Power to GET Wealth

 Happy Sunday!

"For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a GOOD land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;

A land wherein thou shalt eat bread WITHOUT SCARCENESS, thou shalt NOT LACK ANY THING in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt BLESS the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath GIVEN thee.

BEWARE that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;

And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

But thou shalt REMEMBER the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to GET WEALTH, that he may establish HIS covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day."(Deuteronomy 8:7-18 KJV).

Galatians 3:13-14 explains how we can get in on this wonderful Blessing! 

 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the BLESSING of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."(Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

4 Types of SIN

 Happy Monday!

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit."(Psalm 32:1-2 NKJV).

The Psalmist, King David gave us insight on SIN!  He was a "Man After God's Own Heart" but he also knew about SIN!(1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).  In this psalm, he shows us the 4 types of SIN as a reminder so that we can avoid it!

Transgression is the first type of SIN.  Transgression is Defiance or Deliberate rebellion against God.  Brother Kenneth Hagin told a story of a young boy disciplined by the teacher. He was told to stand in the corner but whispered to another student, "I'm standing up on the outside, but I'm sitting down on the inside!"  He was defiant!  2 Thessalonians 2:4 says, "For we speak as messengers from God, trusted by him to tell the truth; we change his message not one bit to suit the taste of those who hear it; for we serve God alone, who EXAMINES our hearts’ deepest thoughts."(Living Bible). 

Sin is the second type of SIN!  It represents a Defect!  It means we have fallen short or missed the mark or target, and lack discipline and strength.  Romans 7:18-20 says, "And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is SIN living in me that does it."(NLT).   "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord."(Romans 7:25 NLT).  Galatians 2:20 tells us we can win over Sin..."I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the FAITH of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."(KJV).

Iniquity is the third type of SIN!  It describes a distortion, something bent or crooked!  Back in the day criminals were called "crooks" because they didn't follow the straight and narrow way.  Romans 1:29-32 says, "Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness and sin, of greed and hate, envy, murder, fighting, lying, bitterness, and gossip. They were backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud, braggarts, always thinking of new ways of sinning and continually being disobedient to their parents. They tried to misunderstand, broke their promises, and were heartless—without pity. They were fully aware of God’s DEATH penalty for these crimes, yet they went right ahead and did them anyway and encouraged others to do them, too."(Living Bible).

Deceit is the fourth type of SIN!  "Literally, a catching or ensnaring. Hence, the misleading of a person; the leading of another person to believe what is false, or not to believe what is true, and thus to ensnare him; FRAUD; fallacy; cheat; any declaration, artifice or practice, which misleads another, or causes him to believe what is false.; In law, any trick, device, craft, collusion, shift, covin, or underhand practice, used to defraud another." (Webster 1828 Dictionary).  Galatians 6:7-9 warns and encourages us, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in WELL DOING: for in due season we shall REAP, if we faint not."(KJV).

Let's continue to avoid any type of SIN!  1 Corinthians 10:12 says, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."(KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Walk, Stand, and Sit

 Happy Sunday!

"BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

BUT his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate DAY and NIGHT.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and WHATSOEVER he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are NOT so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall NOT stand in the judgment, nor SINNERS in the congregation of the righteous.

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the WAY of the ungodly shall perish."(Psalm 1:1-6 KJV)

Love and Prayers, Cynthia

Beyond Happy

 Happy Sunday!

"Remember when the Eternal brought back the exiles to Zion? 
It was as if we were dreaming—
Our mouths were filled with laughter; 
our tongues were spilling over into song.
The word went out across the prairies and deserts,
across the hills, over the oceans wide, from nation to nation:
“The Eternal has done remarkable things for them.”
We shook our heads. All of us were stunned—the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. 
We were beyond happy, beyond joyful.

And now, Eternal One, some are held captive and poor. 
Release them, and restore our fortunes as the dry riverbeds of the South spring to life when the rains come at last.

Those who walk the fields to sow, casting their seed in tears, 
will one day tread those same long rows, amazed by what’s appeared.

Those who weep as they walk and plant with sighs 
Will return singing with joy, when they bring home the harvest." - Psalm 126 (Voice)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

JESUS is Coming Soon!

 Happy Sunday!

"I always thank my God for YOU 

and for the Gracious GIFTS he has given you, 

now that you BELONG to Christ Jesus. 

THROUGH him, 

God has ENRICHED your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your KNOWLEDGE. 

This CONFIRMS that what I told you about Christ is TRUE. 

NOW you have EVERY spiritual gift you NEED as you eagerly WAIT for The RETURN of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

He will KEEP you STRONG to the end so that you will be FREE from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 

God will do this, for he is FAITHFUL to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."(1 Corinthians 1:4-9 NLT).

JESUS is Coming Soon!  Are you ready?  I know, I know!  You're thinking, "Cynthia, they've been saying that for hundreds of years now!"  BUT it's true.  2 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”(NLT).  The Apostle Peter goes on to explain the delay, "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want ANYONE to be destroyed, but wants EVERYONE to repent."(2 Peter 3:9 NLT).

Think about what would have happened to us if Jesus had come before we accepted HIM as our Lord and Savior.  What a Blessing it is that HE gave us time to REPENT, and turn from our wicked ways!  NOW, he wants us to tell others!  Jesus commanded us to, "GO ye therefore, and TEACH all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."(Matthew 28:19-20 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Do It Now!

 Happy Sunday!

"Never walk away from someone who deserves help;

    your hand is God’s hand for that person.

Don’t tell your neighbor “Maybe some other time”

    or “Try me tomorrow”

    when the money’s right there in your pocket.

Don’t figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor

    when he’s sitting there trusting and unsuspecting."

(Proverbs 3:27-29 Message).

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All scripture is GIVEN by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all GOOD works."(KJV).  God has given us the Word, the Bible to guide us and assist us in life. 

He wouldn't tell us to do something He wouldn't do himself.  Right?Proverbs 3:27 tells us don't wait until tomorrow when you have the ability to help someone today.  Do you think God would wait to help you today?  Do you think he will tell you to wait until tomorrow when he has everything at his disposal today?  Luke 18:7-9 says, "Won't God PROTECT his chosen ones who PRAY to him day and night? Won't he be CONCERNED for them? He will SURELY hurry and HELP them. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find on this earth anyone with faith?"(CEV).

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen."(KJV).  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).

Food for Thought!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

The Lord IS

 Happy Sunday!

"The LORD is my shepherd;

    I have ALL that I need.

He lets me REST in green meadows;

    he LEADS me beside peaceful streams.

He RENEWS my strength.

He GUIDES me along RIGHT paths,

    bringing honor to his name.

EVEN when I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will NOT be afraid,

    for you are CLOSE beside me.

Your rod and your staff

    PROTECT and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

    My cup overflows with BLESSINGS.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will PURSUE me

    all the days of my life,

and I will LIVE in the house of the Lord

    forever."(Psalm 23 NLT).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Be Sober!

 Happy Sunday!

"Be SOBER, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"(1 Peter 5:8 KJV).

Are you a tasty treat for the Devil?  When my grandson, Nesta was younger he would describe something delicious to eat as a "Tasty Treat".  The Apostle Peter wrote to Believers to be alert and aware that our enemy, the Devil is out to make us his prey!  He also told the Believer what to do to ensure you never become a tasty treat for the enemy!

How can you keep from being a "Tasty Treat" for the Devil?  Great question!  I'm so glad you asked!  The Apostle Peter says this in the verse before, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."(1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  The Voice Translation says it this way, "Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries."  Don't miss this!  Burdens and worries can weigh us down!  When we get distracted by hard things and hard times we don't think clearly, and may become overwhelmed.  The Psalmist said, "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when MY heart is overwhelmed: LEAD ME to the rock that is higher than I."(Psalm 61:2 KJV).

