People to Avoid

Happy Sunday!

It’s been a full week!  We experienced the annual “Fresh Rain” Conference at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona.   Pastor Kerwin Lee from Stone Mountain, Georgia, Bishop Michael Pitts from Toledo, Ohio, and Dr. John Gunns from Jacksonville, Florida were the guest speakers. They were all awesome!  I would like to share the message by Pastor Kerwin Lee preached on Thursday night.  The title of the message was, “The People You Should Avoid!”  He used Matthew 20:1-13.

Before I tell who the people are that you should avoid, let me tell you a little about the story.  The Kingdom has an owner, that’s GOD.  The Kingdom has an origin, that’s Heaven.  The Kingdom has ordinances, that’s laws included in the Word of God.  The Kingdom has offspring, that’s you and I.  And the Kingdom has an opponent, that’s Satan.

The people you should AVOID are;

Avoid people who are full of conclusions- In verse 10, the workers hired at 6am assumed that they would received more than the penny they agreed to in verse 2.  Avoid people who make assumptions.  Research the issue for yourself!  Ask questions, be proactive, Google it if necessary. 

Avoid people who are full of complaints- In verse 11, the workers hired at 6am complained.  Avoid people who always complain!  Complaining is contagious.  Do you remember what happened to the Israelites in the wilderness?  They complained.  Then they wandered in the wilderness until all the complainers died! 

Avoid people who are full of competition- In verse 12(a), the workers hired at 6am complained that they should have been paid more because they endured the “scorching heat”.  Avoid people who thrive on negative competition. 

Avoid people who are full of conceit – In verse 12(b), the workers hired at 6am were conceited.  They felt that they weren’t equal to the other workers.  They were incensed that they would be treated the same as the other workers.  Avoid conceited people.  The Word compares us to dust and tiny bubbles on the water.  We can be here today and gone today.  If we have anything to proud of it all because of the GRACE of God!

Avoid people who are full of comparison – In verse 12(c), the workers hired at 6am compared themselves to the other workers.  Never compare yourself to others!  There will always be someone who is different, smarter, shorter, taller, slimmer, fuller, younger, older, more educated, or less educated.  Don’t compare yourself to others, compare yourself to Jesus.  He was the ultimate example!  If you compare yourself to him you will always have a higher goal to reach.

Now you know what type of people to avoid!  Have a wonderful week!

Love and prayers, Cynthia 

How to Bless My Family

Happy Sunday! Hope you had a wonderful week!  Last Sunday was Men’s Day at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.  The guest speaker was Bishop David Cooper from New Hope Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.   His topic was, “How to Bless My Family”.  From the very beginning, God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.”  Genesis 1:28 (New Living Translation)  God intended for man and woman to be a blessing.  He still expects us to be a blessing, especially to our families. HOW TO BLESS MY FAMILY... KISS – Affection - Bishop Cooper used Genesis 27:26-29 as his text,  these excerpts are from the Message Translation.  Then Isaac said, "Come close, son, and kiss me."   We need to show our children appropriate physical affection.  Sadly, whippings do not count as affection even if it does hurt you more than it hurts your child. LOL!  Studies have shown that children raised in orphanages who were not regularly touched as infants or who suffered prolonged periods of time without any human contact failed to thrive. Infants who were not soothed and nurtured by touch did not physically grow and developed severe social problems. (http://www.suite101.com/content/newborns-need-touch-a70941) SMELL – Destiny -  "He came close and kissed him and Isaac smelled the smell of his clothes."  Isaac recognize who Esau was, he didn't ask him to stay inside.  He allowed Esau to enjoy his vocation.  Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  The literal translation means train the child in the way he or she is "bent".  Watch the child, acknowledge their likes and dislikes, recognize what they are capable of doing, encourage them to be what God designed them to be.  Every child will not be a doctor or a lawyer, but motivate your child to be the best that they can be!  INTERCEDE – Pray - "May God give you of Heaven's dew and Earth's bounty of grain and wine. May peoples serve you and nations honor you."  NO PRAYER, NO POWER!  Prayer is essential for our daily lives and especially the lives of our children and family.  It has been said, if you believe prayer works you will pray.  Matthew 21:22, "You will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, if you believe." PROPHESY -  Speak positive words - "You will master your brothers, and your mother's sons will honor you.  Those who curse you will be cursed, those who bless you will be blessed."   Romans 4:17 (King James Version) says that God calleth those things which be not as though they were.  We have to follow God's example.  Even if Pookey and Ray Ray are living in sin, doing everything but the right thing, we still have to speak what can be.  In the Jewish tradition blessing your children is very important.  One of the most moving Shabbat traditions is the blessing over the children given on Friday night. This tradition gently reminds parents to express their love for their children out loud and gives children a feeling of warmth that they can carry with them throughout their lives.  (http://judaism.about.com)     We all laughed when the Bishop Cooper talked about how we sometimes are willing to help other people before we help our own family members.  He used the example of us rushing down the street to help the neighborhood drug addicts, while tripping over the drug addicts in our own family.  He reminded us that this is not the way it should be.  We are responsible to bless our family.  Bless your family this week.  Kiss them, smell them, pray for them, and prophesy over them!  Love Cynthia

