James 1:2-18 (Message Translation)

Happy Sunday!

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

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.

When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s a picture of the “prosperous life.” At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.

Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.

So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures. - James 1:2-18 (Message Translation)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Keep Your Eyes On Me

Happy Sunday!
I almost didn't make it to church today.  I watched Sunday Morning on CBS, then watched Apostle Fred Price on TBN, and then while flipping channels I saw an interesting documentary on PBS about Reggae.  I will have to add, "Going to SumFest in Jamaica" to my bucket list! So much fun on Sunday morning!

Anyway, I got ready at the last minute and drove to church. 

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "Keep Your Eyes On Me".  He used Psalm 118:22 as his reference scripture.

"The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone! - (Message Translation)
"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. - (King James Version)
"The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. - (New Living Translation)
This scripture is prophetic!  It describes the life of Jesus past, present, and future.  He was born in a barn, laid in a manger.  His birth would be fodder for the tabloids, and he was raised in Nazareth.  You remember Nazareth..."Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, “We’ve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It’s Jesus, Joseph’s son, the one from Nazareth!” Nathanael said, “Nazareth? You’ve got to be kidding.” But Philip said, “Come, see for yourself.” - John 1:46 (Message Translation)

When they sized Jesus up, he didn't fit the mold!  Some Jewish people are still looking for another Messiah.  Maybe you can understand.  Perhaps, you are from a city like Nazareth.  Perhaps, your birth was unplanned, or unheralded.  Perhaps, those staffing that management position don't feel you are the right fit!  But just like Jesus, you are that stone that was discarded, refused, and rejected. But something amazing happens!  That same stone that a group of the builders, carpenters, and masons rejected becomes the cornerstone!

I probably wouldn't have made it to church at all if "This Old House" had come on PBS after the Reggae documentary.  I love that show.  I miss Bob Villa, but that's water under the bridge. LOL!  But watching "This Old House" I have learned so much about building and foundations.  The cornerstone is important because all the other stones are placed in reference to it! (Wikipedia)  A strong foundation is important to any building and even a patio has to be built on a sound foundation for years of enjoyment.

The World says you need an education, money, good credit, friends in high places, and good looks.  All those things are good and beneficial.  But just in case you don't measure up to the World's standards, if you have Jesus you have enough!  The songwriter wrote, "My Hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Blood and Righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus Name.  On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." (Mote & Bradbury)

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas said, and I quote..."Rejection is Direction".  Don't worry about those who rejected you!  Don't worry about those who said you wouldn't make it!  Don't worry about that position, that relationship, or that opportunity.  God has a way of using the things that the world considers useless.  He knows you, He loves you, and he has great plans for you..."I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." - Jeremiah 29:11 (Message Translation)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Our God Is Awesome

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas has been on sabbatical for the last month.  Worship was exuberant today!  I know I was happy that he was back!  He came into the sanctuary just as the choir was singing, "Our God Is Awesome".  He didn't preach, but he encouraged the congregation.  It's amazing how simply reciting the Word of God can lift the congregation.

He encouraged us to be proactive during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  He noted that generally African-Americans have a lower life expectancy after diagnosis.  The Office of Minority Health a division of the U.S. Department of Health And Human Services says,  "African Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group for all cancers combined and for most major cancers. Death rates for all major causes of death are higher for African Americans than for whites, contributing in part to a lower life expectancy for both African American men and African American women."

(http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=2826)  

 

There are so many reasons, factors, and theories to consider, but as Christians we believe that with GOD nothing is impossible. (Luke 1:37) We have to educate ourselves and remember even the Word says, " You will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH you know, will make you FREE" - John 8:32 (Cynthia Translation) :)

 

Bishop asked all the cancer survivors to come forward.  He allowed them to introduce themselves and give their testimonies.  He also encouraged them to say, "I am Healed!"  It was encouraging to hear the positive reports and to realize that some of the members we sit by every Sunday have been currently facing the challenge of cancer. 

 

One of the scriptures Bishop quoted was Isaiah 40:31.  You probably know it by heart!  That's the awesome benefit of "hiding" the Word in our hearts.  This scripture always encourages me.  I hope it encourages you.  I really enjoy the Message Translation.

 

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
    or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
    He doesn’t care what happens to me”?

Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?

God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
    He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
    And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired,
    gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t lag behind.

 

Praying for you! Asking GOD to bless you, yes YOU...Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically, and Financially!  Asking GOD to heal your physical body and give you wisdom and courage to thrive!

 

Love and Prayers, Cynthia

Let each moment come

Happy Sunday!

Let each moment come

Allow time to pass and as it does, make good use of it.
Allow life to unfold and as it does, treasure the richness of each moment.
Accept and be thankful for what has been, and for what is now.
Fully and lovingly utilize the opportunity of this day you now have.

When the wind is at your back, use the occasion to make rapid progress.
When the wind is in your face, take the opportunity to grow stronger.

Learn from those who share your opinions.
And learn even more from those who disagree with you.

Embrace life as it comes to you.
In the grand occasions and in the small moments, delight in the beauty and live the possibilities.

Let each moment come in a steady, empowering procession.
And add your special joy to every one.

— Ralph Marston

Love and prayers, Cynthia

P.S. - Traveling this weekend, but always thinking of you and praying for you. Have a great week.

When God is With You

Happy Sunday!

Our guest speaker today was Overseer Ivry Johnson from Gilead Full Gospel Baptist Church in Nassau, Bahamas.  He used Judges 6:1-40 as his scripture reference and "When God is With You" as his subject.

"Yet again the People of Israel went back to doing evil in God’s sight. God put them under the domination of Midian for seven years. Midian overpowered Israel. Because of Midian, the People of Israel made for themselves hideouts in the mountains—caves and forts. When Israel planted its crops, Midian and Amalek, the easterners, would invade them, camp in their fields, and destroy their crops all the way down to Gaza. They left nothing for them to live on, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. Bringing their cattle and tents, they came in and took over, like an invasion of locusts. And their camels—past counting! They marched in and devastated the country. The People of Israel, reduced to grinding poverty by Midian, cried out to God for help." - Judges 6:1-6 (Message Translation)

God doesn't let sins go unpunished, but he is always listening for our cry.  Psalms 86:5 says, "O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help."

"The Messenger of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, brave man."  Gideon responded, “Excuse me, sir! But if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracles our ancestors have told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and has handed us over to Midian." The Lord turned to him and said, “You will rescue Israel from Midian with the strength you have. I am sending you.” Gideon said to him, “Excuse me, sir! How can I rescue Israel? Look at my whole family. It’s the weakest one in Manasseh. And me? I’m the least important member of my family.” The Lord replied, “I will be with you. You will defeat Midian as if it were only one man.” Judges 6:11-16 (God's Word Translation)

It only takes a moment for things to turn around.  Even when your situation looks hopeless, anything is possible.  Gideon was living in fear and insecurity, but the messenger called him a "Brave Man".   God does that all the time...Romans 4:17 says, "We call Abraham “father” not because he got God’s attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody." (Message Translation)

When God is with you, things may not always be perfect.  We all have ups and downs in life. God doesn't promise sunshine without rain.  But when you call on him, he will answer.  "Happy is the man who can endure the highest and lowest fortune.  He who has endured such vicissitudes with equanimity has deprived misfortune of its power. " ~Seneca
Read the rest of the story, Gideon had some issues but God used him to bring the people out of bondage.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

P.S. -  "Like a plant that starts up in showers and sunshine and does not know which has best helped it to grow, it is difficult to say whether the hard things or the pleasant things did me the most good."  ~Lucy Larcom

Do what GOD told you!

Happy Sunday!

I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day.

And I don't borrow from its sunshine,

For its skies may turn to gray.
And I don't worry about my future,

For I know what Jesus said,

And today He walks beside me

For He knows what lies ahead
Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand

But I, I know, I know, I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds, who holds my hand - Ira Stanphill

I heard this song on the way to church this morning.  Of course, I was in tears.  I'm a cry baby anyway.

