Believe it, Receive it!

Happy Sunday!

Praying that you had a happy and productive week!  If not, you can do it this week.  Life is so very precious and you should enjoy every minute.

The Bible says, "Every charge must be confirmed by two or three witnesses.” 2 Corinthians 13:1 (Voice)  Meaning that we should get confirmations from more than one source.  It has been so refreshing to get responses to my Happy Sunday emails.  Many times, what I share is similar to what friends and family heard in their own churches.  This week and many weeks, the messages I listened to during the week are right on track with what Dr. Winston ministers.

Dr. Bill Winston continued his series entitled, "The Power of Love", with the subtitle, "Possessing Your Mountain". God has placed you in the world with a special mission and purpose.  Nobody can do exactly what you were designed to do. You've probably heard the expression, "Easily imitated, never duplicated".  You are unique.  You are special. God loves you so much.  Part of possessing your mountain is understanding how much you are loved. The Apostle Paul wrote, "And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of." Ephesians 3:18-20 (Easy-to-Read Version)

After we understand the Love of God, we have to be willing to receive that love. That's where we run into trouble. We've been taught and listened to songs that say we are nothing but lowly worms.  We've been trained to see ourselves as old sinners saved by grace.  Yes, we were retched, ruthless, and reckless sinners before we were saved by the finished work of Christ.  But now we are new creations, we are the righteousness of God, and we are holy!  Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."(KJV) 

Part of knowing and receiving the Love of God is trusting God. Exodus 16 tells the story of the Children of Israel in the wilderness.  They blamed Moses for bringing them out into the desert to die.  They remembered the food in Egypt as if it was fine dining.  God told Moses he would rain down bread from heaven each morning.  They were commanded to only collect what they needed for that day.  Some of the people did not trust God and collected more than a days supply and it rotted and stank. Verse 20 says, "But some people ignored Moses and tried to keep some of it until the next morning. Overnight it became wormy and started to have a dreadful smell. Moses became furious with them because they had disobeyed God’s instructions." (Voice)  What can we learn from this?  Good question. God's Word is true.  He can be trusted.  Give him the opportunity to bless you.  The model prayer in Matthew 6:11 says, "Give us this day our daily bread." (KJV)  Later in that same chapter, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are?  You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it. And why do you worry about clothes? Look at the wildflowers in the field. See how they grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves.  But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.  If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? It’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!" Matthew 6:25-30 (Easy-to-Read Version)

Believing the Love, Receiving the Love, Sharing the Love...love and prayers, Cynthia

No Compromise...

Happy Sunday!

I'm praying for you!  Just wanted you to know.  I'm praying that everything you need(spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially) will be manifested immediately. Praying that you understand how much you are loved and cared for. The Bible says,"I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 (Common English Version)  God started the work in you and he will complete it. Every promise in the Word can be yours, if you believe it and receive it.

Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "The Power of Love" with the subtitle, "Possessing Your Mountain".  He made us laugh when he expressed that even the word "Love" sounds wonderful when spoken aloud.  It made me think about the old television show, "Love Boat".  The theme song said, "Love, exciting and new.  Come aboard, we're expecting you". Later it describes Love as "life's sweetest reward".  Love is wonderful, God's love is perfect.  As we are possessing our mountain of influence, God's perfect love will cause us to rise above the rest.

Our nation's culture has changed.  Dr. Winston reminisced about how so many things weren't portrayed on early television shows.  Lucy and Ricky didn't even sleep in the same bed, and they were married.  Now our favorite shows depict characters that hop in and out of other people's beds each week.  We have been desensitized to sin. Some of our heroes are portrayed robbing the rich to give to the poor. Stealing is a sin, even if the we hate the bad guy. Sure, I know what you are thinking...It's just a movie!  But is it?  Are we slowly being brainwashed to believe it's OK to sin in certain cases?  The Word says, "The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. 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." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (Message)

We have been saved and sent back into the world to change the culture.  If the culture in your place of employment is laziness...you are there to be the most conscientious worker they have ever seen.  If the culture in your school is procrastination and cheating...you are there to show your fellow students that excellence is possible with Christ who strengthens you.  If the culture in your circle is unfaithfulness and adultery...you are there to reveal that God's design for marriage is good and right.  Daniel changed the culture in Babylon.  Daniel 6:3 says, "But Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom." (Message)  He was a slave and yet he rose to the top positions.  He did not compromise.  When his enemies looked for something to accuse him of, they found nothing!  No outside children, no embezzled funds, and no indecent pictures posted on Facebook.  The only thing he did that they could use against him was his faithfulness in prayer.  They encouraged the king to enact a law that for 30 days no one could pray to any god except the king.  The king fell for the okie-doke.  What did Daniel do?  Glad you asked.  Daniel 6:10 says, "When Daniel learned that the decree had been signed and posted, he continued to pray just as he had always done. His house had windows in the upstairs that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he knelt there in prayer, thanking and praising his God." (Message)

You know the rest of the story.  Daniel was thrown in the lion's den.  The angel closed the mouth of the lions and he survived untouched.  What happened to his haters?  Verse 24 says, "Then the king commanded that the conspirators who had informed on Daniel be thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. Before they hit the floor, the lions had them in their jaws, tearing them to pieces."  Ouch!

Dr. Winston reminded us of Psalm 91.  It's one of my favorites.  It's a good one to commit to memory.  God will protect you as you possess your mountain of influence.  No need to worry, no need to fear!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Laws...

Happy Sunday!

Dr. Bill Winston continued his series entitled, "The Power of Love", with the subtitle "Possessing Your Mountain".

Every kingdom has laws.  Chaos, destruction, and death occur when laws are violated.  The lawyer in Matthew 22:34-40 was attempting to trip Jesus up.  "Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, a group of Pharisees met to consider new questions that might trip up Jesus.  A legal expert thought of one that would certainly stump Him. "Teacher, of all the laws, which commandment is the greatest?" (Voice)  Of course, Jesus knew exactly what they were trying to do. He confirmed that the greatest commandment is to love God with everything, and love those around you the way you love yourself.

Dr. Winston has been a pilot for many years.  He talked about the "flight book" they were given in flight training.  If the flight book said you need 3200 feet for take off.  You better make sure you have 3200 feet or more, or your airplane will crash. It's the same in our Christian lives.  The greatest law is Love, but there are others we must be aware of in order to succeed.

There is the Law of Sowing and Reaping...Galatians 6:7 says, "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." (Message)  And 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, "But remember this—if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much."(Living Bible)

There is the Law of Sin and Death, that has been canceled out in our lives by the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1-2 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."(KJV)

You're probably thinking, "What does this have to do with me? 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:" Galatians 3:13 (KJV)  I'm so glad you asked! Yes, when we accepted Jesus' finished work on the cross, we were set free from the curse of the law. Under the law, we were always trying to be good enough. James 2:10 says, "And the person who keeps every law of God but makes one little slip is just as guilty as the person who has broken every law there is." (Living Bible) But now that we have agreed with God, and acknowledged that we can never be good enough on our own...he gives us His Righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For God caused Christ, who himself knew nothing of sin, actually to be sin for our sake, so that in Christ we might be made good with the goodness of God." (Phillips)

Since we're talking about laws, let me put my two cents in.  There are natural laws at work in the universe as well. Just because you know the Lord and memorized a thousand scriptures doesn't cancel out natural laws.  If you ignore the laws governing electricity and stick your wet finger into a light socket, you will be electrocuted!  It wasn't because God didn't love you, it was because you were ignorant of, or ignored the laws governing electricity. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (KJV)  If you go up to the top of a tall building and decide to jump, you will be dead when you hit the pavement. I know you think, "God will save me. A loving God wouldn't let me die."  No, that's not how it works! God loves you so much he let's you choose.  If you choose to disobey the law of gravity, the law of gravity will bring you down to the ground with a quickness. God is orderly. He's not fickle, schizophrenic, or paranoid. He has given us his Word, a guidebook for everyday living.  We can be wise and listen, or foolish and die(spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially).

The Law of Love is the greatest and the other laws will work along with love.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Benefits

Happy Sunday!

Dr. Bill Winston continued his series entitled, "The Power of Love", with the subtitle, "Possessing Your Mountain". His foundation scriptures come from Matthew 22:34-40.

The Word of God was written for the People of God.  The only requirement is to receive what the Word contains by Grace and through Faith.  Jesus gave us his Last Will and Testament, His Word.  He died in order for us to receive the inheritance included in the will.  Then he arose from the grave and is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for us and making sure we get everything we are eligible for. Hebrews 12:2 says, "We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God’s throne!" (Contemporary English Version)

Faith reaches out and takes what belongs to you.  The Faith that takes works by Love.

In order to possess our mountain of influence, we must know that we have an enemy.  Our enemy is a deceiver. Our enemy wants us to believe or think that we are helpless paupers.  He wants us to think that what we have now is as good as it gets.  He is a liar!  Jesus died and gave you a robust inheritance. The Apostle Paul prayed, "Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance." (Voice)

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)  Did you get that? As we rise to possess our mountain, we will experience opposition, persecution, and tribulation. But Jesus said be of good cheer. How can I be of good cheer when things seem to be falling apart? I'm glad you asked!  Think about it like this, you start a new job.  The Human Resources Department provides you with a packet of information.  Included in the packet is a listing of all the benefits that you have become eligible for based on your employment. You put the packet away somewhere and never review the information. One day you bite down on a chicken bone at Hooter's and break your tooth. You suffer for weeks.  The pain is unbearable.  One day a co-worker notices you look distressed, and asks what's wrong. You explain, and your co-worker gives you a puzzled look. Then he asks, "Why don't you go to the dentist? We have great dental coverage!" You failed to educate yourself about your benefits and you suffered needlessly. It's the same way with the Word of God. 

