Words

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached from Luke 11:13, Ephesians 5:18, and Daniel 10:12-14 today.  He encouraged us again that God will answer prayer, but he put a new spin on it! God is coming for your words! You've heard the saying, "God answers every prayer, but only the prayers that are prayed"  We have to put our words to work in agreement with the Word of God.

Luke 11:13 says, "If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Common English Bible)  Even though we think we are perfect and would never consider ourselves evil, Jesus describes us as evil when compared to God the Father. He is good!  He will not withhold good things from his children, just as we will not withhold good things from our children.  Psalm 84:11 says, "The Lord gives—doesn't withhold —good things to those who walk with integrity." (Common English Bible)

Ephesians 5:18 says, "Don’t drink wine excessively. The drunken path is a reckless path. It leads nowhere. Instead, let God fill you with the Holy Spirit." (Voice) Bishop encouraged us to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-controlled.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians and compared the process to drunkenness.  Just as a drunk person is under the influence of the alcohol, we Christians should be under the influence of the Holy Spirit.  Bishop described it like this; Is the Holy Spirit a resident in your life, or is the Holy Spirit president of your life?

Daniel 10:12 says, "He said, “Daniel, do not be afraid. From the very first day you decided to get wisdom and to be humble in front of God, he has been listening to your prayers. I came to you because you have been praying." (Easy-to-Read Version)  After 21 days, the angel arrived with the answer to Daniel's prayer.  The angel told him that the prayer had been answered immediately, but spiritual forces had hindered the answer from getting to Daniel. The Apostle Paul explained this to the Ephesians, "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world." Ephesians 6:12 (The Living Bible)

So what can we get from all this? So glad you asked! Trust God, he loves you and he will treat you better than your earthly parents ever could. Surrender to the Holy Spirit, "Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 (God's Word Translation)  Last but not least, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Don't be alarmed if the answer is delayed.  Use your words to thank God that he has already answered. Speak the Word!  Meditate on the Word! Memorize the Word! Then when the devil tries to make you doubt, you will have ammunition necessary to blow him to pieces! 

Love and prayers, Cynthia

God Will Answer Prayer - Part 3

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas continued his series today, with yet another reminder that, "God Will Answer Prayer!" He used Luke 11:1-13 as his reference scriptures.

"Another time Jesus was praying, and when He finished, one of His disciples approached Him. 

"Teacher, would You teach us Your way of prayer? John taught his disciples his way of prayer, and we’re hoping You’ll do the same." Jesus said here’s how to pray:

Father [in heaven], may Your name be revered. 

May Your kingdom come. 

May Your will be accomplished on earth 

as it is in heaven. 

Give us the food we need for tomorrow,

 And forgive us for our wrongs,

 for we forgive those who wrong us. 

And lead us away from temptation. 

And save us from the evil one.

Imagine that one of your friends comes over at midnight. He bangs on the door and shouts, “Friend, will you lend me three loaves of bread? A friend of mine just showed up unexpectedly from a journey, and I don’t have anything to feed him.” Would you shout out from your bed, “I’m already in bed, and so are the kids. I already locked the door. I can’t be bothered”? You know this as well as I do: even if you didn't care that this fellow was your friend, if he keeps knocking long enough, you’ll get up and give him whatever he needs simply because of his brash persistence!

So listen: Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you. All who keep asking will receive, all who keep seeking will find, and doors will open to those who keep knocking.

Some of you are fathers, so ask yourselves this: if your son comes up to you and asks for a fish for dinner, will you give him a snake instead? If your boy wants an egg to eat, will you give him a scorpion? Look, all of you are flawed in so many ways, yet in spite of all your faults, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to all who ask!" Luke 11:1-13 (Voice)

God is a good father!  He is not a deadbeat!  The State of Georgia has never had to take him to court regarding his child support!  SO why do we come to him as if he's a penny-pinching tight-wad?  Why do we fail to ask for what we need and desire? Psalm 37:4 says, "Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire." (Common English Version)  Bishop encouraged us that there is no greater way to spread the Good News than to let others know, God Will Answer Prayer! That's good news...and we need some good news!

God Will Answer Prayer!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

God Will Answer Prayer: Part Two

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas continued his sermon series, "God Will..."  with "God Will Answer Prayer": Part two.  Today he used Luke 18:1-8.  The New Living Translation says, "One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy. The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

Bishop reminded us that all boasting must be and will be removed. He said and I quote, "You cannot get divine things done in human strength." Our ancestors understood this concept and sang, "Father I stretch my hand to thee, no other help I know. If thou withdraw thyself from me wither shall I go?"  With God all things are possible.  We are full of gifts, grace, purpose and power.  No one can do what we are ordained to do!  Everything that God is, and everything God has is accessible through prayer. 

What do you believe God is? Who do you believe God is?  The Word 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." - Hebrews 11:6 (Message)  Did you get that?  He cares enough to respond! God Will Answer Prayer!  And here's further proof, "We live in the bold confidence that God hears our voices when we ask for things thatfit His plan. And if we have no doubt that He hears our voices, we can be assured that He moves in response to our call." - 1 John 5:14-15(VOICE)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

God Will Answer Prayer

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas continued his series, entitled "God Will..."  Today's sermon was "God Will Answer Prayer!"  He used Philippians 4:6-7 as his reference scriptures.

Philippians chapter 4 is a call to Christian steadfastness.  Verse 1 begins by commanding us to "Stand Fast".  The Message Translation says, "Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God."  No matter what happens, we have to keep on keeping on! Bishop encouraged us to be like palm trees...bend but don't break!  I know, it can seem impossible. Just watching the daily news is enough to bring you down with all the airplane crashes, wars, illnesses, and all kinds of sinfulness.  Not to mention our own problems, issues, and struggles.  In verses 6 and 7, the Apostle Paul explained what will be necessary for us to stand fast in any circumstance."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 4:6-7 (Message)

Don't Worry! Pray!  It seems so simple, so why aren't we doing it?  1 Peter 5:7 says,

"Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries." (Voice) 

Bishop told us a story about a man with many problems.  He was telling a friend about the "professional worrier"  he'd hired.  He explained that he no longer has to worry about anything because the worrier does it for him.  The friend asked, "How much do you have to pay him?"  The man said, "$50,000."  The friend was amazed and asked, "How will you ever pay him $50,000?"  The man said, "I don't have to worry about it, that's his job!"  In the same way, God has commanded us to cast our cares and worries over on him and he will care for us!  Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (King James Version) 

Why don't we pray?  Good Question!  We don't pray because we don't believe it works!  If we truly believed that God hears us and answers every prayer we would be more consistent in prayer. Part of the hesitation could be we underestimate what God can do. Bishop told a story about preparing a presentation for a local businessman. He created a wonderful presentation and was excited to present it and request funding from the individual.  After the presentation, the gentleman threw the documents back at Bishop.  He told him it was a good presentation, but it revealed that Bishop had no idea what the businessman was capable of.  Are you limiting God? Are you doing without because you fail to ask?  Bishop encouraged us to "Elevate Your ASK!" James 4:2 says, "You don’t have the things you want, because you don’t pray for them." (God's Word Translation)  God is the King! He owns it all! Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants too."  

God will answer prayer, but only the prayer that is prayed!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

P.S. - During the week I stay encouraged by listening to many audio teachings. Andrew Wommack has great collections about practical subjects.  The following links go right along with this sermon.

http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1076

http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1033

http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1065

God Will Fight Your Battles

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "God Will Fight Your Battles!"  He used 2 Chronicles 20:17-18 and Exodus 14:14 as his reference scriptures.

As we walk with God, we will realize and recognize that some battles require our involvement.  For example, 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (New King James Version)  We are responsible to do our part.  If we fail to do our part, we cannot be angry with God if he does not respond.  Psalm 1:3 promises, "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (NKJV) Isn't that awesome!  We all want to prosper, but did you read the conditions?  Verses 1 and 2 describe the characteristics of this successful person...they do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. (New Living Translation)

There are also many times in this life when we can't do anything to help ourselves and we have to trust in and rely on God.  2 Chronicles 20:17 says, "You will not have to fight this battle. Just stand there and watch the Lord save you. Judah and Jerusalem, don’t be afraid. Don’t worry, because the Lord is with you. So go out to stand against those people tomorrow." (Easy-to-Read Version)  God will fight your battles!  All you have to do is rest and be still. Exodus 14:14 says, "You will not have to do anything but stay calm. The Lord will do the fighting for you.” (Easy-to-Read Version)

I don't know what you are facing today, but God does!  I may not be able to come to your rescue or help you, but God can!  I love you, but God loves you more than I ever could!  Don't worry! Remind yourself of the promises of God!  Psalm 23:6 promises, "Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me where I go, always, everywhere." (Voice)  Deuteronomy 28: says, "All of the following blessings will be yours—in fact, they’ll chase after you—if you’ll listen to what He tells you.(Voice)  and finally, Philippians 4:19 says, "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." (Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

God Will Bring You Out

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "God Will Bring You Out!"  He used Deuteronomy 5:15 as his reference scripture.  "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." (New Living Translation)

Bishop 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 (New Living Translation)

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 (Amplified Version)

Bishop encouraged us to feel free to glance back at our lives to see how far we'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

Lifter

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas was back with us today!  So wonderful!  He is still recuperating from his back injury.  Thank you for continuing to remember him in your prayers.  He said he received an e-mail from a member after the Father's Day service. The member just happens to be one of the leading back surgeons in the Phoenix area. He's been working with Bishop and they are seeing improvement. God is so awesome. Bishop Tudor Bismark posted this quote on Facebook, it fits in perfectly..."God has means we know nothing of and ways that we do not understand. Let's not limit God in our lives with our logic and rational. God has resources in places you never dreamt were placed. He doesn't need to do the obvious in your life."

Bishop preached, "God Will Lift Up Your Head!"  He used Psalm 3:1-3, "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." (King James Version)

The word "but" is commonly used as a conjunction.  It introduces a contrasting idea. The psalmist wrote about some really negative things that were going on in his personal life.  He said, "My adversaries are many, too many to count. Now they have taken a stand against me!" (Voice)  His enemies even had the audacity to say, "God will not save you!" (Voice)  BUT he remembered to take his focus off his problems and turn his eyes toward the Lord.  He proclaimed, "But You, Eternal One, wrap around me like an impenetrable shield. You give me glory and lift my eyes up to the heavens." (Voice)

Whatever difficulty you are facing, remember God will lift up your head!  He will bring you out!  He will rescue you!  He will heal you!  He will prosper you!  How do I know? So glad you asked!

"The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack." - Psalm 23:1 (Amplified Version)

"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 40:31 (Message)

"Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so that freed from our sins, we could live a life that has God’s approval. His wounds have healed you." - 1 Peter 2:24 (God's Word Translation)

"I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!" - 3 John 1:2 (Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia