James 1:2-18 (Message Translation)

Happy Sunday!

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s a picture of the “prosperous life.” At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.

Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.

So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures. - James 1:2-18 (Message Translation)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Keep Your Eyes On Me

Happy Sunday!
I almost didn't make it to church today.  I watched Sunday Morning on CBS, then watched Apostle Fred Price on TBN, and then while flipping channels I saw an interesting documentary on PBS about Reggae.  I will have to add, "Going to SumFest in Jamaica" to my bucket list! So much fun on Sunday morning!

Anyway, I got ready at the last minute and drove to church. 

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "Keep Your Eyes On Me".  He used Psalm 118:22 as his reference scripture.

"The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone! - (Message Translation)
"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. - (King James Version)
"The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. - (New Living Translation)
This scripture is prophetic!  It describes the life of Jesus past, present, and future.  He was born in a barn, laid in a manger.  His birth would be fodder for the tabloids, and he was raised in Nazareth.  You remember Nazareth..."Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, “We’ve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It’s Jesus, Joseph’s son, the one from Nazareth!” Nathanael said, “Nazareth? You’ve got to be kidding.” But Philip said, “Come, see for yourself.” - John 1:46 (Message Translation)

When they sized Jesus up, he didn't fit the mold!  Some Jewish people are still looking for another Messiah.  Maybe you can understand.  Perhaps, you are from a city like Nazareth.  Perhaps, your birth was unplanned, or unheralded.  Perhaps, those staffing that management position don't feel you are the right fit!  But just like Jesus, you are that stone that was discarded, refused, and rejected. But something amazing happens!  That same stone that a group of the builders, carpenters, and masons rejected becomes the cornerstone!

I probably wouldn't have made it to church at all if "This Old House" had come on PBS after the Reggae documentary.  I love that show.  I miss Bob Villa, but that's water under the bridge. LOL!  But watching "This Old House" I have learned so much about building and foundations.  The cornerstone is important because all the other stones are placed in reference to it! (Wikipedia)  A strong foundation is important to any building and even a patio has to be built on a sound foundation for years of enjoyment.

The World says you need an education, money, good credit, friends in high places, and good looks.  All those things are good and beneficial.  But just in case you don't measure up to the World's standards, if you have Jesus you have enough!  The songwriter wrote, "My Hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Blood and Righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus Name.  On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." (Mote & Bradbury)

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas said, and I quote..."Rejection is Direction".  Don't worry about those who rejected you!  Don't worry about those who said you wouldn't make it!  Don't worry about that position, that relationship, or that opportunity.  God has a way of using the things that the world considers useless.  He knows you, He loves you, and he has great plans for you..."I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." - Jeremiah 29:11 (Message Translation)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Our God Is Awesome

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas has been on sabbatical for the last month.  Worship was exuberant today!  I know I was happy that he was back!  He came into the sanctuary just as the choir was singing, "Our God Is Awesome".  He didn't preach, but he encouraged the congregation.  It's amazing how simply reciting the Word of God can lift the congregation.

He encouraged us to be proactive during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  He noted that generally African-Americans have a lower life expectancy after diagnosis.  The Office of Minority Health a division of the U.S. Department of Health And Human Services says,  "African Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group for all cancers combined and for most major cancers. Death rates for all major causes of death are higher for African Americans than for whites, contributing in part to a lower life expectancy for both African American men and African American women."

(http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=2826)  

 

There are so many reasons, factors, and theories to consider, but as Christians we believe that with GOD nothing is impossible. (Luke 1:37) We have to educate ourselves and remember even the Word says, " You will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH you know, will make you FREE" - John 8:32 (Cynthia Translation) :)

 

Bishop asked all the cancer survivors to come forward.  He allowed them to introduce themselves and give their testimonies.  He also encouraged them to say, "I am Healed!"  It was encouraging to hear the positive reports and to realize that some of the members we sit by every Sunday have been currently facing the challenge of cancer. 

 

One of the scriptures Bishop quoted was Isaiah 40:31.  You probably know it by heart!  That's the awesome benefit of "hiding" the Word in our hearts.  This scripture always encourages me.  I hope it encourages you.  I really enjoy the Message Translation.

 

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
    or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
    He doesn’t care what happens to me”?

Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?

God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
    He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
    And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired,
    gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t lag behind.

 

Praying for you! Asking GOD to bless you, yes YOU...Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically, and Financially!  Asking GOD to heal your physical body and give you wisdom and courage to thrive!

 

Love and Prayers, Cynthia

Let each moment come

Happy Sunday!

Let each moment come

Allow time to pass and as it does, make good use of it.
Allow life to unfold and as it does, treasure the richness of each moment.
Accept and be thankful for what has been, and for what is now.
Fully and lovingly utilize the opportunity of this day you now have.

When the wind is at your back, use the occasion to make rapid progress.
When the wind is in your face, take the opportunity to grow stronger.

Learn from those who share your opinions.
And learn even more from those who disagree with you.

Embrace life as it comes to you.
In the grand occasions and in the small moments, delight in the beauty and live the possibilities.

Let each moment come in a steady, empowering procession.
And add your special joy to every one.

— Ralph Marston

Love and prayers, Cynthia

P.S. - Traveling this weekend, but always thinking of you and praying for you. Have a great week.