Happy Sunday!
"The Devil wants to kill you because you are the Proof!" - Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III
John 12:10-11 says, "But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus."(KJV). Another translation of these scriptures says, "Word got out among the Jews that he was back in town. The people came to take a look, not only at Jesus but also at Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. So the high priests plotted to kill Lazarus because so many of the Jews were going over and believing in Jesus on account of him."(vs 9-11, Message).
Many times we remember Bible stories as they were taught to us in Sunday School. That's all good as long as we don't miss other important points. Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha were close friends with Jesus. Lazarus got sick. They called for Jesus who was in another area. Jesus didn't come immediately. When Jesus did arrive Lazarus was dead, and buried. Both sisters met Jesus at different times when he arrived, BUT both said the same thing. "Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."(John 11:21, KJV), and "Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."(John 11:32, KJV). Both women were grieving, and searching for answers. Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III pointed out that even though their individual spiritual maturity levels were different they both came to the same conclusion. They blamed Jesus. Don't try to play innocent. We all have been there. We want answers in times of loss, grief, and hardship. When we can't get a conclusive answer as to why it happened we often resort to cliches. You've heard them before, "God picked a flower for his garden", "All things work together for our good", and "God knows best".
For starters, God is a creator...he can create flowers, and he is never in need of anything because he owns everything! All things don't work together of good for everybody! Right, you heard me! Read that scripture again, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."(Romans 8:28, KJV). Don't miss this! It says all things are working together for good to those that meet the criteria. They love God, and are The Called. The Voice translation says it this way, "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."(Romans 8:28, Voice).
You know the rest of the story. Jesus went to the tomb, he wept, he prayed, commanded that they roll the stone away, and called Lazarus forth by name. This was witnessed by many. Seeing that dead man raised was undeniable proof of the power of God. After this miracle it got to the point where the religious leaders wanted to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus. This scenario is still being played out today. You are proof that God can deliver. You are proof that God can save. You are proof that the Promises of God are true! You have survived every attack waged against you, and you will continue to be an example of the Power of God at work in the earth. Don't forget what you have already accomplished, overcome, and endured.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Lions, Lions, and Lions...
Happy Sunday!
Years ago, and for a period of time, I stopped listening to Gospel music after I heard a soloist proclaim that Daniel put his foot on the neck of the lion in the lion's den. I can't find that in scripture. Can you? But what I do find in scripture is this, "Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of LIONS. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee."(Daniel 6:16, KJV). Don't miss this! There were lions plural. So if it was as the soloist sang, what were the other lions doing while Daniel had his foot on the one singular lion?
Ok, so you think I'm being unreasonable, and nit-picking. I most certainly am not! The visual of one lion diminishes the significance of the true miracle that occurred for Daniel. God delivered Daniel from an impossible situation. This was so serious the scripture says the king couldn't sleep that night. The Bible says, "Then King Darius went back to his house. He did not eat that night. He did not want anyone to come and entertain him. He could not sleep all night."(Daniel 6:18, Easy-to-Read Version). Daniel was not a lion tamer. He was a good man falsely accused and sentenced to death for praying.
It happens all the time, are you guilty? Do you lose sight of the tremendous miracle working power of our God? Are you disappointed because things didn't work out like you thought they would, so you secretly stop trusting God? Our God is an awesome God! He has not changed! He is still trustworthy.
What really happened? So glad you asked! Let's read Daniel 6:19-23. "At daybreak the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. As he approached the den, he called out anxiously, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve so loyally, saved you from the lions?” “O king, live forever!” said Daniel. “My God sent his angel, who closed the mouths of the LIONS so that they would not hurt me. I’ve been found innocent before God and also before you, O king. I’ve done nothing to harm you". When the king heard these words, he was happy. He ordered Daniel taken up out of the den. When he was hauled up, there wasn’t a scratch on him. He had TRUSTED his God.”(Message).
In case you were wondering if those lions were vicious, "The king gave yet another order; this time he demanded that those who accused Daniel of wrongdoing be captured and thrown into the lions’ den—but not only them—their wives and children too. As they were being pushed into the den, before they even hit the bottom, the lions jumped on them, overpowered them, and crushed their bones in their powerful jaws."(Daniel 6:24, Voice). Ouch!
Don't let unbelief creep in in any way, not even in a seemingly harmless song. Our Powerful God specializes in miracles, signs, and wonders! His Word is truth!
The Psalmist proclaimed, "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."(Psalm 119:89, KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Years ago, and for a period of time, I stopped listening to Gospel music after I heard a soloist proclaim that Daniel put his foot on the neck of the lion in the lion's den. I can't find that in scripture. Can you? But what I do find in scripture is this, "Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of LIONS. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee."(Daniel 6:16, KJV). Don't miss this! There were lions plural. So if it was as the soloist sang, what were the other lions doing while Daniel had his foot on the one singular lion?
Ok, so you think I'm being unreasonable, and nit-picking. I most certainly am not! The visual of one lion diminishes the significance of the true miracle that occurred for Daniel. God delivered Daniel from an impossible situation. This was so serious the scripture says the king couldn't sleep that night. The Bible says, "Then King Darius went back to his house. He did not eat that night. He did not want anyone to come and entertain him. He could not sleep all night."(Daniel 6:18, Easy-to-Read Version). Daniel was not a lion tamer. He was a good man falsely accused and sentenced to death for praying.
It happens all the time, are you guilty? Do you lose sight of the tremendous miracle working power of our God? Are you disappointed because things didn't work out like you thought they would, so you secretly stop trusting God? Our God is an awesome God! He has not changed! He is still trustworthy.
What really happened? So glad you asked! Let's read Daniel 6:19-23. "At daybreak the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. As he approached the den, he called out anxiously, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve so loyally, saved you from the lions?” “O king, live forever!” said Daniel. “My God sent his angel, who closed the mouths of the LIONS so that they would not hurt me. I’ve been found innocent before God and also before you, O king. I’ve done nothing to harm you". When the king heard these words, he was happy. He ordered Daniel taken up out of the den. When he was hauled up, there wasn’t a scratch on him. He had TRUSTED his God.”(Message).
In case you were wondering if those lions were vicious, "The king gave yet another order; this time he demanded that those who accused Daniel of wrongdoing be captured and thrown into the lions’ den—but not only them—their wives and children too. As they were being pushed into the den, before they even hit the bottom, the lions jumped on them, overpowered them, and crushed their bones in their powerful jaws."(Daniel 6:24, Voice). Ouch!
Don't let unbelief creep in in any way, not even in a seemingly harmless song. Our Powerful God specializes in miracles, signs, and wonders! His Word is truth!
The Psalmist proclaimed, "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."(Psalm 119:89, KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Time is Life
Happy Sunday!
Psalm 90:12 says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."(KJV).
Have you ever stood in front of the microwave complaining about 3 minutes taking so long? I have! But I can remember life before microwaves. My mother-in-law, Minnie Pruitt would cook her whole Sunday dinner on Saturday. Then after church, we didn't head over to Applebee's. We went home, and waited for the food to be warmed in the oven, or on the stove top. Have you ever thought you didn't have time to complete a task but spent hours on Social Media before you even knew it? I have! Yes, I also remember the time before Social Media. If I wanted to see the pictures from your vacation in Kokomo, I'd have to wait at least a week for you to get them developed at the FotoMat, then come to your home to view them. Have you ever put off something that could have easily been done today, only to find that it was more difficult later? Yes, I have. Breakups, dishes, laundry, and exercise all come to mind. Even though we have so much technology to make things faster, we still don't value time as we should. And we waste precious time, and spend it unwisely.
Psalm 90:12 encourages us to number our days. Another translation says, "Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should."(Living Bible). Don't miss the last part, "help us to spend them as we should". Time is money, but more importantly time is LIFE. We are spending our time, our days, and our lives as currency.
Ephesians 5:11-16 says, "Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people WASTE their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!"(Message).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Psalm 90:12 says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."(KJV).
Have you ever stood in front of the microwave complaining about 3 minutes taking so long? I have! But I can remember life before microwaves. My mother-in-law, Minnie Pruitt would cook her whole Sunday dinner on Saturday. Then after church, we didn't head over to Applebee's. We went home, and waited for the food to be warmed in the oven, or on the stove top. Have you ever thought you didn't have time to complete a task but spent hours on Social Media before you even knew it? I have! Yes, I also remember the time before Social Media. If I wanted to see the pictures from your vacation in Kokomo, I'd have to wait at least a week for you to get them developed at the FotoMat, then come to your home to view them. Have you ever put off something that could have easily been done today, only to find that it was more difficult later? Yes, I have. Breakups, dishes, laundry, and exercise all come to mind. Even though we have so much technology to make things faster, we still don't value time as we should. And we waste precious time, and spend it unwisely.
Psalm 90:12 encourages us to number our days. Another translation says, "Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should."(Living Bible). Don't miss the last part, "help us to spend them as we should". Time is money, but more importantly time is LIFE. We are spending our time, our days, and our lives as currency.
Ephesians 5:11-16 says, "Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people WASTE their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!"(Message).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Worry is Always Future
Happy Sunday!
I hope your week was grand, and pray that this next week brings you pure joy! I love to share messages from ministers that bless me. The message is from Brother Bob Yandian. I first heard Brother Bob in the 1990's. A dear friend, Pat Smith shared a box of ministry cassette tapes with me. Those tapes encouraged, strengthened, and exposed me to some of the greatest bible teachers past, and present. Of course in our technological world you don't have to rely on cassette tapes. You have the privilege of YouTube, Podcasts, Blogs, and so many other ways of getting the Word. I hope you enjoy this one.
Worry is Always Future by Brother Bob Yandian
"And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?"(Exodus 17:3, NKJV).
The children of Israel had only been in the wilderness a few days when they came to a place where there was no water to drink. They began to complain to Moses, blaming the situation on him. They also decided that they had God’s plan all figured out. God had brought them to this spot to kill them!
Let’s examine the stupidity of this argument. The Israelites had been in captivity for four hundred years in Egypt. Despite the oppression, their population continued to increase. When Moses returned to Egypt to deliver the children of Israel, God protected them from ten plagues and death while the Egyptians suffered, and many died. God parted the Red Sea for them to travel across safely and even drowned the Egyptian army behind them. And God did all this to bring them to this one spot and kill them?
You have probably done the same thing. You have looked at your bills, your lack of food in the cupboard, and your overdue mortgage bill and cried, “I’m going to die right here!” Stop and think about what you have just said. God saved you many years ago, filled you with His Holy Spirit, healed your body, performed miracles for you and your family many times, and supplied all of your needs on more than one occasion. Has God done all these wonderful things in your life to bring you to this spot and watch you die?
When facing a tragedy or trial, it is easy to lose sight of all of God’s blessings that have brought us to this point. Worry is always future. When you worry, you are saying that even though God has taken care of you every moment of every day, somehow tomorrow He will fail because His grace ran out today. But the truth is that the God Who has always taken care of you will not fail you tomorrow, next week, or next year. He will continue to walk with you and provide until Jesus comes.
David said, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). Why wait until you are old to look at God’s faithfulness in hindsight? Look forward now in faith and expectancy knowing that God will continue to provide for you and will never fail.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Brother Bob Yandian
Love and prayers, Cynthia
I hope your week was grand, and pray that this next week brings you pure joy! I love to share messages from ministers that bless me. The message is from Brother Bob Yandian. I first heard Brother Bob in the 1990's. A dear friend, Pat Smith shared a box of ministry cassette tapes with me. Those tapes encouraged, strengthened, and exposed me to some of the greatest bible teachers past, and present. Of course in our technological world you don't have to rely on cassette tapes. You have the privilege of YouTube, Podcasts, Blogs, and so many other ways of getting the Word. I hope you enjoy this one.
Worry is Always Future by Brother Bob Yandian
"And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?"(Exodus 17:3, NKJV).
The children of Israel had only been in the wilderness a few days when they came to a place where there was no water to drink. They began to complain to Moses, blaming the situation on him. They also decided that they had God’s plan all figured out. God had brought them to this spot to kill them!
Let’s examine the stupidity of this argument. The Israelites had been in captivity for four hundred years in Egypt. Despite the oppression, their population continued to increase. When Moses returned to Egypt to deliver the children of Israel, God protected them from ten plagues and death while the Egyptians suffered, and many died. God parted the Red Sea for them to travel across safely and even drowned the Egyptian army behind them. And God did all this to bring them to this one spot and kill them?
You have probably done the same thing. You have looked at your bills, your lack of food in the cupboard, and your overdue mortgage bill and cried, “I’m going to die right here!” Stop and think about what you have just said. God saved you many years ago, filled you with His Holy Spirit, healed your body, performed miracles for you and your family many times, and supplied all of your needs on more than one occasion. Has God done all these wonderful things in your life to bring you to this spot and watch you die?
When facing a tragedy or trial, it is easy to lose sight of all of God’s blessings that have brought us to this point. Worry is always future. When you worry, you are saying that even though God has taken care of you every moment of every day, somehow tomorrow He will fail because His grace ran out today. But the truth is that the God Who has always taken care of you will not fail you tomorrow, next week, or next year. He will continue to walk with you and provide until Jesus comes.
David said, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). Why wait until you are old to look at God’s faithfulness in hindsight? Look forward now in faith and expectancy knowing that God will continue to provide for you and will never fail.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Brother Bob Yandian
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Jealousy
Happy Sunday!
Are you jealous? I'll give you a moment to consider this question. Merriam-Webster defines Jealousy as "an unhappy or angry feeling of wanting to have what someone else has". Solomon wrote that, "Jealousy is as cruel as the grave".(Song of Solomon 8:6, KJV). I won't rush you, I understand. I needed time for sincere introspection as well.
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached about Jealousy today in the 8 am service. Not the topic you might expect to hear in church on Sunday, but totally appropriate. He wasn't pointing a finger at the world, he was begging us to look inside. Jealousy is rooted in insecurity. If we are honest, insecurity is everywhere. She's tall, I'm short...he's slim, I'm fat...they have a PhD, I have a GED. We're all too familiar with it...Mommy loved him better, Daddy calls her his favorite. It's not new, you remember the many Bible stories about jealousy, and the resulting envy, and murder they cause. The Apostle James warned us, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."(KJV). Don't miss this! This is serious. We must examine ourselves, repent, and allow the Holy Spirit to heal us.
Comparison Kills. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding."(2 Corinthians 10:10-12, ESV). Don't miss this! He called comparing yourself to others...foolish, stupid, and unwise! Don't do it!
You are Unique! No one is exactly like you, and God intended it to be this way. Romans 12:2 says, "Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."(Message).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Are you jealous? I'll give you a moment to consider this question. Merriam-Webster defines Jealousy as "an unhappy or angry feeling of wanting to have what someone else has". Solomon wrote that, "Jealousy is as cruel as the grave".(Song of Solomon 8:6, KJV). I won't rush you, I understand. I needed time for sincere introspection as well.
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached about Jealousy today in the 8 am service. Not the topic you might expect to hear in church on Sunday, but totally appropriate. He wasn't pointing a finger at the world, he was begging us to look inside. Jealousy is rooted in insecurity. If we are honest, insecurity is everywhere. She's tall, I'm short...he's slim, I'm fat...they have a PhD, I have a GED. We're all too familiar with it...Mommy loved him better, Daddy calls her his favorite. It's not new, you remember the many Bible stories about jealousy, and the resulting envy, and murder they cause. The Apostle James warned us, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."(KJV). Don't miss this! This is serious. We must examine ourselves, repent, and allow the Holy Spirit to heal us.
Comparison Kills. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding."(2 Corinthians 10:10-12, ESV). Don't miss this! He called comparing yourself to others...foolish, stupid, and unwise! Don't do it!
You are Unique! No one is exactly like you, and God intended it to be this way. Romans 12:2 says, "Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."(Message).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Joyful, Joyful
Happy Sunday!
There is healing power in Joy!
Psalm 16:11 says, "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). The Easy-to-Read Version of this verse says it like this, "You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever". Don't miss this! Full Joy, and Complete Happiness are possible.
God wants you to have Joy. He wants you to enjoy life. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, "Here’s what you say to those wealthy in regard to this age: “Don’t become high and mighty or place all your hope on a gamble for riches; INSTEAD, fix your hope on God, the One who RICHLY Provides Everything for our Enjoyment.”(1 Timothy 6:17, Voice). Do you see it? God richly provides everything for our enjoyment. He's not up in Heaven looking for ways to make your life miserable. The Enemy is working hard to destroy you, BUT God loves you.(John 10:10).
Psalm 16:11 says, "You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment."(Voice). As we follow the leading and direction of the Lord, he can provide all the wonderful joy inducing experiences. It sounds super simple, and it is. Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."(KJV). The Easy-to-Read Version of this scripture says, "God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you".
Love and prayers, Cynthia
There is healing power in Joy!
Psalm 16:11 says, "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). The Easy-to-Read Version of this verse says it like this, "You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever". Don't miss this! Full Joy, and Complete Happiness are possible.
God wants you to have Joy. He wants you to enjoy life. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, "Here’s what you say to those wealthy in regard to this age: “Don’t become high and mighty or place all your hope on a gamble for riches; INSTEAD, fix your hope on God, the One who RICHLY Provides Everything for our Enjoyment.”(1 Timothy 6:17, Voice). Do you see it? God richly provides everything for our enjoyment. He's not up in Heaven looking for ways to make your life miserable. The Enemy is working hard to destroy you, BUT God loves you.(John 10:10).
Psalm 16:11 says, "You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment."(Voice). As we follow the leading and direction of the Lord, he can provide all the wonderful joy inducing experiences. It sounds super simple, and it is. Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."(KJV). The Easy-to-Read Version of this scripture says, "God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you".
Love and prayers, Cynthia
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Understanding
Happy Sunday!
1 Corinthians 14:6-12 says, "THINK, friends: If I come to you and all I do is pray privately to God in a way only he can understand, what are you going to get out of that? If I don’t address you plainly with some insight or truth or proclamation or teaching, what help am I to you? If musical instruments—flutes, say, or harps—aren’t played so that each note is distinct and in tune, how will anyone be able to catch the melody and enjoy the music? If the trumpet call can’t be distinguished, will anyone show up for the battle? So if you speak in a way no one can UNDERSTAND, what’s the point of opening your mouth? There are many languages in the world and they all mean something to someone. But if I don’t understand the language, it’s not going to do me much good. It’s no different with you. Since you’re so eager to participate in what God is doing, why don’t you concentrate on doing what helps everyone in the church?"(Message).
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached about Relationships today. I watched both services on Facebook, and I will definitely be watching them again. In the 11 am service he used the scripture above. He focused on "Understanding". He even broke into song, and the congregation joined in with Xscape's song entitled, "Understanding". So often in our relationships we assume the other person, or people know what we mean, and understand what we want. Most of the time they do not know what we want, or need. Dr. Stevenson said, "Language is specific to the type of person you are dealing with. There is a Life Language inside of you. If people don't love you enough to learn your language, they end up doing a bunch of stuff that doesn't register with you".
I'm sure we can all relate. Each of us thinks something different when we hear certain words. If I say "Love" you understand love from your definition of the word. Your definition is based on your life experiences. Dr. Stevenson said, "I come to the table speaking "Me". If I love you, I need to learn how to speak "You". What if I say the word "Help". In various situations, you may feel you have helped another person. But what is their definition of help? So many times we give people what we think we would want in the situation, this is not always accurate.