Let God Out of the Church!

Happy Sunday! I hope you had a wonderful week.  My week was full.  So full that I forgot what Bishop Thomas preached about last Sunday.  That's so sad.  I'm one the most animated members.  I'm screaming, "Amen!" and standing up in response to the good Word being preached.  But within the week I forgot what I heard!
 The Apostle James wrote about that problem, "Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like"  James 1:22-24(Message Translation).   Maybe I'm the only one.  But I doubt it.  There is a good reason athletes and entertainers practice.  They practice to keep the plays, the moves, the music, and their lines fresh and in their minds.  Don't worry, I took good notes, so I can tell you what Bishop preached.  How I long for the day when I can remember it without looking at my notes.
 The subject of last week's sermon was, "Let God Out of the Church!"  Yes, in Sunday School as children, we learned that God has the whole world in his hands.  But for some reason we seem to treat God as if he only belongs in the church.  We get dressed up, drive to church, enjoy the service, then leave God in the church building.  Bishop encouraged us to let God out of the church.  How do we let God out of the church?
 Make sure you are in the right church!  Do you feel the presence of God in your church?  The deacons in the old church sang a song that said, "I wouldn't have a religion, that I couldn't feel sometimes".  No, it's not ALL about feelings, but you should at least feel that the three hours you spent in church was beneficial and edifying! Not to mention the two hours it took to get all dolled up to go.  Is the unadulterated WORD being preached?  Do you understand the WORD that is being preached?  One of my favorite preachers likes to use big words.  Sometimes I have get the dictionary and look those words up.  That's ok for me.  But if that's not your thing, make sure you find a preacher that you can understand.  Are you growing and changing?  Are you?  Churches are like soil.  Put a little dry shriveled up Christian in some good soil and you should see some growth.
 Worship God daily!  Bishop said and I quote..."The YOU you see in worship should be the YOU you see everywhere!"  We have confused the world with our lifestyles.  People are looking for "REAL" worshipers.  Why do you think our nation and the world is so addicted to reality television shows?  People want to see the real person.  We are nosy by nature!  LOL!  We want to know what makes you tick. 

Matthew 5:16 (New Living Translation)

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
 Let God out of the church this week, OK?  Have a wonderful week!  Love Cynthia
 

The Right Perspective On Work

Happy Sunday! Last Sunday, Bishop preached about work.  His subject was "The Right Perspective On Work" and he used Colossians 3:22-24 as his scripture reference. 
 Colossians 3:22-24 (The Message)  Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

 If you are blessed to be employed during this current economic season, you are truly fortunate!  If you are retired, self-employed, or independently wealthy rejoice!  If you are unemployed, don't worry God has not forgotten you!  Even before Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, Adam was commanded to work.  For thousands of years, men and women have worked.  Not being able to find work caused thousands of people to brave the unknown and travel North from the deep south, and West from the East Coast.  There is dignity in work.  There is Worship in good work!
 The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Colossae.  He took time to encourage them to be good workers.  He wanted them to know that freedom in Christ was not a license to sin or be a slacker.  He encouraged them and it should encourage us to be the best employees.
 We are being watched!  maybe not by the FBI or the CIA, but people are watching you!  And if you have revealed that you are a Believer, they are probably watching your every move.  They want to see if there is anything special about you.  They want to know if this JESUS stuff is really real?  Even if you dislike you current position you still must glorify God in your work.  Be the best worker as you search for other employment.  Be the best worker as you further your education.  Be the best worker as you represent Christ.

