Youth Renewed

 Happy Sunday!

"The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].  Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.  [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. [They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."(Psalm 92:12-15 Amplified).

The Word of God makes me happy!  Just reading the passage above was enough to make me smile!  I remember being 15 years old, and hearing that someone was 35 and thinking that was really, really old.  LOL!  Give it a few decades and now at 57 years old, I'd say a 35 year old is just a baby.  The Word says the righteous are not deteriorating, but they are flourishing.  They are not useless, but they are useful.  Moses didn't start his ministry until he was in his eighties, and he lived to be 120 years old.  I'm not saying that you should wait until you are 80 to start, but don't shrink back even if you are 80. 

In Psalm 91:16, God says, "I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.”(Easy-to-Read Version).  In Isaiah 58:11, He promises, "The Eternal One will never leave you; He will lead you in the way that you should go. When you feel dried up and worthless, God will nourish you and give you strength. And you will grow like a garden lovingly tended; you will be like a spring whose water never runs out."(Voice).  Don't miss this!  What an awesome visual, "like a spring whose water NEVER runs out".  Psalm 103:5 says, "He gives us plenty of good things. He makes us young again, like an eagle that grows new feathers."(Easy-to-Read Version).  Now, I'm no ornithologist, but I have read about molting.  During the molting process the eagles old feathers fall out and are replaced with new ones.  This reminds me of 2 Corinthians 5:17, "For if a man is in Christ he becomes a new person altogether—the past is finished and gone, everything has become fresh and new."(Phillips).

I'm expecting a bright future, and I've got God's Word on it!  "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."(Joshua 1:8 NIV).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Better Covenant

 Happy Sunday!

"O my soul, bless God.
    From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
    don’t forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins—every one.
    He heals your diseases—every one.
    He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
    He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
    He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
    He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right;
    he puts victims back on their feet."(Psalm 103:3-6 Message)

Don't miss this!  The Psalmist said, "God makes everything come out right!"  No matter what we experience we can expect the best when we are in covenant with God Almighty!  I know that encourages me, and hope it encourages you too.  There are so many blessings and benefits when we serve and worship God.  The writer of Hebrews said, "But the work that has been given to Jesus is much greater than the work that was given to those priests. In the same way, the new agreement that Jesus brought from God to his people is much greater than the old one. And the new agreement is based on better promises."(Hebrews 8:6 Easy-to-Read Version).

If you've ever read the promises throughout the Old Testament it's hard to imagine even better promises have been offered to us.  It's amazing!  Bro. Kenneth E. Hagin often commented about people asking him to pray for them.  He'd always ask the person, "What scripture are you standing on?"  So many times the people would say that they didn't have a scripture they were standing on or believing.  He would them tell them, "I'm not gonna pray for you!"  Sounds harsh, but if you ask me to pray for you you must have a desired outcome, or an expectation.  How would we ever know that the prayer had been answered if we weren't specific on what we are "touching and agreeing on".(Matthew 18:19). Don't waste time and effort.  Find a promise in the Word, and stand on it.
Believe the Word, and enjoy the benefits.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Dressed for Success

 Happy Sunday!

"So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor.  Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet.  Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit."(Ephesians 6:13-17 CEV).

There are all kinds of uniforms in the world.  Each one designed for different tasks, occupations, and athletic games.  In our neighborhood there have been many neighbors replacing their roofs after a major storm last year.  Roofers would never climb up on the roof with the uniform used by a professional hockey player.  And the hockey player would never go out on the ice with the basketball uniform like the one Dr. J used to wear.  #shortshorts.

We have the "Whole Armor" of God.  This spiritual uniform equips us and protects us. The Belt of Truth is the first piece that the Apostle Paul mentions.  We've moved to skinny jeans instead of sagging pants so I'm not sure how well belt sales are going.  But I envision it more like a military belt, or a tool belt anchoring and holding necessary weapons.  Truth still exists, but I'm amazed daily at how many people lie.  In Tech Support and Customer Service I'm constantly asking questions.  Many times, it's easy to tell when the customer is being untruthful.  I will ask has your device been dropped, damaged, submerged in or exposed to liquid?  My customer will say no, but later when I give the necessary disclaimers about sending in a damaged device for warranty replacement they hesitate.  Telling lies is costly.  Revelation 21:8 says, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and ALL LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."(KJV).

The next piece is the Breastplate of Righteousness.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "He orchestrated this: the Anointed One, who had never experienced sin, became sin for us so that in Him we might embody the very righteousness of God."(Voice).  Righteousness is God's way of doing and being right.  Just like a physical breastplate protects your vital organs, righteousness protects your life and livelihood.  

The Gospel of Peace is the next piece of our armor and it is described as shoes. Romans 14:19 says, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for PEACE, and things wherewith one may edify another."(KJV).  And Hebrews 12:14 says, "Let it be your ambition to live at PEACE with all men and to achieve holiness “without which no man shall see the Lord”.(Phillips).

The Shield of Faith guarantees our protection against anything the enemy may throw at us.  The Phillips Translation says it like this, "Above all be sure you take faith as your shield, for it can quench every burning missile the enemy hurls at you."(Ephesians 6:16).  Hebrews 11:6 says, " But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."(KJV).  Faith pleases God, and thwarts the enemies attacks.  

The Helmet of Salvation protects our head from evil thoughts, feelings, imaginations, and emotions.  2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."(Message). 

Finally, our only offensive weapon, The Sword of the Spirit which is God's Word.  We can use the Word of God to cut our enemy to pieces.  Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.  Hebrews 4:15 says, "Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned."(Easy-to-Read Version).  He simply used the Word of God.  He told Satan each time, "It is written".  The enemy left him alone because he cannot stand against the Word of God. We have the benefit of the Word, and the permission to use it daily.

Dressed for Success.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Always GOOD

 Happy Sunday!

"Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent. He won’t change His mind or play tricks in the shadows."(James 1:17 Voice).

God is Good!  God is Always Good! It's important to remember this.  God is not fickle or mysterious.  He has stated clearly in the Bible what he will do.  The Psalmist said, "For the Lord is GOOD; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."(Psalm 100:5 KJV).  Jesus showed us how to determine who causes bad things, and evil in the world.  In John 10:10 He says, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance."(Voice). Don't miss this!  The character of God never changes.

He wants the best for His Children, but he will never force it on you.  If you choose to live your life in opposition to God, He will allow you to do it.  He will also allow you to feel and endure the consequences of your wrong choices.  I know this from experience.  When I have lived contrary to the Word of God things not only fell apart, they crumbled.  BUT when I have determined to live righteously I am constantly overwhelmed with blessing and abundance.  Psalm 107:15 says, "Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the AMAZING things he does for people."(Easy-to-Read Version).

Luke 11:10-13 says, “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?”(Message).

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Rewarder

 Happy Sunday!

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."(Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

I grew up watching "Westerns", movies and television shows portraying the lives of Cowboys.  Generally, it was good versus evil.  The good guys would be out to get the bad guys, and many times there was a reward involved. The signs would be posted.  "Wanted Dead Or Alive" with the value or price on the head of the wanted individual.  Finding these criminals was never easy.  There were long hot dusty rides on horseback, primitive meals over campfires, and gunfights.  But the one responsible for the capture would receive the reward.  I bet you are wondering how I got way over there after reading this scripture.  God is a Rewarder!  He rewards us for doing, living, and being right or righteous.

Jesus told the people, "Here is the bottom line: do not worry about your life. Don’t worry about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don’t worry about how you clothe your body. Living is about more than merely eating, and the body is about more than dressing up."(Matthew 6:25 Voice).  Don't miss this!  He didn't say these things are not important.  He said there are other things that are MORE important.  Matthew 6:30-33 makes it a little clearer, “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. 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."(Message).

Take time to do a search.  The word reward is all over the Bible.  God rewards those who do right, and he also rewards those who do evil.  I definitely want to stay on the right side for the good rewards!  Don't you?

Love and prayers, Cynthia

GO

Happy Sunday!

"The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. It’s written,

I’ll turn conventional wisdom on its head,
I’ll expose so-called experts as shams.

So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn’t God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered stupid—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation."(1 Corinthians 1:18-21 Message).

Psalm 18:30 says, "Everything God does is perfect; the promise of the Eternal rings true; He stands as a shield for all who hide in Him."(Voice). No matter what we think or how we feel, God's way is perfect.  He has a plan and His plans always succeed.  He determined that preaching would be the way that men and women would hear about the saving power of Jesus.  That's why it's so important that we tell others about Jesus.  Jesus commanded us to do it, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."(Matthew 28:19-20 KJV).

Maybe, you're thinking, "I'm not a preacher!"  Sure, you may not be a part of the 5-Fold ministry: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher.(Ephesians 4:11). BUT you are still required to tell others about Jesus.  Jesus said your life should be a daily sermon to those around you.  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."(Matthew 5:16 KJV).  We also have the opportunity to partner with ministries that are doing the things Jesus said were important.  Remember Jesus applauded those that did the following things, "For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes;  naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me."(Matthew 25:35-36 Living Bible).

Let's get going!

Love and prayers, Cynthia 

Transformed

Happy Sunday!

"With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity."(Romans 12:1-2 Phillips).

God is all about proof!  If you believe and trust Him there should be evidence in your life.  Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."(John 14:15 KJV).  I enjoy renovation shows, and most things with Before and After pictures.  It's encouraging to see how a house, a car, or a human body can be transformed.  But any transformation requires action.  For a house it may require gutting the interior, rebuilding walls, replacing flooring, and painting. For a car it may require replacing parts, fabricating other parts, sanding and painting.  For a human body it may require a change of mind, exercise, a change in eating habits, and refusing things that are detrimental to health. 

Romans 12:1 in the Living Bible says, "And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?"  Sacrifices in the Old Testament had to be perfect.  No blemishes, no defects, and no injuries.  The Prophet Malachi rebuked the people for not bringing their best to God.  “When you say, ‘The altar of God is not important anymore; worship of God is no longer a priority,’ that’s defiling. And when you offer worthless animals for sacrifices in worship, animals that you’re trying to get rid of—blind and sick and crippled animals—isn’t that defiling? Try a trick like that with your banker or your senator—how far do you think it will get you?” God-of-the-Angel-Armies asks you."(Malachi 1:8 Message).

We don't have to bring live animals to God anymore because Jesus became the Ultimate Sacrifice.  BUT God wants our lives.  When we give Him our lives he blesses us exceedingly abundantly more than we can ever ask, think, or imagine!(Ephesians 3:20).  He renovates, and improves our lives and everyone can see the Before and After!

Love and prayers, Cynthia