He Arose

Happy Resurrection Sunday!
Low in the grave he lay—
Jesus, my Saviour,
Waiting the coming day—
Jesus, my Lord.

Up from the grave he arose
With a mighty triumph o'er his foes.
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And he lives for ever with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!Vainly they watch his bed—
Jesus, my Saviour;
Vainly they seal the dead—
Jesus, my Lord.

Death cannot keep his prey—
Jesus, my Saviour;
He tore the bars away—
Jesus, my Lord.

Robert Lowry

Love and prayers, Cynthia

4 Life Management Principles

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas returned today and we are so glad! He finished his series, "4 Life Management Principles". He used Philippians 4:12-13 and 2 Kings 4 :23 as his scripture references.

Several weeks ago, I told you that the first principle was "Effort or Work" and the second principle is a "Good Name".

The third principle is "Elasticity" or "Flexibility". Bishop encouraged us that "Life can be managed and you can make life better!" 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has given us everything we need to experience life and to reflect God’s true nature through the knowledge of the One who called us by His glory and virtue." (Voice Translation) Yes, you read that right! God has given us everything we need to experience life to the fullest. The King James Version says, "everything that pertains to life and godliness". The problem is not with God, the problem is with us! Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "We all create the person we become by our choices as we go through life. In a real sense, by the time we are adults, we are the sum total of the choices we have made."

Pastor Zachary L. Lee from East Saint Louis, Illinois introduced us to the word, "Vicissitude". Vicissitudes are the ups and downs of life. We all experience good days and not so good days, happy days and days of sadness! It's all a part of life. The writer of Ecclesiastes said, "There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth." Ecclesiastes 3:1(Message Translation) The Apostle Paul had been through a lot! He had been stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned but he was flexible and said this in Philippians 4:12-13, "Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." (Message Translation)

Elasticity will help you make it through the ups and downs of life! "There is no Growth in the Comfort Zone, and there is no Comfort in the Growth Zone!" - Bishop Alexis A. Thomas

The fourth principle is a "Positive Outlook". In 2 Kings 4:23, the Shunamite woman's son has died, she is on her way to see the Prophet, her husband asks her why, and she responds, "Don’t worry; all will be well." We have to believe that things can and will get better! We have to speak positive faith-filled words. I know it's not easy! Yes, I do! But it works! Don't be an ANT = Automatic Negative Thinker. Think positive, speak positive words, and enjoy positive results.

In the 1980's, Bobby McFerrin sang, "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" Do you remember it! Even though terrible things were happening to the individual in the song, they were continuously encouraged not to worry but be happy. In one scripture the Psalmist David said he had to "encourage himself". Maybe you are surrounded by negative people, perhaps they don't believe that good things can happen. You are responsible for your well being.   Do what ever it takes to survive and stay positive. Hebrews 11:6 says, "It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him." (Message Translation)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Me!

It is a beautiful day, literally and figuratively!  It’s 85 degrees and sunny here in the Valley of the Sun.

I am so thankful for the blessings of the Lord!

I thank Him for blessing me to see another year. I thank Him for allowing me to be born into a wonderful family.

I have been blessed with the Best Daddy a girl could ever want, and I’m thankful.

I was privileged to have a remarkable and intelligent mother.  Every day, I can see the benefit of her rearing! Everybody didn’t get it!

I have awesome, talented, and attractive siblings who are loving and compassionate.

I have the best children!

In a recent interview the interviewer asked me what I was most proud of, the first thing that came to mind was my children.

I have the most awesome best friend in the entire world, Gina!  She went out of her way to make this a fabulous day!

I have been blessed with inspirational aunts, uncles, cousins, incredible co-workers, friends, and acquaintances.

I‘m anticipating an extravagant year and I’m ecstatic about it!

Love and prayers,

Cynthia

Keep The House Smelling Good

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas was ill today, keep him in your prayers. His friend, Pastor A. L. Perkins from Tabernacle of Faith in San Francisco, California preached, "Keep The House Smelling Good!" He used St. John 12:1-8 as his reference scriptures.

"Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.   Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them. Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.” St. John 12:1-8 (Message Translation)

Everyone we encounter has an odor. No, I don't mean pheromones, funk, or White Diamond Perfume. Everyone is dealing with something that can taint, color, or enhance who they really are or who they appear to be. We are bombarded by pressures, problems, and situations that can make us bitter, fearful, and angry. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church, "Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15 (New Living Translation)

Even in worhsip services, we sometimes encounter people with an odor. Pastor Perkins called them, CSI - Critical Saint Investigators. They don't want to praise the Lord and they don't want you too either. It reminds me of the story of Job. It says that the day the Sons of God came to present themselves, the devil came too!

If we want to keep the house smelling good, we have to be aware of three things...

