The Ministry of Angels

Happy Sunday!  Happy Memorial Day Weekend! 

Elder Elaine Penn preached and encouraged us today.  Her topic was "The Ministry of Angels".  

Throughout the Bible there are numerous accounts of angels.  The writer of Hebrews said, "Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" Hebrews 13:2 (Living Bible)  So what is the ministry or assignment of angels?  I'm 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." (Living Bible) 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 (God's Word Translation)

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 (King James Version)  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.  Pastor Casey Treat 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." 

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 (Amplified Version)  Are you having problems at work or in your business? Speak the Word...Psalm 1 says, those who follow the Lord and obey..."Everything they do is successful." Psalm 1:3 (Easy to Read Version)  Are you sick? Speak the Word to your body...“Through His wounds, you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (Voice)  

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Revived

Happy Sunday!

It's been a full week! Praying that you enjoyed it as well.  

This week our church celebrated 92 years of existence!  We enjoyed a mini revival Friday night. 

Pastor H.B. Charles, pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Church of Jacksonville, Florida preached, "A Song of Hope".  He used Lamentations 3:21-24 as his reference scriptures.  He encouraged us that "Faith looks at circumstances through the reality of God."  He gave us three reasons that we can have "Hope" even when things seem to be falling apart.  We can have hope because: The Lord is Good, The Lord is worthy of our trust, and the Lord is all you need.  In these scriptures the Prophet Jeremiah cries out to God but then remembers God's love is consistent and God is always faithful!

Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr, pastor of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church also preached Friday night.  His message was entitled, "This Is Not What I Expected!" He used 1 Samuel 22:1-2 as his reference scripture.  He reminded us that our anointing does not give us immunity to problems.  David had been anointed King of Israel many years prior to this scripture, but he was still running from Saul.  He "escaped" to a cave and a unique group of people came to join him. Bishop McKissick encouraged us "Don't Miss the Miracle while looking at the Miserable", "Your Predicament Doesn't Determine Your Purpose", and never fail to do "Ministry in spite of your Misery".

To cap it all off this morning, Bishop Craig W. Johnson, pastor of Cathedral of Praise International Ministries in San Bernardino, California preached, "Escape". 

He used 1 Corinthians 10:13 as his reference scripture.  The Message Translation says, "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit;he’ll always be there to help you come through it."  When things are going wrong and life is a struggle, we tend to think we are the only people suffering. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian Church by letting them know what they were experiencing was not unique or unusual! That's why it's important to share your testimony!  There will undoubtedly be someone in the crowd that is experiencing what you have already overcome.  Your testimony will strengthen and encourage them. They will see that you survived and realize they can survive as well.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

P.S. - Pastor Le'Andria Johnson was our guest Psalmist today.  If you are a Sunday's Best fan you probably already know of her.  What a wonderfully, anointed young woman!  She blessed us!

Every Vessel Filled

Happy Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, god-mothers, foster mothers, adopted mothers, surrogate mothers, step-mothers and any other selfless woman who has dedicated her life to children, youth, young adults, nieces, nephews, and baby Christians. SMILE!  Did I get everyone?

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas is comical.  He keeps us laughing and as Martha Stewart says, "It's a good thing!"  He encouraged the mothers and gave a mini lecture on true motherhood.  He encouraged parents to love their children, and discipline them as well.  He said, he is still considering contacting Child Protective Services about how his parents disciplined him.  I always laugh when he talks about being hit in the head by a Campbell's Soup can! Times have changed but even the timeless words in Proverbs say, "Don’t be afraid to correct your young ones; a spanking won’t kill them. A good spanking, in fact, might save them from something worse than death." Proverbs 23:13 (Message)

Then Bishop gave us a prophetic word from 2 Kings 4:6.  You remember the story of the mother whose husband died leaving her deep in debt.  She came to the prophet Elisha to plead her case.  He asked her what she had in her house. She had a container of oil.  The prophet instructed her to borrow containers, pots and pans from her neighbors, then go in the house and shut the door.  She began to pour the oil in the vessels, and the oil miraculously filled all the vessels.  She was able to sell the oil, pay her debts, and live comfortably with her children. There is so much meat in this passage!  I just can't pass it up.

She went to the prophet looking for a blessing.  The prophet changed the focus and instructed her to use what she already possessed. So many times we look outward, when the answer is inward.  You have what it takes to succeed! 1 John 4:4 says, "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

She determined the extent of her blessing!  The prophet never told her how many vessels to borrow.  She could have borrowed more or less.  Don't limit God! One of my favorite scriptures says, "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20 (Message)

She trusted the Man of God!  She obeyed his instructions, and she benefited. Proverbs 1:33 says, "those who listen to me will live in safety and comfort. They will have nothing to fear.” (Easy-to-Read Version)

I'm planning to follow this woman's example, and as Bishop said, "Every Vessel Will Be Filled!"

Love and prayers, Cynthia

"It's My Time to Live Free!"

Happy Sunday!

Yesterday, Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "It's My Time to Live Free!"  He used Galatians 5:1-4 as his reference scriptures.

If you are "Born Again", Heaven is already yours! Our enemy knows that there is nothing he can do to change our eternal destination.  But he wants us to believe that our life on earth has to be "Hell" and he does everything he can do to make our lives miserable.  We can be encouraged in spite of this, because Jesus said, "I came to give life with joy and abundance." John 10:10 (Voice)  

Jesus said, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:31-32 (New Living Translation)   This verse is basically saying, the truth you know will set you free!  It becomes our responsibility to study, memorize, and meditate on God's Word. The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to be, "one who applies the true teaching in the right way." 2 Timothy 2:15 (Easy-to-Read Version) 

As we fill our lives with God's Truths we will begin to live free in every area! Jesus paid the price for our freedom, but we have to walk in that freedom! 

Would you like to live emotionally free? "Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" Matthew 5:44 (The Living Bible)  

Would you like to live financially free? "Don’t hold back—give freely, and you’ll have plenty poured back into your lap—a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, brimming over. You’ll receive in the same measure you give." Luke 6:38 (Voice)  

Would you like to live mentally free? "You will keep the peace, a perfect peace, for all who trust in You, for those who dedicate their hearts and minds to You." Isaiah 26:3 (Voice)  

Would you like to live physically free? "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!" Proverbs 3:7-8 (Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

No More Fishing!

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "No More Fishing!"  He used John 21:1-12 as his reference scripture.

In this Bible story, Jesus is Risen!  He has appeared to the disciples several times. While he is away, Peter decides to go fishing.  Some of the other disciples decide to go with him.  If you remember, Peter was a professional fisherman when he met Jesus.  But Jesus called them to a new profession. Matthew 4:19 says, "Jesus called out, “Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for the souls of men!” (Living Bible)

Now I will give the disciples the benefit of the doubt.  They had been terrorized and traumatized by the crucifixion of Jesus.  They saw their dream of a new kingdom crumble right before their eyes.  Then they received the shocking news that Jesus was risen from the dead.  I imagine they just didn't know what to do next.  We may even be able to relate.  

So they went fishing.  They fished all night and didn't catch a thing!  Not even a minnow! In the morning, Jesus appeared on the shore.  They didn't recognize him. Jesus called to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?”  They answered him, “No.”  He said, “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”  So they did, and there were so many fish that they couldn't haul in the net." - John 21:5-6 (Common English Bible)  They immediately realized it was Jesus and rushed to the shore.  

What can we take away from this message? I'm so glad you asked. 

No matter what the situation looks like, always obey God!  Don't back-peddle!  If God has given you instructions, follow those instructions!  Don't go back to fishing for fish, after you've been called to fish for men! Proverbs 16:25 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."(New King James Version) 

Don't trust in your Technique, your Tackle, or your Timing!  I know you are extremely talented, and intelligent, but without God's supernatural power added to your natural ability you will fail.  Have you ever completed a difficult task and wondered, "How did I do that?"  The Apostle Paul wrote about this, "Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do." - Philippians 4:13 (Easy-to-Read Version)  

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. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this." (Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Just as He Said

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas used Matthew 28:1-7 as his reference scripture at today's 7:30 am service.

Bishop commented about how difficult it can be to preach on Easter and Christmas, because the crowd always thinks they know exactly what will be said. Many times in church we hear but we don't listen.  Listening involves cognition or thinking. Jesus ministered and taught for three years.  He told his disciples what to expect, but they weren't listening. Mark 10:33 says, “Listen to me carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. When we get there, the Son of Man will be betrayed to the religious leaders and scholars. They will sentence him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Romans, who will mock and spit on him, give him the third degree, and kill him. After three days he will rise alive.” (Message)

Jesus clearly told them what was going to happen, and yet Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were on their way to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.  They even wondered who would roll the stone away for them to enter the tomb.  But the unbelieving Pharisees and the Roman officials had more faith in what Jesus said.   They heard Jesus say that in three days he would rise again. They knew about all the miraculous works Jesus had performed.  They knew about the son of the widow from Nain, Jairus' daughter, and Lazarus all being raised from the dead.  Matthew 27:63-66 says,"After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, “Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will be raised.’ We've got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There’s a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, ‘He’s risen from the dead.’ Then we’ll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first.” Pilate told them, “You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can.” So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards." (Message)  Sealing the tomb did them no good!  Matthew 28:2-4 says, "Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn't move." (Message)

What can we take away from this sermon? Great question!  Bishop gave us four points...

Fear Not - Just as the angel told the women, there is nothing to fear!  Jesus has overcome the enemy!  We are victorious through Christ!  No weapon formed against us can succeed!

He Is Risen, just as he said! - He is risen!  Thousands of years later we are still celebrating his resurrection and being blessed by his sacrifice. His Word is true!  He is trustworthy!

Come See - The old folks used to say, "Some things are better caught, than taught." or "I can show you better than I can tell you."  Meaning experience and hands-on practice will enable you to understand and comprehend better than verbal instructions. You have to see Jesus for yourself.  My experience may be inspirational, but experiencing God's love, power, deliverance, and provision for yourself is the best way to build trust and increase faith.

Go Tell - In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, "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." (King James Version)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Get the Word Out!

Happy Sunday!

At the 7:30 am service today, Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached from St. John 12:9-13.  These scriptures record the events that took place after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Verse 9 says, "Word got out among the Jews that he was back in town. The people came to take a look, not only at Jesus but also at Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead." (Message)  The religious leaders then plotted to kill Lazarus because they were so threatened by the multitudes that believed in Jesus because of this real life example.  

In the same way, our enemy wants to silence our testimony.  He wants to keep us quiet. He knows full well that when word gets out about the miraculous things God is doing and has done in your life, people will glorify God!  We are living testimonies! We are examples, illustrations, and exhibits of the power of God.  The Bible says that even the earth testifies about God.  Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork." (Amplified)

Years ago, a sales representative said, "You have something the world can't live without!"  Of course, she was speaking of the product that she was selling. God basically says the same thing.  The world is waiting for us to reveal who God really is!  2 Corinthians 1:3-5 says, "All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.' (Message)  

Let's determine that this week we will tell someone about the wonderful things God has done!

Love and prayers, Cynthia