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
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