Happy Sunday!
Happy New Year!
Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in NEWNESS of life."(KJV). Don't miss this! Not just on New Year's Day, but everyday we are to walk in newness of life.
Every day we have another chance. One minister compared it to being resurrected every morning. Think about it. You may not remember when you fell asleep, you may not remember if you dreamed...and you have no idea what happened during that time. But miraculously, you were awakened. Lamentations 3:22-13 says, "We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. Every morning he shows it in NEW ways! You are so very true and loyal!"(Easy-to-Read Version).
Titus 3:5 says, "He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us NEW birth and a fresh beginning."(CEV). Isn't that what we all want? A fresh new beginning? A chance to start again? Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III reminded us of the necessity of the Holy Spirit. We need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and daily filled with the Holy Spirit. We must have the power, wisdom, and guidance of the Holy Spirit to make the most of this new life, and new year. We can lean on, trust in, and rely on the Holy Spirit to help us.
This discussion brought to mind an old familiar song, one of my Mother's favorites. It's entitled, "Yield Not to Temptation". The chorus says, "Ask the Savior to help you, Comfort, strengthen, and keep you; He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through". Admit that you don't know it all, and ask the One who does.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Don't Fret...
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 37:34 says, "Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed."(Living Bible).
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III, encouraged us today. I remember memorizing portions of Psalm 37, but I don't know how long it's been since I read it, or thought of it. The Psalmist had lived and experienced a lot in his life. In verse 25, he says, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."(KJV). He had learned that it may appear that the evil are living the good life, but suddenly the tables will turn. Now, we aren't supposed to be wishing for bad things to happen to evil people. We should love them with the love of the Lord, and pray that their hearts will be changed, and turned to God.
Verses 1-4 say, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."(KJV). Don't miss this! God does not want you to be anxious or fretful about anything or anyone. The Apostle Paul reminds us, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."(Amplified).
God has got this! He knows about it all! He sees it all, and he's ready for you to TRUST Him. Trust his love for you! Trust that he has a good plan for your life. Trust that He is concerned about even the most minute detail of your existence. Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will work out his plans for my life..."(Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 37:34 says, "Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed."(Living Bible).
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III, encouraged us today. I remember memorizing portions of Psalm 37, but I don't know how long it's been since I read it, or thought of it. The Psalmist had lived and experienced a lot in his life. In verse 25, he says, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."(KJV). He had learned that it may appear that the evil are living the good life, but suddenly the tables will turn. Now, we aren't supposed to be wishing for bad things to happen to evil people. We should love them with the love of the Lord, and pray that their hearts will be changed, and turned to God.
Verses 1-4 say, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."(KJV). Don't miss this! God does not want you to be anxious or fretful about anything or anyone. The Apostle Paul reminds us, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."(Amplified).
God has got this! He knows about it all! He sees it all, and he's ready for you to TRUST Him. Trust his love for you! Trust that he has a good plan for your life. Trust that He is concerned about even the most minute detail of your existence. Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will work out his plans for my life..."(Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Blame it on the Rain...
Happy Sunday!
"The man said, “The woman you put here with me gave me fruit from that tree. So I ate it.”(Genesis 3:12, Easy-to-Read Version). The Blame Game has been played since the beginning of time. Adam blamed God and Eve, and Eve blamed the snake. So many times we don't want to take responsibility for our actions, choices, and decisions. But ultimately, we will have to, and we definitely need to face the facts.
Long before Dave Ramsey, Gary and Drenda Keesee, and Chris Hogan, there was Dr. John Avanzini. In the early 1990's, Dr. John Avanzini ministered at Abundant Love Fellowship in Cahokia, Illinois. I was privileged to be there and hear the ministry about God's Abundance and being Debt Free. It was fresh, exciting, and new. My husband and I bought the "Rooty Tooty Fresh & Fruity" package for $100.00 which included several books and many cassette tapes. One of the books was entitled, "It's Not Working Brother John". The book listed 25 things that can close the Windows of Heaven. The book encouraged the readers to look at themselves, and not play the blame game.
Introspection, self-analysis, self-examination, and soul-searching are so very helpful and prevent placing blame. But even though I was armed with all of this information back then, it's 2018, almost 2019 and I still have more work to do financially. I could blame being reared in poverty, I could blame my teachers, preachers, and family members. I could blame the government, or the social and racial constructs. BUT when it's all said and done...there are people that have less than I have, and yet they have done more. They made better choices...it's as simple as that.
BUT thank God it's not too late for me or you! James 1:5 says, "If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking."(Voice). Don't miss this! He never scolds us for the bad decisions. He lovingly provides the answers we need and another chance to get it right.
