Happy Sunday!
One of my prayers for you and myself, is that we are always in the right place at the right time with the right information and the right understanding. Not only is being in the right place important for us, but it could be a matter of life and death for another person. God created each of us to be a blessing. Even the smallest kind gesture may be enough to change someone's life. I'm reminded of the period of time my uncle, Staff Sergeant Wallace Williams Jr. served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. When he returned home we asked about the events. He informed us that every big news worthy event happened before or after his team left those locations. I believe the angels of God made sure he was always in the right place at the right time. It doesn't have to be war, simply leaving your home each morning requires inside information.
Where can we get this inside information? I'm so glad you asked! Jesus said, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."(John 16:13, KJV). Another translation of this scripture says, "The Spirit of truth will come and guide you in all truth. He will not speak His own words to you; He will speak what He hears, revealing to you the things to come and bringing glory to Me. The Spirit has unlimited access to Me, to all that I possess and know, just as everything the Father has is Mine. That is the reason I am confident He will care for My own and reveal the path to you."(vs 13-15, Voice). Don't miss this! The Holy Spirit is available to show us the right path. One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 16:11..."Thou wilt shew me the PATH of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."(KJV).
How does the Holy Spirit show us the right path? Great question! In 1 Kings 19:10-12, the Prophet Elijah complained that he was the only person left truly serving God. God told him to go to a certain place and wait there. A great wind passed by, and earthquake rumbled, and a fire blaze up, but God was not in those events. Then he realized that God was in the "still small voice". It makes me think of our ancestors saying, "I should have listened to my first mind!" What they were saying was the first thought that was drowned out by the noise of other thoughts, was the right thought. Have you ever noticed how loud the world is? Why do we want to vacation in peaceful places with the beauty of nature? Everyone has an opinion. In the past, we may never have known about their opinions. Now with media and Social Media, we are bombarded everyday with opinions. Do you realize that your opinion really doesn't matter? Take a moment to think it through, and put that stone down. LOL! Jesus said, "Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say are NOT my own but are from my Father who lives in me. And he does HIS work through me."(John 14:10, Living Bible). What we believe, and what we say should line up with the Word of God. What we live should not contradict what we see in the Word of God. God will not ask us about our political affiliations. But he will ask us about what we did with the life he gave us and how we treated others. Jesus said, “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?" Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me."(Matthew 25:37-40, Message).
Our recent lessons in Children's Church are geared toward teaching the children to recognize the Voice of the Lord. In one lesson example the teachers used a traffic signal to demonstrate how to hear God's voice. The Green light is that soft peaceful feeling that it's Ok to go ahead. My Aunt, Pastor Theaha McClendon always says, "The Peace of God, is the Yes of God". The Yellow light represents that iffy feeling we sometimes have. The thing we want to do may not be bad, but the timing may be bad. I recently saw a quote that said, "Some people are good people, but they are not good for you". The Red light means stop! Stop and pray about it! Stop and get wisdom about it! Stop and wait. If we are truthful with ourselves, we can retrace our steps and see when and where we missed a Yellow or Red signal. Thank God for forgiveness, and mercy.
The Bible is our handbook, our guidebook, and our Love Letter from our loving father. Have you ever had a letter or card you read over and over again? After a while you learn the writing style of the sender. If you ever get a letter and the style changes, you are likely to say, "He or she couldn't have written this! They would never say this!" That's how familiar we need to be with the Word of God. When we know Him, we will know his voice and that voice will lead us to success,
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Enjoy Life
Happy Sunday!
It's been a full week, and a busy Sunday! I had the opportunity to attend my youngest grandson's basketball game today. He's 6 years old and watching "little people" play basketball is exciting and encouraging. You are probably wondering, why? Let me tell you. They are still learning the game and they are having fun. At one point, he even stopped to look over at us to smile. Of course, the game was moving quickly and we motioned for him to pay attention. We laughed, but he was just overjoyed to have his parents, his brother, three grandparents, an uncle, and a cousin all present to see him play. His parents celebrated the fact that he listened and remembered where to go and what to do during the game, and that he played his defensive position as practiced. Everything in life, brings me to the Word. The Apostle John wrote, "It always gives me the greatest joy when I hear that my children are following the way of truth"(3 John 4, Voice). We will never be God's adults. We are forever the Children of God. He is a loving and compassionate parent. He wants us to have the best life. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may HAVE and ENJOY life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."(Amplified).
Like any good parent, God wants us to WIN! He's given us everything it takes to succeed. 2 Peter 1:3-4 says, "Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust."(Message). We have a part to play! We must listen. We must recognize the voice of God and follow it Only! Proverbs 3:5-7 says, "Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil."(Easy-to-Read Version). Don't miss this! Just as the players have to trust their coaches and parents, we have to trust God. God has been God forever. He knows a lot more about this life than we do! He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
God wants us to have fun! When was the last time you had fun? Oh, I know there are some stressful and scary things happening in our world but don't dwell on that and miss life. The Apostle Paul had been beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, and much more, but he wrote, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"(2 Corinthians 4:17, KJV). He considered everything he endured to be "light", small in comparison to what God has in store for us. The psalmist also wrote, "The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one."(Psalm 34:19, Living Bible). The Voice translation of this scripture says it this way, "Hard times may well be the plight of the righteous—they may often seem overwhelmed—but the Eternal rescues the righteous from what oppresses them".
Love and prayers, Cynthia
It's been a full week, and a busy Sunday! I had the opportunity to attend my youngest grandson's basketball game today. He's 6 years old and watching "little people" play basketball is exciting and encouraging. You are probably wondering, why? Let me tell you. They are still learning the game and they are having fun. At one point, he even stopped to look over at us to smile. Of course, the game was moving quickly and we motioned for him to pay attention. We laughed, but he was just overjoyed to have his parents, his brother, three grandparents, an uncle, and a cousin all present to see him play. His parents celebrated the fact that he listened and remembered where to go and what to do during the game, and that he played his defensive position as practiced. Everything in life, brings me to the Word. The Apostle John wrote, "It always gives me the greatest joy when I hear that my children are following the way of truth"(3 John 4, Voice). We will never be God's adults. We are forever the Children of God. He is a loving and compassionate parent. He wants us to have the best life. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may HAVE and ENJOY life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."(Amplified).
Like any good parent, God wants us to WIN! He's given us everything it takes to succeed. 2 Peter 1:3-4 says, "Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust."(Message). We have a part to play! We must listen. We must recognize the voice of God and follow it Only! Proverbs 3:5-7 says, "Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil."(Easy-to-Read Version). Don't miss this! Just as the players have to trust their coaches and parents, we have to trust God. God has been God forever. He knows a lot more about this life than we do! He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
God wants us to have fun! When was the last time you had fun? Oh, I know there are some stressful and scary things happening in our world but don't dwell on that and miss life. The Apostle Paul had been beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, and much more, but he wrote, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"(2 Corinthians 4:17, KJV). He considered everything he endured to be "light", small in comparison to what God has in store for us. The psalmist also wrote, "The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one."(Psalm 34:19, Living Bible). The Voice translation of this scripture says it this way, "Hard times may well be the plight of the righteous—they may often seem overwhelmed—but the Eternal rescues the righteous from what oppresses them".
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, October 15, 2017
How to be Happy...
Happy Sunday!
How happy is the one whose wrongs are forgiven,
whose sin is hidden from sight.
How happy is the person whose sin the Eternal will not take into account.
How happy are those who no longer lie, to themselves or others.
When I refused to admit my wrongs, I was miserable,
moaning and complaining all day long
so that even my bones felt brittle.
Day and night, Your hand kept pressing on me.
My strength dried up like water in the summer heat;
You wore me down.
When I finally saw my own lies,
I owned up to my sins before You,
and I did not try to hide my evil deeds from You.
I said to myself, “I’ll admit all my sins to the Eternal,”
and You lifted and carried away the guilt of my sin.
So let all who are devoted to You
speak honestly to You now, while You are still listening.
For then when the floods come, surely the rushing water
will not even reach them.
You are my hiding place.
You will keep me out of trouble
and envelop me with songs that remind me I am free.
I will teach you and tell you the way to go and how to get there;
I will give you good counsel, and I will watch over you.
But don’t be stubborn and stupid like horses and mules
who, if not reined by leather and metal,
will run wild, ignoring their masters.
Tormented and empty are wicked and destructive people,
but the one who trusts in the Eternal is wrapped tightly in His gracious love.
Express your joy; be happy in Him, you who are good and true.
Go ahead, shout and rejoice aloud, you whose hearts are honest and straightforward.
Psalm 32 (Voice)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
How happy is the one whose wrongs are forgiven,
whose sin is hidden from sight.
How happy is the person whose sin the Eternal will not take into account.
How happy are those who no longer lie, to themselves or others.
When I refused to admit my wrongs, I was miserable,
moaning and complaining all day long
so that even my bones felt brittle.
Day and night, Your hand kept pressing on me.
My strength dried up like water in the summer heat;
You wore me down.
When I finally saw my own lies,
I owned up to my sins before You,
and I did not try to hide my evil deeds from You.
I said to myself, “I’ll admit all my sins to the Eternal,”
and You lifted and carried away the guilt of my sin.
So let all who are devoted to You
speak honestly to You now, while You are still listening.
For then when the floods come, surely the rushing water
will not even reach them.
You are my hiding place.
You will keep me out of trouble
and envelop me with songs that remind me I am free.
I will teach you and tell you the way to go and how to get there;
I will give you good counsel, and I will watch over you.
But don’t be stubborn and stupid like horses and mules
who, if not reined by leather and metal,
will run wild, ignoring their masters.
Tormented and empty are wicked and destructive people,
but the one who trusts in the Eternal is wrapped tightly in His gracious love.
Express your joy; be happy in Him, you who are good and true.
Go ahead, shout and rejoice aloud, you whose hearts are honest and straightforward.
Psalm 32 (Voice)
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Happiness is a Choice
Happy Sunday!
I hope your week was prosperous and enjoyable! My week was full as usual and I noticed a few things that I want to share with you!
Happiness is a choice, and joy is a gift! Take a moment to think about that! This week as I was walking by the lake, I passed a group of runners. Or should I say they passed me, since they were moving faster. The first thing I noticed is that they were running on the wrong side of the trail. As they got closer I could hear their accents. I believe they were from an African country, probably in Chicago for the Chicago Marathon. The man running in front proclaimed, "This is the happiest day of my life!" Another man in the group was stunned, and said, "Really, how?" They passed me before I could hear the first man's reply, but I was immediately encouraged. Who knows what the man had to go through to get to this day, but he decided to be happy! The Bible says, "Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord."(Psalm 144:15, KJV). Don't miss this! Happy are those whose God is the Lord! It didn't say that happy are those who have everything they want! It didn't say happy are those who never have trials and tribulation! But it says, there are other reasons to be happy and basically following God, getting His wisdom and obeying His commandments produces happiness. I continued my walk and had a flashback to Sunday School as a child. My favorite Sunday School Teacher, other than my mother was Mother Gertie Moore at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, in Chesterfield, Missouri.
My father may correct me, but I believe Mother Moore taught us the song, "Happiness is the Lord".
The lyrics are...
Happiness is to know the Saviour,
Living a life within His favour,
Having a change in my behaviour,
Happiness is the Lord.
Happiness is a new creation,
Jesus and me in close relation,
Having a part in His salvation,
Happiness is the Lord.
Real joy is mine,
No matter if the teardrops start,
I've found a secret,
It's Jesus in my heart.
Happiness is to be forgiven,
Living a life that's worth the livin',
Taking a trip that leads to Heaven,
Happiness is the Lord.
