Happy Sunday! Merry Christmas!
Great Red Dragon & The Birth of Christ, written by the BENHAM Brothers
Several years ago, our dad explained to us a different way to look at the Nativity scene in a Christmas sermon he preached, titled, “Do you see what I see?”
At first we thought he was going to sing – which would’ve been a disaster – but as he preached, many pieces of the Christmas story came together in our minds.
In a typical nativity scene, you see Baby Jesus sleeping in a manger with Mary, Joseph and some shepherds and farm animals close by. It’s usually warm and cozy, and maybe it even has three kings if the owner had some extra cash to buy the mac daddy set.
But what you don’t see – and what isn’t so warm and cozy, and might even scare the kids – is the epic spiritual battle that raged in the heavens over this very moment in history.
In Chapter 12 of John’s account of the Revelation of Christ, he chronicles the great battle surrounding Christ’s birth:
“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head … she was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth” (1-2).
“Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads … the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born” (3-4).
“She gave birth to a son, a male child, who ‘will rule all the nations with an iron scepter’” (5).
Can you imagine a nativity set with a huge red dragon trying to chew up baby Jesus?! Nah, it wouldn’t sell. But before we go any further, let’s consider the scene:
The woman represents Israel (and the Israelite mother, Mary). The stars are the 12 tribes. And the baby is Jesus. The dragon represents Satan – as we later learn in Verse 9 – and his desire is to destroy the Christ child. The reason is because he knows baby Jesus will bring eternal salvation to mankind and provide “peace on earth, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). This will eliminate Satan’s power to damn the souls of men to hell forever. So he wants that baby!
Now back to the story …
“And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne … then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (5b-9).
OK, let’s pause again to consider something very important here. We have this battle in heaven where Michael and the angels drop the hammer on Satan and his demons – and yet the battle plan for victory then is the exact same battle plan for victory now:
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (11).
Faith in Christ
Faith in Christ lived out
Faithful to Christ whatever the cost
Jesus was born to die – to shed His blood as a lamb for our sins. By placing our faith in Him, we become His disciples and are called to live out our faith in every area of life. But it won’t come easy, so we must fully surrender to Him – even in the face of death.
This is the true, biblical Christianity that fully defeats Satan’s power over any and every life he tries to destroy. No wonder he’s so ticked off about baby Jesus.
“But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short” (12b).
The birth of Christ numbered Satan’s days.
Let’s finish the story …
“When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child … then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring – those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus” (13,17).
The battle that raged in the heavens around the nativity now rages here on earth. It’s no coincidence that Christianity is the only target of attack – not other religions. Satan is warring against the only One with the power to defeat Him. He hates Jesus, and any who would confess His name.
So when you see groups targeting the Nativity scene this year you’ll know exactly what’s happening behind the scenes. The simple question is, “Do you see what I see?”
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Where is your Sickle? - By Barry Bennett
Where is your Sickle? - By Barry Bennett
But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. (Mk. 4:29)
Could it be that many of us aren’t enjoying the harvests of our giving and serving because we don’t know what it means to ‘put in the sickle?’ From my observation, harvests don’t jump in the truck or into the barn. There is labor involved in harvesting and the greater the harvest, the greater the labor.
God’s blessings take many forms. Some are visible and some are invisible. Many of His blessings are opportunities that must be seized. We may not even be aware of all of the harvests of opportunity that have found their way to us because of our generosity and service because they look like work!
Other harvests might be lost due to our untamed tongue. “A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.” (Prov. 18:20)
Did you know that your tongue is not only a source of sowing, but also of reaping? Recently as I was driving and praying I was asking the Lord about a perceived lack of harvests in my life in some areas. I guess I was complaining. The Lord spoke to me and said, ‘that is not my job.’ ‘Harvesting is your job.’ All of a sudden the light turned on in my spirit! The harvests are all around us if we would but lift up our eyes, open our ears, bless the seed we have sown and then call in the harvests.
Those harvests may take various forms but if we are willing to put in the sickle of our words, time and effort, abundance will find us.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Eph. 3:20)
But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. (Mk. 4:29)
Could it be that many of us aren’t enjoying the harvests of our giving and serving because we don’t know what it means to ‘put in the sickle?’ From my observation, harvests don’t jump in the truck or into the barn. There is labor involved in harvesting and the greater the harvest, the greater the labor.
God’s blessings take many forms. Some are visible and some are invisible. Many of His blessings are opportunities that must be seized. We may not even be aware of all of the harvests of opportunity that have found their way to us because of our generosity and service because they look like work!
Other harvests might be lost due to our untamed tongue. “A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.” (Prov. 18:20)
Did you know that your tongue is not only a source of sowing, but also of reaping? Recently as I was driving and praying I was asking the Lord about a perceived lack of harvests in my life in some areas. I guess I was complaining. The Lord spoke to me and said, ‘that is not my job.’ ‘Harvesting is your job.’ All of a sudden the light turned on in my spirit! The harvests are all around us if we would but lift up our eyes, open our ears, bless the seed we have sown and then call in the harvests.
Those harvests may take various forms but if we are willing to put in the sickle of our words, time and effort, abundance will find us.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Eph. 3:20)
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Don't Take the Bait!
Happy Sunday!
Pastor David Winston preached, "Don't Take the Bait! Overcoming Offense with Forgiveness!" His father, Dr. Bill Winston has been preaching on receiving our inheritance and enjoying the Blessing of Abraham. Do you know when Matthew 5:11 says you are truly blessed? Just in case you missed it, here it is! "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."(KJV). What? Doesn't being blessed mean no more hard times? Doesn't blessed mean everything is perfect? No, when Abraham was blessed it caused others to envy him and want to destroy him! It won't be any different with you! When you are blessed spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially their will be enemies sent to take you out! God is your protector, you never have to fear externally...BUT you must be cautious internally! Makes sense that Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life."(Amplified). Just as Love keeps the Blessing active in our lives, offense can lead to unforgiveness that can stall, delay, or stop our breakthrough.
Pastor David said, "Offense is an event, but being offended is a position!" Let that sink in for a moment! Even Jesus said, it is impossible to get through this life without something or someone giving us the opportunity to be offended!(Luke 17:1). But you don't have to take the BAIT! You can repel offense with Love! Quickly forgive those that offend you because it is the strategy of the enemy to keep you from progressing. John 10:10 says, "The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."(Living Bible).
There are three steps to forgiveness...
1) Repentance - The word repent means to turn away from. When we repent we stop doing what we are doing and return to God's way of doing and being right. God's way is always love! 1 John 4:8 says, "But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love."(Living Bible). We are not discounting the fact that you have been wronged, but we are identifying the source and strategy of the enemy. We are short-circuiting his ability to block our blessings by choosing to forgive. Unforgiveness is sin! 1 John 1:9 was written to Christians, it says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(KJV).
2) Decide to Forgive and Release It - Colossians 3:12-13 says, "Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind."(Voice). Matthew 18:21-22 says, "At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven."(Message). Jesus said we must forgive the same person for doing the same thing 490 times! It's a decision...a life or death decision...choose life!
3) Receive Healing for any Pain Suffered - There is a reason we should forgive and forget! I know what you are thinking, I've thought it myself! You say, "I can forgive them, but I will never forget!" That's the trap the enemy wants to get you tangled up in! Our minds are the battleground! If you think you have forgiven, you may have said you have forgiven, but the moment the enemy can get you THINKING about the event again...he's got you! If you don't believe me, do me a favor...tell me what emotions you feel when you think about that event, hurt, or offense? Does remembering how they treated you bring you joy? Does remembering what they did to you cause you to love them more? Does recounting the event and the hurtful words make you want to pray for their well-being? Be honest! Pastor David used the example of a woman that has been hurt in a relationship. That hurt colors the interactions she has with others. Even though she is happy for a friend that is getting married, she still inserts bits of her offense in the conversation. She may say, "Girl, all men are dogs! You can't trust anybody! You better protect yourself!" NO, ALL men are not dogs! If you don't like dogs, don't be a dog catcher! Stop looking for a man where dogs live and play! NO, you can trust godly people and you can definitely trust God! NO, you cannot protect yourself! The Word says, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the builders’ work is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, sentries do no good."(Living Bible).
When will you know you have truly forgiven? Great question, so glad you asked! Pastor David said, "Your Love Assignment is not fulfilled until you can pray for your enemy!" Not a quick, God bless them prayer...but a prayer you would pray for your closest friend! Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "We must develop and maintain the capacity to FORGIVE. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Pastor David Winston preached, "Don't Take the Bait! Overcoming Offense with Forgiveness!" His father, Dr. Bill Winston has been preaching on receiving our inheritance and enjoying the Blessing of Abraham. Do you know when Matthew 5:11 says you are truly blessed? Just in case you missed it, here it is! "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."(KJV). What? Doesn't being blessed mean no more hard times? Doesn't blessed mean everything is perfect? No, when Abraham was blessed it caused others to envy him and want to destroy him! It won't be any different with you! When you are blessed spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially their will be enemies sent to take you out! God is your protector, you never have to fear externally...BUT you must be cautious internally! Makes sense that Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life."(Amplified). Just as Love keeps the Blessing active in our lives, offense can lead to unforgiveness that can stall, delay, or stop our breakthrough.
Pastor David said, "Offense is an event, but being offended is a position!" Let that sink in for a moment! Even Jesus said, it is impossible to get through this life without something or someone giving us the opportunity to be offended!(Luke 17:1). But you don't have to take the BAIT! You can repel offense with Love! Quickly forgive those that offend you because it is the strategy of the enemy to keep you from progressing. John 10:10 says, "The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."(Living Bible).
There are three steps to forgiveness...
1) Repentance - The word repent means to turn away from. When we repent we stop doing what we are doing and return to God's way of doing and being right. God's way is always love! 1 John 4:8 says, "But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love."(Living Bible). We are not discounting the fact that you have been wronged, but we are identifying the source and strategy of the enemy. We are short-circuiting his ability to block our blessings by choosing to forgive. Unforgiveness is sin! 1 John 1:9 was written to Christians, it says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(KJV).
2) Decide to Forgive and Release It - Colossians 3:12-13 says, "Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind."(Voice). Matthew 18:21-22 says, "At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven."(Message). Jesus said we must forgive the same person for doing the same thing 490 times! It's a decision...a life or death decision...choose life!
3) Receive Healing for any Pain Suffered - There is a reason we should forgive and forget! I know what you are thinking, I've thought it myself! You say, "I can forgive them, but I will never forget!" That's the trap the enemy wants to get you tangled up in! Our minds are the battleground! If you think you have forgiven, you may have said you have forgiven, but the moment the enemy can get you THINKING about the event again...he's got you! If you don't believe me, do me a favor...tell me what emotions you feel when you think about that event, hurt, or offense? Does remembering how they treated you bring you joy? Does remembering what they did to you cause you to love them more? Does recounting the event and the hurtful words make you want to pray for their well-being? Be honest! Pastor David used the example of a woman that has been hurt in a relationship. That hurt colors the interactions she has with others. Even though she is happy for a friend that is getting married, she still inserts bits of her offense in the conversation. She may say, "Girl, all men are dogs! You can't trust anybody! You better protect yourself!" NO, ALL men are not dogs! If you don't like dogs, don't be a dog catcher! Stop looking for a man where dogs live and play! NO, you can trust godly people and you can definitely trust God! NO, you cannot protect yourself! The Word says, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the builders’ work is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, sentries do no good."(Living Bible).