I'm against resolutions, but I'm all for Goals. Set realistic short, and long term goals. Write it down, or place it on a Vision Board. Find the knowledge in the Word of God, in books, and other resources then pray for Wisdom to know how to apply what you learn to your daily life. Proverbs 3:13 says, "Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
"The man said, “The woman you put here with me gave me fruit from that tree. So I ate it.”(Genesis 3:12, Easy-to-Read Version). The Blame Game has been played since the beginning of time. Adam blamed God and Eve, and Eve blamed the snake. So many times we don't want to take responsibility for our actions, choices, and decisions. But ultimately, we will have to, and we definitely need to face the facts.
Long before Dave Ramsey, Gary and Drenda Keesee, and Chris Hogan, there was Dr. John Avanzini. In the early 1990's, Dr. John Avanzini ministered at Abundant Love Fellowship in Cahokia, Illinois. I was privileged to be there and hear the ministry about God's Abundance and being Debt Free. It was fresh, exciting, and new. My husband and I bought the "Rooty Tooty Fresh & Fruity" package for $100.00 which included several books and many cassette tapes. One of the books was entitled, "It's Not Working Brother John". The book listed 25 things that can close the Windows of Heaven. The book encouraged the readers to look at themselves, and not play the blame game.
Introspection, self-analysis, self-examination, and soul-searching are so very helpful and prevent placing blame. But even though I was armed with all of this information back then, it's 2018, almost 2019 and I still have more work to do financially. I could blame being reared in poverty, I could blame my teachers, preachers, and family members. I could blame the government, or the social and racial constructs. BUT when it's all said and done...there are people that have less than I have, and yet they have done more. They made better choices...it's as simple as that.
BUT thank God it's not too late for me or you! James 1:5 says, "If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking."(Voice). Don't miss this! He never scolds us for the bad decisions. He lovingly provides the answers we need and another chance to get it right.
I'm against resolutions, but I'm all for Goals. Set realistic short, and long term goals. Write it down, or place it on a Vision Board. Find the knowledge in the Word of God, in books, and other resources then pray for Wisdom to know how to apply what you learn to your daily life. Proverbs 3:13 says, "Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Comfort and Joy...
Happy Sunday!
John 17:14 says, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."(KJV). We all want to be liked. But the truth is, we may never be liked, applauded, or accepted in this world. Jesus said it's because we are not OF this world. There's no need to feel bad about this, but sometimes we forget. We are looking to the world expecting better and they don't inherently have better to offer.
Jesus described it like this, "You are just like your true father, the devil; and you spend your time pursuing the things your father loves. He started out as a killer, and he cannot tolerate truth because he is void of anything true. At the core of his character, he is a liar; everything he speaks originates in these lies because he is the father of lies."(John 8:44, Voice). Don't miss this! Just like it is easy to tell who a child's biological father is, it's easy to tell who our spiritual father is. Don't brag about being a Christian and then live like the devil.
So back to being liked...when we are hated, mistreated, and passed over on the job. We want to retaliate. We want revenge. Romans 12:19 tells us, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."(KJV). Another translation of this scripture says it like this, "Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands."(Living Bible).
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Christ In You", with the subtitle, "The Comforter Has Come". We are familiar with Isaiah 61. Jesus read this passage in Luke 4:18-19. Jesus stopped at "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord", but the Holy Spirit has been sent to finish the passage. It's lengthy, but it's encouraging..."and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them."(Isaiah 61:2b-7, KJV).
The Holy Spirit has come to comfort all that mourn, and to declare a day of vengeance. We don't have to worry about getting revenge, it's all being taken care of. What we need to do is obey. John 14:12-15 says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. IF ye LOVE me, KEEP my commandments."(KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
John 17:14 says, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."(KJV). We all want to be liked. But the truth is, we may never be liked, applauded, or accepted in this world. Jesus said it's because we are not OF this world. There's no need to feel bad about this, but sometimes we forget. We are looking to the world expecting better and they don't inherently have better to offer.
Jesus described it like this, "You are just like your true father, the devil; and you spend your time pursuing the things your father loves. He started out as a killer, and he cannot tolerate truth because he is void of anything true. At the core of his character, he is a liar; everything he speaks originates in these lies because he is the father of lies."(John 8:44, Voice). Don't miss this! Just like it is easy to tell who a child's biological father is, it's easy to tell who our spiritual father is. Don't brag about being a Christian and then live like the devil.
So back to being liked...when we are hated, mistreated, and passed over on the job. We want to retaliate. We want revenge. Romans 12:19 tells us, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."(KJV). Another translation of this scripture says it like this, "Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands."(Living Bible).
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Christ In You", with the subtitle, "The Comforter Has Come". We are familiar with Isaiah 61. Jesus read this passage in Luke 4:18-19. Jesus stopped at "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord", but the Holy Spirit has been sent to finish the passage. It's lengthy, but it's encouraging..."and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them."(Isaiah 61:2b-7, KJV).
The Holy Spirit has come to comfort all that mourn, and to declare a day of vengeance. We don't have to worry about getting revenge, it's all being taken care of. What we need to do is obey. John 14:12-15 says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. IF ye LOVE me, KEEP my commandments."(KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, December 2, 2018
ALL means All...
Happy Sunday!
"Then, knowing what lies ahead for you, you won’t become bored with being a Christian nor become spiritually dull and indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive ALL that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience."(Hebrews 6:12, Living Bible).
Because of their strong faith and patience the people in the previous scripture received all that God had promised them. Don't you want everything you are promised? Of course you do! You don't go in and order a fully loaded vehicle, and then accept a stock model with manual windows. You want what you were promised, what you ordered, or what you paid for. Jesus paid it all! He paid for your life, healing, well being and prosperity. Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was hurt because of us; he suffered so. Our wrongdoing wounded and crushed him. He endured the breaking that made us whole. The injuries he suffered became our healing."(Voice).
Psalm 78:41 sheds some light on why the Children of Israel missed out on the Promises of God, "Again and again they turned away and tempted God to kill them, and limited the Holy One of Israel from giving them his blessings."(Living Bible). WOW! What were they doing that made God so angry? I'll tell you what they were doing, and we sometimes do these things as well. Murmuring and complaining, speaking against their leaders, and doubting if God would provide for them.
The Apostle Paul offers a bit of encouragement for us, "Let us not grow tired of doing good, for, unless we throw in our hand, the ultimate harvest is assured. Let us then do good to all men as opportunity offers, especially to those who belong to the Christian household."(Galatians 6:7, Phillips).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
"Then, knowing what lies ahead for you, you won’t become bored with being a Christian nor become spiritually dull and indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive ALL that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience."(Hebrews 6:12, Living Bible).
Because of their strong faith and patience the people in the previous scripture received all that God had promised them. Don't you want everything you are promised? Of course you do! You don't go in and order a fully loaded vehicle, and then accept a stock model with manual windows. You want what you were promised, what you ordered, or what you paid for. Jesus paid it all! He paid for your life, healing, well being and prosperity. Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was hurt because of us; he suffered so. Our wrongdoing wounded and crushed him. He endured the breaking that made us whole. The injuries he suffered became our healing."(Voice).
Psalm 78:41 sheds some light on why the Children of Israel missed out on the Promises of God, "Again and again they turned away and tempted God to kill them, and limited the Holy One of Israel from giving them his blessings."(Living Bible). WOW! What were they doing that made God so angry? I'll tell you what they were doing, and we sometimes do these things as well. Murmuring and complaining, speaking against their leaders, and doubting if God would provide for them.
The Apostle Paul offers a bit of encouragement for us, "Let us not grow tired of doing good, for, unless we throw in our hand, the ultimate harvest is assured. Let us then do good to all men as opportunity offers, especially to those who belong to the Christian household."(Galatians 6:7, Phillips).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Expectation
Happy Sunday!
The wind is howling outside my window, and the rain has turned icy and hard. We are expecting a Blizzard in the Chicagoland area tonight. Although, we act "brand new" every winter, these occurrences are not new. Genesis 8:22 says, "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."(KJV). Don't miss this! There are some things in life that cannot be avoided. Well, you can move to a warmer climate. But even when we lived in Arizona there were differences in the seasons. October to April you just knew it was paradise, then May and June would usher in the Monsoon Season. Then Summer in all it's glory would darken your skin, turn you into a recluse, and make you feel like a raisin.
What are you expecting? Psalm 62:5 says, "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my Expectation is from him."(KJV). The psalmist acknowledged that his expectation was from God. Well then, what is God's expectation for you? Jeremiah 29:11 gives us an idea, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an Expected end."(KJV). God wants the best for you, and you should want the same.
1 Peter 5:7 says, "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern."(Phillips). Isn't that a beautiful translation and reminder? You are His personal concern. He's thinking about you right now, and he's got plans to take good care of you. He's constant like the seasons, and he's faithful to His Word! The Apostle Paul gave us the key, "Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
The wind is howling outside my window, and the rain has turned icy and hard. We are expecting a Blizzard in the Chicagoland area tonight. Although, we act "brand new" every winter, these occurrences are not new. Genesis 8:22 says, "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."(KJV). Don't miss this! There are some things in life that cannot be avoided. Well, you can move to a warmer climate. But even when we lived in Arizona there were differences in the seasons. October to April you just knew it was paradise, then May and June would usher in the Monsoon Season. Then Summer in all it's glory would darken your skin, turn you into a recluse, and make you feel like a raisin.
What are you expecting? Psalm 62:5 says, "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my Expectation is from him."(KJV). The psalmist acknowledged that his expectation was from God. Well then, what is God's expectation for you? Jeremiah 29:11 gives us an idea, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an Expected end."(KJV). God wants the best for you, and you should want the same.
1 Peter 5:7 says, "You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern."(Phillips). Isn't that a beautiful translation and reminder? You are His personal concern. He's thinking about you right now, and he's got plans to take good care of you. He's constant like the seasons, and he's faithful to His Word! The Apostle Paul gave us the key, "Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Believe and Receive
Happy Sunday!
Praying that you have a great Thanksgiving week! I'm thankful for the time you take to allow me to share with you. I'm praying that God will continue to Bless you in all you do.
You know I love sharing excerpts from Barry Bennett. Enjoy!
Believe and Receive
By Barry Bennett
The key to effective prayer is to believe without doubting that you already have the desired outcome. We don’t speak to our mountains in order to convince ourselves or build our faith. We speak to our mountains because we know that they must submit to us
It is as if we were speaking to a disobedient dog. If we know that as the dog’s owner we have authority over the dog, we use that authority without thinking twice. The dog knows our voice and our mannerisms and the dog knows our authority.
If we are speaking to a strange dog, we can’t really be sure if it is going to listen to our rebuke or not. There isn’t the same certainty and confidence. We speak to it ‘hoping’ that it will respond as we wish. But until we ‘see’ the results, we don’t believe. We are walking by sight, not by faith. However, with our own dog, we already know the results even before we speak. That dog is going to obey or suffer the consequences. There is no doubt.
It is the same way in prayer. Speaking to our problems or sicknesses before we are convinced will seldom have much effect. The key to effective prayer is to know the outcome ahead of time. We are so convinced of the will of God, of our authority in Christ and of the spiritual and physical outcome that speaking to the problem is just the final piece of the puzzle. It puts into motion that which is already seen in the Spirit.
Therefore, the necessary time must be spent in the Word and prayer until the assurance is manifested in our heart. When the Spirit bears witness with our spirit, then we know that our words will effect change in the invisible and visible worlds. There is no formula for this. It is the fruit of a relationship with God through His Word that brings us to a place of complete confidence, faith and authority through Jesus. - By Barry Bennett
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Praying that you have a great Thanksgiving week! I'm thankful for the time you take to allow me to share with you. I'm praying that God will continue to Bless you in all you do.
You know I love sharing excerpts from Barry Bennett. Enjoy!
Believe and Receive
By Barry Bennett
The key to effective prayer is to believe without doubting that you already have the desired outcome. We don’t speak to our mountains in order to convince ourselves or build our faith. We speak to our mountains because we know that they must submit to us
It is as if we were speaking to a disobedient dog. If we know that as the dog’s owner we have authority over the dog, we use that authority without thinking twice. The dog knows our voice and our mannerisms and the dog knows our authority.
If we are speaking to a strange dog, we can’t really be sure if it is going to listen to our rebuke or not. There isn’t the same certainty and confidence. We speak to it ‘hoping’ that it will respond as we wish. But until we ‘see’ the results, we don’t believe. We are walking by sight, not by faith. However, with our own dog, we already know the results even before we speak. That dog is going to obey or suffer the consequences. There is no doubt.
It is the same way in prayer. Speaking to our problems or sicknesses before we are convinced will seldom have much effect. The key to effective prayer is to know the outcome ahead of time. We are so convinced of the will of God, of our authority in Christ and of the spiritual and physical outcome that speaking to the problem is just the final piece of the puzzle. It puts into motion that which is already seen in the Spirit.
Therefore, the necessary time must be spent in the Word and prayer until the assurance is manifested in our heart. When the Spirit bears witness with our spirit, then we know that our words will effect change in the invisible and visible worlds. There is no formula for this. It is the fruit of a relationship with God through His Word that brings us to a place of complete confidence, faith and authority through Jesus. - By Barry Bennett
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Humble
Happy Sunday!
John 10:10 says, "The thief comes with the sole intention of stealing and killing and destroying, but I came to bring them life, and far more life than before."(Phillips).
What if I gave you my car keys. You are free to use the car and go wherever you need to go. You have the keys. But you keep coming to me, crying, begging, and pleading with me to give you the keys so that you can go somewhere. I look at you like you have lost your mind. I already gave you the keys, and permission to go.
2 Peter 1:3 says, "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence."(NLT). Don't miss this! God has given us everything we need. We have the proverbial Keys. We have dominion. We have the Power to make a difference.
This year and this month have been full of tragedies. All over social media we are "praying" for one group or another, or one state or another. With so much prayer, why isn't anything changing? I'm serious. 1 John 5:14-15 says, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."(KJV). This scripture says, "ask any thing according to his will". It's His will for us to live in safety and not fear being gunned down in a bar. It's His will for our homes to be safe and protected from hurricanes, and floods. So what's missing?
Dr. Dharius Daniels has a possible answer. He reminds us that the Word tells us the responsibility falls on the people of God. We seem to have hit all of the necessary points except, "humbling ourselves". 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."(KJV). When we humble ourselves we acknowledge that we need help. We can't do this life thing on our own. We need help, and the help we need is supernatural.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
John 10:10 says, "The thief comes with the sole intention of stealing and killing and destroying, but I came to bring them life, and far more life than before."(Phillips).