 Have a great work week!  Love, Cynthia
 

Sermons We See

Edgar Guest

I'd rather see a sermon
than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.

The eye's a better pupil
and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
but example's always clear;

And the best of all the preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it
if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action,
but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lecture you deliver
may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons
by observing what you do;

For I might misunderstand you
and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding
how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness,
I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles
and a strong man stays behind

Just to see if he can help him,
then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful
as I know that friend to be.

And all travelers can witness
that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them,
but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many,
men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed
is worth forty that are told.

Who stands with men of honor
learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language
which to every one is clear.

Though an able speaker charms me
with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon
than to hear one, any day.

Focus on the Finish!

Happy Sunday!  Happy Labor Day Weekend!  Hope you are enjoying yourself! Last week Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Focus on the Finish!"  It was a word in due season.  I've been feasting on it all week.
 He wanted to dispell some misconceptions and misinformation we may have received during this journey.  Do you remember that song, "Every Day With Jesus"?  The song says, every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.  Yes, there is some awesome truth in the song.  But we may have believed that in order for every day to be sweeter things had to be getting better.  NOT!  This life is full of contradicitons.  Even popular culture picked up on it.  Smokey Robinson sang a song, "I Don't Like You, But I Love You".  Is it possible to love someone or something and dislike that person or thing at the same time?  Yes, it is!
 Bishop wanted us to realize that life is hard, but God is good.  We must FACE, CONFRONT, and CONQUER!  Bishop used Hebrews 12:1-2.
  ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
 The writer of Hebrews uses an example from track and field.  He wanted us to invision all the heros of faith in the stands watching us compete.  Think about it!  When you face the loss of a job, the loss of a home, the loss of a loved one JOB is in the stands, cheering you on!  He's yelling at the top of his lungs hoping you will hear him.  He wants you to know that God brought him through it all and he came out with more than he had before. Job 42:12, God blessed Job's later life even more than his earlier life.
 When your family mistreats you and doesn't understand what you've been called to do, JOSEPH is in the stands cheering you on.  He wants you to know that even though his brothers sold him into slavery, Potifer's wife lied on him, and he went to prison, God brought him out on top.  Genesis 50:20 (New Century Version) You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done. 
 When you feel like you've been thrown in a lion's den.  Remember that Daniel is there cheering you on.  He wants you to know that you can rest and trust God to protect you in any situation.  Isaiah 54:17 (Message Translation) No weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what God's servants can expect.  I'll see to it that everything works out for the best."
 In my sanctified imagination, I invision some other people in the stands cheering us on!  There are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, god-parents, husbands and wives, soldiers and teachers.  Millions of people who have experienced life, lived it with Faith and were successful in this race.
 They know that you can make it!  So do I!

 Focus on the Finish!  Have a wonderful week!  Love, Cynthia

It's Time to Snap Out of It!

 Happy Sunday!

I want to take this time to apologize for the break in my "Happy Sunday! messages.  I had computer problems.  I hope to have them permanently resolved soon!  I was so sad about missing even one Sunday.  I was trying to complete the whole year without missing one Sunday!  Oh well, I will try again.  Thanks to everyone that let me know how they missed the messages.

I haven't missed any church services though, and Bishop has been preaching excellent messages as usual.

Last week he preached,  "It's Time to Snap Out of It!"  He used 2 Kings 7:3-11 as his text.  I love that story!

2 Kings 7:3-11 (New Living Translation)   
 ³ Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates.  “Why should we sit here waiting to die?” they asked each other. ⁴ “We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army. If they let us live, so much the better. But if they kill us, we would have died anyway.”    ⁵ So at twilight they set out for the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! ⁶ For the Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the clatter of speeding chariots and the galloping of horses and the sounds of a great army approaching. “The king of Israel has hired the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us!” they cried to one another. ⁷ So they panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives.  ⁸ When the lepers arrived at the edge of the camp, they went into one tent after another, eating and drinking wine; and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and hid it. ⁹ Finally, they said to each other, “This is not right. This is a day of good news, and we aren’t sharing it with anyone! If we wait until morning, some calamity will certainly fall upon us. Come on, let’s go back and tell the people at the palace.”   ¹⁰ So they went back to the city and told the gatekeepers what had happened. “We went out to the Aramean camp,” they said, “and no one was there! The horses and donkeys were tethered and the tents were all in order, but there wasn’t a single person around!” ¹¹ Then the gatekeepers shouted the news to the people in the palace.

