Happy Wednesday!
I really enjoy courtroom dramas! I have to admit that I had a crush on Perry Mason! He always saw what others missed. I have noticed many legal examples in the Bible as well. God is the Supreme Judge. Revelation 20:12 says, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before GOD; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were JUDGED out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."(KJV). God has shared his legal duties with Jesus. 2 Timothy 4:1 says, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall JUDGE the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;"(KJV). And Jesus has shared some of the responsibility with the us. 1 Corinthians 6:2 says, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?"(KJV). Jesus is our advocate or our attorney. The Apostle John encouraged the believers not to sin, but if they did sin he reminded them that they have someone representing them in the court of God. 1 John 2:1 says, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"(KJV).
Where am I going with this? So glad you asked! Many of the promises of God are conditional. The word "IF" is used over 1500 times in the bible. In the dictionary "IF" is defined as, and used to say that something must happen before another thing can happen. We have to read the small print. We frustrate ourselves and breed unbelief, when we don't consider that some of the things we want, desire, and expect, require our obedience.
Let's look at a few scriptures...
1 John 1:9 - "IF we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]."(Amplified)
John 15:7 - "IF ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."(KJV)
Romans 8:13 - "For IF ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but IF ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."(KJV)
1 Timothy 3:5 - "For IF a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?"(KJV)
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore IF any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(KJV)
Mark 9:23 - "What do you mean, “If there’s anything?” All things are possible, IF you only believe."(Voice)
2 Timothy 2:11-13 - "This is a sure thing: IF we die with him, we’ll live with him; IF we stick it out with him, we’ll rule with him; IF we turn our backs on him, he’ll turn his back on us; IF we give up on him, he does not give up—for there’s no way he can be false to himself."(Message)
Isaiah 1:19 - "IF ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:"(KJV)
Malachi 3:10 - "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so that there will be food enough in my Temple; IF you do, I will open up the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great you won’t have room enough to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!"(Living Bible)
Deuteronomy 28:1-8 - IF you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you IF you heed the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your beasts, the increase of your cattle and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading trough. Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out. The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The Lord shall command the blessing upon you in your storehouse and in all that you undertake. And He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you."(Amplified)
I could go on and on, but I think you understand. We have a part to play in receiving from the Lord. We can do it! We can obey and keep our part of the bargain. Romans 8:34 says we have an important person pleading our case..."Who then will condemn us? Will Christ? No! For he is the one who died for us and came back to life again for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us there in heaven."(Living Bible).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Grow Up
Happy Sunday!
God will not do what he has given us the power and authority to do! It's time for us, the Body of Christ to move forward and take jurisdiction over the earth. How can we do it? Great question! I'm so glad you asked. In order to take our rightful place in the earth, we have to know what we have been given, and know who we really are. Mark Twain wrote the novel entitled, "The Prince and The Pauper". Perhaps, you've read it. The prince and the pauper switch places, and experience life from different vantage points. 1 Peter 2:9 says, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"(KJV). We are chosen, we are royalty, we are holy, and we are unusual! But for some reason, we are wandering around in this world like paupers. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."(KJV). Another translation of this scripture says, "My people are destroyed because they don’t know me"(Living Bible).
Jesus said, “Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here."(Message). If we know Jesus, then Jesus will know us when it really matters. Jesus is the Word. When we get to know the Word, we are really getting more of Jesus. The psalmist said, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."(KJV).
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series entitled, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Believing In The Blessing". God has reserved the inheritance for us. He wants us to have everything that Jesus paid for us to have. In order for us to receive the inheritance, we must believe the Blessing exists. When we believe the Blessing exists, we must mature. Galatians 4:1 says, "But remember this, that if a father dies and leaves great wealth for his little son, that CHILD is not much better off than a slave until he grows up, even though he actually owns everything his father had."(Living Bible). Childishness will prevent us from receiving our inheritance. 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). Did you see that? The Word says the Word of God will make us perfect! I know what you are thinking. Nobody is perfect! WRONG! There is no one that is Flawless, but over and over again the Bible tells us to be perfect! God would never tell you to be something that you couldn't be. The issue is the word perfect has been understood incorrectly. Perfect means mature! God wants us to grow up! Just in case you think I'm confused, here are a few examples from the Word...
Matthew 5:48 - "Be ye therefore PERFECT, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
2 Corinthians 13:11 - "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be PERFECT, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
Ephesians 4:11-12 - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the PERFECTING of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
As we mature in Christ, we will understand what belongs to us. When we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that healing, prosperity, and peace are our inheritance, we will confidently receive them. We will humble ourselves to God, boldly resist the enemy, and he will flee! (James 4:7)
Growing up, love and prayers, Cynthia
God will not do what he has given us the power and authority to do! It's time for us, the Body of Christ to move forward and take jurisdiction over the earth. How can we do it? Great question! I'm so glad you asked. In order to take our rightful place in the earth, we have to know what we have been given, and know who we really are. Mark Twain wrote the novel entitled, "The Prince and The Pauper". Perhaps, you've read it. The prince and the pauper switch places, and experience life from different vantage points. 1 Peter 2:9 says, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"(KJV). We are chosen, we are royalty, we are holy, and we are unusual! But for some reason, we are wandering around in this world like paupers. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."(KJV). Another translation of this scripture says, "My people are destroyed because they don’t know me"(Living Bible).
Jesus said, “Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here."(Message). If we know Jesus, then Jesus will know us when it really matters. Jesus is the Word. When we get to know the Word, we are really getting more of Jesus. The psalmist said, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."(KJV).
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series entitled, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Believing In The Blessing". God has reserved the inheritance for us. He wants us to have everything that Jesus paid for us to have. In order for us to receive the inheritance, we must believe the Blessing exists. When we believe the Blessing exists, we must mature. Galatians 4:1 says, "But remember this, that if a father dies and leaves great wealth for his little son, that CHILD is not much better off than a slave until he grows up, even though he actually owns everything his father had."(Living Bible). Childishness will prevent us from receiving our inheritance. 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). Did you see that? The Word says the Word of God will make us perfect! I know what you are thinking. Nobody is perfect! WRONG! There is no one that is Flawless, but over and over again the Bible tells us to be perfect! God would never tell you to be something that you couldn't be. The issue is the word perfect has been understood incorrectly. Perfect means mature! God wants us to grow up! Just in case you think I'm confused, here are a few examples from the Word...
Matthew 5:48 - "Be ye therefore PERFECT, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
2 Corinthians 13:11 - "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be PERFECT, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
Ephesians 4:11-12 - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the PERFECTING of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
As we mature in Christ, we will understand what belongs to us. When we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that healing, prosperity, and peace are our inheritance, we will confidently receive them. We will humble ourselves to God, boldly resist the enemy, and he will flee! (James 4:7)
Growing up, love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, February 14, 2016
True Love
Happy Sunday!
Since today is a day that is focused on Love, I would just like to encourage you about how much you are loved!
John 3:16 says, "For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life."(Voice). Did you get that? Love is expressed. I once had a bracelet that said, "The love in your heart wasn't put there to stay. Love isn't love until you give it away." Love is a verb, an action word. Don't tell me that you love me, and then leave me guessing because of the way you treat me. God demonstrated his love. Romans 5:6-7 says, "Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him."(Message).
There are scriptures that say, God did things before the foundation of the world. He is never caught off guard! He knows what you will need, long before you need it! When Abraham called God, Jehovah Jireh, he was saying God is the God that sees and provides even before there is a need. In Mark 4:35, Jesus boarded a ship headed for the other side of the lake. We know the story very well. A storm arose. The disciples were fearful and accused Jesus of not caring about them, not loving them enough to save them. Jesus rebuked the wind, and commanded the water to be peaceful. Did you know that Jesus was on a mission? He wasn't just crossing the lake because he loved to sail on moonlit evenings! His entire life was focused on doing what his Father told him to do. In John 5:30, he said, "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."(KJV). Jesus was sent by God across the lake. What was he going to the other side to do? So glad you asked! In Genesis 49 Jacob called his son's together to bless them before he died. In verse 19, he blessed his son Gad, "Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last."(KJV). When Jesus got to the other side of the lake, the Bible says, he landed in the country of the Gadarenes. The Gadarenes were the descendants of Gad. Immediately, one person in particular ran out to meet Jesus.
Mark 5:1-9 says, "Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.”(KJV). Jesus crossed the lake to fulfill a prophecy, a blessing spoken by God through Jacob hundreds of years earlier. A legion is 2000 soldiers or more. This man was overcome by a "troop" of demons, but Jesus came to rescue him. You know the rest of the story, and if you don't, read it for yourself. Jesus cast the demons out. Later that day, the man was clothed, and in his right mind. The man wanted to follow Jesus. Mark 5:19-20 says, "However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled."(KJV).
God loved this man so much that he instructed Jesus to make a special trip to his home town. He loved Jacob enough that after hundreds of years, he made sure the prophecy was fulfilled. God loves you as well! He has great plans for your life! He has an inheritance and a Blessing that can change your life! His Blessing empowers you to succeed. With His Blessing there is nothing you will ever face that you cannot overcome! The demon possessed man was delivered and went out preaching in the ten cities in the region. No doubt the stories about his past were well known. The people had a living, breathing example of what the power of God could do in the life of a believer. That's what God wants to do in your life! He wants the world to know that NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE! He loves you with an everlasting love. Whether you have a valentine or not, nothing can compare to the love God has demonstrated to you. Believe it. Receive it.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Wounded Soul
Happy Sunday!
Have you ever heard this scripture? "If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand."(Mark 3:25 NASB). Sure, you have! Businesses even use this biblical principle in team building. But have you ever associated this scripture with the following scripture? "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself."(1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT). Our physical body is a house for our spirit and the Holy Spirit. We are tripartite beings. We are spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a physical body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."(KJV). OK, I know what you are thinking. Where are you going with this? So glad you asked.
For years now, I have been examining my life in the light of the Word of God. The Word says in 3 John 2, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."(KJV). Then I look at my life and see areas that are not prospering. I want to know what's wrong. I want to know what's missing. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life."(ERV). The word "thoughts" in this translation is "heart" in other translations. In this context it is speaking of the soul. So my soul which is made up of my mind, my will, and my emotions can control my life. If my soul doesn't prosper, then my life will not prosper. I don't know about you, but I don't believe I was born to just struggle, and die. I want everything that God prepared, and Jesus paid for me to have.
What can keep my soul from prospering? Great question! One of the biggest things that can keep our soul from prospering is unforgiveness! Mark 11:26 says, "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."(KJV). I know what you are thinking. Cynthia, you don't know what they did to me! You don't know how they treated me! You don't know how bad they hurt me! You are right! I don't know everything that happened. But I know based on the Word, a wounded soul can hinder your prosperity. Proverbs 18:14 says, "The human spirit can endure a long illness, but who can survive a crushed spirit?"(Voice). Unforgiveness is SIN, and sin can cause your soul to be wounded. Forgiving is so important, Jesus said, "“So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and suddenly remember that a friend has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar and go and apologize and be reconciled to him, and then come and offer your sacrifice to God."(Living Bible). We all love Mark 11:24, but have you ever read the next scripture? Mark 11:24 and 25 say, "Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you have it; it’s yours! BUT when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too."(Living Bible). Did you see that? Blessings and forgiveness go hand in hand!
Alright, so you say you have forgiven everyone that hurt you! So why do you feel "some type of way" when you see them or hear their name? Could it be a wounded soul? God can heal you and fix that! Psalm 23:3 says, "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."(KJV). You know I enjoy renovation shows. The word restore means to bring back, or return to it's original condition. Why would the psalmist need his soul restored? He later speaks of enemies, undoubtedly his soul had been wounded and it needed to be restored.
Don't let the devil trick you out of the Blessing! Examine yourself. Repent for any unforgiveness. Apologize, and reconcile. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says, "The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you."(Message).
Love, prayers, and forgiveness...Cynthia
Have you ever heard this scripture? "If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand."(Mark 3:25 NASB). Sure, you have! Businesses even use this biblical principle in team building. But have you ever associated this scripture with the following scripture? "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself."(1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT). Our physical body is a house for our spirit and the Holy Spirit. We are tripartite beings. We are spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a physical body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."(KJV). OK, I know what you are thinking. Where are you going with this? So glad you asked.
For years now, I have been examining my life in the light of the Word of God. The Word says in 3 John 2, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."(KJV). Then I look at my life and see areas that are not prospering. I want to know what's wrong. I want to know what's missing. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life."(ERV). The word "thoughts" in this translation is "heart" in other translations. In this context it is speaking of the soul. So my soul which is made up of my mind, my will, and my emotions can control my life. If my soul doesn't prosper, then my life will not prosper. I don't know about you, but I don't believe I was born to just struggle, and die. I want everything that God prepared, and Jesus paid for me to have.
What can keep my soul from prospering? Great question! One of the biggest things that can keep our soul from prospering is unforgiveness! Mark 11:26 says, "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."(KJV). I know what you are thinking. Cynthia, you don't know what they did to me! You don't know how they treated me! You don't know how bad they hurt me! You are right! I don't know everything that happened. But I know based on the Word, a wounded soul can hinder your prosperity. Proverbs 18:14 says, "The human spirit can endure a long illness, but who can survive a crushed spirit?"(Voice). Unforgiveness is SIN, and sin can cause your soul to be wounded. Forgiving is so important, Jesus said, "“So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and suddenly remember that a friend has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar and go and apologize and be reconciled to him, and then come and offer your sacrifice to God."(Living Bible). We all love Mark 11:24, but have you ever read the next scripture? Mark 11:24 and 25 say, "Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you have it; it’s yours! BUT when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too."(Living Bible). Did you see that? Blessings and forgiveness go hand in hand!
Alright, so you say you have forgiven everyone that hurt you! So why do you feel "some type of way" when you see them or hear their name? Could it be a wounded soul? God can heal you and fix that! Psalm 23:3 says, "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."(KJV). You know I enjoy renovation shows. The word restore means to bring back, or return to it's original condition. Why would the psalmist need his soul restored? He later speaks of enemies, undoubtedly his soul had been wounded and it needed to be restored.
Don't let the devil trick you out of the Blessing! Examine yourself. Repent for any unforgiveness. Apologize, and reconcile. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says, "The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you."(Message).
Love, prayers, and forgiveness...Cynthia
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Has God Offended You?
Has God Offended You? - by Barry Bennett
And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me. (Luke 7:21)
As we preach and teach the wonderful truths of God’s grace and love, there are those whose current circumstances do not reflect the message that is being shared. For some, the blessings of the gospel seem far away and out of reach. As they compare their lives to the truths being taught frustration and bitterness can take root. “If God loves me, why won’t He….fill in the blank.”
The disciples experienced such a moment on their journey with Jesus across a lake. Where could there be a safer place on the face of the earth than sitting in a boat with Jesus? And yet, the storm threatened the boat and their very lives while Jesus slept. “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38) Though this took place over the course of minutes, it can be reflective of the lives of some believers. “God, don’t you care that I’m sick?” “Don’t you care that I can’t pay my bills?” “Don’t you care that my marriage is falling apart?”
This kind of thinking reflects a serious misunderstanding. Because of wrong thinking, the believer becomes offended at God. “If you are love, you shouldn’t let this happen.” That offense turns to complaining, a critical spirit, cynicism and finally, unbelief.
Wrong thinking leads to wrong believing. Jesus made this clear when after having rebuked the wind and the waves, said: “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” The problem was in the hearts of the disciples, not in the character of God.
Paul and Silas found themselves in prison for preaching the gospel. They could have been bitter, blaming each other for this indignity and suffering. They could have been complaining. They could have been offended at God for permitting their arrest. They could have said, “God, don’t you care that we are perishing?” But what they did was praise Him. “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God.” Rather than be offended, they chose to praise in the midst of the storm. Their faith rose above their feelings. “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.” Praise God! Their attitude of faith and praise released God’s provision.
If God delivered you instantly from whatever thing you are suffering right now, would you then sing His praises? Would offense and cynicism turn to thanksgiving? Well, what if you tried praise and thanksgiving in the midst of the storm? Rather than being offended, exercise your faith! God is not the problem. He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. God has given you the authority and the grace to change your circumstances. Even if you are in ‘prison,’ choose to praise Him. Praise will release the power of God. Offense never will.
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. (1 John 3:21).
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Believe In The Blessing
Happy Sunday!
Life is far too complicated to handle it without Faith! Watching the daily news can bring you down to depression. Constantly hearing about rape, murder, plunder, racism, and all types of criminal activity will drain the hope right out of you. Even scrolling through the news feed on social media can be overwhelming! That's what the enemy wants. He promotes and encourages individuals that do wrong, then plasters their faces on every available network. It can cause us to feel hopeless and helpless. But GOD is never without a solution! He never intended for us to handle the weight and pressure of life on our own! Science has even proven that stress, fear, and worry have negative affects on our physical bodies. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. - (Voice)".
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Believe In The Blessing". You are entitled to the inheritance. But just being entitled to it does not mean you will automatically enjoy it or receive it. In order to lay hold on the promises of God we must have Faith. Sounds simple enough. Romans 1:17 says, "God’s approval is revealed in this Good News. This approval begins and ends with faith as Scripture says, “The person who has God’s approval will live by faith.” - (God's Word Translation)". Did you see that? Those justified by God shall live by Faith. Aren't we ALL living? If we don't live by Faith, what are we living by? Good question! If we aren't living by Faith, Jesus said we are..."faithless and perverse" - Luke 9:41(NKJV). OUCH! Perverse? The definition of perverse is showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 describes some of the behaviors that can keep us from receiving our inheritance, "Don’t you know that wicked people won’t INHERIT God’s kingdom? Stop deceiving yourselves! People who continue to commit sexual sins, who worship false gods, those who commit adultery, homosexuals, or thieves, those who are greedy or drunk, who use abusive language, or who rob people will NOT inherit God’s kingdom - (God's Word Translation)".
Thankfully, and prayerfully you are not included in the description of perversion or the acts that it involves! That clears the path for you to get everything God has in store for you. Galatians 3:14 says, "This is what God had in mind all along: the BLESSING He gave to Abraham might extend to all nations through the Anointed One, Jesus; and we are the beneficiaries of this promise of the Spirit that comes only through Faith. - (Voice)". So what was the Blessing of Abraham? Genesis 12:2-3 tells us exactly what the Blessing of Abraham is. It says, "And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]. - (Amplified)". That's a wonderful Blessing! Now just in case you are tempted to take this verse lightly, think about this...the three major religions in the world recognize Abraham as their father! Christians, Jews, and Muslims all respect and honor Abraham.
OK, we can move forward now! We believe the Blessing is real! We believe that we are eligible to receive the Blessing because of what Jesus did. Now, how can we get the Blessing to working in our lives? FAITH! Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. - (Voice)". How do we get more Faith? Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - (KJV)". Another translation says it like this, "The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to. - (Message)".
Listening to the Word, Love and Prayers, Cynthia
Life is far too complicated to handle it without Faith! Watching the daily news can bring you down to depression. Constantly hearing about rape, murder, plunder, racism, and all types of criminal activity will drain the hope right out of you. Even scrolling through the news feed on social media can be overwhelming! That's what the enemy wants. He promotes and encourages individuals that do wrong, then plasters their faces on every available network. It can cause us to feel hopeless and helpless. But GOD is never without a solution! He never intended for us to handle the weight and pressure of life on our own! Science has even proven that stress, fear, and worry have negative affects on our physical bodies. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. - (Voice)".
Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "Receiving Your Inheritance" with the subtitle, "Believe In The Blessing". You are entitled to the inheritance. But just being entitled to it does not mean you will automatically enjoy it or receive it. In order to lay hold on the promises of God we must have Faith. Sounds simple enough. Romans 1:17 says, "God’s approval is revealed in this Good News. This approval begins and ends with faith as Scripture says, “The person who has God’s approval will live by faith.” - (God's Word Translation)". Did you see that? Those justified by God shall live by Faith. Aren't we ALL living? If we don't live by Faith, what are we living by? Good question! If we aren't living by Faith, Jesus said we are..."faithless and perverse" - Luke 9:41(NKJV). OUCH! Perverse? The definition of perverse is showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 describes some of the behaviors that can keep us from receiving our inheritance, "Don’t you know that wicked people won’t INHERIT God’s kingdom? Stop deceiving yourselves! People who continue to commit sexual sins, who worship false gods, those who commit adultery, homosexuals, or thieves, those who are greedy or drunk, who use abusive language, or who rob people will NOT inherit God’s kingdom - (God's Word Translation)".
Thankfully, and prayerfully you are not included in the description of perversion or the acts that it involves! That clears the path for you to get everything God has in store for you. Galatians 3:14 says, "This is what God had in mind all along: the BLESSING He gave to Abraham might extend to all nations through the Anointed One, Jesus; and we are the beneficiaries of this promise of the Spirit that comes only through Faith. - (Voice)". So what was the Blessing of Abraham? Genesis 12:2-3 tells us exactly what the Blessing of Abraham is. It says, "And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]. - (Amplified)". That's a wonderful Blessing! Now just in case you are tempted to take this verse lightly, think about this...the three major religions in the world recognize Abraham as their father! Christians, Jews, and Muslims all respect and honor Abraham.
OK, we can move forward now! We believe the Blessing is real! We believe that we are eligible to receive the Blessing because of what Jesus did. Now, how can we get the Blessing to working in our lives? FAITH! Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. - (Voice)". How do we get more Faith? Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - (KJV)". Another translation says it like this, "The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to. - (Message)".
Listening to the Word, Love and Prayers, Cynthia
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Hear and be Healed
Hear and be Healed - By Barry Bennett
Why does a young woman die from brain damage after having a successful surgery to remove a tumor? Why does a husband and father have to die so young leaving his wife to be a widowed mother of three at age 40? Why do children suffer and die from cancer?
Questions like these are asked by Christians around the world as they struggle with the tragedy of the death of loved ones long before their time. Sadly, in many churches these believers are instructed to trust in the sovereignty of God and accept the fact that He was in control of these events.
Could this possibly be true? In many of these same churches the doctrine of healing is not taught and sometimes even attacked as false. Even while precious saints are suffering and dying in their churches, they offer no answers and disparage those who believe that it is God’s will to heal.
I was once asked by a pastor to explain that if I believed in healing and that God wanted to heal all, why didn’t I go to the local hospital and empty it? He failed to understand that the same question could be asked about salvation. Is God willing that any should perish? No. Then why won’t that pastor go to the same hospital and get everyone saved? Most of us know that people must hear the Good News and believe in order to be saved. We can’t make people come to salvation, but we can preach the Gospel to them. In a similar way, we cannot make people receive healing but we can certainly share the promise of God with them and give them a chance to believe.
Great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. (Luke 5:15)
God is not participating in the untimely deaths of anyone, nor does He determine who is saved and who is lost. God has given us the Gospel of His power (Rom. 1:17) that brings salvation (both spiritual and physical) to all who believe. The choice is ours. Power and authority over sickness has been invested in the church. Let’s quit wallowing in unbelief and preach the Truth so that men may be saved and healed.
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