The way to be of good cheer during hard times is to know the Word.  When you know the Word it strengthens and equips you to deal with the ups and downs of life.  When your mound of bills looks insurmountable, the Word reminds you that, "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." Philippians 4:19 (Message)  When the doctor says there is no cure for this disease, the Word reminds you, "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV)  When the enemy reminds you of every bad thing you have ever done, the Word reminds you, "Therefore, now no condemnation awaits those who are living in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, because when you live in the Anointed One, Jesus, a new law takes effect. The law of the Spirit of life breathes into you and liberates you from the law of sin and death. God did something the law could never do. You see, human flesh took its toll on God’s law. In and of itself, the law is not weak; but the flesh weakens it. So to condemn the sin that was ruling in the flesh, God sent His own Son, bearing the likeness of sinful flesh, as a sin offering. Now we are able to live up to the justice demanded by the law. But that ability has not come from living by our fallen human nature; it has come because we walk according to the movement of the Spirit in our lives." Romans 8:1-4 (Voice)

The Psalmist wrote, "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 103:1-6 (Message)

Read the fine print!  Don't let the enemy cheat you out of anything that Jesus died for you to receive! Peace, Joy, prosperity, healing, and freedom are yours.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

How Big?

Happy Sunday!

It's a been a full and exciting week.  We attended the International Faith Conference at Living Word Christian Center and today my daughter Crystal, ran in and completed the Fox Valley Marathon. 

The faith conference featured some of the ministers I enjoy the most.  The theme this year was "Unshakable Faith". Every speaker seemed to build on what the previous speaker said and on what we have been learning each week.

 

Dr. Jesse Duplantis preached the "Power of Focus and Priority".  He recalled a conversation he had with the Lord. He had been praying for God's direction and wisdom for 2015. The Lord asked him four questions that we can ask ourselves.  

How big do you want to dream? Your dream will set your agenda.  God wants you to dream BIG.  He says so in his Word..."God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20 (Message)  

How hard are you willing to work? Proverbs 6 tells us to consider the ant and says, "So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent house guest!"  God created work. He gave Adam a job to do. Work expands your dream and brings you fulfillment.  Not feeling fulfilled in your work? Pray and ask God what your true purpose is. James 1:5-8 says, "If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open." (Message)

How much are you willing to envision? Genesis 11:1-6 tells the story of the Tower of Babel.  You remember that story, don't you?  God came down and saw what man was capable of doing with their imaginations.  He said it himself, "Nothing will be unattainable for them!" (Living Bible)  These people were sinners!  Did you get that?  Jesus had not come to redeem us when this account was written.  If these unsaved, un-regenerated, and un-spiritual people could dream about building a tower to heaven and have God agree that they were capable of doing it, what's wrong with us? Dr. Duplantis said, "God doesn't mind you being blessed, only the church does!"  The Bible says, "God takes care of us richly. He gives us everything to enjoy. - 1 Timothy 6:17

How much of the past do you want to forget? The past is too heavy to carry into the future! Philippians 3:13-14 says,"Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above." (New Century Version)  If you keep thinking about what happened, nothing new will happen.  I mentioned earlier that my daughter completed a 26.2 mile marathon today. After the race, I was telling her about everything I saw.  One lady crossed the finish line and burst into tears. Crystal said, "I wanted to cry, but I told myself crying will consume too much energy and I need my energy to finish this race". It's the same in this Faith race.  Unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment consume too much energy. Leave the past in the past and move forward into prosperity in every area of your life.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Two Kinds of People...

Happy Sunday!

Dr. Bill Winston continued his series entitled "The Power of Love", with the subtitle, "Possessing Your Mountain". Today was also the beginning of our International Faith Conference.  Tonight's guest speaker was Bishop Tudor Bismark from Zimbabwe, Africa. I'm looking at my notes and asking myself where to begin. I will collect my thoughts and share them with you at a later date.  Today, I will share a post from Bob Yandian...it really blessed me today. Enjoy.  Have a wonderful week.  The International Faith Conference will be going on all this week and you can watch it live on DayStar and Bill Winston Ministries YouTube channel.

"Then God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth; and it was so." Genesis 1:11: (NKJV)

I have noticed a difference in two kinds of people. I am sure you have too. I am not talking about male and female, black and white, or educated and uneducated. Being a pastor and working with church staffs, I have noticed the difference between the organized, business type of person and the creative person. We need both. The business person is needed to keep the books, balance the budget, and post figures in the daily ledger. They usually arrive a few minutes early and have no problem working into lunch or after work to get the figures to balance. They love their work and take pride in doing a good job. On the other hand, there are the creative types. They head up the worship and music and work in the art department, laying out magazines and brochures needed for the church. They usually have to be prodded to come in on time and seem to live by a different set of rules. They usually “come alive” about 11:00 at night and go to bed sometime in the early hours of the morning. Their desire is to get up at the “crack of noon.” To the practical, business person, there is no need for the creative type. It also is true the other way around. The creative type has no room in their life for the business type. They think they are too boring. What does this have to do with our opening verse about grass, herbs and trees? God has made creation to be so diverse. Much of nature feeds us while also amazing us. Some trees are for producing fruit and others are primarily for beauty in the earth. God is not only practical; He is also creative! Many flowers give us medicines while others are for us to enjoy looking at. I know we need the air, the atmosphere so we can breathe, but why did God make it blue? God not only wanted the sky to be practical, He wanted it to be beautiful at the same time. Grass is necessary to feed animals and slow the flow of water, but it is also a beautiful green color. What a magnificent God we serve! So, make this a day to not only look at the practical parts of nature, make it a day to enjoy the beauty of a creative God. Enjoy your day! - Bob Yandian

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Fruit...

Happy Sunday!

Praying that you are enjoying a long holiday weekend.

Dr. Bill Winston continued his series, "The Power of Love", with the subtitle, "Possessing Your Mountain".  Again today, the message was so rich and full of scriptures and revelation. I'll just share a few points.

1 John 2:15 says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (KJV) Before we jump to the conclusion that God is against prosperity or against you having nice things, let's read this scripture in another translation.  The Voice Translation says, "Don’t fall in love with this corrupt world or worship the things it can offer. Those who love its corrupt ways don’t have the Father’s love living within them."  Did you get that?  Those who love this world and it's corrupt way of doing things do not have the Father's kind of love.  The Word tells us what it takes to be successful.  It also tells us what will happen to a fool.

Mark 11:12-31 tells this story, Jesus left the city of Bethany one morning.  From a distance he saw a fig tree full of leaves. Fig trees leaves and fruit normally appear at the same time.  Jesus was hungry and excited to see the leaves and anticipated enjoying the fruit.  But you know the story, he got up to the fig tree and found no fruit!  The tree was a religious perpetrator!  The tree lied about being fruitful by displaying leaves. Why is this important to us today?  So glad you asked!  2 Timothy 3:1-5 says, "And know this: in the last days, times will be hard. You see, the world will be filled with narcissistic, money-grubbing, pretentious, arrogant, and abusive people. They will rebel against their parents and will be ungrateful, unholy, uncaring, coldhearted, accusing, without restraint, savage, and haters of anything good. Expect them to be treacherous, reckless, swollen with self-importance, and given to loving pleasure more than they love God. Even though they may look or act like godly people, they’re not. They deny His power. I tell you: Stay away from the likes of these." (Voice)  Paul instructed Timothy to stay away from people that deny the power of God!  They look just like other Christians on their way to church.  They may even sit beside you in the pew. Just like that fig tree, they look really good but there is no fruit...no evidence.  I saw a quote recently that goes right along with this.  "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be any evidence?"

If we are going to possess our mountain of influence, we are going to have to get real.  Be true to yourself. Be honest with yourself. Life is so very precious, and people are leaving earth daily.  You have to be confident that if you pass away today, you would spend eternity in heaven with Jesus.  It doesn't matter what Mama, Daddy, or Big Mama believed...what do you believe?  And if you believe God, let's see some fruit in your life.  Matthew 7:16-18 says, "But you will recognize them by their fruits. You don’t find sweet, delicious grapes growing on thorny bushes, do you? You don’t find delectable figs growing in the midst of prickly thistles. People and their lives are like trees. Good trees bear beautiful, tasty fruit, but bad trees bear ugly, bitter fruit.  A good tree cannot bear ugly, bitter fruit; nor can a bad tree bear fruit that is beautiful and tasty." (Voice)

I love a good church service.  Been going to church most of my life.  Most of that time I was just being religious.  My life and circumstances were not really changing or improving. But as much as I love the fellowship and the music, I've learned the hard way...it's the WORD of GOD that I need.  The Word is described as bread, I need bread to survive physically and I need the Word to survive spiritually.  The enemy is trying to kill us, don't be naive.  He wants us dead and he's using our ignorance of the Word against us. Don't be an easy target.  

Ephesians 6:10 tells us how, "God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

Love and prayers, Cynthia