When will you know you have truly forgiven? Great question, so glad you asked! Pastor David said, "Your Love Assignment is not fulfilled until you can pray for your enemy!" Not a quick, God bless them prayer...but a prayer you would pray for your closest friend! Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "We must develop and maintain the capacity to FORGIVE. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, December 11, 2016
In Earth, as it is in Heaven...
Happy Sunday!
When did God create you? When did God create everything you would need for life and godliness? I know what you are thinking! Cynthia, why are you asking these silly questions? But are they really that silly? Do you realize that some people are approaching God as if he created them and failed to consider that they would need food, clothing, shelter, college tuition, and transportation! People are praying and asking God to do things for them that he has already done since the foundation of the world! The great evangelist, T.L. Osborn once said, "Much prayer time is wasted by people asking God for two things that He will NEVER do: 1) To do what He has already done. 2) To do what He has told them to do." Don't be that person! Work through these questions for yourself. Get your personal theology straight!
God created us to dominate in the earth realm! Our ancestor, Adam messed up, but God always had a plan! He is never reactive, but always proactive. He's even called Jehovah Jireh, which means God sees ahead of time and provides! Even in Genesis, there are prophetic promises of the good ending he planned for mankind. God created everything you will ever need long, long ago. Hebrews 4:3 says, "For only we who believe God can enter into his place of REST. He has said, “I have sworn in my anger that those who don’t believe me will never get in,” even though he has been ready and waiting for them since the world began."(Living Bible). Did you see that? Faith is necessary to see the resources and provision of God! Dr. Bill Winston said, "Faith for the Promise, is in the Promise. Faith goes into the Eternal realm and gets what we need!" It's like a heavenly bank account. Everything you will ever need is there. But just like an earthly bank account, there are procedures and guidelines in place in order to make a withdrawal. Don't get mad at God because your transaction was denied due to insufficient Faith.
God wants you to do exploits! Daniel 11:32(b) says, "but the people that do KNOW their God shall be strong, and do exploits."(KJV). He gets no Glory when we do small things that require no Faith. He created you to reign as a king and a priest on earth. Revelation 5:10 says, "You made them to be a kingdom and to be priests for our God. And they will rule on the earth.”(Easy-to-Read Version). I know the old church focused on Heaven. Heaven is great, I've got lots of loved ones there. But heaven is not the ultimate goal. God wants us to bring heaven to earth. OK, so you think I made that up? Read it for yourself. You can probably quote it from memory. Matthew 6:9-13 says, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in EARTH, AS IT IS in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."(KJV). Don't miss this! God wants the earth to look like heaven! It might be helpful if we knew what heaven really looked like, right? Revelation 21 says, there's no death, no crying, no darkness, no fear, no poverty, no sickness, no hunger, and no thirst. Makes perfect sense that Jesus would say, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."(Luke 4:18-19, KJV). He came to set things right. We are his ambassadors and agents in the earth, sent to continue the work he began!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
When did God create you? When did God create everything you would need for life and godliness? I know what you are thinking! Cynthia, why are you asking these silly questions? But are they really that silly? Do you realize that some people are approaching God as if he created them and failed to consider that they would need food, clothing, shelter, college tuition, and transportation! People are praying and asking God to do things for them that he has already done since the foundation of the world! The great evangelist, T.L. Osborn once said, "Much prayer time is wasted by people asking God for two things that He will NEVER do: 1) To do what He has already done. 2) To do what He has told them to do." Don't be that person! Work through these questions for yourself. Get your personal theology straight!
God created us to dominate in the earth realm! Our ancestor, Adam messed up, but God always had a plan! He is never reactive, but always proactive. He's even called Jehovah Jireh, which means God sees ahead of time and provides! Even in Genesis, there are prophetic promises of the good ending he planned for mankind. God created everything you will ever need long, long ago. Hebrews 4:3 says, "For only we who believe God can enter into his place of REST. He has said, “I have sworn in my anger that those who don’t believe me will never get in,” even though he has been ready and waiting for them since the world began."(Living Bible). Did you see that? Faith is necessary to see the resources and provision of God! Dr. Bill Winston said, "Faith for the Promise, is in the Promise. Faith goes into the Eternal realm and gets what we need!" It's like a heavenly bank account. Everything you will ever need is there. But just like an earthly bank account, there are procedures and guidelines in place in order to make a withdrawal. Don't get mad at God because your transaction was denied due to insufficient Faith.
God wants you to do exploits! Daniel 11:32(b) says, "but the people that do KNOW their God shall be strong, and do exploits."(KJV). He gets no Glory when we do small things that require no Faith. He created you to reign as a king and a priest on earth. Revelation 5:10 says, "You made them to be a kingdom and to be priests for our God. And they will rule on the earth.”(Easy-to-Read Version). I know the old church focused on Heaven. Heaven is great, I've got lots of loved ones there. But heaven is not the ultimate goal. God wants us to bring heaven to earth. OK, so you think I made that up? Read it for yourself. You can probably quote it from memory. Matthew 6:9-13 says, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in EARTH, AS IT IS in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."(KJV). Don't miss this! God wants the earth to look like heaven! It might be helpful if we knew what heaven really looked like, right? Revelation 21 says, there's no death, no crying, no darkness, no fear, no poverty, no sickness, no hunger, and no thirst. Makes perfect sense that Jesus would say, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."(Luke 4:18-19, KJV). He came to set things right. We are his ambassadors and agents in the earth, sent to continue the work he began!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Understanding
Happy Sunday!
I hope you are ready to embark on the new work week! You are always in my prayers! What am I praying for you or about you? Great question! I'm praying that you will fulfill God's perfect purpose and plan for your life, that you have the spirit of wisdom, knowledge, counsel, might, and understanding, and that you will always be at the right place, at the right time, with the right information, and the right understanding! (Ephesians 1). I love you, and appreciate your time and your listening ear, each week.
How much can God use you? In the words of the great prophetess, Janet Jackson..."What have you done for me (God) lately?" It's the Christmas Holiday Season. Here in the USA, the build up has begun! The Christmas Holiday hours have been announced, the first shoppers have been trampled, and the 66" television they advertised for only $99.00, was snapped up by the one shopper in line in front of you. Yes, I'm being facetious! But you know there is an element of truth. There is enough selfishness going around for everyone. Before you label me a scrooge, let me say something. My children and I celebrated Christmas in February for many years. Why? That's when I would get my income tax refund, and have enough extra money to afford gifts. You do realize Christmas comes a few days before rent is due, right? I always tried to be open and honest with them. I gave them as much as their little minds could process, but I wanted them to understand. I believe they have good Christmas memories, because we have a great extended family.
Jesus said he came to destroy the works of the enemy! Understanding the Word is a major part of destroying the works of the enemy! When we really understand the Word of God, we will know that I could have celebrated Christmas with the rest of the world all those years ago. If I had known, and believed that tithing and offerings set a spiritual law in motion, and allowed God to protect and bless my finances, I would have had a "Surplus of Prosperity"(Deuteronomy 28:11, Amplified). Don't get me wrong, I've been tithing and giving for decades, but I was inconsistent at times. Pastor Henry Phillips of Power of Change Christian Center, in Cahokia, Illinois once said, "If you are an inconsistent giver, you will experience inconsistent returns." Boy, was he ever right! Seed, Time, and Harvest are real! That's why the preacher wrote, "Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night."(Ecclesiastes 11:1-2, Message). If I had known not to confuse my job with my purpose, I could have stayed on any of my previous jobs, worked through the issues, and used the money they paid me as seed, to further the Kingdom of God! If I had known that laws are predictable and you don't have to learn by experience, you can learn by listening to godly wisdom, I could have avoided the debt traps. Even in relationships, if I had known you can never change another person...only God can do that! If they don't love God, they don't have the slightest idea of how to love you! Jesus rebuked the people and verified there are only two families in the earth...The Family of God and the Family of the Devil! He said, "Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It is because you are prevented from doing so! For you are the children of your father the devil and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning and a hater of truth—there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars."(John 8:43-44, Living Bible).
God wants us to understand that we are Heirs of God, and Joint Heirs with Christ. We are supposed to stand in the position of Owners and Stewards of this earth, and our main focus is to point others to God! Our lives should be so peaceful, so Blessed, and so full that others wonder about us! Matthew 5:16 says, "You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it."(Voice).
Look for opportunities to shine this week! Be extraordinary! Get the Word on any situation you are experiencing! Trust God!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
I hope you are ready to embark on the new work week! You are always in my prayers! What am I praying for you or about you? Great question! I'm praying that you will fulfill God's perfect purpose and plan for your life, that you have the spirit of wisdom, knowledge, counsel, might, and understanding, and that you will always be at the right place, at the right time, with the right information, and the right understanding! (Ephesians 1). I love you, and appreciate your time and your listening ear, each week.
How much can God use you? In the words of the great prophetess, Janet Jackson..."What have you done for me (God) lately?" It's the Christmas Holiday Season. Here in the USA, the build up has begun! The Christmas Holiday hours have been announced, the first shoppers have been trampled, and the 66" television they advertised for only $99.00, was snapped up by the one shopper in line in front of you. Yes, I'm being facetious! But you know there is an element of truth. There is enough selfishness going around for everyone. Before you label me a scrooge, let me say something. My children and I celebrated Christmas in February for many years. Why? That's when I would get my income tax refund, and have enough extra money to afford gifts. You do realize Christmas comes a few days before rent is due, right? I always tried to be open and honest with them. I gave them as much as their little minds could process, but I wanted them to understand. I believe they have good Christmas memories, because we have a great extended family.
Jesus said he came to destroy the works of the enemy! Understanding the Word is a major part of destroying the works of the enemy! When we really understand the Word of God, we will know that I could have celebrated Christmas with the rest of the world all those years ago. If I had known, and believed that tithing and offerings set a spiritual law in motion, and allowed God to protect and bless my finances, I would have had a "Surplus of Prosperity"(Deuteronomy 28:11, Amplified). Don't get me wrong, I've been tithing and giving for decades, but I was inconsistent at times. Pastor Henry Phillips of Power of Change Christian Center, in Cahokia, Illinois once said, "If you are an inconsistent giver, you will experience inconsistent returns." Boy, was he ever right! Seed, Time, and Harvest are real! That's why the preacher wrote, "Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night."(Ecclesiastes 11:1-2, Message). If I had known not to confuse my job with my purpose, I could have stayed on any of my previous jobs, worked through the issues, and used the money they paid me as seed, to further the Kingdom of God! If I had known that laws are predictable and you don't have to learn by experience, you can learn by listening to godly wisdom, I could have avoided the debt traps. Even in relationships, if I had known you can never change another person...only God can do that! If they don't love God, they don't have the slightest idea of how to love you! Jesus rebuked the people and verified there are only two families in the earth...The Family of God and the Family of the Devil! He said, "Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It is because you are prevented from doing so! For you are the children of your father the devil and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning and a hater of truth—there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars."(John 8:43-44, Living Bible).
God wants us to understand that we are Heirs of God, and Joint Heirs with Christ. We are supposed to stand in the position of Owners and Stewards of this earth, and our main focus is to point others to God! Our lives should be so peaceful, so Blessed, and so full that others wonder about us! Matthew 5:16 says, "You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it."(Voice).
Look for opportunities to shine this week! Be extraordinary! Get the Word on any situation you are experiencing! Trust God!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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