Happy Sunday!
Don't look to the world for answers! They don't have any! The issues and problems we see in society were created and caused by the same thinking that propagates it!
God has always provided the answers in the Bible. But for some reason, we disregard God's answers. During my reading and meditation this week, I came across these scriptures again. Proverbs 1:24-27 says, "I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you."(New Living Translation). I thought to myself, that's deep! That seems a bit harsh. But these scriptures come from God through the writer of Proverbs, Solomon. In context they describe how Wisdom is begging us to listen to her. Like any parent that will tell the truth, she is frustrated that her children will not listen to her knowledge, guidance, and experience.
Proverbs 1:32-33 says, "Fools die because they refuse to follow wisdom. They are content to follow their foolish ways, and that will destroy them. BUT those who LISTEN to me will live in safety and comfort. They will have nothing to fear.”(Easy-to-Read Version). I have decided to live in the safety and comfort that God provides to those who listen. Sure, I've been foolish and lived according to the pattern of the world in the past...BUT I have committed to change! I want everything God has prepared for me! I will not be a fool!
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series entitled, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Living Large". He reminded us, "No one can stop you but you!" Did you get that? You are your own problem! I know, I know...we have lived for so long in the victim mentality. It's not my fault...it's the color of my skin, it's because my father didn't raise me, or it's because they didn't pick me to play softball on the elementary school team! Get over it! There are people in this world succeeding that have had horrific and unimaginable adversity. Don't let the Devil trap you in past offenses. There is one thing that Jesus said is impossible. Bet you thought nothing was impossible. Luke 17:1 says, "Then said he unto the disciples, It is IMPOSSIBLE but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!"(KJV). Did you get that? Jesus said there will always be opportunities to be offended! That means there will always be people motivated by Satan available to hurt you, tempt you, and make life interesting! But just because it is offered, you don't have to accept it! Jesus is our perfect example. Even on the cross, he refused to be offended. He said, "Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:24, Easy-to-Read Version).
How do I start? Great question! Romans 12:1-2 says, "So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."(Message). This involves changing your thinking. Proverbs 3:5-12 says, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over."(Message).
God's Word is his voice! Get in the Word...memorize it for your own good! When the Devil tries to attack you there may not be enough time to find the scripture you need! It's better to have your sword ready before the battle!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Sunday, August 21, 2016
To Catch the Thief
Happy Sunday!
Dr. Bill Winston said, "The Devil has vowed to rob you! But Satan cannot steal what is covered by Faith!" John 10:10 verifies this as Jesus said, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance."(Voice).
I'd heard that there is a difference between robbery and theft. I revisited the definitions to make sure I was understanding the subtle difference. Robbery is defined as the crime of taking or attempting to take anything of value by force or threat of force or by putting the victim in fear. So in robbery the victim is present. Someone may steal the pink flamingo statue from your yard, but if you were not present when it occurred it is not considered robbery. Makes sense that Malachi 3 says that some people have robbed God! God is always present! He's there when we knowingly and unashamedly disregard his commandments. Malachi 3:8-11 says, "You people are robbing me, your God. And, here you are, asking, “How are we robbing you?” You are robbing me of the offerings and of the ten percent that belongs to me. That’s why your whole nation is under a curse. I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing. I will also stop locusts from destroying your crops and keeping your vineyards from producing."(Contemporary English Version).
Fast forward to 2016! We are redeemed from the curse because of the sacrifice of Jesus, but being redeemed from the curse does not nullify God's requirements. Tithing was instituted before the law was given to Moses. When Jesus was on earth he said, "But woe to you Pharisees! For though you are careful to tithe even the smallest part of your income, you completely forget about justice and the love of God. You should tithe, YES, but you should not leave these other things undone."(Luke 11:42, Living Bible). So don't throw out tithing, and don't neglect justice and the love of God!
Why is this relevant for us today? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! The enemy is still out to get and keep what rightfully belongs to you! He's crafty! He has figured out how to trick you into letting him keep your stuff! Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"(KJV). God's methods are always legal. He gave the earth to Adam, who lost it to Satan, who in turn lost it to Jesus. Jesus has given it to us, but just like the Promised Land...we have to go in and take what belongs to us! The enemy will not give it back without a fight! The Apostle Paul knew this and said, "Fight the good fight of faith,"(1 Timothy 6:12). The only way to recover your inheritance and possessions is to have and use Faith! Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(KJV).
