Happy Sunday!
It's been an action packed week! We enjoyed our Fresh Rain Conference! So much good preaching and music. Pastor Kerwin B. Lee was our daily Lecturer, Pastor Jackie McCullough preached Wednesday and Thursday nights, and Bishop Brian Moore preached Friday night. It was difficult to decide which message to share with you today.
Pastor Kerwin B. Lee, Pastor of Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia preached, "Changes You Should Desire To See This Year". He used 2 Kings 25:27-30 as his reference scripture.
January is always a time for a fresh start. We make resolutions, set goals, and determine to live more productive lives. We look forward to change.
2 Kings 25:27 says, "In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of King Jehoiachin of Judah, Evil-merodach ascended to the Babylonian throne. He was kind to Jehoiachin and released him from prison on April 2 of that year."(Message Translation) God allowed the Israelites to be taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon because of their continual sinning. After Nebuchanezzar died his son Evil-merodach became king. Jehoiachin the King of Judah lived in the Babylonian prison for 37 years. After 37 years in prison, Evil-merodach freed Jehoiachin. Verses 28-30 say, "He spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and gave him a higher place than all the other exiled kings in Babylon. He supplied Jehoiachin with new clothes to replace his prison garb and allowed him to dine in the king’s presence for the rest of his life. So the Babylonian king gave him a regular food allowance as long as he lived." (Message Translation)
In this new year you should desire to see changes in your...
POSITION - After 37 years, Jehoiachin may have believed he would never see freedom. He may have thought his life was over. But no matter what our circumstance or situation as long as we live there is always a possibility for change. Nelson Mandela said, "“It always seems impossible until its done.” Tony Robbins said, "“What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.” You should desire to see changes in your position this year!
POSSESSIONS - The King gave Jehoiachin new clothes and better food to eat. If you visit a local prison or jail, you should have no problem determining and identifying three groups of people. You will see those who work there, those who are there just visiting, and those who live there. How? Their clothes! Jehoiachin had been stripped of his kingly robes in prison, and had been forced to eat prison food. Now in his new position, he received new clothes and was able to eat the sumptuous meals that kings eat. Psalm 84:11 says, "The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.' (New Living Translation) You should desire to see changes in your possessions this year!
POCKETS - The King James version of this scripture says, "And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life." In one day, Jehoiachin's life changed! He was no longer in prison, he had new possesions, and now his pockets were blessed. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God." (Message Translation) You should desire to see changes in your pockets this year!
I know what your thinking! What did Jehoiachin do to receive all these great blessings? Was he a good man falsely accused and imprisoned. I'm glad you asked! Jehoiachin did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! If you read the whole story you will see it! 2 Chronicles 36:9 says, "Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king. But he ruled for only three months and ten days in Jerusalem. In God’s opinion he was an evil king." (Message Translation) What? He was an evil king? Yes, he was an evil king! Jesus Christ our King did the same thing for us that Evil-merodach did for Jehoiachin, "Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him." (Message Translation)
The song says, "Your Grace and Mercy, brought me through! I'm living this moment,because of you!" We can never be good enough or do enough good works to deserve the blessings. But when we accept the NEW KING, JESUS...he changes our Position, our Possessions, and our Pockets!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Keep Doing It God's Way!
Happy Sunday!
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Keep Doing It God's Way!" He used Psalm 73 as his reference scripture.
Everyday we can see examples of dishonesty. The employee that comes to work late, but submits a time sheet for 8 full hours. The Tour De France cyclist that lied about using banned substances to win. The Chinese gymnastic team using underage girls in an attempt to win gold medals. So many lies! That's why it's so refreshing to see honesty! The honest person that returns a wallet full of money to its rightful owner, the godly husband who remains faithful in spite of the temptation, the courageous bystanders that refuse to see injustice. I appreciate honesty!
The writer of Psalm 73 was named Asaph. Asaph wrote honestly about his life as a believer. He let others know that sometimes life is hard. Sometimes things happen that we cannot understand or explain. As my mother-in-law, Minnie Pruitt, used to say, "Sometimes the good have to suffer with the bad."
Asaph starts his song with a disclaimer. He says, "No doubt about it! God is good—good to good people, good to the good-hearted." Then he begins to tell the truth about himself...,"But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness." WOW! The praise leader nearly missed it! How can that be? Henry Ford said, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." We all can be distracted. The enemy knows exactly what it will take to get you to focus on the wrong thing.
Asaph continues, "I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world. Pretentious with arrogance, they wear the latest fashions in violence, Pampered and overfed, decked out in silk bows of silliness. They jeer, using words to kill; they bully their way with words.
