Hard Hearted

Happy Sunday!

Well, 2014 is winding down.  What a year it has been!  Death, destruction, and too many reports about what Kanye and Kim are doing! LOL!  I had the privilege of seeing all my children this week. My youngest son, Timothy, and I talked about some of the hard things we experience in this life.  I encouraged him to always remember, Life may be hard, but God is Good! The psalmist sang it years ago, "Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34:19 (Amplified)

So what can we take from this year? And what things will we leave behind? Awesome question!  

The Apostle Paul experienced far more negativity than we have and he said, "I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back." Philippians 3:12-14 (Message) Another translation says, "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead". (New King James Version)

Let's forget the negative. No matter how hard it may be, let's move into the New Year with positive thoughts, hopes, dreams and goals!

Don't be hardhearted! I know, I know...you don't think it's possible for you to be hardhearted, you're a good person after all! But our hearts are hardened to the things of God by unbelief. If you are shocked, surprised, and amazed at a miracle of God your heart is hardened. If you relate more to the natural than the supernatural, your heart is hardened. Mark 6:50-52 says, "Jesus was quick to comfort them: “Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” As soon as he climbed into the boat, the wind died down. They were stunned, shaking their heads, wondering what was going on. They didn’t understand what he had done at the supper. None of this had yet penetrated their hearts." Did you get that? The disciples had just experienced the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand and yet they were terrified by a storm. If they had considered the things that Jesus had already done and trusted him they would not have feared.

Andrew Wommack has several teachings about hardness of heart. I recommend them to you, they can be accessed via his ministry web site. He says, "Likewise, if we were not so dominated by considering the natural, we would not be surprised by the supernatural. We should expect to see the miraculous power of God manifest in our lives all the time. But the truth is, our hearts have become hardened toward God and His supernatural power because of our failure to stay focused on spiritual things."

Let's forget the negative!  Let's embrace the positive!  Let's spend more time meditating and studying the Word of God! Let's soften our hearts to the possibilities with God! Remember, "Nothing, you see, is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 (Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Faith For Healing

Happy Sunday!

I prepared this message earlier in the week.  I was and still am so encouraged by the information. I never imagined that my brother would not survive. I thoroughly expected a miracle. So what now?  That's what I was asking God.  The Word says, "let God be true, but every man a liar". Romans 3:4 (King James Version)  So, I'm choosing to believe that God is not a liar!  His will is that "we prosper and be in health even as our souls prosper". 3 John 1:2

Dr. Barry Bennett taught a lesson entitled, "Faith For Healing".

No one wants to think that they aren't believing.  We all have a belief system in our heads which sometimes, many times we confuse for Faith.  When our minds are renewed and we have believed with our minds, we think that this is Faith. But Faith may actually be something else.  Let's look at Faith from another vantage point.  The Word says, "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3 (King James Version)

A great part of our lives is spent renewing our minds.  This is totally scriptural because Romans 12:2 says, "be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind". (King James Version) The problem is that Faith is not from the mind, Faith is from the heart. Romans 10:10 says, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (King James Version) 

Many times when Jesus healed individuals he proclaimed, "According to your faith be it unto you." Matthew 9:29(King James Version) Faith is not static, Faith is alive. Faith is not a formula. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (King James Version)   Faith is in the realm of the unseen.  We have to believe it before we see it!

Mark 10:46-52 recounts the story of Blind Bartimaeus. He was positioned on the roadside to beg.  He heard that Jesus was coming his way.  He began to scream, "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me!" (King James Version) Bartimaeus was blind, but he wasn't stupid!  He had heard about the things Jesus was doing, "How that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." Luke 7:22(King James Version)  He knew by revelation and by the teaching of the prophets, that Jesus was the Messiah!  The phrase "son of David" refers to the Messiah.  He was proclaiming that Jesus was the answer to his need or problem.  Those around him, told him to shut up!  But he cried out even louder!  If some one can shut you up, you don't know that you know that you know!  But if you've seen it in Faith, you won't be stopped! Think about the four men that brought their friend to Jesus.  They couldn't get in through the door, but they made a hole in the roof!  When you are in Faith, you will do what you have to do! The blind man made a demand by Faith on the mercy of God, and Jesus stopped.  Look at what happened then, the same people that told him to shut up, now encouraged him. Don't be swayed by people!  They will tell you that their uncle died from that same disease, then when you get healed they will say "I knew you would make it!"

