognize what they are capable of doing, encourage them to be what God designed them to be.  Every child will not be a doctor or a lawyer, but motivate your child to be the best that they can be!  INTERCEDE – Pray - "May God give you of Heaven's dew and Earth's bounty of grain and wine. May peoples serve you and nations honor you."  NO PRAYER, NO POWER!  Prayer is essential for our daily lives and especially the lives of our children and family.  It has been said, if you believe prayer works you will pray.  Matthew 21:22, "You will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, if you believe." PROPHESY -  Speak positive words - "You will master your brothers, and your mother's sons will honor you.  Those who curse you will be cursed, those who bless you will be blessed."   Romans 4:17 (King James Version) says that God calleth those things which be not as though they were.  We have to follow God's example.  Even if Pookey and Ray Ray are living in sin, doing everything but the right thing, we still have to speak what can be.  In the Jewish tradition blessing your children is very important.  One of the most moving Shabbat traditions is the blessing over the children given on Friday night. This tradition gently reminds parents to express their love for their children out loud and gives children a feeling of warmth that they can carry with them throughout their lives.  (http://judaism.about.com)     We all laughed when the Bishop Cooper talked about how we sometimes are willing to help other people before we help our own family members.  He used the example of us rushing down the street to help the neighborhood drug addicts, while tripping over the drug addicts in our own family.  He reminded us that this is not the way it should be.  We are responsible to bless our family.  Bless your family this week.  Kiss them, smell them, pray for them, and prophesy over them!  Love Cynthia

Let God Out of the Church!

Happy Sunday! I hope you had a wonderful week.  My week was full.  So full that I forgot what Bishop Thomas preached about last Sunday.  That's so sad.  I'm one the most animated members.  I'm screaming, "Amen!" and standing up in response to the good Word being preached.  But within the week I forgot what I heard!
 The Apostle James wrote about that problem, "Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like"  James 1:22-24(Message Translation).   Maybe I'm the only one.  But I doubt it.  There is a good reason athletes and entertainers practice.  They practice to keep the plays, the moves, the music, and their lines fresh and in their minds.  Don't worry, I took good notes, so I can tell you what Bishop preached.  How I long for the day when I can remember it without looking at my notes.
 The subject of last week's sermon was, "Let God Out of the Church!"  Yes, in Sunday School as children, we learned that God has the whole world in his hands.  But for some reason we seem to treat God as if he only belongs in the church.  We get dressed up, drive to church, enjoy the service, then leave God in the church building.  Bishop encouraged us to let God out of the church.  How do we let God out of the church?
 Make sure you are in the right church!  Do you feel the presence of God in your church?  The deacons in the old church sang a song that said, "I wouldn't have a religion, that I couldn't feel sometimes".  No, it's not ALL about feelings, but you should at least feel that the three hours you spent in church was beneficial and edifying! Not to mention the two hours it took to get all dolled up to go.  Is the unadulterated WORD being preached?  Do you understand the WORD that is being preached?  One of my favorite preachers likes to use big words.  Sometimes I have get the dictionary and look those words up.  That's ok for me.  But if that's not your thing, make sure you find a preacher that you can understand.  Are you growing and changing?  Are you?  Churches are like soil.  Put a little dry shriveled up Christian in some good soil and you should see some growth.
 Worship God daily!  Bishop said and I quote..."The YOU you see in worship should be the YOU you see everywhere!"  We have confused the world with our lifestyles.  People are looking for "REAL" worshipers.  Why do you think our nation and the world is so addicted to reality television shows?  People want to see the real person.  We are nosy by nature!  LOL!  We want to know what makes you tick. 

Matthew 5:16 (New Living Translation)

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
 Let God out of the church this week, OK?  Have a wonderful week!  Love Cynthia
 

The Right Perspective On Work

Happy Sunday! Last Sunday, Bishop preached about work.  His subject was "The Right Perspective On Work" and he used Colossians 3:22-24 as his scripture reference. 
 Colossians 3:22-24 (The Message)  Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

 If you are blessed to be employed during this current economic season, you are truly fortunate!  If you are retired, self-employed, or independently wealthy rejoice!  If you are unemployed, don't worry God has not forgotten you!  Even before Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, Adam was commanded to work.  For thousands of years, men and women have worked.  Not being able to find work caused thousands of people to brave the unknown and travel North from the deep south, and West from the East Coast.  There is dignity in work.  There is Worship in good work!
 The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Colossae.  He took time to encourage them to be good workers.  He wanted them to know that freedom in Christ was not a license to sin or be a slacker.  He encouraged them and it should encourage us to be the best employees.
 We are being watched!  maybe not by the FBI or the CIA, but people are watching you!  And if you have revealed that you are a Believer, they are probably watching your every move.  They want to see if there is anything special about you.  They want to know if this JESUS stuff is really real?  Even if you dislike you current position you still must glorify God in your work.  Be the best worker as you search for other employment.  Be the best worker as you further your education.  Be the best worker as you represent Christ.

 Have a great work week!  Love, Cynthia
 

Sermons We See

Edgar Guest

I'd rather see a sermon
than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.

The eye's a better pupil
and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
but example's always clear;

And the best of all the preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it
if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action,
but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lecture you deliver
may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons
by observing what you do;

For I might misunderstand you
and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding
how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness,
I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles
and a strong man stays behind

Just to see if he can help him,
then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful
as I know that friend to be.

And all travelers can witness
that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them,
but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many,
men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed
is worth forty that are told.

Who stands with men of honor
learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language
which to every one is clear.

Though an able speaker charms me
with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon
than to hear one, any day.

Focus on the Finish!

Happy Sunday!  Happy Labor Day Weekend!  Hope you are enjoying yourself! Last week Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Focus on the Finish!"  It was a word in due season.  I've been feasting on it all week.
 He wanted to dispell some misconceptions and misinformation we may have received during this journey.  Do you remember that song, "Every Day With Jesus"?  The song says, every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.  Yes, there is some awesome truth in the song.  But we may have believed that in order for every day to be sweeter things had to be getting better.  NOT!  This life is full of contradicitons.  Even popular culture picked up on it.  Smokey Robinson sang a song, "I Don't Like You, But I Love You".  Is it possible to love someone or something and dislike that person or thing at the same time?  Yes, it is!
 Bishop wanted us to realize that life is hard, but God is good.  We must FACE, CONFRONT, and CONQUER!  Bishop used Hebrews 12:1-2.
  ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
 The writer of Hebrews uses an example from track and field.  He wanted us to invision all the heros of faith in the stands watching us compete.  Think about it!  When you face the loss of a job, the loss of a home, the loss of a loved one JOB is in the stands, cheering you on!  He's yelling at the top of his lungs hoping you will hear him.  He wants you to know that God brought him through it all and he came out with more than he had before. Job 42:12, God blessed Job's later life even more than his earlier life.
 When your family mistreats you and doesn't understand what you've been called to do, JOSEPH is in the stands cheering you on.  He wants you to know that even though his brothers sold him into slavery, Potifer's wife lied on him, and he went to prison, God brought him out on top.  Genesis 50:20 (New Century Version) You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done. 
 When you feel like you've been thrown in a lion's den.  Remember that Daniel is there cheering you on.  He wants you to know that you can rest and trust God to protect you in any situation.  Isaiah 54:17 (Message Translation) No weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what God's servants can expect.  I'll see to it that everything works out for the best."
 In my sanctified imagination, I invision some other people in the stands cheering us on!  There are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, god-parents, husbands and wives, soldiers and teachers.  Millions of people who have experienced life, lived it with Faith and were successful in this race.
 They know that you can make it!  So do I!

 Focus on the Finish!  Have a wonderful week!  Love, Cynthia

It's Time to Snap Out of It!

 Happy Sunday!

I want to take this time to apologize for the break in my "Happy Sunday! messages.  I had computer problems.  I hope to have them permanently resolved soon!  I was so sad about missing even one Sunday.  I was trying to complete the whole year without missing one Sunday!  Oh well, I will try again.  Thanks to everyone that let me know how they missed the messages.

I haven't missed any church services though, and Bishop has been preaching excellent messages as usual.

Last week he preached,  "It's Time to Snap Out of It!"  He used 2 Kings 7:3-11 as his text.  I love that story!