They’re full of hot air, loudmouths disturbing the peace. People actually listen to them—can you believe it? Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words." Psalm 73 (Message Translation)
Asaph then says what many of us have wanted to say but were too afraid, "What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch? Nobody’s tending the store. The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me? A long run of bad luck, that’s what—a slap in the face every time I walk out the door."
Then Asaph has moment of clarity and says, "Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture:" When he enters God's presence he realizes, "The slippery road you’ve put them on, with a final crash in a ditch of delusions. In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare! We wake up and rub our eyes. . . . Nothing. There’s nothing to them. And there never was."
Asaph repents, " When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me."
My mother used to say, "Even teeth and tongue fall out." Interpreted, that means sometimes we bite our own tongue. Even though our teeth and tongue live together in harmony, sometimes they don't agree. God understands. He has no problem with us being honest about our feelings. He has no problem with us asking the hard questions. He has no problem showing us how much he loves us and revealing to us how things really do work together for our good and his Glory. Asaph found his answers in the presence of God. Then he proclaimed, "You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again. But I’m in the very presence of God—oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do!" Psalm 73 (Message Translation)
Keep Doing It God's Way! Keep Doing It God's Way! Keep Doing It God's Way!
Love and Prayers, Cynthia
P.S. - Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught. ~J.C. Watts
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Keep Doing It God's Way!" He used Psalm 73 as his reference scripture.
Everyday we can see examples of dishonesty. The employee that comes to work late, but submits a time sheet for 8 full hours. The Tour De France cyclist that lied about using banned substances to win. The Chinese gymnastic team using underage girls in an attempt to win gold medals. So many lies! That's why it's so refreshing to see honesty! The honest person that returns a wallet full of money to its rightful owner, the godly husband who remains faithful in spite of the temptation, the courageous bystanders that refuse to see injustice. I appreciate honesty!
The writer of Psalm 73 was named Asaph. Asaph wrote honestly about his life as a believer. He let others know that sometimes life is hard. Sometimes things happen that we cannot understand or explain. As my mother-in-law, Minnie Pruitt, used to say, "Sometimes the good have to suffer with the bad."
Asaph starts his song with a disclaimer. He says, "No doubt about it! God is good—good to good people, good to the good-hearted." Then he begins to tell the truth about himself...,"But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness." WOW! The praise leader nearly missed it! How can that be? Henry Ford said, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." We all can be distracted. The enemy knows exactly what it will take to get you to focus on the wrong thing.
Asaph continues, "I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world. Pretentious with arrogance, they wear the latest fashions in violence, Pampered and overfed, decked out in silk bows of silliness. They jeer, using words to kill; they bully their way with words.
They’re full of hot air, loudmouths disturbing the peace. People actually listen to them—can you believe it? Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words." Psalm 73 (Message Translation)
Asaph then says what many of us have wanted to say but were too afraid, "What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch? Nobody’s tending the store. The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me? A long run of bad luck, that’s what—a slap in the face every time I walk out the door."
Then Asaph has moment of clarity and says, "Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture:" When he enters God's presence he realizes, "The slippery road you’ve put them on, with a final crash in a ditch of delusions. In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare! We wake up and rub our eyes. . . . Nothing. There’s nothing to them. And there never was."
Asaph repents, " When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me."
My mother used to say, "Even teeth and tongue fall out." Interpreted, that means sometimes we bite our own tongue. Even though our teeth and tongue live together in harmony, sometimes they don't agree. God understands. He has no problem with us being honest about our feelings. He has no problem with us asking the hard questions. He has no problem showing us how much he loves us and revealing to us how things really do work together for our good and his Glory. Asaph found his answers in the presence of God. Then he proclaimed, "You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again. But I’m in the very presence of God—oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do!" Psalm 73 (Message Translation)
Keep Doing It God's Way! Keep Doing It God's Way! Keep Doing It God's Way!
Love and Prayers, Cynthia
P.S. - Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught. ~J.C. Watts
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Money, Money, Money, Money!
Happy Sunday!
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Money, Money, Money, Money!" He used Deuteronomy 8:18 as his reference scripture, "If you start thinking to yourselves, “I did all this. And all by myself. I’m rich. It’s all mine!”—well, think again. Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today. (Message Translation)
There are two things we usually don't hear or don't want to hear about at church: Money and Sex. But these are the tools that the enemy uses to make our lives difficult and steal our joy. The reference scripture reminds us that God gives us the power to get wealth. The Hebrew word for wealth is "Hon or Hun" pronounced "Hone" and it means sufficiency. Sufficiency is defined as an adequate amount or quality, as income. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." (New Living Translation)
If you want victory in regards to your money, there are four things you ought to do...
1) EARN it HONESTLY -Ephesians 4:28 says, "Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work." (Message Translation) Bishop encouraged us to WORK and to have a hustle. God has given us all creative ideas and talents. Not just to keep to ourselves, but to share with others. Just like the prophets asked the woman, "What do you have in your house?" God wants us to use the things he has placed inside us.
2) GIVE it GENEROUSLY - 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” (New Living Translation)
3) SPEND it WISELY - The Federal Government doesn't trust the average worker, so they take their portion out of the paycheck first. God trust us and allows us to bring our Tithe into the storehouse. "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities." Luke 16:10 (New Living Translation)
4) INVEST it CAREFULLY - Ecclesiastes 5:14 says, "Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children." (New Living Translation) and Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, "But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead." (New Living Translation)
The 4 Pillars of Prosperity -
1) A Good Name - Proverbs 22:1 says, "A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank." (Message Translation)
2) Sound Knowledge - Proverbs 4:7 says, "Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! (Message Translation)
3) A Lifetime of Discipline - The Apostle Paul said, "But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (Amplified Version) and in the Message Translation it reads, "I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."
4) Unique God Given Opportunity - Malachi 3:10-11 says, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease.Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. (New Living Translation)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Money, Money, Money, Money!" He used Deuteronomy 8:18 as his reference scripture, "If you start thinking to yourselves, “I did all this. And all by myself. I’m rich. It’s all mine!”—well, think again. Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today. (Message Translation)
There are two things we usually don't hear or don't want to hear about at church: Money and Sex. But these are the tools that the enemy uses to make our lives difficult and steal our joy. The reference scripture reminds us that God gives us the power to get wealth. The Hebrew word for wealth is "Hon or Hun" pronounced "Hone" and it means sufficiency. Sufficiency is defined as an adequate amount or quality, as income. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." (New Living Translation)
If you want victory in regards to your money, there are four things you ought to do...
1) EARN it HONESTLY -Ephesians 4:28 says, "Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work." (Message Translation) Bishop encouraged us to WORK and to have a hustle. God has given us all creative ideas and talents. Not just to keep to ourselves, but to share with others. Just like the prophets asked the woman, "What do you have in your house?" God wants us to use the things he has placed inside us.
2) GIVE it GENEROUSLY - 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” (New Living Translation)
3) SPEND it WISELY - The Federal Government doesn't trust the average worker, so they take their portion out of the paycheck first. God trust us and allows us to bring our Tithe into the storehouse. "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities." Luke 16:10 (New Living Translation)
4) INVEST it CAREFULLY - Ecclesiastes 5:14 says, "Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children." (New Living Translation) and Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, "But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead." (New Living Translation)
The 4 Pillars of Prosperity -
1) A Good Name - Proverbs 22:1 says, "A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank." (Message Translation)
2) Sound Knowledge - Proverbs 4:7 says, "Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! (Message Translation)
3) A Lifetime of Discipline - The Apostle Paul said, "But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (Amplified Version) and in the Message Translation it reads, "I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, January 6, 2013
It All Belongs to the Lord
Happy Sunday! Happy New Year!
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "It All Belongs to the Lord!" He used Leviticus 27:30 and 1 Corinthians 4:2 as his reference scriptures.
Have you changed? Is there a difference in the way you live and conduct business since you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons!" (Message Translation)
Each new year we have a chance to change. We can change for the better or remain the same. There should be clear areas of distinction between believers and unbelievers. Psalm 1 says, "Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night." (Amplified Version)
Everything belongs to God! Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." (New Living Translation) He blesses us and allows us to be stewards of all we possess. A steward is a manager or fiscal agent. The steward is ultimately responsible to the owner for the way he handles and uses supplies and finances. God blesses us in order for us to be a blessing. He doesn't intend for us to keep all the blessings to ourselves. When we are obedient, God can use what we have (talents, abilities, finances, children, relationships) to bless others.
Being a good steward has it's rewards, "Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:38 (Message Translation)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "It All Belongs to the Lord!" He used Leviticus 27:30 and 1 Corinthians 4:2 as his reference scriptures.
Have you changed? Is there a difference in the way you live and conduct business since you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons!" (Message Translation)
Each new year we have a chance to change. We can change for the better or remain the same. There should be clear areas of distinction between believers and unbelievers. Psalm 1 says, "Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night." (Amplified Version)
Everything belongs to God! Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." (New Living Translation) He blesses us and allows us to be stewards of all we possess. A steward is a manager or fiscal agent. The steward is ultimately responsible to the owner for the way he handles and uses supplies and finances. God blesses us in order for us to be a blessing. He doesn't intend for us to keep all the blessings to ourselves. When we are obedient, God can use what we have (talents, abilities, finances, children, relationships) to bless others.
Being a good steward has it's rewards, "Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:38 (Message Translation)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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