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

The Easy Answer

 Happy Sunday!

"Your WORDS are what sustain me; they are food to my hungry soul. They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me. How proud I am to bear your name, O Lord."(Jeremiah 15:16 Living Bible).

I watched a Bible College graduation this evening.  The Valedictorian mentioned how one of the Pastors often encouraged them that the Word of God is the answer to any question, conundrum, or issue.  She recalled thinking, "It can't be that simple!"  But over the last few years she found that it is very simple!  It seems too easy, too good to be true!  It seems as if there should be 50 Steps to a Good Life, or an overwhelmingly hard process but it's not!  The Prophet Jeremiah knew it, King David knew it, and Jesus knew it!  My Mother-in-Law Minnie Pruitt used to say, "The Word is SO simple a child can understand it and a fool has no reason or excuse for error!"

The Psalmist said, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."(Psalm 119:11 KJV).  The Living Bible version of this scripture says it this way, "I have THOUGHT much about your words and STORED them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin."((Psalm 119:11 Living Bible).  Jesus said, "It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The WORDS (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life."(John 6:63 Amplified).

Think of it this way, if you have a prescription drug or a supplement it will do you no good if it stays in the bottle.  You have to open the bottle, and take it regularly.  Some medications must be taken BID(Twice Daily) or TID(Three Times a Day).  What would your Dr. say if you decided to take the medicine your own way?  He may be speaking at your funeral if you decide to do it anyway you like!  The Bible says, "My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my WORDS. Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. These WORDS are the Secret of Life and Health to all who discover them. Above all, be careful what you THINK because your thoughts control your life."(Proverbs 4:20-23 Easy-to-Read Version).

What Word are you standing on this week?  I have so many, but one of my favorites is, "God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others."(2 Corinthians 9:8 CEV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Enduring Wealth

 Happy Sunday!

"I am Lady Wisdom, and I live next to SANITY; 

Knowledge and Discretion live just down the street.
The Fear-of-God means HATING Evil,  
whose ways I hate with a passion—
pride and arrogance and crooked talk.
GOOD counsel and COMMON SENSE are my characteristics;
I am both Insight and the Virtue to LIVE IT OUT.
With my HELP, leaders rule,
and lawmakers legislate fairly;
With my HELP, governors govern,
along with all in legitimate authority.
I LOVE those who LOVE me;
those who LOOK for me find me.
WEALTH and GLORY accompany me—
also substantial Honor and a Good Name.
My benefits are worth MORE than a big salary, even a very big salary; 

the returns on me exceed any imaginable BONUS.
You can find me on Righteous Road—that’s where I walk—
at the intersection of Justice Avenue,
Handing out LIFE to those who LOVE me,
filling their arms with life—armloads of life!"(Proverbs 8:12-21 Message).

The Word of God can say it far better than I can! Don't you just love the Word?

Love and prayers, Cynthia

DOUBTLESS

 Happy Sunday!

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall DOUBTLESS come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."(Psalm 126:5-6 KJV).

My Pastor used numerous scriptures in his sermon today!  This one stuck out to me!  One word seemed to jump off the page.  It was the word, Doubtless!  The definition of "Doubtless" from the Webster's 1828 Dictionary is "Without doubt or question; unquestionably".  It made me think of the most steadfast and trustworthy person.  Someone who will always do what they say.  Do you know anyone like that?  That "Come Hell or High Water" type of person?  Well, our GOD, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is faithful, and trustworthy!

This passage in the Message version is even more descriptive and encouraging!  "And now, God, do it again—bring rains to our drought-stricken lives.  So those who planted their crops in despair
will shout “Yes!” at the harvest.  So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home LAUGHING, with armloads of Blessing."(Psalm 126:4-6 Message).

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(KJV).  The Living Bible version 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."(Hebrews 11:1 Living Bible)  Don't miss this! Just like a farmer plants his crop and goes on about his other chores, we can be confident like he is that what was planted will "Doubtless" come up at harvest time!  2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight".(KJV).

Galatians 6:7-9 says, "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).  Don't be weary!  In Due season you will REAP, if you don't faint!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

What Can I Do?

 Happy Sunday!

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:

FREE those who are wrongly imprisoned;

    LIGHTEN the burden of those who work for you.

Let the oppressed go free,

    and REMOVE the chains that bind people.

SHARE your food with the hungry,

    and give shelter to the homeless.

GIVE clothes to those who need them,

    and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

 “Then your salvation will COME like the dawn,

    and your wounds will quickly HEAL.

Your godliness will LEAD you forward,

    and the glory of the Lord will PROTECT you from behind.

 Then when you call, the Lord WILL answer.

    ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“REMOVE the heavy yoke of oppression.

    STOP pointing your finger and SPREADING vicious rumors!

FEED the hungry,

    and help those in trouble.

Then YOUR light will shine out from the darkness,

    and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

The Lord will GUIDE you continually,

    giving you water when you are dry

    and restoring your strength.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

    like an ever-flowing spring."(Isaiah 58:6-12 NLT)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Power to Produce

 Happy Sunday!

"Make sure you DON'T FORGET God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today. 

Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, 

build pleasant houses and settle in, 

see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, 

watch your standard of living going UP and UP—make sure you don’t become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God,

the God who DELIVERED you from Egyptian slavery;

the God who led you through that huge and fearsome wilderness, 

those desolate, arid badlands crawling with fiery snakes and scorpions;

the God who GAVE you water gushing from hard rock;

the God who gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never heard of, in order to give you a taste of the hard life, to test you so that you would be prepared to live well in the days ahead of you.

If you start thinking to yourselves, “I did all this. And all by myself. I’m rich. It’s all mine!”—well, THINK AGAIN. 

Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this WEALTH so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today."(Deuteronomy 8:11-18 Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

HE Is Risen!

 Happy Resurrection Sunday!

"But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, EVERYONE who Belongs to CHRIST will be given new life."(1 Corinthians 15:20-22 NLT).

"And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I’d do this if I wasn’t convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? Do you think I was just trying to act heroic when I fought the wild beasts at Ephesus, hoping it wouldn’t be the end of me? Not on your life! It’s resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there’s no resurrection, “We eat, we drink, the next day we die,” and that’s all there is to it. But don’t FOOL yourselves. Don’t let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. “Bad company ruins good manners.”(1 Corinthians 15:30-33 Message).

"Please listen. If you say, “the dead are not raised,” then what you are telling me is that the Anointed One has not been raised. Friends, if the Anointed has not been raised from the dead, then your faith is worth less than yesterday’s garbage, you are all doomed in your sins, and all the dearly departed who trusted in His liberation are left decaying in the ground.  If what we have hoped for in the Anointed doesn’t take us beyond this life, then we are world-class fools, deserving everyone’s pity."(1 Corinthians 15:16-19 Voice).

Thank God, Jesus Christ Is Risen!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Speak Out

 Happy Sunday!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  Has the Lord Redeemed you? Then SPEAK OUT! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies."(Psalm 107:1-2 NLT).

The Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines the word "Redeemed" as "delivered from bondage, distress, penalty, liability, or from the possession of another, by paying an equivalent".  Now that's good news!  Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."(KJV).  Romans 3:23 says, "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"(KJV).  Don't miss this!  We all have missed the mark in our lives.  The wages or payment for our wrong doing is death! BUT if we acknowledge the fact that we can't pay our debt, and we accept Jesus as our Redeemer, we can have abundant life!

Now that we have been Redeemed, we need to "Speak Out"!  We need to tell others what God has done for us!  When is the last time you testified?  Do you remember testimonies at church?  A member would stand up and tell about the goodness of God.  They may recall that they didn't have a job, and the Lord created a job for them.  Or they would tell of being sick, and being miraculously healed by the power of God.  We need to tell others just how good God has been to us!   We need to "Speak Out"! 