"Bartimaeus cast aside his beggar’s robe and stepped forward, feeling his way toward Jesus." Mark 46:50 (Voice)  Don't miss this!  He threw away his identity! That beggar's robe identified him as a beggar.  He knew his life was going to change. He knew by Faith he would not be a blind beggar again. He wasn't healed yet, but he believed!  Jesus asked him, "What do you want from Me?" (Voice) He could have asked for anything!  Season tickets to an NFL teams games, the latest Maserati, or millions of dollars. But he asked for his sight!  He knew he could do a lot more if he could only see! Jesus said, "Your faith has made you whole. Go in peace." (Voice)

Proactive Faith - Proactive Faith seizes the moment!  Proactive Faith wakes up in the morning and proclaims, "This Is My Day!" The woman with the issue of blood was demonstrating proactive Faith she said, "within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole." (King James Version)

Reactive Faith - Reactive Faith hears a word and responds.  They may have had no idea their lives would change that day, but they responded immediately and they were healed. Think of the man laid at the Pool of Bethesda.  He'd been in that condition for 38 years!  He had no idea his life would change with a simple question from Jesus. "Do you want to get well?” John 5:6 (Message)

Inactive Faith - Inactive Faith hears the Word and does NOT respond! Inactive Faith is just waiting and hoping.

Dr. Bennett used this analogy.  Think about walking into your bedroom and your cute little dog Fluffy is on the bed.  Fluffy knows she is not supposed to be on the bed. You use your authority and tell her to get off the bed.  No problem. She moves off the bed immediately!  The next day you walk into the bedroom and there is a large black, one-eyed, German Shepherd on the bed.  He growls.  Now, you have a different attitude because you don't know that dog.  All the authority you have with Fluffy doesn't translate to this dog.  This is what sometimes happens in regards to sickness.  We think we know who we are in Christ, then the Doctor says we have 3 weeks to live.  We don't know that dog!  What do we do now?  Glad you asked! We use our Proactive Faith and the authority of the Name of Jesus, and we tell that dog to get off the bed! We rebuke the sickness in the Name of Jesus!  Who's in charge? You or the Dog?

Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (King James Version)  Don't miss this!  Faith and hearing are two different things.  You get faith by hearing, and you get hearing by the Word of God!  When your heart hears the Word Faith comes.  There are two types of faith, Human Faith and the God-kind of Faith.  Human faith has potential. Positive thinking is human faith.  The God-kind of Faith has only ONE source, the Word of God! You must hear and believe the Word of God. Dr. Bennett used this example. He was waiting to be picked up at the airport.  The associate pastor asked the congregation, "Who wants to go with me to pick up Pastor Barry?"  A group agrees to go, but they go to the train station. The pastor is not at the train station.  The group decides to pray that he comes to the train station. Then when that doesn't work they fast, pray, and praise God.  Meanwhile, the pastor is waiting at the airport.  You can't pray for more faith. You can't fast for more faith. You can't praise for more faith.  Faith has ONE source! Hearing the Word!

Jesus made time to pray and commune with God.  He knew the prophecies from the Old Testament. Jesus said, "I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does. The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing." John 5:19 (Message)  He knew that he needed a word from God to do what must be done.  We also need a word from the Lord!  Contrary to popular belief we do have a word from the Lord...the BIBLE! Get in the Word, and let the Word get in you! Don't try to do what Jesus did if you won't do what Jesus did!  Jesus was the word made flesh and he said in St. John 15:5, "For apart from me you can do nothing!" (New Living Translation)

"So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18 (New Living Translation)

Get the Word. See the Word in your heart. Act on the Word.  Faith is aggressive! Faith grows! Faith overcomes the world! Feed your Faith the Word of God, and your doubts will starve to death!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Would You Please Grow Up?

