Greater Things

Greater Things.

My thoughts on this week’s reflection verse.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” ~ John 14:12 NIV84

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” ~ John 14:12 KJV

 

WOW. That’s awesome! To do greater things than Jesus? How is that even possible? I have often wondered this same thing myself. I thought it would have be someone who had earned this opportunity with their works. Someone greater than me. So I accepted the mediocre life, and settled in. Average me.

But in reading the Greater Book, by Stephen Furtick, I have realized that this is not so. Oh Satan wants us to embrace the averageness of life. Accept that we can’t be greater than just the average run of the mill individual. He feeds each of lies that our past will go before us, whispers that we aren’t cut from the cloth of greater people. Satan wants us to believe that we can’t be anything more than we already are. But there is power in this verse. Just read it. Let it sink in. Remember, the word of God is alive. It can be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path if we just chose to pick it up, dust it off, read it, embrace it, let it feed our souls.. It is sharper than a two-edged sword, going before us, to show the way. In the pages of his word, is the way to live a greater life in our walk with him. Oh to do greater things... To live a greater life…  If God is for us, who can be against us?

 I was so engrossed in reading my Greater book that I found myself ahead in chapter 3. I can relate in so many ways and realize that I do have a lesser loser life that I am abolishing. I don't want to be mediocre. I want more. I want more of him (God) and less of me! I want to be greater than just the loser Satan wants me to be. As I sat there reading my book on my lunch time at work(the only time I can have complete aloneness, since I have a crazy busy life), I realized that I allow the circumstances of life to engulf my thinking, my being.. I laughed, I cried, I nodded in agreement.    I am kicking the loser life to the curb and am embracing the greater part of me that God called me to be.

Oh God, help me to be greater in you. Help me to reach those who so desperately need you! We ALL need you. I want to do more than just exist in this life, going thru the motions, pretending to be happy with the mediocrity. Yes, you have moved in mighty ways in my life recently. Then I got complacent. I got comfy. I forgot to see that there is a greater calling than just being me. So today, I chose to embrace the grace and let you move in me, thru me and for me!

 Cynthia Hunter
29 November 2012

 

 

Unglued Moments

I dislike coming unglued. I really do. But, like anyone else, I do come unglued. You know, those sticky situations that rise up out of nowhere like a sudden summer storm that comes rolling in unexpectedly. And, even if I have promised myself a thousand times over I will not come unglued. It happens. Right when I least expect it too. I might have just mentally told myself, that today will be different. I'd internally say , "Today, I. will. not. lose. it". But then something would happen, and I would. What triggers those unglued moments for me?  NO towels, empty shampoo bottles, nearly empty milk containers,1/2 eaten packages of chocolate chips,unfinished homework, waking up/ coming home to dirty dishes, etc.

I have my share of unglued moments, that's for sure. That is why I am participating in an online bible study to focus on ridding myself of those unglued moments altogether. In order to participate, I had to sign up for the Unglued OBS on Melissa Taylor's blog, http://melissataylor.org/ ,a writer for Proverbs 31 ministries. Easy as pie. That is when I learned over 15,000 people are participating.  Now that's awesome! Evidence we all have unglued moments in our lives. Moments we lose it and then live to regret. Then, I bought the book Unglued – Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions by  Lysa Terkeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  Let me just say that in the pages of this book, to me, it seems as if Lysa has stepped into my life, and recorded a few scenes to help her write this fabulous book titled Unglued. Seriously. The first chapter is so much like my life, I laughed, and laughed. You can read it for yourself in the link above for the book. Currently, the first two chapters are free downloads. I encourage you to read it.  You won't be able to stop reading, and if you have unglued moments like me, you'll totally relate. I have to say this book and bible study is something that God has totally directed me to. You see, my husband and I lived for several years without either of our children living with us. His ex wife took their children 2700 miles away, and mine lived with their father. In both situations, our children were given permissions that caused me to lose lots of sleep at night, spend countless hours worrying, and left me feeling helpless . We'd often get calls in the wee morning hours from his very young sons, who would be home alone, or from the older boys who would be in some sort of trouble. One night, I dreamt, I was along the sidelines of life watching our children being permitted to do things that I would never allow, there was danger lurking around,  they were making bad choices, etc.Things I had no control over, and try as much as possible, as dreams go, my voice went unheard. I was ignored. Then, somewhere in the midst of my dream, a voice spoke to me, saying that prayer is the best/only weapon I have.When I awoke, I began to pray for God to restore them to us, in our home, so that I can teach them of him.  I prayed often. Silently in crowds, out loud when I was alone, mentally while working, etc. I prayed and prayed and prayed some more. Then things began to happen. God moved, and several months later, his children and their mother came home, which has left me in complete awe of God. I still stand amazed. After nearly 3 years of  she and the children moving from place to place to place, my husband was finally awarded full custody of his minor children. God has blessed us with a much bigger and better home. Something else I had prayed for..  and um... yes, there are 5 boys that live with us..

