Happy Sunday!
"Then the ten spies who had incited the rebellion against Jehovah by striking FEAR into the hearts of the people were struck dead before the Lord. Of all the spies, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive."(Numbers 14:37-38, Living Bible).
Have you ever thought about this? The 10 spies were only providing the facts they uncovered on their 40 day tour of the Promised Land. They said, "“We arrived in the land you sent us to see, and it is indeed a magnificent country—a land ‘flowing with milk and honey.’ Here is some fruit we have brought as proof."(Numbers 13:27, Living Bible). This was a fact. They said, “The land is full of warriors, the people are powerfully built, and we saw some of the Anakim there, descendants of the ancient race of giants."(Numbers 13:32-33a, Living Bible). That was also a fact. But then they left the facts and moved over into their feelings. They said, "We felt like grasshoppers before them, they were so tall!”(Numbers 13:33b, Living Bible). Don't miss this! They felt. Feelings are defined as, "an emotional state or reaction; a belief, especially a vague or irrational one".
The TRUTH was God promised them the land, and He described it to them meticulously. God proved that He could give them victory in tough situations at the Red Sea. They saw Pharoah and his entire army drowned. God proved that He would feed them even in the wilderness where there were no Wal-Marts or Convenience Stores. What the 10 spies really did was call God a Liar!
When we murmur and complain we are saying that our situation is too hard for God. We are calling God a Liar. Jeremiah 32:27 says, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?"(KJV). Romans 8:31 says, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"(KJV). Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"(KJV). Now, don't let the enemy condemn you! We have all been guilty of leaning on our feelings and forsaking the Word of God at some point. But today is the day for us to change!
We must always place FAITH above our feelings. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."(KJV). Another translation of this scripture says, "It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him."(Message). How can we know that God cares for us? Great question. I'm so glad you asked. We know God and His Character by spending time with Him and His Word. Like any intimate relationship, it takes time to get to know the other person. The closer you get to them the more you know about them. James 4:8 says, "Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other."(Voice).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Who's Your Daddy?
Happy Sunday!
Happy Father's Day! Matthew 5:48 says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."(KJV). The Message Translation says it this way, "In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created IDENTITY. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Perfect is defined as "having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be; absolute; complete". Don't miss this! If God is your father, you should be as good as it is possible. You should look like Him, walk like Him, and talk like Him. 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).
Did you know there are only two spiritual families on earth? And only two fathers? You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body. Whether you realize it or not, you are in one family or the other. Jesus rebuked a group of people and said, "For you are the children of your father the devil and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning and a hater of truth—there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars. And so when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe it!"(John 8:44-45, Living Bible).
Who's your Daddy? Who are you resembling? Jesus described how God's children should be identified, "However, I say to you, love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you, and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them. For that will reveal your IDENTITY as children of your heavenly Father. He is kind to all by bringing the sunrise to warm and rainfall to refresh whether a person does what is good or evil."(Matthew 5:44-45, Passion).
Fathers are Essential! During this COVID-19 adventure, we have reclassified what jobs are essential. Celebrities and sports stars have taken a back seat to the cashier, the trash man, the first responder, the nurse, and the doctor. Those that can save a life, and improve our daily lives have moved to the forefront. But fathers should always remain essential. A father gives his child their identity. We love our mothers and we know they have held it all together, but as a daughter I wanted a relationship with my father. I wanted to hear praise from his lips. I wanted to know that I was wanted, and not rejected. Thankfully, I have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal savior. He not only forgave my sins: past, present, and future. But I was adopted into His family. Ephesians 1:5 says, "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. And he did this because he wanted to!"(Living Bible). He did it because he wanted to, because he loves me. Not because the state forced him to love me or care for me, but because he is a Good, Good Father.
I'm so thankful to know some amazing fathers! Their children are So Blessed to have them! If by chance, your father was not what he should have been don't lose heart. Our Heavenly Father can step in and fill the empty spaces. He will provide everything you need in this life and the next.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Happy Father's Day! Matthew 5:48 says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."(KJV). The Message Translation says it this way, "In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created IDENTITY. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Perfect is defined as "having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be; absolute; complete". Don't miss this! If God is your father, you should be as good as it is possible. You should look like Him, walk like Him, and talk like Him. 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).
Did you know there are only two spiritual families on earth? And only two fathers? You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body. Whether you realize it or not, you are in one family or the other. Jesus rebuked a group of people and said, "For you are the children of your father the devil and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning and a hater of truth—there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars. And so when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe it!"(John 8:44-45, Living Bible).
Who's your Daddy? Who are you resembling? Jesus described how God's children should be identified, "However, I say to you, love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you, and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them. For that will reveal your IDENTITY as children of your heavenly Father. He is kind to all by bringing the sunrise to warm and rainfall to refresh whether a person does what is good or evil."(Matthew 5:44-45, Passion).
Fathers are Essential! During this COVID-19 adventure, we have reclassified what jobs are essential. Celebrities and sports stars have taken a back seat to the cashier, the trash man, the first responder, the nurse, and the doctor. Those that can save a life, and improve our daily lives have moved to the forefront. But fathers should always remain essential. A father gives his child their identity. We love our mothers and we know they have held it all together, but as a daughter I wanted a relationship with my father. I wanted to hear praise from his lips. I wanted to know that I was wanted, and not rejected. Thankfully, I have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal savior. He not only forgave my sins: past, present, and future. But I was adopted into His family. Ephesians 1:5 says, "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. And he did this because he wanted to!"(Living Bible). He did it because he wanted to, because he loves me. Not because the state forced him to love me or care for me, but because he is a Good, Good Father.
I'm so thankful to know some amazing fathers! Their children are So Blessed to have them! If by chance, your father was not what he should have been don't lose heart. Our Heavenly Father can step in and fill the empty spaces. He will provide everything you need in this life and the next.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Help is on the way...
Happy Sunday!
"Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God."(2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Good News Translation).
What can I do to help? Lately, that's been what we hear so often. People want to know how they can help others and make things better. This is a godly trait. God comforts us through trials and tribulations, then we are equipped to comfort others. Who are you helping?
Philippians 4:19, that scripture that we love so much, was the response to a church that had given financially to the Apostle Paul's ministry. He was assuring them that God would supply all of their needs according to His riches in glory because they had given. In Luke 6:38, Jesus says the same thing..."If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated."(CEV).
Help comes in many forms: a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a prayer, a monetary gift, a phone call, an encouraging text, washing the dishes, donating to a good cause, making a meal they enjoy, and a listening ear. I talk to some people that complain about life being so hard and unfair, but these same people are selfish and self-centered. The Word is true and forever will be. "Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life."(Galatians 6:7, Message).
Help is on the way! As soon as we start moving...
Love and prayers, Cynthia
"Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God."(2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Good News Translation).
What can I do to help? Lately, that's been what we hear so often. People want to know how they can help others and make things better. This is a godly trait. God comforts us through trials and tribulations, then we are equipped to comfort others. Who are you helping?
Philippians 4:19, that scripture that we love so much, was the response to a church that had given financially to the Apostle Paul's ministry. He was assuring them that God would supply all of their needs according to His riches in glory because they had given. In Luke 6:38, Jesus says the same thing..."If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated."(CEV).
Help comes in many forms: a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a prayer, a monetary gift, a phone call, an encouraging text, washing the dishes, donating to a good cause, making a meal they enjoy, and a listening ear. I talk to some people that complain about life being so hard and unfair, but these same people are selfish and self-centered. The Word is true and forever will be. "Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life."(Galatians 6:7, Message).
Help is on the way! As soon as we start moving...
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, June 7, 2020
Got Vision?
Happy Sunday!
Habakkuk 2:2 says, "And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it."(KJV).
It's always good to know the context of a scripture. I admit I have been guilty of taking scriptures out of context at times. Thankfully, God is merciful and gracious and if you are willing to learn He will teach you. I believe that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"(2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). I also believe that even though these scriptures were literally lived out by the Children of Israel we can glean wisdom from them for today.
Habakkuk voiced a complaint to God. Did you know you can ask God questions? You can make your case, and He will answer you. In Isaiah 1:18, God says, "Come now, and let us reason together;"(KJV). Another translation of this scripture says, "Come, let’s discuss this."(Living Bible). I love listening to old recordings of Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin. He wasn't afraid to ask God anything, and he'd rely on the Word of God for the answers. He recounted asking God about an issue, and telling God he wouldn't change his mind about it unless he had three scriptures to back it up. He laughed when he reported that God told him he'd do him one better, and gave him four scriptures to support the truth.
So what was Habakkuk's complaint against God? So glad you asked. This was his first complaint to God, "O Lord, how long must I call for help before you will listen? I shout to you in vain; there is no answer. “Help! Murder!” I cry, but no one comes to save. Must I forever see this sin and sadness all around me? Wherever I look I see oppression and bribery and men who love to argue and to fight. The law is not enforced, and there is no justice given in the courts, for the wicked far outnumber the righteous, and bribes and trickery prevail."(Easy-to-Read Version). WOW! If I didn't know this was written thousands of years ago, I would swear it was written in 2020.
You should read God's response to Habakkuk's first complaint, but today I want to focus on his second complaint and God's answer. He says, "God, you’re from eternity, aren’t you? Holy God, we aren’t going to die, are we? God, you chose Babylonians for your judgment work? Rock-Solid God, you gave them the job of discipline? But you can’t be serious! You can’t condone evil! So why don’t you do something about this? Why are you silent now? This outrage! Evil men swallow up the righteous and you stand around and watch!"(Habakkuk 1:12-13, Message).
God answers Habakkuk and tells him to start taking notes. God wants this response recorded and available for everyone to see. One translation says, "Write my answer on a billboard", and another says, "Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by."(Living Bible and Amplified). It was a literal prophetic vision to Habakkuk, but to us it is an encouragement to have Vision.
What is your vision for the future? What is your vision for your family? What is your vision for your legacy? The Word says, "Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]—blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he."(Proverbs 29:18, Amplified). The world is happy to give you their vision. It's shown daily on the Tell-A-Vision. Most of the time it's gloom and doom. But the Word says, "Hard times may well be the plight of the righteous—they may often seem overwhelmed—but the Eternal RESCUES the righteous from what oppresses them."(Voice). The economists may tell you that you will never bounce back from this financial crisis. But 2 Corinthians 9:8 promises, "God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you NEED and MORE so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others."(Living Bible). The commercials tell you about all the side effects of the medicines, and advertise that lovely senior citizen complex with medical staff on site. I'm not judging, if that's what you really want. So be it. But the Word says, "They will take root in your house, Lord God, and they will do WELL. They will be like trees that stay HEALTHY and FRUITFUL, even when they are old."(Psalm 92:13-14, CEV).
Do you have a Vision? Re-visit your vision today. Write it down, review it. Remind yourself of the promises of God. You "shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord."(Psalm 118:17, KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Habakkuk 2:2 says, "And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it."(KJV).
It's always good to know the context of a scripture. I admit I have been guilty of taking scriptures out of context at times. Thankfully, God is merciful and gracious and if you are willing to learn He will teach you. I believe that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"(2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). I also believe that even though these scriptures were literally lived out by the Children of Israel we can glean wisdom from them for today.
Habakkuk voiced a complaint to God. Did you know you can ask God questions? You can make your case, and He will answer you. In Isaiah 1:18, God says, "Come now, and let us reason together;"(KJV). Another translation of this scripture says, "Come, let’s discuss this."(Living Bible). I love listening to old recordings of Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin. He wasn't afraid to ask God anything, and he'd rely on the Word of God for the answers. He recounted asking God about an issue, and telling God he wouldn't change his mind about it unless he had three scriptures to back it up. He laughed when he reported that God told him he'd do him one better, and gave him four scriptures to support the truth.
So what was Habakkuk's complaint against God? So glad you asked. This was his first complaint to God, "O Lord, how long must I call for help before you will listen? I shout to you in vain; there is no answer. “Help! Murder!” I cry, but no one comes to save. Must I forever see this sin and sadness all around me? Wherever I look I see oppression and bribery and men who love to argue and to fight. The law is not enforced, and there is no justice given in the courts, for the wicked far outnumber the righteous, and bribes and trickery prevail."(Easy-to-Read Version). WOW! If I didn't know this was written thousands of years ago, I would swear it was written in 2020.
You should read God's response to Habakkuk's first complaint, but today I want to focus on his second complaint and God's answer. He says, "God, you’re from eternity, aren’t you? Holy God, we aren’t going to die, are we? God, you chose Babylonians for your judgment work? Rock-Solid God, you gave them the job of discipline? But you can’t be serious! You can’t condone evil! So why don’t you do something about this? Why are you silent now? This outrage! Evil men swallow up the righteous and you stand around and watch!"(Habakkuk 1:12-13, Message).
God answers Habakkuk and tells him to start taking notes. God wants this response recorded and available for everyone to see. One translation says, "Write my answer on a billboard", and another says, "Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by."(Living Bible and Amplified). It was a literal prophetic vision to Habakkuk, but to us it is an encouragement to have Vision.
What is your vision for the future? What is your vision for your family? What is your vision for your legacy? The Word says, "Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]—blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he."(Proverbs 29:18, Amplified). The world is happy to give you their vision. It's shown daily on the Tell-A-Vision. Most of the time it's gloom and doom. But the Word says, "Hard times may well be the plight of the righteous—they may often seem overwhelmed—but the Eternal RESCUES the righteous from what oppresses them."(Voice). The economists may tell you that you will never bounce back from this financial crisis. But 2 Corinthians 9:8 promises, "God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you NEED and MORE so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others."(Living Bible). The commercials tell you about all the side effects of the medicines, and advertise that lovely senior citizen complex with medical staff on site. I'm not judging, if that's what you really want. So be it. But the Word says, "They will take root in your house, Lord God, and they will do WELL. They will be like trees that stay HEALTHY and FRUITFUL, even when they are old."(Psalm 92:13-14, CEV).
Do you have a Vision? Re-visit your vision today. Write it down, review it. Remind yourself of the promises of God. You "shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord."(Psalm 118:17, KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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