Remember I said, Happiness is a choice, and joy is a gift? We choose happiness when we obey God, but Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 says, "The Spirit however, produces in human life fruits such as these: love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, fidelity, tolerance and self-control—and no law exists against any of them. Those who Belong to Christ have crucified their old nature with all that it loved and lusted for. If our lives are centered in the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit."(Phillips Translation). The Spirit of God produces Joy in our lives. The Apostle James encouraged believers to, "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."(James 1:2-4, Message). The King James Version of these same scriptures says, "My brethren, count it all JOY when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing".
This passage brings me to another thought...Patience is required when walking by Faith! We live in a microwave generation! As the JG Wentworth commercial says, "It's my money, and I want it now!" I am employed by a major technology company. I serve customers that many times are unreasonable. They refuse to follow instructions, ignore sound advice, and expect resolutions in micro and nanoseconds! I was worn out by several customers on a certain day, and went on break. In the restroom, the place for deep thought, I said to the Lord, "I don't think I'm cut out for Customer Service! These people are crazy! They don't want listen, but expect to get everything they ask for!" In my spirit, I heard the Lord say, "I know what you mean! How do you think I feel?" My jaw dropped! Whoa! Everybody wants to sing about the Blessing, but no one wants to obey! Everyone wants the Best from God, but no one wants to wait. We want magic, but God requires patience.
Last but not least, my Pastor, Dr. Bill Winston said today, "Your problems are gift-wrapped promotions!" I'll just leave that there for you!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
I hope your week was prosperous and enjoyable! My week was full as usual and I noticed a few things that I want to share with you!
Happiness is a choice, and joy is a gift! Take a moment to think about that! This week as I was walking by the lake, I passed a group of runners. Or should I say they passed me, since they were moving faster. The first thing I noticed is that they were running on the wrong side of the trail. As they got closer I could hear their accents. I believe they were from an African country, probably in Chicago for the Chicago Marathon. The man running in front proclaimed, "This is the happiest day of my life!" Another man in the group was stunned, and said, "Really, how?" They passed me before I could hear the first man's reply, but I was immediately encouraged. Who knows what the man had to go through to get to this day, but he decided to be happy! The Bible says, "Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord."(Psalm 144:15, KJV). Don't miss this! Happy are those whose God is the Lord! It didn't say that happy are those who have everything they want! It didn't say happy are those who never have trials and tribulation! But it says, there are other reasons to be happy and basically following God, getting His wisdom and obeying His commandments produces happiness. I continued my walk and had a flashback to Sunday School as a child. My favorite Sunday School Teacher, other than my mother was Mother Gertie Moore at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, in Chesterfield, Missouri.
My father may correct me, but I believe Mother Moore taught us the song, "Happiness is the Lord".
The lyrics are...
Happiness is to know the Saviour,
Living a life within His favour,
Having a change in my behaviour,
Happiness is the Lord.
Happiness is a new creation,
Jesus and me in close relation,
Having a part in His salvation,
Happiness is the Lord.
Real joy is mine,
No matter if the teardrops start,
I've found a secret,
It's Jesus in my heart.
Happiness is to be forgiven,
Living a life that's worth the livin',
Taking a trip that leads to Heaven,
Happiness is the Lord.
Remember I said, Happiness is a choice, and joy is a gift? We choose happiness when we obey God, but Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 says, "The Spirit however, produces in human life fruits such as these: love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, fidelity, tolerance and self-control—and no law exists against any of them. Those who Belong to Christ have crucified their old nature with all that it loved and lusted for. If our lives are centered in the Spirit, let us be guided by the Spirit."(Phillips Translation). The Spirit of God produces Joy in our lives. The Apostle James encouraged believers to, "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."(James 1:2-4, Message). The King James Version of these same scriptures says, "My brethren, count it all JOY when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing".
This passage brings me to another thought...Patience is required when walking by Faith! We live in a microwave generation! As the JG Wentworth commercial says, "It's my money, and I want it now!" I am employed by a major technology company. I serve customers that many times are unreasonable. They refuse to follow instructions, ignore sound advice, and expect resolutions in micro and nanoseconds! I was worn out by several customers on a certain day, and went on break. In the restroom, the place for deep thought, I said to the Lord, "I don't think I'm cut out for Customer Service! These people are crazy! They don't want listen, but expect to get everything they ask for!" In my spirit, I heard the Lord say, "I know what you mean! How do you think I feel?" My jaw dropped! Whoa! Everybody wants to sing about the Blessing, but no one wants to obey! Everyone wants the Best from God, but no one wants to wait. We want magic, but God requires patience.
Last but not least, my Pastor, Dr. Bill Winston said today, "Your problems are gift-wrapped promotions!" I'll just leave that there for you!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, October 1, 2017
More Than Enough in Tough Times
Happy Sunday!
WOW! It's October 1, 2017! Where has the year gone? If you made any New Year's Resolutions time is ticking...get busy!
Last week, I was blessed by several sermons by Brother Jerry Savelle.
One sermon I listened to, was entitled, "More Than Enough in Tough Times". Psalm 37:18-19 says, "The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."(KJV). The Message translation of this scripture says, "God keeps track of the decent folk; what they do won’t soon be forgotten. In hard times, they’ll hold their heads high; when the shelves are bare, they’ll be full". What a wonderful promise!
If we are doing what God has instructed us to do, we can expect his provision, and protection! The Apostle Paul wrote, "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."(Philippians 1:6, Living Bible). God is concerned about you! He has not forgotten you, even though things may look bad. Daily we need to remind ourselves of what being Blessed really means! Psalm 34:10 says, "The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing."(Amplified). Don't miss this! We will not lack any beneficial thing!
Genesis 22 recounts the story of Abraham when God commanded him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. After three days, they arrived at the place. Abraham told his servants to wait while he and Isaac went to worship. He also said in faith, "I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you."(vs 5, KJV). Abraham believed the promise of God that his descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky, and the grains of sand. He trusted that even if Isaac died, God would raise him from the dead to keep His promise. Abraham was teaching Isaac the ways of worship. In verse 7, Isaac says, "My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"(KJV). Isaac knew that something was missing. Abraham again speaks in faith..."My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering"(KJV). Abraham called God, Jehovah Jireh. Jehovah Jireh means God sees beforehand and provides. When Abraham raised the knife to slay Isaac, he was commanded to stop and behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket. How long was the ram caught in the thicket? We may never know, but God always provides.
Romans 4:18-21 speaks about Abraham, "So, when God told Abraham that he would give him a son who would have many descendants and become a great nation, Abraham believed God even though such a promise just couldn’t come to pass! And because his faith was strong, he didn’t worry about the fact that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred, and that Sarah his wife, at ninety, was also much too old to have a baby. But Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for this blessing even before it happened. He was completely sure that God was well able to do anything he promised."(Living Bible).
Walking by Faith, not by sight.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
https://youtu.be/dxvfk5oif5Q
WOW! It's October 1, 2017! Where has the year gone? If you made any New Year's Resolutions time is ticking...get busy!
Last week, I was blessed by several sermons by Brother Jerry Savelle.
One sermon I listened to, was entitled, "More Than Enough in Tough Times". Psalm 37:18-19 says, "The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied."(KJV). The Message translation of this scripture says, "God keeps track of the decent folk; what they do won’t soon be forgotten. In hard times, they’ll hold their heads high; when the shelves are bare, they’ll be full". What a wonderful promise!
If we are doing what God has instructed us to do, we can expect his provision, and protection! The Apostle Paul wrote, "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."(Philippians 1:6, Living Bible). God is concerned about you! He has not forgotten you, even though things may look bad. Daily we need to remind ourselves of what being Blessed really means! Psalm 34:10 says, "The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing."(Amplified). Don't miss this! We will not lack any beneficial thing!
Genesis 22 recounts the story of Abraham when God commanded him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. After three days, they arrived at the place. Abraham told his servants to wait while he and Isaac went to worship. He also said in faith, "I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you."(vs 5, KJV). Abraham believed the promise of God that his descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky, and the grains of sand. He trusted that even if Isaac died, God would raise him from the dead to keep His promise. Abraham was teaching Isaac the ways of worship. In verse 7, Isaac says, "My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"(KJV). Isaac knew that something was missing. Abraham again speaks in faith..."My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering"(KJV). Abraham called God, Jehovah Jireh. Jehovah Jireh means God sees beforehand and provides. When Abraham raised the knife to slay Isaac, he was commanded to stop and behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket. How long was the ram caught in the thicket? We may never know, but God always provides.
Romans 4:18-21 speaks about Abraham, "So, when God told Abraham that he would give him a son who would have many descendants and become a great nation, Abraham believed God even though such a promise just couldn’t come to pass! And because his faith was strong, he didn’t worry about the fact that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred, and that Sarah his wife, at ninety, was also much too old to have a baby. But Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for this blessing even before it happened. He was completely sure that God was well able to do anything he promised."(Living Bible).
Walking by Faith, not by sight.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
https://youtu.be/dxvfk5oif5Q
Sunday, September 24, 2017
The End of the World
Happy Sunday!
I hope you had a wonderful week! Also I'm thankful that your world did not end on September 23, 2017. It may seem comical after the fact, but many people may have really believed that the end had come. I happened to listen to a TED Talk this week. The young man recounted being a child in a small Texas town in 1999. He and his family were members of a church that believed the world would end and the rapture would occur as the year 2000 began. They all knelt at the altar praying fervently awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. What shock, horror, and disappointment they all felt when life continued even after y2k. This event has scarred this man and caused him to doubt God, and the people of God. I'm saddened for him, but I can recall several scriptures that could have brought clarity in this situation. The Bible reminds us that wisdom, and knowledge are necessary to live a victorious life. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"(KJV).
Even Jesus did not know when the world as we know it would end. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."(KJV). What Jesus stressed more so was readiness. Matthew 24:44 says, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."(KJV). Read Matthew 24 for yourself. Yes, I have to admit the things that Jesus described are definitely happening in our world today. He said there would be wars, and rumors of wars, famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes. But in Matthew 24:8 he warned that, "All these are the beginning of sorrows."(KJV). WOW! That's scary! This is only the beginning? Yes, he goes on to describe even more trouble..."Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and killed. People all over the world will hate you because you believe in ME. During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other. Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong. There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved. And the Good News I have shared about God’s kingdom will be told throughout the world. It will be spread to every nation. Then the end will come."(Matthew 24:9:14, Easy-to-Read Version).
Don't miss this! 1 John 3:8 says, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. When we follow Jesus, his mission becomes our mission! Our purpose and life goal should be to destroy the works of the devil everyday! In Matthew 24, Jesus said the Good News that he preached would be preached to the entire world, then the end will come. Each day as you do your part to fight poverty, ignorance, sickness, injustice, homelessness, hopelessness, depression, sadness, and sin...you are helping to bring the return of our Lord closer.
It will take time and effort to study the Word for yourself. But in the Bible times, even the blind and lame were made to work. OK, I know what you are thinking...she's really lost it now! But read it for yourself. The blind and lame were taken to the local thoroughfares by their families to beg. Sounds like work to me. No disability checks! No welfare! They were expected to use what they had to improve their lives, even if it was just their voice used to ask for money! Jesus told a story in Luke 16:19-20, "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was LAID at his gate, full of sores,"(KJV). Mark 10:46 says, "And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, SAT by the highway side begging."(KJV). And Acts 3:2 says, "And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they LAID daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;"(KJV). So there is no excuse for us! If you miss out on God's best because of your own laziness and ignorance don't blame the Man.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
I hope you had a wonderful week! Also I'm thankful that your world did not end on September 23, 2017. It may seem comical after the fact, but many people may have really believed that the end had come. I happened to listen to a TED Talk this week. The young man recounted being a child in a small Texas town in 1999. He and his family were members of a church that believed the world would end and the rapture would occur as the year 2000 began. They all knelt at the altar praying fervently awaiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. What shock, horror, and disappointment they all felt when life continued even after y2k. This event has scarred this man and caused him to doubt God, and the people of God. I'm saddened for him, but I can recall several scriptures that could have brought clarity in this situation. The Bible reminds us that wisdom, and knowledge are necessary to live a victorious life. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"(KJV).
Even Jesus did not know when the world as we know it would end. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."(KJV). What Jesus stressed more so was readiness. Matthew 24:44 says, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."(KJV). Read Matthew 24 for yourself. Yes, I have to admit the things that Jesus described are definitely happening in our world today. He said there would be wars, and rumors of wars, famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes. But in Matthew 24:8 he warned that, "All these are the beginning of sorrows."(KJV). WOW! That's scary! This is only the beginning? Yes, he goes on to describe even more trouble..."Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and killed. People all over the world will hate you because you believe in ME. During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other. Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong. There will be so much more evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved. And the Good News I have shared about God’s kingdom will be told throughout the world. It will be spread to every nation. Then the end will come."(Matthew 24:9:14, Easy-to-Read Version).
Don't miss this! 1 John 3:8 says, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. When we follow Jesus, his mission becomes our mission! Our purpose and life goal should be to destroy the works of the devil everyday! In Matthew 24, Jesus said the Good News that he preached would be preached to the entire world, then the end will come. Each day as you do your part to fight poverty, ignorance, sickness, injustice, homelessness, hopelessness, depression, sadness, and sin...you are helping to bring the return of our Lord closer.
It will take time and effort to study the Word for yourself. But in the Bible times, even the blind and lame were made to work. OK, I know what you are thinking...she's really lost it now! But read it for yourself. The blind and lame were taken to the local thoroughfares by their families to beg. Sounds like work to me. No disability checks! No welfare! They were expected to use what they had to improve their lives, even if it was just their voice used to ask for money! Jesus told a story in Luke 16:19-20, "There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was LAID at his gate, full of sores,"(KJV). Mark 10:46 says, "And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, SAT by the highway side begging."(KJV). And Acts 3:2 says, "And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they LAID daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;"(KJV). So there is no excuse for us! If you miss out on God's best because of your own laziness and ignorance don't blame the Man.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Finish Strong
Happy Sunday!
I hope that you are well, and that you enjoyed the weekend and are ready for the new week! My daughter, Crystal ran and completed the Fox Valley Marathon for the second time today. At first, I planned to do what I'd done two years ago. That was to ensure she was at the race on time, watch her start the race, and then go to the car to sleep. She ran 26.2 miles, just enough time for a lovely nap. Of course, I would have been sure to wake in time to see her cross the finish line. However, I was informed of a need for volunteers to be Course Marshalls and I signed up. The Course Marshall stands at various positions along the route to ensure runners, and local cars and pedestrians don't accidentally collide. I was positioned near a fork in the road, less than a mile from the finish line. The local police basically did the hard work. They blocked off one of the streets completely then directed automobile traffic along one lane.
I am a perpetual learner. So want to share a few things I learned, or was reminded of today.
