tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13189232053453073012024-03-05T12:31:51.300-08:00Out of the shadows... Into the WORD"...for you are a chosen people. You are a royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-60121723533879191832016-04-07T01:00:00.000-07:002016-04-07T01:00:00.250-07:00Reputations<em>We all have a reputation whether we want it or not.</em><br />
<br />
<em>According to Webster's Dictionary the word reputation means</em> the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">overall </span>quality or character as seen or judged by people in general. <em>Reputations are placed upon us by the choices we make or even reflect the paths we've walked down through life. They can be acquired by one act or by a series of actions or attitudes. Many people work hard to obtain a certain reputation while others work just as hard to change the one they have.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>The best reputation that we as a Christian woman can obtain is that of "she glorifies God!"</em><br />
<em>What a wonderful thing to be said about us for that is what we are created for. According to Isaiah 26:8 this should be our heart's desire.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>What about you? Is this your heart's desire? To have a reputation of glorifying God?</em><br />
<em>If you are on the path of gaining this reputation, I want to encourage you to keep up the good work. If you have found that you have somehow gotten on to a detoured path, it is never to late! </em><em>Seek the Lord and let Him direct you back to the right path.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>As said earlier, we all have a reputation. Even God has one. In the 63rd chapter of the Book of Isaiah, we find the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Israelites</span> remembering what God had done for them. They remembered how He brought them out of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Egypt</span>, across the Red sea, across the desert and into a peaceful valley for rest. I love how the New Living Translation reads at the end of verse 14, "You led your people, LORD, and gained a magnificent reputation."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>So here's what I would like to hear from you. How has the LORD led you and gained a magnificent reputation in your life?</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Can't wait to hear from you!</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Cynthia</em>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-26858346086002706942016-03-31T10:59:00.002-07:002016-03-31T11:00:19.506-07:00I'm Still Standing<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
There was a song that Elton John sang while I was in my teens.</h3>
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The chorus popped into my thoughts this morning and won’t go away. </div>
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Do you remember this?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong>Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did<br /> Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid<br /> I'm still standing after all this time</strong></div>
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<strong>Picking up the pieces of my life…</strong></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am neither a cancer survivor nor a survivor of domestic violence so why is this song ringing so loud today? I think because I am simply trying to survive myself.</div>
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<br /></div>
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One of my worst critics is myself. So many times I am the one that holds myself back from true victory.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am currently reading “A Confident Heart; How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God’s Promises.” By Renee Swope. I agree with Renee as she writes that many women don’t ever feel like they are good enough, smart enough or valuable enough. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In this book so many chapter titles resonate with me.</div>
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Take a look…</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>When Doubt Whispers “I’m Not Good Enough”</strong></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>When Doubt Whispers “I’m Such a Failure”</strong></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>When Doubt Whispers “I Don’t Have Anything Special to Offer”</strong></div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you struggle with doubt? I do!</div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So much so that I have lived in the shadows of insecurities so long that I have limit myself. Afraid to do what God calls me to do because of the doubts placed in my thoughts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So how do we overcome this doubt and become survivors?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think, just like Renee, it comes from living in the promises of God. God’s Word is filled with amazing promises.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Promises like:</div>
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<strong>I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deut. 31:6)</strong></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>If God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)</strong></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>What is impossible with man is possible with God. (Luke 18:27)</strong></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. (Ps. 91:15)</strong></div>
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<br /></div>
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This doesn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to search for more in God’s Word.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So I guess I now understand why that chorus from the teen years of my life is playing through my thoughts.</div>
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As I stand on God’s promises instead of my own strength…I am still standing…looking like a true survivor…feeling like a little kid.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As I was finishing this up I read a line from Warren Weirsbe’s commentary.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“God’s promises are prods not pillows.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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To be a true survivor we cannot pull all these promises around us like a warm blanket on a chilly morning and get all comfy cozy but rather we are to let them prod us to service for God. To step out of the shadows and walk in the promises He gives us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<b>What are some promises you are standing on and stepping out in?</b><br />
<br />
Stepping Out of the Shadows.<br />
<br />
Cynthia</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-69324821784007149872015-06-09T12:55:00.000-07:002015-06-09T12:55:00.542-07:00Jesus Exceeding Our Exoectations<div class="MsoNormal">
It was all too familiar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here she was walking the stony rugged path outside the city
gate once again. A familiarity she never wanted, never asked for but yet she
was retracing those same steps that she had taken before. A trip that seemed to
had only been yesterday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just like the last time she kept her eyes averted to the
ground. She could sense all the people around her but at the same time felt
completely alone. She could barely even hear the professional mourners over the
cries of her heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What now?” “How could this have happened?” “What will I do to survive?” Questions coming
one after another, invading her thoughts as she tried desperately to keep her
knees from buckling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With tears spilling down her cheeks faster than she could
wipe them away with a cloth that lost its dryness days ago, she tried to focus
on the shoulders of the men walking in front of her. In fact, there were two columns of men
walking together, side by side. These men were carefully placing their steps as
to not mishandle the precious cargo atop their shoulders. Each sharing the weight of the poles that
made up the stretcher like coffin upon which the shrouded body of her son-her
only son lay. Not only was this her dearly loved son but since her husband had
died he was her protector and her provider. Now he too was gone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The further outside the city she went the more numb she became.
She barely noticed the group walking towards the gate about to pass her. The cultural traditions held that when one
passes a funeral procession condolences were to be made. This would be no
different. For a moment she was able to pull herself out of the dense fog
within her head. She could tell there
was a buzz of excitement within the oncoming group. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What it was she didn’t know and frankly she
didn’t care. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her world had stopped and that was all she really knew.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the group was close enough she lifted her eyes just
barely to see the man walking ahead of the rest. There was something different
about him. He wasn’t like the other mourners. As her eyes met his briefly she
could tell he held true compassion for her. He came close and whispered to her,
“Do not weep?” Then he did the most
unusual thing. He reached for the stretcher carrying her son’s body. The small
amount of air that was left in her fragile body leapt out in a gasp. If this
man touched the body he would be deemed unclean. “Why would he do that?” she
asked herself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the man touched the side of the open air coffin, those
carrying it stood still. She couldn’t help but draw close. She had to know what
was happening. It was almost like
everything around her hushed and then she heard the strangest words coming from
the man. Her head began spinning. “Did he just say what I thought he said? Did
he just say, “Young man, I say to you rise?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She stared at the man for what seemed forever then slowly
turned and looked at where the body of her son lay. “What was she seeing? Was
she dreaming? Was that her son was
sitting up and talking?” At that moment she could no longer keep her knees
under her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More questions bombarded her. “In her stumble, had she
fallen asleep? Was this a strange dream? Was this man she kept hearing others
call Jesus really standing in front of her? Who was that he has his arm around?
Is that really her son?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She reached timidly out to the hand beckoning for hers and
when they met…when real live flesh met tears and laughter burst from her. It was her son. He was truly alive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17) only expected the obvious
that day. She expected to follow a
procession to the cemetery. She expected to bury her son into the cold ground.
She expected to walk that lonely path back through the gates of the city to her
house. She expected life to be hard and sad from that point on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what she didn’t expect…she didn’t expect Jesus.</div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus walked up and exceeded her expectations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friend you may not be walking in a literal funeral
procession but you might be like I am, standing on a stony path watching that
dream encased in a bubble wafting away on the slightest breeze. Maybe you also feel like I have, like you are
standing drenched in a muddy puddle from the wave that doused the passion that
once burned like a raging fire in your heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe your only expectations are to bury those dreams and
passions in the cold earth with life never being the same again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you are
not sure what to expect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God has me on the journey of expectation. He is telling me
not to be walking down a stony path with limited expectations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have felt God ask
me “Are you expecting Jesus?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is tugging at my heart to expect the arrival of Jesus
and to be ready for him to reach out and touch that which I once thought was
dead and rejoice when He exceeds my expectations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 145:19 says, “He will fulfill the desires of those who
reverently and worshipfully fear Him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh friend, expectantly wait for His arrival and don’t be
surprised when what He does totally exceeds your expectations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edwin Louis Cole says, “Expectancy is the atmosphere of
miracles.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t wait, can you?<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-83622592011088217072015-06-02T12:51:00.000-07:002015-06-02T12:51:00.062-07:00Expecting His Return<div class="MsoNormal">
Turn on any type of media and you will eventually hear
worldly news.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wars, bombings, beheadings, natural disasters…the world is
moaning for Christ return…and whether the people of the world know or not,
creation is expecting it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romans 8:19-20 says, “For the earnest expectation of the
creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation
was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it
in hope; because creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Garden of Eden when Satan whispered lies, Adam and
Eve made a choice that changed the world. Not only did mankind have
consequences placed upon them but so did all creation. Everything had fallen victim to sin with
decomposition and decay finding its way into the grand scheme of the deceiver.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Satan orchestrated a plan to separate that which God said
was very good from the presence of God himself however as time begin to march
across God’s Kingdom calendar the return of Christ to reclaim and restore has
been greatly anticipated. With each
passing year and day we see signs of a “crying out” for the King of King’s
return</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what about us, modern day Christians are we expecting
His return? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we sit in comfortable
homes in a wonderful country that has not yet seen escalated persecution, how are
we watching with intensity for His return? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do we scroll pass on our news feeds about the persecution that is being
played out on the screens from the other side of the world not letting it touch
our lives?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can we earnestly expect His return? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew 24:36 tells
us that no one knows the day or the hour so what can we be doing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>First</b> we must
take His return seriously by digging into God’s word and learning it. We need to be prepared in and out of season
to give an answer for our faith. We also
need to be able to discern what is true and lines up with God’s word. If we haven’t spent time studying then we
will not know lies that Satan is now whispering in our ears.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Second</b>, we should
not turn a blind eye to the news of the world and the persecution that is going
on. We should seek to let the reports
prick our hearts into the action of prayer.
There are people across living this globe that do not have the luxury of
walking into a house of God or to email or text a prayer request. We can take up this mantel and be prayer
warriors for them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pray that they:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stand strong in their faith<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To live the joy of the Lord before their persecutors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To feel the presence of Jesus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To recall the Words of the Lord for comfort and strength<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To know their suffering is not in vain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Third</b> we must be
bold and tell others about the salvation of the Lord. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s word tells us that every tribe and every nation will
be represented in singing before the Lord in heaven. Currently, not every tribe
and nation has heard the salvation message of Jesus Christ. But with good
focused strategy and faithful believers we can finish the task in our
lifetime. You may be thinking, “I can’t
go” but have you ever considered that they person you share the gospel with
just might be the one that the Lord calls to go to that tribe in the Amazon
jungle or that remote nation in Southeast Asia?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
William Carey said, “Expect great things from God, Attempt
great things for God”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friends we must grow to earnestly expect His return. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Father, help us to expect your return in an urgent
manner. Help us to not turn a deaf ear
or a blind eye to our brothers and sisters across the world that are suffering
for you. Create in us a passion for your
Word, a voice that cries out in prayer and a boldness to tell others about
you. Lord, help us to step up our
mission and expect you. Lord, come
quickly!<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-75631764798984027492015-05-26T04:00:00.000-07:002015-05-26T04:00:07.184-07:00Expect His Movement<div class="MsoNormal">
The first three times the answer was still the same but his
master sent him again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four, five and six.
He ran out to the overlook and yet the same thing…nothing was happening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You wonder if the servant thought his master had gotten it
wrong. It had not rained in years and
the sky was void of clouds but now his master had said he heard the sound of
abundance of rain. Once again for the
seventh time, Elijah told his servant to go look toward the sea. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time
something was different. There was a cloud as small as a man’s hand, rising out
of the sea. (1 Kings 18:41-46)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seven times he sent his servant out to seek God’s movement.
Six times the answer was no but on that seventh trip things changed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can
learn so much from Elijah about expecting God and His movement. Elijah prayed
for the fulfillment of his request earnestly.
He didn't give up the first few times that the servant returned with a
negative answer. He remained diligent. Elijah believed that his prayer was answered
before the answer came. WOW! What faith!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friend, have you given up on an answer from God? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if the servant said he wouldn't go out
to look after the third time? Would he
have missed the miracle of seeing God’s movement?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same goes for many others that are documented in God’s
Word. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if the Israelites didn't leave Egypt? Would they have missed the
parting of the Red Sea? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if they
only marched around the city of Jericho five times? Would they have missed the
walls come tumbling down? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if the Apostles refused to return to Jerusalem
after Jesus ascended into Heaven? Would they have missed the movement of the
Holy Spirit?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James 5: 16-18
states: “…The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah
was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not
rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he
prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth produced its fruit.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my favorite parts about this story of Elijah is when
the servant reported the cloud he girded up his clothes and took off
running. He knew what was about to
happen….the rains were coming and come they did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are waiting for a movement of God, I implore you to
not give up. Take on a posture of
prayer, seek and expect God to move.
