Happy Sunday!
1 Samuel 15:22-23 says, "Then Samuel said, "Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship."(Message). Ouch!
King Saul thought he could do it his way instead of God's way. How often have we been guilty of this or something similar? God says, "Don't marry that one!" Now years later we are still recovering from the physical, emotional, and financial trauma. God says, "Don't give them a piece of your mind!" Now, not only do they know how you feel, you also know that the feeling is mutual, and peace will not be easy to come by. God says, "Get up and do it now!" We wait and now other things have gotten in the way of the task that could have easily been completed.
Dr. Bill Winston, and Dr. Matthew Stevenson III both mentioned Obedience in their sermons today! Obedience is the key. The Apostle James encouraged the Believers to, "Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves."(James 1:22, Easy-to-Read Version). He described those people that only hear, and never do like this..."If some fail to do what God requires, it’s as if they forget the word as soon as they hear it. One minute they look in the mirror, and the next they forget who they are and what they look like."(vs 23-24, Voice).
There is Hope! If we can simply obey great rewards are awaiting us. James 1:25 says, "However, it is possible to open your eyes and take in the beautiful, perfect truth found in God’s law of liberty and live by it. If you pursue that path and actually do what God has commanded, then you will avoid the many distractions that lead to an amnesia of all true things and you will be blessed."(Voice). Matthew 6:22 says, "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."(Amplified).
Living in Obedience. Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Praise is what I do!
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 8:2 says, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."(KJV). Today's Children's Church lesson was about Praise & Worship. The purpose was to encourage the children to praise and worship God regularly. This scripture promises that praise and worship stills or silences the enemy! Our enemy loves to talk, and he loves to lie. When we praise and worship we stop his strategies against us. It was a great lesson, and so much fun. We did our own version of "Name That Tune".
There are songs that focus on complimenting God, and there are other songs that make us feel good, and give us hope. So often, all songs that are considered "church songs" are considered to be Praise & Worship songs, but this is far from true. If the focus is not on complimenting God, its just a good song.
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached about Praise & Strength today. It's so awesome when confirmation comes from so many directions! Genesis 43:8 says, "And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones."(KJV). The sons of Israel had gone to Egypt for food. They met their brother Joseph, but had no idea who he was. He told them not to return until they had their younger brother with them. Of course, their father was still grieving over the loss of Joseph, and didn't trust the other sons to bring Benjamin back to safely. Reuben begged him to let him go. But Jacob refused. Later as the supplies were running out Judah asked for permission to go back to Egypt and take Benjamin. His Father agreed.
What made this time different? Judah's name means Praise, and Benjamin's name means Strength. When we praise we are strengthened. Israel could trust Judah, and it all worked out for their good. Whatever the circumstance Praise & Worship is the answer. What's your favorite Praise & Worship song?
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 8:2 says, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."(KJV). Today's Children's Church lesson was about Praise & Worship. The purpose was to encourage the children to praise and worship God regularly. This scripture promises that praise and worship stills or silences the enemy! Our enemy loves to talk, and he loves to lie. When we praise and worship we stop his strategies against us. It was a great lesson, and so much fun. We did our own version of "Name That Tune".
There are songs that focus on complimenting God, and there are other songs that make us feel good, and give us hope. So often, all songs that are considered "church songs" are considered to be Praise & Worship songs, but this is far from true. If the focus is not on complimenting God, its just a good song.
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached about Praise & Strength today. It's so awesome when confirmation comes from so many directions! Genesis 43:8 says, "And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones."(KJV). The sons of Israel had gone to Egypt for food. They met their brother Joseph, but had no idea who he was. He told them not to return until they had their younger brother with them. Of course, their father was still grieving over the loss of Joseph, and didn't trust the other sons to bring Benjamin back to safely. Reuben begged him to let him go. But Jacob refused. Later as the supplies were running out Judah asked for permission to go back to Egypt and take Benjamin. His Father agreed.
What made this time different? Judah's name means Praise, and Benjamin's name means Strength. When we praise we are strengthened. Israel could trust Judah, and it all worked out for their good. Whatever the circumstance Praise & Worship is the answer. What's your favorite Praise & Worship song?
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Waiting
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 123:2 says, "Just as the eyes of servants closely watch the hand of their masters, Just as a maid carefully observes the slightest gesture of her mistress, In the same way we look to You, Eternal One, waiting for our God to pour out His mercy upon us."(Voice).
Other translations can give us great insight on scripture. I've been feeling like I'm waiting for so many things. But our interpretation of waiting is often different from what the Word means. Waiting on God means we continue to follow the instructions he has already given us. It means waiting attentively for the next task, or assignment. It does not mean lazily, aimlessly living without any direction or purpose.
This week I enjoyed a Podcast by Brother Bob Yandian entitled, Faith and Patience. There are so many scriptures about waiting. We love to quote Isaiah 40:31, but seem to miss the preceding scriptures that describe what waiting can entail. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."(Isaiah 40:29-31, KJV). Don't miss this! Even the young and strong, the ones that should be able to handle it may fall, or faint. But those waiting on God are renewed with the Supernatural Power of God, and can rise above the circumstances.
What can we do during the waiting periods? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! While we wait, meditate on the Word. Remember is another word used quite a bit in scripture. We have to remember the Word, remember the Promises, and remember our testimony. We've already been through so much, but we forget. If God brought us through once, he can do it again! Meditate on the Word, so you don't forget. While we wait, do things that have positive side effects. If watching Soap Operas has you feeling some type of way, stop watching. Read a good book, listen to a motivational podcast, or phone a friend. Recently, on lunch break I called my Auntee Sophia. It was a great call, and I couldn't eat while I talked. What a great way to lose weight! While we wait, be thankful! Thanksgiving Holiday is not the only time we should count our blessings. Got water, electricity, and a roof over your head? Got a job, or a career, or a business you love? Got friends, even one? Got family to love you, test you, and challenge you? Be thankful!
Psalm 27:14 says, "Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you."(Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 123:2 says, "Just as the eyes of servants closely watch the hand of their masters, Just as a maid carefully observes the slightest gesture of her mistress, In the same way we look to You, Eternal One, waiting for our God to pour out His mercy upon us."(Voice).
Other translations can give us great insight on scripture. I've been feeling like I'm waiting for so many things. But our interpretation of waiting is often different from what the Word means. Waiting on God means we continue to follow the instructions he has already given us. It means waiting attentively for the next task, or assignment. It does not mean lazily, aimlessly living without any direction or purpose.
This week I enjoyed a Podcast by Brother Bob Yandian entitled, Faith and Patience. There are so many scriptures about waiting. We love to quote Isaiah 40:31, but seem to miss the preceding scriptures that describe what waiting can entail. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."(Isaiah 40:29-31, KJV). Don't miss this! Even the young and strong, the ones that should be able to handle it may fall, or faint. But those waiting on God are renewed with the Supernatural Power of God, and can rise above the circumstances.
What can we do during the waiting periods? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! While we wait, meditate on the Word. Remember is another word used quite a bit in scripture. We have to remember the Word, remember the Promises, and remember our testimony. We've already been through so much, but we forget. If God brought us through once, he can do it again! Meditate on the Word, so you don't forget. While we wait, do things that have positive side effects. If watching Soap Operas has you feeling some type of way, stop watching. Read a good book, listen to a motivational podcast, or phone a friend. Recently, on lunch break I called my Auntee Sophia. It was a great call, and I couldn't eat while I talked. What a great way to lose weight! While we wait, be thankful! Thanksgiving Holiday is not the only time we should count our blessings. Got water, electricity, and a roof over your head? Got a job, or a career, or a business you love? Got friends, even one? Got family to love you, test you, and challenge you? Be thankful!
Psalm 27:14 says, "Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you."(Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Overwhelmed
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 61
God, listen to me shout,
bend an ear to my prayer.
When I’m far from anywhere,
down to my last gasp,
I call out, “Guide me
up High Rock Mountain!”
You’ve always given me breathing room,
a place to get away from it all,
A lifetime pass to your safe-house,
an open invitation as your guest.
You’ve always taken me seriously, God,
made me welcome among those who know and love you.
Let the days of the king add up
to years and years of good rule.
Set his throne in the full light of God;
post Steady Love and Good Faith as lookouts,
And I’ll be the poet who sings your glory—
and live what I sing every day.
(Message)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 61
God, listen to me shout,
bend an ear to my prayer.
When I’m far from anywhere,
down to my last gasp,
I call out, “Guide me
up High Rock Mountain!”
You’ve always given me breathing room,
a place to get away from it all,
A lifetime pass to your safe-house,
an open invitation as your guest.
You’ve always taken me seriously, God,
made me welcome among those who know and love you.
Let the days of the king add up
to years and years of good rule.
Set his throne in the full light of God;
post Steady Love and Good Faith as lookouts,
And I’ll be the poet who sings your glory—
and live what I sing every day.
(Message)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)