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)