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

Loss, Life, and Lost in the House

Happy Sunday on Monday!

I'm praying that you had a wonderful weekend and are preparing for an exciting holiday week!  Happy Sunday is a bit late this week, my work schedule changed and I was extremely tired last night.

Pastor Zachary L. Lee used to talk about the vicissitudes of life; the ups and downs. It has been two weeks of ups and downs, but thank God he "always causes us to triumph in Christ!" 2 Corinthians 2:14 (King James Version)  

My nephew, Charles A. Harper, Jr. was laid to rest on Friday, June 27, 2014. Nothing causes you to examine your theology like death.  I've had several opportunities to discuss death with my children.  The Word declares that, "Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death."  Jesus has freed us from the fear of death.  No, that doesn't make it any more pleasant to deal with, but we don't have to fear death when we have a relationship with Jesus Christ. We also discussed the fact that God is not killing people!  He's not out picking flowers for his garden as some ministers would have you believe. There is only one entity that kills, steals, and destroys!  John 10:10 says, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I (JESUS) came to give life with joy and abundance." (Voice)  Thankfully, my nephew had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. "God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded." Romans 11:29 (Message) 

This week I also had to privilege of helping get my young cousin, Tonnie White settled in his college apartment. Tonnie will be playing football for Scottsdale Community College. It was inspiring to see young black men moving toward their goals.  It was wonderful to know that all of the young people are not out doing negative things.  I salute them and their parents.  Tonnie is the son of my amazing cousin, Sonya Brooks White and her awesome husband Donnie White. I got an extra special treat because my aunt Sophia Brooks Henson, the proud grandmother came to the valley as well.  The ladies attended church with us on Sunday.

Reverend Elton Ford preached, "Lost in the House".  He used Luke 15:8-10 as his reference scriptures. I love the Word!  It is always fresh and relevant.  Reverend Ford reminded us that we should never let our circumstances determine who we are!  Even when you don't feel it, you must remember that you are loved and you are valuable. God sacrificed his only son for you!  In this scripture text, a woman had lost a precious coin.  Long before incandescent lights and Travertine tile, this woman had to light a candle and sweep her dirt floor to find the coin.  She put in the effort because the coin was valuable.  Everyday God is showing you his love and reminding you of your value.  Psalm 19:1 says, "God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening." (Message)  Don't you be lost in the house!  Romans 2:4 says, "Do you take the kindness of God for granted? Do you see His patience and tolerance as signs that He is a pushover when it comes to sin? How could you not know that His kindness is guiding our hearts to turn away from distractions and habitual sin to walk a new path?" (Voice)

Reverend Ford shared another point that I really enjoyed.  If you purchased a new Mercedes you would never take it to the Ford dealership for service. Well, I hope you wouldn't! LOL! You would take it back to it's manufacturer! God created us!  He knows what we need when we need it!  Even the Apostle James wrote, "If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking." James 1:5 (Voice)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

"Praising God in Strange Places"

Happy Sunday!

Our guest speaker today was Bishop-Designate, Dr. Carolyn D. Showell, PhD.  I feel like I need to add a disclaimer at this point.  The message was so powerful and prophetic it would take weeks for me to share it all.

She used Psalm 137:1-6...

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.  For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?  If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.  If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. (King James Version)

She gave two titles to the message; "Praising God in Strange Places" and "The Questions of an Unwilling Praiser".   

In this scripture text, the Children of Israel were in captivity.  You remember the story. They refused to obey God and their enemies got the best of them. This is their Blues song!  They cried about being in a strange place and asked, "How could we sing a song about the Eternal in a land so foreign, while still tormented, brokenhearted, homesick?" (Voice)  Great question! How can I praise God when my heart is broken because of the senseless murder of a loved one? How can I praise God when my relationship is falling apart?  How can I praise God when the bills are due and the money is funny?  How can I praise God when the doctor has given me a terrible prognosis?  This scripture has the answer.  STOP DWELLING on the PAST! The Children of Israel couldn't praise God because they kept living in the past!  They could not enjoy the blessing of today because they were stuck in the yesterday. We don't want to be like the Children of Israel.  We have to change our minds about trials and tribulation.  There's only one way to change our minds. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete." (Voice)

 

Dr. Showell described the Children of Israel as "arrogant" and classified their question as an arrogant question.  The true question should be, "Is there ever a time when praise is not appropriate?" Psalm 34:1 says, "I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation." (Voice)  

When we praise God the Holy Spirit gives us fresh intelligence and revelation that will shift our circumstances. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 says, "No mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. But we know about these things because God has sent his Spirit to tell us, and his Spirit searches out and shows us all of God’s deepest secrets." (Living Bible)

Psalm 150:6 says, "No one should be left out; Let every man and every beast— every creature that has the breath of the Lord—praise the Eternal! Praise the Eternal!" (Voice) 

It's always time to praise God!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Sunday!

Happy Father's Day to all the awesome fathers!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas has been out for a number of weeks.  We thought he was traveling or on hiatus. Today he disclosed that he had fallen and was recovering and dealing with back problems!  We were so happy to see him and glad that he is doing better. Feel free to add him to your prayer list as well.

Elder Richard Yarbrough ministered today.  Elder Yarbrough shared his thoughts on being a father.  He and the other men that ministered today are all from broken homes. The beauty of this is that they are perfect examples of how God can"redeem our lives from destruction". Psalm 103:4 (King James Version)  It reminded me of Pastor Randy Morrison from Speak the Word Church International in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Pastor Randy was born to a single mother in Trinidad.  He always gave his testimony and encouraged us, "You don't have to die in the place you were born!" Even though your childhood and relationships may not have been all you desired, "God can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us," Ephesians 3:20 (Voice)

Bishop had an altar call for all of those who were struggling with unforgiveness, disappointment, and heartache on Father's Day.  The altar was full of people; men, women, and children of all ages.  He prayed for the group and allowed time for Elder Yarbrough, and Brother Battle to hug each one of them.  It was wonderful and very emotional.  

If your father is still with you, cherish him and show him your appreciation!  He may not be perfect, none of us really are.  If your father has gone to live with the Lord, remember him with gratefulness.  It's because of him that you exist, which means he did at least one thing right! 

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Listen with respect to the father who raised you, and when your mother grows old, don’t neglect her.

Buy truth—don’t sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight.

Parents rejoice when their children turn out well; wise children become proud parents. 

So make your father happy! Make your mother proud! - Proverbs 23:22 (Message)