Bishop encouraged us to "SNAP OUT OF IT!"  You know what your "IT" is.  It is that fear that keeps you from being all you can be, it is the negative things people have told you in the past, and it is anything that keeps you from moving forward.  Bishop asked us, and now I ask you..."What if there is in a better you in you?"

God wants you to be your best!  He has given you all you need to succeed.

2 Peter 1:3 (New Living Translation)

 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

You just have to decide to move!

“You are the person who has to decide. Whether you'll do it or toss it aside; You are the person who makes up your mind. Whether you'll lead or will linger behind. Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar. Or just be contented to stay where you are.”

Edgar A. Guest

Love always, have a wonderful week!  Cynthia

You are an Over-comer!

Happy Sunday!

“You are an Over-comer!”  “You are a Survivor!”   After all you've experienced in your life, you are still here!  By the Grace of God you are alive!.  Yes, life can be depressing, difficult, and disappointing.  You may suffer set-backs, reversals, and struggles.  But you must remember you are an over-comer! 

Bishop Thomas preached from Revelations 12:7-11.

Revelation 12:7-11 (New Living Translation)

 ⁷ Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. ⁸ And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. ⁹This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
 ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
   “It has come at last—
      salvation and power
   and the Kingdom of our God,
      and the authority of his Christ.
   For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
      has been thrown down to earth—
   the one who accuses them
      before our God day and night.
 ¹¹ And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
      and by their testimony.
   And they did not love their lives so much
      that they were afraid to die.

If you remember the story, the Apostle John was banished to the Island of Patmos for preaching about Jesus.  Historians believe he was forced to work in the rock quarry, but was allowed to worship one day a week.  While worshipping one day he experienced visions and wrote about what was revealed to him.  In this text he writes about a war in heaven.  Not the normal place you would expect a war to be going on.  He describes the fight and explains what caused the winners to prevail over their enemy.  These same things will help you to win in life.

Their “Covering” – The Blood of the Lamb –  In the story of Moses, the last plague visited upon Pharaoh was the death of the firstborn.  God instructed the Israelites to kill an unblemished lamb and place the lambs’ blood upon the doorposts.  When the death angel saw the blood, he wouldPassover.   The Egyptians suffered the loss of their firstborns because they did not have the blood covering.  Jesus is our sacrificial lamb and he paid the price for our protection.  

Their “Confession” - The Word of their Testimony - The Psalmist wrote, “Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so!”

Psalm 107:2 (The Message)

    Oh, thank God—he's so good! His love never runs out. 
   All of you set free by God, tell the world! 
      Tell how he freed you from oppression, 
   Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas. 

We win by letting others know what we have overcome.  Too often we don’t share our testimony with others.  We suffer and those around us suffer because we are silent.  We are afraid to let people know what we’ve been through and where we’ve come from.  But your testimony will encourage the right people to continue when they feel like giving up.  There are people who are experiencing things right now that you have already overcome.  Let God lead you. 

Their “Commitment” – The did not love their lives more than the cause of Christ – Galatians 2:20 (New King James Version)  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

I often think about our ancestors.  Maybe your ancestors came to the United States in the Nina, the Pinta, or the Santa Maria.  Maybe your ancestors were "Native" to this land.  Maybe your ancestors came through the "Middle Passage". However they arrived, they were survivors!  They endured untold horrors and uncertainty, but they survived.  They experienced the death of loved ones, separation from family and friends, loss of property and belongings.  They went hungry, they may have been financially bankrupt.  They were raped, beaten, and cheated!  But they survived, I know they did!  Because you are living proof!  You come from very good stock!  You can make it!  You are an over-comer!  You are a survivor! 

 Have a wonderful week!  Remember who you are!  Cynthia