Happy Sunday!
Feeling incredibly thankful and grateful this week! I hope you feel it too!
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
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Quitting is Not an Option
Happy Sunday!
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). The Psalmist didn't have an easy, perfect life. Stuff happened! He had enemies, he had trouble, and he even had sickness at times. Psalm 88:3 says, "For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave."(KJV). BUT he always came back to praise God. He knew that in the end with the help of the Good Lord, he would triumph!
In our lives, we must also be confident that God is on our side. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see."(Easy-to-Read Version). Waiting is hard, but after we've waited and received what we've prayed for, the Joy is amazing!
I've mentioned it before, and it's worth repeating...one of my favorite poems is "Don't Quit". It says what we need to hear so very often. I'm going to share it with you again. I pray that you will wait in Faith, don't give up.
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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). The Psalmist didn't have an easy, perfect life. Stuff happened! He had enemies, he had trouble, and he even had sickness at times. Psalm 88:3 says, "For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave."(KJV). BUT he always came back to praise God. He knew that in the end with the help of the Good Lord, he would triumph!
In our lives, we must also be confident that God is on our side. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see."(Easy-to-Read Version). Waiting is hard, but after we've waited and received what we've prayed for, the Joy is amazing!
I've mentioned it before, and it's worth repeating...one of my favorite poems is "Don't Quit". It says what we need to hear so very often. I'm going to share it with you again. I pray that you will wait in Faith, don't give up.
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Love Life
Happy Sunday!
Romans 8:37 says, "...overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us."(Living Bible). Sounds amazing! It's definitely what we expect, and hope for. But the previous scriptures describe what we may face as we wait for our inevitable victory. "When we have trouble or calamity, when we are hunted down or destroyed, is it because he doesn’t love us anymore? And if we are hungry or penniless or in danger or threatened with death, has God deserted us? No, for the Scriptures tell us that for his sake we must be ready to face death at every moment of the day—we are like sheep awaiting slaughter; BUT despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us."(Romans 8:35-37, Living Bible).
Don't miss this! Jesus loved you enough to die for you! If you were the only person on the planet, and the debt had to be paid, He would die for you. You are so loved! Even when it feels like you are alone, and no one really understands...you are loved. Jeremiah 31:3 says, "God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!"(Message). The King James Version of this scripture says, "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an Everlasting Love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."(KJV).
No matter what you face this week, remember you are loved with an everlasting love! Psalm 27:10 says, "Even if my mother and father leave me, the Lord will take me in."(Easy-to-Read Version). Don't miss this! Even if the ones that should love you from day one forsake you, you still are loved! You are never alone, and never unloved!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Romans 8:37 says, "...overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us."(Living Bible). Sounds amazing! It's definitely what we expect, and hope for. But the previous scriptures describe what we may face as we wait for our inevitable victory. "When we have trouble or calamity, when we are hunted down or destroyed, is it because he doesn’t love us anymore? And if we are hungry or penniless or in danger or threatened with death, has God deserted us? No, for the Scriptures tell us that for his sake we must be ready to face death at every moment of the day—we are like sheep awaiting slaughter; BUT despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us."(Romans 8:35-37, Living Bible).
Don't miss this! Jesus loved you enough to die for you! If you were the only person on the planet, and the debt had to be paid, He would die for you. You are so loved! Even when it feels like you are alone, and no one really understands...you are loved. Jeremiah 31:3 says, "God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!"(Message). The King James Version of this scripture says, "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an Everlasting Love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."(KJV).
No matter what you face this week, remember you are loved with an everlasting love! Psalm 27:10 says, "Even if my mother and father leave me, the Lord will take me in."(Easy-to-Read Version). Don't miss this! Even if the ones that should love you from day one forsake you, you still are loved! You are never alone, and never unloved!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Labor...
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 128:2 says, "God will use your hard work to provide you food. You will prosper in your labor, and it will go well for you."(Voice). I've often said, "There's a scripture for that!" Any subject and any concern is addressed in the Word of God. As we prepare to celebrate Labor Day in the USA, it's interesting to see so many scriptures about work, labor and reward.
God created work. It wasn't what we sometimes envision work to be. Adam wasn't dreading going to work in the beginning. He didn't hate his boss, and he wasn't trapped in a tiny cubicle all day! He had an assignment, a purpose, not just a job, He had a beautiful work environment. Genesis 2:15 says, "God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order."(Message). He was also given the awesome privilege and responsibility of naming the creatures that God created. Genesis 2:19 says, "And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof."(KJV).
Genesis chapter 3 tells us about the day things went wrong. The ground was cursed, toil and sweat entered our vocabulary, Eden was lost, and death became our destiny. Thank God for Jesus! He is the second Adam, and in Him we have Hope! 1 Corinthians 15:22 says, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."(KJV). Jesus said, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance."(John 10:10, Voice).
We have an opportunity to live the good life. We can look forward to "working out our own salvation with fear and trembling".(Philippians 2:12, KJV). The Living Bible says it like this, "Dearest friends, when I was there with you, you were always so careful to follow my instructions. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him. For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants."( Philippians 2:12-13).
Work it out!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 128:2 says, "God will use your hard work to provide you food. You will prosper in your labor, and it will go well for you."(Voice). I've often said, "There's a scripture for that!" Any subject and any concern is addressed in the Word of God. As we prepare to celebrate Labor Day in the USA, it's interesting to see so many scriptures about work, labor and reward.
God created work. It wasn't what we sometimes envision work to be. Adam wasn't dreading going to work in the beginning. He didn't hate his boss, and he wasn't trapped in a tiny cubicle all day! He had an assignment, a purpose, not just a job, He had a beautiful work environment. Genesis 2:15 says, "God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order."(Message). He was also given the awesome privilege and responsibility of naming the creatures that God created. Genesis 2:19 says, "And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof."(KJV).
Genesis chapter 3 tells us about the day things went wrong. The ground was cursed, toil and sweat entered our vocabulary, Eden was lost, and death became our destiny. Thank God for Jesus! He is the second Adam, and in Him we have Hope! 1 Corinthians 15:22 says, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."(KJV). Jesus said, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance."(John 10:10, Voice).
We have an opportunity to live the good life. We can look forward to "working out our own salvation with fear and trembling".(Philippians 2:12, KJV). The Living Bible says it like this, "Dearest friends, when I was there with you, you were always so careful to follow my instructions. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him. For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants."( Philippians 2:12-13).
Work it out!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Just Do It
Happy Sunday!
1 Samuel 15:22-23 says, "Then Samuel said, "Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship."(Message). Ouch!
King Saul thought he could do it his way instead of God's way. How often have we been guilty of this or something similar? God says, "Don't marry that one!" Now years later we are still recovering from the physical, emotional, and financial trauma. God says, "Don't give them a piece of your mind!" Now, not only do they know how you feel, you also know that the feeling is mutual, and peace will not be easy to come by. God says, "Get up and do it now!" We wait and now other things have gotten in the way of the task that could have easily been completed.
Dr. Bill Winston, and Dr. Matthew Stevenson III both mentioned Obedience in their sermons today! Obedience is the key. The Apostle James encouraged the Believers to, "Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves."(James 1:22, Easy-to-Read Version). He described those people that only hear, and never do like this..."If some fail to do what God requires, it’s as if they forget the word as soon as they hear it. One minute they look in the mirror, and the next they forget who they are and what they look like."(vs 23-24, Voice).
There is Hope! If we can simply obey great rewards are awaiting us. James 1:25 says, "However, it is possible to open your eyes and take in the beautiful, perfect truth found in God’s law of liberty and live by it. If you pursue that path and actually do what God has commanded, then you will avoid the many distractions that lead to an amnesia of all true things and you will be blessed."(Voice). Matthew 6:22 says, "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."(Amplified).
Living in Obedience. Love and prayers, Cynthia
1 Samuel 15:22-23 says, "Then Samuel said, "Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship."(Message). Ouch!
King Saul thought he could do it his way instead of God's way. How often have we been guilty of this or something similar? God says, "Don't marry that one!" Now years later we are still recovering from the physical, emotional, and financial trauma. God says, "Don't give them a piece of your mind!" Now, not only do they know how you feel, you also know that the feeling is mutual, and peace will not be easy to come by. God says, "Get up and do it now!" We wait and now other things have gotten in the way of the task that could have easily been completed.
Dr. Bill Winston, and Dr. Matthew Stevenson III both mentioned Obedience in their sermons today! Obedience is the key. The Apostle James encouraged the Believers to, "Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves."(James 1:22, Easy-to-Read Version). He described those people that only hear, and never do like this..."If some fail to do what God requires, it’s as if they forget the word as soon as they hear it. One minute they look in the mirror, and the next they forget who they are and what they look like."(vs 23-24, Voice).
There is Hope! If we can simply obey great rewards are awaiting us. James 1:25 says, "However, it is possible to open your eyes and take in the beautiful, perfect truth found in God’s law of liberty and live by it. If you pursue that path and actually do what God has commanded, then you will avoid the many distractions that lead to an amnesia of all true things and you will be blessed."(Voice). Matthew 6:22 says, "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."(Amplified).
Living in Obedience. Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Praise is what I do!
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 8:2 says, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."(KJV). Today's Children's Church lesson was about Praise & Worship. The purpose was to encourage the children to praise and worship God regularly. This scripture promises that praise and worship stills or silences the enemy! Our enemy loves to talk, and he loves to lie. When we praise and worship we stop his strategies against us. It was a great lesson, and so much fun. We did our own version of "Name That Tune".
There are songs that focus on complimenting God, and there are other songs that make us feel good, and give us hope. So often, all songs that are considered "church songs" are considered to be Praise & Worship songs, but this is far from true. If the focus is not on complimenting God, its just a good song.
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached about Praise & Strength today. It's so awesome when confirmation comes from so many directions! Genesis 43:8 says, "And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones."(KJV). The sons of Israel had gone to Egypt for food. They met their brother Joseph, but had no idea who he was. He told them not to return until they had their younger brother with them. Of course, their father was still grieving over the loss of Joseph, and didn't trust the other sons to bring Benjamin back to safely. Reuben begged him to let him go. But Jacob refused. Later as the supplies were running out Judah asked for permission to go back to Egypt and take Benjamin. His Father agreed.
What made this time different? Judah's name means Praise, and Benjamin's name means Strength. When we praise we are strengthened. Israel could trust Judah, and it all worked out for their good. Whatever the circumstance Praise & Worship is the answer. What's your favorite Praise & Worship song?
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 8:2 says, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."(KJV). Today's Children's Church lesson was about Praise & Worship. The purpose was to encourage the children to praise and worship God regularly. This scripture promises that praise and worship stills or silences the enemy! Our enemy loves to talk, and he loves to lie. When we praise and worship we stop his strategies against us. It was a great lesson, and so much fun. We did our own version of "Name That Tune".
There are songs that focus on complimenting God, and there are other songs that make us feel good, and give us hope. So often, all songs that are considered "church songs" are considered to be Praise & Worship songs, but this is far from true. If the focus is not on complimenting God, its just a good song.
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached about Praise & Strength today. It's so awesome when confirmation comes from so many directions! Genesis 43:8 says, "And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones."(KJV). The sons of Israel had gone to Egypt for food. They met their brother Joseph, but had no idea who he was. He told them not to return until they had their younger brother with them. Of course, their father was still grieving over the loss of Joseph, and didn't trust the other sons to bring Benjamin back to safely. Reuben begged him to let him go. But Jacob refused. Later as the supplies were running out Judah asked for permission to go back to Egypt and take Benjamin. His Father agreed.
What made this time different? Judah's name means Praise, and Benjamin's name means Strength. When we praise we are strengthened. Israel could trust Judah, and it all worked out for their good. Whatever the circumstance Praise & Worship is the answer. What's your favorite Praise & Worship song?
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Waiting
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 123:2 says, "Just as the eyes of servants closely watch the hand of their masters, Just as a maid carefully observes the slightest gesture of her mistress, In the same way we look to You, Eternal One, waiting for our God to pour out His mercy upon us."(Voice).
Other translations can give us great insight on scripture. I've been feeling like I'm waiting for so many things. But our interpretation of waiting is often different from what the Word means. Waiting on God means we continue to follow the instructions he has already given us. It means waiting attentively for the next task, or assignment. It does not mean lazily, aimlessly living without any direction or purpose.
This week I enjoyed a Podcast by Brother Bob Yandian entitled, Faith and Patience. There are so many scriptures about waiting. We love to quote Isaiah 40:31, but seem to miss the preceding scriptures that describe what waiting can entail. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."(Isaiah 40:29-31, KJV). Don't miss this! Even the young and strong, the ones that should be able to handle it may fall, or faint. But those waiting on God are renewed with the Supernatural Power of God, and can rise above the circumstances.
What can we do during the waiting periods? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! While we wait, meditate on the Word. Remember is another word used quite a bit in scripture. We have to remember the Word, remember the Promises, and remember our testimony. We've already been through so much, but we forget. If God brought us through once, he can do it again! Meditate on the Word, so you don't forget. While we wait, do things that have positive side effects. If watching Soap Operas has you feeling some type of way, stop watching. Read a good book, listen to a motivational podcast, or phone a friend. Recently, on lunch break I called my Auntee Sophia. It was a great call, and I couldn't eat while I talked. What a great way to lose weight! While we wait, be thankful! Thanksgiving Holiday is not the only time we should count our blessings. Got water, electricity, and a roof over your head? Got a job, or a career, or a business you love? Got friends, even one? Got family to love you, test you, and challenge you? Be thankful!
Psalm 27:14 says, "Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you."(Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 123:2 says, "Just as the eyes of servants closely watch the hand of their masters, Just as a maid carefully observes the slightest gesture of her mistress, In the same way we look to You, Eternal One, waiting for our God to pour out His mercy upon us."(Voice).
Other translations can give us great insight on scripture. I've been feeling like I'm waiting for so many things. But our interpretation of waiting is often different from what the Word means. Waiting on God means we continue to follow the instructions he has already given us. It means waiting attentively for the next task, or assignment. It does not mean lazily, aimlessly living without any direction or purpose.
This week I enjoyed a Podcast by Brother Bob Yandian entitled, Faith and Patience. There are so many scriptures about waiting. We love to quote Isaiah 40:31, but seem to miss the preceding scriptures that describe what waiting can entail. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."(Isaiah 40:29-31, KJV). Don't miss this! Even the young and strong, the ones that should be able to handle it may fall, or faint. But those waiting on God are renewed with the Supernatural Power of God, and can rise above the circumstances.
What can we do during the waiting periods? Great question! I'm so glad you asked! While we wait, meditate on the Word. Remember is another word used quite a bit in scripture. We have to remember the Word, remember the Promises, and remember our testimony. We've already been through so much, but we forget. If God brought us through once, he can do it again! Meditate on the Word, so you don't forget. While we wait, do things that have positive side effects. If watching Soap Operas has you feeling some type of way, stop watching. Read a good book, listen to a motivational podcast, or phone a friend. Recently, on lunch break I called my Auntee Sophia. It was a great call, and I couldn't eat while I talked. What a great way to lose weight! While we wait, be thankful! Thanksgiving Holiday is not the only time we should count our blessings. Got water, electricity, and a roof over your head? Got a job, or a career, or a business you love? Got friends, even one? Got family to love you, test you, and challenge you? Be thankful!
Psalm 27:14 says, "Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you."(Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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