What if I gave you my car keys. You are free to use the car and go wherever you need to go. You have the keys. But you keep coming to me, crying, begging, and pleading with me to give you the keys so that you can go somewhere. I look at you like you have lost your mind. I already gave you the keys, and permission to go.
2 Peter 1:3 says, "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence."(NLT). Don't miss this! God has given us everything we need. We have the proverbial Keys. We have dominion. We have the Power to make a difference.
This year and this month have been full of tragedies. All over social media we are "praying" for one group or another, or one state or another. With so much prayer, why isn't anything changing? I'm serious. 1 John 5:14-15 says, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."(KJV). This scripture says, "ask any thing according to his will". It's His will for us to live in safety and not fear being gunned down in a bar. It's His will for our homes to be safe and protected from hurricanes, and floods. So what's missing?
Dr. Dharius Daniels has a possible answer. He reminds us that the Word tells us the responsibility falls on the people of God. We seem to have hit all of the necessary points except, "humbling ourselves". 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."(KJV). When we humble ourselves we acknowledge that we need help. We can't do this life thing on our own. We need help, and the help we need is supernatural.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Gifts
Happy Sunday!
2 Corinthians 9:15 says, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."(KJV). Today we celebrated my youngest grandson's 8th Birthday. What a great gift he is to our family. I also mentioned to my students in Children's Church today, that they are gifts to their parents from the Lord. Psalm 127:3 says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."(KJV). Another translation says, "Know this: children are a gift from the Eternal; the fruit of the womb is His reward."(Voice).
Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving! Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that he gives us mercy everyday, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."(KJV). Exodus 23:25-26 tells us, "But you—you serve your God and he’ll bless your food and your water. I’ll get rid of the sickness among you; there won’t be any miscarriages nor barren women in your land. I’ll make sure you live full and complete lives."(Message). Don't miss this! God wants us to enjoy full and complete lives. Full and Complete!
3 John 2 follows this same pattern, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers."(Amplified). You are a gift from God, Jesus is a gift from God to us, and we should be gifts to the world. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 says, "Thanks be to God who leads us, wherever we are, on his own triumphant way and makes our knowledge of him spread throughout the world like a lovely perfume! We Christians have the unmistakable “scent” of Christ, discernible alike to those who are being saved and to those who are heading for death. To the latter it seems like the very smell of doom, to the former it has the fresh fragrance of life itself."(Phillips). Another translation of this passage says, "But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume."(Living Bible).
We should be like a sweet perfume in this dark world! We should stand out for good things. People should see our lives and come asking, "What must I do to be saved?"(Acts 16:30, KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
2 Corinthians 9:15 says, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."(KJV). Today we celebrated my youngest grandson's 8th Birthday. What a great gift he is to our family. I also mentioned to my students in Children's Church today, that they are gifts to their parents from the Lord. Psalm 127:3 says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."(KJV). Another translation says, "Know this: children are a gift from the Eternal; the fruit of the womb is His reward."(Voice).
Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving! Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that he gives us mercy everyday, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."(KJV). Exodus 23:25-26 tells us, "But you—you serve your God and he’ll bless your food and your water. I’ll get rid of the sickness among you; there won’t be any miscarriages nor barren women in your land. I’ll make sure you live full and complete lives."(Message). Don't miss this! God wants us to enjoy full and complete lives. Full and Complete!
3 John 2 follows this same pattern, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers."(Amplified). You are a gift from God, Jesus is a gift from God to us, and we should be gifts to the world. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 says, "Thanks be to God who leads us, wherever we are, on his own triumphant way and makes our knowledge of him spread throughout the world like a lovely perfume! We Christians have the unmistakable “scent” of Christ, discernible alike to those who are being saved and to those who are heading for death. To the latter it seems like the very smell of doom, to the former it has the fresh fragrance of life itself."(Phillips). Another translation of this passage says, "But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume."(Living Bible).
We should be like a sweet perfume in this dark world! We should stand out for good things. People should see our lives and come asking, "What must I do to be saved?"(Acts 16:30, KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Weak
Happy Sunday!
"Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah and David and Samuel and all the other prophets. These people all TRUSTED God and as a result won battles, overthrew kingdoms, ruled their people well, and received what God had promised them; they were kept from harm in a den of lions and in a fiery furnace. Some, through their faith, escaped death by the sword. Some were made strong again after they had been weak or sick. Others were given great power in battle; they made whole armies turn and run away."(Hebrews 11:33-34, Living Bible).
It's good to recall the stories of Faith. That's probably why the word, "remember" is mentioned so often in the Bible. We tend to forget. Jesus said, "So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries."(Matthew 6:34, Easy-to-Read Version). So many times we get pulled into the concerns for today, and forget that God is faithful everyday. Take a moment, close your eyes and think back over your life. If you are like me, "You've come a long way baby!" Don't take this lightly. What you have overcome has sent many others over the edge!
Today, Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached, "The Weapon of Weakness". We all focus on our strengths. We tout them in our resumes, and on our social media profiles but we rarely mention our weaknesses. Most of the time we don't even know we have a weakness until a stressful situation reveals it. Moses was reared in the palace of Pharaoh. He was a prince, and didn't need anything or anyone. But when destiny and purpose came to call he realized his weaknesses. Exodus 4:10-12 says, "And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."(KJV).
God is not impressed by our strengths or surprised by our weaknesses. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Three times I begged the Lord for it to leave me, but his reply has been, “My grace is enough for you: for where there is weakness, my power is shown the more completely.” Therefore, I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ. I can even enjoy weaknesses, suffering, privations, persecutions and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For my very weakness makes me strong in him."(2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Phillips). Don't miss this! We are strong in Him. Philippians 4:13 says it best, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."(KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
"Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah and David and Samuel and all the other prophets. These people all TRUSTED God and as a result won battles, overthrew kingdoms, ruled their people well, and received what God had promised them; they were kept from harm in a den of lions and in a fiery furnace. Some, through their faith, escaped death by the sword. Some were made strong again after they had been weak or sick. Others were given great power in battle; they made whole armies turn and run away."(Hebrews 11:33-34, Living Bible).
It's good to recall the stories of Faith. That's probably why the word, "remember" is mentioned so often in the Bible. We tend to forget. Jesus said, "So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries."(Matthew 6:34, Easy-to-Read Version). So many times we get pulled into the concerns for today, and forget that God is faithful everyday. Take a moment, close your eyes and think back over your life. If you are like me, "You've come a long way baby!" Don't take this lightly. What you have overcome has sent many others over the edge!
Today, Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached, "The Weapon of Weakness". We all focus on our strengths. We tout them in our resumes, and on our social media profiles but we rarely mention our weaknesses. Most of the time we don't even know we have a weakness until a stressful situation reveals it. Moses was reared in the palace of Pharaoh. He was a prince, and didn't need anything or anyone. But when destiny and purpose came to call he realized his weaknesses. Exodus 4:10-12 says, "And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."(KJV).
God is not impressed by our strengths or surprised by our weaknesses. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Three times I begged the Lord for it to leave me, but his reply has been, “My grace is enough for you: for where there is weakness, my power is shown the more completely.” Therefore, I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ. I can even enjoy weaknesses, suffering, privations, persecutions and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For my very weakness makes me strong in him."(2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Phillips). Don't miss this! We are strong in Him. Philippians 4:13 says it best, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."(KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Not Today Satan?
Happy Sunday!
Luke 4:8 says, "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."(KJV). There are popular memes out on Social Media today that say, "Not Today Satan!" After many years of running into satanic opposition and demonized people, I must say everyday the enemy will try you! Not just today, but everyday! This scripture shows that even Jesus had to know the Word, use the Word, and know who he was.
In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus says, "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”(Message). Don't miss this! The enemy wants to stop you! I'm sure you have experienced it many times. Try to make a fresh start, try to change your ways, try to do better and pressure, trials, and troubles increase.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Believers, "All thanks to God, then, who gives us the victory over these things through our Lord Jesus Christ! And so brothers of mine, stand firm! Let NOTHING move you as you BUSY yourselves in the Lord’s Work. Be sure that nothing you do for him is ever lost or ever wasted."(1 Corinthians 15:57-58, Phillips).
One thing we should remember is the fact that our enemy has no new tricks! He's using is old time tested methods to trip us up, and cause us to stumble. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, "Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger; stand true to the Lord; act like men; be strong;"(Living Bible). Another translation of this verse says, "Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!"(Amplified).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Luke 4:8 says, "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."(KJV). There are popular memes out on Social Media today that say, "Not Today Satan!" After many years of running into satanic opposition and demonized people, I must say everyday the enemy will try you! Not just today, but everyday! This scripture shows that even Jesus had to know the Word, use the Word, and know who he was.
In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus says, "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”(Message). Don't miss this! The enemy wants to stop you! I'm sure you have experienced it many times. Try to make a fresh start, try to change your ways, try to do better and pressure, trials, and troubles increase.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Believers, "All thanks to God, then, who gives us the victory over these things through our Lord Jesus Christ! And so brothers of mine, stand firm! Let NOTHING move you as you BUSY yourselves in the Lord’s Work. Be sure that nothing you do for him is ever lost or ever wasted."(1 Corinthians 15:57-58, Phillips).
One thing we should remember is the fact that our enemy has no new tricks! He's using is old time tested methods to trip us up, and cause us to stumble. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, "Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger; stand true to the Lord; act like men; be strong;"(Living Bible). Another translation of this verse says, "Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!"(Amplified).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Pity the Fool...
Happy Sunday!
Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."(KJV). The Easy-to-Read Version says it like this, "Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the Lord, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn".
