ALL Things

 Happy Sunday!

"Long ago God spoke in many different ways to our fathers through the prophets, in visions, dreams, and even face to face, telling them little by little about his plans. BUT now in these days he has spoken to us through His SON to whom he has given everything and through whom he made the world and everything there is."(Hebrews 1:1-2 Living Bible).

Jesus is the Lawful Owner of Everything!  You may need to read that again.  No matter who may have, or be using the earth's resources, they don't own it.  No wonder the Psalmist was inspired to write, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.  I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.  If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof."(Psalm 50:10-12 KJV).

After the Resurrection, Jesus declared, "ALL power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."(Matthew 28:18 KJV).  The Apostle Peter wrote, "He has by his own action given us EVERYTHING that is necessary for living the truly GOOD life, in allowing us to know the one who has called us to him, through his own glorious goodness. It is through him that God’s greatest and most precious promises have become available to US men, making it possible for YOU to escape the inevitable disintegration that lust produces in the world and to share in God’s essential nature."(2 Peter 1:3-4 Phillips).  Don't miss this!  There is an "Inevitable Disintegration" in the world.  The Bible prophecies are being played out daily.  We don't have to fear when we know who we are in Christ.  Those that are not certain of their future will be as Jesus described them, "People will be so frightened that they will faint because of what is happening to the world. Every power in the sky will be shaken."(Luke 21:26 CEV).

"So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us.  He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us ALL things."(Romans 8:31-32 Easy-to-Read Version).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

A Better Way

 Happy Sunday!

"I want you to desire the best gifts.  So I will show you a much better way."(1 Corinthians 12:31 CEV).

The Apostle Paul has just taught the church at Corinth about Spiritual Gifts and the importance of each individual in the Body of Christ.  He used the body as an example of how necessary each part or person is.  I can't see my liver, but I'm confident that it's doing a life saving work for me.  I can't see my lungs but I'm grateful that even when I sleep I am still breathing.  Each organ has a purpose and must work in conjunction with other organs to promote life and  health. The Body of Christ must work together in unity as well.

In the scripture above, the Apostle says that even though we have miracles, healings, prophecies, and tongues there is still a "better way"!  Then in Chapter 13 he shows us the better way is LOVE!  Everyone loves these scriptures, even unbelievers use them in their weddings.  The KJV is so poetic.  But the Living Bible says it like this, "Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.  It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.  If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him."(1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Jesus told His disciples, "This is how all men will know that you are my disciples, because you have such LOVE for one another.”(John 13:35 Phillips).  ALL means all.  Everyone we meet should see the difference. People should be happy to see you coming, not hiding to avoid you.  Use these scriptures as a checklist.  If you miss a point work on it!  Don't be discouraged!  The Holy Spirit will help you.  Love is the Better Way. 

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Happiness Is

 Happy Sunday!

You know I love the Word of God!   So happy for the foundation my parents gave me in the things of the Lord.  I was singing a song the other day, and my daughters laughed. They said, "Where did you learn that little song?"   At First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, MO probably during Vacation Bible School or Sunday School.  I remember every word.  The song is entitled, "Happiness Is the Lord". The chorus says, "REAL Joy is mine, no matter if the teardrops start. I've found the secret, it's Jesus in my heart!"

I know this to be true!  I am happier now than I've ever been!  And I can trace it all back to knowing, accepting, and following Jesus.  The following passage is entitled, "Trusting in People and Trusting in God".  It's from Jeremiah 17:5-8.  He tells us what we can expect when we choose to trust people, and what we enjoy when we trust God.

"This is what the Lord says: “Bad things will happen to those who put their trust in people.  Bad things will happen to those who depend on human strength.  That is because they have stopped trusting the Lord. They are like a bush in a desert where no one lives.  It is in a hot and dry land.  It is in bad soil. That bush does not know about the good things that God can give.

“BUT those who trust in the Lord will be BLESSED. They know that the Lord will do what he says. They will be strong like trees planted near a stream that send out roots to the water. They have NOTHING TO FEAR when the days get hot.  Their leaves are always green. They never worry, even in a year that has no rain.  They always produce fruit."(Easy-to-Read Version).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Worry is a SIN!

 Happy Sunday!

"Will all your worries add a single moment to your life?"(Matthew 6:27 Living Bible)

Don't miss this question!  Please stop and read it again!  Jesus asked this question so it has to be important and relevant.  Worrying is useless.  Worrying is a SIN!  OK, I know what your thinking!  Cynthia you've gone too far!  How do you come up with this stuff?  LOL!  Well, I get it straight from the BIBLE. 

Let me ask a question.  If Jesus tells us not to do something, but we do it anyway...is that SIN?  Do you need a moment?  I'll wait, but not too long.  Jesus said, "So I tell you, DON'T WORRY about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it."(Matthew 6:25 Easy-to-Read Version).  Looks like Jesus said not to worry.

The Apostle Peter echoed this, "Casting the whole of your care all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully."(1 Peter 5:7 Amplified).  When we worry we are doubting God.  It's almost like calling God a liar.  BUT we know He never lies, and there is no evil in Him at all!  Romans 3:4 says, "Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is not. Do you remember what the book of Psalms says about this? That God’s words will ALWAYS prove true and right, no matter who questions them."(Living Bible).

Jesus said, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and MANIFEST myself to him.”(John 14:21 ESV).  That's GOOD News!  The Psalmist told us how to fight the urge to worry, "Thy WORD have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."(Psalm 119:11 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia