Happy Sunday!
It was a great week! Full, and tiring but good! I celebrated my 53rd Birthday. I vividly remember being 15 and thinking a 35 year old person was SO OLD! LOL! My how the tables turn! But as I always tell younger people who think they are old, "You can't get old until I do, and I'm not old!" If 120 is my goal, I'm not even middle-aged yet!
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Christ In You", with the subtitle, "The Greater Works". He said, "People have the idea that Christianity is all about escaping the World and going to Heaven". You know the old Negro Spirituals, and hymns we were raised on, "Soon I will be done, with the troubles of this world, the troubles of the world, the troubles of this world...and...I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away, when I die Hallelujah by and by...and...By and by, when the morning comes, all the saints of God will gather at home". Do we need more examples? I hope you get the picture! We have work to do right here on this earth. No matter what age, race, or socioeconomic level...God intends for us to do the WORK of the Kingdom!
John 14:12 describes the kind of works we should be doing..."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."(KJV). OK, so if God expects us to do greater works, we probably should understand what the works of Jesus were. Acts 10:38 says, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."(KJV). Let's not make it more complicated than it really is. Stop in the first part of this verse and we have enough to keep us busy for the rest of our lives! DO GOOD!
1 John 3:8(b) says, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."(KJV). The greater works we are to do involve destroying the works of the devil. When we do good...we are doing what Romans 12:21 commands, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."(KJV). Every time we choose to do good we destroy the works of the devil. Jesus said, “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that."(Message).
2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "Yet I am so thankful to God, who always marches us to victory under the banner of the Anointed One; and through us He spreads the beautiful fragrance of His knowledge to every corner of the earth."(Voice). Let God use you to do greater works this week.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Walls
Happy Sunday!
Proverbs 25:28 says, "A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls."(Living Bible). You should read this scripture in multiple translations, it's very interesting. In our modern cities and societies, walls may not mean as much as they did in Bible times. But in the past, walls were a necessity. When the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land they came to Jericho. The Bible says, "Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in."(Joshua 6:1, KJV). The city was fortified, protected from enemy invaders. The inhabitants created an elaborate survival system and were prepared to wait it out. Of course, God had another plan and miraculously caused their defense to crumble.
One of the trips I plan to take is a cruise down the Rhine River in Germany. These cruises travel past Medieval castles and fortresses that have withstood time. Similar to Bible times, these fortresses were built with protection in mind. If needed, thousands of people could retreat to the castle for safety, and be protected behind the walls. Even the Great Wall of China was built to fend off Northern invaders. Self Control is one of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, and essential in the life of the Believer. Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached a message today called, "Fences". He reminded us that boundaries and standards are vital. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect)."(Amplified). When we love Jesus more than any person, place or thing it sets a standard in our lives. There are things we will will not do, places we will not go, and words will will not speak when we have boundaries in our lives. These are not just religious rituals, but these decisions could mean the difference between life and death.
Our lesson today in Children's Church was entitled, "The Enemy's Counterfeit". For months, we have been teaching the children how to hear the Voice of God, and how to flow with the Holy Spirit. Why? Great question. So glad you asked! In order to train someone to differentiate between real and fake they are generally exposed to the authentic. When you know what a real $100 bill looks like and feels like, you can compare and identify the counterfeit bills. During the Western Expansion, gold was king. Individuals left the comfort of their homes in search of a fortune available in California and other states. Many were fooled by iron pyrite, or fools gold. Just as thieves and counterfeiters get more an more skilled at what they do, Believers must become more and more alert and aware. I often use this example with children...parents allow their children to play in the fenced yard. They want them to enjoy themselves, but they also want to protect them from the dangers beyond the fence. The enemy wants us to think we are missing out on something outside this boundary. What we are really missing out on is danger, pain, and possible death. God has set standards for us in the Word not to restrict our enjoyment, but to keep us safe. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, "Here’s what you say to those wealthy in regard to this age: “Don’t become high and mighty or place all your hope on a gamble for riches; instead, fix your hope on God, the One who richly provides Everything for our Enjoyment.”(Voice). Don't miss this! God wants your well, happy, and enjoying life.
We always come back to the Word. God will never contradict his Word. Knowing the Word and applying it to our daily lives is the key to living and enjoying life. John 10:10 says, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance."(Voice).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Proverbs 25:28 says, "A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls."(Living Bible). You should read this scripture in multiple translations, it's very interesting. In our modern cities and societies, walls may not mean as much as they did in Bible times. But in the past, walls were a necessity. When the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land they came to Jericho. The Bible says, "Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in."(Joshua 6:1, KJV). The city was fortified, protected from enemy invaders. The inhabitants created an elaborate survival system and were prepared to wait it out. Of course, God had another plan and miraculously caused their defense to crumble.
One of the trips I plan to take is a cruise down the Rhine River in Germany. These cruises travel past Medieval castles and fortresses that have withstood time. Similar to Bible times, these fortresses were built with protection in mind. If needed, thousands of people could retreat to the castle for safety, and be protected behind the walls. Even the Great Wall of China was built to fend off Northern invaders. Self Control is one of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, and essential in the life of the Believer. Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached a message today called, "Fences". He reminded us that boundaries and standards are vital. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect)."(Amplified). When we love Jesus more than any person, place or thing it sets a standard in our lives. There are things we will will not do, places we will not go, and words will will not speak when we have boundaries in our lives. These are not just religious rituals, but these decisions could mean the difference between life and death.
Our lesson today in Children's Church was entitled, "The Enemy's Counterfeit". For months, we have been teaching the children how to hear the Voice of God, and how to flow with the Holy Spirit. Why? Great question. So glad you asked! In order to train someone to differentiate between real and fake they are generally exposed to the authentic. When you know what a real $100 bill looks like and feels like, you can compare and identify the counterfeit bills. During the Western Expansion, gold was king. Individuals left the comfort of their homes in search of a fortune available in California and other states. Many were fooled by iron pyrite, or fools gold. Just as thieves and counterfeiters get more an more skilled at what they do, Believers must become more and more alert and aware. I often use this example with children...parents allow their children to play in the fenced yard. They want them to enjoy themselves, but they also want to protect them from the dangers beyond the fence. The enemy wants us to think we are missing out on something outside this boundary. What we are really missing out on is danger, pain, and possible death. God has set standards for us in the Word not to restrict our enjoyment, but to keep us safe. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, "Here’s what you say to those wealthy in regard to this age: “Don’t become high and mighty or place all your hope on a gamble for riches; instead, fix your hope on God, the One who richly provides Everything for our Enjoyment.”(Voice). Don't miss this! God wants your well, happy, and enjoying life.
We always come back to the Word. God will never contradict his Word. Knowing the Word and applying it to our daily lives is the key to living and enjoying life. John 10:10 says, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance."(Voice).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Grow Up
Happy Sunday!
The theme this week has been maturity. Every sermon, podcast, scripture, and word of encouragement has revolved around growing up! Then today, the sermons I enjoyed confirmed it as well.
Pastor Theresa Goode, Senior Pastor of the New Dimension Apostolic Center, in Providence, Rhode Island preached at the Jubilee Christian Church Boston Campus this morning at 7:30 am. Her sermon was entitled, "Moving From Place to Position". The highest form of the Gospel is not Salvation, the highest form of Gospel is Adoption. Only when we understand that we are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters will be able receive fully what God has prepared for us. The Prodigal Son's older brother was living right in the house with access to everything, but he did not understand his position. He did not realize that ALL that the father had was his, if he'd only receive it.(Luke 15:11-32).
Romans 8:10-17 says, "And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father". For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering".(New Living Translation).
The enemy is always trying to keep you in your place, and prevent your rise to your position. The enemy wants to keep you childish, ignorant, and impoverished. The writer of Hebrews wrote..."You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others, but instead you have dropped back to the place where you need someone to teach you all over again the very first principles in God’s Word. You are like babies who can drink only milk, not old enough for solid food. And when a person is still living on milk it shows he isn’t very far along in the Christian life, and doesn’t know much about the difference between right and wrong. He is still a baby Christian!"(Hebrews 5:12, Living Bible).
How can we grow up? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! 2 Peter 3:17-18 says, "Dear friends, you already know about this. So be careful. Don’t let these evil people lead you away by the wrong they do. Be careful that you do not fall from your strong faith. But GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him, now and forever! Amen."(Easy-to-Read Version). The more we know about our Lord and the way he did things, and the more we implement these principles in our lives, the more we will mature. It's up to us to make the decision.
