The Master's Link: JESUS SHOWED UP

The Master's Link: JESUS SHOWED UP: Jesus was quick to forgive....   I think about the woman who was about to be stoned because she was accused of adultery. I can just p...

JESUS SHOWED UP

Jesus was quick to forgive.... 

I think about the woman who was about to be stoned because she was accused of adultery. I can just picture it now: the Pharisees were standing around ready to throw a stone and Jesus showed up. And when Jesus started questioning them, they tried to trap Him into saying something that would incriminate Him too. But Jesus just bends down and starts writing something in the sand.  No clue what He was writing, but personally, I always thought He was writing all the names of the men she committed adultery with.  After all, it does take two to tango.

Yet they wouldn't let up and kept demanding an answer.  So Jesus gave them one that would change the course of that moment.  John 8:7 NLT tells us He stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”  And the bible tells us that one by one all the Pharisees left.

Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11 NLT

This is truly an awesome testimony of just how quick God is to forgive us our sins. But folks, sometimes it seems we forget one of the most important things He said to this woman. 

"Go and sin no more." John 8:11 NLT 

Let me encourage you today to make a fresh start with God.  And when you do, let go of the things your flesh craves and cling to the things of God. I promise you....Jesus will show up!

Be blessed my family & friends!

 

Praying the Lord's total favor over-shadows each of you, as you reflect on His love, forgiveness and faithfulness! 

Love you all,

Cyndy 

 

 

 

 

 

FIGHTING YOUR FLESH?

Ever struggle with fighting your flesh in different areas of your life or am I the only one? Don't be fooled.  Struggles come in various sizes and shapes and they come to everyone; regardless of who you may be.   

I can so relate to the Apostle Paul; especially where he shares with us in 2 Corinthians12 NLT about having a thorn in his flesh.  That thorn was Paul’s reminder that he needed the Lord in his life and that in himself, he was not strong. And folks, I am just as weak as Paul and many of you reading this blog today.  I have found that fighting the flesh doesn't work simply by wishing worldly desires away.  Trust me when I tell you I have tried many times; only to fail when I try within my own strength. And quite honestly, it tends to be a daily battle; with some days tougher than others.  You heard me right; just being honest. 

However, I also know that when I cling to Jesus and His word, that is the only time I am successful in choosing what pleases the Lord over what pleases my flesh.  I know without doubt I can lay every emotion, whether good or bad, at the feet of Jesus.  I know He takes every temptation from that moment.  But here’s the key.  I have to be willing to let it go and remove my hands from snatching it back if I really want His help.  And trust me when I say, there are times it takes everything within me to push thru my flesh and in what I want versus what I know to be right in the eyes of God.  So folks, I’m not denying the hold our flesh can have over our spirit man.  That’s why it’s so important to cling to God’s word; reading it daily and allowing it to take deep root within us. We need to allow His word to ultimately make the necessary changes within our hearts and minds; renewing both on a daily basis. 

One of the scriptures I hold tightly too is found in 2 Corinthians12:8-10 NLT, where the Apostle Paul shares, "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

Many times I find myself begging the Lord, just like Paul, to take every fleshly temptation or desire away from me too.  However, I only find the strength to walk away from those desires when I quickly obey the prompting of His Holy Spirit.  If I don’t obey quickly, I fall prey to the sins of this world, just like everyone else. 

And in case you may be wondering, there is a middle ground and the bible is very clear about too!  Don’t think you can trick the Lord by pretending you don't struggle in the same way. Don't be fooled.  The Lord knows our very thoughts and every desire within our souls.  He knows everything about us; including our fleshly desires.  

In Revelation3:15-16 NLT, The Lord warns us where He says, "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

Folks...don't ride the fence. Don't you think it's time to stop lying to yourself and admit that without the Lord, you too are weak? It's actually liberating to know we don't have to be strong when we have the Lord in our lives. He prefers that we be weak and that we draw our strength only thru Him.   

So why not take a moment right now to make a fresh start with God? It's as simple as repenting of your sins, acknowledging that you need Jesus and asking Him to be The Lord and Savior of your life. 

 

It really is that simple folks! 

 

Be blessed my family & friends. Praying you find strength in the Lord as you cling to His promises found in His word.  Know that His total favor will pour over you with renewed strength  as you continue to draw close to Him.  

 

Love you all!

Cyndy

TOUCH NOT GOD'S ANOINTED

Soon after posting my last blog, THE LITTLE CHURCH UP NORTH, someone asked my thoughts regarding the balance between not “murmuring” and resolving honestly dissenting opinions with leadership. And folks, in my opinion, there is a big difference in resolving honestly dissenting opinions with leadership and the murmuring that goes on in the pews and outside of the church.

First of all, leadership is there for a reason and I honestly believe we need to respect and honor those the Lord puts in authority; whether in a ministry or at work.  Romans 13:1-5 NLT tells us all authority is from God.  Secondly, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, an opinion is nothing more than a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something; what someone thinks about a particular thing and it is certainly not considered “fact”.

If the problem is with a particular leader of any sort, (Pastor or teacher), then, here is my stand on it; especially knowing they are called to a higher level of accountability. Preaching or teaching heresy is definitely a problem but should be handled biblically.   Matthew 18:15-17 is the biblical reference I would follow, although I believe these steps should be taken regardless of who it is. If I questioned something I would go to that particular person and ask them (in love) to clarify just in case I took something out of context. I know too well how I could misunderstand something.  Personal experience has shown me how easy it is for a person to speak out of “self”, especially when talking in front of a group of people.  It doesn’t mean they meant to speak it; rather self may have surfaced which happens to everyone since no man (or woman) is perfect.

If it’s about materialistic things like how the church is run, how it’s decorated or anything that has nothing to do with reaching the lost, I honestly can’t find anything that would support folks in the body of Christ to complain just because they don’t like something. Just because a person may or may not like something doesn’t make it right or wrong.  And it certainly doesn’t determine winning souls for the Lord, which should be our first and foremost mission as the body of Christ who claim to be Godly. 

Or maybe the way leadership brings on God’s word isn’t in agreement with someone else; but again, it doesn’t make it wrong.  We have no way of knowing how the Holy Spirit is working in others that may need to hear the sermon the way it was said or done.  Isn’t it best to reach even one lost soul in hopes they accept Jesus instead of being critical about something that adds no value or purpose to someone’s salvation?  As “seasoned Christians” it is our job to sit and intercede with expectation that not one lost soul would leave without making Jesus the Lord of their life.

Honestly folks, if I can’t respect someone in any type of leadership, then, I remove myself from under their leadership.  That includes my job, church ministry or the church all together.  In a church setting, it would be better for someone to leave and find a church that works for them instead of being partakers in causing separation or division and ultimately destroying the church.

Personally, I tend to tread very carefully when it comes to other believers; although honestly, not always successful.  The scripture that comes to mind is Psalms 105:15 where we are warned not to touch God’s anointed. As Christians, no man (or woman) has the right to decide who God anoints and who He doesn’t?  I’d rather err on not touching anyone (even verbally) versus being wrong and stand in judgment before the Lord. Just not worth it to me.

One thing I know for sure - Murmuring, bickering & gossip do nothing but destroy the church and the church family.  

On a final note; one day I was sitting and thinking about the church that closed and I sobbed like a baby before the Lord.  From that moment, The Holy Spirit kept encouraging me to write about it.  But with many attempts, I just couldn’t put it in a normal blog like I was hoping too.  Then one day the Holy Spirit told me to write it again, but this time He said to write a poem and so I did.  Every time I tried proofing the poem, I would break out in tears as I read the Lord’s response to the church.  Although a gentle rebuke, I do think the Lord is calling His children, all of us, to a higher level in unity in Him.

And folks, it really is that simple!

Be blessed my family & friends. Praying God's total blessings and favor pour over you with wisdom, knowledge & understanding as you continue to draw close to Him.

Love you all!

Cyndy

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,” 2 Corinthians 1:21 NKJV

GOSPEL OR HERESY?

