Heavenly Supply Chain

 Happy Sunday!

"And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will SUPPLY all your needs."(Philippians 4:19 GNT).

We've been hearing quite a bit about Supply Chains in the last few years.  Throughout the Bible we are constantly reminded not to worry, and not to fret.  Abraham called the place where God provided the ram in the bush, Jehovah Jireh.  This means the God who sees beforehand and provides.  God doesn't wait until the crisis to try and figure out how to provide for us.  He knows far in advance what we will need and how to get it to us.  God created the heavens and the earth before he created man.  Everything Adam would ever need was there before he ever had a need.  Aren't you glad Adam didn't have to tread water until the dry ground appeared?

How can we be sure God will provide?  Great question! I'm so glad you asked.  We can be sure God will always provide for us by Faith.  Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]."(Amplified).  We must have Faith in God, and Faith in His Word.   The Word of God has stood, and will continue to stand the test of time.  In Matthew 5:18, Jesus said, "Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you not even a period or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen."(CEV).

We also need to obey!  Do exactly what the Lord tells you when he tells you.  One of the prayers on the Living Word Christian Center web site has a phrase that I love to pray for pastors, myself, and those I love.  It says, "He is always in the right place at the right time with the right information and the right understanding"(https://www.livingwd.org/uploadedFiles/CONFESSION%20FOR%20PASTOR.pdf). 

Don't miss this!  During the drought and famine in the land the Prophet Elijah had to obey God, and go to the places God told him to go to.  If he hadn't gone to Zarephath he would never have met the widow, and both of their lives would have turned out differently.  You know the story, she was going to make a last meal for her son and herself and then die of starvation.  But because she made a cake for the prophet, her barrel of meal, and cruse of oil lasted until the drought and famine ended.(1 Kings 17:8-16).

2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share."(Voice).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

No Fear of Death

 Happy Resurrection Sunday!

"For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins. It would also mean that the believers in Christ who have died are lost.  If our hope in Christ is good for this life ONLY and no more, then we deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world."(1 Corinthians 15:16-19 GNT).

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the major tenets of our faith.  Without the resurrection there is no hope for us after death.   Hebrews 9:27 says, "Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And so, when he next appears, the outcome for those eager to greet him is, precisely, salvation."(Message).  Unless Jesus returns for the Church before we die, we will all face death.  Hebrews 2:15 says, "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."(Message).

We don't have to fear.  We don't have to fear death.  One man asked another man if he wanted to go to Heaven. Several times the man responded, "No!"  The man asking was puzzled, and asked the question differently, "You don't want to go to Heaven when you die?"  The man said, "Sure, I do ! But I thought you were getting up a load now!" LOL!  We don't want to die today, but we are not afraid of death.  I personally agree with the Psalmist, "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."(Psalm 27:13 Voice).  

The Apostle Paul encouraged us, "On signal from that trumpet from heaven, the dead will be up and out of their graves, beyond the reach of death, never to die again. At the same moment and in the same way, we’ll all be changed. In the resurrection scheme of things, this has to happen: everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the imperishable, this mortal replaced by the immortal. Then the saying will come true:

Death swallowed by triumphant Life!  

Who got the last word, oh, Death?

Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?

It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!"(Message).

No wonder Jesus said, "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of."(John 10:10 Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Trust in the Lord

 Happy Sunday!

"This is what the Lord says: “Bad things will happen to those who put their trust in people. Bad things will happen to those who depend on human strength. That is because they have stopped trusting the Lord."(Jeremiah 17:5 Easy-to-Read Version).

We grew up singing, "I will trust in the Lord. I will trust in the Lord.  I will trust in the Lord, until I die."  But singing about trusting God and really trusting God are very different actions.  When we sincerely trust God, we will trust His Word.  The Word of God is the will of God.  The Holy Bible is the most read and highest selling book in the world.  This is not a coincidence.  Jesus said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."(John 6:63 KJV).  Many people were offended at the words Jesus spoke, and some stopped following Him.  He asked the twelve Disciples if they were planning to leave as well.  "Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life.
And we have learned to believe and TRUST, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God."(John 6:68-69 Amplified).

When we trust God we are eligible for amazing benefits...

"Many pains will come to the wicked, but the Lord’s faithful love will surround those who trust in him."(Psalm 32:10 Easy-to-Read Version)

"God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord."(Proverbs 16:20 Living Bible)

"He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!"(Isaiah 26:3 Living Bible)

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths."(Proverbs 3:5-6 Amplified)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Jesus Did the Hard Work

 Happy Sunday!

"No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed. You will have an answer for anyone who accuses you. This is the inheritance of the Lord’s servants. Their victory comes from me,” declares the Lord."(Isaiah 54:17 GW).

We are in a war.  Not against Russia, or Ukraine.  We are in a battle for our lives against the forces of evil, the Devil and demons.  We have nothing to fear because Jesus already won the Victory, but in this earthly life we may face challenges and obstacles.  Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have PEACE. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."(John 16:33 KJV). 

Dow Bathroom Cleaner has a slogan, "We work hard so you don't have to!" I can't vouch for Dow Scrubbing Bubbles but I know that Jesus did the hard part so we don't have to.  The Apostle Paul acknowledged this and called the life we should now be living, "Rest".  Hebrews 4:6 says, "So the opportunity is still there for some to enter and enjoy God’s rest. But those who first heard the good news about it did not enter, because they did not obey."(Easy-to-Read Version). OUCH!  I sure don't want to copy the example of those that refused to obey.  The Psalmist said, "Again and again they turned away and tempted God to kill them, and limited the Holy One of Israel from giving them his blessings."(Psalm 78:41 Living Bible).

So if Jesus paid it all as we so happily sing, what do I have to do?  Great question!  I'm so glad you asked!  "When Jesus came near, he spoke to them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.”(GW).  

Now just in case you think He was only speaking to the Disciples and Apostles, Mark 16:15-18 makes it clear these instructions are for all Believers. "Then he said to them, “You must go out to the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. He who believes it and is baptized will be saved, but he who disbelieves it will be condemned. These signs will follow those who do believe: they will drive out evil spirits in my name; they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up snakes, and if they drink anything poisonous it will do them no harm; they will lay their hands upon the sick and they will recover.”(Phillips).

The Devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy(John 10:10).  Jesus came to destroy the works of the Devil(1 John 3:8).  As Believers we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good works, and even greater works.  Jesus said, "I tell you for certain that if you have FAITH in me, you will do the same things I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father."(John 14:12 CEV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Youth Renewed

 Happy Sunday!

"The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].  Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.  [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. [They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."(Psalm 92:12-15 Amplified).

The Word of God makes me happy!  Just reading the passage above was enough to make me smile!  I remember being 15 years old, and hearing that someone was 35 and thinking that was really, really old.  LOL!  Give it a few decades and now at 57 years old, I'd say a 35 year old is just a baby.  The Word says the righteous are not deteriorating, but they are flourishing.  They are not useless, but they are useful.  Moses didn't start his ministry until he was in his eighties, and he lived to be 120 years old.  I'm not saying that you should wait until you are 80 to start, but don't shrink back even if you are 80. 

In Psalm 91:16, God says, "I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.”(Easy-to-Read Version).  In Isaiah 58:11, He promises, "The Eternal One will never leave you; He will lead you in the way that you should go. When you feel dried up and worthless, God will nourish you and give you strength. And you will grow like a garden lovingly tended; you will be like a spring whose water never runs out."(Voice).  Don't miss this!  What an awesome visual, "like a spring whose water NEVER runs out".  Psalm 103:5 says, "He gives us plenty of good things. He makes us young again, like an eagle that grows new feathers."(Easy-to-Read Version).  Now, I'm no ornithologist, but I have read about molting.  During the molting process the eagles old feathers fall out and are replaced with new ones.  This reminds me of 2 Corinthians 5:17, "For if a man is in Christ he becomes a new person altogether—the past is finished and gone, everything has become fresh and new."(Phillips).

I'm expecting a bright future, and I've got God's Word on it!  "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."(Joshua 1:8 NIV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Better Covenant

 Happy Sunday!

"O my soul, bless God.
    From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
    don’t forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins—every one.
    He heals your diseases—every one.
    He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
    He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
    He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
    He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right;
    he puts victims back on their feet."(Psalm 103:3-6 Message)

Don't miss this!  The Psalmist said, "God makes everything come out right!"  No matter what we experience we can expect the best when we are in covenant with God Almighty!  I know that encourages me, and hope it encourages you too.  There are so many blessings and benefits when we serve and worship God.  The writer of Hebrews said, "But the work that has been given to Jesus is much greater than the work that was given to those priests. In the same way, the new agreement that Jesus brought from God to his people is much greater than the old one. And the new agreement is based on better promises."(Hebrews 8:6 Easy-to-Read Version).

If you've ever read the promises throughout the Old Testament it's hard to imagine even better promises have been offered to us.  It's amazing!  Bro. Kenneth E. Hagin often commented about people asking him to pray for them.  He'd always ask the person, "What scripture are you standing on?"  So many times the people would say that they didn't have a scripture they were standing on or believing.  He would them tell them, "I'm not gonna pray for you!"  Sounds harsh, but if you ask me to pray for you you must have a desired outcome, or an expectation.  How would we ever know that the prayer had been answered if we weren't specific on what we are "touching and agreeing on".(Matthew 18:19). Don't waste time and effort.  Find a promise in the Word, and stand on it.
Believe the Word, and enjoy the benefits.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Dressed for Success

 Happy Sunday!

"So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor.  Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet.  Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit."(Ephesians 6:13-17 CEV).

There are all kinds of uniforms in the world.  Each one designed for different tasks, occupations, and athletic games.  In our neighborhood there have been many neighbors replacing their roofs after a major storm last year.  Roofers would never climb up on the roof with the uniform used by a professional hockey player.  And the hockey player would never go out on the ice with the basketball uniform like the one Dr. J used to wear.  #shortshorts.

We have the "Whole Armor" of God.  This spiritual uniform equips us and protects us. The Belt of Truth is the first piece that the Apostle Paul mentions.  We've moved to skinny jeans instead of sagging pants so I'm not sure how well belt sales are going.  But I envision it more like a military belt, or a tool belt anchoring and holding necessary weapons.  Truth still exists, but I'm amazed daily at how many people lie.  In Tech Support and Customer Service I'm constantly asking questions.  Many times, it's easy to tell when the customer is being untruthful.  I will ask has your device been dropped, damaged, submerged in or exposed to liquid?  My customer will say no, but later when I give the necessary disclaimers about sending in a damaged device for warranty replacement they hesitate.  Telling lies is costly.  Revelation 21:8 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).

The next piece is the Breastplate of Righteousness.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "He orchestrated this: the Anointed One, who had never experienced sin, became sin for us so that in Him we might embody the very righteousness of God."(Voice).  Righteousness is God's way of doing and being right.  Just like a physical breastplate protects your vital organs, righteousness protects your life and livelihood.  

The Gospel of Peace is the next piece of our armor and it is described as shoes. Romans 14:19 says, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for PEACE, and things wherewith one may edify another."(KJV).  And Hebrews 12:14 says, "Let it be your ambition to live at PEACE with all men and to achieve holiness “without which no man shall see the Lord”.(Phillips).

The Shield of Faith guarantees our protection against anything the enemy may throw at us.  The Phillips Translation says it like this, "Above all be sure you take faith as your shield, for it can quench every burning missile the enemy hurls at you."(Ephesians 6:16).  Hebrews 11:6 says, " But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."(KJV).  Faith pleases God, and thwarts the enemies attacks.  

The Helmet of Salvation protects our head from evil thoughts, feelings, imaginations, and emotions.  2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."(Message). 

Finally, our only offensive weapon, The Sword of the Spirit which is God's Word.  We can use the Word of God to cut our enemy to pieces.  Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.  Hebrews 4:15 says, "Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned."(Easy-to-Read Version).  He simply used the Word of God.  He told Satan each time, "It is written".  The enemy left him alone because he cannot stand against the Word of God. We have the benefit of the Word, and the permission to use it daily.

Dressed for Success.

Love and prayers, Cynthia