Reading this scripture made me think of Mr. T. Do you remember Mr. T? The A Team? Rocky III? Well if you do remember Mr. T, you'll know that he always said, "I pity the fool". We used our imaginations when he'd say this. I'd always envision a fool being beaten to a pulp by a bigger, stronger guy. But do you realize a fool really will suffer because they refuse to listen, learn, and change. Proverbs 10:27 says, "The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened."(KJV). Don't miss this! Another translation of this scripture says, "Reverence for the Eternal makes for a long and peaceful life, but a wrongdoer will have years taken away."(Voice).
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Christ In You", with the subtitle, "The Comforter". Isaiah 11:1-3 says, "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:"(KJV). Of the Seven Spirits noted in this prophetic description of Jesus, we focused on the "Spirit of the Fear of the Lord". God doesn't want us to be shaking in our boots when we come before Him, but he does expect reverential fear and awe. Respect. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
How can I exhibit the Fear of the Lord in my daily life? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."(KJV). The Easy-to-Read Version says, "I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you". The Living Bible makes is very plain, "I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin". The Word of God when applied in daily life will help us to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom is knowing how to use the knowledge we have to succeed. God wants us to succeed!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."(KJV). The Easy-to-Read Version says it like this, "Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the Lord, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn".
Reading this scripture made me think of Mr. T. Do you remember Mr. T? The A Team? Rocky III? Well if you do remember Mr. T, you'll know that he always said, "I pity the fool". We used our imaginations when he'd say this. I'd always envision a fool being beaten to a pulp by a bigger, stronger guy. But do you realize a fool really will suffer because they refuse to listen, learn, and change. Proverbs 10:27 says, "The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened."(KJV). Don't miss this! Another translation of this scripture says, "Reverence for the Eternal makes for a long and peaceful life, but a wrongdoer will have years taken away."(Voice).
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Christ In You", with the subtitle, "The Comforter". Isaiah 11:1-3 says, "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:"(KJV). Of the Seven Spirits noted in this prophetic description of Jesus, we focused on the "Spirit of the Fear of the Lord". God doesn't want us to be shaking in our boots when we come before Him, but he does expect reverential fear and awe. Respect. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
How can I exhibit the Fear of the Lord in my daily life? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."(KJV). The Easy-to-Read Version says, "I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you". The Living Bible makes is very plain, "I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin". The Word of God when applied in daily life will help us to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom is knowing how to use the knowledge we have to succeed. God wants us to succeed!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, October 7, 2018
First things first...
Happy Sunday!
Matthew 23:24 says, "You hypocritical, blind leaders. You spoon a fly from your soup and swallow a camel."(Voice). Ouch! Jesus exposed the Pharisees in this chapter. They claimed to be righteous, but were really unrighteous. They focused on the rules and rituals, but "ignored the essentials of the law: justice, mercy, faithfulness"(vs 23).
We don't want to follow their example. But how can we be different? "How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God."(2 Corinthians 5:21, Message). Don't miss this! The Pharisees thought they could make themselves righteous, but the only one that can make us righteous is Jesus! When we admit that we can't do it on our own, and accept his sacrifice as payment we are freely given right standing with God. Romans 5:8 says, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."(Living Bible).
Our lesson in Children's Church today was about Prophetic Prayer, but several children asked questions about the End Times. Perhaps, recent events, movies, or television sparked their interests or concerns. Even after many years of Bible study, these are not easy topics, and they certainly aren't easy to explain to 10 to 12 year old boys and girls. I could hear my mother in my head saying..."Finish this task first!" We often want to jump into a philosophical theological discussions about future events, when there are so many every day tasks to be completed. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."(KJV). The main point is spreading the Good News to the World about Jesus! We can do this simply by loving our fellow man. Jesus said, "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the SAME way I loved you, you love one another. THIS is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”(John 13:34-35, Message).
Sure, there is a place for deep diving into eschatology, but first let's learn to love. 1 John 4:7 says, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."(KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Matthew 23:24 says, "You hypocritical, blind leaders. You spoon a fly from your soup and swallow a camel."(Voice). Ouch! Jesus exposed the Pharisees in this chapter. They claimed to be righteous, but were really unrighteous. They focused on the rules and rituals, but "ignored the essentials of the law: justice, mercy, faithfulness"(vs 23).
We don't want to follow their example. But how can we be different? "How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God."(2 Corinthians 5:21, Message). Don't miss this! The Pharisees thought they could make themselves righteous, but the only one that can make us righteous is Jesus! When we admit that we can't do it on our own, and accept his sacrifice as payment we are freely given right standing with God. Romans 5:8 says, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."(Living Bible).
Our lesson in Children's Church today was about Prophetic Prayer, but several children asked questions about the End Times. Perhaps, recent events, movies, or television sparked their interests or concerns. Even after many years of Bible study, these are not easy topics, and they certainly aren't easy to explain to 10 to 12 year old boys and girls. I could hear my mother in my head saying..."Finish this task first!" We often want to jump into a philosophical theological discussions about future events, when there are so many every day tasks to be completed. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."(KJV). The main point is spreading the Good News to the World about Jesus! We can do this simply by loving our fellow man. Jesus said, "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the SAME way I loved you, you love one another. THIS is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”(John 13:34-35, Message).
Sure, there is a place for deep diving into eschatology, but first let's learn to love. 1 John 4:7 says, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."(KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Baby, it's cold outside....
Happy Sunday!
Fall is here! Don't know if you felt the chill in your area, but it's chilly here in Chicago. Of course, it made me think of the Word of God!
Genesis 8:22 says, "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."(KJV). Don't miss this! Even the weather testifies that our God is Awesome! He's Faithful. He's Consistent. He's Trustworthy! Just think, if he can handle keeping the Galaxy in order, surely he can handle your Monday through Friday!
Be encouraged. Psalm 89:11-18 says, "You own the cosmos—you made everything in it, everything from atom to archangel. You positioned the North and South Poles; the mountains Tabor and Hermon sing duets to you. With your well-muscled arm and your grip of steel—nobody trifles with you! The Right and Justice are the roots of your rule; Love and Truth are its fruits. Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!"(Message).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Fall is here! Don't know if you felt the chill in your area, but it's chilly here in Chicago. Of course, it made me think of the Word of God!
Genesis 8:22 says, "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."(KJV). Don't miss this! Even the weather testifies that our God is Awesome! He's Faithful. He's Consistent. He's Trustworthy! Just think, if he can handle keeping the Galaxy in order, surely he can handle your Monday through Friday!
Be encouraged. Psalm 89:11-18 says, "You own the cosmos—you made everything in it, everything from atom to archangel. You positioned the North and South Poles; the mountains Tabor and Hermon sing duets to you. With your well-muscled arm and your grip of steel—nobody trifles with you! The Right and Justice are the roots of your rule; Love and Truth are its fruits. Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!"(Message).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 23, 2018
At All Times
Happy Sunday!
Feeling incredibly thankful and grateful this week! I hope you feel it too!
Psalm 34...
I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.
For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! This poor man cried to the Lord—and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.
Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.
Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord. Do you want a long, good life? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from lying. Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it.
For the eyes of the Lord are intently watching all who live good lives, and he gives attention when they cry to him. But the Lord has made up his mind to wipe out even the memory of evil men from the earth. Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help and saves him out of all his troubles.
The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one. Not one of his bones is broken.
Calamity will surely overtake the wicked; heavy penalties are meted out to those who hate the good. But as for those who serve the Lord, he will redeem them; everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned. (Living Bible)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Feeling incredibly thankful and grateful this week! I hope you feel it too!
Psalm 34...
I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.
For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! This poor man cried to the Lord—and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.
Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.
Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord. Do you want a long, good life? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from lying. Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it.
For the eyes of the Lord are intently watching all who live good lives, and he gives attention when they cry to him. But the Lord has made up his mind to wipe out even the memory of evil men from the earth. Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help and saves him out of all his troubles.
The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one. Not one of his bones is broken.
Calamity will surely overtake the wicked; heavy penalties are meted out to those who hate the good. But as for those who serve the Lord, he will redeem them; everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned. (Living Bible)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Quitting is Not an Option
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 27:13 says, "I will move past my enemies with this one, sure hope: that with my own eyes, I will see the goodness of the Eternal in the land of the living."(Voice). The Psalmist didn't have an easy, perfect life. Stuff happened! He had enemies, he had trouble, and he even had sickness at times. Psalm 88:3 says, "For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave."(KJV). BUT he always came back to praise God. He knew that in the end with the help of the Good Lord, he would triumph!
In our lives, we must also be confident that God is on our side. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see."(Easy-to-Read Version). Waiting is hard, but after we've waited and received what we've prayed for, the Joy is amazing!
I've mentioned it before, and it's worth repeating...one of my favorite poems is "Don't Quit". It says what we need to hear so very often. I'm going to share it with you again. I pray that you will wait in Faith, don't give up.
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 27:13 says, "I will move past my enemies with this one, sure hope: that with my own eyes, I will see the goodness of the Eternal in the land of the living."(Voice). The Psalmist didn't have an easy, perfect life. Stuff happened! He had enemies, he had trouble, and he even had sickness at times. Psalm 88:3 says, "For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave."(KJV). BUT he always came back to praise God. He knew that in the end with the help of the Good Lord, he would triumph!
In our lives, we must also be confident that God is on our side. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see."(Easy-to-Read Version). Waiting is hard, but after we've waited and received what we've prayed for, the Joy is amazing!
I've mentioned it before, and it's worth repeating...one of my favorite poems is "Don't Quit". It says what we need to hear so very often. I'm going to share it with you again. I pray that you will wait in Faith, don't give up.
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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