Change Is Inevitable

Happy Sunday!

"We walk by Faith, not by sight". (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). 

God's Best for us usually means we must leave the comfort of our current level, move forward into the unknown and leave the past behind. Everyday God invites us to the next level.  "To achieve this, you will need to add virtue to your faith, and then knowledge to your virtue; to knowledge, add discipline; to discipline, add endurance; to endurance, add godliness; to godliness, add affection for others as sisters and brothers; and to affection, at last, add love."(2 Peter 1:5-7 Voice).  The writer of Hebrews wrote, "Let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace, and let us run with endurance the long race set before us." (Hebrews 12:1 Voice).

Isaiah 6:1 is probably one of the most preached and used scriptures in the church world. The Prophet Isaiah lets the readers know about a powerful vision he had. He saw it the year that something changed in his life. A great man, King Uzziah died. CHANGE can happen without warning. Perhaps you have experienced the death of a loved one, the death of a relationship, or the death of a dream. God wants to take you to the next level. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, "First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus."(Message). We have HOPE! 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness."(Message).

Now don't beat yourself up about not wanting to change. One of my former employers used the motto, "Change energizes us!"  I'm still not sure energize was the best description for what happened to us when things changed.  BUT it did motivate us to either go with the flow or get run over.  And getting run over in the business world could mean finding a new job.  Even the Disciples wanted things to stay the same. They asked Jesus, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel NOW? Is this the time?” He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” (Acts 1:6-8 Message).  Don't miss this!  Jesus knew that change is not easy, but he promised to give us the Holy Spirit, and power to do great things in this life.

In John 14:26, Jesus describes how the Holy Spirit will help us deal with change.  "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."(AMPC).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

In Earth as It Is in Heaven

 Happy Sunday!

"Thy kingdom come. Thy WILL be done, as in heaven, so in earth."(Luke 11:2 KJV).

What is God's will? How can I know God's will? Great questions. The will of God is the Word of God.  Think about it this way.  When a rich man dies, the family reads the Last WILL and Testament. The will outlines how the assets, property, and belongings of the rich man will be divided and disbursed. Ephesians chapter 1 tells us that we have been adopted into the family of God by the finished work of Jesus.  2 Peter 1:3-4 says, "Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust."(Message).

We become the sons and daughters of God when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. John 1:12 says, "Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to ALL who RECEIVED him, he gave the RIGHT to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them."(TLB). 

Now that we have accepted Jesus three things happened.  

1)  God has Signed for you - Just like we sign for packages or new car leases, God signed for us with the precious blood of Jesus.  1 Peter 1:18-19 says, "God paid a ransom to save you from the impossible road to heaven which your fathers tried to take, and the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver as you very well know. But he paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God."(TLB).

2)  God has Sealed you - You have God's seal of approval!  Not because you are good, but because he is GOOD! Ephesians 1:13-14 says, "It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life."(Message).

3)  God has Delivered you - God delivered you from a life of sin! Galatians 1:3-4 says, "Jesus Christ RESCUED us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God’s plan is that we all experience that rescue. Glory to God forever! Oh, yes!"(Message).

So, what's going on in heaven? So glad you asked.  All the focus is on Jesus!  The elders, and the creatures and the angels are all in awe of him.  Revelation 5 says, they worship Jesus continually and fall on their faces in reverence and say "Amen".  Amen means "so let it be".  It's a simple but effective prayer.  Until we get to heaven, we can worship Jesus right here on earth and we can agree with the Word of God and say AMEN.  Amen to HEALTH and HEALING, because the Word says, "by whose stripes ye were healed."(1 Peter 2:24 KJV).  Amen to PROSPERITY and ABUNDANCE, because the Word says, "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"(2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV).  Amen to FAITH and WHOLENESS, because the Word says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."(2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

Yes, and Amen!  Love and prayers, Cynthia

READY

 Happy Sunday!

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"(Hosea 4:6 KJV).

When you hear anyone preaching Gloom and Doom, remember this, even Jesus did not know when the world as we know it would end.  In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."(KJV).   What Jesus stressed more than fear was readiness.  Matthew 24:44 says, "Therefore be ye also READY: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."(KJV).  Read Matthew 24 for yourself.  Yes, I have to admit the things that Jesus described are definitely happening in our world today.  He said there would be wars, and rumors of wars, famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes.  But in Matthew 24:8 he warned that, "All these are the beginning of sorrows."(KJV).  WOW!  That's scary!  This is only the beginning?  Yes, he goes on to describe even more trouble..."Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and killed. People all over the world will hate you because you believe in ME. During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other.  Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong. There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold.  But the one who REMAINS FAITHFUL to the end will be saved.  And the Good News I have shared about God’s kingdom will be told throughout the world. It will be spread to EVERY nation. Then the end will come."(Matthew 24:9:14, Easy-to-Read Version).  

Don't miss this!  1 John 3:8 says that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.  When we follow Jesus, his mission becomes our mission!  Our purpose and life goal should be to destroy the works of the devil every day!   In Matthew 24, Jesus said the Good News that he preached would be preached to the entire world, then the end will come.  Each day as you do your part to fight poverty, ignorance, sickness, injustice, homelessness, hopelessness, depression, sadness, and sin...you are helping to bring the return of our Lord closer.  

It will take time and effort to study the Word for yourself.  But in the Bible times, even the blind and lame were made to work.  OK, I know what you are thinking...she's really lost it now!  But read it for yourself.  The blind and lame were taken to the local thoroughfares by their families to beg.  Sounds like work to me.  No disability checks!  No welfare!  They were expected to use what they had to improve their lives, even if it was just their voice used to ask for money!  Jesus told a story in Luke 16:19-20, "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was LAID at his gate, full of sores,"(KJV).   Mark 10:46 says, "And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, SAT by the highway side begging."(KJV).  And Acts 3:2 says, "And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they LAID daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;"(KJV).  So there is NO EXCUSE for us!  If you miss out on God's BEST because of your own laziness and ignorance don't blame the Man. 

Love and prayers, Cynthia

All Night, All Day, Angels Watching Over Me

 Happy Sunday!

"Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"(Hebrews 13:2 TLB).  

What is the ministry or assignment of angels? Great question. I'm so glad you asked!

Angels are assigned to PROTECT US. Psalm 91:11-12 says, "For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail."(TLB).  Do you remember the story of Daniel?  Targeted by haters, thrown in the lion's den. The next morning when the king ran out to see what had become of Daniel, Daniel replied, "My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they couldn't hurt me. He did this because he considered me innocent. Your Majesty, I haven’t committed any crime.” Daniel 6:22 (GW).  Don't take this story for granted.  Those same lions devoured Daniel's accusers.

The King of Syria was out to get the prophet Elisha. Elisha's servant went out and discovered they were surrounded by the Syrian Army. Elisha told his servant, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." 2 Kings 6:16 (KJV).  He prayed that the servant's eyes be opened. The servant looked again and saw, "The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha!" (2 Kings 6:17 Message).

Angels RESPOND to the Word of God.  One Pastor said, "Get your angels out of the unemployment line!"  Angels respond to prayers that line up with the Word!  When you speak the Word, you give the angels something to work with. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Words have power in matters of life and death, and those who love them will savor their fruit."(Voice).  Angels are sent to minister to you.  Did you hear that?  These are not little fat babies with wings! The normal response to seeing an angel was fear and dread. Every time an angel appeared to a person in the Bible the angel had to say, "Fear not!"  The prophets saw angels and fainted or fell as dead men.  Angels are fully equipped, capable, and strong enough to do what must be done! Hebrews 1:14 says, "Did God ever say to any of the heavenly messengers, sit here, at My right hand, in the seat of honor; and I’ll put all Your enemies under Your feet? No, of course not. The heavenly messengers are only spirits and servants, sent out to MINISTER to those who will certainly inherit salvation."(Voice).

How can I put my angels to work?  Great question! Get the Word in your mouth and speak it OUT LOUD.  If you are experiencing financial difficulty, don't moan and complain about how broke you are! Speak out loud..."The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack."(Psalm 23:1 AMP).  Are you having problems at work or in your business? Speak the Word...Psalm 1 says that those who follow the Lord and obey..."Everything they do is successful."(Psalm 1:3 ERV).  Are you sick? Speak the Word to your body... “Through His wounds, you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 Voice). 

Love and prayers, Cynthia

GREATER

 Happy Sunday!

"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).

Does this scripture encourage you?  I hope so!  It encourages me in so many ways.  First, the Apostle John wasn't teaching a Children's Church, but he referred to the readers as "Little Children".  When we are Born Again, we are the children of God.   We can be as close to God as little children.  "Jesus called a small child over to him and set the little fellow down among them, and said, “Unless you TURN to God from your SINS and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who HUMBLES HIMSELF as this little child is the GREATEST in the Kingdom of Heaven."(Matthew 18:2-4 TLB).

Second, the Apostle understood that there are some unsavory characters in the world.  There are obstacles that we face, and issues will arise.  He wrote, "My dear friends, don’t BELIEVE everything you hear. Carefully WEIGH and EXAMINE what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God COMES from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world."(1 John 4:1 Message).   Mark 4:24 says, "And He said to them, be careful what you are HEARING. The MEASURE of THOUGHT and STUDY you give to the TRUTH you hear will be the measure of VIRTUE and KNOWLEDGE that comes back to you—and MORE besides will be given to you who hear."(AMPC).

Don't miss this!  We have a part to play in the Greater!  The Apostle Paul told Timothy, "STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the word of truth."(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).  Study the Bible and learn the Truth.  Then do what James 4:7 says, "SUBMIT yourselves therefore to God. RESIST the devil, and he will flee from you."(KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

By Grace

 Happy Sunday!

"God saved YOU by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is NOT a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."(Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT).

"Once you were DEAD because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, OBEYING the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is THE spirit at work in the hearts of those who REFUSE to obey God.  ALL of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.  By our very NATURE we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

BUT God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us SO much, that even though we were dead because of OUR SINS, he gave us LIFE when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he RAISED us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 

So, God can point to US in all future ages as EXAMPLES of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as SHOWN in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus."(Ephesians 2:1-7 NLT).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Listen And Live!

Happy Sunday!

"Fools die because they refuse to follow wisdom. They are content to follow their foolish ways, and that will destroy them. BUT those who LISTEN to me will LIVE in safety and comfort. They will have nothing to fear.”(Easy-to-Read Version).   

I have decided to live in the safety and comfort that God provides to those who listen.  Sure, I've been foolish and lived according to the pattern of the world in the past...BUT I have committed to CHANGE!  I want everything God has prepared for me!  I will not be a fool!  

Let me tell you a secret!  "No one can stop you but you!"  Did you get that?  Read it again!  You are your own problem!  I know, I know...we have lived for so long in the victim mentality.  It's not my fault...it's the color of my skin, it's because my father didn't raise me, or it's because they didn't pick me to play softball on the elementary school team!  Get over it!  There are people in this world succeeding that have had horrific and unimaginable adversity.  Don't let the Devil trap you in past offenses.  There is one thing that Jesus said is impossible.  Bet you thought nothing was impossible.  Luke 17:1 says, "Then said he unto the disciples, it is IMPOSSIBLE but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!"(KJV).  Did you get that?  Jesus said there will always be opportunities to be offended!  That means there will always be people motivated by Satan available to hurt you, tempt you, and make life interesting!  But just because it is offered, you don't have to accept it!  Jesus is our perfect example.  Even on the cross, he refused to be offended.  He said, "Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:24, Easy-to-Read Version).  

How do I start?  Great question!  Romans 12:1-2 says, "So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."(Message).  

This involves changing your thinking.  Proverbs 3:5-12 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. Run to God! Run from evil!  Your body will glow with HEALTH, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.  Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over."(Message).

God's Word is his voice!  Get in the Word...memorize it for your own good!  When the Devil tries to attack you there may not be enough time to find the scripture you need!  It's better to have your sword ready before the battle!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

I'm Praying For You!

 Happy Sunday!

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being CONFIDENT of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a GOOD work IN you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"(Philippians 1:3-6 KJV).

Confident.  Certain.  Sure.  These are the words used in various translations of this scripture passage.  The Apostle Paul was writing to the Church in Philippi and he began with encouragement.  It's wonderful to know that someone remembers you and is praying for you.  Well, at least it is for me.  I remember a song was popular in churches for a while.  The lyrics said, "Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind, took the time to pray for me.  I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed for me!"

The Apostle Paul didn't bellyache about what he was going through.  He wanted the Believers to know that all of the adversity didn't stop the ministry, it actually caused it to grow.  He wrote, "I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually PROSPERED. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned all about HIM. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah."(Philippians 1:12-14 Message).

Don't miss this!  Your example and your testimony are enough to strengthen others!  When they see the obstacles, you made it through, they can believe that they can make it as well.  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).

Love and PRAYERS, Cynthia

Remember...

 Happy Sunday!

"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 8:11 KJV).

The Word of God repeatedly tells us to remember! I believe God knows how easy it is for us to forget.  Some things we purposefully forget because they remind us of sad times or hard times, but we can go back to the Word to remind us of what we must remember.  In Deuteronomy 8, God reminds the people of all that he had done for them.  He encouraged them with the promise of blessings they would experience in the Land He was giving them.  Then he WARNED them what would happen if they forgot.

"So it’s paramount that you keep the commandments of God, your God, walk down the roads he shows you and reverently RESPECT him. God is about to bring you into a GOOD land, a land with brooks and rivers, springs and lakes, streams out of the hills and through the valleys. It’s a land of wheat and barley, of vines and figs and pomegranates, of olives, oil, and honey. It’s land where you’ll NEVER GO HUNGRY—always food on the table and a ROOF over your head. It’s a land where you’ll get iron out of rocks and mine copper from the hills."(Deuteronomy 8:6-9 Message).  

I was listening to a few young co-workers talking about growing up poor. What they described didn't sound like poverty to me!  I didn't burst their bubble with the stories of my mother feeding six children one can of pork and beans with a pack of hot dogs diced up in them.  I didn't mention times when the electricity or house phone was off, and life still moved forward.  We are so Blessed!  There are still people in the world with dirt floors, and some of the poorest people in the USA would be considered rich in other countries.  God wants us to prosper.  Psalm 35:27 says, "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant."(KJV).  Don't miss this!  It brings God pleasure when YOU prosper!  Why does God want you to prosper?  I'm so glad you asked!  He loves you!  You are his favorite child!  He sent Jesus to pay the price for you to have abundant life! He's not mad at you!  Lamentations 3:21-23 says, "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."(TLB).

Deuteronomy 8:19-20 tells us what will happen if we forget.  I'm praying that we don't forget.  “Don’t ever forget the Lord your God. Don’t ever follow other gods or worship and serve them. If you do that, I warn you today: You will surely be destroyed! The Lord is destroying other nations FOR you. But if you stop LISTENING to the Lord your God, YOU will be destroyed just like them!"(ERV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Childlike

Happy Sunday!

In John 16:33, Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"(Amplified).

Most people love babies.  Well, at least we love other people's babies.  We can love on them, smell their necks, and give them back to their parents.  Have you ever noticed that the world around them can be chaotic, but they can sleep as if nothing is happening?  Perhaps, that's what we really enjoy about babies...seeing peace in action.  The baby is forced to trust the people in whose care they are placed.  They must trust that their parents and care takers will be loving, compassionate, and forgiving especially when they make smelly messes.  They must trust that they will be given sufficient provision and kept safe.

We are the Children of God, not the adults of God.  Jesus rebuked the disciples for trying to prevent the children from coming forward in the crowd to be blessed.  He said, "Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” (Mark 10:14, Message).  Don't miss this!  It's so simple, not complicated at all.  Proverbs 3:5-8 says it this way, "Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions.  Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. And don’t think you can decide on your own what is right and what is wrong. Respect the Eternal; turn and run from evil. If you depend on Him, your body and mind will be free from the strain of a sinful life, will experience healing and health, and will be strengthened at their core."(Voice).

Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You."(Amplified).  The God's Word Translation of this scripture says, "With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you".  Amen.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Obligatory

 Happy Sunday!

"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).

I heard the word, "Obligatory" used in a message today.  Perhaps, I'd heard it before, but I couldn't recall it.  I looked it up quickly, as if to say, "Is that really a word?"  YES, it is.  It's defined as, "required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory:"(Merriam-Webster).  Then I wanted to know what things might be obligatory for us Christians.  In the Old Testament the Ten Commandments stood out, and in the New Testament we are commanded to Love, and to tell others that God loves them too.

It made me think of the Andre Crouch song entitled, "Tell Them".  The first stanzas say, "Tell them.  Even if they don't believe you. Just tell them. Even if they don't receive you.  Oh, tell them for me. Tell them for me please.  Please, tell them for me. Tell them that I love them, and I came to let them know. Tell them. When it seems, you are forsaken. Just tell them. Though it seems you are earthly shaken. Oh, tell them for me. Tell them for me please. Please, tell them for me. Tell them that I love them."  

In John 15:13, Jesus says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."(KJV).   LOVE is an action word!  Knowing what a great gift we have received should motivate us to share the Good News with others!  Sure, some won't want to hear it, and some won't believe you.  BUT tell them anyway.  2 Timothy 4:2 says, "Tell EVERYONE God’s message. Be ready at all times to do whatever is needed. Tell people what they need to do, tell them when they are doing wrong, and encourage them. Do this with great patience and careful teaching."(ERV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

SASH = Separating from All Strong Holds!

 Happy Sunday!

"And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold SASH across his chest."(Revelation 1:13 NLT).

I'm BACK! Did you miss me?  Did you miss Happy Sunday?  I was traveling last week and arrived home too late, and too tired to send Happy Sunday!  Next time, I'll get it together before the trip!

My Pastor referred to this scripture today.  He was reminding us that Jesus is not like the weak pitiful depictions in artwork, and on jewelry!  He is no longer on the cross.  He is Risen and seated at the right hand of the Father. (1 Peter 3:22).  It made me think of the children's song from years ago, it was entitled, "Jesus Ain't a Baby No More!"  Do you remember that song?  LOL! When the Apostle John described Jesus in the Revelation, he is strong, bold and powerful!  That's what Jesus wants for US!  In Ephesians 6:10, The Apostle Paul said, "Finally, my brethren, be STRONG in the Lord, and in the power of HIS might."(KJV).   2 Peter 1:3-4 says, "EVERYTHING that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, PERSONALLY and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific PROMISES to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust."(Message).

Revelation 1:3 says that Jesus is wearing a gold sash across his chest.  This reminded me of the message Pastor Zorina Ann Brown shared with us last Saturday!  We've seen sashes.  Miss America, Miss Universe, The Black Student Union, and so many other groups wear sashes to represent their accomplishments, teams and nations.  Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Alpha and Omega.  We Believers are a part of the Body or Christ and have the authority to use the Name of Jesus but so often we are living beneath our privilege and hiding the unique gifts God has given us through Christ.  Some snagged tooth people from our past told us that a certain thing was impossible for us, or going to a certain place or level was not meant for you!  You are a woman, or you are Black, you're too tall, or you are too short!  The Devil has probably whispered to you that you can't recover from that mistake, or that divorce, or the loss of a loved one!  Pastor Brown encouraged us to use SASH as an Acronym.  SASH = Separating from All Strong Holds!  We must detach ourselves from all negativities and ask, "What does the Word say?"  Then we must determine to allow the WORD of God to be the FINAL Word!

The BIBLE says, "Let the weak say, I am STRONG."(Joel 3:10 KJV)

The BIBLE says, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye WERE HEALED."(1 Peter 2:24 KJV).

The BIBLE says, "Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to OBEY what is written there. If you do this, you will be WISE and SUCCESSFUL in everything you do."(Joshua 1:8 Easy-to-Read Version).

The BIBLE says, "I shall not die, but LIVE, and declare the works of the Lord."(Psalm 118:17 KJV).

The BIBLE says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above ALL else, and LIVE righteously, and he will give you EVERYTHING you need."(Matthew 6:33 NLT).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

FOLLOW the Instructions!

 Happy Sunday!

I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day.

And I don't borrow from its sunshine,

For its skies may turn to gray.

And I don't worry about my future,

For I know what Jesus said,

And today He walks beside me

For He knows what lies ahead

Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand

But I, I know, I know, I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds, who holds my hand - Ira Stanphill

Do you remember this song?  Or songs like it, that remind us of what the Word of God tells us!  It's so comforting and refreshing to know that God cares for us and he has our lives in his hand.  There is so much happening right now in our lives and in our world.  Uprisings, wars, violent attacks, political campaigns, and I-Phone 17's.  If we aren't cautious, we can become overwhelmed.

That's probably why the Word says, "Don’t FRET or WORRY. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."(Philippians 4:6 Message).

2 Kings 4:1-44 is full of life applications.  A certain woman comes to the prophet with a problem.  Her husband has died and left her with massive debt.  The creditors are coming to take her sons away to be slaves.  The prophet asks her, "What do you have in your house?"  What a great question to ask today?  What do you have in your house?  Do you realize God has given you everything you need to succeed?  It's in your house!  It's in the unique person he created you to be.  Acts 10:34 says, “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open."(Message).

All the woman had was a container of oil, the prophet gave her these instructions.  "Here’s what you do,” said Elisha. “Go up and down the street and borrow jugs and bowls from all your neighbors.  And not just a few—all you can get. Then come home and lock the door behind you, you and your sons. Pour oil into each container; when each is full, set it aside.  She did what he said. She locked the door behind her and her sons; as they brought the containers to her, she filled them. When all the jugs and bowls were full, she said to one of her sons, “Another jug, please".  He said, “That’s it. There are no more jugs.” Then the oil stopped. (Message).  The woman was able to SELL the oil, PAY her debts, and LIVE off the rest. 

What can we get from this?  Glad you asked.  Do what GOD told you!  No need to explain to your neighbors.  Keep the process secret, lock the door to naysayers, critics, and haters!  There will be plenty of time for testimonies when God brings you out!  DON'T THINK SMALL!  The prophet instructed her to get lots of pots or vessels.  Do you realize that she determined the size of her blessing by the number of vessels she was willing to collect?  We quote it all the time..."exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think". (Ephesians 3:20).  Exceeding means to surpass others; excel or be superior.  Abundantly means plentiful, profuse, and numerous.  Above reminds me of Deuteronomy 28, "The head and never the tail!"

Selah.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

At All Times

Happy Sunday!

Psalm 34...

"I will praise the Lord NO MATTER what happens. I will constantly SPEAK of his glories and grace.  I will boast of all his KINDNESS to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.

For I CRIED to him and he ANSWERED me! He FREED me from all my fears.  Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! This poor man cried to the Lord—and the Lord HEARD him and SAVED him out of his troubles.  For the Angel of the Lord guards and RESCUES all who reverence him.

Oh, put God to the test and see how KIND he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. If you belong to the Lord, REVERENCE him; for everyone who does this has EVERYTHING he needs.  Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will NEVER LACK any good thing.

Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the IMPORTANCE of trusting and fearing the Lord. Do you want a long, GOOD life? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from lying. Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with EVERYONE; work hard at it.

For the EYES of the Lord are intently watching all who live good lives, and he gives ATTENTION when they cry to him. But the Lord has made up his mind to wipe out even the memory of evil men from the earth. Yes, the Lord HEARS the good man when he calls to him for help and saves him out of all his troubles.

The Lord is close to those whose hearts are BREAKING; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. The good man does not escape ALL troubles—he has them too. But the Lord HELPS him in each and every one. Not one of his bones is broken.

Calamity will SURELY overtake the wicked; heavy penalties are meted out to those who hate the good. But as for those who serve the Lord, he will REDEEM them; everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned". (Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Our REWARDS Program

 Happy Sunday!

