READY

 Happy Sunday!

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"(Hosea 4:6 KJV).

When you hear anyone preaching Gloom and Doom, remember this, even Jesus did not know when the world as we know it would end.  In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."(KJV).   What Jesus stressed more than fear was readiness.  Matthew 24:44 says, "Therefore be ye also READY: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."(KJV).  Read Matthew 24 for yourself.  Yes, I have to admit the things that Jesus described are definitely happening in our world today.  He said there would be wars, and rumors of wars, famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes.  But in Matthew 24:8 he warned that, "All these are the beginning of sorrows."(KJV).  WOW!  That's scary!  This is only the beginning?  Yes, he goes on to describe even more trouble..."Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and killed. People all over the world will hate you because you believe in ME. During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other.  Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong. There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold.  But the one who REMAINS FAITHFUL to the end will be saved.  And the Good News I have shared about God’s kingdom will be told throughout the world. It will be spread to EVERY nation. Then the end will come."(Matthew 24:9:14, Easy-to-Read Version).  

Don't miss this!  1 John 3:8 says that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.  When we follow Jesus, his mission becomes our mission!  Our purpose and life goal should be to destroy the works of the devil every day!   In Matthew 24, Jesus said the Good News that he preached would be preached to the entire world, then the end will come.  Each day as you do your part to fight poverty, ignorance, sickness, injustice, homelessness, hopelessness, depression, sadness, and sin...you are helping to bring the return of our Lord closer.  

It will take time and effort to study the Word for yourself.  But in the Bible times, even the blind and lame were made to work.  OK, I know what you are thinking...she's really lost it now!  But read it for yourself.  The blind and lame were taken to the local thoroughfares by their families to beg.  Sounds like work to me.  No disability checks!  No welfare!  They were expected to use what they had to improve their lives, even if it was just their voice used to ask for money!  Jesus told a story in Luke 16:19-20, "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was LAID at his gate, full of sores,"(KJV).   Mark 10:46 says, "And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, SAT by the highway side begging."(KJV).  And Acts 3:2 says, "And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they LAID daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;"(KJV).  So there is NO EXCUSE for us!  If you miss out on God's BEST because of your own laziness and ignorance don't blame the Man. 

Love and prayers, Cynthia

All Night, All Day, Angels Watching Over Me

 Happy Sunday!

"Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"(Hebrews 13:2 TLB).  

What is the ministry or assignment of angels? Great question. I'm so 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."(TLB).  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 (GW).  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 (KJV).  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.  One Pastor 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."(Voice).

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

Love and prayers, Cynthia

GREATER

 Happy Sunday!

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER is he that is in YOU, than he that is in the world."(1 John 4:4 KJV).

Does this scripture encourage you?  I hope so!  It encourages me in so many ways.  First, the Apostle John wasn't teaching a Children's Church, but he referred to the readers as "Little Children".  When we are Born Again, we are the children of God.   We can be as close to God as little children.  "Jesus called a small child over to him and set the little fellow down among them, and said, “Unless you TURN to God from your SINS and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who HUMBLES HIMSELF as this little child is the GREATEST in the Kingdom of Heaven."(Matthew 18:2-4 TLB).

Second, the Apostle understood that there are some unsavory characters in the world.  There are obstacles that we face, and issues will arise.  He wrote, "My dear friends, don’t BELIEVE everything you hear. Carefully WEIGH and EXAMINE what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God COMES from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world."(1 John 4:1 Message).   Mark 4:24 says, "And He said to them, be careful what you are HEARING. The MEASURE of THOUGHT and STUDY you give to the TRUTH you hear will be the measure of VIRTUE and KNOWLEDGE that comes back to you—and MORE besides will be given to you who hear."(AMPC).

Don't miss this!  We have a part to play in the Greater!  The Apostle Paul told Timothy, "STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the word of truth."(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).  Study the Bible and learn the Truth.  Then do what James 4:7 says, "SUBMIT yourselves therefore to God. RESIST the devil, and he will flee from you."(KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

By Grace

 Happy Sunday!

"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 NLT).

"Once you were DEAD because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, OBEYING the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is THE spirit at work in the hearts of those who REFUSE to obey God.  ALL of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.  By our very NATURE we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

BUT God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us SO much, that even though we were dead because of OUR SINS, he gave us LIFE when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he RAISED us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 

So, God can point to US in all future ages as EXAMPLES of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as SHOWN in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus."(Ephesians 2:1-7 NLT).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Listen And Live!

Happy Sunday!

"Fools die because they refuse to follow wisdom. They are content to follow their foolish ways, and that will destroy them. BUT those who LISTEN to me will LIVE in safety and comfort. They will have nothing to fear.”(Easy-to-Read Version).   

I have decided to live in the safety and comfort that God provides to those who listen.  Sure, I've been foolish and lived according to the pattern of the world in the past...BUT I have committed to CHANGE!  I want everything God has prepared for me!  I will not be a fool!  

Let me tell you a secret!  "No one can stop you but you!"  Did you get that?  Read it again!  You are your own problem!  I know, I know...we have lived for so long in the victim mentality.  It's not my fault...it's the color of my skin, it's because my father didn't raise me, or it's because they didn't pick me to play softball on the elementary school team!  Get over it!  There are people in this world succeeding that have had horrific and unimaginable adversity.  Don't let the Devil trap you in past offenses.  There is one thing that Jesus said is impossible.  Bet you thought nothing was impossible.  Luke 17:1 says, "Then said he unto the disciples, it is IMPOSSIBLE but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!"(KJV).  Did you get that?  Jesus said there will always be opportunities to be offended!  That means there will always be people motivated by Satan available to hurt you, tempt you, and make life interesting!  But just because it is offered, you don't have to accept it!  Jesus is our perfect example.  Even on the cross, he refused to be offended.  He said, "Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:24, Easy-to-Read Version).  

How do I start?  Great question!  Romans 12:1-2 says, "So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."(Message).  

This involves changing your thinking.  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."(Message).

God's Word is his voice!  Get in the Word...memorize it for your own good!  When the Devil tries to attack you there may not be enough time to find the scripture you need!  It's better to have your sword ready before the battle!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

I'm Praying For You!

 Happy Sunday!

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being CONFIDENT of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a GOOD work IN you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"(Philippians 1:3-6 KJV).

Confident.  Certain.  Sure.  These are the words used in various translations of this scripture passage.  The Apostle Paul was writing to the Church in Philippi and he began with encouragement.  It's wonderful to know that someone remembers you and is praying for you.  Well, at least it is for me.  I remember a song was popular in churches for a while.  The lyrics said, "Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind, took the time to pray for me.  I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed for me!"

The Apostle Paul didn't bellyache about what he was going through.  He wanted the Believers to know that all of the adversity didn't stop the ministry, it actually caused it to grow.  He wrote, "I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually PROSPERED. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned all about HIM. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah."(Philippians 1:12-14 Message).

Don't miss this!  Your example and your testimony are enough to strengthen others!  When they see the obstacles, you made it through, they can believe that they can make it as well.  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).

Love and PRAYERS, Cynthia

Remember...

 Happy Sunday!

"But thou shalt REMEMBER the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get WEALTH, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day."(Deuteronomy 8:11 KJV).

The Word of God repeatedly tells us to remember! I believe God knows how easy it is for us to forget.  Some things we purposefully forget because they remind us of sad times or hard times, but we can go back to the Word to remind us of what we must remember.  In Deuteronomy 8, God reminds the people of all that he had done for them.  He encouraged them with the promise of blessings they would experience in the Land He was giving them.  Then he WARNED them what would happen if they forgot.

"So it’s paramount that you keep the commandments of God, your God, walk down the roads he shows you and reverently RESPECT him. God is about to bring you into a GOOD land, a land with brooks and rivers, springs and lakes, streams out of the hills and through the valleys. It’s a land of wheat and barley, of vines and figs and pomegranates, of olives, oil, and honey. It’s land where you’ll NEVER GO HUNGRY—always food on the table and a ROOF over your head. It’s a land where you’ll get iron out of rocks and mine copper from the hills."(Deuteronomy 8:6-9 Message).  

I was listening to a few young co-workers talking about growing up poor. What they described didn't sound like poverty to me!  I didn't burst their bubble with the stories of my mother feeding six children one can of pork and beans with a pack of hot dogs diced up in them.  I didn't mention times when the electricity or house phone was off, and life still moved forward.  We are so Blessed!  There are still people in the world with dirt floors, and some of the poorest people in the USA would be considered rich in other countries.  God wants us to prosper.  Psalm 35:27 says, "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant."(KJV).  Don't miss this!  It brings God pleasure when YOU prosper!  Why does God want you to prosper?  I'm so glad you asked!  He loves you!  You are his favorite child!  He sent Jesus to pay the price for you to have abundant life! He's not mad at you!  Lamentations 3:21-23 says, "Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day."(TLB).

Deuteronomy 8:19-20 tells us what will happen if we forget.  I'm praying that we don't forget.  “Don’t ever forget the Lord your God. Don’t ever follow other gods or worship and serve them. If you do that, I warn you today: You will surely be destroyed! The Lord is destroying other nations FOR you. But if you stop LISTENING to the Lord your God, YOU will be destroyed just like them!"(ERV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia