Sunday, June 27, 2010

On Time


Happy Sunday!

Sorry this Happy Sunday message is coming to you a little bit late.  Better late than never, LOL!  We had an awesome service today.  Then Bishop Thomas preached at another church and Crystal and I attended.  We paid no attention to the time. 

I encourage you to watch today’s sermon on the website sometime this week.  Bishop is preaching about relationships.  He told the women what we should look for in a man; Presence of God, Pursuit of you, has his own Place, and he must know his Purpose.  It was a great message and I am so glad I am in a place where honest, down to earth ministry comes forth.

But the icing on the cake was this evening’s message.  Bishop preached, “I am not behind schedule!”   He used Joshua 14:7-13.   I hope you know the story but if you don’t, the children of Israel are about to enter the Promised Land.  Joshua is in charge.  He and Caleb were the only spies that gave a positive report 45 years earlier.  Caleb gives his testimony.  He reports that he is still strong and has been blessed to live long enough to get his portion of the land.

What does that have to do with you?  The enemy uses the weapon of DISCOURAGEMENT on us all.  He tries to convince us that where we are is not where we are supposed to be.  He taunts us with thoughts about why we don’t have more, why can’t be more.  He tries to convince us that GOD has let us down or forgotten us.  He wants us to think that GOD cannot be trusted.

Think about how Caleb and Joshua may have felt. Spending 40 years wandering around in the desert with unbelievers!  Yes, they were unbelievers.  They refused to believe the promise of GOD.  But I want you to know today!  “YOU ARE NOT BEHIND SCHEDULE!”  Divine delay is not denial.  God knows exactly how and when to take you into your promised land.  You just have to believe.

Have a wonderful faith filled week, don’t quit!  Don’t give up!  Don’t give in!

Love Cynthia

 

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Be Real


Happy Sunday!

Dwelling above with saints we love,  that will indeed be glory!  But to dwell below with the saints we know; now that’s a different story!

BE REAL!  
BE RELEVANT!   

BE RECONCILING!  
DON’T SEEK REVENGE!

These are the main points from Bishop Thomas’ sermon today!  Bishop has begun to preach about relationships.  We know we are chosen, we are anointed, and we have been assigned, but do we know how to be in relationships?  Bishop used Romans 12:9-21 as his scripture reference.  He encouraged us to realize that to have a relationship is a privilege.  You must know that GOD doesn’t value your relationship with him based on how you treat him, but based on how you treat those around you. Horizontal relationships must be successful, and then our vertical relationship with GOD will be right.
The Apostle Peter wrote that even our prayers can be hindered if we don’t treat others right - 

1 Peter 3:7 (Contemporary English Version)

If you are a husband, you should be thoughtful of your wife. Treat her with honor, because she isn't as strong as you are, and she shares with you in the gift of life. Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.
Romans 12:9-21 (The Message)

BE REAL!
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. 

BE RELEVANT!
Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.  Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.   Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. 

BE RECONCILING!
Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

DON'T SEEK REVENGE!
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Amen and amen!  Have a wonderful week!  Selah.  Cynthia