Happy Sunday!
Can I tell you a secret? I love a good Nollywood Movie. Don't know what that is? That's a reference to Nigerian movies. I recently watched, "New Money" on Netflix. The movie was good, but the best thing about watching the movie was a song I heard in the movie. The artists' name is Simi(Simisola). The song is called, "Remind Me". I think you will like it too.
The Lyrics are...
I forgot how to be
The kind of person that you asked me to be
I forgot how to see
Love in everything,
I forgot totally
My brother say e love me, I love am too
My man call me honey and I call am boo
But my neighbor no like me, I hate am too
A man call me stupid, I call am fool
(Chorus)
I forgot how to give
Those who are in need, so selfish of me
Even when it got too hard
Too hard for me to care,
I forgot how to try
My baby said she hungry, I give am food
I tell am I will do anything for you
But a stranger said please sir, I nor get shoe
I look am like this say who are you?
It hit me. It hit me hard. I've been crying on the train and listening to the song on repeat. I've been forgetting how to love the way Jesus asked me to love. Life can be hard. We each have our own trials and tribulations. It's so easy to focus inward and forget about the other people Jesus gave his life to save. During hard times, I remember my mother saying she hated people. She was a people person. How could she hate people? I didn't fully understand then, but I can see now how it can be possible to hate. People without God's Real Love are harsh, cruel, deceptive, conniving, vindictive, selfish, inconsiderate...and the list could go on and on. Sometimes even the people who profess to know Jesus are amazingly despicable. BUT God didn't command us to love the lovable, he commanded us to love them all just like he did.
Jesus said it best, in Matthew 5:44-48, "But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. If you do this, you will be children who are truly like your Father in heaven. He lets the sun rise for all people, whether they are good or bad. He sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. If you love only those who love you, why should you get a reward for that? Even the tax collectors do that. And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than anyone else. Even the people who don’t know God are nice to their friends.
What I am saying is that you must be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Then Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III topped it all off with his sermon this morning. He encouraged us to examine ourselves and the condition of our hearts. Our hearts can become harden because of things that have happened to us. Yes, stuff happens, but don't let that stuff change you! Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life."(Voice).
Remembering.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Pure Religion
Happy Sunday!
Hope you are enjoying the weekend, and are prepared for a glorious new week. Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III used this passage in his sermon this morning, and I want to share it with you. I know you have read it before many times, but it's always a good reminder. Zig Ziglar once said, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily". I recommend getting a daily dose of the Word also.
James 1: 19-27 (Living Bible)
"Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.
So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.
And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God’s law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does.
Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world."(James 1:19-27, Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Hope you are enjoying the weekend, and are prepared for a glorious new week. Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III used this passage in his sermon this morning, and I want to share it with you. I know you have read it before many times, but it's always a good reminder. Zig Ziglar once said, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily". I recommend getting a daily dose of the Word also.
James 1: 19-27 (Living Bible)
"Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.
So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.
And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God’s law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does.
Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world."(James 1:19-27, Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Peaceful Living
Happy Sunday!
Happy Veteran's Day! Thanks to all the brave men and women who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You."(Amplified Classic). The Message Version says it like this, "People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole. Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit".
This world is noisy. So many things bombarding us daily. News, politics, weather, sports, job responsibilities, family responsibilities, traffic, neighbors, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, friends, and foes. I'm sure you can add a few more to the list. There are a lot of things to think on and think about. The scripture doesn't describe a life free of obstacles or distractions, but it describes a life of peace. Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."(John 16:33, KJV). Don't miss this! In this world we can expect some trouble, but it is possible to be cheerful. It is possible to have peace! Jesus said so, and I believe it!
My Aunt, Pastor Theaha McClendon used to say that she got up early to get on top of things before things had a chance to get on top of her. If you knew her, you can testify that this was true. Before 9 am each morning, she'd already been praying, studying and interceding, and walked several miles for exercise. Jesus gave us a command and a promise, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."(Matthew 6:33, KJV). Jesus went on to say, "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."(Matthew 6:34, Message).
Praying you enjoy a peaceful week!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Happy Veteran's Day! Thanks to all the brave men and women who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You."(Amplified Classic). The Message Version says it like this, "People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole. Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit".
This world is noisy. So many things bombarding us daily. News, politics, weather, sports, job responsibilities, family responsibilities, traffic, neighbors, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, friends, and foes. I'm sure you can add a few more to the list. There are a lot of things to think on and think about. The scripture doesn't describe a life free of obstacles or distractions, but it describes a life of peace. Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."(John 16:33, KJV). Don't miss this! In this world we can expect some trouble, but it is possible to be cheerful. It is possible to have peace! Jesus said so, and I believe it!
My Aunt, Pastor Theaha McClendon used to say that she got up early to get on top of things before things had a chance to get on top of her. If you knew her, you can testify that this was true. Before 9 am each morning, she'd already been praying, studying and interceding, and walked several miles for exercise. Jesus gave us a command and a promise, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."(Matthew 6:33, KJV). Jesus went on to say, "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."(Matthew 6:34, Message).
Praying you enjoy a peaceful week!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, November 3, 2019
No Fear
Happy Sunday!
Today was a good day! I'm so ready for a good nights sleep.
Our Children's Church Lesson today was "The Gift of Faith; Fear Has Torment". 10 to 13 year old children ask the best questions. We have redirect them so many times, or we'd never finish the lesson. We talked about our fears. One young man mentioned being afraid that he would not succeed. WOW! At their age, I was just trying to deal with a changing family dynamic, success in life hadn't entered my mind. I shared Joshua 1:8 with him, "Let the words from the book of the law be always on your lips. Meditate on them day and night so that you may be careful to live by all that is written in it. If you do, as you make your way through this world, you will prosper and always find success."(Voice).
Another young man was afraid he wouldn't make it to high school, and a young lady was afraid something tragic would happen to her family. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."(KJV). Don't miss this! When we lack an understanding of the Love of God, we are afraid. Don't feel bad, or condemned. You are not alone. Society, family, and the enemy have all done a good job convincing us that we are unlovable. BUT that's a lie, from the Father of Lies himself. God loved us so much he gave his prize possession, his only begotten son. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, "God paid a very high price to make you his. So honor God with your body."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Faith is the antidote for fear. Hebrews 11:1 says, "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead."(Living Bible). God has given every believer a measure of faith.(Romans 12:3). What we are responsible to do is increase that measure. It's like body building, or investing. There are steps your must take daily, and regularly to get a return. Reading the Bible, hearing the Word preached and taught, and prayer and meditation on the Word will ensure faith flourishes and fears fade away.
Psalm 27 is a great book to read if you are tormented by fears. Verse 1 says, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"(KJV). Read it for yourself. This guy dealt with enemies, armies, wicked people, liars, and rejection. That's a lot, but he knew that he knew that he knew, there is nothing to fear with the Lord on your side. Let this be a reminder...Fear Not.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Today was a good day! I'm so ready for a good nights sleep.
Our Children's Church Lesson today was "The Gift of Faith; Fear Has Torment". 10 to 13 year old children ask the best questions. We have redirect them so many times, or we'd never finish the lesson. We talked about our fears. One young man mentioned being afraid that he would not succeed. WOW! At their age, I was just trying to deal with a changing family dynamic, success in life hadn't entered my mind. I shared Joshua 1:8 with him, "Let the words from the book of the law be always on your lips. Meditate on them day and night so that you may be careful to live by all that is written in it. If you do, as you make your way through this world, you will prosper and always find success."(Voice).
Another young man was afraid he wouldn't make it to high school, and a young lady was afraid something tragic would happen to her family. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."(KJV). Don't miss this! When we lack an understanding of the Love of God, we are afraid. Don't feel bad, or condemned. You are not alone. Society, family, and the enemy have all done a good job convincing us that we are unlovable. BUT that's a lie, from the Father of Lies himself. God loved us so much he gave his prize possession, his only begotten son. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, "God paid a very high price to make you his. So honor God with your body."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Faith is the antidote for fear. Hebrews 11:1 says, "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead."(Living Bible). God has given every believer a measure of faith.(Romans 12:3). What we are responsible to do is increase that measure. It's like body building, or investing. There are steps your must take daily, and regularly to get a return. Reading the Bible, hearing the Word preached and taught, and prayer and meditation on the Word will ensure faith flourishes and fears fade away.
Psalm 27 is a great book to read if you are tormented by fears. Verse 1 says, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"(KJV). Read it for yourself. This guy dealt with enemies, armies, wicked people, liars, and rejection. That's a lot, but he knew that he knew that he knew, there is nothing to fear with the Lord on your side. Let this be a reminder...Fear Not.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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