Never Give Up!

 Happy Sunday!

"It is God himself, in his mercy, who has given us this wonderful work of telling his Good News to others, and so we NEVER GIVE UP. We do not try to trick people into believing—we are not interested in fooling anyone. We never try to get anyone to believe that the Bible teaches what it doesn’t. All such shameful methods we forego. We stand in the presence of God as we speak and so we TELL THE TRUTH, as all who know us will agree.

If the Good News we preach is hidden to anyone, it is hidden from the one who is on the road to eternal death. Satan, who is the god of this evil world, has made him BLIND, unable to see the glorious light of the Gospel that is shining upon him or to understand the AMAZING MESSAGE we preach about the glory of Christ, who is God. We don’t go around preaching about ourselves but about Christ Jesus as Lord. All we say of ourselves is that we are your slaves because of what Jesus has done for us. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made us understand that it is the brightness of his glory that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us[c]—is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but NOT CRUSHED and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we DON'T GIVE UP AND QUIT. We are hunted down, but God never ABANDONS us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and KEEP GOING. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within who KEEPS US SAFE."(2 Corinthians 4:1-10 Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

NO Filter Needed!

 Happy Sunday!

"One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander. “Why have you come here?” Isaac asked. “You obviously hate me, since you kicked me off your land.”

They replied, “We can PLAINLY SEE that the Lord is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant.  Swear that you will not harm us, just as we have never troubled you. We have always treated you well, and we sent you away from us in peace. And now look how the Lord has blessed you!”(Genesis 26:26-29 NLT).

In the age of Social Media, with filters and digital backgrounds what we see may not be genuine.  I've taken selfies and noticed how different lighting can make me look more youthful.  Eventually, we will see things as they really are.  Isaac had been mistreated by the Philistines.  They had fought with him over his wells, filled many of them in with dirt, and commanded him to leave the area.  Wells were a necessity for a herdsman.  The flocks and herds had to have water.  These struggles may have made Isaac sad, but he kept moving forward.

Finally, even the evil King Abimelech had to admit that it was plain to see God was blessing Isaac.  No matter what we face when God is with us even our enemies will have to recognize!  Proverbs 16:7 says, "When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh EVEN his enemies to be at peace with him."(KJV).  Malachi 3:16-19 says, "All those who truly RESPECTED the Lord and HONORED his name started discussing these things, and when God saw what was happening, he had their names written as a reminder in his book.  Then the Lord All-Powerful said: You people are PRECIOUS to me, and when I come to bring justice, I will PROTECT you, just as parents protect an obedient child. Then everyone will once again SEE the DIFFERENCE between those who obey me by doing right and those who reject me by doing wrong."(CEV).

"Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! BUT the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life."(Galatians 6:7-8 Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

DESIRABLE and BENEFICIAL

 Happy Sunday!

"So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every DESIRABLE and BENEFICIAL gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is NOTHING DECEITFUL in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to LIFE using the True WORD, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures."(James 1:17 Message).

The King James Version of James 1:7 uses the words, good and perfect to describe the Gifts that God gives.  I love the Word of God! The Message Version uses the words, desirable and beneficial.  Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the DESIRES of thine heart."(KJV).  Don't miss this!  God is OK with us having desires.  He just wants us to, "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these THINGS shall be added unto you."(Matthew 6:33 KJV).

The Message Version says, "There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle."  That's GOOD NEWS!  That's what  the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about!  We never have to worry about what we will get when we come to Him!  Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."(KJV). 

God gave us the Best Gift!  Jesus is the Most Desirable and Beneficial Gift we will ever receive!  John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."(KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

He Helped Me

 Happy Sunday!

"I WAITED patiently for the Lord to HELP me,

    and he turned to me and HEARD my cry.

He LIFTED me out of the pit of despair,

    out of the mud and the mire.

He SET my feet on solid ground

    and STEADIED me as I walked along.

He has given me a NEW SONG to sing,

    a hymn of PRAISE to our God.

