Happy Sunday!
Dr. Pam Ross preached the 8 am service at All Nations Worship Assembly Chicago today, and I was able to enjoy it before heading out to my church to serve in Children's Church, then off to work.
Matthew 26:6-13 says, "Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper. While he was there, a woman came to him. She had an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. She poured the perfume on Jesus’ head while he was eating. The followers saw the woman do this and were upset at her. They said, “Why waste that perfume? It could be sold for a lot of money, and the money could be given to those who are poor.” But Jesus knew what happened. He said, “Why are you bothering this woman? She did a very good thing for me. You will always have the poor with you. But you will not always have me. This woman poured perfume on my body. She did this to prepare me for burial after I die. The Good News will be told to people all over the world. And I can assure you that everywhere the Good News is told, the story of what this woman did will also be told, and people will remember her.”(Easy-to-Read Version).
What the woman did was Unconventional! She did the unexpected.
Dr. Ross said, "People will keep you where they meet you!" Don't miss this!
But you may have already experienced it in life. It's easier for others to categorized you, and see how you can fit you into their world. She broke tradition by entering this male dominated gathering. She wasn't serving the table. Her main purpose was to lavish this valuable oil on the one person that had changed her life.
She was innovative, cutting edge, and avant garde. What a wonderful example for us today. Dr. Ross said, "Ideas are the highest currency on the planet." This woman's actions affected everyone! Jesus was anointed for burial, the fragrance filled the room for everyone to enjoy, the disciples true motives were revealed, we are taught a lesson about priorities and the poor, and the woman will be remembered forever. Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe."(KJV). The woman did not let the fear of man, or the fear of their opinions stop her from her mission. Jesus affirmed her actions, and that's what really matters anyway.
Dr. Ross said, "The normal live, and die every day!" Do you want to stand out? Do you want to be remembered for being Unconventional? Dr. Ross gave us 3 steps, or assignments for this Unconventional lifestyle...
Philippians 2:13 says, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."(KJV). God makes you want it, and God will help you get it. Pray, "Lord, help me to want what you want me to want."
Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."(KJV). A delicacy is a choice or expensive food.
Love Jesus like you love that special treat. Matthew 6:33 says, "What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Matthew 22:37 says, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."(KJV). Pray this, "Lord, help me love you with my desires, and with my whole heart."
Don't be ordinary! Be Unconventional!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Healing and Trauma
Happy Sunday!
I hope you are doing well! I really appreciate being able to share Happy Sunday with you each week. I also love to hear from you when you are touched, or encouraged. I've been working on Sundays for several months now. This shift bid will end and a new one will begin in October. Looking forward to a better shift, and always believing for a better position.
Just want you to know that I don't take this opportunity lightly.
Sharing an excerpt from Barry Bennett. I love his ministry, and hope it encourages you as well.
Healing and Trauma by Barry Bennett
We know that humans are comprised of spirit, soul and body. We can generally define the soul to include both the mental and emotional dimensions. We should consider four areas in our lives that need the renewing power of the Holy Spirit and the restoration of the Word: our spirits, our minds, our emotions and our bodies.
These four areas are interconnected in many respects. Mental challenges can impact the emotions and emotional issues can impact the mind. Both of these areas can adversely affect physical health, and likewise, physical challenges can negatively impact the mind and emotions. The overriding issue is man’s spirit. An unhealthy spirit, that is, one that is separated from the continual flow of God’s life, can allow more negative impact from other kinds of life events which can cause damage to the mental, emotional and physical dimensions of life.
This isn’t about whether or not someone is saved (born again), but whether they are healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Healing is much more than just a physical issue. Many times, the physical problem is simply a symptom of a greater need.
One of the most potentially damaging events in life is trauma. Traumatic events can include the unexpected loss of a loved one, acute stress, natural disasters, divorce, a negative medical diagnosis, legal issues, financial burdens, broken relationships with children or parents, etc. The list could go on and on. Such events can impact all four areas of our lives. Emotional trauma and mental trauma can trigger physical reactions, either in the short term or long term. Physical trauma, such as an accident, can damage mental and emotional stability. If the spiritual condition is not firm in Christ, unresolved trauma can bring great destruction to someone’s life.
“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?” (Prov. 18:14) Even Christians can allow their spirits to languish. That is why Paul prayed as he did in Ephesians 3:16, “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”
“….by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Prov. 15:13) And what can be the results of a broken spirit?
“…..a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Prov. 17:22)
Thus, sorrow of the heart which can be the result of various kinds of trauma, can ultimately ‘dry the bones,’ i.e., have a negative physical impact. Again, all of these areas are interconnected. Like a chain of dominoes, when the first one falls, the others can be impacted.
What is the answer?
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;” (Luke 4:18)
Whatever may be the affliction and the source of the affliction, Jesus came to heal it. Whether or not we are suffering mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually, Jesus is the answer. A healthy ‘inner man’ is one that is in communion with the Father and full of faith, joy and love. It is the source of healing in every other area of life.
“A merry heart does good like a medicine.” (Pr. 17:22)
Determine to allow the Word and the Spirit to give birth to hope both mentally and emotionally. Begin a life of praise and thanksgiving. Be proactive in receiving the ministry of Jesus in every area of your life. - Barry Bennett
Love and prayers, Cynthia
I hope you are doing well! I really appreciate being able to share Happy Sunday with you each week. I also love to hear from you when you are touched, or encouraged. I've been working on Sundays for several months now. This shift bid will end and a new one will begin in October. Looking forward to a better shift, and always believing for a better position.
Just want you to know that I don't take this opportunity lightly.
Sharing an excerpt from Barry Bennett. I love his ministry, and hope it encourages you as well.
Healing and Trauma by Barry Bennett
We know that humans are comprised of spirit, soul and body. We can generally define the soul to include both the mental and emotional dimensions. We should consider four areas in our lives that need the renewing power of the Holy Spirit and the restoration of the Word: our spirits, our minds, our emotions and our bodies.
These four areas are interconnected in many respects. Mental challenges can impact the emotions and emotional issues can impact the mind. Both of these areas can adversely affect physical health, and likewise, physical challenges can negatively impact the mind and emotions. The overriding issue is man’s spirit. An unhealthy spirit, that is, one that is separated from the continual flow of God’s life, can allow more negative impact from other kinds of life events which can cause damage to the mental, emotional and physical dimensions of life.
This isn’t about whether or not someone is saved (born again), but whether they are healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Healing is much more than just a physical issue. Many times, the physical problem is simply a symptom of a greater need.
One of the most potentially damaging events in life is trauma. Traumatic events can include the unexpected loss of a loved one, acute stress, natural disasters, divorce, a negative medical diagnosis, legal issues, financial burdens, broken relationships with children or parents, etc. The list could go on and on. Such events can impact all four areas of our lives. Emotional trauma and mental trauma can trigger physical reactions, either in the short term or long term. Physical trauma, such as an accident, can damage mental and emotional stability. If the spiritual condition is not firm in Christ, unresolved trauma can bring great destruction to someone’s life.
“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?” (Prov. 18:14) Even Christians can allow their spirits to languish. That is why Paul prayed as he did in Ephesians 3:16, “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”
“….by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Prov. 15:13) And what can be the results of a broken spirit?
“…..a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Prov. 17:22)
Thus, sorrow of the heart which can be the result of various kinds of trauma, can ultimately ‘dry the bones,’ i.e., have a negative physical impact. Again, all of these areas are interconnected. Like a chain of dominoes, when the first one falls, the others can be impacted.
What is the answer?
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;” (Luke 4:18)
Whatever may be the affliction and the source of the affliction, Jesus came to heal it. Whether or not we are suffering mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually, Jesus is the answer. A healthy ‘inner man’ is one that is in communion with the Father and full of faith, joy and love. It is the source of healing in every other area of life.
“A merry heart does good like a medicine.” (Pr. 17:22)
Determine to allow the Word and the Spirit to give birth to hope both mentally and emotionally. Begin a life of praise and thanksgiving. Be proactive in receiving the ministry of Jesus in every area of your life. - Barry Bennett
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Underdogs
Happy Sunday!
Pastor Theresa Goode of New Dimension Apostolic Center in Providence, Rhode Island preached, "The Release of the Underdog". John 7:1-5 says, "After this, Jesus went to Galilee, going from village to village, for he wanted to stay out of Judea where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Tabernacle Ceremonies, one of the annual Jewish holidays, and Jesus’ brothers urged him to go to Judea for the celebration. “Go where more people can see your miracles!” they scoffed. “You can’t be famous when you hide like this! If you’re so great, prove it to the world!” For even his brothers didn’t believe in him."(Living Bible).