Being a Christian isn't about what denomination a person belongs too. Being a Christian is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All churches have man-made doctrine that set ideologies members or partners agree upon. These values should be based according to God's word and not man’s likes or dislikes.

The question we should be asking ourselves is, “Does my church preach according to the gospel or do they preach heresy?

Too many times people depend on the person behind the pulpit to be infallible. However, although held at a higher accountability by God, the truth is, all pastors in all denominations are just as human as everyone else; none are perfect. Many times there is an expectation put on them to be perfect, which isn't possible; nor is it fair to the pastor behind the pulpit.

Folks, there’s only one way to know for sure if the Gospel we are hearing is the true word of God and that is to hold ourselves accountable. Along with hearing the Gospel preached, we need to read & study the scriptures ourselves. The Holy Spirit is more than sufficient and willing to impart wisdom & understanding to anyone who asks. James 1:5 NKJV tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

The Gospel is meant to build, encourage, strengthen and even challenge believers to draw closer to the Lord. It’s meant to reach the lost & hurting people of this world to a saving knowledge of the only One that can save their souls; Jesus Christ.

The bible tells us in Romans 3:22-26 NLT, "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus."

Bottom line –
I have yet to find a perfect person; including myself. So in reality, the lack of perfect people makes it impossible to have a perfect church. It’s all about believing in Jesus and making Him the Lord and Savior of our lives. Salvation nor forgiveness can be earned or bought. And folks, we certainly do not deserve either one. Yet Jesus made it possible for anyone simply by asking Him to be the Lord & Savior of their life. That's all there is too it!

Maybe you don’t have this personal relationship with Him or maybe you just need to make a fresh start. My friend, it's not too late. Take a moment now; repent of your sins and invite Jesus to be a part of your life. You need to do nothing more to earn His love or forgiveness. The price was already paid the day Jesus bore our sins on the cross. And remember – By asking Jesus to be the Lord of your life, it puts you in right standing with God; simply because He loves you more than anything.

It really is that simple, folks!

Be blessed my family & friends. Praying God's total blessings and favor as you continue to draw close to Him.

Love you all!
Cyndy

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." James 3:17 NKJV

GOD IS QUICK TO FORGIVE

Has fear gripped your heart and caused spiritual paralysis within your soul? Do the circumstances surrounding you seem to dictate the situation you find yourself in this very hour?  1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT, reminds us where it says, "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."   

That's right folks! There is nothing you can't bring before God!  He said to bring ALL; not part of or just the things you think He knows about...Bring ALL your worries & cares to Him. 

If guilt & condemnation is stopping you, then, understand this truth - there's a big difference between conviction and condemnation.  

Just before Jesus was going to be crucified, He told His disciples to be expecting One (the Holy Spirit) that would come after Him.  In John 16:5-8 NLT He said, "But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate (Holy Spirit) won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment."

Simply put – He’ll convict our hearts in hopes we would repent before it’s too late.

Condemnation, on the other hand, is nothing but a lie from Satan.  He uses it to leave you feeling hopeless.  In reality, it has already acted as judge & jury against you; keeping you forever in the pit of gloom and despair. 

So you see, my family & friends, conviction thru the Holy Spirit brings hope of being restored and brought to a place of right standing before God.  It gives us a chance to see the errors of our ways and ask God to forgive us. We need to only repent and turn away from the sin that separates us from God.

And folks, forgiveness is as quick as asking God to forgive us.

GOD IS QUICK TO FORGIVE….yet too many times, we don’t ask because we think what we’ve done is unforgiveable.  Nothing can be farther from the truth.  Again, another lie from the pit of hell. Just one more thing Satan wants you to believe in hopes to keep you separated from the Lord.

So let me encourage you today! Cling to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Only then will you be able to see clear enough to move out of your present circumstance.  And remember- with The Lord...there is always renewed hope! "Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 NLT

And remember -

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Be blessed my family & friends. Praying as you heed to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the favor of God will pour over you with an overwhelming assurance of His love, peace and forgiveness! 

Love you all!

Cyndy