Many will SEE what he has done and be amazed.

    They will put their trust in the Lord.

Oh, the JOYS of those who trust the Lord,

    who have no confidence in the proud

    or in those who worship idols.

O Lord my God, you have performed MANY wonders for us.

    Your PLANS for us are too numerous to list.

    You have no equal.

If I tried to recite all your WONDERFUL deeds,

    I would never come to the end of them."(Psalm 40:1-5 NLT).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

L.O.V.E.

 Happy Sunday!

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."(1John 4:7-12 KJV).

"We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."(1 John 4:19-21KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

BE Thankful!

 Happy Sunday!

"Make a joyful NOISE unto the Lord, all ye lands.

SERVE the Lord with gladness: COME before his presence with singing.

KNOW ye that the Lord he is God: it is HE that hath MADE US, and not we ourselves; we are HIS people, and the sheep of HIS pasture.

ENTER into his gates with THANKSGIVING, and into his courts with PRAISE: be thankful unto him, and BLESS his name.

For the LORD is GOOD; his MERCY is everlasting; and his TRUTH endureth to all generations."(Psalm 100 KJV).

I'm so Thankful for you!  

Love and prayers, Cynthia

YOU Are NOT Average

 Happy Sunday!

"There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;

Forasmuch as an EXCELLENT SPIRIT, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?"(Daniel 5:11-13 KJV).

I have mentioned before that I was not applauded for getting "C"s on my school report cards.  My Mother believed that a "C" meant Average.  She told us we were not average, we didn't look like everyone else, and we were expected to excel.  Daniel was said to have an Excellent Spirit!  He was NOT AVERAGE!  Daniel 1:20 says, he and his three friends were "ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm".(KJV).  Don't miss this!  It is possible for you to be ten times better than your peers, your teammates, other business owners, and your co-workers!  You have access to the Holy Spirit who is the ultimate Excellent Spirit!

Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall TEACH you ALL things, and bring ALL things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."(John 14:25-26 KJV).  Jesus also said, "And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the SAME hour what ye ought to say."(Luke 12:11-12 KJV).  That's AMAZING!  The Holy Spirit can give you the right answer at a moments notice!

Before you delete this email and say, "Cynthia has gone off the deep end again!" Let me say that it's not Magic! Just like getting Good Grades requires diligent study, we must put in the work!  Jesus said, "If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you."(John 15:7 AMPC).  The Apostle Paul said, "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).

A successful business man, a billionaire that I admire, says it's easy to be successful in our world today!  Why you many ask?  What is the secret?  DON'T BE AVERAGE!  Society makes excuses and will allow you to collect identities, labels, and traumas.  BUT if you can renew your MIND you can move past stereotypes, stigmas, and pain to be the BEST!  Romans 12:2 says, "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."(NLT).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Power to GET Wealth

 Happy Sunday!

"For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a GOOD land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;

A land wherein thou shalt eat bread WITHOUT SCARCENESS, thou shalt NOT LACK ANY THING in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt BLESS the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath GIVEN thee.

BEWARE that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;

And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

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 8:7-18 KJV).

Galatians 3:13-14 explains how we can get in on this wonderful Blessing! 

 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the BLESSING of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."(Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

4 Types of SIN

 Happy Monday!

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit."(Psalm 32:1-2 NKJV).

The Psalmist, King David gave us insight on SIN!  He was a "Man After God's Own Heart" but he also knew about SIN!(1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).  In this psalm, he shows us the 4 types of SIN as a reminder so that we can avoid it!

Transgression is the first type of SIN.  Transgression is Defiance or Deliberate rebellion against God.  Brother Kenneth Hagin told a story of a young boy disciplined by the teacher. He was told to stand in the corner but whispered to another student, "I'm standing up on the outside, but I'm sitting down on the inside!"  He was defiant!  2 Thessalonians 2:4 says, "For we speak as messengers from God, trusted by him to tell the truth; we change his message not one bit to suit the taste of those who hear it; for we serve God alone, who EXAMINES our hearts’ deepest thoughts."(Living Bible). 

Sin is the second type of SIN!  It represents a Defect!  It means we have fallen short or missed the mark or target, and lack discipline and strength.  Romans 7:18-20 says, "And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is SIN living in me that does it."(NLT).   "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord."(Romans 7:25 NLT).  Galatians 2:20 tells us we can win over Sin..."I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the FAITH of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."(KJV).

Iniquity is the third type of SIN!  It describes a distortion, something bent or crooked!  Back in the day criminals were called "crooks" because they didn't follow the straight and narrow way.  Romans 1:29-32 says, "Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness and sin, of greed and hate, envy, murder, fighting, lying, bitterness, and gossip. They were backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud, braggarts, always thinking of new ways of sinning and continually being disobedient to their parents. They tried to misunderstand, broke their promises, and were heartless—without pity. They were fully aware of God’s DEATH penalty for these crimes, yet they went right ahead and did them anyway and encouraged others to do them, too."(Living Bible).

Deceit is the fourth type of SIN!  "Literally, a catching or ensnaring. Hence, the misleading of a person; the leading of another person to believe what is false, or not to believe what is true, and thus to ensnare him; FRAUD; fallacy; cheat; any declaration, artifice or practice, which misleads another, or causes him to believe what is false.; In law, any trick, device, craft, collusion, shift, covin, or underhand practice, used to defraud another." (Webster 1828 Dictionary).  Galatians 6:7-9 warns and encourages us, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in WELL DOING: for in due season we shall REAP, if we faint not."(KJV).

Let's continue to avoid any type of SIN!  1 Corinthians 10:12 says, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."(KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Walk, Stand, and Sit

 Happy Sunday!

"BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

BUT his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate DAY and NIGHT.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and WHATSOEVER he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are NOT so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall NOT stand in the judgment, nor SINNERS in the congregation of the righteous.

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the WAY of the ungodly shall perish."(Psalm 1:1-6 KJV)

Love and Prayers, Cynthia

Beyond Happy

 Happy Sunday!

"Remember when the Eternal brought back the exiles to Zion? 
It was as if we were dreaming—
Our mouths were filled with laughter; 
our tongues were spilling over into song.
The word went out across the prairies and deserts,
across the hills, over the oceans wide, from nation to nation:
“The Eternal has done remarkable things for them.”
We shook our heads. All of us were stunned—the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. 
We were beyond happy, beyond joyful.

And now, Eternal One, some are held captive and poor. 
Release them, and restore our fortunes as the dry riverbeds of the South spring to life when the rains come at last.

Those who walk the fields to sow, casting their seed in tears, 
will one day tread those same long rows, amazed by what’s appeared.

Those who weep as they walk and plant with sighs 
Will return singing with joy, when they bring home the harvest." - Psalm 126 (Voice)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

JESUS is Coming Soon!

 Happy Sunday!

"I always thank my God for YOU 

and for the Gracious GIFTS he has given you, 

now that you BELONG to Christ Jesus. 

THROUGH him, 

God has ENRICHED your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your KNOWLEDGE. 

This CONFIRMS that what I told you about Christ is TRUE. 

NOW you have EVERY spiritual gift you NEED as you eagerly WAIT for The RETURN of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

He will KEEP you STRONG to the end so that you will be FREE from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 

God will do this, for he is FAITHFUL to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."(1 Corinthians 1:4-9 NLT).

JESUS is Coming Soon!  Are you ready?  I know, I know!  You're thinking, "Cynthia, they've been saying that for hundreds of years now!"  BUT it's true.  2 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”(NLT).  The Apostle Peter goes on to explain the delay, "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want ANYONE to be destroyed, but wants EVERYONE to repent."(2 Peter 3:9 NLT).

Think about what would have happened to us if Jesus had come before we accepted HIM as our Lord and Savior.  What a Blessing it is that HE gave us time to REPENT, and turn from our wicked ways!  NOW, he wants us to tell others!  Jesus commanded us to, "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."(Matthew 28:19-20 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Do It Now!

