"The Results of Prioritizing the Word of God"

Happy Sunday!

Pastor Kerwin B. Lee, pastor of the Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia was the guest lecturer for our "Fresh Rain" conference this week.  He taught, "The Results of Prioritizing the Word of God".  He used Psalm 119:129-136 as his reference scriptures.

The Psalms are the largest group of writings in the Bible.  The Psalms were actually songs that were sung.  The Psalms can be divided into 5 books. The 5 books mirror the five books of the Pentateuch. There is structure and consistency in all the divisions.  

Psalm 1 through Psalm 41 is the first book.  If you read Psalm 41:13 you will notice a benediction, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen." (King James Version)  

Psalm 42 through Psalm 72 is the second book.  If you read Psalm 72:19 you will notice another benediction, "And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen."(King James Version)  

Psalm 73 through Psalm 89 is the third book. Psalm 89:52 says, "Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen." (King James Version)  

Psalm 90 through Psalm 106 is the fourth book.  Psalm 106:48 says, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord." (King James Version) 

Psalm 107 through Psalm 150 is the fifth book. Psalm 150:6 says, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (King James Version)

In Psalm 119 the focus of this lesson, consists of 176 verses.  Those 176 verses can be divided into 22 sections that contain 8 verses each. I bet you are wondering, "What does all this have to do with me prioritizing the Word?  I'm glad you asked.  The Hebrew alphabet had 22 letters, symbolically this Psalm has the Word covered from A to Z.  There are 8 verses in each of the 22 sections.  8 represents new beginnings and more than enough.  This Psalm when studied, memorized, and meditated upon reveals that the Word of God is powerful enough to give you a new beginning, and powerful enough to get you where you are going! 

It also reminds us that God is a God of order!  He created the universe and it is orderly!  The sun and the moon don't decide to take a vacation. It bothers me to hear people say, "You never know what God will do." That my friends is a LIE from the pit of hell!  God tells you just what he will do and what he wants in his Word! Malachi 3:6 says, "I am the Lord, and I do not change;" (CEB)  Could it be that the people who make these statements are just too lazy to study the Word and find out what God will do? I'm just saying.

Psalm 119 uses 8 terms to describe the Word of God.  You will find one of these terms in almost all of the 176 verses.  The terms are: Law of the Lord, Testimonies, Ways, Precepts, Statutes, Commandments, Judgments, and the Word.  

The reference scriptures that Pastor Lee used; verses 129 to 136 tell us about David's Delight, his Desires, and his Dejection.  

David expresses his delight in verses 129-130, "Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." (King James Version)  He says his soul finds great joy and pleasure in the Word of God. He recognizes that the Word can even make the simple, someone that is not socially or culturally sophisticated understand.  

David expresses his desire in verse 133, "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." (King James Version) David understands that he needs God's assistance when making decisions! How many times do we hear tragic stories of individuals that were in the wrong place at the wrong time!  We need guidance!  Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (King James Version) 

David expresses his dejection or his frustration in verse 136, "Streams of tears flow from my eyes because others do not follow your teachings." (God's Word Version) Andrew Wommack says, "Many people don't let the Word of God get in the way of what they believe."  Jesus said the same thing, "And so you break the law of God in order to protect your man-made tradition." Mark 7:13 (Living Bible) Ouch!

Prioritizing the Word of God will result in...

Obedience by You

Guidance to You

Deliverance for You

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Find You A Cause!

Happy Sunday!

I thank God that the Word is always on time and on point!  In the last year, our families have experienced a lot of loss. It's been overwhelming at times and I have had to look to the Word of God for comfort and solace.

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Find You A Cause!"  Please forgive the slang and or Ebonics, but the message is very clear.  If Jesus delays his return, we all will have to die.  There is hope in the Word, "And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master’s word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they’ll be ahead of us. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God’s trumpet blast! He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (Message)  Of course, we would love to go in the Rapture and not face death. But if you don't, what legacy will you leave in the earth?  What will people have to say in your eulogy?  Will any one even know you are even gone? Will anyone care?

We live in a self-promoting, self aggrandizing, and selfie taking society.  In this culture, a person can become famous for doing nothing at all!  Singers don't have to really be able to sing to sell Cd's, writers don't have to be able to write to sell books, and even motivational speakers can motivate with cliches and plagiarized snip-its from the Greats.  Our society is consumed with being more than we are!   But who are we really?  Bishop said, "You can't wear other folks armor to your own fight!"  We must see ourselves as Jesus sees us and rest on what he has given us.