Kindness and encouragement are understood in any language, by any race, or creed. With the state of racial affairs in this country, and the ability of our local media outlets to find and promote everything negative it was refreshing to see that everyone of any race is not all bad. Of course, I know this and believe it no matter what they say on the news, but I worked with a young African American man today named Joe. Joe was genuinely amazed at how friendly all of the runners, police, and local pedestrians were. In most cases, they spoke to him first. They acknowledged him with good eye contact, and without any fear or trepidation. The race starts and ends in a small Illinois city called St. Charles. St. Charles has over 93% white listed in it demographics. Since we didn't have to worry about traffic, we just cheered for the runners. The runners were grateful. Some were even in tears, but thanked us for being there and continued their race. I saw one young lady at the finish line later, she was rejoicing with her family. Just a bit earlier, she was in tears and not sure she could make it. Just a word or two of encouragement could be the difference in someone finishing their race strong. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Age is just a number. You decide. Many runners that we would consider Senior Citizens completed the race. These athletes were not the last to cross the finish line by any means! They were ahead of most and in the pack. One runner was 84 years old. Yes, 84! He completed 13.1 miles the half-marathon goal. Are you encouraged yet? You should be, or perhaps ashamed as I was that I am not doing better. Our bodies are amazing creations of God with far more potential than we realize. God intended our bodies to last forever just like our spirits, but sin entered the picture and these bodies began to die. Genesis 5:27 says, Methuselah lived 969 years. Moses was 120 years old when he died, and Caleb said, "So here I am. The Eternal has spared my life these 45 years since He spoke this to Moses while Israel was in the wilderness. Here I am today, 85 years old, still as strong today as I was when Moses sent me into this country, able to fight and able to work."(Joshua 14:10-11, Voice). Change is required. But as the great prophetess, Whitney Houston once sang, "I believe in you, and me!"
Love and prayers, Cynthia
I hope that you are well, and that you enjoyed the weekend and are ready for the new week! My daughter, Crystal ran and completed the Fox Valley Marathon for the second time today. At first, I planned to do what I'd done two years ago. That was to ensure she was at the race on time, watch her start the race, and then go to the car to sleep. She ran 26.2 miles, just enough time for a lovely nap. Of course, I would have been sure to wake in time to see her cross the finish line. However, I was informed of a need for volunteers to be Course Marshalls and I signed up. The Course Marshall stands at various positions along the route to ensure runners, and local cars and pedestrians don't accidentally collide. I was positioned near a fork in the road, less than a mile from the finish line. The local police basically did the hard work. They blocked off one of the streets completely then directed automobile traffic along one lane.
I am a perpetual learner. So want to share a few things I learned, or was reminded of today.
Kindness and encouragement are understood in any language, by any race, or creed. With the state of racial affairs in this country, and the ability of our local media outlets to find and promote everything negative it was refreshing to see that everyone of any race is not all bad. Of course, I know this and believe it no matter what they say on the news, but I worked with a young African American man today named Joe. Joe was genuinely amazed at how friendly all of the runners, police, and local pedestrians were. In most cases, they spoke to him first. They acknowledged him with good eye contact, and without any fear or trepidation. The race starts and ends in a small Illinois city called St. Charles. St. Charles has over 93% white listed in it demographics. Since we didn't have to worry about traffic, we just cheered for the runners. The runners were grateful. Some were even in tears, but thanked us for being there and continued their race. I saw one young lady at the finish line later, she was rejoicing with her family. Just a bit earlier, she was in tears and not sure she could make it. Just a word or two of encouragement could be the difference in someone finishing their race strong. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing."(Easy-to-Read Version).
Age is just a number. You decide. Many runners that we would consider Senior Citizens completed the race. These athletes were not the last to cross the finish line by any means! They were ahead of most and in the pack. One runner was 84 years old. Yes, 84! He completed 13.1 miles the half-marathon goal. Are you encouraged yet? You should be, or perhaps ashamed as I was that I am not doing better. Our bodies are amazing creations of God with far more potential than we realize. God intended our bodies to last forever just like our spirits, but sin entered the picture and these bodies began to die. Genesis 5:27 says, Methuselah lived 969 years. Moses was 120 years old when he died, and Caleb said, "So here I am. The Eternal has spared my life these 45 years since He spoke this to Moses while Israel was in the wilderness. Here I am today, 85 years old, still as strong today as I was when Moses sent me into this country, able to fight and able to work."(Joshua 14:10-11, Voice). Change is required. But as the great prophetess, Whitney Houston once sang, "I believe in you, and me!"
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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