Happy Sunday!
"They hated the heavenly Light because they wanted to sin in the darkness. They stayed away from that Light for fear their sins would be exposed and they would be punished. BUT those doing RIGHT come gladly to the Light to let everyone see that they are doing what God wants them to.”(John 3:20-21, Living Bible).
Even though I don't do scary movies, when I read this scripture I thought of the movie, Poltergeist and the phrase, "Carol Ann come to the light". LOL! I must have heard it somewhere, because I have never seen the movie. I watched the clip from this portion of the movie today, and it was actually comical. In the shadows, and in darkness there is fear and uncertainty. But in the light there is understanding and clarity. Have you ever laid in bed and thought you saw a figure in the room with you? Then you turn on the light to see that it was just your coat hanging on the door. I have. I felt really silly for laying there in the dark contemplating what I would use to defend myself from the imagined intruder.
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."(KJV). God doesn't want us to live in fear. No fear of the past, present, or future. He wants us to know who we are in Christ, and that we have authority in the Name of Jesus.
Hebrew 2:14-15 says, "Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and FREED all who COWER through life, SCARED to death of death."(Message). Don't miss this! Jesus' perfect work fixed things! We don't have to worry! We don't have to fear!
OK, so you don't think this applies to you? I know it does! You don't have to fear starting your own business. You don't have to fear moving to another city. Your don't have to fear telling the truth. You don't have to fear making a mistake. Life goes on even after mistakes. Each day comes with new mercies, and fresh opportunities. Pastor Randy Morrison always says, "If you don't die, you are going to live". Sounds so simple, and it is. Decide to live. Decide to make each day count. Decide to live fearlessly.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Sunday, September 22, 2019
More to Come
Happy Sunday!
Romans 5:3-4 says, "There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"(Message).
This is so encouraging because it reminds us there is more to come! God has a wonderful plan for us and we are not too old to enjoy it! The same God that created the universe assures us that he has a good plan for us and he is able to complete it! Jeremiah 29:11 says, "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."(Message). Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."(Amplified).
Just in case you needed more convincing...Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change. If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Romans 5:3-4 says, "There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"(Message).
This is so encouraging because it reminds us there is more to come! God has a wonderful plan for us and we are not too old to enjoy it! The same God that created the universe assures us that he has a good plan for us and he is able to complete it! Jeremiah 29:11 says, "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."(Message). Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."(Amplified).
Just in case you needed more convincing...Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change. If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Do you really believe?
Happy Sunday!
It's a good day to have a good day! Hope you are well and enjoying life. You know I love to share lessons from Barry Bennett. He always blesses me and gets me thinking. What we believe and what we say are the foundation of our lives. Hope this encourages you too!
Do you really believe? - by Barry Bennett
Do you really believe that God wants you to have an abundant life? (John 10:10)
Do you really believe that God rejoices in your prosperity? (Ps. 35:27)
Do you really believe that God wants you to have enough to provide for your family? (1 Tim. 5:8)
Do you really believe that you should have more than enough to send missionaries around the world? (Rom. 10:15)
Do you really believe that God has enough for you to pay your taxes? (Mt. 22:21)
Do you really believe that God wants to give you good things? (Mt. 7:11)
Do you really believe that God wants you to help the poor? (Prov. 19:17)
Do you really believe that righteousness brings increase to your life? (Ps. 84:11)
Do you really believe that God loves a cheerful giver and will multiply his seed sown? (2 Cor. 9:6-11)
Do you really believe that God wants your needs to be met? (Mt. 6:33)
Do you really believe that God wants to do exceeding, abundantly more than you ask or think according to the power that works in you? (Eph. 3:20)
Many miss out on God’s abundance because they simply don’t believe that He is THAT GOOD! Rather than concentrating on the evil, lack and pain in the world, focus on God and His limitless provision. There is seed in your life that is waiting to multiply. Will you sow it? If Christians would sow God’s grace into the world there would be less evil, lack and pain.
Your words, thoughts, actions, talents and resources are seeds that can transform lives. Do you really believe it? - by Barry Bennett
Love and prayers, Cynthia
It's a good day to have a good day! Hope you are well and enjoying life. You know I love to share lessons from Barry Bennett. He always blesses me and gets me thinking. What we believe and what we say are the foundation of our lives. Hope this encourages you too!
Do you really believe? - by Barry Bennett
Do you really believe that God wants you to have an abundant life? (John 10:10)
Do you really believe that God rejoices in your prosperity? (Ps. 35:27)
Do you really believe that God wants you to have enough to provide for your family? (1 Tim. 5:8)
Do you really believe that you should have more than enough to send missionaries around the world? (Rom. 10:15)
Do you really believe that God has enough for you to pay your taxes? (Mt. 22:21)
Do you really believe that God wants to give you good things? (Mt. 7:11)
Do you really believe that God wants you to help the poor? (Prov. 19:17)
Do you really believe that righteousness brings increase to your life? (Ps. 84:11)
Do you really believe that God loves a cheerful giver and will multiply his seed sown? (2 Cor. 9:6-11)
Do you really believe that God wants your needs to be met? (Mt. 6:33)
Do you really believe that God wants to do exceeding, abundantly more than you ask or think according to the power that works in you? (Eph. 3:20)
Many miss out on God’s abundance because they simply don’t believe that He is THAT GOOD! Rather than concentrating on the evil, lack and pain in the world, focus on God and His limitless provision. There is seed in your life that is waiting to multiply. Will you sow it? If Christians would sow God’s grace into the world there would be less evil, lack and pain.
Your words, thoughts, actions, talents and resources are seeds that can transform lives. Do you really believe it? - by Barry Bennett
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Without Excuse
Happy Sunday!
We are living in a great time. So many opportunities, and possibilities. But all of these things come with responsibilities. Our church is hosting our International Faith Conference this week. How wonderful it was to stream the live service from my bedroom. I didn't have to get dressed, drive to the church, or wait in line hoping for a good seat. I didn't have to fight the crowds to get out of the building and to the parking lot afterward. I was even able to text my offering. But it made me think...with all of the available options and ways to get the Word of God there is no excuse for not getting it.
Romans 1:20-23 says, "Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. So they will have NO EXCUSE when they stand before God at Judgment Day. Yes, they knew about him all right, but they wouldn’t admit it or worship him or even thank him for all his daily care. And after a while they began to think up silly ideas of what God was like and what he wanted them to do. The result was that their foolish minds became dark and confused. Claiming themselves to be wise without God, they became utter fools instead. And then, instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they took wood and stone and made idols for themselves, carving them to look like mere birds and animals and snakes and puny men."(Living Bible).
Don't miss this! Even the earth and sky declare that God is real, and that He should be given our worship and praise. Don't get me wrong, I love to attend worship services in person, and I know the Word instructs us "not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches."(Hebrews 10:25, Voice). But I'm also so thankful that I can get the Word on radio, television, YouTube, Facebook, podcasts, CDs, DVDs, and so many other ways. If I have question, I can Google it. Everything we read on the Internet is not true, but so very much is. If I'm reading something and don't understand a word, I can look it up. I can also read another Bible translation to get a better understanding.
Jesus described the Kingdom of Heaven as, "a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey."(Matthew 25:14-15, KJV). Another translation says it this way, "It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left."(Message). The first two servants were conscientious and managed the master's money well. But the last servant, "the man who received the $1,000 dug a hole in the ground and hid the money for safekeeping."(Living Bible). You've heard the story before, the master rebuked the last servant and said, "You wicked and lazy and idle servant! Then you should have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was my own with interest."(vs 26-27, Amplified).
Don't be like that lazy servant. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to manage, steward, and increase what God has given you.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
We are living in a great time. So many opportunities, and possibilities. But all of these things come with responsibilities. Our church is hosting our International Faith Conference this week. How wonderful it was to stream the live service from my bedroom. I didn't have to get dressed, drive to the church, or wait in line hoping for a good seat. I didn't have to fight the crowds to get out of the building and to the parking lot afterward. I was even able to text my offering. But it made me think...with all of the available options and ways to get the Word of God there is no excuse for not getting it.
Romans 1:20-23 says, "Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. So they will have NO EXCUSE when they stand before God at Judgment Day. Yes, they knew about him all right, but they wouldn’t admit it or worship him or even thank him for all his daily care. And after a while they began to think up silly ideas of what God was like and what he wanted them to do. The result was that their foolish minds became dark and confused. Claiming themselves to be wise without God, they became utter fools instead. And then, instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they took wood and stone and made idols for themselves, carving them to look like mere birds and animals and snakes and puny men."(Living Bible).