Knowing that God cares for us and has a great plan for our lives will help us to stay sober.  Yes, sober means "Not intoxicated or overpowered by spiritous liquors; not drunken".  BUT Webster's 1828 Dictionary also includes this meaning, "Not MAD or Insane; not WILD, visionary or heated with passion; having the regular exercise of cool dispassionate reason. Regular; CALM; not under the influence of passion; as sober judgment;" 

The next verse tells us, "STAND firm when he attacks. TRUST the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too."(1 Peter 5:9 Living Bible).  James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. RESIST the devil, and he will FLEE from you."(KJV).  Don't miss this!  When we resist the enemy he will run away in terror!

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER is he that is IN you, than he that is in the world."(1 John 4:4 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

My Prayer

 Happy Sunday!

"That is WHY, ever since I heard of your strong FAITH in the Lord Jesus and of the LOVE you have for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped THANKING God for you. 

I PRAY for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you WISDOM to SEE CLEARLY and really understand who Christ is and all that he has DONE for you. 

I PRAY that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can SEE something of the FUTURE he has called you to share. 

I want you to REALIZE that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given to him! 

I PRAY that you will begin to understand how incredibly GREAT his POWER is to HELP those who BELIEVE him. 

It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven, FAR, FAR above any other king or ruler or dictator or leader. YES, his honor is far more glorious than that of anyone else either in this world or in the world to come. 

And God has put ALL THINGS under his feet and made him the Supreme Head of the Church— which is his body, filled with himself, the Author and Giver of everything everywhere."(Ephesians 1:15-23 Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Same

 Happy Sunday!

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."(Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

Sesame Street had a song entitled, "One Of These Things".  Maybe you remember it.  It was a segment used to get children to differentiate between objects.  Even if the items were similar, there would be something in the mix that was different.  The Bible tells us Jesus is the SAME!  Yesterday, today, and for ever!  Don't miss this!  If Jesus is the same then we can expect him to do the same things.  Jesus never made anyone sick!  Jesus never left anyone in a tormented condition to teach them a lesson.  Jesus used and uses instruction, not destruction!

Jesus said, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give LIFE with JOY and ABUNDANCE."(Voice).  We have an enemy, BUT our enemy has been defeated!  Our enemy is a LIAR.  Jesus said, "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not."(John 8:43-45 KJV).

Don't believe the lies of the enemy!  God is a Good God!  He has a plan for you to live and not die, to thrive and not just survive!  Psalm 91:16 says, "With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."(KJV).  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).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

God Never Fails!

 Happy Sunday!

"Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is NOTHING TOO HARD for thee:"(Jeremiah 32:17 KJV).

Last week I awoke with a song playing in my heart.  I could hear the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield Choir singing, "God Never Fails".  I'm prejudiced.  I don't care what you say!  I believe my childhood choir was better than yours!  LOL!  Anyway, the chorus says, "God never fails, God never fails. He abides in me, He gives me victory.  For God never fails. You just keep the faith and never cease to pray.  Walk upright, Call Him day noon or night.  He'll be there! There's no need to worry. For God never fails."

What a Blessing to hear songs that are Word based.  I know what you are thinking.  What do you mean, Cynthia?  Word Based? Great Question!  I'm so glad you asked!

God Never Fails - Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, HE WILL NOT FAIL THEE, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."(KJV).

He Abides in ME - John 15:5 says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."(KJV).

He Gives Me Victory - 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ."(KJV).

Keep The Faith - Romans 12:3 says, "Don’t think that you are better than you really are. You must see yourself just as you are. Decide what you are by the FAITH God has given each of us."(Easy-to-Read Version).

Never Cease To Pray - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing."(KJV).

Walk Upright - Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: NO GOOD THING will he withhold from them that walk UPRIGHTLY"(KJV).

Call HIM Noon, Day, or Night - Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me, and I WILL answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."(KJV).

There's No Need To Worry - 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is ALWAYS thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."(Living Bible).

God Never Fails!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Whole Armour

 Happy Sunday!

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."(Ephesians 6:11 KJV).

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines, "wile" as "A trick or stratagem practiced for ensnaring or deception; a sly, insidious artifice".  Our enemy, the Devil doesn't play fair!  In John 8:44, Jesus said he's the Father of Lies and in Revelation 21:8 we see that ALL LIARS have their place in the Lake of Fire.  Why is TRUTH so important?  Great question!  I'm so glad you asked!   Jesus prayed for us in John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy WORD is truth."(KJV).

