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
Sunday, October 28, 2018
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
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