What was the original sin? We often zero in on Adam and Eve, but even before their fall, Satan attempted to exalt himself above God. He felt that he was smarter, and knew better what should be done than God. He's still tempting us to do exactly what he did. The Word says, "Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near"(Hebrews 10:25, Living Bible). But we can easily find reasons or excuses not to attend. The Word says, "Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for GOD, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work."(Colossians 3:22-13, Message). How often do we forget who we are really working for? I'm guilty too, but I'm changing and working on me. The Word says, "Here then is my charge: First, supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings should be made on behalf of all men: for kings and rulers in positions of responsibility, so that our common life may be lived in peace and quiet, with a proper sense of God and of our responsibility to him for what we do with our lives."(1 Timothy 2:1-2, Phillips). But when was the last time you prayed for our National, Regional, and Local officials? When was the last time your prayed for your manager or supervisor? God's Word is Truth. Even though we get to choose, we must strive to choose wisely. Jesus said, "If anyone listening to My teachings chooses to ignore them, so be it: I have come to liberate the world, not to judge it. HOWEVER, those who reject Me and My teachings will be judged: in the last day, My words will be their judge because I am not speaking of My own volition and from My own authority. The Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and speak. I know His command is eternal life, so every word I utter originates in Him."(John 12:47-50, Voice).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
The theme this week has been maturity. Every sermon, podcast, scripture, and word of encouragement has revolved around growing up! Then today, the sermons I enjoyed confirmed it as well.
Pastor Theresa Goode, Senior Pastor of the New Dimension Apostolic Center, in Providence, Rhode Island preached at the Jubilee Christian Church Boston Campus this morning at 7:30 am. Her sermon was entitled, "Moving From Place to Position". The highest form of the Gospel is not Salvation, the highest form of Gospel is Adoption. Only when we understand that we are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters will be able receive fully what God has prepared for us. The Prodigal Son's older brother was living right in the house with access to everything, but he did not understand his position. He did not realize that ALL that the father had was his, if he'd only receive it.(Luke 15:11-32).
Romans 8:10-17 says, "And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father". For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering".(New Living Translation).
The enemy is always trying to keep you in your place, and prevent your rise to your position. The enemy wants to keep you childish, ignorant, and impoverished. The writer of Hebrews wrote..."You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others, but instead you have dropped back to the place where you need someone to teach you all over again the very first principles in God’s Word. You are like babies who can drink only milk, not old enough for solid food. And when a person is still living on milk it shows he isn’t very far along in the Christian life, and doesn’t know much about the difference between right and wrong. He is still a baby Christian!"(Hebrews 5:12, Living Bible).
How can we grow up? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! 2 Peter 3:17-18 says, "Dear friends, you already know about this. So be careful. Don’t let these evil people lead you away by the wrong they do. Be careful that you do not fall from your strong faith. But GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him, now and forever! Amen."(Easy-to-Read Version). The more we know about our Lord and the way he did things, and the more we implement these principles in our lives, the more we will mature. It's up to us to make the decision.
What was the original sin? We often zero in on Adam and Eve, but even before their fall, Satan attempted to exalt himself above God. He felt that he was smarter, and knew better what should be done than God. He's still tempting us to do exactly what he did. The Word says, "Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near"(Hebrews 10:25, Living Bible). But we can easily find reasons or excuses not to attend. The Word says, "Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for GOD, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work."(Colossians 3:22-13, Message). How often do we forget who we are really working for? I'm guilty too, but I'm changing and working on me. The Word says, "Here then is my charge: First, supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings should be made on behalf of all men: for kings and rulers in positions of responsibility, so that our common life may be lived in peace and quiet, with a proper sense of God and of our responsibility to him for what we do with our lives."(1 Timothy 2:1-2, Phillips). But when was the last time you prayed for our National, Regional, and Local officials? When was the last time your prayed for your manager or supervisor? God's Word is Truth. Even though we get to choose, we must strive to choose wisely. Jesus said, "If anyone listening to My teachings chooses to ignore them, so be it: I have come to liberate the world, not to judge it. HOWEVER, those who reject Me and My teachings will be judged: in the last day, My words will be their judge because I am not speaking of My own volition and from My own authority. The Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and speak. I know His command is eternal life, so every word I utter originates in Him."(John 12:47-50, Voice).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Lifelong Student
Happy Sunday!
God is the best teacher you will ever have. I'm confident that even if we failed to see the lesson, there are lessons in every experience we have. My son, Terrence A. Pruitt always says, "God does not waste instructional minutes". What did you learn this week? I question my students after each lesson to determine if they really got it and if they can apply it to their daily lives.
So, what did you learn this week? I'll give you a moment to think. While you are thinking, I will tell you what I learned.
I learned that at any level of spiritual maturity it's still possible to overlook all the good things and be overwhelmed with the bad. That's the trick of the enemy! Don't think you have enough money? Do you remember having less? I do. I remember one year making $13,000.00. Yes, it was years ago, but I was providing for my four children and myself. Things are extremely different now. Tired of your job, and dreaming of finding another? Well, I had a flashback this week of some of the jobs I've had. Office Cleaner, Domestic, Forklift Operator, Unit Secretary, Mail Clerk, and Shipping, Packaging, and Order Filler for a Chemical Company just to name a few. Not to mention positions held in church settings, Announcement Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Usher, and all sorts of cleaning and cooking positions. I remember many times peeling 20 lb bags of potatoes to make potato salad for banquets or repasts. Thank God, today, I can and would just buy a food item for my contribution. Don't let the enemy blind you to all that is good! Sarah Jakes Roberts said, "May you never allow what is still left to do blind you from what you've already accomplished".
I learned that God is always speaking. He wants to have an intimate relationship with us. May I see your phone? If I scroll through your text messages and call logs I will be able to determine who the most important people are in your life. Sure, there are people I love that I communicate with using other methods. You know I love to send cards, but I put time into these relationships. I shared Job 23:10 with my Best Friend, Gina this week. Only to have her respond that it was the very scripture her pastor used in Bible Study! It says, "But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]."(Amplified). God is always speaking, but are we listening?
I learned that Mercy is the best way. Luke 6:36 says, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."(KJV). People are crazy! Don't laugh, I'm serious! If you don't want to act as crazy as they do, you will have to have Mercy. Generally, there is a reason behind their crazy. Most times we have such a low tolerance for crazy, that we don't take the time to find out what makes people do what they do. Mercy is defined as "compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm". We have the power to harm, mistreat, and judge others with our words and deeds. When we slow down, and extend compassion and forgiveness we are saving ourselves a lot of heartache and giving God time to work on us, and them. Matthew 5:43-48 says, "“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say ‘hello’ to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that".
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”(Message).
I'd still like to know what you learned this week!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
God is the best teacher you will ever have. I'm confident that even if we failed to see the lesson, there are lessons in every experience we have. My son, Terrence A. Pruitt always says, "God does not waste instructional minutes". What did you learn this week? I question my students after each lesson to determine if they really got it and if they can apply it to their daily lives.
So, what did you learn this week? I'll give you a moment to think. While you are thinking, I will tell you what I learned.
I learned that at any level of spiritual maturity it's still possible to overlook all the good things and be overwhelmed with the bad. That's the trick of the enemy! Don't think you have enough money? Do you remember having less? I do. I remember one year making $13,000.00. Yes, it was years ago, but I was providing for my four children and myself. Things are extremely different now. Tired of your job, and dreaming of finding another? Well, I had a flashback this week of some of the jobs I've had. Office Cleaner, Domestic, Forklift Operator, Unit Secretary, Mail Clerk, and Shipping, Packaging, and Order Filler for a Chemical Company just to name a few. Not to mention positions held in church settings, Announcement Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Usher, and all sorts of cleaning and cooking positions. I remember many times peeling 20 lb bags of potatoes to make potato salad for banquets or repasts. Thank God, today, I can and would just buy a food item for my contribution. Don't let the enemy blind you to all that is good! Sarah Jakes Roberts said, "May you never allow what is still left to do blind you from what you've already accomplished".
I learned that God is always speaking. He wants to have an intimate relationship with us. May I see your phone? If I scroll through your text messages and call logs I will be able to determine who the most important people are in your life. Sure, there are people I love that I communicate with using other methods. You know I love to send cards, but I put time into these relationships. I shared Job 23:10 with my Best Friend, Gina this week. Only to have her respond that it was the very scripture her pastor used in Bible Study! It says, "But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]."(Amplified). God is always speaking, but are we listening?
I learned that Mercy is the best way. Luke 6:36 says, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."(KJV). People are crazy! Don't laugh, I'm serious! If you don't want to act as crazy as they do, you will have to have Mercy. Generally, there is a reason behind their crazy. Most times we have such a low tolerance for crazy, that we don't take the time to find out what makes people do what they do. Mercy is defined as "compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm". We have the power to harm, mistreat, and judge others with our words and deeds. When we slow down, and extend compassion and forgiveness we are saving ourselves a lot of heartache and giving God time to work on us, and them. Matthew 5:43-48 says, "“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say ‘hello’ to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that".
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”(Message).
I'd still like to know what you learned this week!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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