2 Kings 7:3-11 (New Living Translation)   
 ³ Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates.  “Why should we sit here waiting to die?” they asked each other. ⁴ “We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army. If they let us live, so much the better. But if they kill us, we would have died anyway.”    ⁵ So at twilight they set out for the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! ⁶ For the Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the galloping of horses and the sounds of a great army approaching. “The king of Israel has hired the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us!” they cried to one another. ⁷ So they panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives.  ⁸ When the lepers arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and hid it. ⁹ Finally, they said to each other, “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren’t sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let’s go back and tell the people at the palace.”   ¹⁰ So they went back to the city and told the gatekeepers what had happened. “We went out to the Aramean camp,” they said, “and no one was there! The horses and donkeys were tethered and the tents were all in order, but there wasn’t a single person around!” ¹¹ Then the gatekeepers shouted the news to the people in the palace.

Bishop encouraged us to "SNAP OUT OF IT!"  You know what your "IT" is.  It is that fear that keeps you from being all you can be, it is the negative things people have told you in the past, and it is anything that keeps you from moving forward.  Bishop asked us, and now I ask you..."What if there is in a better you in you?"

God wants you to be your best!  He has given you all you need to succeed.

2 Peter 1:3 (New Living Translation)

 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

You just have to decide to move!

“You are the person who has to decide. Whether you'll do it or toss it aside; You are the person who makes up your mind. Whether you'll lead or will linger behind. Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar. Or just be contented to stay where you are.”

Edgar A. Guest

Love always, have a wonderful week!  Cynthia

You are an Over-comer!

Happy Sunday!

“You are an Over-comer!”  “You are a Survivor!”   After all you've experienced in your life, you are still here!  By the Grace of God you are alive!.  Yes, life can be depressing, difficult, and disappointing.  You may suffer set-backs, reversals, and struggles.  But you must remember you are an over-comer! 

Bishop Thomas preached from Revelations 12:7-11.

Revelation 12:7-11 (New Living Translation)

 ⁷ Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. ⁸ And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. ⁹This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
 ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
   “It has come at last—
      salvation and power
   and the Kingdom of our God,
      and the authority of his Christ.
   For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
      has been thrown down to earth—
   the one who accuses them
      before our God day and night.
 ¹¹ And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
      and by their testimony.
   And they did not love their lives so much
      that they were afraid to die.

If you remember the story, the Apostle John was banished to the Island of Patmos for preaching about Jesus.  Historians believe he was forced to work in the rock quarry, but was allowed to worship one day a week.  While worshipping one day he experienced visions and wrote about what was revealed to him.  In this text he writes about a war in heaven.  Not the normal place you would expect a war to be going on.  He describes the fight and explains what caused the winners to prevail over their enemy.  These same things will help you to win in life.

Their “Covering” – The Blood of the Lamb –  In the story of Moses, the last plague visited upon Pharaoh was the death of the firstborn.  God instructed the Israelites to kill an unblemished lamb and place the lambs’ blood upon the doorposts.  When the death angel saw the blood, he wouldPassover.   The Egyptians suffered the loss of their firstborns because they did not have the blood covering.  Jesus is our sacrificial lamb and he paid the price for our protection.  

Their “Confession” - The Word of their Testimony - The Psalmist wrote, “Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so!”

Psalm 107:2 (The Message)

    Oh, thank God—he's so good! His love never runs out. 
   All of you set free by God, tell the world! 
      Tell how he freed you from oppression, 
   Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas. 

We win by letting others know what we have overcome.  Too often we don’t share our testimony with others.  We suffer and those around us suffer because we are silent.  We are afraid to let people know what we’ve been through and where we’ve come from.  But your testimony will encourage the right people to continue when they feel like giving up.  There are people who are experiencing things right now that you have already overcome.  Let God lead you. 

Their “Commitment” – The did not love their lives more than the cause of Christ – Galatians 2:20 (New King James Version)  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

I often think about our ancestors.  Maybe your ancestors came to the United States in the Nina, the Pinta, or the Santa Maria.  Maybe your ancestors were "Native" to this land.  Maybe your ancestors came through the "Middle Passage". However they arrived, they were survivors!  They endured untold horrors and uncertainty, but they survived.  They experienced the death of loved ones, separation from family and friends, loss of property and belongings.  They went hungry, they may have been financially bankrupt.  They were raped, beaten, and cheated!  But they survived, I know they did!  Because you are living proof!  You come from very good stock!  You can make it!  You are an over-comer!  You are a survivor! 

 Have a wonderful week!  Remember who you are!  Cynthia

Don’t Let Nothing Block Your Blessing

Happy Sunday!