 Happy Sunday!

"Never walk away from someone who deserves help;

    your hand is God’s hand for that person.

Don’t tell your neighbor “Maybe some other time”

    or “Try me tomorrow”

    when the money’s right there in your pocket.

Don’t figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor

    when he’s sitting there trusting and unsuspecting."

(Proverbs 3:27-29 Message).

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All scripture is GIVEN by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all GOOD works."(KJV).  God has given us the Word, the Bible to guide us and assist us in life. 

He wouldn't tell us to do something He wouldn't do himself.  Right?Proverbs 3:27 tells us don't wait until tomorrow when you have the ability to help someone today.  Do you think God would wait to help you today?  Do you think he will tell you to wait until tomorrow when he has everything at his disposal today?  Luke 18:7-9 says, "Won't God PROTECT his chosen ones who PRAY to him day and night? Won't he be CONCERNED for them? He will SURELY hurry and HELP them. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find on this earth anyone with faith?"(CEV).

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen."(KJV).  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).

Food for Thought!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

The Lord IS

 Happy Sunday!

"The LORD is my shepherd;

    I have ALL that I need.

He lets me REST in green meadows;

    he LEADS me beside peaceful streams.

He RENEWS my strength.

He GUIDES me along RIGHT paths,

    bringing honor to his name.

EVEN when I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will NOT be afraid,

    for you are CLOSE beside me.

Your rod and your staff

    PROTECT and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

    My cup overflows with BLESSINGS.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will PURSUE me

    all the days of my life,

and I will LIVE in the house of the Lord

    forever."(Psalm 23 NLT).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Be Sober!

 Happy Sunday!

"Be SOBER, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"(1 Peter 5:8 KJV).

Are you a tasty treat for the Devil?  When my grandson, Nesta was younger he would describe something delicious to eat as a "Tasty Treat".  The Apostle Peter wrote to Believers to be alert and aware that our enemy, the Devil is out to make us his prey!  He also told the Believer what to do to ensure you never become a tasty treat for the enemy!

How can you keep from being a "Tasty Treat" for the Devil?  Great question!  I'm so glad you asked!  The Apostle Peter says this in the verse before, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."(1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  The Voice Translation says it this way, "Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries."  Don't miss this!  Burdens and worries can weigh us down!  When we get distracted by hard things and hard times we don't think clearly, and may become overwhelmed.  The Psalmist said, "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when MY heart is overwhelmed: LEAD ME to the rock that is higher than I."(Psalm 61:2 KJV).

Knowing that God cares for us and has a great plan for our lives will help us to stay sober.  Yes, sober means "Not intoxicated or overpowered by spiritous liquors; not drunken".  BUT Webster's 1828 Dictionary also includes this meaning, "Not MAD or Insane; not WILD, visionary or heated with passion; having the regular exercise of cool dispassionate reason. Regular; CALM; not under the influence of passion; as sober judgment;" 

The next verse tells us, "STAND firm when he attacks. TRUST the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too."(1 Peter 5:9 Living Bible).  James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. RESIST the devil, and he will FLEE from you."(KJV).  Don't miss this!  When we resist the enemy he will run away in terror!

"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).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

My Prayer

 Happy Sunday!

"That is WHY, ever since I heard of your strong FAITH in the Lord Jesus and of the LOVE you have for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped THANKING God for you. 

I PRAY for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you WISDOM to SEE CLEARLY and really understand who Christ is and all that he has DONE for you. 

I PRAY that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can SEE something of the FUTURE he has called you to share. 

I want you to REALIZE that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given to him! 

I PRAY that you will begin to understand how incredibly GREAT his POWER is to HELP those who BELIEVE him. 

It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven, FAR, FAR above any other king or ruler or dictator or leader. YES, his honor is far more glorious than that of anyone else either in this world or in the world to come. 

And God has put ALL THINGS under his feet and made him the Supreme Head of the Church— which is his body, filled with himself, the Author and Giver of everything everywhere."(Ephesians 1:15-23 Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Same

 Happy Sunday!

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."(Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

Sesame Street had a song entitled, "One Of These Things".  Maybe you remember it.  It was a segment used to get children to differentiate between objects.  Even if the items were similar, there would be something in the mix that was different.  The Bible tells us Jesus is the SAME!  Yesterday, today, and for ever!  Don't miss this!  If Jesus is the same then we can expect him to do the same things.  Jesus never made anyone sick!  Jesus never left anyone in a tormented condition to teach them a lesson.  Jesus used and uses instruction, not destruction!

Jesus said, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give LIFE with JOY and ABUNDANCE."(Voice).  We have an enemy, BUT our enemy has been defeated!  Our enemy is a LIAR.  Jesus said, "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not."(John 8:43-45 KJV).

Don't believe the lies of the enemy!  God is a Good God!  He has a plan for you to live and not die, to thrive and not just survive!  Psalm 91:16 says, "With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."(KJV).  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."(Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

God Never Fails!

 Happy Sunday!

"Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is NOTHING TOO HARD for thee:"(Jeremiah 32:17 KJV).

Last week I awoke with a song playing in my heart.  I could hear the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield Choir singing, "God Never Fails".  I'm prejudiced.  I don't care what you say!  I believe my childhood choir was better than yours!  LOL!  Anyway, the chorus says, "God never fails, God never fails. He abides in me, He gives me victory.  For God never fails. You just keep the faith and never cease to pray.  Walk upright, Call Him day noon or night.  He'll be there! There's no need to worry. For God never fails."

What a Blessing to hear songs that are Word based.  I know what you are thinking.  What do you mean, Cynthia?  Word Based? Great Question!  I'm so glad you asked!

God Never Fails - Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, HE WILL NOT FAIL THEE, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."(KJV).

He Abides in ME - John 15:5 says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."(KJV).

He Gives Me Victory - 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ."(KJV).

Keep The Faith - Romans 12:3 says, "Don’t think that you are better than you really are. You must see yourself just as you are. Decide what you are by the FAITH God has given each of us."(Easy-to-Read Version).

Never Cease To Pray - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing."(KJV).

Walk Upright - Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: NO GOOD THING will he withhold from them that walk UPRIGHTLY"(KJV).

Call HIM Noon, Day, or Night - Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me, and I WILL answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."(KJV).

There's No Need To Worry - 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is ALWAYS thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."(Living Bible).

God Never Fails!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Whole Armour

 Happy Sunday!

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."(Ephesians 6:11 KJV).

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines, "wile" as "A trick or stratagem practiced for ensnaring or deception; a sly, insidious artifice".  Our enemy, the Devil doesn't play fair!  In John 8:44, Jesus said he's the Father of Lies and in Revelation 21:8 we see that ALL LIARS have their place in the Lake of Fire.  Why is TRUTH so important?  Great question!  I'm so glad you asked!   Jesus prayed for us in John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy WORD is truth."(KJV).

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John wrote about Jesus, "In the beginning [before all time] was the WORD (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has NEVER overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]."(John 1:1-5 AMPC).

Jesus is the Word of God, the TRUTH!  We must have all the weapons readily available to fight the Good Fight of Faith!  Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending ONLY with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere."(AMPC).

"STAND therefore, having your loins girt about with TRUTH, and having on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS; And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of PEACE;  Above all, taking the Shield of FAITH, wherewith ye shall be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the Helmet of SALVATION, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"(Ephesians 6:14-18 KJV).

"For I will give you a mouth and WISDOM, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."(Luke 21:15 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Are you a FOOL?

 Happy Sunday!

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but FOOLS despise wisdom and instruction."(Proverbs 1:7 KJV).

God is straight and to the point!  He doesn't mince words.  He clearly communicates to us that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are extremely important.  The Apostle Paul followed this example, and numerous times begged the Believers not to be ignorant!(Romans 1:13, Romans 11:25, 1 Corinthians 10:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:13).  Jesus discouraged us from calling other people fools, but the Bible describes with great detail what a fool is!(Matthew 5:22).

Are you a Fool?  I don't mean have you ever acted foolishly.  So many of us have.  Titus 3:3 says, "For we ourselves also were sometimes FOOLISH, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another."(KJV).  BUT are you a Fool now?

Psalm 14:1 says, "The [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right."(AMPC).

Proverbs 10:18 says, "Liars secretly hoard hatred;  fools openly spread slander."(Message).

Proverbs 12:15 says, "A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others."(TLB).

Proverbs 13:20 says, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."(KJV).

Proverbs 18:6 says, "Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating."(NLT).

I sincerely hope you don't see yourself in any of these descriptions, and if you do, Thank God there is still time for you to change! Ephesians 5:15 says, "Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God."(Phillips).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Who Is In Control?

 Happy Sunday!

"The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he GIVEN to the children of men."(Psalm 115:16 KJV).

People often say, "God is in control".  A great man of God used to say, "Well, He's sure got things in a mess!"  Murders, rapes, shootings, theft, illegal activities, drug overdoses, child abuse, sickness, and death are commonplace.  Do you really think this is what God wants?  NO, no, no, and no!  God gave MAN, humankind control on earth.  Remember Adam?  God gave him jurisdiction and dominion on earth. 

Genesis 1:28 says, "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and SUBDUE it: and have DOMINION over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over EVERY living thing that moveth upon the earth."(KJV).  Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines "subdue" as "To conquer by force or the exertion of SUPERIOR power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion".  "Dominion" is defined as " Sovereign or supreme authority; the power of governing and controlling.  Power to direct, control, use and dispose of at pleasure; right of possession and use without being accountable; as the private dominion of individuals."(Webster's 1828 Dictionary).

Don't miss this!  "Power to direct, control, use and dispose of at pleasure; right of possession and use".  Our enemy, the Devil tricked Adam and Eve into thinking they were missing something.  He told them that God was holding out on them.  He told Eve, “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be LIKE God, knowing both good and evil.”(Genesis 3:5 NLT).  BUT in reality they were already like God!  Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created man in his OWN IMAGE, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."(KJV).

Adam lost his place, BUT Jesus bought it back for us with His precious blood!  Romans 5:17 says, "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)"(KJV).  So what does that mean for us?  Great question!  So glad you asked!  We must take dominion in our sphere of influence!  Like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the Apostles, we must stand up for righteousness and holiness daily!   We must be excellent in all we do!  People should come asking, "What must I do to be saved?"(Acts 16:30 KJV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

CALL ME

 Happy Sunday!

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘CALL to me and I WILL answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own."(Jeremiah 33:2-3 Message).

The Ghostbuster's theme song from 1984 sung by Ray Parker Jr. asked us all, "Who you gonna call?"  When things get strange, and life get's hard and you have more questions than answers, call on the Lord!  Jesus didn't leave us alone or helpless.  He said, "But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will TEACH you ALL things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) EVERYTHING I have told you."(John 14:26 Amplified).

Jesus said, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that WILL I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask ANY THING in my name, I will do it."(John 14:13-14 KJV). 

The Apostle John echoed this in 1 John 5:13-15, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the NAME of the Son of God.  And this is the CONFIDENCE that we have in him, that, if we ASK any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we KNOW that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."(KJV).

Malachi 3:10 says, "“Try it! Let me prove it to you!"(Living Bible).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Preservation and Life

 Happy Sunday!

"The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies."(Psalm 41:2 KJV).

I've heard it said, "A gift never leaves your life!"  Meaning the things that you have sown into the lives of others will boomerang back to you.  A smile, a helping hand, a sincere prayer, and a financial blessing are all seeds sown that will create a harvest. 