Fast forward to now, my daughter has received the gift of the holy ghost (holy spirit), and was baptized over a year ago. Also,God is moving in many other facets of our lives. I have witnessed transformations in attitudes, actions, etc, over the last few years, and I give God all the glory and praise. He is worthy to be praised.  But, given all the wonders he has done for us, I still find myself having unglued moments. At the simplest of things. Stuff that matters but in the grand scheme of things does it really? I would find myself getting so annoyed because it was all of them and one of me. No matter what I did, I just couldn't keep up. So, I'd lose it, then find myself, much like Lysa, regretting it later.  I would think how am I going to be a godly example this way? I'd tell myself that I need to come unglued sometimes. How else will they know? For example, the laundry was a task in itself. Then my washer broke. That was hard. But somewhere in the midst of dirty laundry, I kept hearing that still small voice saying, "do the work, without complaining. It'll be worth it, you'll see." But at times, it became so much to bear, that I'd let my frustration get the best of me. And I'd complain. But through that experience, I found that by listening to God, and turning the situation completely over to him, rewards happen. I eventually was blessed with a new washer and dryer set that accommodates my large amount of laundry for a big family. But even still, I'd complain. Then along came this book, and I knew. I had to read it. So, that's why I feel as if I have been directed to participate in this study. To dig a little deeper, take a look at myself, why I come completely unglued, and how to fix it. All I can say is this is an opportunity to find space for grace in my crazy life. God knows I need it and need to extend it.

So, if you get a moment, take the time out to read this book, sign up for the OBS and you won't regret it. Yes life is hectic. But the time and effort we put into this will be well worth it. And, it's taking time out of our lives to connect with others who have very similar issues. And families, and pets, and husbands..  and lives. Life. We only get one. So, I choose to take a moment to pause and say, "God, help me to stop coming so stinkin' unglued, everyday!" It says in his word, if we ask we shall receive. So I'm askin.. Hope you do too.

With Space for Grace,

Cynthia

The Promise

The Promise

{39} For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. - {Acts 2:39 KJV}

prom·ise-- noun

1. 1. assurance that one will act as specified
2. 2. indication of future excellence -verb (used with or without object) -ised -ising
3. 3. to assure by a promise
4. 4. to afford ground for expecting –
5. Related Forms -un·prom·ised - adjective prom·is·er -noun pre·prom·ise - noun, verb (used with object) re·prom·ise - verb o·ver·prom·ise - verb (used with object)

A promise is something with which one looks forward to with much enthusiasm. As a child, that may have been waiting until the end of the week or payday, so Dad or Mom would buy you that certain toy you may have your eye on. Or maybe it was the promise of a special gift on your birthday, or even Christmas, whatever the occasion, it was something promised. A surety, a genuine belief that it would come to pass..

Have you ever had someone make you a promise, only to have it broken, perhaps not intentionally? What happens when that person is unable to carry out their promise for whatever reason? What we had hoped for is lost. Gone. Forgotten.Cast aside. Our emotions take over and we become hurt, crushed, sad, feel forgotten, angry, bitter, and if we aren't careful, we'll plant a seed of a weed. It'll take root quickly, and soon where love grew there'll be the root of hate growing instead.

As this happens, we feel justified in calling out the offender.. Why not... "You PROMISED!!!" "You ALWAYS forget about me.." " Don't I mean anything to you anymore?" "Do I NOT matter to you at all?" Oh how Satan loves it when promises are broken. He sets the stage for war every time. As raw emotions run wild, Satan rages, enraged, outraged, betrayed, dismayed, we engage... We enrage, outrage, betray, and dismay... And Satan rages...

What if I said, it doesn't have to be this way? Would you stop, for just a second? Would you listen? You'll be amazed. You see, the bible says in Proverbs " There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. -{Proverbs 16:25 KJV}" See.. To you and I, it would seem right, to handle things our way.. Based on our feelings.. But, there's a way, a promise, a life, a love, a friend, that is already yours all you have to do is accept it. The price has been paid. Just for you, for me, our children, our children's children, and as many as are afar off.. He made sure to include everyone. He didn't want to leave anyone out.

What is the promise? It's the gift of eternal life, my friend. Think about it for a second.. ETERNAL LIFE... To live forever.. Wow.. The bible is filled with his promises, if we only believe.