Start looking for that one small cloud.
It is coming my friend, it you don’t lose heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Expect God’s movements.
Pray! Look! And the DO!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Father, retrain our eyes to look for even the smallest signs
of your movement. Help us to be so
diligent in our prayers that we have the confidence in your power before you
even move. <o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-71816982166168569872015-05-19T04:00:00.000-07:002015-05-19T04:00:07.523-07:00Expect Distractions<div class="MsoNormal">
Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold fast to the confession of
our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Life just isn't fair” I remember saying those words as a
teenager and yes have even said them as I have become more seasoned as an
inhabitant on this big blue ball.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We often come to expect things to be perfect and fair. When
life isn't as we dream it would be we often become misguided and tie our
expectations onto the wrong things of this world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In doing so we end up putting our hope and
anticipation into something that doesn't have eternal blessings. We get to the point that we are distracted
and look towards something other than Jesus to give us a hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My sons are big “Lord of the Ring” fans and we have watched
these movies over and over. There are so
many examples that can relate to our Christian walk within these stories by JRR
Tolkien. One is the main object in the
story…The Ring. The purpose of the group
was to get the ring back to its origins where it was formed and destroy
it. Yet time and time again one
character would place their expectations on the ring itself instead of the
purpose for the journey. This
distraction would lead to heartache and sorrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We each have a mission here on earth to accomplish for God
but Satan wants to distract us. He knows
that we are no longer available to him but he does realize that he can sway our
attention from our intended mission. In
comes the method of distractions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My boys laugh and say that my thoughts can squirrel around
jumping here and there at any given moment.
They know that anything can distract me and my thought process at any
given moment. You know what? So does
Satan. He has an incredible curve ball
that he likes to throw my way to get me off kilter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to be diligent to find a focal point to keep those
distractions at bay. When we expect that
distractions will come, most likely during the times we are impacting our
mission field; we can deter and stay single minded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One way that has helped me remain focused and not distracted
is scripture memorization. I used to say
I just couldn't memorize scripture but found myself memorizing words to songs
and lines to movies. I realized that I
was listening to lies about scripture memory.
I now have a spiral of index cards in front of me prompting me to hide
God’s word in my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How are you keeping the distractions in their place?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is your focal point to keep you on
mission?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Father, Help us to remain focused on you. Realizing that
distractions will come but you are our true North, a lamp unto our path and
guide to our feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-57608246019089030552015-05-12T04:00:00.000-07:002015-05-12T04:00:06.797-07:00Silent Expectations<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“My soul, wait
silently for God alone. For my expectation is from Him” Psalm 62:5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever felt like a spinning top? I know I have! Life seems to be spinning right along then
wham! I am off kilter and knocked for a loop. Even though tops can be colorful and festive
in appearance when that string is wound and then pulled you find out a lot
about it. One minute it is spinning with
such precision that it is beautiful but then it evidently hits something or
runs out of its own power and it starts to falter beginning to wobble and
teeter out of control. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you relate?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
King David could I am sure. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More times than you can count he was having someone or something come up
against him. Even at one point his own son Absalom turned against him (2 Samuel
16-18). But what I find comforting about
King David, a man after God’s own heart, was that he learned to silently wait
and expect God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that’s a lesson I want to learn!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When frustration and chaos hit, David attached his rope,
remember our cord of attachment with expectation from yesterday, around what he
knew. He knew that God was his rock, his
strength, his defense and when we like David wait and expect, looking in God’s
direction we too will see His salvation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh there will be times we must weather the storms
alone. Times when we will feel abandoned
and defenseless, just like King David did, but we can grab hold of that rope
attached to God and feel the tautness knowing that what it is attached it is
immovable. It is then when we are securely anchored.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wait, expect and look for God because all power belongs to
Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 62<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>To the Chief Musician.
To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Truly my soul silently
waits for God;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> From Him comes my salvation. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>He only is my rock and
my salvation;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>He is my defense;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> I shall not be greatly moved.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>How long will you
attack a man?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> You shall be slain, all of you,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>They only consult to
cast him down from his high position;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> They delight in lies;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> They bless with their mouth,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> But they curse inwardly. Selah<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> My soul, wait silently for God alone,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> For my expectation is from Him. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>He only is my rock and
my salvation;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>He is my defense;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> I shall not be moved. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>In God is my salvation
and my glory;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> The rock of my strength,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And my refuge, is in
God.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Trust in Him at all
times, you people;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Pour out your heart before Him;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> God is a refuge for us. Selah<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Surely men of low
degree are a vapor,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Men of high degree are a lie;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> If they are weighed on the scales,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> They are altogether lighter than vapor. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Do not trust in
oppression,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Nor vainly hope in robbery;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> If riches increase,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Do not set your heart on them.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> God has spoken once,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Twice I have heard this:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> That power belongs to God. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Also to You, O Lord,
belongs mercy;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> For You render to each one according to his
work.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Father, teach us to silently wait in expectation of You and
your might works. Help us to let go of
frustrations and chaos and feel the tautness of You at the end of the rope as
our Rock and Salvation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-16311244079129847312015-05-05T04:00:00.000-07:002015-05-05T04:00:07.776-07:00A Cord Of Attachment<div class="MsoNormal">
There she stood gazing at the window, not really looking out
but just at the frame that made up the hole in the wall where the two men
recently descended from her home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clutching
to the line of scarlet cord that one of the men placed in her hands with
specific instructions, Rahab finally found what she was looking for, a place to
secure the cord in hopes of rescue when the Israelites returned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Book of Joshua chapter 2 we find the story of Rahab
and the Israelite spies and this is where we find the most interesting Hebrew
word for expect. The word Tiqvah
(Strongs 8615 pronounced tik-vaw’) which means something yearned for, to
anticipate eagerly, something for which one waits. This word comes from the verb qavah which
means to look hopefully in a particular direction. The original meaning was to
stretch like a rope. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here in the story of Rahab we find in her hands a cord of
expectation and hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Joshua chapter 2 verse 18 is states: “thou shalt bind
this line (hope, expectation) of scarlet thread (cord) in the window which you
let us down…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then in verse 21 we read, “she bound the scarlet cord (the
tiqvah- a line of hope in expectation of salvation) to the window.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rahab had already told the spies she knew who the Lord was
and what He had done for their people. Now she was tying a scarlet cord to her
window waiting and longing for the Lord to send the men to rescue her in His
time. She was ready and looking for
their rescue of her and her family. Even at the same time, she was longingly
and expectantly looking in the direction of the One who would be her real
salvation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For I had a feeling she was a little like Psalmist in Psalm 121, “I
will lift my eye to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes for
the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t you simply love the symbolism in the Bible? The cord
was not only a symbol of her expectation of immediate rescue but also of the
rescue from sin by the Savior Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you are in a situation where you need refocus and to
get to the place of expectation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe
you need to find your own tiqvah, a cord to tie with expectation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh my friend, you may feel as though you are surrounded by
heart melting circumstances just as the people of Jericho when the Israelites
marched across the desert towards them (Joshua 2:11) but when you step out in
faith like Rahab and tie on to God’s hope expecting Him in His way you will always
find Him faithful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Father, teach us to attach ourselves to you with a cord of
expectation. Let us see your
faithfulness even when we have fear surrounding us and we need your rescue.<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-63550191330516383742015-04-28T04:00:00.000-07:002015-04-28T04:00:05.930-07:00Living to Expect<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever had a common word, a word you have heard more
times than you can count, all the sudden
make you sit up straight and listen? A
word that once you look more closely at makes your eyes grow wide and your lips
part as you realize your chin is dropping to the ground? A word that just might have become a game
changer in the way you look at it ever again?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me this happened recently with the word EXPECT. As the end of 2014 drew to a close I was
struggling with life situations. I was
at a quandary as to how I was to proceed with 2015 regarding a passion and
purpose. Frankly things just seemed ho
hum and I didn't know how or where to place my next step so I began praying for
God to show me a word to study or something that would direct me or even
restore a passionate life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not knowing where to really begin I grabbed my Bible…OK I
know that is where you always begin but I didn't know how to “hear” which word
God had for me. I turned to the
concordance in the back and started reading aloud the words found there. Starting in the A’s I would read a word then
jotted it down and thinking halfheartedly, “Well I could do this one.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Page after page, I sat jotting down words that were safe in
my mind. Sitting at my kitchen table I
was combing through the alphabet…A…B…C and so on until I reached the end of
E. The word Expect struck a chord. I tried to flip the page and go on to F but
it was like God wouldn't let me pass that word.
I know then that God’s word for me was EXPECT. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Expect: a verb meaning to look forward to; regard as likely
to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know what you might be thinking here…”Um… Cynthia, this
is no news alert. We know that definition.”
I agree! I knew that meaning as
well but what I didn't know was the Hebrew and Greek meanings of the words that
were translated into English as expect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When reading the original meanings of the word I sensed a
deeper pulling of the words. Within the definitions came the gripping words of hope,
intense anticipation, apprehension, earnest expectation, wait, that thing I
long for and looking hopefully in a particular direction. But the one that struck me odd until I dug
further was “a cord as an attachment.” Where
in the world did that come from and how did it fit?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the next few weeks we will look at this word expect.
Digging in and hoping to find more of a reason to expect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you expecting something? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you given up expecting something from God?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edwin Louis Cole says, “Expectancy is the atmosphere of
miracles.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Father, I pray that you will teach us to expect you more, to
place all our hope quietly before you.
For everything that we long for is in you, O God, alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-80423565617859371392015-04-09T14:28:00.000-07:002015-04-09T14:28:00.160-07:00EXPECT....The Word God gave me to study.God gave me a word at the beginning of this year.<br />
<br />
That word is EXPECT.<br />
<br />
Please listen to my radio show "My Journey of Faith" as I share what God taught me.<br />
<br />
This would be a great topic for a ladies night out or a retreat. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtIMg4O4zEBibiDvAOqlaUyY08LnU1ozwGUTnYpUj0FvFwtObA_f_cwQ5WPOfIuBjnzt8UgbSHnXSyjUzu_sQGTP8X5iwwvGEPey_Gqz554frVyzuiAZGlSYTZCNZdSchie3DkCsKe_2j/s1600/my+journey+of+faith+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtIMg4O4zEBibiDvAOqlaUyY08LnU1ozwGUTnYpUj0FvFwtObA_f_cwQ5WPOfIuBjnzt8UgbSHnXSyjUzu_sQGTP8X5iwwvGEPey_Gqz554frVyzuiAZGlSYTZCNZdSchie3DkCsKe_2j/s1600/my+journey+of+faith+1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/%E2%80%A6/20%E2%80%A6/04/09/my-journey-of-faith">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/…/20…/04/09/my-journey-of-faith</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Praying that you will Expect God every day!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
CynthiaCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-39383932789348472192015-03-18T11:58:00.003-07:002015-03-18T11:58:44.070-07:00They Need Us....Gray Hair and All<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I get tickled at God’s sense of humor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mean really if anyone should have a great sense of humor
it would be The Creator of all things.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example look over to your right at my profile
picture. See all that gray hair? I mean really I am not even 50 years old
yet. Close but not yet. I tried so hard to keep that gray in
check. Spending hours upon hours and
going through bottles upon bottles of colorant to hide what was sprouting out
of my head. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally I gave up.