“Don’t Let Nothing Block Your Blessing” that was our encouragement from  Bishop Alexis A. Thomas today. Yes, Ebonics included! LOL!  He wanted us to be aware of some of the “Blessing Blockers”.

God wants you to be blessed!  He said so in the WORD;   3 John 1:2 (King James Version)  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

God is a good father and he gets no pleasure or enjoyment seeing you suffer in any way. The word blessed means: divinely or supremely favored; fortunate.  Or as the Amplified Bible defines it,  blessed means - (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions).   Throughout the bible God promises blessings to those who will listen and obey.

So what are some of the “Blessing Blockers”?

·         Not having a relationship with Jesus Christ will block your blessings.   Rev. Cleophus Robinson Sr. used to sing a song, There’s only one bridge that can take you to heaven.  That bridge is Jesus…John 14:6 (Contemporary English Version)  "I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father.

And you may say, I'm blessed and I don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. Well my friend, the Word says the rain falls on the just as well as the unjust.  Do you just want to get a trickle of what God has for you?  Or would you like to get all he's got prepared just for you?

·         Not being consistent with the things of God will block your blessings.  

Hebrews 11:6 (New International Version)  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

James 1:6-7 (New Living Translation)   But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

·         Hanging out with the wrong crowd will block your blessings.  

Psalm 1:1 (GOD’S WORD Translation)  Blessed is the person who does not   follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers.

Bishop explained that he enjoys watching the space shuttle lift offs.  He compared it to our lives.   The space shuttle has booster rockets attached.  The purpose of the booster rockets is to get the space shuttle into orbit.  Once the shuttle is in orbit the booster rockets must fall away from the shuttle.  In order to be blessed we may have to let go of some people and some things.   They were instrumental in getting us started on our way, but they will not accompany us into our destiny.  

·         Being Stingy will block your blessings.  

Luke 6:38 (Contemporary English Version)  If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (Contemporary English Version)  God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others.

·         Being a Hater will block your blessings.   If God blesses your neighbor, rejoice because it means he’s in your neighborhood.

·         Not Praising God will block your blessings.   Psalm 100:4-5 (King James Version)  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Don't let anyone or anything block your blessings!

Have a blessed week!  Love and prayers, Cynthia

Relationships

Happy Sunday!

Bishop finished his series on “Relationships” today with three points.

1)      Relationships are our “Witness” – The best way for others to see Jesus is for them to see him in us!  Jesus even told his disciples that men would know who there were by the way they loved one another.  Paul later called us “Ambassadors for Christ”.  An ambassador represents one country while living in another.  The way we live and treat others proves our love or lack of love for Christ Jesus.  Even children learn how to live by what they see in their parents.  Good fathers represent God to their children. A child that has had a good father has little trouble relating to God as father.

2)      Relationships take “Work” – Ask any married couple or ask any parent and they will agree that relationships take work!  We don’t always get along, we don’t always agree, and we may never.  But we do have to compromise, cooperate, and submit to each other.  We can’t choose the family we are born into!  Personally, I would have chosen to be born in a very wealthy family.  But then I would have missed out on summers in Mississippi playing in the dirt with my brother James and my uncle Wallace Jr.  I would have missed out on laughing with my Aunt Elizzie, about her gun and the “sina”.  I would have missed out on the good hearty meals like beans and cornbread, rutabaga, fried corn, and pig ears with mustard.   God knew exactly what he was doing!  He put us right where we needed to be to get what we needed to get, to be who we are destined to be.  Relationships take work!  It takes work to love and care for others, especially when they don’t do what we want them to do.  But have you ever done anything that you shouldn’t have?  Wow, and God still loves you?  Think about how hard it must be for God to love us sometimes.

3)      Relationships are “Worth It” – Ask those same people and they will probably say all these relationships are worth it.  Yes we may fall out with Aunt Pookey, and Uncle John Lee get’s on your last nerve, but after all the of that the relationship is worth it!  Most comedians’ would have absolutely no material if it weren’t for relationships.  Think about your own family.  I know you’re smiling right now! Do you need to make a phone call? 

This is just a personal observation.  If you are a believer you know we will be spending eternity together.  That’s a long time, longer than any family reunion, longer than any road trip in the car with small children, longer than any dinner at your mother-in-law’s house.  We might as well get started now!

Have a wonderful relational week!  Love Cynthia

Get Real Before We Get Right

Happy Sunday!

