Proximity

Happy Sunday!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I am so grateful to live in the United States of America. We have so many privileges and opportunities! God has allowed us to benefit from the sacrifices of brave men and women who fought and died for our freedom. We remember and celebrate them!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached this afternoon at South Phoenix Baptist Church. They were celebrating their Pastors 48th Year in Pastoral Ministry. Bishop preached, "The Privilege of Proximity". He used John 14:8-9 as his scripture reference.

Nothing happens by chance. God has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives. In Jeremiah Chapter 1 God told Jeremiah, "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that’s what I had in mind for you.” (Message Translation) Romans 2:11 says, "There is no favoritism with God." (Message Translation) That means he knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb too. He knew you and he has a plan for your life and well-being. Jeremiah 29:11 echoes this sentiment, "I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (Message Translation)

Since God has an ultimate plan for our lives, he connects us with individuals that can sow into or invest in our lives. Think about it! Perhaps it was your kindergarten teacher, that loved you and made you feel special. Maybe it was a coach, a Sunday School Teacher, or the lady next door. God allowed your paths to cross at the right time. My daughters and I often marvel at the fact that we live in Arizona. I never would have dreamed that I would live anywhere outside of the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. The story is too long and detailed for Happy Sunday, but due to a chain of events, we ended up here. We have been tremendously blessed! We have met some wonderful people and we have grown and matured. We are all gainfully employed and continuing our educations. We are part of a progressive church and are constantly watered with excellent WORD from our Pastor and some of the top Pastors and Evangelists in the World.

God knows what we need in order to fulfill our purpose. He blesses us to be in proximity to great men and women who can share their testimonies and wisdom with us. Bishop said, "Lessons are better borrowed than bought". We don't have to make all the mistakes, we can learn from the mistakes of others.

I'm grateful. Love and prayers, Cynthia

It Is Well

Happy Sunday!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
(by Horatio G. Spafford)


Love and prayers, Cynthia

Remix

Happy Sunday!

Berean Christian Center, where Pastor Kerwin B. Lee is pastor, used this greeting this morning on Facebook, "A Very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all those who chose to be mothers; those who were selected to be mothers & those who assumed the role of mother!" I think this is so appropriate. Especially since I have been blessed with so many great mothers.

 

This is a Mother's Day Remix. It's fitting for Mother's Day because our mother's give us advice, wisdom, and guidance.

 

Pastor Kerwin B. Lee from Stone Mountain, Georgia, preached this message in 2011. The Word is always relevant and fresh. The message is entitled “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.

Have a wonderful week!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Word

Happy Sunday!

Years ago, as a young single mother I was sadden that all I ever received in the mail was bills. It was so depressing. At that moment, I began to send cards, letters, and encouragement to people I love and know. Perhaps you have been a recipient. That's what Happy Sunday is to me. It's a method to spread joy, love, and encouragement. I hope that Happy Sunday encourages you and I hope you share that encouragement with others.

I love the WORD of GOD. Scriptures make me happy! I am so thankful for those who have sown the Word in my life. Today, I just want to share a few of my favorite scriptures with you. Jesus said, "The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make anything happen. Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making." John 6:63 (Message Translation) God’s Word is alive! It is Powerful and Effective! The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (Message Translation)

"God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." Corinthians 9:8 (New Living Translation)

"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" Ephesians 3:20 (Message Translation)

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1 (New Living Translation)

"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." Matthew 6:33 (Message Translation)

"“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?" Matthew 7:7-11 (Message Translation)


Love and prayers, Cynthia

God Wants You to Grow!

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "God Wants You To Grow!" He used John 15:1-2 as his reference scripture.

It is so sad and tragic for an individual to look back over their life and see no progress. God wants us to move forward, expand our horizons, and enlarge our territories. God wants us to progress in every area of our lives. We should be better spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially.

The enemy wants us to "Normalize Abnormality".

But we must move out of our comfort zones and agree with what God says is possible in our lives. LESS is NOT the BEST! One of the names of God is, "El Shaddai". This name describes God as the Sustainer, or All Sufficient One. God is more than enough and he wants us to have more than enough. Oh, so you don't believe me? Let me prove it. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God." (Message Translation)

So how does God help us grow? So glad you asked.

1) God helps us grow by "PRIORITZING" us - John 15:1 says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard." (Voice Translation) If we are going to grow we must realize that JESUS is the true source. Every opportunity, every blessing, every miracle, every accomplishment is because of the mercy and love of God.

2) God helps us grow by "PLANTING" us - Psalm 1 says, "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do." (New Living Translation) God plants us in families, in communities, and in work places. In John 15, God is described as the husbandman or the gardener. Sometimes plants need fertilizer. Don't be discouraged if you have to deal with a little manure or fertilizer in this life. Remember, "All things (good and bad) are working together for your good and God's Glory". Bloom where you are planted and bring forth good fruit.

3) God helps us grow by "PRUNING" us -John 15:2 says, "He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more." Wikipedia decribes pruning like this, "Pruning includes deadwood removal, shaping (by controlling or directing growth), improving or maintaining health, reducing risk from falling branches, preparing nursery specimens for transplanting, and both harvesting and increasing the yield or quality of flowers and fruits. The practice entails targeted removal of diseased, damaged, dead, non-productive, structurally unsound, or otherwise unwanted tissue from crop and landscape plants." Did you get that? God wants to remove diseased, damaged, dead, non-productive, structurally unsound and otherwise unwanted things from our lives! He wants us to bring forth high quality fruit or results in our lives. Matthew 7:16-19 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. And what happens to the rotten trees? They are cut down. They are used for firewood." (Voice Translation)

GOD wants YOU to grow!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Walk into Your Turnaround

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "How to Walk Into Your Turnaround". He used John 2:17-22 has his reference scripture.

The enemy uses fear to paralyze us. The news reports are full of terrorizing events, and cataclysmic accidents. How can we survive, thrive, and remain sane? Glad you asked. The prophet said, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3 (New Living Translation) Later in the New Testament, the Apostle wrote, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 (King James Version)

If you want to walk into your turnaround you must take the following steps:

1) Keep in Touch with God - The Disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. You know the prayer he modeled for them..."Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Matthew 6:9-13 (King James Version) If we are going to see positive change in our lives we must keep in touch with God. Prayer, Meditation, and Bible Study are good places to start. Think about this, Noah was in touch with God. The world as he knew it was desperately wicked. God instructed him to build and ark, and to put the window near the top of the ark. Why? Because, Noah was only to look to God. The world had nothing to offer him, nothing to give him, and nothing to help him in his journey. Keep in touch with God!

2) Stay In Position - The enemy is after your Praise, and Worship. He really doesn't want your money, your car, or your job. He just wants to get you so depressed, discouraged, and down that you won't want to praise God. He has always wanted to be exalted above God, and he uses every opportunity to get our minds off the things that really matter. We have to understand that we are "God's Property" and our lives are in his hands. We have to know who we are and where we belong. Many sports have rules about being off sides or out of position. In football, your team can lose yards if you are off sides. It's important to know where you belong and to maintain your position.

3) Don't Be Moved - It has been said, "This Too Shall Pass". Even the Psalmist said, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5 (King James Version) Situations and circumstances may seem impossible or insurmountable, but remember, "Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (Message Translation)

Praying that you have a positively, prosperous week! Love and prayers, Cynthia

I Forgot to Cry

Happy Wednesday!

So today I was  in a meeting with my department Director.  We were discussing some changes and improvements that need to be made.  All of the suggestions are good and logical and will make our office a more pleasant and productive place to work.

We have similar work styles and work ethics. In the discussion, she mentioned a funny story from years ago about getting a speeding ticket.  She was devastated, but her husband was totally calm.  It was so funny, and I could see myself in her story.  I immediately began to cry.

I know, I know...you're wondering how a funny story could make you cry. 

Well thank God for the Holy Spirit, my personal therapist. Just as quickly as the tears started falling, I remembered I forgot to cry about the recent death of a loved one.  I forgot to cry about some financial difficulties.  I forgot to cry about struggling with my homework.  In the process of dealing with life, I forgot to live it.  Life is not always easy.  Yes, we have to be strong and we are expected to keep it all together.
They tell us to "Man Up" and "Suck It Up" but what's wrong with having a good cleansing cry?

I'm crying as I write this!  Psalm 56:8 says, "You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book." (Message Translation)

Have a wonderful day, don't forget to cry!

Cynthia