Don't miss this! Even the earth and sky declare that God is real, and that He should be given our worship and praise. Don't get me wrong, I love to attend worship services in person, and I know the Word instructs us "not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches."(Hebrews 10:25, Voice). But I'm also so thankful that I can get the Word on radio, television, YouTube, Facebook, podcasts, CDs, DVDs, and so many other ways. If I have question, I can Google it. Everything we read on the Internet is not true, but so very much is. If I'm reading something and don't understand a word, I can look it up. I can also read another Bible translation to get a better understanding.
Jesus described the Kingdom of Heaven as, "a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey."(Matthew 25:14-15, KJV). Another translation says it this way, "It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left."(Message). The first two servants were conscientious and managed the master's money well. But the last servant, "the man who received the $1,000 dug a hole in the ground and hid the money for safekeeping."(Living Bible). You've heard the story before, the master rebuked the last servant and said, "You wicked and lazy and idle servant! Then you should have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was my own with interest."(vs 26-27, Amplified).
Don't be like that lazy servant. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to manage, steward, and increase what God has given you.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Work Is Good
Happy Sunday!
Happy Labor Day Weekend! Let's talk about work, Baby!
As we celebrate the contributions of American Workers, it amazes me that
there is always someone complaining about their job. They complain about the work, the boss, and the hours. They wish for retirement, FMLA, or even Worker's Compensation. But who gets to complain about the masses that are half doing their tasks? Lately, I seen so many people that don't have a good work ethic. Perhaps, they weren't trained properly, like the young man bagging my groceries, who put my warm Rotisserie Chicken in the bag with the ice cream. Perhaps, they are just lazy and never heard the Apostle Paul's mandate to Thessalonians, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not WORK, neither should he eat."(2 Thessalonians 3:10, KJV). Don't miss this! Work is required.
Genesis 2:2 says, "And on the seventh day God ended his WORK which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his WORK which he had made."(KJV). OK, so work is not a bad thing. God worked, then rested after his work was done. Everything God made was good! He didn't half do anything! We must follow his example. Colossians 3:23 says, "In all the WORK you are given, do the best you can. WORK as though you are WORKing for the Lord, not any earthly master."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Proverbs 24:27 gives us instruction on how to have a good life, "Complete your WORK outside, and get your fields ready for next season; after that’s done, build your house."(Voice). Another translation of this scripture says it this way, "Develop your business first before building your house."(Living Bible). Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good WORKs, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."(KJV). People should be able to distinguish between your work and the work of another. They should see your excellence and in turn have a reason to praise God.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Happy Labor Day Weekend! Let's talk about work, Baby!
As we celebrate the contributions of American Workers, it amazes me that
there is always someone complaining about their job. They complain about the work, the boss, and the hours. They wish for retirement, FMLA, or even Worker's Compensation. But who gets to complain about the masses that are half doing their tasks? Lately, I seen so many people that don't have a good work ethic. Perhaps, they weren't trained properly, like the young man bagging my groceries, who put my warm Rotisserie Chicken in the bag with the ice cream. Perhaps, they are just lazy and never heard the Apostle Paul's mandate to Thessalonians, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not WORK, neither should he eat."(2 Thessalonians 3:10, KJV). Don't miss this! Work is required.
Genesis 2:2 says, "And on the seventh day God ended his WORK which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his WORK which he had made."(KJV). OK, so work is not a bad thing. God worked, then rested after his work was done. Everything God made was good! He didn't half do anything! We must follow his example. Colossians 3:23 says, "In all the WORK you are given, do the best you can. WORK as though you are WORKing for the Lord, not any earthly master."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Proverbs 24:27 gives us instruction on how to have a good life, "Complete your WORK outside, and get your fields ready for next season; after that’s done, build your house."(Voice). Another translation of this scripture says it this way, "Develop your business first before building your house."(Living Bible). Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good WORKs, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."(KJV). People should be able to distinguish between your work and the work of another. They should see your excellence and in turn have a reason to praise God.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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