Relationships take time. Relationships are work. BUT the benefit of putting in the work is the Blessing of healthy, happy, flourishing relationships. In movies the main character may frequent a certain bar or restaurant. When they arrive the bartender or maître d' calls them by name, and already knows what they like, and what they generally order. Perhaps, its like this with you and your favorite place. The staff has taken time to learn more about you. They want you to know that you are valued, and your business is appreciated. Our families, friends, church members, and co-workers deserve the same understanding. I hate soggy bread! Anyone that knows me well, knows why. Its so refreshing when I'm with a person and we are discussing what to eat, and they comment, "But you don't like soggy bread". I smile, they have learned my life language.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
P.S. - Just in case you forgot why I hate soggy bread. My mother would buy the biggest turkey for Thanksgiving. I always exaggerate and say it was 50 pounds. Of course, there would be leftover turkey. She would then make turkey sandwiches with Lawry's seasoning salt and mayonnaise, and freeze them in sandwich bags. Sandwich bags have come a long way over the years. The kind we had didn't zip, they folded over. These frozen sandwiches would be put in our lunch bags. By lunch time the sandwich would have thawed and the bread would be soggy.
1 Corinthians 14:6-12 says, "THINK, friends: If I come to you and all I do is pray privately to God in a way only he can understand, what are you going to get out of that? If I don’t address you plainly with some insight or truth or proclamation or teaching, what help am I to you? If musical instruments—flutes, say, or harps—aren’t played so that each note is distinct and in tune, how will anyone be able to catch the melody and enjoy the music? If the trumpet call can’t be distinguished, will anyone show up for the battle? So if you speak in a way no one can UNDERSTAND, what’s the point of opening your mouth? There are many languages in the world and they all mean something to someone. But if I don’t understand the language, it’s not going to do me much good. It’s no different with you. Since you’re so eager to participate in what God is doing, why don’t you concentrate on doing what helps everyone in the church?"(Message).
Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III preached about Relationships today. I watched both services on Facebook, and I will definitely be watching them again. In the 11 am service he used the scripture above. He focused on "Understanding". He even broke into song, and the congregation joined in with Xscape's song entitled, "Understanding". So often in our relationships we assume the other person, or people know what we mean, and understand what we want. Most of the time they do not know what we want, or need. Dr. Stevenson said, "Language is specific to the type of person you are dealing with. There is a Life Language inside of you. If people don't love you enough to learn your language, they end up doing a bunch of stuff that doesn't register with you".
I'm sure we can all relate. Each of us thinks something different when we hear certain words. If I say "Love" you understand love from your definition of the word. Your definition is based on your life experiences. Dr. Stevenson said, "I come to the table speaking "Me". If I love you, I need to learn how to speak "You". What if I say the word "Help". In various situations, you may feel you have helped another person. But what is their definition of help? So many times we give people what we think we would want in the situation, this is not always accurate.
Relationships take time. Relationships are work. BUT the benefit of putting in the work is the Blessing of healthy, happy, flourishing relationships. In movies the main character may frequent a certain bar or restaurant. When they arrive the bartender or maître d' calls them by name, and already knows what they like, and what they generally order. Perhaps, its like this with you and your favorite place. The staff has taken time to learn more about you. They want you to know that you are valued, and your business is appreciated. Our families, friends, church members, and co-workers deserve the same understanding. I hate soggy bread! Anyone that knows me well, knows why. Its so refreshing when I'm with a person and we are discussing what to eat, and they comment, "But you don't like soggy bread". I smile, they have learned my life language.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
P.S. - Just in case you forgot why I hate soggy bread. My mother would buy the biggest turkey for Thanksgiving. I always exaggerate and say it was 50 pounds. Of course, there would be leftover turkey. She would then make turkey sandwiches with Lawry's seasoning salt and mayonnaise, and freeze them in sandwich bags. Sandwich bags have come a long way over the years. The kind we had didn't zip, they folded over. These frozen sandwiches would be put in our lunch bags. By lunch time the sandwich would have thawed and the bread would be soggy.
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