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