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Living Large". Genesis 26:12 says, "Isaac planted crops in that land and took in a huge harvest. God blessed him. The man got richer and richer by the day until he was very wealthy."(Message). Did you see that? He got richer by the day! He accumulated wealth! That's what the enemy doesn't want you to do! He's OK with you making a little money, but he doesn't want you to know that God wants you to be rich! Why would the devil want you to stay poor? Why would he want you to keep living just enough for the city? Because he is the thief! If you get your stuff back it comes out of his accounts! Proverbs 6:30-31 says, "People don’t despise a thief who only steals to fill his hunger; Still if they catch him, he must repay seven times over—he could end up losing everything he owns!"(Voice). Did you see that? He could end up losing everything he owns! He wants you to stay in poverty, or just above it and die without the knowledge or understanding of all that is rightfully yours! He has even got ministers preaching against prosperity! Dude, so are you preaching poverty? Proverbs 6:11 says, "But then you sleep and sleep and become poorer and poorer. Soon you will have nothing. It will be as if a thief came and stole everything you owned."(Easy-to-Read Version). Don't sleep on the Devil! This struggle is real! I know what you are thinking, you know someone that turned away from God when they became wealthy. Sure there are bad people who have misused and abused prosperity, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water! Prosperity has a purpose. Jesus commanded us to take the Gospel to the World. You can't even give a thirsty man a bottle of water, unless you have one dollar more than you need for yourself!
Living Large! Love and prayers, Cynthia
Dr. Bill Winston said, "The Devil has vowed to rob you! But Satan cannot steal what is covered by Faith!" John 10:10 verifies this as Jesus said, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance."(Voice).
I'd heard that there is a difference between robbery and theft. I revisited the definitions to make sure I was understanding the subtle difference. Robbery is defined as the crime of taking or attempting to take anything of value by force or threat of force or by putting the victim in fear. So in robbery the victim is present. Someone may steal the pink flamingo statue from your yard, but if you were not present when it occurred it is not considered robbery. Makes sense that Malachi 3 says that some people have robbed God! God is always present! He's there when we knowingly and unashamedly disregard his commandments. Malachi 3:8-11 says, "You people are robbing me, your God. And, here you are, asking, “How are we robbing you?” You are robbing me of the offerings and of the ten percent that belongs to me. That’s why your whole nation is under a curse. I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing. I will also stop locusts from destroying your crops and keeping your vineyards from producing."(Contemporary English Version).
Fast forward to 2016! We are redeemed from the curse because of the sacrifice of Jesus, but being redeemed from the curse does not nullify God's requirements. Tithing was instituted before the law was given to Moses. When Jesus was on earth he said, "But woe to you Pharisees! For though you are careful to tithe even the smallest part of your income, you completely forget about justice and the love of God. You should tithe, YES, but you should not leave these other things undone."(Luke 11:42, Living Bible). So don't throw out tithing, and don't neglect justice and the love of God!
Why is this relevant for us today? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! The enemy is still out to get and keep what rightfully belongs to you! He's crafty! He has figured out how to trick you into letting him keep your stuff! Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"(KJV). God's methods are always legal. He gave the earth to Adam, who lost it to Satan, who in turn lost it to Jesus. Jesus has given it to us, but just like the Promised Land...we have to go in and take what belongs to us! The enemy will not give it back without a fight! The Apostle Paul knew this and said, "Fight the good fight of faith,"(1 Timothy 6:12). The only way to recover your inheritance and possessions is to have and use Faith! Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(KJV).
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Living Large". Genesis 26:12 says, "Isaac planted crops in that land and took in a huge harvest. God blessed him. The man got richer and richer by the day until he was very wealthy."(Message). Did you see that? He got richer by the day! He accumulated wealth! That's what the enemy doesn't want you to do! He's OK with you making a little money, but he doesn't want you to know that God wants you to be rich! Why would the devil want you to stay poor? Why would he want you to keep living just enough for the city? Because he is the thief! If you get your stuff back it comes out of his accounts! Proverbs 6:30-31 says, "People don’t despise a thief who only steals to fill his hunger; Still if they catch him, he must repay seven times over—he could end up losing everything he owns!"(Voice). Did you see that? He could end up losing everything he owns! He wants you to stay in poverty, or just above it and die without the knowledge or understanding of all that is rightfully yours! He has even got ministers preaching against prosperity! Dude, so are you preaching poverty? Proverbs 6:11 says, "But then you sleep and sleep and become poorer and poorer. Soon you will have nothing. It will be as if a thief came and stole everything you owned."(Easy-to-Read Version). Don't sleep on the Devil! This struggle is real! I know what you are thinking, you know someone that turned away from God when they became wealthy. Sure there are bad people who have misused and abused prosperity, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water! Prosperity has a purpose. Jesus commanded us to take the Gospel to the World. You can't even give a thirsty man a bottle of water, unless you have one dollar more than you need for yourself!