"You can never please God without faith, without DEPENDING on him. Anyone who wants to come to God MUST believe that there is a God and that he REWARDS those who sincerely look for him."(Hebrews 11:6 TLB).

Most retailers have a rewards program.  My daughter's and I make it easy.  We all use the same phone number for these loyalty programs.  We share in the discounts and benefits and likely get more because all of our purchases are combined.  Did you know God has Rewards? Yes, He does!  Deuteronomy 28:1-7 says, “If you FULLY OBEY the Lord your God and CAREFULLY KEEP all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God:

Your towns and your fields will be blessed.

Your children and your crops will be blessed.

The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed.

Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed.

Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.

The Lord will CONQUER your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven!"(NLT).

Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, REMEMBERING that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for."(TLB).

Proverbs 19:17 says, "Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full."(Message).

Just in case you think that you can or will miss out on a Reward, Hebrews 6:10 says, "For God is not unrighteous to forget or OVERLOOK your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do."(AMPC).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

GOD is Love!

 Happy Sunday!

"Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for LOVE comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better.  But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love."(1 John 4:7-8 TLB).

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful, loving, caring, and responsible fathers out there! I pray you enjoyed the day and were acknowledged and appreciated.

God made us in his image and his likeness.  Have you ever heard someone say, "That child is the spitting image of their father"?  Of course you have.  And if the child doesn't resemble the father at all, the old folks would say, "there must be a dead cat on the line".  LOL!  It's funny, but it's true.  We should resemble our father.  1 John 4:16 says, "God is love." (KJV).  Logically, if God is love and he created us we were made by love.  Love is not a fuzzy feeling. Love is a lifestyle. When we understand fully the love God has for us, we will be able to share that love with the world.

1 John 4:18 from the Phillips Translations says, "Love contains no fear—indeed fully-developed love expels every particle of fear, for fear always contains some of the torture of feeling guilty. This means that the man who lives in fear has not yet had his love perfected".   Did you get that?  Fully developed love contains no fear! There are so many things happening in the world to cause us to fear.  But the Word of God is encouraging us and commanding us to love and assuring us "Perfect", mature love dispels fear.

How can I get this love?  So glad you asked!  Romans 5:5 says, "And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love." (Voice).  Isn't that incredible! God tells you to love, then gives you His love to love with!  All you have to do is cooperate with the Holy Spirit! 

When someone mistreats you and you want to retaliate, the Holy Spirit reminds you..."Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord." (Romans 12:19 NLT).  When your money is shorter than your month and you are tempted to worry and fret, the Holy Spirit encourages you..."And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19 NL).  When the doctor tells you there is nothing that can be done to help you, the Holy Spirit assures you..."He forgives all my sins and heals ALL my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies." (Psalm 103:3-4 NLT)  

One last thing that always amazes me, Revelation 21:8 lists the people who will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. It 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!  The fearful?  What's so bad about being afraid? Good question!  Being afraid that your enemy will not get what's coming to him will cause you to be angry.  That anger can cause you to sin.  Being afraid that you will never meet Mr. or Mrs. Right could cause you to settle for Mr. or Mrs. Right Now.  This could be devastating to your purpose and your future.  Being afraid that God's Word is not true could cause you to neglect it, devalue it, and ignore it.  This will lead you to trust in yourself, your education, or your money..."He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch." (Proverbs 11:28 KJV). "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." (Proverbs 28:26 KJV).  "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord." Jeremiah 17:5 (KJV)

Working on perfecting my love walk!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Rest

 Happy Sunday!

"Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to REST on the Sabbath day." (Deuteronomy 5:15 NLT).

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas once said, "One of the purposeful and intentional designs of God in our lives and his acts in our lives is to REMOVE all boasting!  We work hard to take the credit, while God works to let us know HE deserves all the credit."  

The Apostle Paul agreed, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT).

No matter how intelligent and capable you are, no matter how beautiful and talented you are, and no matter how many zeros behind your bottom line or letters behind your name, it is the mercy and grace of God that has brought you through. The psalmist wrote, "Hard times may well be the plight of the righteous—they may often seem overwhelmed—but the Eternal RESCUES the righteous from what oppresses them." (Psalm 34:19 Voice).   And Jeremiah lamented, "My soul has them continually in remembrance and is bowed down within me. But THIS I recall and therefore have I HOPE and expectation: It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:20-24 AMPC).

Feel free to glance back over your life to see how far you’ve come, but don’t gaze at it longingly!  Remember you were once a slave to sin and foolishness, but God delivered you.  He delivered you so that you can REST. The Sabbath represents rest. God intends for you to realize he gives you the strength, the courage, and the ability to do everything you must do.  When you trust him, you can rest every day of your life. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real REST. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Guarded

 Happy Sunday!

"Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and PURE HEART come the good and noble things of life."(Proverbs 4:23 Voice).

Life can be hard.  We each have our own trials and tribulations. It's so easy to focus inward and forget about the other people Jesus gave his life to save.  During hard times, I remember my mother saying she hated people.  Everyone that knew her knows she was a people person.  How could she hate people?  I didn't fully understand then, but I can see now how it can be possible to hate.  People who are without God's Real Love are harsh, cruel, deceptive, conniving, vindictive, selfish, inconsiderate...and the list could go on and on.  Sometimes even the people who profess to know Jesus as Lord and Savior are amazingly despicable.  BUT God didn't command us to love the LOVABLE, he commanded us to love them ALL just like he did. 

Jesus said it best, in Matthew 5:44-48, "But I tell you, LOVE your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly.  If you do this, you will be children who are TRULY like your FATHER in heaven. He lets the sun rise for all people, whether they are good or bad. He sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong.  If you love only those who love you, why should you get a reward for that? Even the tax collectors do that.  And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than anyone else. Even the people who don’t know God are nice to their friends. What I am saying is that you must be PERFECT, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."(Easy-to-Read Version).

Perfect means mature.  We have to mature in this walk of faith.  Jesus said our Father God is our example to follow. We must ensure our hearts don't become harden because of things that have happened to us.  Yes, stuff happens, but don't let that stuff change you!  

Love and Prayers, Cynthia

Hate What God Hates

 Happy Sunday!

"These six things doth the Lord HATE: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."(Proverbs 6:16-19 KJV).

God is so clear in the Bible when it comes to things he approves or disapproves of. If you have any doubt, search the scriptures.  In Job 1:8 it says, "Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant, Job? He is the finest man in all the earth—a GOOD man who fears God and will have NOTHING to do with EVIL.” (TLB).  Don't miss this!  Job reverenced God, meaning he acknowledged God and treated him with deep respect.  Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, "And, when all is said and done, here is the last word: worship in reverence the one True God, and keep His commands, for this is what God expects of every person."(Voice).

Why is it important to reverence God and keep his commandments?  I'm so glad you asked!  Deuteronomy 28:1-7 is just the beginning, "If you fully obey all of these commandments of the Lord your God, the laws I am declaring to you today, God will TRANSFORM you into the greatest nation in the world. 

These are the BLESSINGS that will come upon you:

Blessings in the city,

Blessings in the field;

Many children,

Ample crops,

Large flocks and herds;

Blessings of fruit and bread;

Blessings when you come in,

Blessings when you go out.

The Lord will defeat your enemies before you; they will march out together against you but scatter before you in seven directions!"(TLB).

Now before you say that this scripture doesn't apply to us, and it is only for the Jews, let's hop over to the New Testament.  Galatians 3:13-14 says, "Now Christ has REDEEMED us from the curse of the Law’s condemnation, by himself becoming a curse for US when he was crucified. For the scripture is plain: ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’  God’s PURPOSE is therefore plain: that the BLESSING promised to Abraham might REACH the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, and the Spirit might become AVAILABLE to US ALL by faith."(Phillips).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Have You Received?

 Happy Sunday!

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."(Acts 1:8 KJV).

"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost SINCE ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

And he said unto them, "Unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said, "Unto John's baptism".

Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus".

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

And all the men were about twelve.

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God."(Acts 19:1-8 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

GOOD News!

 Happy Sunday!

"But LIFE is worth nothing unless I USE it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of TELLING OTHERS the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love."(Acts 20:24 TLB).

In 1974, Chaka Khan and Rufus sang a song written by Stevie Wonder entitled, "Tell Me Something Good".  They weren't singing about the Good News of Jesus Christ, but everyone will agree we prefer good news!  There are enough negative things happening in the world and our lives to keep every news outlet busy.  

We have some really Good News to share!  Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted and to announce that captives shall be released and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to him.”(Luke 4:18-19 TLB).  Now that's GOOD News!  

Romans 10:13-17 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be SAVED. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not HEARD? and how shall they HEAR without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of GOOD THINGS!  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So, then FAITH cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God."(KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Blessed Memories

Happy Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you awesome ladies reading this!  This week is a repost from 2019!  It still holds true for women and men!  Enjoy!

Who remembers the carnations that were sold or provided in the black church on Mother's Day?  I can't recall if it was the Mother's Board, or the Usher Board selling them, but everyone wanted one. You wore the white flower if your mother had gone to heaven, and the red flower if your mother was still here with you.  I don't have to tell you Mother's Day was quite emotional at church during these services.  A soloist would be selected to sing, "Motherless Child".  If you don't know this song, Google it Baby!  Have your Kleenex ready, it's a tear jerker with roots that go all the way back to slavery when children were sold away from their mothers.

I totally get it!  There are days when I break into tears thinking about my mother, and my sweet grandmother, Eliza Williams.  After I snap back to reality, I feel so grateful for their lives and everything they taught me and shared with me.  Joni Mitchell sang, "Don't it always seem to go. That you don't know what you've got til it's gone."   Sometimes, this is true.  BUT it doesn't have to be this way!  We have a great OPPORTUNITY right now to love, and appreciate those dear ones in our lives.

Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days so that we may TRULY live and achieve wisdom."(Voice).  Don't miss this!  As my son, Terrence A. Pruitt always says, "God does not waste instructional minutes."  He's always trying to get wisdom, and answers to us! This scripture reminds us there is a limit on this earthly life.  If Jesus doesn't return before your "time", you will die.  Numbering our days doesn't have to be morbid.  It's just good to remind yourself every day to ENJOY the simple things, LAUGH at the funny things, CHERISH those you love, and IGNORE the foolishness.  God has not given us a spirit of fear, so don't go into next week fearing death. Proverbs 9:11 lets us in on a little secret.  You can extend your life!  Did you know this?  It says, "Wisdom will help you LIVE longer; she will add years to your life."(Easy-to-Read Version).

So, what can we do with this wonderful life we've been given!  So glad you asked!  Proverbs 10:7 says, "Good people leave memories that BLESS us, but the wicked are soon forgotten."(Easy-to-Read Version).  Leave memories that Bless others.  Don't be that one mean family member that no one cares to recall, unless they are trying to convey how hard their life has been.  Make good memories now for those you love, and those that love you.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

I'm Complete

 Happy Sunday!

"God made my life COMPLETE

    when I placed ALL the pieces before him.

When I got my act together,

    he gave me a FRESH start.

Now I’m ALERT to God’s ways.

    I don’t take God for granted.

EVERY day I review the ways he works.

    I try not to miss a trick.

I feel put back together,

    and I’m watching my step.

God REWROTE the text of my life

    when I opened the BOOK of my heart to his eyes.

The GOOD people taste your goodness,

The WHOLE people taste your health,

The TRUE people taste your truth,

The bad ones CAN'T figure you out.

You take the side of the down-and-out,

But the stuck-up you take down a notch.

SUDDENLY, God, you floodlight my life.

    I’m blazing with glory, God’s glory!

I smash the bands of marauders,

    I vault the highest fences.

What a GOD! His road

    stretches straight and smooth.

Every God-direction is road-tested.

    Everyone who runs toward him MAKES it." (Psalm 18:20-30 Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

BE

 Happy Sunday!

I hope that you had a great week since the last Happy Sunday message.  Life is not without challenges, but you are equipped to handle it ALL!  God has given us, "all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"(2 Peter 1:3, KJV).  The Living Bible says it like this, 'For as you KNOW him BETTER, he will give you, through his great power, EVERYTHING you NEED for living a truly GOOD LIFE: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us!"(2 Peter 1:3, TLB).  It's just what the Psalmist said, "Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!"(Psalm 23, TLB).

As we continue to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ", we will get better and better at handling life's challenges. (2 Peter 3:18, KJV).   Think about the Apostle Peter.  He was hot-headed, impulsive, denied the Lord three times and even cut a man's ear off with a sword. (John 18:10).  BUT after receiving he Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost he preached The Gospel to a massive crowd and 3000 believed and were baptized! (Acts 2:41).  What a transformation!

This is how he encouraged the Believer's later in his life.

"Summing up: BE agreeable, BE sympathetic, BE loving, BE compassionate, BE humble. That goes for ALL of you, no exceptions. NO retaliation. NO sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Whoever wants to embrace life

    and SEE the day fill up with GOOD,

Here’s what you do:

    Say nothing evil or hurtful.

Snub evil and cultivate good.

    run after peace for all you’re worth.

God LOOKS on all this with APPROVAL,

    listening and RESPONDING well to what he’s asked.

BUT he turns his back

    on those who do evil things."(1 Peter 3:8-12, Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Right Reward

 Happy Sunday!

"The Lord says: CURSED is the man who puts his TRUST in mortal MAN and turns his heart away from God.  He is like a stunted shrub in the desert, with NO HOPE for the future; he lives on the salt-encrusted plains in the barren wilderness; good times PASS HIM by forever.

But BLESSED is the man who TRUSTS in the Lord and has made the Lord his HOPE and CONFIDENCE.  He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching DEEP into the water—a tree not bothered by the heat NOR WORRIED by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit.

The heart is the most deceitful thing there is and desperately wicked. No one can really know how bad it is!  Only the LORD knows! He searches ALL hearts and examines deepest motives so he can GIVE to each person his right REWARD, according to his DEEDS—how he has lived."(Jeremiah 17:5-10 Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

The LAST DAYS

 Happy Sunday!

"Don’t be NAIVE. There are difficult times ahead. As THE END approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and ALLERGIC to GOD. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. STAY CLEAR of these people."

"These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself “truth.” They get exploited every time and never really learn. These men are like those old Egyptian frauds Jannes and Jambres, who challenged Moses. They were REJECTS from the faith, twisted in their thinking, defying truth itself. But nothing will come of these latest impostors. Everyone will see through them, just as people saw through that Egyptian hoax."

"You’ve been a good apprentice to me, a part of my teaching, my manner of life, direction, faith, steadiness, love, patience, troubles, sufferings—suffering along with me in all the grief I had to put up with in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. And you also well know that God rescued me! Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there’s no getting around it. Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith. They’re as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse."

"But don’t let it FAZE you. Stick with what you LEARNED and BELIEVED, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written WORD of God for showing you the WAY to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us TRUTH, exposing our rebellion, CORRECTING our mistakes, TRAINING us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us."(2 Timothy 3:1-17 Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Reasons

 Happy Resurrection Sunday!

"[But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The REASON the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to UNDO (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].”(1 John 3:8 AMPC).

I’m always interested in the reason behind things.  For instance, while traveling I frequently look up information about city names and street names.  While speaking with a customer recently their address intrigued me.  I couldn’t wait to look up the street name and learn why!  The street name is Elsie Faye Heggins if you are curious like me!

At Christmastime, people will sing and say that, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”!  Yes, He definitely is, but what is the reason for his coming?  I’m so glad you asked!  Adam and Eve got us all tangled up and Jesus came to fix it!  Romans 5:15 says, “But God’s free gift is not like Adam’s sin. Many people died because of the sin of that one man. But the grace that people received from God was much greater. Many received God’s gift of life by the grace of this other man, Jesus Christ.”(ERV).

This is the GOOD NEWS!  We are not doomed by what Adam did!  We have the opportunity to accept what Jesus did for us and live LIFE ABUNDANTLY.  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).

Colossians 2:10-15 says, “YOU have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with AUTHORITY over every other power.  When you came to Christ, he set you FREE from your evil desires, not by a bodily operation of circumcision but by a spiritual operation, the baptism of your souls. For in baptism, you see how your old, evil nature DIED with him and was buried with him; and then you came up out of death with him into a new life because you trusted the Word of the mighty God who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead in sins, and your sinful desires were not yet cut away. Then he gave you a share in the VERY life of Christ, for he FORGAVE all your sins, and BLOTTED out the charges proved against you, the list of his commandments which you had not obeyed. He took this list of sins and destroyed it by NAILING it to Christ’s CROSS.”(TLB).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Why would you ever complain?

 Happy Sunday!

"Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,

    or, whine, Israel, saying,

“God has lost track of me.

    He doesn’t care what happens to me”?

Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been LISTENING?

God doesn’t come and go. God LASTS.

    He’s Creator of ALL you can see or imagine.

He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.

    And he knows everything, inside and out.

He ENERGIZES those who get tired,

    gives fresh STRENGTH to dropouts.

For even young people tire and drop out,

    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But THOSE who wait upon God get fresh strength.

    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don’t get tired,

    they walk and don’t lag behind."(Isaiah 40:27-31 Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Read All About It!

Happy Sunday!

"Good news from a faraway place is like a cool drink of water when you are hot and thirsty."(Proverbs 25:25 Easy-to-Read Version.

We all like to get Good News!  Well, I hope you like to get good news!  I sure do!  When everything in the world seems to be bad, negative, and fear inducing there is always Good News in the Secret Place for the Child of God.  Jesus proclaimed, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."(John 14:27 KJV).  Don't miss this!  Jesus did not pretend that things in the world were just fine.  He did not tell us that everyday would be filled with only good and no evil.  BUT he ensured we would have everything we needed to overcome.

Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."(Luke 4:18-19 KJV).  The Easy-to-Read Version says it this way, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me.  He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor.  He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again.  He sent me to free those who have been treated badly and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.”

You don't need an advanced degree to know that Good News to a poor man is the truth that you don't have to be poor anymore!  Good News to a man that is bound physically, mentally, or emotionally is the fact that you are set free!  Good News to the Blind, Lame, or Sick is that healing is yours!  In 3 John 2, the Apostle John echoed this, "My heartfelt prayer for you, my very dear friend, is that you may be as healthy and prosperous in every way you are in soul."(Phillips).  There is Good News for us today!  The Bible is full of Good News and promises made to you by our Ever Faithful God.  But there's only one way to get this Good News, you must read all about it in the Word of God.  Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

DON'T FORGET!

 Happy Sunday!

"The Eternal your God promised your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that He would give you this land. When He brings you into it, you’ll live in beautiful and spacious cities you didn’t build. You’ll have houses filled with good things waiting for you—cisterns to hold water already dug out of the rock for you, and vineyards and olive orchards that you didn’t plant. You’ll have all you want to eat and more. When this happens, be very, very careful! Don’t forget it was the Eternal who brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves."(Deuteronomy 6:10-12, Voice).

Don't forget who brought you out!  

So many scriptures encourage us to remember and not forget all the good things that the Lord has done.  Ecclesiastes 12:1 says, "Don’t let the excitement of being young cause you to forget about your Creator. Honor him in your youth before the evil years come—when you’ll no longer enjoy living."(Living Bible).  We are prone to forget.  But meditating on the good things and recalling them can encourage us and strengthen our faith.

Lamentations 3:20-22 says, "I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed.  I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—the feeling of hitting the bottom.  But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on HOPE:  God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!  I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left."(Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Refusing to be Ignorant!

Happy Sunday!

The best way to identify the Blessing and its effect on your life is to compare it to the curse.  Many times, in the Word, God uses comparisons.  Think about it.  In Deuteronomy 28:13, we see that the Blessing will make you the head and not the tail, above only and never beneath.  This one scripture can tell us so much about how the blessed life will be.  You will be the leader and not the follower.  You will never have to live under the circumstances, but you can rise above them.

The Blessing will repair everything that the curse has destroyed.  But you have to believe it!  You will never receive the blessings you cannot ENVISION.  Proverbs 22:9 says, "He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor."(KJV).  Another translation of this scripture says, "Generous people are genuinely blessed, because they share their food with the poor."(Voice).  Did you see that?  A person that is willing to BLESS others will always be blessed.  That person is looking beyond what they have and trusting that God will bless them again.  

Galatians 3:13-14 says, "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."(KJV).  Jesus paid the price for you to be blessed.  Think about how you would feel if you paid for a special vacation or event for your child, grandchild, or family member.  You told them where to go, when to be there, and how much fun they will have attending.  But they didn't trust your promise.  They disregarded the instructions and ignored the travel arrangements.  I know how I would feel!  I'm just happy God is more loving and merciful than I am.  The Apostle Paul said, "I would not have you to be IGNORANT" many times in the New Testament.  He begged the believers not to be ignorant!  Ignorant is defined as lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something in particular.  Are you ignorant of your rights and privileges as a child of the King?  Are you ignorant of the blessings that are GUARANTEED to you as a giver?  Are you ignorant about what the Bible really says?  The world says, "What you don't know can't hurt you!"  That's a lie!  What you don't know can kill you!

Don't be a casualty in this war!  We are in a faith fight!  Hebrews 11:6 says, "It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he CARES ENOUGH to respond to those who seek him."(Message).  Receiving your inheritance requires that you read the last will and testament.  It requires that you believe that you are eligible to receive, and it requires that you take possession of what belongs to you.

Refusing to be ignorant!  Love and prayers, Cynthia

Are you Thirsty?

The Happy Sunday!

Isaiah 44:3 says, "For I will pour water upon him that is THIRSTY, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:"(KJV).  Don't miss this!  God will pour water on ground that is thirsty.  Water represents the Word of God, and man was formed from the dust or earth.  God will hydrate you when you are thirsty for the Word.  I know that in popular culture, being "thirsty" is not seen in a positive light.  In the Urban Dictionary, "thirsty" is defined as being too eager to get something.  Don't let popular culture cause you to miss your Blessing!   In Psalm 42:1 the psalmist says, "My soul is dry and thirsts for You, True God, as a deer thirsts for water."(Voice).  Another translation of this scripture says, "A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek; I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I’m thirsty for God-alive. I wonder, “Will I ever make it—arrive and drink in God’s presence?”  I’m on a diet of tears—tears for breakfast, tears for supper.  All day long people knock at my door, Pestering, “Where is this God of yours?”(vs 1-3, Message).  

1 Kings 17:8-16 is a familiar passage, but it always provides fresh revelation.   Jesus said in Luke 4:24, "No prophet is accepted in his own country."(KJV).  This passage in 1 Kings proves that the prophet did not go to a widow in Israel, and there may have been many needy widows during the drought and the famine.  He went to a widow in Zarephath.  In verse 9, God tells the prophet, "I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee."(KJV).  She had already been told what to do.  But her obedience had to overcome her fear.  Think of how she must have felt contemplating making this last meal and then starving to death, she and her son.  Dr. Bill Winston said, "The biggest miracle is believing the Man of God!"   The widow had to trust that what the Lord said, and verified through the prophet was true.  She had to be willing to take her eyes off the present circumstance and trust God.  

Lets go back to Isaiah 44:3, in another translation it says..."Like a devoted gardener, I will pour sweet water on parched land, streams on hard-packed ground;  I will pour My spirit on your children and grandchildren—and let My blessing flow to your descendants."(Voice).  Once I was admiring a picture posted on Facebook.  It was a bowl of fresh string beans from my cousin's garden.  They looked so sweet and delicious!  When she planted her garden, if she used seeds...the seed packet did not show a picture of the seed. The packet showed the final product.  The packet was a vision, or a visual representation of what she could expect over time.  Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(KJV).  Faith is our seed packet.  When we see the promises of God, we plant them in our hearts and can expect that in time we will get the exact harvest we desire.  With God there is always a guaranteed return on our seeds planted!  Galatians 6:7 says, "What you give is what you get. What you sow, you harvest."(Voice).

Love and prayers, Cynthia