It's comforting and refreshing to know that God cares for us and he has our lives in his hand.  There is so much happening right now in our lives and in our world.  Uprisings, violent attacks, political campaigns, and I-Phone 5's.  If we aren't cautious we can become overwhelmed.

That's probably why the Word says, "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." - Philippians 4:6 (Message Translation)

One of our Associate Ministers preached today, she used 2 Kings 4:1-44.  This passage is full of life applications.  A certain woman comes to the prophet with a problem.  Her husband has died and left her with massive debt.  The creditors are coming to take her sons away to be slaves.  The prophet asks her, "What do you have in your house?"  What a great question to ask today?  What do you have in your house?  Do you realize God has given you everything you need to suceed?  It's in your house!  It's in the unique person he created you to be.  Acts 10:34 says, “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open." (Message Translation)

All the woman had was a container of oil, the prophet gave her these instructions.  "Here’s what you do,” said Elisha. “Go up and down the street and borrow jugs and bowls from all your neighbors.  And not just a few—all you can get. Then come home and lock the door behind you, you and your sons. Pour oil into each container; when each is full, set it aside.  She did what he said. She locked the door behind her and her sons; as they brought the containers to her, she filled them. When all the jugs and bowls were full, she said to one of her sons, “Another jug, please.  He said, “That’s it. There are no more jugs.” Then the oil stopped. (Message Translation)  The woman was able to sell the oil, pay her debts, and live off the rest. 

What can we get from this?  Glad you asked.  Do what GOD told you!  No need to explain to your neighbors.  Keep the process secret, lock the door to naysayers, critics, and haters!  There will be plenty of time for testimonies when God brings you out!  Don't think small!  The prophet instructed her to get lots of pots or vessels.  Do you realize that she determined the size of her blessing by the number of vessels she was willing to collect?  We quote it all the time..."exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think".  Exceeding means to surpass others; excel or be superior.  Abundantly means plentiful, profuse, and numerous. 
Selah.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Ugly Favor

Happy Monday!

My apologies for missing out on Happy Sunday!  Hope this e-mail finds you well.

Bishop David C. Cooper from New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico was our guest speaker for Men's Day.
He preached, "Ugly Favor", using Genesis 29:1-35 as his scripture reference.

I'm sure you remember the story of Leah and Rachel.  The Bible says, Leah was tender-eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well favored. (vs. 16)  Jacob loved Rachel and hated Leah.  When God saw that Leah was hated, he "opened her womb". (vs. 31)

It's important to understand the culture of the time.  Child-bearing was expected, required, and considered a womans' contribution to society.

Think about Sarah, Hannah, and The Shunammite Woman.  Even though they were loved, respected, and provided for they lacked that one thing...a child.

Leah was the older sister.  She was expected to marry first.  Her father must have felt that her disability would keep her from ever marrying, so he devised a plan to trick Jacob.  Now, don't start feeling sorry for Jacob!  Remember he and his mother plotted to get his brother's birthright.  Galatians 6:7 says, "Don't be misled; No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest". (Message Translation)  If you know anything about planting and harvesting, you know that you can plant a few seeds and get giant plant with thousands of seeds.  Let's remember to plant good seeds!

So poor Leah is unloved, and disrespected.  But GOD!  God saw that she was hated!  God sees everything.  He sees you on the job, he knows that promotion was really yours.  He sees you at home, he knows that you need more money or less month.  He sees your dreams, desires, and unspoken requests!  He sees the "Haters", plotting, and planning.  He knows, and he can be trusted!  Psalm 37:4 says, "Be happy with the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart!" (God's Word Translation)  So God favored Leah and blessed her with children.  In our modern day thinking, it would be like getting your education for free, the best job you could ever imagine, and that perfect significant other all in one day!
"God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart."  (1 Samuel 16:7)

So what can we take from this? Glad you asked. "Your disadvantage never hinders your destination." - Bishop David C. Cooper.  Even if you are being mistreated, overlooked, and neglected...hang on in there!  Galatians 6:9 says, "So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit".   God is faithful.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take". Proverbs 3:5-6 (New Living Translation)

Have an awesome week!  Love and prayers, Cynthia