After every couple of weeks looking into the mirror to see a growing
halo (and not the angelic kind) I bit the bullet and stepped away from the
bottle. Surely I could find better ways
to spend that money that I was investing at a losing speed on hair color. My
only prayer was God please let it look halfway decent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took over a year to let it grow out and subject family
and friends to the awful transition but it finally got there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then as I was reading in Psalm I came across a verse that
tickled me and had me saying “Yes, Lord Yes” at the same time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s the verse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let
me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who
come after me.” Psalm 71:18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isn’t that first part a hoot?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But more than that I do desire to proclaim His power and His
mighty miracles to all who come after me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This new generation needs every one of us. They need to hear
how God has been faithful to us. They need to know that He too will be faithful
to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share your story. Proclaim His Power. Speak of His miracles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s impact the next generation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you have a God sense of humor story? Please share.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Blessing!</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cynthia</span></i></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-21399911352522920822015-03-12T13:27:00.001-07:002015-03-12T13:27:41.700-07:00After the MiracleYou may not know this but I am also a radio host. <br />
<br />
Yep God caught me out of the blue when He directed the founder of My Journey of Faith Ministries to call me and ask me to host the radio show.<br />
<br />
Can I tell you it was NOT on my radar!!! But God....<br />
<br />
God would not let me dismiss it and I have almost been doing it weekly for two years. YES 2 years!!! <br />
<br />
Every so often a show captures my heart like the one I am going to share with you.<br />
If you have 30 minutes I ask that you listen to the story by Rachel Pferi about After the Miracle. <br />
<br />
You will be blessed.<br />
<br />
I'll post more shows in the future or you can listen live every Thursday. Join my facebook page My Journey of Faith Radio to find past and future links.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2015/02/19/my-journey-of-faith">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2015/02/19/my-journey-of-faith</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEajjiOxeyJi6TNS9uRVQtAlAochuYnEN518G8gO5XecgO9VGz65kCuwZjhTlQ3KhrIkK74gwgULR07DBd80Re7_MQIawF4Q1LJIiOTlQ6_2gVLGsb-g4XQUOabtZdgxPhfK_eLsHwrvY/s1600/my+journey+of+faith+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEajjiOxeyJi6TNS9uRVQtAlAochuYnEN518G8gO5XecgO9VGz65kCuwZjhTlQ3KhrIkK74gwgULR07DBd80Re7_MQIawF4Q1LJIiOTlQ6_2gVLGsb-g4XQUOabtZdgxPhfK_eLsHwrvY/s1600/my+journey+of+faith+1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Enjoy and Blessings!<br />
<br />
CynthiaCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-54044741398879745112015-03-03T01:00:00.000-08:002015-03-03T01:00:04.786-08:00The Best Guide Ever!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for
your life, I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8</i></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Have you ever been lost, whether physically or maybe
mentally?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is during those times when
you just weren’t sure where you are.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In both
circumstances that is for sure. Several years ago I went on a mission trip to
Peru. At one point the group split into two smaller groups and headed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The further the group I was in got from the
other group and the higher we got into the Andes Mountain the more we became
aware that we were lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know there
aren’t any street signs up on those dry dusty roads and goggle earth wasn’t
even up and running at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
only life we found at one point was a pack of llamas and they refused to give
good directions.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It did get a little frustrating but eventually we found the
village we were looking for and the rest of the trip we laughed about it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But it is those times when we are lost mentally that seems
to cause more of a struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it is
in the not knowing what the next step in life should be, what direction a
ministry should take or maybe it is closer to the heart of parenting, raising
that child and making the correct choices.</div>
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This is where today's verse gives me a pause of
thankfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God says He will guide,
advise us and watch over us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I get a
collective sigh of relief?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Guide</b>- Have you ever been on an adventure with a guide?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They point out the best places to put your
foot when the terrain gets rocky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
direct your eyes to the best vantage points and they show you the things that
an untrained eye would normally miss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is telling us that He is our guide and He not only knows the best
foot placements but also knows the best vantage points and what we might miss
along the way if left to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Advise</b>- God is the ultimate advisor!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is better than the college professor that
helped you coordinate your classes for obtaining the degree you longed
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is better that the financial pro
that helps you put your portfolio together so that funds will not run out for
retirement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His advising doesn’t rely on
stock markets or academic requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God knows the BIG picture and advises you for what is the perfect, very
best for your life to bring Him honor and glory! God only advises what is best
with no risk to your future with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Watching over</b>-When my boys were little I would watch over them
with a close eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would see when they
were headed in the wrong direction and reroute their steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However there were times when I would let my
mind wander and my watch over them wasn’t as on point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would veer way off track before I could
correct them quickly enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With God
that isn’t so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His watch is constant and
doesn’t get altered by things fighting for his attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is ever seeing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God watches over us without delay,
interruption or slackness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God sees the big picture! And for that I am so
thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am called like a child to
his parents to listen the God’s voice. God is and always will be the best
guide, advisor and one to watch over me!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you allowing Him that role in your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you listening to His voice?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May we all be open to allowing God to do in our lives what
He alone can do best!</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-42664984924540472582015-02-26T13:00:00.000-08:002015-02-26T13:30:56.766-08:00Words of Wisdom<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
People go through struggles and sometimes I feel like I
simply don’t know what to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you
know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is ok!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes it is best not to say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes when we speak out of our own
thoughts it comes out wrong and it doesn’t accomplish what we want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there are times we can speak the perfect
thing to comfort someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how do we
know when and what to say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is simple!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
learn what to say when by staying connected with God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The Sovereign Lord has given me His words for wisdom, so that I know
how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakes me and opens my
understanding to His will.” Isaiah 50:4</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our verse today says that it is the Lord that gives us His
words for wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are these
words?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are His Words found written
in His word the Bible. They are the words that guide us and our voices into
action when needed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a very special friend that has taught me so much
about God’s word and one thing in particular is the two words found in this
verse…”so that”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those two words are a purpose clause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This clause is the connecting words that tell
you why the former statement was made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
other words, the meaning for what purpose that statement was given to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case it is for us to know how to
comfort the weary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isaiah tells us that God’s words give us the wisdom to
comfort, to speak and even to know when to stay quiet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love that Isaiah also tells us that morning by morning
when we open His word and God also opens our understanding to His will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a daily process and one that will
impart valuable wisdom into our daily lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you gleaning His wisdom daily?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you learning how to comfort the weary
through His power?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please share what God is teaching you as you open His Words
and He opens your understanding.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-30469259816078387282014-10-14T00:30:00.000-07:002014-10-14T00:30:02.041-07:00Go Back or Continue?<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the places that seemed to grab me was on the northern
shore of the Sea of Galilee. If you look
at a map of Israel and pay attention to the shape of the Sea of Galilee you
will notice it looks like a harp from Biblical times. We were in the Northwest
rounded area when we came upon a small church right on the shore. At first I
thought we were at a monastery, which we were, but why?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we walked in the doors of the church we learned that upon
this part of the shoreline was where Luke 21 had taken place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I pulled out my Bible and read this passage (Why don’t you
do the same and then we’ll continue.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Can you imagine all that had been going on at that
time? Jesus was placed on trial, beaten,
crucified, buried, risen, had appeared to the disciples in the upper room and
had breathed the Holy Spirit on them.
BUT what did they do? They went
fishing? Ummm ok? They just went back to
what they knew.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take a look at verse 7. </div>
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When John said to Peter, “It is the Lord” what did Peter do? He put on his outer garment because he had
been working and had removed it. Have
you ever considered why he put it back on?
Do you think it was because every time something unknown happened or he
was no longer with Jesus he resorted back to what he had known (his secular occupation)and
this time he wasn’t going to let Jesus find him doing that again? Do you think
Peter maybe tried to cover up his real actions?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love how Jesus didn’t let him skate by because in verse 11
it tells us that 153 fish were caught and the net was not broken. Hmmmm…think the net might not have been
broken because Jesus wanted him to know you can’t hide or cover up this and I
am who I say I am?<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we stood on the shore we speculated what the 153 fish
meant. You know numbers are important in
the Bible. One suggestion was that each
number 1, 5, 3 was representing the letter in the Aramaic alphabet and it
suggested something like I AM God. Another suggestion was that the 153
represented the number of known kingdoms across the world at that time and the
disciples were to go and preach the Gospel to each of them. I don’t think we know exactly what the 153
means. I do know that the meaning of the
number of fish caught that day is not something we should be debating but both
of the suggestions are correct. Jesus is
the Great I AM and He has commanded us to fish for men all across this round
sphere we call home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I walked back up the sloop to our ride and turned to view
again where this encounter with Jesus, Peter and the disciple that taken place;
I wondered. “After being on this soil,
placing my feet where Jesus walked will I simply go back to my home to do what
I had always done or will I continue on to what I and other Christians have
been called to do?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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What about you? After
going on this virtual journey to the land where Jesus walked will you read your
Bible differently? Will you more importantly go back to what you have always
been doing or will you be more proactive in sharing about The One who calmed
the sea and your heart? <o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-33882151101700593992014-10-07T00:30:00.000-07:002014-10-07T00:30:02.458-07:00Place of Outpouring, House of Grace…Pool of Bethesda<div class="MsoNormal">
The Old City beckoned us that morning. We had traveled all throughout the land of
Israel but this day we would make our way through one of the many gates and
walk the cobblestone streets. As we entered in through the Sheep gate we were
quickly aware of the Biblical location noted in John Chapter 5. We were standing at the entrance to the Pool
of Bethesda. </div>
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Please take a minute to read about this account in the first 15
verses of that chapter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Captured by the grandeur of the place I let my mind drift to
image what it would have been like in the days of Jesus. Jews were required to travel to Jerusalem for
at least one of the three major feast throughout the year. The streets and gates had to be bustling with
people coming to the old city of David to celebrate and offer their required
sacrifices. It was the custom that a person could not go to the temple until
they had bathed and purified themselves. So many would have entered through the
sheep gate then went straight to the pool for cleansing. Not only did you find the travels but as this
passage shared, a great multitude of sick people lay by the pools waiting for
the pools to stir. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we read as a group the account in Chapter 5, verse 5
grabbed my attention. “Now a certain man
was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thirty-eight years!
Waiting for the water to stir and to be the first in for healing! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thirty-eight years!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Waiting!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Go on and re-read verse 6. “When Jesus saw him lying there,
and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hold the phone! Jesus
knew he had been in that condition a long time.
Yes Jesus knows all but think with me a bit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How often does Luke tell us that Jesus’ parents went to
Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover? Every year (Luke 2:41)<o:p></o:p></div>
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What age does the Bible tells us Jesus went to the temple
and amazed the Scholars? Twelve (Luke 2;42)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus’ earthly ministry began at the age of 30 and He taught
for 3 years before His crucifixion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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SO….do you think that maybe Jesus had seen this man lying
beside the pool all His life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you think that maybe the whole time this man lay there
thinking he was unable and unnoticed that Jesus had him in his sights the whole
time?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Waiting for the perfect time to bring HIM glory!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh friend, are you sitting beside your own “pool” waiting
for a touch of healing? Are you feeling
forgotten, overlooked and discouraged?
Jesus knows and sees you! You may
be feeling like the time for a miracle has long passed by and it will never
happen. Jesus sees and already
knows. He has a perfect time planned for
you and will use you to bring Him glory. </div>
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Just keep watching for The Living Water to stir…It will!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-85906008499163039252014-09-30T00:30:00.000-07:002014-09-30T00:30:01.489-07:00Who do you say that I am?<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Aparajita","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Know
the time, the culture, what is happening and the landscape of what you are
reading in the Bible. Especially where
Jesus talked because He often used the context of where He was or what He was
doing to communicate a point. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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This has been said to me over and over by Bible teachers.
Often times the dimensions were easy to piece together but other times it left
my mind with a giant “HUH?” I don’t know if you ever did but I would often
think well that was random. Why did
Jesus say that and why that way?<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I traveled through
this chosen country many of the accounts in the Bible became clearer.
Especially the account of the conversation with his disciples in Matthew
16:13-20. In the area of Caesarea
Philippi, --sorry got to take a side note here--<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was told that I pronounced this region incorrectly; see if
you do as well. I would pronounce it as
“Cess-a-rea”. BUT the guide quickly
informed me that Rome never had a <b>Cesser</b>
they had a <b>Caesar </b>and it should be
pronounced Caesar- rea. Oh please don’t
tell me I am the only one that mispronounced that all my life. </div>
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You learn
something new every day….well on this trip it seemed like 100 something new
daily.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway back to the region of Caesarea Philippi. This is in the northern area in Israel and
was filled with pagan worship. A search
into the Old Testament shows where a king brought pagan worship to the area and
it was never fully demolished. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we exited our chariot, named by our guide but it was
actually a people mover bus, we walked past a few relics of the time then found
ourselves face to face with a rocky bluff.