Living Large! Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 14, 2016
His Words are Waiting
His Words are Waiting By Barry Bennett
Did you know that God’s Words (His proclamations, promises and covenant blessings) are ‘alive and active’ and waiting to be given an assignment?
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isa. 55:11)
God has spoken about you, over you and for you. His words are eternal and alive. They are like soldiers or servants awaiting their orders. “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.” (Prov. 4:20-22)
When we find His words, believe them and then speak them, we are activating the eternal power of those words. Until we speak His words, they remain alive but unassigned. They cannot accomplish their purpose in our lives without our believing hearts declaring those words.
But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:8-9)
Believing and confessing God’s words about Jesus activated salvation and the new birth. There are hundreds of promises (words) waiting for your faith filled declaration in order to go to work in your life. Give God’s words an assignment.
Let it be to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
P.S. - Praying that you had a wonderful week! I always enjoy Barry Bennett. His writing is always on time! I hope that they bless you as well, especially when I miss church!
Did you know that God’s Words (His proclamations, promises and covenant blessings) are ‘alive and active’ and waiting to be given an assignment?
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isa. 55:11)
God has spoken about you, over you and for you. His words are eternal and alive. They are like soldiers or servants awaiting their orders. “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.” (Prov. 4:20-22)
When we find His words, believe them and then speak them, we are activating the eternal power of those words. Until we speak His words, they remain alive but unassigned. They cannot accomplish their purpose in our lives without our believing hearts declaring those words.
But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:8-9)
Believing and confessing God’s words about Jesus activated salvation and the new birth. There are hundreds of promises (words) waiting for your faith filled declaration in order to go to work in your life. Give God’s words an assignment.
Let it be to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
P.S. - Praying that you had a wonderful week! I always enjoy Barry Bennett. His writing is always on time! I hope that they bless you as well, especially when I miss church!
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Idle Words
Happy Sunday!
Dr. Bill Winston said, "It is poor stewardship not to desire what Jesus has already paid for!" Think about it like this. A dear loved one, prepares your favorite meal with all the trimmings. This is a loved one who can really cook! They have a spotlessly clean kitchen, so there is no reason why you would not eat their food! They go all out, and break the budget. They are overjoyed to be able to provide this special meal. They patiently wait for you to enjoy it, but you go into the kitchen and eat cold cereal. All of their time, their hard work, and their effort has gone to waste. How disrespectful on your part! How selfish and inconsiderate of you not to partake of all they provided! Sure, I know what you're saying..."I would never do that!" Are you sure about that? Jesus suffered and died on the cross to redeem your life from destruction. This is not just a "Get Out of Hell Free Card" but an opportunity to live an abundant life! Jesus said, "The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in ALL its fullness."(John 10:10, Living Bible). The spies went into the Promised Land and brought back samples of the produce. It was evidence of the extravagant land God had given them. Numbers 13:23 describes the proof, "they checked out the lush Eshcol riverbed that, as its name suggests, grew bunches of grapes. So thick and heavy were the clusters that when two of the men cut down one branch holding one cluster, they had to carry it on a pole between them. They also picked up some pomegranates and figs from that place."(Voice). Don't let the enemy fool you! The Bible is not just a good book! This is actual history! This was one cluster of grapes! Nowadays, you give your child a cluster of grapes to hold in their hand. But just because our grapes pale in comparison, don't think that that God doesn't have BIG things prepared for you!
Dr. Winston continued the series, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Living Large". We have to see ourselves the way God sees us! God sees us as the "righteousness of God in Christ Jesus". 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so that Christ could make us acceptable to God."(Contemporary English Version). John 1:12 says, "But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them."(Living Bible). We are now God's children! He is a good, good father! He has provided everything we could ever need, and he wants us to have more than enough to share with others! 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share."(Voice).