“Get Real before We Get Right!”  Bishop Alexis A. Thomas is winding down his series on “Relationships”.  The message today was more like a rap session or a bible study.  The podium was removed and Bishop sat on a stool and ministered.  The focus today was Homosexuality and Lesbianism.  Maybe that’s why Bishop sat down because it’s a heavy conversation that we don’t have very often, especially in the church.  I encourage you to go to the web site later in the week to listen to the message.  It would be impossible for me to tell it all. (pilgrimway.com)

But a few points I will share.  Bishop talked about how easy it is for us to make fun of issues that we don’t face personally.  He used the example of a preacher preaching.  That imaginary preacher in the old church could have been preaching for 45 minutes and may not have said anything good.  But all he has to do is start preaching about adultery, fornication, and homosexuality and he can get a cheap, “Amen”.  If that same preacher started preaching about gossiping, gluttony, or selfishness the church would be quiet.  People would say he’s meddling.

But the bible says all unrighteousness is sin.  (1 John 5:17)

We have to get it straight in our minds and hearts there are no big sins and little sins!  Sin is sin!  Jesus shed the same blood for the Tiger Woods’, the Chris Browns' and the Boy Georges’.  He’s waiting for us to “Get Real”.  We must grow up.  We must study the WORD so we won’t be ashamed.  We must stop judging and start loving. 

Matthew 7:1-5 - "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

No, we are not saying it’s alright to live in disobedience.  But don’t act like the Pharisees.  Do you remember the story about the Pharisee and the Tax Man?  

Luke 18:9-15 (The Message)

He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: "Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: 'Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.' "Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, 'God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.'"
Jesus commented, "This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face, but if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."


Let's "Get Real, so We can Get Right!"  Have an awesome week!  Love Cynthia

Bringing the Presence of God in Through Prayer

Happy Sunday!

If you’ve spent anytime around the church you may have had a similar experience.  We went to Bishop’s Bible Study Wednesday evening.  We expected to hear from Bishop Thomas.  We enjoyed the prayer and the praise and worship. All the while, we were looking at the entrances, expecting Bishop to walk in at any minute.  Then we were told that Bishop would not be teaching because he was still out of town.  Of course, he selected one of the very capable associate ministers to teach the lesson.  In the past I may have headed for the door quickly! Too many bad experiences.  I didn’t come to hear anyone else, I came to hear my pastor!  I could be at home watching, “Modern Family”, “The Middle” and “Cougar Town”! (All spoken in a cry baby tone with my lip poked out!)  It brings to mind the television show, “Dinosaurs”.  You remember it, don’t you?  The little baby dinosaur would repeatedly say, “Not the Mama!”  In my mind I could hear myself saying, “Not the pastor, not the pastor!”  LOL! I’m much more mature now.  I haven’t arrived just yet, but I am aware that GOD can use anyone to get the Word to us.  He even used a donkey in the Old Testament.  So I decided to stay and see what the minister had to say. 

I’m so glad I stayed!  The minister was Evangelist Elaine Penn.  She says she came to Phoenix from New York, by way of Maryland.   Her topic was, “Bringing the Presence of God in Through Prayer”.  She used Acts 16: 16-26 as her scripture reference.  So you may say, “What does this have to do with me? Well, Paul and Silas managed to stay positive in a very negative situation. Are you staying positive in your negative situation?  All they did was help a poor slave girl by setting her free from demon possession.  They should have been applauded,  but they were treated like criminals. 

Beat Up and Thrown in Jail (Message Translation)

^16-18One day, on our way to the place of prayer, a slave girl ran into us. She was a psychic and, with her fortunetelling, made a lot of money for the people who owned her. She started following Paul around, calling everyone's attention to us by yelling out, "These men are working for the Most High God. They're laying out the road of salvation for you!" She did this for a number of days until Paul, finally fed up with her, turned and commanded the spirit that possessed her, "Out! In the name of Jesus Christ, get out of her!" And it was gone, just like that.

 ^19-22When her owners saw that their lucrative little business was suddenly bankrupt, they went after Paul and Silas, roughed them up and dragged them into the market square. Then the police arrested them and pulled them into a court with the accusation, "These men are disturbing the peace—dangerous Jewish agitators subverting our Roman law and order." By this time the crowd had turned into a restless mob out for blood.