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas continued his series entitled, "Put God First".  This week's sermon was called, "Would You Please Grow Up?"  He used Hebrews 5:11-14 as his reference scriptures. The New Living Translation says, "There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong."

Living things grow!  The true sign of death is the cessation of growth.  The main purpose of our salvation is growth.  Jesus spent three years training his disciples.  He wanted to ensure their ultimate success after he left the earth.  We have to be intentional about our spiritual growth.  Matthew 5:6 promises, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (King James Version)  The writer of Hebrews compares the believers to infants.  Infants rely on others for their nourishment.  They can't take care of themselves.  But mature individuals are able to feed, clothe, and care for themselves and others.  The writer says it's about time we grow up.  There are people waiting for what we have to offer. Our neighbors, co-workers, and even strangers can be blessed when we mature. 

Psalm 1 describes a blessed mature man or woman in this manner, "He is like a tree planted beside streams—a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does." (God's Word Translation)

We are counting down to the New Year!  Let's decide to grow up, to flourish like a tree planted by the river, and to be a blessing to everyone we come in contact with!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Don't Miss Your Blessing!

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas began a series entitled, "Put God First!"  The series will cover four important commitments we Christians should make.  The first sermon in this series was called, "Don't Miss Your Blessing!"  Bishop used Hebrews 10:23-25 and St. John 20:24 as his reference scriptures.

When we were growing up, there was no question about our schedule for Sunday. We knew exactly where we would be and what we would be doing.  We were going to church and that was that!  Our society has changed.  I was discussing with my family this Thanksgiving, how on Sunday's and even on holidays, stores were closed, gas stations were closed, and if you forgot to get butter for your mashed potatoes you may have to ask your neighbor or family member for a stick of butter. Bishop reminisced about getting his clothes ready for Sunday on Saturday, and getting a whipping for wearing his Sunday clothes during the week.  I had to chuckle when he said this.  One of my favorite movies is BAPS.  In one scene, James expresses his love to Mickey.  He tells her all the things he desires for her.  He tells her she shouldn't have to wear her "Sunday clothes on Wednesday".  LOL!  God wants you to have the best!  He only asks you to get it his way..."But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well." Matthew 6:33 (Common English Version)

"So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25 (Message)  Bishop encouraged us to attend to attendance!  

He said we should show up because...

1) The Gospel is being preached...the Gospel is the good news.  We are inundated with bad news everyday.  We need to hear some good news!  Matthew 11:5 says, "the good news was preached to the poor".  What would be the best news a poor person could hear?  Well, I would think it would be that they don't have to be poor any more. The Good News is that Jesus has paid the price for our salvation, healing, deliverance, and prosperity!

2) Revelation is Being Released...Jesus taught in parables. Believer's hear the parables and can understand the hidden meanings.  Jesus even encouraged Peter and acknowledged that we get revelation from God, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are." Matthew 16:17 (Message)

3) Your Presence Makes a Difference...You may not think you matter, but you do! Someone is encouraged by your attendance!  Someone is watching you and patterning their life after yours.  They may never reveal it, but it happens.  Your presence is an inspiration and a testimony to what God can do in your life and in theirs.  My sister, Jacque has been battling Lupus for many years.  She posted a meme on Facebook, that poked fun at the fact that some Lupus sufferers don't look sick.  We are all fighting battles.  When you "fight the good fight" other people can see that it is possible.  Think of the power your testimony will have when others find out you didn't let anything or anyone get you down.

St. John 20:24 says, "Although Thomas the Twin was one of the twelve disciples, he wasn't with the others when Jesus appeared to them." (Common English Version)Thomas was not in attendance when Jesus appeared to the disciples.  He was at home discouraged, and sad that Jesus had been killed.  He couldn't believe the report of Jesus being alive.  When he finally saw Jesus and touched his wounds, he believed. Jesus told him, “So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” John 20:29 (Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

I Still Believe!

Happy Sunday!

God always knows exactly what we need! I'm so very grateful.  Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "I Still Believe!"  He used 2 King 7:1-2 as his reference scriptures.