How can we enjoy this type of abundance? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! Genesis 1:26 says, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:"(KJV). We were created to act and look like God! We were given dominion in the earth over everything that creeps on the earth! Charles Capps used to say, "God even gave us dominion over creeps!" It's comical but it's true. We have the creative ability of God! We can speak things into existence. If you don't believe me, listen to the things you say on a daily basis. "I'm going to get stuck in traffic, I just know it!" What happened? You got stuck in traffic. I'm going to be sick as a dog!" What happened? You got sick! "I'm never going to have enough money for this!" What happened? You never had enough money for it, and you got mad at God since you did sent him a "worry-gram" labeled prayer. The Message Translation says it so well..."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."(James 1:6-7). You tell your child, "You'll never be anything!" What happened? They struggle, they fail, and without divine intervention they become what you said!
God spoke what he wanted to see! In Genesis 1:1, it was dark. God did not say, "Oh, it's really dark out here". He said what he wanted to see! He said, "Light be!". The Blessing guarantees perpetual supply and provision. Don't let an idle word stop the flow of your blessing! Matthew 12:36-37 says, "Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation."(Message). It is a fight, a Faith Fight! It may not be easy, but it is possible! You can do it!
Living Large! Love and prayers, Cynthia
Dr. Bill Winston said, "It is poor stewardship not to desire what Jesus has already paid for!" Think about it like this. A dear loved one, prepares your favorite meal with all the trimmings. This is a loved one who can really cook! They have a spotlessly clean kitchen, so there is no reason why you would not eat their food! They go all out, and break the budget. They are overjoyed to be able to provide this special meal. They patiently wait for you to enjoy it, but you go into the kitchen and eat cold cereal. All of their time, their hard work, and their effort has gone to waste. How disrespectful on your part! How selfish and inconsiderate of you not to partake of all they provided! Sure, I know what you're saying..."I would never do that!" Are you sure about that? Jesus suffered and died on the cross to redeem your life from destruction. This is not just a "Get Out of Hell Free Card" but an opportunity to live an abundant life! Jesus said, "The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in ALL its fullness."(John 10:10, Living Bible). The spies went into the Promised Land and brought back samples of the produce. It was evidence of the extravagant land God had given them. Numbers 13:23 describes the proof, "they checked out the lush Eshcol riverbed that, as its name suggests, grew bunches of grapes. So thick and heavy were the clusters that when two of the men cut down one branch holding one cluster, they had to carry it on a pole between them. They also picked up some pomegranates and figs from that place."(Voice). Don't let the enemy fool you! The Bible is not just a good book! This is actual history! This was one cluster of grapes! Nowadays, you give your child a cluster of grapes to hold in their hand. But just because our grapes pale in comparison, don't think that that God doesn't have BIG things prepared for you!
Dr. Winston continued the series, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Living Large". We have to see ourselves the way God sees us! God sees us as the "righteousness of God in Christ Jesus". 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so that Christ could make us acceptable to God."(Contemporary English Version). John 1:12 says, "But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them."(Living Bible). We are now God's children! He is a good, good father! He has provided everything we could ever need, and he wants us to have more than enough to share with others! 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share."(Voice).
How can we enjoy this type of abundance? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! Genesis 1:26 says, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:"(KJV). We were created to act and look like God! We were given dominion in the earth over everything that creeps on the earth! Charles Capps used to say, "God even gave us dominion over creeps!" It's comical but it's true. We have the creative ability of God! We can speak things into existence. If you don't believe me, listen to the things you say on a daily basis. "I'm going to get stuck in traffic, I just know it!" What happened? You got stuck in traffic. I'm going to be sick as a dog!" What happened? You got sick! "I'm never going to have enough money for this!" What happened? You never had enough money for it, and you got mad at God since you did sent him a "worry-gram" labeled prayer. The Message Translation says it so well..."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."(James 1:6-7). You tell your child, "You'll never be anything!" What happened? They struggle, they fail, and without divine intervention they become what you said!
God spoke what he wanted to see! In Genesis 1:1, it was dark. God did not say, "Oh, it's really dark out here". He said what he wanted to see! He said, "Light be!". The Blessing guarantees perpetual supply and provision. Don't let an idle word stop the flow of your blessing! Matthew 12:36-37 says, "Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation."(Message). It is a fight, a Faith Fight! It may not be easy, but it is possible! You can do it!
Living Large! Love and prayers, Cynthia
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