When I read Psalm 41:2 after searching the word "blessed", my first question was who is the psalmist talking about?  Who is the person that the Lord will preserve and protect?  So I read the previous verse.  "God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles."(Psalm 41:1 Living Bible).  It makes so much sense that Jesus would say, "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the LEAST of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME."(Matthew 25:35-40 KJV).

Hebrews 6:10 says, "God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won't forget the love you have shown his people."(CEV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Are you ready?

 Happy Sunday!

"You also must be READY all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."(Matthew 24:44 NLT).

I worked briefly for an Airport Shuttle Company.  It was a second job in order to make a little extra money.  I learned more than I earned at that job! LOL!  I am still amazed at a customer that called from California frantic because they'd missed the shuttle to LAX for their flight to France.  If you are at all familiar with the Los Angeles traffic and the distances from surrounding cities to the downtown area, you will know that this was not going to end well.  If you are not familiar, let me tell you my Aunt who resides in the Inland Empire area refuses to pick you up from LAX.  You must fly into the airport in Ontario, CA or find your own way to her home.  In case you think I am exaggerating, we drove my cousin to LAX after Thanksgiving one year and three hours later we were still in traffic headed back to my Aunt's home.

Jesus said, "BE READY!"  The trip we will eventually take in the Rapture of the Church, or by way of the grave will be unexpected.  Unlike the customer that missed her flight to France, we won't know the day or the hour of our Lord's return.(Matthew 24:36).  When I spoke with that customer I had so many questions.  How long have you been planning this trip?  Are you aware that the airlines urge passengers to check in at least 2 hours before the flight?  Why weren't you packed the night before? (She was crying about not being finished packing).

I have known about the return of Jesus since I was a little child.  One song we sang said, "Somewhere in outer space, God has prepared a place for those who trust Him and obey.  And though we don't know when, Jesus will come again!  The countdown is getting lower everyday".  Because we don't know the exact time we must stay ready.  Even the Apostle Peter had to warn the Believers who thought Jesus would return in their lifetimes, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."(2 Peter 3:9 KJV).  Don't miss this!  God wants everyone to be Saved!  He's giving people more time to choose LIFE!

Are you ready?  Proverbs 3:5 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."(Message).  Hebrew 2:14-15 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).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope…

 This Blessed Me!

"Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk.
They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything.
They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings.
But that’s not the way of CHRIST.
Everything of GOD gets expressed in HIM, so you can see and hear him CLEARLY.
You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without HIM.
When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too.
His power extends over everything." - Colossians 2:8-10 (Message)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Don't Be Deceived! Don't Be Weary!

Happy Sunday!

"Be NOT deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us NOT be weary in well doing: for in due season WE SHALL REAP, if we faint not."(Galatians 6:7-9 KJV).

Don't be deceived!  Don't be weary!

The word "Deceit" is defined in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary as "Literally, a catching or ensnaring. Hence, the misleading of a person; the leading of another person to believe what is false, or NOT to believe what is true, and thus to ensnare him; fraud; fallacy; cheat; any declaration, artifice or practice, which misleads another, or causes him to believe what is false." 

The Apostle Paul was writing to Christians.  Don't miss this!  It is possible for Christians to be deceived.  How? You may ask.  It is possible to be deceived when we lack TRUTH.  What is truth?  Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you FREE."(John 8:32 KJV).  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the TRUTH, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."(John 14:6 KJV).

John 16:13 says, "When the Holy Spirit, who is TRUTH, comes, he shall guide you into ALL truth, for he will not be presenting his own ideas, but will be passing on to you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future."(Living Bible).

The word "Weary" is defined in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary as, "Having the patience exhausted, or the mind yielding to discouragement."  Jesus said, "By your steadfastness and PATIENT endurance you shall WIN the true life of your souls."(Luke 21:19 Amplified).  Romans 15:4 says, "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the SCRIPTURES give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled."(NLT).

Keep the WORD first place in your life.  Don't be deceived!  Don't be weary!

Love and prayers, Cynthia