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John wrote about Jesus, "In the beginning [before all time] was the WORD (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has NEVER overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]."(John 1:1-5 AMPC).

Jesus is the Word of God, the TRUTH!  We must have all the weapons readily available to fight the Good Fight of Faith!  Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending ONLY with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."(AMPC).

"STAND therefore, having your loins girt about with TRUTH, and having on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS; And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of PEACE;  Above all, taking the Shield of FAITH, wherewith ye shall be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the Helmet of SALVATION, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"(Ephesians 6:14-18 KJV).

"For I will give you a mouth and WISDOM, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."(Luke 21:15 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Are you a FOOL?

 Happy Sunday!

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but FOOLS despise wisdom and instruction."(Proverbs 1:7 KJV).

God is straight and to the point!  He doesn't mince words.  He clearly communicates to us that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are extremely important.  The Apostle Paul followed this example, and numerous times begged the Believers not to be ignorant!(Romans 1:13, Romans 11:25, 1 Corinthians 10:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:13).  Jesus discouraged us from calling other people fools, but the Bible describes with great detail what a fool is!(Matthew 5:22).

Are you a Fool?  I don't mean have you ever acted foolishly.  So many of us have.  Titus 3:3 says, "For we ourselves also were sometimes FOOLISH, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another."(KJV).  BUT are you a Fool now?

Psalm 14:1 says, "The [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right."(AMPC).

Proverbs 10:18 says, "Liars secretly hoard hatred;  fools openly spread slander."(Message).

Proverbs 12:15 says, "A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others."(TLB).

Proverbs 13:20 says, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."(KJV).

Proverbs 18:6 says, "Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating."(NLT).

I sincerely hope you don't see yourself in any of these descriptions, and if you do, Thank God there is still time for you to change! Ephesians 5:15 says, "Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God."(Phillips).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Who Is In Control?

 Happy Sunday!

"The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he GIVEN to the children of men."(Psalm 115:16 KJV).

People often say, "God is in control".  A great man of God used to say, "Well, He's sure got things in a mess!"  Murders, rapes, shootings, theft, illegal activities, drug overdoses, child abuse, sickness, and death are commonplace.  Do you really think this is what God wants?  NO, no, no, and no!  God gave MAN, humankind control on earth.  Remember Adam?  God gave him jurisdiction and dominion on earth. 

Genesis 1:28 says, "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and SUBDUE it: and have DOMINION over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over EVERY living thing that moveth upon the earth."(KJV).  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines "subdue" as "To conquer by force or the exertion of SUPERIOR power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion".  "Dominion" is defined as " Sovereign or supreme authority; the power of governing and controlling.  Power to direct, control, use and dispose of at pleasure; right of possession and use without being accountable; as the private dominion of individuals."(Webster's 1828 Dictionary).

Don't miss this!  "Power to direct, control, use and dispose of at pleasure; right of possession and use".  Our enemy, the Devil tricked Adam and Eve into thinking they were missing something.  He told them that God was holding out on them.  He told Eve, “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be LIKE God, knowing both good and evil.”(Genesis 3:5 NLT).  BUT in reality they were already like God!  Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created man in his OWN IMAGE, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."(KJV).

Adam lost his place, BUT Jesus bought it back for us with His precious blood!  Romans 5:17 says, "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)"(KJV).  So what does that mean for us?  Great question!  So glad you asked!  We must take dominion in our sphere of influence!  Like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the Apostles, we must stand up for righteousness and holiness daily!   We must be excellent in all we do!  People should come asking, "What must I do to be saved?"(Acts 16:30 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

CALL ME

 Happy Sunday!

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘CALL to me and I WILL answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own."(Jeremiah 33:2-3 Message).

The Ghostbuster's theme song from 1984 sung by Ray Parker Jr. asked us all, "Who you gonna call?"  When things get strange, and life get's hard and you have more questions than answers, call on the Lord!  Jesus didn't leave us alone or helpless.  He said, "But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will TEACH you ALL things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) EVERYTHING I have told you."(John 14:26 Amplified).

Jesus said, "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."(John 14:13-14 KJV). 

The Apostle John echoed this in 1 John 5:13-15, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the NAME of the Son of God.  And this is the CONFIDENCE that we have in him, that, if we ASK any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we KNOW that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."(KJV).

Malachi 3:10 says, "“Try it! Let me prove it to you!"(Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Preservation and Life

 Happy Sunday!

"The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies."(Psalm 41:2 KJV).

I've heard it said, "A gift never leaves your life!"  Meaning the things that you have sown into the lives of others will boomerang back to you.  A smile, a helping hand, a sincere prayer, and a financial blessing are all seeds sown that will create a harvest. 

When I read Psalm 41:2 after searching the word "blessed", my first question was who is the psalmist talking about?  Who is the person that the Lord will preserve and protect?  So I read the previous verse.  "God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles."(Psalm 41:1 Living Bible).  It makes so much sense that Jesus would say, "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the LEAST of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME."(Matthew 25:35-40 KJV).

Hebrews 6:10 says, "God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won't forget the love you have shown his people."(CEV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Are you ready?

 Happy Sunday!

"You also must be READY all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."(Matthew 24:44 NLT).

I worked briefly for an Airport Shuttle Company.  It was a second job in order to make a little extra money.  I learned more than I earned at that job! LOL!  I am still amazed at a customer that called from California frantic because they'd missed the shuttle to LAX for their flight to France.  If you are at all familiar with the Los Angeles traffic and the distances from surrounding cities to the downtown area, you will know that this was not going to end well.  If you are not familiar, let me tell you my Aunt who resides in the Inland Empire area refuses to pick you up from LAX.  You must fly into the airport in Ontario, CA or find your own way to her home.  In case you think I am exaggerating, we drove my cousin to LAX after Thanksgiving one year and three hours later we were still in traffic headed back to my Aunt's home.

Jesus said, "BE READY!"  The trip we will eventually take in the Rapture of the Church, or by way of the grave will be unexpected.  Unlike the customer that missed her flight to France, we won't know the day or the hour of our Lord's return.(Matthew 24:36).  When I spoke with that customer I had so many questions.  How long have you been planning this trip?  Are you aware that the airlines urge passengers to check in at least 2 hours before the flight?  Why weren't you packed the night before? (She was crying about not being finished packing).

I have known about the return of Jesus since I was a little child.  One song we sang said, "Somewhere in outer space, God has prepared a place for those who trust Him and obey.  And though we don't know when, Jesus will come again!  The countdown is getting lower everyday".  Because we don't know the exact time we must stay ready.  Even the Apostle Peter had to warn the Believers who thought Jesus would return in their lifetimes, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."(2 Peter 3:9 KJV).  Don't miss this!  God wants everyone to be Saved!  He's giving people more time to choose LIFE!

Are you ready?  Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. DON'T ASSUME THAT YOU KNOW IT ALL."(Message).  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).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope…

 This Blessed Me!

"Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk.
They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything.
They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings.
But that’s not the way of CHRIST.
Everything of GOD gets expressed in HIM, so you can see and hear him CLEARLY.
You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without HIM.
When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too.
His power extends over everything." - Colossians 2:8-10 (Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Don't Be Deceived! Don't Be Weary!

Happy Sunday!

"Be NOT deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us NOT be weary in well doing: for in due season WE SHALL REAP, if we faint not."(Galatians 6:7-9 KJV).

Don't be deceived!  Don't be weary!

The word "Deceit" is defined in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary as "Literally, a catching or ensnaring. Hence, the misleading of a person; the leading of another person to believe what is false, or NOT to believe what is true, and thus to ensnare him; fraud; fallacy; cheat; any declaration, artifice or practice, which misleads another, or causes him to believe what is false." 

The Apostle Paul was writing to Christians.  Don't miss this!  It is possible for Christians to be deceived.  How? You may ask.  It is possible to be deceived when we lack TRUTH.  What is truth?  Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you FREE."(John 8:32 KJV).  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the TRUTH, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."(John 14:6 KJV).

John 16:13 says, "When the Holy Spirit, who is TRUTH, comes, he shall guide you into ALL truth, for he will not be presenting his own ideas, but will be passing on to you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future."(Living Bible).

The word "Weary" is defined in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary as, "Having the patience exhausted, or the mind yielding to discouragement."  Jesus said, "By your steadfastness and PATIENT endurance you shall WIN the true life of your souls."(Luke 21:19 Amplified).  Romans 15:4 says, "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the SCRIPTURES give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled."(NLT).

Keep the WORD first place in your life.  Don't be deceived!  Don't be weary!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Worry Free, JOY FULL

 Happy Sunday!

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting ALL YOUR CARE upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"(1 Peter 5:6-8 KJV)

Praying for you!  Hoping you are having a great day, and a Worry-Free, wonderful week. 

The Apostle Peter wanted the Believers to know that we have an enemy!  BUT more than that, he wanted us to know that our God cares for us! Our God doesn't want us to WORRY or FRET about anything.  The Psalmist said, "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."(Psalm 37:1-3 KJV).

The J.B. Phillips New Testament version on 1 Peter 5:6-8 says, "So, humble yourselves under God’s strong hand, and in his own good time he will lift you up. You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern." 

Don't miss this!  We are God's Personal Concern!  Jesus said, "Don’t be afraid of those who can kill only your bodies—but can’t touch your souls! Fear only God who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Not one sparrow (What do they cost? Two for a penny?) can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. SO DON'T WORRY! You are more VALUABLE to him than many sparrows."(Matthew 10:28-31 Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Trust and Obey

Happy Sunday!

"If they OBEY and SERVE him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures."(Job 36:11 KJV).

John Henry Sammis wrote the hymn entitled, Trust And Obey.
The first stanza and chorus say,
"When we WALK with the Lord
In the light of His WORD,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we DO His good will,
He ABIDES with us still,
And with ALL WHO will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there’s NO OTHER WAY
To be HAPPY in Jesus,
But to trust and obey."

Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: NO GOOD THING will he withhold from them that walk UPRIGHTLY."

Psalm 16:11 says, "You will TEACH me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring COMPLETE happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever."(Easy-to-Read Version).

Isaiah 1:19-20 says, "If ye be WILLING and OBEDIENT, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."(KJV).

John 10:10 says, "The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to GIVE them a rich and satisfying life."(NLT).

Trust and Obey!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Come Clean!

Happy Sunday!

"It is a GREAT Blessing
when people are forgiven for the wrongs they have done,
when their sins are erased.
It is a Great BLESSING
when the Lord says they are not guilty,
when they don’t try to hide their sins.
Lord, I prayed to you again and again,
but I did not talk about my sins.
So I only became weaker and more miserable.
Every day you made life harder for me.
I became like a dry land in the hot summertime. Selah
But THEN I decided to Confess my sins to the Lord.
I stopped hiding my guilt and told YOU about my sins.
And you forgave them all! Selah
That is why your loyal followers PRAY to you while there is still time.
Then when trouble rises like a flood, it will NOT reach them.
You are a hiding place for me.
You PROTECT me from my troubles.
You SURROUND me and protect me,
so I sing about the way you SAVED me. Selah
The Lord says, “I will TEACH you
and GUIDE you in the way you should live.
I will WATCH over you and be your guide.
DON'T be like a stupid horse or mule that will not come to you
unless you put a bit in its mouth and pull it with reins.”
Many pains will come to the wicked,
but the Lord’s faithful love will surround those who TRUST in him.
GOOD people, rejoice and be very HAPPY in the Lord.
All you who want to do right, REJOICE!"(Psalms 32 Easy-to-Read Version).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Our Father

Happy Sunday!

Happy Father's Day!

"I write unto you, FATHERS, because ye have known him that IS from the beginning. I write unto you, young MEN, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little CHILDREN, because ye have known the Father.

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."(1 John 2:13-15 KJV).

Christianity is the only religion where the God, is called Father.  Our God, the True and The Living God is our Heavenly Father.(1 Thessalonians 1:9).  He created families from the beginning and He set Fathers as the leaders and heads of the household.  He considered everything and even made a way for outsiders to be Adopted and Grafted in to His huge 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).  And Romans 11:17 says, "But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree, some of the Jews, have been broken off. And you Gentiles who were branches from, we might say, a wild olive tree, were grafted in. So now you, too, receive the BLESSING God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in God’s rich nourishment of his own special olive tree."(Living Bible).

The Apostle John wrote to the Fathers and said they have KNOWN God!  The word "know" generally denotes intimacy.  When we get to know the Word of God, we are getting to know God.  He wrote to the young men because they are STRONG.  Ephesians 6:10 says, "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."(KJV).  Strength both physical and spiritual is needed every day!  He wrote to them because the Word of God abides in them and they are able to overcome the world.  Don't miss this!  The Bible is not like every other book on your bookshelf!  Jesus said, "the words that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are LIFE."(John 6:63 KJV).

Fathers are important!  Fathers are necessary.  Fathers are a God Idea!  God always has the best ideas!  Luke 1:17 speaks about John the Baptist, and has an interesting ending.  "John himself will go ahead of the Lord and make people ready for his coming. He will be powerful like Elijah and will have the same spirit. He will make peace between FATHERS and their children. He will cause people who are not obeying God to CHANGE and start THINKING the way they should.”(Easy-to-Read Version).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

See and Hear

 Happy Sunday!

"We, of course, have plenty of WISDOM to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it’s not POPULAR Wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. 

God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes DEEP into the interior of his purposes. You don’t find it lying around on the surface. It’s not the latest message, but more like the OLDEST—what God determined as the way to bring out his BEST in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. 

The experts of our day haven’t a clue about what this ETERNAL plan is. If they had, they wouldn’t have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. 

That’s why we have this Scripture text:

No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this,

Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—

What God has arranged for those who LOVE him.

But you’ve SEEN and HEARD it because God by his SPIRIT has brought it all out into the open before you."(1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

The Right Time Is NOW

 Happy Sunday!

"As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then IGNORE it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.”  Indeed, the “right time” is NOW. Today is the day of salvation."(2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NLT).

I've heard parents lament about seeing their children playing with an empty box or carton while the expensive Christmas Gift sits nearby untouched. What must our Heavenly Father think and feel to see us broke, busted, and disgusted when He "generously gives us everything for our enjoyment"?(1 Timothy 6:17 Phillips).  Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"(KJV).  Don't miss this!  Ignorant people say, "What you don't know can't hurt you".  BUT what you don't know can actually kill you!

The Psalmist said, "I gain understanding from your instructions, so I hate anything that leads people the wrong way. Your WORD is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take. Your LAWS are good and fair.  I have promised to obey them, and I will keep my promise."(Psalm 119:104 ERV).  

A commentary on Proverbs 3:13 says this, "God knows well what He is doing. He has established rewards for living wisely: A happy, long life. A good reputation. Guidance when you need it most. Health. Success. Even, dare we say, fatherly discipline. These are just a few of the benefits accompanying God’s wisdom."(Voice).  Proverbs 3:13 says, "Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding [drawing it forth from God’s WORD and life’s experiences],"(Amplified Classic).

Don't ignore God's Gift!  Open the Bible and "Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth."(2 Timothy 2:15 Amplified Classic).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

One Ray of Hope

Happy Sunday!

Happy Memorial Day!

"Yet there is ONE ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins AFRESH each day.  My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will HOPE in him.  The Lord is wonderfully GOOD to those who wait for him, to those who seek for him. It is good both to hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."(Lamentations 3:21-26 Living Bible).

