Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, Luke 4:10

I found this list of priceless gifts, however, there is no greater gift that has been given or that can be given than Jesus; He is the gift of God that keeps on giving.

Priceless Gifts
It's that time of year again known as Christmas. Whether we're a Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or Hindu - believer or unbeliever – just about all welcome a season that's devoted to GIVING. For that's when humanity is at its best. That's the time we transcend our petty thoughts of self-interest and reach out to others. The good news about the priceless gifts I recommend are that they are affordable by all. Here is a list of gifts you may wish to consider.

1. PEACE OF MIND. Instead of upsetting others with anger, suspicion, or impatience, grant them peace of mind by being understanding and accepting. Drop childish demands, the need to always be right, and the insistence that others live by your rules. When you grant others peace of mind, you will discover your own. For as someone else wrote, "The road to daily happiness is not hard to find, it's what we do for others that brings us peace of mind."

2. FORGIVENESS. This is not only the season for giving; it is also the season for forgiving. Although there are many similar cases, the media carried a story this week of a mother who forgave the man who brutally murdered her daughter. By releasing the rage she felt in her heart, she was able to get on with life and focus on doing good, instead of wishing harm to another. Is there a coworker, relative, or neighbor that you are holding a grudge against? If so, isn't time to forgive and forget? Someone said to me, "I can't forgive my neighbor because she is so rude." But isn't it rude to call one's neighbor rude? So, you see, when we find fault with others, we defile ourselves. We can't cast mud on others without splashing some on us.

3. JOY, EXUBERANCE. No one likes a complainer. So, rather than whining, start dining at the banquet of life. Start spreading the good news. Spread cheer, not fear. Avoid hanging out with malcontents. It's true that misery loves company, but you don't have to accept their invitation.

4. YOURSELF. Give the greatest gift of all, yourself, by serving others. When you do so, you will experience joy. For as the Nobel Prize winner and Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore (1861 ~ 1941), wrote, "I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy."

5. HOPE. Discouraging words can destroy people and encouraging ones can uplift them. Offer the gift of hope by heeding the words of Albert Schweitzer (1875 ~ 1965), "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light." Rekindle the flickering flames of those around you. And don't neglect yourself, for as Harriet Du Autermont writes, "No vision and you perish; No Ideal, and you're lost; Your heart must ever cherish Some faith at any cost. Some hope, some dream to cling to, Some rainbow in the sky, Some melody to sing to, Some service that is high."

6. UNDERSTANDING. Try to put yourself in the place of others and understand how they feel. In this regard, George Washington Carver (1864 ~ 1943) offered this advice, "How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong; because some day in life you will have been all these."

7. FRIENDSHIP. Can you imagine anything more painful than loneliness? To help eliminate it, be a friend. By offering companionship and support, you help make their and your life worthwhile. Or as Amanda Bradley wrote, "Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!"

8. COMFORT. A gentle look, a soft touch, or a warm embrace may be all that is needed to lessen the pain of another. Isn't it amazing how so little effort on our part can change the life of another for the better? Here's sound advice, "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them."

9. A SMILE. A smile puts people at ease. It tells them you are not a threat. It lightens their burdens and raises their hopes. And when it accompanies another gift, the recipient is twice rewarded. Robert Alan put his thoughts on smiling in verse: "Sometimes just a smile on our face can help to make this world a better place. Stand up for the things that are right. Try to talk things out instead of fight. Lend a hand when you can, get involved this is good. You can help to make a difference in your neighborhood."

10. A CHANCE. One of the great gifts we can offer to another is a chance. If they've gone astray, we can give them the opportunity to make up for their misdeeds and recover from their mistakes. By recognizing that people make mistakes, we give them the courage to change. What better way to make a better world?

The above represent only some of the many gifts we have in our power to give. We can decide on the most appropriate one by asking ourselves, "What is the most loving thing I can do for the person now before me?" Our gifts don't have to exceptional. Even small ones will do, for as Mother Teresa (1910 ~ 1997) said, "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." As we go through life dispensing gifts, we discover who we are and who we can become. And with time we will learn that the good we do for us dies with us, but the good we do for others lives on. © Chuck Gallozzi

As you ponder over some of the gifts above, I would add "hope"; it is certainly one of importance, as you give the gift from God, Jesus, you automatically give the gift of hope, the One who was born, and died and rose just for you! The gift that lasts forever!

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year everyone (3 John 1:2)!

Morning Love will convene on January 1, 2011.

Until the morning, be blessed!
Cynde

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10

Christmas is a time when I literally, almost revert back to childhood. It’s the season that makes me so "giddy" because it holds so many wonderful memories for me. My Dad made Christmas joyous and happy. First, was the search for the perfect tree on Christmas Eve (my Dad hyped everything up a notch to make Christmas a memorable season); as we decorated and trimmed the tree, we sang Christmas carols; ate more popcorn than we strung, and in my mind, we had the best house on Christmas. Since we lived in West Virginia, singing, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” was not far fetched; we didn’t have to dream about it, we experienced it. The excitement didn’t end there because the morning after Santa Claus of course, it was off to Granny’s house for more fun, food and family.