Elisha said, “Listen to the message from the Lord! The Lord says, ‘About this time tomorrow, there will be plenty of food, and it will be cheap again. A person will be able to buy a basket of fine flour or two baskets of barley for only one shekel in the marketplace by the city gates of Samaria.’” Then the officer who was close to the king answered the man of God. The officer said, “Even if the Lord made windows in heaven, this could not happen." Elisha said, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of that food.” (Easy-to-Read Version)

What's the worst sin?  I'll give you a minute to think.  Is it murder?  What about fornication?  Is it telling lies?  What about extortion? Is it gluttony? Is it greed? Let me help you!  The greatest sin is UNBELIEF!  Revelation 21:8 describes the people the people that will be thrown into the Lake of Fire and "those who refuse to believe" are part of the group. Read it for yourself.  "But those who are cowards, those who refuse to believe, those who do terrible things, those who kill, those who sin sexually, those who do evil magic, those who worship idols, and those who tell lies—they will all have a place in the lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Easy-to-Read Version)

Other sins blossom from and originate in unbelief!  If you truly believed God can bless you wouldn't steal, not even an ink pen from work!  If you really believed God has a husband for you, you would never even consider someone else's husband.  If you believe God has called you to a great work, you won't worry about the few you see now! Unbelief is the trick of the enemy!  From the Garden of Eden he has been telling lies about God.  He's convinced us that God is like our earthly fathers, but the Word says, "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19 (King James Version)

The situation in the reference scripture seemed impossible.  The Syrian Army had the Samarians trapped in their own city!  They were forced into cannibalism and eating bird poop.  Read it for yourself.  Four lepers sat outside the gate.  They decided to make a move.  Because of their courage and willingness to take a risk, the prophet's prediction came true.  They had no evidence that anything would change. But in 24 hours things had drastically changed!  I still believe!  Bishop encouraged us to , "Walk in the direction of your belief!"

Walking in the direction of my belief!  Love and prayers, Cynthia

BE You!

Where's my Happy Sunday?

Right here! Forgive the delay.  Praying that you enjoyed a wonderful Sunday, and are beginning this holiday week with thankfulness.  I want to thank you for supporting me and encouraging me each week as I share what has blessed me.  I didn't make it to service yesterday, but I watched it on LiveStream.  Bishop Alexis A. Thomas is always spot on!  Just what I and others need..."we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16 (New Living Translation)

Bishop took his text from, Jeremiah 1:5...“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that’s what I had in mind for you.” (Message)  He encouraged us to "BE" what God created us to be.  God had a plan "BEFORE" we were even formed in the womb!  You are not a mistake!  You have a purpose, and you must live out the purpose.  I'm always encouraged by this story.  One day a preacher heard God tell him, "Tonight because of you many people will be saved!"  He preached that night and only one person came forward to be saved.  That one person was Dr. Billy Graham.  I'm sure you know that millions of people have been saved and blessed because of his ministry.  His ministry would not exist without that preacher! BE who God called you to BE!  BE a blessing to everyone you meet!

I stay encouraged during the week by reading the word, listening to great preaching, and uplifting music both spiritual and secular.  This message from Dr. Myles Munroe goes right along with Bishop's message.  I pray that you make time to enjoy it...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKSPd04y5DM&sns=fb.

Happy Thanksgiving!  BE nice in that line on Black Friday! LOL!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Days

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached from Psalm 90:12 today.  Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should."

He'd prepared another sermon but was touched by the tragic passing of Dr. Myles Munroe and the other passengers on the flight in the Bahamas last Sunday.  I have also enjoyed and been blessed by Dr. Munroe's ministry throughout the years.  I pray that you had an opportunity to experience his ministry or read his books and I'm so thankful that technology will allow us to continue to benefit from his ministry for many more years.

Bishop took time to teach us and remind us that this life is not going to be "a flowery bed of ease". The songwriter wrote, "Tragedies are commonplace, all kinds of diseases, people are slipping away. Economies down, people can't get enough pay. As for me, all I can say is...Thank you, Lord for all you've done for me!"  Life is hard, but God is good! Life is not fair, but God is just!  Things happen in life that are inexplicable, and inconsolable.  Bad things are happening to good people, and bad people as well!  In Luke 6:47-49, Jesus described a wise man that built his house on a rock and the foolish man that built his house on the sand.  Both men experienced the same storm, "the river burst its banks and crashed against the house."  But the wise man's house remained standing even after the tragedy.