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that   whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -
 {John 3:16 KJV}

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. - {Acts 2:38 KJV}

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. -{John 14:1 KJV}

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. -{John 14:2 KJV}

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. - {John 14:3 KJV}

      And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. - {John 14:4 KJV}

 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? -Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - {John 14:5-6 KJV}

You see my friend, Jesus, was that promise, so many years ago as a babe in the manger, who later became the man, who walked and talked among men performing miracles. His own received him not, but he came to save us anyway. He bore our shame, our sin, our iniquities, our burdens, our transgressions, all that we counted as lost. He took on. He wept. He knew there were those who would so stubbornly reject him, yet he wept. He loved us. He chose to take our place, so that we could have the fulfillment of the promise, ETERNAL LIFE!!! It’s for everybody... Don't you want your free gift today? There's no catch, just forgiveness, and its totally free.. Just reach out to him today, he' s waiting... And that's a promise!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

To have a friend

"A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother." - {Proverbs 18:24 KJV}
"To have a friend you must first show yourself friendly".
What defines a friend? Here's what dictionary.com had to say in regards to a friend.
friend-[frend] -noun
1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
World English Dictionary
friend (frɛnd)
— n
1. a person known well to another and regarded with liking, affection, and loyalty; an intimate
2. an acquaintance or associate
3. an ally in a fight or cause; supporter
4. a fellow member of a party, society, etc
5. a patron or supporter: a friend of the opera
6. be friends to be friendly (with)
7. make friends to become friendly (with)
Related Words for : friend
ally, acquaintance, admirer, booster, champion
To me, a definition of a friend, is someone to whom you relate, regardless if you are related or not, someone who is a constant in your life, who genuinely cares about your well being, and who will be truthful with you about various situations/topics of discussion, and who will be there for you through good times and bad. It's someone who will share a pot of coffee with you, break bread with you, sit and talk for long hours, be there for you when you need a shoulder to cry on.
A good friend is hard to find, and harder to keep. A best friend is like a shadow, always behind you every step of the way, while you don't always see them, just a glance over your shoulder, and they are there, when ever you need them. Sometimes, your friends know more about you than your family. That's the evidence of the bond between friends. That's what friends are for. Sharing life experiences, laughing together, crying together, challenging one another, and even defending each other if need be.
There is such a friend that we all have, if we just ask them to be. This friend fits the description of all of the above, and more. This friend sticks closer than a brother, will walk with you through the low times, climb the highest mountain with you, and will even carry you through the hardest times of your life. This friend has already paid the ultimate sacrifice for your friendship. His life! He gave his life so that we might have the opportunity for eternal life, and have it more abundantly.
What would make him do that? Because he loves you and me. Oh, how he love us!! He wants to be your friend. He longs for your friendship. He desires to walk and talk with you, to protect you from eternal danger. He cries for you! He doesn't want you to experience the hardships of this life alone. All you have to do, is be his friend, welcome him in your life, and love him back. He will guide you, walk before you, be a light unto your path, and make the crooked paths straight. Even in the darkest of nights, the loneliest of times, the lowest of places, when you think no one cares, he'll be there. He was there in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when they were thrown in the hottest part. He was there in the Lion's Den with Daniel, he was there in the battle with David, he was there with Paul & Silas while they were in jail, and he will be there for you too. Just ask! What a friend we have in Jesus! He's knocking at your heart's door, won't you let him in today...
Cynthia L. Hunter
30 January 2012

Forgiven

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not]. John 8:3-11 {KJV}

What's your destination?

One day while on my way to work, I was in somewhat of a hurry, as usual. But this morning, it seemed to me that for whatever reason, the driver of every vehicle in front of me, was going at an unsually slow pace. I began to grow annoyed, and found myself losing patience rather quickly. I didn't want to be in a bad mood, because then, the bad mood would in essence "ruin" my day. I began to gather my thoughts, and tried to slow my pace, to just go with the flow. As I was nearing my exit, I saw there was a LONG line ahead of me, each taking the same exit as I. Suddenly, it was as if I had a great revelation from God. Instantly in my mind's eye, I saw people hurrying around, rushing, not taking time out of their life for anything, not even God.  I noticed all the people on the same exit ramp, in a hurry of their own. Each wanting to get to school, work, doctor's appointment or some last minute meeting, but how many of those people had taken the time out of their day to acknowledge him? It was as if God spoke to me at that very moment, saying each person in each car has a destination, some place they are headed to, both now at this moment, and in eternity... "Where ARE YOU going?"  came the searing thought... I quickly realized how very true that question is. Each of us has a date with death, some now, some in the near future and some years from now. I thought of all the people who get in their cars for the last time, not stopping to say goodbye to the ones they love. Never dreaming they won't be home tonight, having no idea that this will be the last morning they go through their routine. Had they known, would they have made changes, done something differently, stayed home ? I am sure most people would..  However, no one, not you, I or anyone else for that matter, knows the day or the hour of their date with death.
Are you ready? Have you made arrangements? Are you prepared?  

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
{Hebrews 9:27 KJV}

Friend, this day is coming,  for we do not have the promise of tomorrow.

For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: - {1 Peter 1:24 KJV}

Won't you take the time today to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
After all, he took the time for us, gave his life so that we might have the gift of eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - {John 3:16 KJV}

Blessings

But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; - {Psalms 103:17 KJV}
I am so glad we have a loving father who provides us with so many blessings. So then, why can't we bless him with praises? Why not make today a day of blessing the lord, for all that he has done for us, if for nothing more than giving his son to die in our stead, and giving us the gift that keeps on giving, eternal life! Let us sing: Bless the lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  From the rising of the sun, until the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is to be praised.