1) Love is Displayed - Mary worshipped by giving her best! The lowest servant in the house was said to be the servant that washed the feet of those entering the house. Think about it...there weren't any sidewalks or concrete walkways. Most of the people in that time went barefoot, or wore simple sandals, not Jimmy Choos. Their feet would be dusty and dirty. Mary humbled herself and washed Jesus' feet with the expensive oil, her tears, and her hair. She displayed her love with her actions. Jesus once told his disciples, "If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you." John 14:15 (Message Translation)

2) Love is Denied - Anytime you begin to truly worship the Lord, there will be "Haters". Judas criticized what Mary had done. He wasn't concerned about worship, or protocol. He was concerned about the money. He tried to be religious with his criticism. “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them." Don't be like Judas!

3) Love is Declared - Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.” Jesus told Judas to leave Mary alone! She was doing an honorable thing.

Just like a plug in air freshner, we won't work if we aren't plugged in. Get plugged in to worship, and bible study. Leave people with a pleasant memory of their encounter with you.   Be a blessing to everyone you come in contact with...the smelly and the fresh!

Love and Prayers, Cynthia

Procrastination

Happy Wednesday!

Procrastination is defined as...putting off or delaying something requiring immediate attention.

I know a lot about procrastination!  But I am determined to do better this year, much better.

Step One...create a blog.  I did it! Aren't you glad!

Step Two...encourage those that may have the opportunity to read it.

Here's a little encouragement from our friend Ben...

“You may delay, but time will not.”  ―  Benjamin Franklin

Love and prayers, Cynthia

You Have It Already!

Happy Sunday!

I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Praying that you have a happy and prosperous week.

This excerpt really blessed me and I want to share it with you.

You Have It Already

William Randolph Hearst, the great publisher, read about a painting and became greatly interested in it. Desperately desiring to own this painting, he sent his people all over to try to locate this painting but they couldn’t find it anywhere.

A year later, out of the blue, one of his employees came to him and told him that the painting had at last been found. Hearst, excited about the discovery, asked where it had been all this time. His employee said, “It was in your basement. You’ve owned it all the time.”

Mr. Hearst had never read the ledger that had a record of everything he owned. He did not understand the wealth that he already possessed. Many believers operate their lives never fully understanding all of the blessing that is available to them in Christ.

For His Kingdom,

Tony Evans

4 Life Management Principles (Part 1 & 2)

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas is preaching a series called, "4 Life Management Principles". Last Sunday he told us Principle #1 is EFFORT (WORK). He used Proverbs 24:30-25:2 as his reference scripture. He asked, "Are you a sluggard?"

Of course many people must have thought, "This sermon is certainly not for me. I'm not lazy!" But think about every area of your life. Is there any area that needs improvement? If we are honest with ourselves, we would have to say there may be an area or two that need improvement. Proverbs 24:30-34 says, "One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and I listened: “A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!” (Message Translation)

Effort is essential! Bishop said, "If you do what you can do, God will do what you can't do!" It made me think of a song we use to sing in the old church! The song said, "If you make one step, he'll make two!" I don't know how scriptural that song is but, there is truth in it. You do your part and God will handle the impossible part. So if it's spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial, do what you can! Work at it and watch God honor you effort.

This week Bishop told us Principle #2 is CREDIBILITY( A GOOD NAME). He used Proverbs 22:1-2 as his reference scripture. He asked, "What is your Real Name?"

What is your real name? Not the name on your birth certificate. Not the nickname you grew up with. Not the terms of endearment used by your sweetheart. What would your co-workers call you? What name would the other drivers in traffic call you? What would your enemies call you? Proverbs 22:1-2 says, "A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank. The rich and the poor shake hands as equals—God made them both!"
The enemy has been working against you since the day you were born. He has wanted to throw mud on your spotless reputation. He wants to make you feel unworthy of God's love. Guess what? We are all unworthy! The only way we have a chance is to accept the spotless reputation of Jesus as our own...Titus 3:5-8 says, "It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this." (Message Translation)

Now we have a chance to do our part. This is a new day! You have a new opportunity to get it right. If you are always late for work, start tomorrow by getting a early start. Put you clothes out tonight, fix your lunch ahead of time, and leave a little early just in case traffic is bad. That closet or room that needs organizing...maybe it's too late to do it today, but tomorrow develop a plan to get it organized. Those finances that are out of control...take it one step at a time...review your credit report, start with the smallest debt...you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish. That exercise regimen...start simply...park at the back of the lot and walk further, use the stairwell if possible, or exercise during the commercials. Perhaps it's your prayer life...start small...praying in the car may be good for you(Keep your eyes open though!). It may calm the road rage and may encourage you to pray and read your bible more. Emotionally, take time to identify triggers in your life. Then prayerfully decide how you can better handle or deal with your stressors. Bishop Thomas said, "Get Honest, Get Healed!"

I've personally got a lot of work to do! Have a great week!
Love and prayers, Cynthia