Scattered on the face of the bluff were carved niches for idols of many
kinds, ruins of temples to little “g” gods like Pan and even a bottomless pit
for sacrifices. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So in this passage in Matthew, Jesus is walking through the
region with his disciples who couldn’t help but observe all the influence of
the pagan worship. Maybe He saw them
walking through the area with their eyes wide open and mouths agape like mine
were on that day. Maybe He observed the
clicks of the cameras of their eyes snapping images left and right much like my
camera shutter was doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As Jesus observed them He asked a couple of questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“But who do you say I am?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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These questions are relevant just as much today as they were
when Jesus originally asked them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many people today still believe he was a prophet, a good
teacher and some even think he was a liar or crazy man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But the question still remains for you…Who do you say He is?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Does the things surround your life sway your opinion?<o:p></o:p></div>
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If Jesus asked you today what would you answer? Who do you
say that He is?<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-90872448799591210742014-09-23T00:30:00.000-07:002014-09-23T00:30:02.375-07:00How could they not see?<div class="MsoNormal">
Stony ruins lay just beyond the trees providing shade. Here a house, a mitzvah (ceremonial bath), a
partial synagogue now only provided a residence for rock hyrax. Excavations show that this once was a vibrant
town that inhabited many people. But
what happened? Where did the people go?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew 11:20-28 gives us insight to the fate of this town
because where I was standing was in the center of Korazin, a town denounced by
Jesus. Jesus had once walked the stony
paths that wound around these ruins long ago.
The people there had seen the miracles that He performed but they stubbornly
refused to repent from their sins. They
saw but didn’t believe therefore suffered a greater punishment than the wicked
cities of Tyre and Sodom. (Cities that didn’t see Jesus.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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As my eyes traced the outlines of the former buildings my
thoughts wandered back to the plane ride to this country. The woman sitting next to me was an Israeli.
As she inquired about why I was on the long plane ride she said: “oh you are
going to walk where that Jesus walked.
He was only a good teacher but the Son of God? No” As I sat there before my feet ever hit the
soil of the Promised Land, I wondered: “How, how could you be from this place
and be blind of who He is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The voice of our guide snapped my thoughts back and as he
quoted scripture. Here I stood seeing the verses come to life into a real
space. How could they have had Jesus
walk among them and not see nor know?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then it was like Jesus whispered to my soul…”And you? How
many times have you been blind to what I was doing? There were times when I worked something out
right in front of you, times when through my handiwork I orchestrated events
that none other could have done but yet you were blind to me as well.” Yes I,
too, was guilty of being blind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In verse 25 of the passage listed above Jesus mentions two
kinds of people in His prayer:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Those that are wise and clever in their own eyes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Those that are childlike.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God hides things from those wise and clever in their own
regards BUT He reveals to those that are childlike. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the
Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your
ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Are you being wise and clever in your understanding of
things going on around you? Or are you leaning with childlike faith into the
One who walks among you? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Even if you think you are walking along your own stony path
with ruins on each side, Jesus is there working. Don’t be blind but look around
and pray that you will see! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Open the eyes of our hearts Lord, that we may see Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-11211058852607616702014-09-16T00:30:00.000-07:002014-09-16T00:30:02.452-07:00The Fifth Gospel<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“THE LAND is the
fifth Gospel,” wrote Cyril of Jerusalem in 348 AD. “After one has seen the old
cities and landscapes,” wrote St. Jerome a century later, “one reads the Bible
with different eye.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those statements ring so true. After walking where Jesus walked, gazing upon
the Land of Milk and Honey and experiencing a pilgrimage of a lifetime, I WILL
NEVER READ THE BIBLE THE SAME WAY AGAIN! The Bible leapt from the page and
became a visual in my mind forevermore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Matthew, Mark, Luke and John…the Four Gospels. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The first four books of the New Testament that declares the
good news and tell the accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry as He walked this
earth as God-head in bodily form. I have
read these but I never thought or even considered a fifth gospel. When our guide asked us what the fifth gospel
was, I could sense the muscles in my face contort and my eyes squint with
questions forming. I think he saw it
too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fifth gospel? Well
that’s a new one on me. So our guide
explained, “These lands, ruins and cities will declare the good news and
testify of Jesus as you travel your way through it.” This country that takes 14 seconds to fly
across the width and 45 minutes to fly the length is a slice of tranquility
surrounded by chaos (well until recent days) that cries out about The One that
came before and those that paved the path and those that walked with and served
him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our guide was correct!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The Sea of Galilee, Capernum, Mt. Carmel, Nazareth,
Bethlehem and so many more shouted the authenticity of the Bible. My favorite?
Well to begin with you are asking a gal that has trouble deciding what
to eat when given the opportunity to go out, so of course the answer is ALL of
THEM!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the next few Tuesdays I will try to give you a glimpse of
the land that declares The Light of the World.
That’s if I can narrow it down and not write a novel each day. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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But before we get started may I ask you…Are you maybe the
Sixth gospel? I have often heard that
sometimes we are the only gospel that people read. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luke 19:37-40, <i>“Then,
as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole
multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice
for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “Blessed is the King who comes
in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” and some of the Pharisees called to Him from
the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them,
“I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry
out.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
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Are you declaring The One and Only with your actions before
others? How are you displaying Him for others?
Don’t keep silent we don’t want rocks shouting louder than us! <o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-66454421133100520462014-09-10T13:11:00.002-07:002014-09-10T13:11:44.514-07:00Get Ready!New post coming every Tuesday beginning Sept. 16th.<br />
<br />
Can't wait to share my summer adventure with you!!!!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-68897343654558119692014-05-22T07:36:00.002-07:002014-05-22T07:37:38.552-07:00Looking for Bread Crumbs???As a child I loved the story of Hansel and Gretel. <br />
<br />
Now let me tell you...that is very odd because as a child I was NOT the adventurous type.<br />
I mean really, two kids going out into the dark scary forest and leaving a trail of bread crumbs to find their way home? Nope wasn't happening with this girl!<br />
<br />
The story during that time of my life was exactly that...a story. Full of things that I wouldn't dare do on my own because you know good and well my mind thought I would run into that witch and be trapped so why not let those kids just do it.<br />
<br />
Now that I am older the adventurer in me has surfaced a little more. I love stepping out and finding things...OK maybe not in the dark outside but I do love seeking stuff.<br />
<br />
Maybe that is what drew me to read the book, "Chasing God" by Angie Smith.<br />
<br />
At one point she talks about Thomas wanting to see the nail scarred hands and needing to place his hand in those of the Lord. She even discusses Thomas' question, "how do we know where you are going?"<br />
<br />
Let me share with you what Angie says about Jesus saying "Follow Me." "I am the way".<br />
<br />
"Which is why the Lord explains that He is the way, because our eyes shouldn't be on the ground, looking for bread crumbs that lead to Him. Because if they are, they aren't beholding that for which they were created to see: Him."<br />
<br />
My thoughts swirled with these thoughts.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
How often am I dropping bread crumbs to get back to where I was?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I spend more time looking down for those bread crumbs and not looking up at The One who blessed the bread to feed the multitude...even me?</div>
<br />
I want to be that adventurer but not one that steps out with a back up plan. Rather one that is led by the Spirit where my trust is without borders or bread crumbs. I don't want to chase God. I want to abide in Him.<br />
<br />
How about you?<br />
<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-36491403949813517512013-05-02T07:52:00.000-07:002013-05-02T07:52:08.336-07:00Call to PrayerPrayer<br />
<br />
Where would we be if we didn't have God to pray to?<br />
<br />
LOST!<br />
<br />
Prayer is not something to be afraid of, not something to ignore and not something to put off.<br />
<br />
We are told to pray without ceasing. (1 Thess 5:17)<br />
<br />
We are also told to pray for those in leadership of our government.<br />
<br />
I consider it a blessing that we can still join with other Christians on the lawns of court houses across America to pray for our country.<br />
<br />
If you are unable to attend one of these gatherings. I encourage you to take time today May 2 on The National Day of Prayer to lift up our country, our leaders and our military.<br />
<br />
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If MY people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."<br />
<br />
May we humble ourselves before the Lord today because we all know we need forgiveness and our land needs healing.<br />
<br />
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-70188509239543953202013-01-30T07:08:00.002-08:002013-01-30T07:10:28.399-08:00What Line is it?Have you ever walked, ran, biked, swam or what ever you do in a race? <br />
You see that line ahead that is your main goal for crossing. <br />
Yes the one that says, <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Cynthia, you can now stop punishing yourself. You are done!" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Oh that wonderful line that once in sight makes you sigh with relief. That marvelous spot that some how pumps out a few more drops of adrenaline and speeds you up even in the slightest bit. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
That favorite line called the FINISH LINE.</div>
<br />
Now don't get me wrong, this ole gal doesn't see those type of lines often. I really can only say I have seen maybe enough to count on one hand. But I have seen finish lines on projects and other types of life events where finish lines have been crossed.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BUT have you ever considered another line in the spiritual realm?</div>
<br />
I sat in a class recently and heard the speaker talk about our salvation experience. He shared that in his findings, that many Christians view their salvation experience...saying the prayer to accept God as their Savior...as a crossing the finish line. That final lunge for the ribbon, the cry of victory then the sitting down to rest.<br />
<br />
Is it really that? A finish line? Or could it actually be a STARTING line?<br />
<br />
What? Wait a minute, are you telling me that I have to START again?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well YES! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Jesus invites us to join Him on an amazing race. One that requires us to walk through His Kingdom with Him. We are not to kick back and rest once we accept Him as The LORD of our lives. Rather we are to place each new step of ours next to the Saviors. A race to make God's name famous and reach all the nations. A race to share the love of God to all the world so that no one is lost forever.<br />
<br />
Jesus didn't just invite us into his kingdom he also invited us to share his kingdom.<br />
<br />
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, what line was that you crossed? Was it to you a finish line or a start line?<br />
<br />
If you first thought it was the finish line it is never to late to change it to a STARTING line!<br />
<br />
Let's join together to start the race of making HIS name FAMOUS!!!!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-26842319783929160552012-07-26T12:09:00.001-07:002012-07-26T12:09:39.210-07:00Lessons from Nicaragua<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the aid of an interpreter, her face showed harsh concentration
as she told her story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was like she was digging deep into her memory pulling out
the words that would share parts of her life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Abandonment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Abuse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grief<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rejection<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Loneliness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These words and more seemed to echo in the space surrounding
me as she spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then like a flick of a light switch her countenance changed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She told of how she now forgave those that turned their
backs on her, those that placed her in harm’s way and those that hurt her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She said with a smile of confidence, “I have learned that
God has forgiven me so how I can I not forgive those that hurt me?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh the lessons I learned while in Nicaragua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I had been through times in my life
where the hurt was so deep, I was called to forgive and did, there are still
times when there is hurt and I am slow to forgive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>May I learn that all levels of hurt deserve
forgiveness not just the deepest ones. May others see a confident smile that comes along with forgiving like I saw in a hot sticky village in Nicaragua.</span></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1318923205345307301.post-18666295057305560332012-05-07T09:22:00.002-07:002012-05-07T09:22:09.397-07:00Was it Really Plan A?As they stood at the front of the church you could tell without them saying a word that they were nervous. Really why would you think that two teenagers about to give a presentation wouldn't be? <br />
<br />
With several minutes before the service was to begin, the two walked over my way.<br />
The young man shared with nervousness that their video would not work. He felt that it was so important to their talk but then offered with resolve all he could think to say. "Well I guess we go to plan B." I gently smiled back and told him, "Maybe your plan B was God's plan A in the first place."<br />
With that a smile graced his face and took his place to proclaim what God had given him to share.<br />
<br />
Isn't that how we are so many times in our personal lives? We start making plans, start coming up with how things are going to happen on our calendars or even in our everyday or long term lives. We stand there excited, proud and even safely dependant on our plans. Oh yes they might seem they are right on track but then things don't work, stuff falls through the cracks or they just plain 'ole fall apart. We quickly assume we have to resort to plan B.<br />
<br />
But what if our plan B was God's plan A in the first place? What if God allowed all the stuff to fall apart or shift in another direct so that we will join Him in His BEST plan?<br />
<br />
<br />
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."<br />
<br />
Sounds like long before we made those plans, long before we dreamed that dream, long before we started down this current path, God knew His best for us.<br />
<br />
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."<br />
<br />
<br />
God's plan A is not just over your eternal life is is also over your everyday lives. Are you relying on a plan B or are you trusting in His plan A?<br />
<br />
Don't get frustrated when your plan B seems the only option, it just might have been Plan A along!<br />
<br />
Blessings!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16265219918534717322noreply@blogger.com0