For verse 21, the NLT Version says, "Yet I still DARE to HOPE when I remember this:"  The Prophet Jeremiah was crying out about many of the trying experiences he faced earlier in this chapter.  BUT suddenly he remembered how Good God is!  He reminds himself that each day is a New Fresh Opportunity from the Lord.  It reminded me of Hebrews 11:6, "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). 1 Timothy 6:17 say, "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor TRUST in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly ALL things to ENJOY;"(KJV).

Dare to Hope that this week will be amazing!  Enjoy the goodness of God in the Land of the Living!  Psalm 27:13 says, "I will move past my enemies with this one, sure hope:  that with my own eyes, I will see the goodness of the Eternal in the land of the living".(Voice).   Mark 10:29-30 says, "And Jesus answered and said, "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold NOW in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."(KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Liar, Liar

 Happy Sunday!

"We believe men who witness in our courts, and so surely we can believe whatever God declares. And God declares that Jesus is his Son. All who believe this know in their hearts that it is true. If anyone doesn’t believe this, he is actually calling God a LIAR because he doesn’t believe what God has said about his Son."(1 John 5:9-10 Living Bible).

I know I have mentioned this many times, how my Mother called the television the "Idiot Box".  During childhood our television viewing was limited.  When we were privileged to watch television, it was shows she liked.  Perry Mason was a favorite.  If you are too young to know about the show, I'll fill you in.  Perry Mason was a successful Defense Attorney who wisely solved cases and always revealed the true criminal.  It may have been our first exposure to liars.  I was always amazed that the criminals would place their right hand on the Bible and swear to tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! But they would still easily lie.  It always makes me think about Revelation 21:8 that says, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and ALL LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."(KJV). OUCH!

Why did God through the Holy Spirit make a distinction about liars?  Great Question!  I'm so glad you asked!   "If God were your father,” said Jesus, “you would love me, for I came from God and arrived here. I didn’t come on my own. He sent me. Why can’t you understand one word I say? HERE'S WHY: You can’t handle it. You’re from your father, the Devil, and all you want to do is please him. He was a killer from the very start. He couldn’t stand the truth because there wasn’t a shred of truth in him. When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies. I arrive on the scene, tell you the plain truth, and you refuse to have a thing to do with me. Can any one of you convict me of a single misleading word, a single sinful act? But if I’m telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone on God’s side LISTENS to God’s WORDS. This is why you’re not listening—because you’re not on God’s side.”(John 8:42-47 Message).

The Word of God is His Testimony!  He is TRUTH!  When he says, "You will not die, but live", he can be trusted(Psalm 118:17).  When he says, "He will supply all your needs", you can rest on that promise(Philippians 4:19).  When he says, "His plans are for your good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" you can bank on it.(Jeremiah 29:11).

"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?"(Numbers 23:19 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Not Forsaken

Happy Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day!

"I once was young, now I’m a graybeard—not once have I seen an abandoned Believer, or his kids out roaming the streets.  EVERY DAY he’s out giving and lending, his children making him proud."(Psalm 37:25-26 Message)

You've probably heard these sayings, "I'm not new to this, I'm true to this" or "Been there, done that, and got the T-Shirt".  Both meaning that this is not my first life experience or the first time I've faced an issue or adversity.  The Psalmist was able to testify from his long life and experiences that God never abandons His Children!  Later the Prophet Isaiah said, "Weapons made to attack you won't be successful; words spoken against you WON'T hurt at all.  My servants, Jerusalem is yours! I, the Lord, PROMISE to bless you with Victory."(Isaiah 54:17 CEV).

GOD is Faithful!  GOD's Word is Truth!  GOD loves you more than your Mother can or ever could!  He's concerned about everything that concerns you! Philippians 1:6 says, "There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work IN YOU would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears."(Message).  1 Peter 5:7 says, "LET him have all your worries and cares, for he is ALWAYS thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."(Living Bible).

Don't miss this!  You have to LET God have your worries and cares!  He won't force you to hand them over!  He won't snatch them away!  He gave you Free Will.  He respects your right to choose!  Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “Today I am giving you a choice of two ways. And I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses of your choice. You can choose LIFE or death. The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose LIFE! Then you and your children will live."(Easy-to-Read Version).

Love and prayers, Cynthia