These scriptures in Psalms 107 made me think of my Mother-in-Law, Minnie Pruitt.  She told me about "Laundry Days" decades ago.  Throughout the neighborhood women would hang their laundry outside on the clothes lines.  Your neighbors and passersby could see your clean clothes. If your clothes looked cleaner or brighter, they may ask you what detergent you used.  They could see the difference and wanted their clothes to be as clean or cleaner. 

It's just like speaking out about what God has done for you. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown in prison.  They hadn't done anything wrong, and could have wined about how unfair this all was, but instead they prayed and sang praises unto God!  An earthquake shook the prison, and all their chains fell off.  In those days, the Jailer would be killed if any inmates escaped, and he was terrified.  He decided to kill himself, "But Paul yelled to him, “Don’t do it! We are all here!” Trembling with fear, the jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down before Paul and Silas. He brought them out and begged them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”(Acts 16:28-30 Living Bible).  People should see our lives and hear how we praise God!  When they do we can "Speak Out" and tell them how amazing life can be with Jesus Christ Our Lord!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

PS:  I will put a few links below of testimonies that have blessed me!

https://youtu.be/cp-tDcThl-o?si=zxkXSeT61-OXX_yZ

https://youtu.be/E_iHJ_My0Yg?si=sBgDpIMeC42tzHJZ

https://youtu.be/LcAfgoFd2Os?si=-isWJmV6ij4YxwwF

Lifelong Learner

 Happy Sunday!

"These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
    David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to LIVE WELL and RIGHT,
    to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
    for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
    and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
    still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
    the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women."(Proverbs 1:1-6 Message)

Are you a Lifelong Learner?  I hope so!  We can learn something new every day!  I've mentioned before how I get a daily email from Merriam-Webster with the Word of the Day.  It's interesting and enlightening.  Also, the Word of God, The Bible is overflowing with interesting stories, psalms, proverbs, and helpful wisdom.  My Sunday School students would gasp when I told them and showed them stories like the 2 Kings 2:23-24.  Are you familiar with this passage?  42 children decided they would make fun of the Prophet Elisha.  Bad idea!  He turned around and cursed them and two bears came out of the woods and tore the children to pieces.  OUCH!  2 Timothy 3:16 says, "The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is RIGHT."(Living Bible).  I imagine we can learn from this scripture that it's not good to make fun of bald headed men or God's Servants.

Let's purpose in our hearts to learn something new this week!  A new word, a new scripture, a phone number, a feature on your phone, are just a few options.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

THIS Day!

 Happy Sunday!

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalm 118:24 KJV).

Thousands of years ago the Psalmist wrote and sang this verse and it's still relevant!  THIS is the day!  Every day that we are blessed to see is “The Day”!  It's a day to be glad and rejoice!  Don't miss this!  It doesn't have to be what we consider a perfect day, for it to be “The Day”!  It is believed that the author of this Psalm was also the author of Psalm 27.  Listen to what he says in Psalm 27:2, "When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell."(KJV).  Sounds like he had challenges, opposition, and struggles but he understood he could choose what kind of day to have.

You may be wondering, how is this possible?  How can I rejoice and be glad when so many scary and crazy things are happening all around me? Great question.  So glad you asked!  The psalmist gives us a few tips throughout the psalm. Several times he encourages us, "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."(Psalm 118:29 KJV).   Thankfulness is key!  Being thankful and recognizing that we didn't get here all on our own.  Good or bad our parents kept us alive long enough for us to go it on our own.  We have had our needs supplied and so much more. We have to look past the mistakes and sadness and see the big picture. 

This is the Day!  We are alive and every day is another opportunity to be a Blessing!  In Psalm 118:17 he says, "I shall not die, but live, and DECLARE the works of the Lord."(KJV).  Who will you Bless today?  Who will remember you with a smile?  Who enjoys being with you?  Use The Day, this day to make a difference! Rejoice!  Be Glad!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

 Happy Sunday!

"The world is unprincipled.
It’s dog-eat-dog out there!
The world doesn’t fight fair.
But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—
never have and never will.
The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.
We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the TRUTH of God,
fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.
Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."(2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Message).

An acronym for BIBLE is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.  The Bible is full of truth and wisdom that can help us to thrive everyday! Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”(John 8:32 Easy-to-Read Version).  Don't miss this!  It's only the truth you KNOW that can help you. If you choose to remain ignorant you will suffer the consequences.  Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"(KJV).

The Apostle Paul urged the Believers to use the tools God has given us to "Build Lives of Obedience and Maturity".  It's time to grow up!  We can't stay at the same level!  We need to move forward.  Are you dealing with the same issues you dealt with last year?  Go to the Word and find the answer.  Is the enemy telling you things will never get better?  Go to the Word and speak the Word like Jesus did!  When Satan came to tempt our Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus didn't waste a moment pondering what to say or do!  Immediately, He responded, "IT IS Written!"  The Devil didn't argue with Jesus!  He couldn't dispute the Word of God!  Jesus has given us the Authority to do the same!

No matter what it looks like, speak the Word.  Remind your enemy and yourself that the Word will never fail!  The Word always works, and we are destined to WIN when we know and use the Word.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

The Benefits of the Word

 Happy Sunday!

"Oh, how I LOVE all you’ve revealed;
    I reverently ponder it all the day long.
Your commands give me an EDGE on my enemies;
    they NEVER become obsolete.
I’ve even become smarter than my teachers
    since I’ve pondered and absorbed your counsel.
I’ve become wiser than the wise old sages
    SIMPLY by DOING what you TELL me.
I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
    so I can spend all my time keeping your WORD.
I never make detours from the route you laid out;
    you gave me such good directions.
Your words are so choice, so tasty;
    I prefer them to the best home cooking.
With your instruction, I understand life;
    that’s why I hate false propaganda."
(Psalm 119:99-104 Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Peace Not Confusion

 Happy Sunday!

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."(1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV).

How do you feel when someone lies on you?  What about when your actions or words are misunderstood?  What about when you are misquoted?  I can only imagine it's not the best feeling.  Think about what God must feel when human beings lie on Him!  The Bible gives us some insight into His feelings.  Genesis 6:5-7 say, "God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. God said, “I’ll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep: people, animals, snakes and bugs, birds—the works. I’m sorry I made them.”(Message). OUCH!

Remember when Moses was on the mountain with God, and the people decided to make a golden calf and worship it?  Exodus 32:9-10 says, "Then the Lord said, “I have seen what a stubborn, rebellious lot these people are. Now leave me alone and my anger shall blaze out against them and destroy them all; and I will make you, Moses, into a great nation instead of them.”(Living Bible).  Thankfully, Moses was able to remind God of the promises He made to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.  Exodus 32:14 says, "So the Lord changed his mind and spared them."(Living Bible). 

Psalm 2:1-4 says, "Why are the nations so angry? Why are the people making such foolish plans? Their kings and leaders join together to fight against the Lord and his chosen king. They say, “Let’s rebel against them. Let’s break free from them!”  BUT the One who rules in heaven LAUGHS at them. The Lord makes fun of them."(Easy-to-Read Version).  While we are reviewing some of God's feelings or emotions, we definitely can't miss the greatest one of all, Love!  1 John 4:8 says, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for GOD is LOVE."(KJV).  John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."(KJV).

God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin.  God is not angry with us!  He loves us and wants the best for us.  BUT he won't force us to love Him back.  He is not the author or creator of confusion, the Devil does that.  God desires for us to enjoy "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."(Romans 14:17 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Pleasant Words

 Happy Sunday!

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."(Proverbs 16:24 KJV).

I enjoy house plants.  If you visit my home this is immediately evident.  I rarely speak to my plants, but I can tell if they need water, food, or more light.  Scientific studies have proven that positive words spoken to plants have an effect on them.  Whether it's the vibration in the sound waves or the carbon dioxide, something really happens to the plants when they are spoken to.  The scripture above says pleasant words are even beneficial to Humans.

Jesus is our example.  He spoke to a fig tree in the Bible.  Matthew 21:18-20 says, "In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were ONLY leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”(NLT).  Why would Jesus curse that fig tree?  Great question, so glad you asked!  Fig trees produce fruit before they produce leaves.  That fig tree was a Hypocrite!  The Webster Dictionary 1828 defines hypocrite like this, "One who feigns to be what he is not; one who has the form of godliness without the power, or who assumes an appearance of piety and virtue, when he is destitute of true religion."

The Apostle Paul knew the power of words and encouraged Believers, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."(Ephesians 4:29 KJV).  What kind of words are you speaking to others?  What sort of words are you speaking to yourself?  Don't miss this! It matters what you say!  Jesus said, "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very WORDS I have spoken to you are spirit and life."(John 6:63 NLT).

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Philippians 4:8 KJV).  Think on good things, and speak pleasant words!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Don’t Be Intimidated!

 Happy Sunday!

"Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be SAVED, even by God himself."(Philippians 1:28 NLT)

The Webster's Dictionary 1828 defines intimidate as "To make fearful; to inspire with fear; to dishearten; to abash".  I had to also look up the word "abash" to get clarity.  Abash is defined as "to make (someone) feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed".  Don't miss this!  God commands us to not let anyone make us fearful, disheartened, embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed!  I know what you are thinking, but is it possible? Yes, it is! God never tells us to do anything that we are not capable of doing.

How can we accomplish this?  Great question!  I'm so glad you asked!  The Apostle Paul said, "For I am NOT ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."(Romans 1:16 KJV).  We have to know what we believe, and in whom we believe.  Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(KJV).  The Word of God has to be a priority!  The Word is described as food and water!  Just like you need nourishment to be strong for work and exercise, you must have a steady diet of the Word to be strong against the wiles of the Devil.  Our enemy is not just out to hurt us, discourage us, or sadden us, his end goal is to KILL us!  John 10:10 says, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance."(Voice).

Be encouraged!  No matter what happens God has already made the way for us to WIN!   Jesus paid the price for our salvation, healing, and prosperity!  He's promised to never leave us or forsake us!(Hebrews 13:5).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

The Evil-Hearted Wretch

Happy Sunday!

"Pay attention and always be on your guard [looking out for one another]. If your brother sins (misses the mark), solemnly tell him so and reprove him, and if he repents (feels sorry for having sinned), forgive him."(Luke 17:3 Amplified).

Do you remember the song lyric, "It's me, it's me, it's me oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer"?  I thought about this song while reading Luke 17.  Jesus was teaching about being offended and the absolute necessity of forgiveness.  Jesus said it is impossible to go through life without experiencing offense(Luke 17:1).  He also gave a warning, a "Woe" to those who are the offenders. I wonder if the Apostles felt overwhelmed by what Jesus was saying.  When Jesus said forgive your brother seven times in a day, they responded, "We need more faith; tell us how to get it.”(Luke 17:5 Living Bible).   In Matthew 18:21-22, when Peter asked how many times we must forgive a brother that sins against us, Jesus said, "Seventy times seven"!  Don't miss this!  That's 490 times!

Not only did I think about that old song and how I need help, I also thought about how many times the Apostle Paul said he didn't want us to be "ignorant"!  Our enemy really doesn't have any new tricks.  He just keeps doing the same things over and over again.  Sadly, we still fall for it.  BUT thank God for the Holy Spirit!  Jesus 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 is the Greatest Teacher!  He used parables to help us understand how to apply what he was teaching about forgiveness.  In one example, A man owed a king ten million dollars and couldn't pay it. The man, his family and everything he had was going to be sold to pay the debt.  The man fell down and begged for mercy. The  king had mercy and forgave his debt.  BUT that same man found another man that owed him two thousand dollars.  He didn't show the man mercy like he had been shown.  "He had the man arrested and jailed until the debt would be paid in full."(Matthew 18:30 Living Bible). Word got back to the king!  "And the king called before him the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil-hearted wretch! Here I forgave you all that tremendous debt, just because you asked me to— shouldn’t you have mercy on others, just as I had mercy on you?“  Then the angry king sent the man to the torture chamber until he had paid every last penny due. So shall my heavenly Father do to you if you refuse to truly forgive your brothers.”(Matthew 18:32-35 Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

God the GIVER

Happy Sunday!

"The Lord God is our protector and glorious king. He blesses us with kindness and honor. The Lord FREELY gives every good thing to those who do what is right."(Psalm 84:11 Easy-to-Read Version).

Have you ever met a stingy person?  What about a cheap or selfish person?  I remember my Mother-in-law, Minnie Pruitt saying someone was, "tight as Dick's hatband".  Get the visual here.  Men used to wear dressy hats. Think of a Fedora, or Google it!  The hats have a band around them tightly affixed to the hat.  Not much can get between the hat and the hatband!  Do you know anyone like that? Now, wait don't call any names!  We don't want to embarrass anyone!  We just want to make a comparison!  OUR GOD is Never selfish!  Search the Bible for yourself!  God gives, shares, and blesses!  He's so generous the Word says, "You have heard that it used to be said, ‘You shall love your neighbor’, and ‘hate your enemy’, but I tell you, Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Heavenly Father. For HE makes the sun rise upon evil men as well as good, and HE sends his rain upon honest and dishonest men alike."(Matthew 5:44-45 Phillips).

Psalm 84:11 encourages Believers that God won't hold back at all when we do what is right!  Don't let the Devil or the evil people in the world fool you!  God rewards those who diligently seek him!(Hebrews 11:6).  He never misses a beat!  He sees what you have done to help others! He sees you investing your time and talents to empower others!  He knows that you have sacrificed to see another person's dream come to reality!  Hebrews 6:10 says, "For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do."(NLT).

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."(KJV).  Another translation of this same scripture says, "Take great joy in the Eternal! His gifts are coming, and they are all your heart desires!"(Voice).

God is always generous!  Be like God!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

True Freedom

Happy Sunday!

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)."(2 Corinthians 3:17 Amplified)

Are you Free?  The Bible tells us true freedom comes through the Spirit of God.  When the Spirit of God dwells in us and fills us we are truly free to live the good life He prepared for us.  The Apostle Paul said, "Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a SLAVE to my whims."(1 Corinthians 6:12 Message).  Don't miss this! Freedom comes with responsibility and accountability!  Galatians 5:13 says, "For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other."(Living Bible).

"For it is God’s will and intention that by doing RIGHT [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons.  [Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as Servants of God.  Show respect for all men [treat them honorably]. Love the brotherhood (the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head). Reverence God. Honor the emperor."(1 Peter 2:15-17 Amplified).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Please GOD

 Happy Sunday!

"Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to LIVE in a way that PLEASES God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so EVEN MORE."(1 Thessalonians 4:1 NLT).

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Believers to do even more!  Did you realize that you can do more? More to increase your knowledge of the Word?  More to help others?  More to be a godly example in a wicked world? Yes!  Anything or anyone alive will grow.  Leave the grass and weeds in your yard alone all summer and see what happens!  Don't let 2024 be a duplicate of 2023.  Determine that you will do even more to please God.

"By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. “They looked all over and couldn’t find him because God had taken him.” We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken “he PLEASED God.” 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."(Hebrews 11:6 Message).

"So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you LIVE will always honor and PLEASE the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better."(Colossians 1:9-10 NLT).

"Children, obey your parents in everything. This PLEASES the Lord."(Colossians 3:20 Easy-to-Read Version).

"And WHATSOEVER we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are PLEASING in his sight."(1 John 3:22 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia