Unwavering

Happy Sunday!

Happy New Year!   2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!"(Easy-to-Read Version).  New things are exciting!  New shoes, new homes, new opportunities, and new relationships all bring us joy.  We look forward to the New Year with hope that the same old same old will be gone and the new and improved will begin.  But many years look very similar to their predecessors.  This scripture describes what happened internally when we accepted Jesus, but other scriptures tell us what must happen externally for our lives to really be NEW!  2 Peter 3:18 says, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."(KJV).  Don't miss this!  We are expected to grow!  When plants, animals, and people grow they change. 

Do you see any change from last year?  Spiritually? Emotionally? Physically? Financially?  Like Michael Jackson sang..."I'm starting with the man in the mirror.  I'm asking him to change his ways. NO Message could have been any clearer.  If you want to make the world a better place.  Take a look at yourself, then make a change".   Start small.  It's less intimidating.  I recently listened to a Podcast that encouraged me for the new year.  Patrice Washington challenged listeners to not just be interested in things, but become committed to things.  Whatever it may be, if we are truly committed to it we will do it.  One example she used was the number of people that approach her and say that they are writing a book.  Then she asked, "How much time do you spend writing daily?"  Generally, the people admit they aren't committed to writing.  In the new year, every year, people are interested in fitness, but by February statistics show they were not committed to fitness and won't be until swimsuit season when the truth will be out in the open.

1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of Time or Effort".(Message).  The King James Version of this scripture says, "Be steadfast".   Steadfast is defined as, "resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering".   The Apostle James spoke of being unwavering, "And if, in the process, any of you does not know how to meet any particular problem he has only to ask God—who gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty—and he may be quite sure that the necessary wisdom will be given him. But he must ask in sincere faith without secret doubts as to whether he really wants God’s help or not. The man who trusts God, but with inward reservations, is like a wave of the sea, carried forward by the wind one moment and driven back the next. That sort of man cannot hope to receive anything from God, and the life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn."(James 1:5-6, Phillips).

"The life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn..."

Committed to Happy Sunday!
Love and prayers, Cynthia

http://www.patricewashington.com/bestself/results-vs-resolutions-commitment-makes-the-difference/

Just Be Thankful!

Happy Sunday!

Merry Christmas Eve!  Praying that you are safe and warm, and enjoying your family and friends!  Unless you are on the beach, then I pray that you are cool, and enjoying the sand between your toes, and a tropical breeze.

Pastor David Winston brought our message today.  Our Senior Pastors, Drs. Bill and Veronica Winston are enjoying restful vacation time away!  His message was entitled, "Just Be Thankful".  

The Apostle Paul is a great example of thankfulness and contentment.  In many of his letters, he greeted the saints with love and expressed how thankful he was for them, and how he prayed for them daily.  Don't miss this, or disregard his circumstances.  He was a prisoner in Rome, guarded by an elite group of Roman soldiers.  Some say he was on house arrest, but I'm not sure many of us could even deal with house arrest not to mention prison.  He never complained about it, and even wrote to the Believers in Philippi, "I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah."(Philippians 1:12-14, Message). 

Pastor David encouraged us to, "Never let our desires speak louder than our thanks!"   It's the season for desires.  We are waiting to see if the gift we desire was purchased, wrapped, and placed beneath the tree.  We are waiting to taste our favorite foods cooked by our talented family members.  We are waiting to see what the new year holds.  But if the gift isn't right, the food is cold, and the new year starts off rocky...how will we respond?  The Apostle Paul gave us the secret, "I am telling you this, but not because I need something. I have LEARNED to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing."(Philippians 4:10-12, Easy-to Read Version).  The King James Version of this scripture uses the word "content".  Contentment means that if you can change the situation, change it.  But if you can't change the situation change your perspective.

When my children were younger we celebrated Christmas in February.  As a single parent, there was no way I could justify buying presents and not paying the rent and utilities in December.  They received presents from their uncles, aunts, and grandparents, but the large special gifts from Mom were received at Income Tax Return time.   We made our own tradition, and did not fret over waiting.  We were happy to know that there was still more to be enjoyed at a later date.  If they don't agree with my assessment of this detail in our family history, they have never let on.  The Apostle Paul was not embarrassed about being a prisoner, and he took the opportunity to make the best of a bad situation.  Pastor David said something that I have been hearing from the Holy Spirit lately, "Most times we consider ourselves the Star of our own life story, but actually many times God wants us the be the supporting character in the life story of another!"  It's not really all about ME!  God told Abraham that he would be blessed in order to be a blessing!  Complaining can trick us into thinking that it's all about us!  Complaining is of the Devil.  Ask the Children's of Israel that perished in the desert!  

Yes, I live in the real world!  I work in a real world job, and deal with real people daily!  There are days, when I want to quit, curse, or both!  LOL!  There are days when the people around me get on my last nerve!  But the Holy Spirit reminds me that I am so Blessed.  I was blessed to be reared by Christian parents, who instilled a love for and practical application of the Word of God in me.  I'm thankful that my mistakes have not been fatal, and that I am still getting a chance to make it right.  I'm thankful that my Faith in God gives me Hope for the future.  Like our February Christmas, I know that even if I can't see the finish line yet, I will finish strong!  I'm thankful for my best friend, Gina, my sisters, and brothers, my Dad and Mom, and my children and grandchildren!  I often pray that I will be a blessing to everyone I come in contact with.  To be a blessing, I have to put in the work.  James wrote, "So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good works is no faith at all—it is dead and useless."(James 2:17, Living Bible).

I'm thankful for you!  Happy Sunday goes all over the world.  Each reader has a unique story, and each one has a special story about how we met.  I'm so thankful that we connected, and stay connected.  This Christmas, let's just be thankful...

Love and prayers, Cynthia

The Gift that keeps on Giving...

Happy Sunday!

Isaiah 9:6 says, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."(KJV).  This scripture is poetic, romantic, and prophetic.  It's loaded with so much meat you could feed thousands!  It speaks to God's eternal love and His desire to see us saved from destruction and whole.  God is in the details!  He never misses anything.  He's so concerned about you the Word says that even the hairs on your head are numbered.  Don't miss this!  They are not counted, they are numbered.(Matthew 10:30).  Scientists say there are at least 100,000 hair follicles on the average human head, and each follicle can grow at least 20 hairs over the lifetime.  God knows exactly which hair was yanked out when you detangled in the shower this morning.  

I enjoyed teaching the 10-12 year old students today in Children's Church.  It's always encouraging when they reveal that they are thinking, by asking thoughtful questions.  We got the chance to discuss Bible truths and expel some Christmas myths.  The Bible does not say their were "three kings" or "three wise men".  Brace yourself!  The bible says they brought three types of gifts, not that there were only three persons.  Matthew 2:11 says, "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh."(KJV).   It is my belief, that the wise men came in a caravan, with an army to secure the gifts that they were bringing.  They caught the attention of King Herod because of the grandeur.  They were bringing gifts fit for a king!  What would cause King Herod to be jealous enough to kill every male child from 2 years old and under?  Three little kings traveling all by themselves?  Think it through.  Beyonce and Jay Z don't even travel without an entourage!  While we are here on this scripture, the wise men "came into the house".  Not the manger.  Don't miss this!  The wise men followed a star.  When would they see the star?  Right, nighttime.  Especially, on clear nights.  It took about 2 years for them to make the journey from the East.  Jesus was a toddler by the time they arrived.  Mary and Joseph were forced to stay in the manger on that night because the inn was full, not because they didn't have any money.

The students are very alert.  One asked about why one gospel writer mentions more angel visitations and another does not.  Matthew 1:20 mentions only the angel appearing to Joseph, while Luke 1 mentions the angel appearing to Zacharias and to Mary, and Luke 2 mentions the angels telling the shepherds of the birth of Jesus.  Another student asked where Satan came from, and how did he get in the picture.  To say the least, it keeps us on our toes.  Ultimately, Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive.  He is the best gift ever given.  He is the example, and the Sinless Savior.  As with any gift, it must be received and accepted to be enjoyed.  We also discussed the fact that God does not send anyone to Hell.  Deuteronomy 30:19 says, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"(KJV).   John 14:6 says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."(KJV).   God gave us the answer to the age old question...choose life...and Jesus is the life!  Anyone that spends eternity in Hell, does so because they refused Jesus.

Our key scripture was Luke 1:37, "For with God nothing shall be impossible."(KJV).    Go back and read that again.  Soak it in!  Whatever you may be facing, nothing, not one thing is impossible with God!  It was not impossible for God to give Mary a baby, and Elisabeth a baby in her old age, and it was not impossible for a star to lead the wise men to the house where Jesus lived, it was not impossible for the angel to warn Joseph to go to Egypt to spare the life of the child.  It is not impossible for your every need to be met, it is not impossible for God to give you the desires of your heart, and it's not impossible for you to live the Good Life.(Philippians 4:19; Psalm 37:4; John 10:10).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Do you look like your picture?

Happy Sunday!

Dr. Bill Winston told a story about a guest minister arriving at the airport in another city.  He waited for an hour, then called the church.  The pastor assured  him the driver was already at the airport to pick him up.  Another hour passed, and a man walked up to the guest minister.  He asked if he was the man. The guest minister replied, and asked what took so long.  The driver replied, "You don't look like your picture!"  The guest minister had provided a photo that was many, many years old.   In this world of Social Media, where photos can be manipulated, do we look like our picture?

As believers, do we look like the picture painted of us in the Word of God?  Are we always triumphing?(2 Corinthians 2:14).  Are we always abounding, do we always have sufficiency in all things?(2 Corinthians 9:8).  Are we in health, and prospering in every area of our lives?(3 John 2).  Are we bold as a lion?(Proverbs 28:1).  Are we the lenders and not the borrowers?(Proverbs 22:7).  Do we have an excellent spirit, are we 10 times better than our co-workers?(Daniel 5:12, 6:3).  Are we a Blessing to those around you and those we meet?(Genesis 12:2).   Do we Love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them which despitefully use us, and persecute us?(Matthew 5:44).  Ouch!  If you are like me, there is still more work to be done.

The Apostle Paul compared matrimonial love to the love and Christ gives us, the church.  Ephesians 5:25-27 says, "Husbands, you must love your wives so deeply, purely, and sacrificially that we can understand it only when we compare it to the love the Anointed One has for His bride, the church. We know He gave Himself up completely to make her His own, Washing her clean of ALL her impurity with water and the powerful presence of His Word. He has given Himself so that He can present the church as His radiant bride, unstained, unwrinkled, and unblemished—completely free from all impurity—holy and innocent before Him."(Voice).  The Word of God washes us and gets us ready for an accurate picture.  When we allow the Word to change us we will begin to look more and more like our Father God.

Dr. Winston also told us the story are a young lady who wanted to transfer from Spelman College to Florida A&M University.  She was being denied, even though she was a brilliant student and well recommended.  When she and her parents asked why, they were told that the new school did not want to admit her because they were not her first choice.  The leader at Florida A&M learned over many years, that people will waste your time.  Some people want something for nothing.  It's reported that she called these people that will waste your time, "low lifes".   She refused to allow these people in her life, and encouraged her students to evaluate those in their lives.  The young lady was finally admitted, graduated with honors, and went on to get her Master's Degree from the University of Chicago.  The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy in the same way, "Whatever you heard me teach before an audience of witnesses, I want you to pass along to TRUSTWORTHY people who have the ability to teach others too."(2 Timothy 2:2, Voice).

Life is precious.  Time is valuable.  As we are becoming more like Christ, we must remember to be wise in our dealings.  The writer of Hebrews said, "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 10:22-25, Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Fearless

Happy Sunday!

Luke 21:26 describes a time to come when, "People will be so frightened that they will faint because of what is happening to the world."(CEV).  In every generation there are things that can produce fear.   Watch just 15 minutes of your local news broadcast and you can be tempted to fear!  Fear of carjacking on the street, fear of nuclear war, fear of economic hardship, and fear of the side affects of a medicine you need to survive are just a few.  Revelation 21:8 tells us that the "fearful" will spend eternity in Lake of Fire.  We definitely don't want to be there for ever, and ever.  How can I live a life without fear?  I'm so glad you asked!  Romans 10:17 tells us that, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God."(KJV).  

To live a life without fear, we must "lean on, rely in, and trust the Word of God"(Psalm 37:3, AMP).  To live a life without fear, the Word has to be more than just ink on a page.  The Word has to be "hidden in our hearts" so that when we are tempted to fear the Word rises up to squash it.(Psalm 119:11).   1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.(KJV).  Another translation of this scripture says, "Love contains no fear—indeed fully-developed love expels every particle of fear, for fear always contains some of the torture of feeling guilty. This means that the man who lives in fear has not yet had his love perfected."(Phillips).  Don't miss this!  When we understand and accept the fact that we are loved by God, we can live without fear.

As children we learned and sang, "Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so!"   Why did we have to repeat it so many times?  We repeated it then, and we repeat it now because our enemy the Devil is constantly lying and telling us that we are not loved, that we are not lovable, and that no one really cares about us.  Jesus described Satan as the "Father of Lies".(John 8:44).  He lies about everything!  Don't let him fool you!  If he's telling you anything, it's a lie.  And if it's not a full lie, he's bound to have twisted some truth by adding a lie.  Think about when Jesus was in the wilderness.  The enemy tried to tempt Jesus by perverting the Word.  “Jump off,” he said, “and prove you are the Son of God; for the Scriptures declare, ‘God will send his angels to keep you from harm,’ . . . they will prevent you from smashing on the rocks below.”(Matthew 4:6, Living Bible).   He was taking Psalm 91:11-12 out of context.  It says, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."(KJV).  Jesus didn't waste time arguing with the Devil, "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."(Matthew 4:7, KJV).  

Dr. Bill Winston said, "Any Believer that will not be AFRAID will always conquer.  The anointing that will flow will guarantee success!"    Fear Not!

Love and prayers, Cynthia


For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7(KJV)

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. - Matthew 10:26(KJV)

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. - Matthew 10:28(KJV)

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:31(KJV)

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. - Luke 12:32(KJV)

Unusual Thanks

Happy Sunday!

Pastor Carlos T. Brown, pastor of Word of Life Ministries in Collinsville, Illinois preached a message entitled, "Giving Thanks".  Before you tune me out, it was a refreshing message that actually put a twist on what we should be thankful for!   Thanksgiving ushers us into the Holiday season.  We rush past it on our merry way to Christmas.  Many times we are consumed with "me".  What will I get?  What will I buy?  What will I cook?  What ugly sweater will I wear to the company Christmas Party?  It can all produce quite a bit of anxiety.  Philippians 4:4-7 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."(KJV),

The Message Translation of this passage says, "Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!  Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life".  Don't miss this!   "It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life".    The Lord Jesus Christ can displace worry, anxiety, and fear.  Pastor Brown said, "Hope pulls us in one direction, and fear pulls us in another direction".  It's possible to be pulled apart by life, and in this life!  But God wants us to be changed from within.

Thankfulness is being "courteously respectful" to God!  When we respect God and come to him in modesty and gratefulness he can change us, and change our circumstances.  The Word says, "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."(Matthew 18:16b, KJV).  On our way home, we heard another pastor on the radio using the same scriptures and saying almost exactly what the Holy Spirit had given Pastor Brown.  He also spoke about being thankful for the unusual.  Do you have a sink full of dirty dishes?  Be thankful that you have food to eat.  Are there beds to be made, and clothes to be washed?  Be thankful that you have a place to live and comfortable bed.  Be thankful that you have numerous choices and are not limited to the clothes on your back.  Does your child run out of the house leaving the door wide open?  Be thankful your child can run, play, and is growing!  Do your parents need extra help, and care in their homes?  Be thankful that they are still with you, and that you have the opportunity to bless them!  Do you have to leave early in the morning to fill up the gas tank?  Be thankful that you have a car, and that you have the funds to fill the tank.  Be thankful that you have a job to go to!

I could go on and on...but I think you get the point.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."(KJV).  The Living Bible says, "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus".

No matter what happens, I'm giving thanks!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Me too!

Happy Sunday!

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 is a poetic and familiar scripture, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body."(KJV).  You know I love the Word, and can always find scripture application for life occurrences.  When you have time, read this scripture in other translations.  The Living Bible says it this way, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit.  We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.  These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within who keeps us safe". 

The last portion of verse 10 in the Living Translation is key, "so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within who keeps us safe".  Don't miss this!   The Apostle Paul knew all about struggles and trauma!  He wasn't just giving out cliches, or cute quotes.  He was speaking from life experience.  He'd been beaten, stoned with rocks, left for dead, and shipwrecked three times(2 Corinthians 11:25).   He would live under house arrest for years, and eventually be put to death.  But even when he considered death he was positive..."For to me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying—well, that’s better yet!"(Philippians 1:21, Living Bible).  Don't misunderstand, he was not suicidal, but he was aware that we win, even if we die.  

I've mentioned before, that I did not get to meet my biological father.  I'm still processing lots of life events, and it's easier because I have connected with some of my siblings on my father's side.  We had an opportunity to get together this weekend in Minnesota.  Conversations generally go back to the "why" behind all that we have experienced.  We will never know all of the details, but as we grow closer more of the pieces are put together and make more sense.  We do not make excuses for our father, but we do realize that he experienced trauma in his young life that undoubtedly affected him and his decision making processes.  What do you do with trauma?  How do we move on after painful experiences?  How do we live without fear?  Great questions!  I'm so glad you asked!  The Psalmist wrote, "From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; lead me to the rock that is higher than I [yes, a rock that is too high for me]."(Psalm 61:2, Amplified).  The Voice Translation says, "You are the One I will call when pushed to the edge"(Psalm 61:2).  When we are pushed to the edge emotionally, physically, and financially our only hope is the Love of God and our confidence and trust in Him.

Before you discount my understanding of hard things and trauma, let me tell you a story that very few people know.   At five years old I was molested by a cousin.  It was horrendous and made worse when another male family member, was told about it and said, "You let him do that, why didn't you let me?"  For decades, this event clouded my opinion of my self worth.  I thought it was my fault and that I was the evil one, and that I was to blame.  Fast forward many years, and it was revealed that other family members had suffered similar events.  One cousin even asked me if I'd had this experience too.  I lied and said I did not.  I apologize, and I hope that she will forgive me.  I even had a pastor who made a derogatory comment in response to Joyce Meyers testimony of abuse.  Since this woman never dealt with anything like this, she refused to believe it was true and said she believed it was an attention getting plot.  I assure you this is not the kind of attention any person, young or old is seeking.  Coping is not enough, healing is necessary.  I've been healed and am being healed daily.  I have forgiven my cousin, and I understand that he may have been a victim at some point himself.  Before one of my great-aunts passed away, she shed light on periods in his life where he was vulnerable because of bad decisions his mother made. 

Deuteronomy 22:15-27 says, "In this way you will reduce crime among you. But if this deed takes place out in the country, only the man shall die. The girl is as innocent as a murder victim; for it must be assumed that she screamed, but there was no one to hear and rescue her out in the field."(Living Bible).  This scripture talks about rape and our responsibility to "scream" or tell someone.  Our nation is buzzing about so many women in all walks of life finally revealing what they have endured.  I'm not against them in any way, but because I can relate I say it's important that we encourage others to tell someone immediately!  Don't wait decades!  Until these people are healed and delivered themselves, they will continue to hurt others.  When we bring their deeds out into the light, we can prevent them from doing more damage.  The enemy is a liar.  When we tell the truth, we shut his mouth!  In conversation with family several years ago, this cousin was mentioned, and it was revealed that he exposed himself and wanted that person to touch his genitals.  They refused.  I don't think you can imagine how I felt, knowing that perhaps I could have stopped this by telling someone back in the 70's.  

God is merciful!  He takes our mess and gives us a message. We have to be willing to tell the story.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

For Profit

Happy Sunday!

God is not Non-Profit!   I'll give you a moment to process this revelation.   From the very beginning, he intended for humankind to be productive.  Genesis 1:27-28 says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."(KJV).   Don't let your religious mind diminish the weight of this mandate.  God wants man to be profitable in every area of his life and existence.

Jesus picked up on this and told the parable of the talents.  Matthew 25:14 says, "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called HIS own servants, and delivered unto them HIS goods."(KJV).   The next few verses in the Living Bible translation are very interesting.  "He gave $5,000 to one, $2,000 to another, and $1,000 to the last—dividing it in Proportion to their Abilities—and then left on his trip.  The man who received the $5,000 began immediately to buy and sell with it and soon earned another $5,000.  The man with $2,000 went right to work, too, and earned another $2,000.  But the man who received the $1,000 dug a hole in the ground and hid the money for safekeeping."(vs 15-17).   Every time I read these scriptures, I hear Billie Holiday in my head.  "Them that's got shall get, them that's not shall lose.  So the Bible says, and it still is news.  Mama may have, Papa may have, but God bless the child that's got his own".   Ok, ok...pray for me!  I generally can find a song to fit most life events. 

Matthew 25:29-30 says, "For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."(KJV).   OUCH!  Don't miss this!  The Unprofitable Servant was to be banished from the Kingdom.   This is so different from what our society promotes.  Jesus is not against helping the poor, but he is totally against laziness.  In vs 26, the Master described the servant as, "wicked and slothful servant".(KJV).   The Easy-to-Read Version says, "You are a bad and lazy servant!"    The Message Version says it best, "The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest".  

What does this have to do with us?  Great question!  I'm so glad you asked!   Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to SPEND them as we should."(Living Bible).   Our days are a gift, they are currency.  God has invested life in you.  When he returns for you, or when he returns for us all...we will give an account of what we did with this gift.   Jesus said that we will even be required to give an account of our words spoken.  Matthew 12:36 says, "I tell you that men will have to answer at the day of judgment for every careless word they utter—for it is your words that will acquit you, and your words that will condemn you."(Phillips).    The unprofitable servant told the Master, "I was afraid."(Matthew 25:25, KJV).   Don't let fear cause you to miss out on God's Best!   

Love and prayers, Cynthia

No Fear

Happy Sunday!

Praying that you had a great day, and are ready for the new week!

Luke 18:7-8 says, " And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find FAITH on the earth?"(KJV).    Don't miss this!  Jesus is speaking here, using a parable to get his point across.  Then he asks will there be anyone who really believes when he returns.   Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."(KJV).    In the coming days, Faith will be more precious than gold.  Faith is a requirement.  As Dr. Bill Winston said today, "Faith is a mandatory course in our Christian Education".    Faith is the opposite of fear.   Revelation 21:8 tells us what will eventually happen to the fearful.  "But the FEARFUL, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."(KJV).   I've always thought that this was so extreme!  But in light of the fact that it's impossible to please God without faith, being fearful would mean that you never pleased God.

You may be thinking, "How can we live this life without fear?"  Great question!  So glad you asked!  There are so many things happening in our world that can entice us to fear!  It seems that there are no places that can really be considered safe.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, and evil people are just a few of the things the enemy uses to cause fear to grip our hearts.  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."(KJV).  The best way to fight fear is to trust God!  The safest place in the world is in the will of God.   The Word of God is the will of God.  He would be unjust to put us in this world and leave us unprotected and at the mercy of an enemy that wants us dead!  People lie and say, "You never know what God will do!"  Don't believe the hype!  You can go to the Bible and find out exactly what God will do!  First, He will never lie!  Numbers 23:19 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?"(KJV).    Second, His Word will stand forever, "This, beloved, is the truth: until heaven and earth disappear, not one letter, not one pen stroke, will disappear from the sacred law—for everything, everything in the sacred law will be fulfilled and accomplished."(Matthew 5:18, Voice).  

No natural man can defeat Satan!  That's why we need Christ in Us.  With Jesus in us and with us we overcome, "Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."(1 John 4:4, KJV).  When we know without a shadow of a doubt that we are loved by God, we can live fearlessly.  When we know that he will never leave us or forsake us, we can trust that he is with us wherever we go.   When we take the time to study His Word, we will learn that he has a great plan for us and wants us to thrive, and enjoy life!   Our trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.(1Timothy 6:17, Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Right place, right time...

Happy Sunday!  

One of my prayers for you and myself, is that we are always in the right place at the right time with the right information and the right understanding.  Not only is being in the right place important for us, but it could be a matter of life and death for another person.   God created each of us to be a blessing.  Even the smallest kind gesture may be enough to change someone's life.  I'm reminded of the period of time my uncle, Staff Sergeant Wallace Williams Jr. served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  When he returned home we asked about the events.  He informed us that every big news worthy event happened before or after his team left those locations.  I believe the angels of God made sure he was always in the right place at the right time.   It doesn't have to be war, simply  leaving your home each morning requires inside information.

Where can we get this inside information?  I'm so glad you asked!  Jesus said, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."(John 16:13, KJV).  Another translation of this scripture says, "The Spirit of truth will come and guide you in all truth. He will not speak His own words to you; He will speak what He hears, revealing to you the things to come and bringing glory to Me. The Spirit has unlimited access to Me, to all that I possess and know, just as everything the Father has is Mine. That is the reason I am confident He will care for My own and reveal the path to you."(vs 13-15, Voice).  Don't miss this!  The Holy Spirit is available to show us the right path.  One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 16:11..."Thou wilt shew me the PATH of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."(KJV).  

How does the Holy Spirit show us the right path?  Great question!  In 1 Kings 19:10-12, the Prophet Elijah complained that he was the only person left truly serving God.  God told him to go to a certain place and wait there.  A great wind passed by, and earthquake rumbled, and a fire blaze up, but God was not in those events.  Then he realized that God was in the "still small voice".   It makes me think of our ancestors saying, "I should have listened to my first mind!"   What they were saying was the first thought that was drowned out by the noise of other thoughts, was the right thought.  Have you ever noticed how loud the world is?  Why do we want to vacation in peaceful places with the beauty of nature?  Everyone has an opinion.  In the past, we may never have known about their opinions.  Now with media and Social Media, we are bombarded everyday with opinions.  Do you realize that your opinion really doesn't matter?  Take a moment to think it through, and put that stone down.  LOL!   Jesus said, "Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say are NOT my own but are from my Father who lives in me. And he does HIS work through me."(John 14:10, Living Bible).  What we believe, and what we say should line up with the Word of God.  What we live should not contradict what we see in the Word of God.  God will not ask us about our political affiliations.  But he will ask us about what we did with the life he gave us and how we treated others.  Jesus said, “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?" Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me."(Matthew 25:37-40, Message).

Our recent lessons in Children's Church are geared toward teaching the children to recognize the Voice of the Lord.  In one lesson example the teachers used a traffic signal to demonstrate how to hear God's voice.   The Green light is that soft peaceful feeling that it's Ok to go ahead.  My Aunt, Pastor Theaha McClendon always says, "The Peace of God, is the Yes of God".   The Yellow light represents that iffy feeling we sometimes have.  The thing we want to do may not be bad, but the timing may be bad.  I recently saw a quote that said, "Some people are good people, but they are not good for you". The Red light means stop!  Stop and pray about it!  Stop and get wisdom about it!  Stop and wait.   If we are truthful with ourselves, we can retrace our steps and see when and where we missed a Yellow or Red signal.   Thank God for forgiveness, and mercy.  

The Bible is our handbook, our guidebook, and our Love Letter from our loving father.  Have you ever had a letter or card you read over and over again?  After a while you learn the writing style of the sender.  If you ever get a letter and the style changes, you are likely to say, "He or she couldn't have written this!  They would never say this!"   That's how familiar we need to be with the Word of God.  When we know Him, we will know his voice and that voice will lead us to success,

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Enjoy Life

Happy Sunday!

It's been a full week, and a busy Sunday!  I had the opportunity to attend my youngest grandson's basketball game today.  He's 6 years old and watching "little people" play basketball is exciting and encouraging.  You are probably wondering, why?  Let me tell you.  They are still learning the game and they are having fun.  At one point, he even stopped to look over at us to smile.  Of course, the game was moving quickly and we motioned for him to pay attention.  We laughed, but he was just overjoyed to have his parents, his brother, three grandparents, an uncle, and a cousin all present to see him play.   His parents celebrated the fact that he listened and remembered where to go and what to do during the game, and that he played his defensive position as practiced.  Everything in life, brings me to the Word.  The Apostle John wrote, "It always gives me the greatest joy when I hear that my children are following the way of truth"(3 John 4, Voice).   We will never be God's adults.  We are forever the Children of God.  He is a loving and compassionate parent.  He wants us to have the best life.  John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may HAVE and ENJOY life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."(Amplified).

Like any good parent, God wants us to WIN!  He's given us everything it takes to succeed.  2 Peter 1:3-4 says, "Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust."(Message).   We have a part to play!  We must listen.  We must recognize the voice of God and follow it Only!   Proverbs 3:5-7 says, "Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.  Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil."(Easy-to-Read Version).  Don't miss this!  Just as the players have to trust their coaches and parents, we have to trust God.  God has been God forever.  He knows a lot more about this life than we do!  He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

God wants us to have fun!  When was the last time you had fun?  Oh, I know there are some stressful and scary things happening in our world but don't dwell on that and miss life.  The Apostle Paul had been beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, and much more, but he wrote, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"(2 Corinthians 4:17, KJV).  He considered everything he endured to be "light", small in comparison to what God has in store for us.  The psalmist also wrote, "The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one."(Psalm 34:19, Living Bible).   The Voice translation of this scripture says it this way, "Hard times may well be the plight of the righteous—they may often seem overwhelmed—but the Eternal rescues the righteous from what oppresses them".

Love and prayers, Cynthia

How to be Happy...

Happy Sunday!

How happy is the one whose wrongs are forgiven,
    whose sin is hidden from sight.
How happy is the person whose sin the Eternal will not take into account.
    How happy are those who no longer lie, to themselves or others.

When I refused to admit my wrongs, I was miserable,
    moaning and complaining all day long
    so that even my bones felt brittle.
Day and night, Your hand kept pressing on me.
    My strength dried up like water in the summer heat;
    You wore me down.

When I finally saw my own lies,
    I owned up to my sins before You,
    and I did not try to hide my evil deeds from You.
I said to myself, “I’ll admit all my sins to the Eternal,”
    and You lifted and carried away the guilt of my sin.

So let all who are devoted to You
    speak honestly to You now, while You are still listening.
For then when the floods come, surely the rushing water
    will not even reach them.

You are my hiding place.
    You will keep me out of trouble
    and envelop me with songs that remind me I am free.
I will teach you and tell you the way to go and how to get there;
    I will give you good counsel, and I will watch over you.

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.

Tormented and empty are wicked and destructive people,
    but the one who trusts in the Eternal is wrapped tightly in His gracious love.

Express your joy; be happy in Him, you who are good and true.
    Go ahead, shout and rejoice aloud, you whose hearts are honest and straightforward.

Psalm 32 (Voice)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Happiness is a Choice

Happy Sunday!

I hope your week was prosperous and enjoyable!  My week was full as usual and I noticed a few things that I want to share with you!

Happiness is a choice, and joy is a gift!  Take a moment to think about that!  This week as I was walking by the lake, I passed a group of runners.  Or should I say they passed me, since they were moving faster.  The first thing I noticed is that they were running on the wrong side of the trail.  As they got closer I could hear their accents.  I believe they were from an African country, probably in Chicago for the Chicago Marathon.  The man running in front proclaimed, "This is the happiest day of my life!"  Another man in the group was stunned, and said, "Really, how?"   They passed me before I could hear the first man's reply, but I was immediately encouraged.  Who knows what the man had to go through to get to this day, but he decided to be happy!  The Bible says, "Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord."(Psalm 144:15, KJV).  Don't miss this!  Happy are those whose God is the Lord!  It didn't say that happy are those who have everything they want!  It didn't say happy are those who never have trials and tribulation!  But it says, there are other reasons to be happy and basically following God,  getting His wisdom and obeying His commandments produces happiness.  I continued my walk and had a flashback to Sunday School as a child.  My favorite Sunday School Teacher, other than my mother was Mother Gertie Moore at First  Baptist Church of Chesterfield, in Chesterfield, Missouri.

My father may correct me, but I believe Mother Moore taught us the song, "Happiness is the Lord".  
The lyrics are...

Happiness is to know the Saviour,
Living a life within His favour,
Having a change in my behaviour,
Happiness is the Lord.
Happiness is a new creation,
Jesus and me in close relation,
Having a part in His salvation,
Happiness is the Lord.

Real joy is mine,
No matter if the teardrops start,
I've found a secret,
It's Jesus in my heart.
Happiness is to be forgiven,
Living a life that's worth the livin',
Taking a trip that leads to Heaven,
Happiness is the Lord.

Remember I said, Happiness is a choice, and joy is a gift?    We choose happiness when we obey God, but Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.  Galatians 5:22-25 says, "The Spirit however, produces in human life fruits such as these: love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, fidelity, tolerance and self-control—and no law exists against any of them. Those who Belong to Christ have crucified their old nature with all that it loved and lusted for. If our lives are centered in the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit."(Phillips Translation).  The Spirit of God produces Joy in our lives.  The Apostle James encouraged believers to, "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."(James 1:2-4, Message).  The King James Version of these same scriptures says, "My brethren, count it all JOY when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing".

This passage brings me to another thought...Patience is required when walking by Faith!  We live in a microwave generation!  As the JG Wentworth commercial says, "It's my money, and I want it now!"  I am employed by a major technology company.  I serve customers that many times are unreasonable. They refuse to follow instructions, ignore sound advice, and expect resolutions in micro and nanoseconds!  I was worn out by several customers on a certain day, and went on break.  In the restroom, the place for deep thought, I said to the Lord, "I don't think I'm cut out for Customer Service! These people are crazy!  They don't want listen, but expect to get everything they ask for!"   In my spirit, I heard the Lord say, "I know what you mean!  How do you think I feel?"   My jaw dropped! Whoa!  Everybody wants to sing about the Blessing, but no one wants to obey!  Everyone wants the Best from God, but no one wants to wait.  We want magic, but God requires patience.

Last but not least, my Pastor, Dr. Bill Winston said today, "Your problems are gift-wrapped promotions!"   I'll just leave that there for you!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

More Than Enough in Tough Times

Happy Sunday!

WOW!  It's October 1, 2017!  Where has the year gone?  If you made any New Year's Resolutions time is ticking...get busy!  

Last week, I was blessed by several sermons by Brother Jerry Savelle.

One sermon I listened to, was entitled, "More Than Enough in Tough Times".   Psalm 37:18-19 says, "The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.  They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."(KJV).   The Message translation of this scripture says, "God keeps track of the decent folk; what they do won’t soon be forgotten.  In hard times, they’ll hold their heads high; when the shelves are bare, they’ll be full".  What a wonderful promise!   

If we are doing what God has instructed us to do, we can expect his provision, and protection!   The Apostle Paul wrote, "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."(Philippians 1:6, Living Bible).   God is concerned about you!  He has not forgotten you, even though things may look bad.   Daily we need to remind ourselves of what being Blessed really means!   Psalm 34:10 says, "The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing."(Amplified).  Don't miss this!  We will not lack any beneficial thing!

Genesis 22 recounts the story of Abraham when God commanded him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice.  After three days, they arrived at the place.  Abraham told his servants to wait while he and Isaac went to worship.  He also said in faith, "I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you."(vs 5, KJV).  Abraham believed the promise of God that his descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky, and the grains of sand.  He trusted that even if Isaac died, God would raise him from the dead to keep His promise.  Abraham was teaching Isaac the ways of worship.  In verse 7, Isaac says, "My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"(KJV).  Isaac knew that something was missing.  Abraham again speaks in faith..."My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering"(KJV).  Abraham called God, Jehovah Jireh.  Jehovah Jireh means God sees beforehand and provides.  When Abraham raised the knife to slay Isaac, he was commanded to stop and behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket.  How long was the ram caught in the thicket?  We may never know, but God always provides.

Romans 4:18-21 speaks about Abraham, "So, when God told Abraham that he would give him a son who would have many descendants and become a great nation, Abraham believed God even though such a promise just couldn’t come to pass! And because his faith was strong, he didn’t worry about the fact that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred, and that Sarah his wife, at ninety,  was also much too old to have a baby.  But Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for this blessing even before it happened. He was completely sure that God was well able to do anything he promised."(Living Bible).  

Walking by Faith, not by sight.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

https://youtu.be/dxvfk5oif5Q

The End of the World

Happy Sunday!

I hope you had a wonderful week!  Also I'm thankful that your world did not end on September 23, 2017.  It may seem comical after the fact, but many people may have really believed that the end had come.  I happened to listen to a TED Talk this week.  The young man recounted being a child in a small Texas town in 1999.  He and his family were members of a church that believed the world would end and the rapture would occur as the year 2000 began.  They all knelt at the altar praying fervently awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.  What shock, horror, and disappointment they all felt when life continued even after y2k.  This event has scarred this man and caused him to doubt God, and the people of God.  I'm saddened for him, but I can recall several scriptures that could have brought clarity in this situation.  The Bible reminds us that wisdom, and knowledge are necessary to live a victorious life.  Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"(KJV).

Even Jesus did not know when the world as we know it would end.  In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."(KJV).   What Jesus stressed more so was readiness.  Matthew 24:44 says, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."(KJV).  Read Matthew 24 for yourself.  Yes, I have to admit the things that Jesus described are definitely happening in our world today.  He said there would be wars, and rumors of wars, famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes.  But in Matthew 24:8 he warned that, "All these are the beginning of sorrows."(KJV).  WOW!  That's scary!  This is only the beginning?  Yes, he goes on to describe even more trouble..."Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and killed. People all over the world will hate you because you believe in ME. During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other.  Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong. There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold.  But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.  And the Good News I have shared about God’s kingdom will be told throughout the world. It will be spread to every nation. Then the end will come."(Matthew 24:9:14, Easy-to-Read Version).  

Don't miss this!  1 John 3:8 says, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.  When we follow Jesus, his mission becomes our mission!  Our purpose and life goal should be to destroy the works of the devil everyday!   In Matthew 24, Jesus said the Good News that he preached would be preached to the entire world, then the end will come.  Each day as you do your part to fight poverty, ignorance, sickness, injustice, homelessness, hopelessness, depression, sadness, and sin...you are helping to bring the return of our Lord closer.  

It will take time and effort to study the Word for yourself.  But in the Bible times, even the blind and lame were made to work.  OK, I know what you are thinking...she's really lost it now!  But read it for yourself.  The blind and lame were taken to the local thoroughfares by their families to beg.  Sounds like work to me.  No disability checks!  No welfare!  They were expected to use what they had to improve their lives, even if it was just their voice used to ask for money!  Jesus told a story in Luke 16:19-20, "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was LAID at his gate, full of sores,"(KJV).   Mark 10:46 says, "And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, SAT by the highway side begging."(KJV).  And Acts 3:2 says, "And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they LAID daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;"(KJV).  So there is no excuse for us!  If you miss out on God's best because of your own laziness and ignorance don't blame the Man. 

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Finish Strong

Happy Sunday!

I hope that you are well, and that you enjoyed the weekend and are ready for the new week!  My daughter, Crystal ran and completed the Fox Valley Marathon for the second time today.  At first, I planned to do what I'd done two years ago.  That was to ensure she was at the race on time, watch her start the race, and then go to the car to sleep.  She ran 26.2 miles, just enough time for a lovely nap.  Of course, I would have been sure to wake in time to see her cross the finish line.  However, I was informed of a need for volunteers to be Course Marshalls and I signed up.  The Course Marshall stands at various positions along the route to ensure runners, and local cars and pedestrians don't accidentally collide.  I was positioned near a fork in the road, less than a mile from the finish line.  The local police basically did the hard work.  They blocked off one of the streets completely then directed automobile traffic along one lane. 

I am a perpetual learner.  So want to share a few things I learned, or was reminded of today.  

Kindness and encouragement are understood in any language, by any race, or creed.   With the state of racial affairs in this country, and the ability of our local media outlets to find and promote everything negative it was refreshing to see that everyone of any race is not all bad.  Of course, I know this and believe it no matter what they say on the news, but I worked with a young African American man today named Joe.  Joe was genuinely amazed at how friendly all of the runners, police, and local pedestrians were.  In most cases, they spoke to him first.  They acknowledged him with good eye contact, and without any fear or trepidation.  The race starts and ends in a small Illinois city called St. Charles.  St. Charles has over 93% white listed in it demographics.  Since we didn't have to worry about traffic, we just cheered for the runners.  The runners were grateful.  Some were even in tears, but thanked us for being there and continued their race.  I saw one young lady at the finish line later, she was rejoicing with her family.  Just a bit earlier, she was in tears and not sure she could make it.  Just a word or two of encouragement could be the difference in someone finishing their race strong.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing."(Easy-to-Read Version).

Age is just a number.  You decide.  Many runners that we would consider Senior Citizens completed the race.  These athletes were not the last to cross the finish line by any means!  They were ahead of most and in the pack.   One runner was 84 years old.  Yes, 84!  He completed 13.1 miles the half-marathon goal.  Are you encouraged yet?  You should be, or perhaps ashamed as I was that I am not doing better.  Our bodies are amazing creations of God with far more potential than we realize.  God intended our bodies to last forever just like our spirits, but sin entered the picture and these bodies began to die.  Genesis 5:27 says, Methuselah lived 969 years.  Moses was 120 years old when he died, and Caleb said, "So here I am. The Eternal has spared my life these 45 years since He spoke this to Moses while Israel was in the wilderness. Here I am today, 85 years old, still as strong today as I was when Moses sent me into this country, able to fight and able to work."(Joshua 14:10-11, Voice).  Change is required.  But as the great prophetess, Whitney Houston once sang, "I believe in you, and me!"

Love and prayers, Cynthia