Find You A Cause!  God created you with unique abilities and capabilities.  The enemy blinds us by encouraging us to look at what others are doing and comparing ourselves to them.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "For we would never dare to compare ourselves with people who have based their worth on self-commendation. They check themselves against and compare themselves with one another. It just shows that they don’t have any sense! So we will carefully limit our boasting to the extent only of what God has done in and through us, a reach that extends as far as you." 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 (Voice)  Comparing ourselves to others shows our lack of knowledge.  And you remember what happens to people who lack knowledge, don't you?  "My people are destroyed because they have not learned." Hosea 4:6 (New Living Translation) 

Bishop referenced the book by Malcolm Gladwell, entitled the "Outliers: The Story of Success".  Gladwell researched and found that successful individuals generally spend at least 10,000 hours perfecting their crafts.  Bishop reminisced about being a ball boy for the Phoenix Suns.  He recalled hating Larry Bird.  He hated him because he never missed a shot and contrary to popular belief, that white man could jump! LOL! Bishop was enlightened one day when he heard an interview.  In the interview it was reveal that Larry Bird shot hundreds of practice shots prior to each game. So what some may have considered luck, was really hard work and determination.

Find You A Cause!  Maybe you will save hundreds of lives from a raging fire, or rescue a drowning man from an icy lake, but more than likely not!  But everyday you have an opportunity to share your testimony and save one person at a time from a burning hell!  You have been equipped by God to do wonderful things, "The people who know their God shall be strong and do great things." Daniel 11:32 (Living Bible)  Make a decision today to make a contribution to another person's life!  Don't be selfish.  The enemy is not likely to encourage you to do good.  So when you feel a tug on your heart to be a blessing...do it!  We are created to be channels, not reservoirs!  As I recently told a loved one, "I never lose by giving!"  Whether it's time, kindness, money, or love...I never lose by giving! 

In case you need a little more encouragement to be unselfish..."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)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Supernatural

Happy Sunday!

Dr. Bill Winston continued his series entitled, "The Supernatural Church".  It was definitely my type of message. Straight Bible teaching with more scriptures than I could ever quote in one Happy Sunday edition.  I had the pleasure of worshipping at Living Word Christian Center in Chicago, Illinois today.  My daughter, Crystal graduated from The Joseph School of Business and the graduation ceremony was held during the 11:30am service.

Crystal and I had just been discussing how we need to know the Word.  When hard times and trials come, the Word provides the strength and hope that is needed to survive and thrive.  Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 (King James Version)  If we don't know the Word, it's like taking a water pistol to a gun fight!  The devil doesn't care about you!  He hates you because you are loved by the Almighty God!

Pastor Winston mentioned that he has been listening to some bible lessons lately.  He has listened to them about fifteen times.  The Word say, "Faith comes by hearing", that exhortation actually means...hearing, and hearing, and hearing!  Years ago, there was a popular saying..."You are what you eat."  It's so true!  Spiritually, you are what you eat! The Word of God is meant to, Protect, Promote, Prosper, and Preserve us.  We need the supernatural to achieve our God given purpose.

Pastor Winston reminded us of the story in Luke 5.  Jesus needed a place to sit an preach.  He boarded Peter's ship and after teaching he told them to launch out and cast their nets.  They were professional fishermen.  They knew what they were doing in the natural.  Jesus was operating in the supernatural!  Jesus asked them to do something out of the ordinary.  They didn't believe anything would happen.  How do we know this?  The next scripture says, "their NET brake".  One net!  They had no faith in the Word of Jesus.  They weren't prepared for the possibility that something supernatural could happen when they chose to obey!  I saw a quote on Facebook this week that goes right along with this..."Anything you pray for, you need to prepare for."  DeVon Franklin

What are you eating?  What are you hearing?  What are you praying?  If what you prayed for came tomorrow, would you be ready?

Love and prayers, Cynthia

How to Hear the Voice of God

Happy New Year!

I pray that this year is spectacular for you!  I pray that God's blessings chase you down and run you over..."All of the following blessings will be yours—in fact, they’ll chase after you—if you’ll listen to what He tells you." Deuteronomy 28:2 (Voice)

Pastor Duane Sheriff taught on "How to Hear the Voice of God".  Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." (King James Version)  Romans 8:14 says, "If the Spirit of God is leading you, then take comfort in knowing you are His children." (Voice)  Wow, if our steps are ordered by the Lord, why do we have so many mis-steps?  Pastor Duane said it's simple...we aren't HEEDING the LEADING!  God is always communicating with us but we fail to tune in. That's probably why Jesus said several times..."He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 11:15 (King James Version)  Most human beings are born with ears. What did Jesus mean?  He was saying, we can hear and not really listen.

Why do we struggle to hear the voice of God? 

1)   National Media - Satan is the Prince of the Power of the air(air waves).  Have you ever noticed that the media loves to cover stories that involve serial killers and crazy people that say God told them to commit their heinous crimes?  And what about hurricanes and tornadoes? Why are they called "acts of God"?  Jesus rebuked storms and calmed waves. (Mark 4:39)  If these occurrences are "acts of God", wouldn't Jesus be sinning to have stopped them?

2)   People Using God's Name in Vain - Now I'm not just speaking about people using the Lord's name during cursing spells.  We struggle to hear God because of so many people who have lied on God.  People, especially church people run around saying God told them this, and God told them that!  Many times they do this to manipulate and intimidate others. If it doesn't line up with the written Word of God, God didn't say it!  

3)   God's Voice is a threat to religion - Religion can only thrive where God is not alive!  That's what idol worship is all about.  People create gods that won't talk back. Buddha will never rebuke you for gluttony, he can't speak!  Allah will never convict you of murder, he can't speak.  But the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Living God can speak to your human spirit and encourage you to change.

4)   People do not recognize the voice of God - God rarely speaks audibly, although it is possible.  He speaks through visions, dreams, impressions, promptings, when we feel pressed in the spirit, or stirred in the spirit, through thoughts and pictures.

5)   We are trained in Western culture to rely on our 5 senses -  Faith is our sixth sense.  We struggle to hear the voice of God because hearing God requires faith. Hebrew 4:2 says, "Those people in the wilderness heard God’s good news, just as we have heard it, but the message they heard didn't do them any good since it wasn't combined with faith." (Voice)

What are the primary ways God leads us? How can we recognize the Voice of God? I'm so glad you asked!

The Word of God - Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." (New Living Translation)  God leads and speaks through his Word.

The Love of God - Romans 5:5 says, "This hope doesn't put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."  God will never direct you do do anything that does not express his love.  

Kingdom Protocol - Romans 14:17 says, "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (New King James Version)  God will always lead you in the right, peaceful, and joyful path.

Desires - Psalm 37:3-5 says, "Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you whatever you ask for." (Easy-to-Read Version)  When we delight in the Lord our desires become his desires.

Godly Counsel - Titus 2:3-4 says, "Tell older women to live their lives in a way that shows they are dedicated to God. Tell them not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of virtue. In this way they will teach young women to show love to their husbands and children." (God's Word Translation)  God can speak to us through godly counsel, but anything spoken to you should still line up with the Word and you should have confirmation..."In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." 2 Corinthians 13:1 (King James Version)

Prophecy - The Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Christians, "Don’t downplay prophecies." 1 Thessalonians 5:20 (Voice)  The King James Version says, "Don't despise prophecy."  Prophecy is designed to edify, exhort, and comfort.  It also should confirm what God has already revealed to you in his Word. 

Gifts of the Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 says, "The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom. And the same Spirit gives another person the ability to speak with knowledge. The same Spirit gives faith to one person and to another he gives gifts of healing. The Spirit gives to one person the power to do miracles, to another the ability to prophesy, and to another the ability to judge what is from the Spirit and what is not. The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak in different kinds of languages, and to another the ability to interpret those languages. One Spirit, the same Spirit, does all these things. The Spirit decides what to give each one." (Easy-to-Read Version)

Provisions - Where God guides, He provides.

Spiritual Authorities - 1 Peter 4:11 says, "If you’re called upon to talk, speak as though God put the words in your mouth; if you’re called upon to serve others, serve as though you had the strength of God behind you. In these ways, God may be glorified in all you do through Jesus the Anointed, to whom belongs glory and power, now and forever. Amen." (Voice)

Circumstances - Psalm 32:9 says, "But don’t be stubborn and stupid like horses and mules who, if not reined by leather and metal, will run wild, ignoring their masters." (Voice)  The old folks used to say, "You made your bed hard, now you gotta lie in it."  Meaning being hard headed can cause unpleasant circumstances. God can speak to us through circumstances. But let me say this in God's defense, the Word says, "every good and perfect gift" comes from God.  God is a loving father! He's not committing acts of child abuse, by inflicting his children with sickness, disaster, and trials.  James 1:13 says, "If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, “This temptation comes from God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one." (Good News Translation)  John 10:10 explains who is to blame for every negative circumstance, "The thief (devil) approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy." (Voice)

Godly Spouse -  God desires for us to marry a Christian at or above our spiritual maturity level, but if we didn't...1 Corinthians 7:14 says, "For perhaps the husband who isn't a Christian may become a Christian with the help of his Christian wife. And the wife who isn't a Christian may become a Christian with the help of her Christian husband. Otherwise, if the family separates, the children might never come to know the Lord; whereas a united family may, in God’s plan, result in the children’s salvation." (Living Bible)

I'm listening. Love and prayers, Cynthia