Don't get it twisted, God is not interested in creating fear!  2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (King James Version) Only the devil wants to give you a spirit of fear!  God wants you to be so rooted and grounded in the Word that when troubles come you are able to stand and endure!  God wants you to be confident of your final destination when you leave this physical life.  God wants you to appreciate all that he has done for you and realize you are truly blessed.

One of my customers, told me he was a Christian.  He asked if I was and said he looked forward to seeing me in heaven.  I assured him he will see me there!  I'm not planning on going anytime soon, but I'm sure I'm going!  Like David, I'm expecting to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Psalm 27:13 says, "I will move past my enemies with this one, sure hope: that with my own eyes, I will see the goodness of the Eternal in the land of the living." (Voice)

Numbering my days, love and prayers, Cynthia

Sing!

Happy Sunday!

Today we celebrated Bishop Alexis A. Thomas' 30th Pastoral Anniversary and his 47th birthday.  Each year the celebration gets better and better! The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra presented a selection written especially in honor of Bishop and they joined with the combined choirs and band to bless us with beautiful songs. Yolanda Adams was the guest psalmist, and she tore the house up!

Bishop Neil C. Ellis was our guest speaker.  He preached and prophesied, "I Feel Something Coming!" He used Isaiah 54:1 as his reference scripture. 

Bishop Ellis cautioned us and encouraged us to pay attention to the plots of the enemy. Our enemy is trying to curse our future, rob us of our inheritance, short circuit the flow of our blessings, and deprive us of the opportunity to build and fund the Kingdom of God.  In spite of our enemy, God has preserved us! The Prophet Jeremiah wrote, "I remember well all my troubles, and I am very sad. But then I think about this, and I have hope: We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal! I say to myself, “The Lord is my God, and I trust him." Lamentations 3:20-24 (Easy-to-Read Version)

Bishop Ellis taught us that the number 30 in the Bible generally carries a negative connotation.  It is usually associated with sorrow and weeping. For example, the Children of Israel mourned for Aaron and Moses for 30 days. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Our enemy wanted to stop our celebration today and he's probably been picking on you as well.  Our Bishop has faced serious health issues this year.  The enemy wanted this day to be a day of mourning, and weeping. But the reference scripture provides a secret for our escape!  "Sing, O childless woman! Break out into loud and joyful song, Jerusalem, for she who was abandoned has more blessings* now than she whose husband stayed!" Isaiah 54:1 (Living Bible)

Sing can be translated, rejoice and celebrate. The King James Version uses the word "barren" to describe the woman in this passage.  Barren can be defined as unproductive.  God says, "even the person that has no reason to sing, should sing!" Sing because something good is coming!  Sing, rejoice, and celebrate that God can be trusted!  If he promised, he will provide!  Sing because your due season is coming! Sing because God has delivered you from the hand of your enemy!  Sing! Sing because you will see it, "I will move past my enemies with this one, sure hope:that with my own eyes, I will see the goodness of the Eternal in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13 (Voice)

Starting this week with singing, love and prayers, Cynthia

Are You Filled With The Spirit?

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Are You Filled With The Spirit?"  He used Ephesians 5:17-21 as his reference scriptures.

"Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him. Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Honor Christ by submitting to each other." Ephesians 5:17-21 (Living Bible)

Bishop keeps us laughing!  He reminded us there are some questions that should never be asked.  We should never ask a woman, "Is that your real hair?"  We should never ask a woman her age, or her weight!  We should never ask a man "Is your hair thinning?" And wives should never ask your husband, "Does this dress make me look fat?"  All these questions are funny, but there is a question we always wanted to ask, but never could. Why?  Back in the day, children were supposed to be seen and not heard.  We couldn't ask why. But Father God doesn't cringe when we ask why!  He even encouraged us to ask in the Bible, "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." James 1:5 (Message)

The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians, wanted them to have their questions answered.  He wanted them to have the necessary information to succeed!  He used an interesting comparison.  He encouraged them to be filled with the Spirit and compared it to drunkenness.  Maybe, you've never been drunk, but I know you've seen a drunk person at some point in your life. A drunk person doesn't care what you think about them, they don't care what you think about there clothing, or lack of clothing!  They aren't afraid to talk to strangers, and they break into song even if they can't hold a tune.  

When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we won't care what people think, Matthew 10:28 says, "Don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell." (Common English Version)  When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we won't have any problem pulling out of sin, "Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him." Romans 12:2 (Common English Version)  When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we won't be afraid to share our testimony with strangers!  Jesus said, "Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19 (Message)

How will others know that we are filled with the Spirit?  Good question!  They will see our "Mutual Submission", our "Thanksgiving", and they will hear our "Singing". Even Jesus said, "Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others." John 13:35 (Voice)

Are you filled with the Spirit?

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Stand

Happy Sunday!

Today, Bishop Alexis A. Thomas completed his series on the Epistle to the Ephesians. His reference scriptures were Ephesians 6:10-13.  He entitled the message, "Stand!"

Ephesians can be divided and describe using three words; Sit, Walk, and Stand.  We must know that we are seated in heavenly places with Christ, we must walk through life and represent and reflect His love to the world, and finally we must STAND strong and in faith when faced with and attacked by the devil!

The enemy knows the scriptures. He quotes them and mis-quotes them regularly.  He is the culprit behind every attack.  He uses human beings to fight against the people of God.  He also works to dilute our impact in the world.  How we stand against the enemy is our testimony to the world.  The Apostle Paul encouraged the Ephesian Believers, "Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes. We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places. And this is why you need to be head-to-toe in the full armor of God: so you can resist during these evil days and be fully prepared to hold your ground." Ephesians 6:10-13 (Voice)  

Stand!  I know what you're thinking!  How can I stand my ground when my life seems to be falling apart?  I'm glad you asked!  2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "The path we walk is charted by faith, not by what we see with our eyes." (Voice)  By FAITH! How do I get faith? The Word says, "so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17 (New King James Version)  Hearing the Word daily, meditating on it, and studying it will strengthen you and help you to stand against the enemies attacks. Bishop mentioned the movie, "The Usual Suspects".  I've not seen it, but he said in one scene the the star is trying to convince another person that their enemy Keyser Söze really exists.  It's just like our enemy!  Satan exists! Closing our eyes and covering our ears will not make him disappear!  If we understand that he is already defeated it removes the fear factor.  Jesus defeated Satan at the cross!  Now all he does is lie to us and deceive us into thinking he is more powerful than God. 

Our theme for this year is, "We are a WELL Church"; walking examples of liberated lives. Bishop also declared that this is the year we will see the manifestation of our total wellness.  Ever since he made that declaration, he has personally been under physical attack. But he has been encouraging himself and we should as well.  No matter what we see with our natural eyes we must trust the Word. The Word is truth! I am what God says, I am!  I can do what God says I can do! And I can have what God says I can have!

Stand your ground!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

"How's Your Walk Been This Week?"

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "How's Your Walk Been This Week?"  He continued using scriptures from the Epistle to the Ephesians.  Ephesians 4:1 says, "I beg you—I, a prisoner here in jail for serving the Lord—to live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these." (Living Bible)

Last week, Bishop taught us that we are "seated" in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. When we truly realize and understand where we are seated it should affect the way we walk.  Knowing who we are in Christ will affect the way we walk in every area of life.  Bishop recalled attending a reception held in honor of President Bill Clinton.  As he entered the venue, he noticed a difficult individual at the registration desk.  He watched as this individual gave others in line a hard time.  Bishop pulled his ticket out of his pocket and realized it was for reserved seating on the dais.  His attitude immediately changed.  When he finally got to the table, he just showed his ticket to the person and was able to enter without delay.  Knowing where he was seated affected the way he expected to be treated, and the way he would allow others to treat him.

How's your walk been this week?  Good question!  I've done well, but I needed this reminder.  When you know that, "no weapon turned against you shall succeed, and you will have justice against every courtroom lie."  it's easier to deal with difficult people and easier to, "don’t fight against the one who is working evil against you. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, you are to turn and offer him your left cheek. If someone connives to get your shirt, give him your jacket as well." Isaiah 54:17 and Matthew 5:38-40 (Living Bible) 

Isaiah 40:31 fits perfectly with this sermon, "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." (Message)

Seated and walking worthy...love and prayers, Cynthia

"Would You Please Sit Down?!

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Would You Please Sit Down?!"  He used Ephesians 2:4-7 and Hebrews 10:11-13 as his reference scriptures.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4-7 (New King James Version)

"And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool."  Hebrews 10:11-13 (New King James Version)

What we believe is demonstrated by how we behave! If you believed Proverbs 18:21,"Words have power in matters of life and death." wouldn't you speak positively?  If you believed Jeremiah 29:11, "I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering." wouldn't you live with hope and joy?  If you really believed Philippians 4:19, "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." wouldn't you thank God confidently even though you have no idea how He will do it?

Brother Jesse Duplantis said, "When will we get away from people's commentaries on the Word of God and get away from genetically altered Christianity and distortion and start believing what God says?"  The Word of God must have preeminence in our lives!  The Word has to have the last word!  The reference scriptures that Bishop used today, tell us that we are already seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  How can this be?  Because the last time I checked, I was seated in Phoenix, Arizona.  I'm so glad you asked!  God is Eternal!  He is not limited by or restricted by time. He has already finished the work!  Jesus even verified this on the cross when he said, "It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and died." John 19:30 (Easy-to-Read Version)

Think about it this way.  Imagine that I give you a million dollars. Don't laugh, one day I will be able to do it! I deposit it in a savings account in your name. When you need money you keep coming to my house. You cry and beg me to give you the money, because you're broke.  I'm puzzled and I give you a real crazy look because I've already given you the money! It's already in your account! You have to do your part...you must follow instructions and guidelines, go to the bank and make a withdrawal. The money will sit there collecting dust and interest until you go and make a demand for it!  God has already "given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him." 2 Peter 1:3 (Easy-to-Read Version)

In the Bible, people don't sit down until their work is done!  Jesus finished his work and he allows us to accept his work as payment for our sins.  When we accept Jesus and agree that his sacrifice was enough, we are allowed to sit down with him.  We can, "Let him have all our worries and cares, for he is always thinking about us and watching everything that concerns us." 1 Peter 5:7 (Living Bible)  Would you please sit down and trust and obey God's Word?  Would you sit down and stop trying to work it all out? As the song says, "while you're trying to figure it out, God has already worked it out!"   "Trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.  In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:5-6 (Living Bible)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Trees

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Look At All These Trees!"  He used Genesis 2:16-17 as his reference scriptures.

One of the most difficult assignments in this life is to live with, or to work around grumbling, fussing, and complaining people!  Proverbs 21:9 says, "It is better to live in a small corner on the roof than to share the house with a woman who is always arguing." (Easy-to-Read Version)  The children of Israel suffered in the wilderness because they were constantly murmuring, and complaining.  1 Corinthians 10:5 says, "But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn't seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased." (Message)

The reference scriptures Bishop used say, "God made certain demands of the man regarding life in the garden. God said, "Eat freely from any and all trees in the garden; I only require that you abstain from eating the fruit of one tree—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Beware: the day you eat the fruit of this tree, you will certainly die." Genesis 2:16-17 (Voice)

Did you see that? God allowed them to eat of ANY and ALL the trees in the garden, except one!  But the enemy assisted them in focusing on that one tree and ignoring the vast number of other trees available to them!  He plays the same trick on us today!  He's convincing us to worry and complain about our bills, and problems instead of remembering all the times God has supported us, and provided for us.  He's tricking us into complaining about our spouse, instead of remembering how different single life was.  He's hood-winking us into complaining about our job, and our co-workers, while millions of Americans wish they had employment.  Adam and Eve fell for it, but we don't have to!  Jesus came and defeated the enemy and has given us power and authority! 