 ^22-24The judges went along with the mob, had Paul and Silas's clothes ripped off and ordered a public beating. After beating them black-and-blue, they threw them into jail, telling the jail keeper to put them under heavy guard so there would be no chance of escape. He did just that—threw them into the maximum security cell in the jail and clamped leg irons on them.

 ^25-26Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose.

I know it’s a long read, but I love the story!  Evangelist Penn gave us three points! You know I love points! 

Bringing the Presence of God in Through Prayer:

·         Atmosphere - is defined as surrounding influence or environment.  Paul and Silas were in a terrible place, but they created the perfect atmosphere for a miracle!  They didn’t waste time complaining about how they were innocent.  They didn’t cry about how bad their wounds hurt, how dark the prison was, or how unfair their situation was!

·         Agreement – Paul and Silas agreed to praise God, and God recognized!  Matthew 18:19-20 (Amplified Bible) Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.   For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. 

·         Approach - Paul and Silas knew how to approach God.  Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.


Have a wonderful week!  Remember long before the rappers said it, grandmothers, preachers, and parents told us, "What don't kill you makes you stronger!"  Hang on in there!  One day your test will be your testimony, and your pain will be gain!  


Love Cynthia

The Myths and Misconceptions about Marriage

Happy Sunday!  Happy Independence Day!

It's the season for weddings!  If a young man or woman you love is getting married what advice would you give them?  Would you pretend that your marriage is perfect and you never have any problems? Would you tell them the truth?  Would you say that it's the toughest relationship to navigate? Would you admit your mistakes?  I hope you would tell them that marriage is awesome, but sometimes awfull!  I hope that you would give them your well earned wisdom in hope that their marriage would succeed.  I remember a skit from the show, "In Living Color".  The married couple would beat and batter eachother, but in the end they would say in unison, "We're still together!"  It was funny, but it said a lot about how we view marriage.

 Bishop continued his series on “Relationships” today.  The focus was on marriage and Bishop titled the sermon, “The Myths and Misconceptions about Marriage”.  He used Ephesians 5:21-29 as the text. Whether you are anticipating marriage in the future, in a marriage that works or can be improved, entering a marriage with hope and faith, or leaving a marriage that just didn’t survive; we can all learn more about God’s design for marriage.  Marriage is the fundamental relationship.  God designed marriage to affect every other relationship.  

Misconceptions and Myths about Marriage

 ·         Everyone should be married.  The Apostle Paul explained that choosing marriage changes your focus toward ministry.  The husband and wife now must first seek to please each other.  1 Corinthians 7:7 - Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me—a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.

·         Living together will give you the advantage.  So you want to test drive before you buy!  Or you think why buy the cow if I can get the milk for free! Sorry, shacking does not ensure that marriage will last.  I’m speaking from experience now! Sad and sorrowful experience.  Marriage is a God thing.  When you decide to do it God’s way the enemy does everything in his power to break the relationship.  Sure there are some relationships that started wrong and have turned out fine.  But why take the chance?

·         Marriage completes you.  If you enter the marriage broken, damaged, self-conscious, and schizophrenic you will just be a broken, damaged, self conscious, schizophrenic married person. Only Christ completes you.  It’s an inside job.  Get counseling, closure, and professional help before you marry another person who has their own bag of issues.

·         Marriage is a cure for loneliness.  Al Bundy should be the poster boy for this misconception.  If you are too young to remember the show “Married with Children”, Google it!  Al and Peg Bundy could be in the house together and it didn’t mean a thing.  Al would be positioned on the couch and never noticed Peg until she stood in front of the television.  Marriage will not cure your loneliness.   Get a life!  Find things that you enjoy!  Have activities and friends that you enjoy prior to marrying. 

·         Marriage is 50/50.  If the one you love stood at the altar and proclaimed, “ I promise to love you 50% of the time, with 50% of my heart, and 50% of my faithfulness, and 50% of my money, and 50% of my understanding, care and compassion.”  Would you still marry them?  Would you run? Relationships require more than 100% from each individual.  There will be days when you give more and there will be days when your spouse will give more.  But it will always add up to more than 50%.  Stop counting!  Galatians 6:7-8 (The Message) Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

·         ALL your sexual needs will be met when you marry.  Do I really need to go there?  It is humanly impossible to be everything to anyone.  

Tell someone the truth!  You will be glad you did!  Have a great week!  Love, Cynthia