Don't miss this! His own family, his brothers didn't believe that he was who he said he was. They had thoughts of how his life story should play out. But he wasn't phased by their opinions. He trusted the Secret Component, and so should we. Even though we are not the ones that would have been chosen, God has decided to use us to change the world. 1 Samuel 16:7 gives us proof that God looks for other qualifications, "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."(KJV). Jesus is looking for those of us that are hidden. Hidden in the Secret Place. Think about the Super Heroes, Clark Kent, and Peter Parker. There was nothing outstanding about them, but when the time came...they were perfect for the job.
When your moment comes, Speak! When you speak the Word of God you are
breathing Eternal Life into the life of another. The true definition of success is obedience.
John 7:37-39 says, "On the last day, the climax of the holidays, Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the inmost being of anyone who believes in me.” (He was speaking of the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him; but the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet returned to his glory in heaven.)"(Living Bible). The rituals of this festival involved praying for God's blessing of rain, and good harvests in the future. Jesus became a seed, and we are the harvest. We can continue to reproduce and bring forth much fruit. We never have to worry about drought when Living Water can flow from our Spirits to nourish others.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Pastor Theresa Goode of New Dimension Apostolic Center in Providence, Rhode Island preached, "The Release of the Underdog". John 7:1-5 says, "After this, Jesus went to Galilee, going from village to village, for he wanted to stay out of Judea where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Tabernacle Ceremonies, one of the annual Jewish holidays, and Jesus’ brothers urged him to go to Judea for the celebration. “Go where more people can see your miracles!” they scoffed. “You can’t be famous when you hide like this! If you’re so great, prove it to the world!” For even his brothers didn’t believe in him."(Living Bible).
Don't miss this! His own family, his brothers didn't believe that he was who he said he was. They had thoughts of how his life story should play out. But he wasn't phased by their opinions. He trusted the Secret Component, and so should we. Even though we are not the ones that would have been chosen, God has decided to use us to change the world. 1 Samuel 16:7 gives us proof that God looks for other qualifications, "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."(KJV). Jesus is looking for those of us that are hidden. Hidden in the Secret Place. Think about the Super Heroes, Clark Kent, and Peter Parker. There was nothing outstanding about them, but when the time came...they were perfect for the job.
When your moment comes, Speak! When you speak the Word of God you are
breathing Eternal Life into the life of another. The true definition of success is obedience.
John 7:37-39 says, "On the last day, the climax of the holidays, Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the inmost being of anyone who believes in me.” (He was speaking of the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him; but the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet returned to his glory in heaven.)"(Living Bible). The rituals of this festival involved praying for God's blessing of rain, and good harvests in the future. Jesus became a seed, and we are the harvest. We can continue to reproduce and bring forth much fruit. We never have to worry about drought when Living Water can flow from our Spirits to nourish others.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Boarding Pass
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 34:1 says, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."(KJV). Another translations says, "I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation. Whenever I speak, my words will always praise Him."(Voice). Take a moment to let that sink in....
No matter what happens, praise should be our response. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working on this myself. There are times when it's hard to find a positive perspective, and even harder to find positive words. But we never go wrong with praise. We never go wrong using our breath to praise our creator, and our father. Maybe that's why we are encouraged to, "Call things that are not as though they are". (Romans 4:17, KJV).
I recently traveled on Spirit Airlines. They are the bargain airline. Everything costs extra. They even charge $10.00 to print out a boarding pass for you. So it's best to print it out in advance. At a funeral this weekend, I was reminded of the boarding pass and the process, and preparation required to make your flight with no extra problems, or anxiety. I could hear the old song in my head, "Get on board, little children! Get on board, little children! Get on board, little children...there's room for many or more". After fulfilling our purpose, spending eternity with God is our goal, and there is a prescribed way to ensure that we will make it. We can print our boarding pass out in advance, and never worry about making our flight when the time comes.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 says, "Now we don’t want you, my brothers, to be in any doubt about those who “fall asleep” in death, or to grieve over them like men who have no hope. After all, if we BELIEVE that Jesus died and rose again from death, then we can BELIEVE that God will just as surely bring with Jesus all who are “asleep” in him. Here we have a definite message from the Lord. It is that those who are still living when he comes will not in any way precede those who have previously fallen asleep. One word of command, one shout from the archangel, one blast from the trumpet of God and the Lord himself will come down from Heaven! Those who have died in Christ will be the first to rise, and then we who are still living on the earth will be swept up with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And after that we shall be with him for ever. God has given me this message on the matter, so by all means use it to encourage one another."(Phillips).
Another thought that crossed my mind this weekend, "You live your Eulogy". People can lie about who you really were, but they really do know who you are. Our lives speak volumes.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 34:1 says, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."(KJV). Another translations says, "I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation. Whenever I speak, my words will always praise Him."(Voice). Take a moment to let that sink in....
No matter what happens, praise should be our response. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working on this myself. There are times when it's hard to find a positive perspective, and even harder to find positive words. But we never go wrong with praise. We never go wrong using our breath to praise our creator, and our father. Maybe that's why we are encouraged to, "Call things that are not as though they are". (Romans 4:17, KJV).
I recently traveled on Spirit Airlines. They are the bargain airline. Everything costs extra. They even charge $10.00 to print out a boarding pass for you. So it's best to print it out in advance. At a funeral this weekend, I was reminded of the boarding pass and the process, and preparation required to make your flight with no extra problems, or anxiety. I could hear the old song in my head, "Get on board, little children! Get on board, little children! Get on board, little children...there's room for many or more". After fulfilling our purpose, spending eternity with God is our goal, and there is a prescribed way to ensure that we will make it. We can print our boarding pass out in advance, and never worry about making our flight when the time comes.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 says, "Now we don’t want you, my brothers, to be in any doubt about those who “fall asleep” in death, or to grieve over them like men who have no hope. After all, if we BELIEVE that Jesus died and rose again from death, then we can BELIEVE that God will just as surely bring with Jesus all who are “asleep” in him. Here we have a definite message from the Lord. It is that those who are still living when he comes will not in any way precede those who have previously fallen asleep. One word of command, one shout from the archangel, one blast from the trumpet of God and the Lord himself will come down from Heaven! Those who have died in Christ will be the first to rise, and then we who are still living on the earth will be swept up with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And after that we shall be with him for ever. God has given me this message on the matter, so by all means use it to encourage one another."(Phillips).
Another thought that crossed my mind this weekend, "You live your Eulogy". People can lie about who you really were, but they really do know who you are. Our lives speak volumes.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Unselfish Prayer
Happy Sunday!
Our lesson in Children's Church today was, "Widening Our Horizons in Prayer". We are teaching the students about all aspects of prayer. Today we focused on moving out of our comfort zone, and praying for others. One minister used to say most people prayed for "us four, and no more". It's sad, but true, we tend to pray for ourselves and those we love. But God intends for us to make an impact on our world through prayer.
Last week, I was in Texas for my Aunt's funeral. This week, a co-worker lost her grandmother in Alabama, a dear friend lost her grandson in Minnesota, and one of my closest, long time friends lost her sister in Baltimore. Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Words escape me. The Word is my only consolation. It's my only tool to use in times like these. The Preacher wrote, "It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and it is a good thing to think about it while there is still time."(Ecclesiastes 7:2, Living Bible). A good thing to think about? WOW!
Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."(Matthew 5:4, KJV). This is a promise we can rely on. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us."(Living Bible). God doesn't waste anything. That sorrow you endured will come in handy when you are comforting another.
Psalm 30:5 says, "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."(KJV). Another translation of this much loved and quoted scripture says, "His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning."(Voice).
Pray for others. Love and prayers, Cynthia
Our lesson in Children's Church today was, "Widening Our Horizons in Prayer". We are teaching the students about all aspects of prayer. Today we focused on moving out of our comfort zone, and praying for others. One minister used to say most people prayed for "us four, and no more". It's sad, but true, we tend to pray for ourselves and those we love. But God intends for us to make an impact on our world through prayer.
Last week, I was in Texas for my Aunt's funeral. This week, a co-worker lost her grandmother in Alabama, a dear friend lost her grandson in Minnesota, and one of my closest, long time friends lost her sister in Baltimore. Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Words escape me. The Word is my only consolation. It's my only tool to use in times like these. The Preacher wrote, "It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and it is a good thing to think about it while there is still time."(Ecclesiastes 7:2, Living Bible). A good thing to think about? WOW!
Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."(Matthew 5:4, KJV). This is a promise we can rely on. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us."(Living Bible). God doesn't waste anything. That sorrow you endured will come in handy when you are comforting another.
Psalm 30:5 says, "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."(KJV). Another translation of this much loved and quoted scripture says, "His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning."(Voice).
Pray for others. Love and prayers, Cynthia
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