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 (King James Version)  He had more than enough justifiable reasons to complain, but he didn't do it!  He learned that being thankful and grateful to God for his unfailing love and blessings was the best way to live with joy!

Bishop encouraged us to step away from the "Complaint Window", and step over to the "Claim Window".  At the Claim Window, we can claim all the promises of God by faith!  Yes, things may look grim, but what has God promised?  Psalm 84:11 says, "He doesn't deny any good thing to those who live with integrity." (Voice)  Yes, the doctor says it's fatal, but what has God promised?  1 Peter 2:24 says, "By his wounds you were healed." (Easy-to-Read Version)  Yes, your month is longer than your money, but what has God promised?  Philippians 4:19 says,"And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us." (Living Bible)  Yes, they treated you badly, but what has God promised?  Isaiah 54:17 says, "Weapons made to attack you won’t be successful; words spoken against you won’t hurt at all." (Common English Bible)

Look at all these trees!  Focus on the promises and not the problems!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

It's Only a Test!

Happy Sunday!  I missed worship today due to car troubles.  I hope you took advantage of the opportunity to fellowship with other believers and get fortified for the work week! I'd just like to share a passage that blesses me every time I read it.  I pray that you get something from it as well!

"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)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Out of the Audience, into the Army!

Happy Belated Sunday!

Sunday we celebrated Men's Day at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.  Our guest speaker was Dr. Fred Campbell, pastor of Mt Zion Baptist Church in Redwood City, California. His focus was, "Follow Me" and overall message was, "God's Desire is that Men come out of the Audience and into the Army!"  He used Matthew 4:19, "Jesus called out, “Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for the souls of men!” (Living Bible)

MEN!  Men are pivotal to the Kingdom Enterprise! God wants men in the Kingdom - Kings Domain.  God wants followers, not fans!  A Fan has a crush on Christ, but is not dedicated to the relationship.  The Apostle Paul expressed his desire to be a follower like this, "I want to know Him inside and out. I want to experience the power of His resurrection and join in His suffering, shaped by His death, so that I may arrive safely at the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:10-11(Voice)

Jesus did not define the word disciple, he described it.

He related to the men - Jesus invested in men!  John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish." (Message)  Jesus was willing to become a man in order to better understand being a man.  Jesus is the authentic man and worthy to be followed! 

He reflected the Father before men - Being a disciple is more than verbal, it's vocational!  Jesus reflected the Glory of God in everything he did.   Just as the moon has no light of it's own, but simply reflects the light of the sun, Jesus showed the world what God is really like.  What difference does Jesus make in your life?  Can anyone tell that you are a Christian without seeing your large print Bible?  Do your neighbors see the difference?  Do your children see the difference? Do your co-workers and enemies see the difference? Does your wife see the difference?

He reproduced Himself in men - When Lazarus the friend of Jesus died, his sisters said, "Lord, if You had been with us, my brother would not have died." John 11:21 (Voice)  Jesus encouraged them and said, "I am the resurrection and the source of all life; those who believe in Me will live even in death." John 11;25 (Voice)  Jesus is life!  He gave his life for us, "This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.” John 10:17 (Message)  

Lazarus was the living, breathing miracle and the evidence of the power of God!  The religious leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus and Lazarus!  Think about it.  Everywhere that Lazarus went, people whispered.  "He's the one that was dead, and now he's alive!"  Imagine living your life as a follower!  Imagine what people will say about you!  "Wow, I remember when she was in debt, now she's a millionaire!"  "I remember when he was in prison, now he's a successful businessman."  "I know where they came from, but look at them now!"  You are the evidence of a miracle.

Dr. Campbell reminded us of the story of cyclist Lance Armstrong.  He won seven Tour de France championships, then lost them when it was determined that he'd used performance enhancing drugs.  Jesus told his followers to wait for the power."But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power to testify about me with great effect, to the people in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, about my death and resurrection.” Acts 1:8 (Living Bible) We need God's power and wisdom to be followers.  When we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can say..."I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power." Philippians 4:13 (Living Bible)

Love and prayers, Cynthia