As wonderful as those memories are for me, I understand in it's entirety now, the songs we sung and reason why we celebrate the season. As commercialized as the world makes it, I understand why the birth had to happen and why I can be joyous while rejoicing all the day even without my natural Dad, the tree, the stringing of the popcorn or the gifts that Santa brings on Christmas. I understand that the Jesus is the ultimate gift to me, and it is so important to remember this is the reason why we celebrate Christmas; for the precious gift that was given to us so freely, so lovingly, and so unselfishly.

This is also the season when the suicide rate is higher, depression is higher, and sadness is a common place for some. Many may be experiencing loss, whether a family member or employment; perhaps hurt, anxiety or emotions from other factors are hard to bear. We who know the wonderful great tidings, can be the angel that shares and bring joy to others during this season. ‘Tis the season especially, to be loving, giving, helpful, prayerful, and generous, not only with our time, but with our resources.

This happy, joyful and wonderful feeling of Christmas for me is one that I can’t lose because I know Who is my joy, my help, my peace, and my saving grace, not just during this season but year round! There is a saying, Know Jesus, Know Peace; No Jesus, No Peace (or Love, Joy, Happiness, Favor! and these are only some of the words I can think of right now). 'Tis the Season to be joyous!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35: 27-28

Over the past couple of months and in particular, the past couple of days, I have experienced some, “things that do make you go… hmmm” moments; both positive and negative. Some things that would make you wonder and seriously stand up and take notice. Things, which make you, think about your life and your walk with the Lord; going through some situations, doing all the right things, saying all the right things but yet, getting a steady stream of no’s, not today, sorry and a host of other disappointing factors, will make you question what is going on. The enemy was definitely pulling out all the stops and being persistent on every hand. He has tried on every level to discourage me and doing little things to annoy, harass, irritate, provoke, frustrate, and infuriate me (he got me on that one). What was meant for evil actually turns out for my good and for the benefit of those around me (Gen 50:20). I've found out what doesn't kill you, makes you strong.

In spite of all the enemy’s done and what God has allowed, something in me has changed. Now, I smile at his tactics and those he uses to try and hinder me, because I’m not operating in Cynde any longer and I see and I'm not ignorant to his devices. I am operating in the character of God; in all of His strength and in all of His power. When you begin to realize that you possess the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you; your demeanor will change, your behavior will change, your attitude will change, your image will change (2 Cor 4). When the word tells you to submit yourselves therefore to God; resist the devil, and he will flee from you, you will resist, because you know that he must flee; he can’t and he won’t stay where he has no power. When you’ve gone before the Lord and He says, stay right there and stand until you see the salvation of the Lord, you will stand and then begin to experience a new thing working in you. And you can say in all sincerity, when you see me, you see the God in me, equipped with all power.

Let the Lord be magnified, which has pleasure in the success of His servant (Josh 1:8). I want others to see and know that the Lord is on my side; see me rejoicing in Him at all times and in turn, they will rejoice with me because they know that it could not have been anyone else but the Lord who has done this thing for me, for my righteous cause. Yes, I go through some things, and yes, the fire gets so hot that I could scream from the pain, and I do while I’m on my knees crying out to the Lord. He is the only One that can help us right? Why would I wear that on the outside for all to see with a “woe is me” attitude? Our flesh does not want to suffer in any form or fashion, but in order to reign with Him, we must suffer (2 Tim 2:12). They tell me that your attitude determines your altitude. Well, I’m flying high these days and soaring. I’m not staying where I was and that requires passing the trials that God gives us to prepare us for purpose.

There have been a variety of things that have happened over the past week and this week that have amazed me and I am standing in awe. The working of the Lord on my behalf and the way things are happening are nothing short of the favor and the power of God that I walk in; not to mention that only God... could have done this. Truly, the Lord is on our side and He will show Himself faithful. He has intervened on my behalf; not just once or twice, but several times in various areas and in things that would make me go … hmmm. I rejoice in Him as I watch how He has taken great pleasure in blessing His servant. Not only will others see how He is blessing but they will tell of His goodness often and continually on my behalf. He has been and is my source when there is no resource.

God delights in making us prosperous and happy, even in and during our trials. We confound, amaze, baffle, and confuse the enemy by continuing to exalt the Lord, no matter what he brings. Let's continually praise God, our righteous King, for all He has done and is doing; constantly telling of the marvelous things all the day long because we know everything works together for our good and for His glory!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 (Reference Psalm 4)

This morning, I woke up singing the safest place. The lyrics go like this: The safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God. Though trials be great and the way seems hard, it's in the will of God. It may be on a mountain peak or in the valley low but wherever, wherever, wherever, wherever it may be, if God says go, Go. Although, it sounds simple and to the point, it may not feel like it is, but sometimes, we have to be reminded where our refuge and our trust lies.

David tells us here that he will lay down in peace and sleep because only the Lord can make him dwell in safety and without fear and because he has given over everything to the Lord, he can rest with assurance in Him. It’s a reminder to us, that in spite of all that is going on around us, we can find the peace of God and begin to rest with confidence. Most times, when our minds are not at peace, when we are worried or concerned about a thing, it hinders us and we can’t find rest for our soul; our minds are on overload and therefore ending in sleepless and restless nights. It should not be, especially if we put our trust in God and believe that He is watching over us, keeping us with His right hand and preserving us for His purpose.

Yes, the enemy is loose and running rampant in our lives, in our families, on our jobs, in our homes, in our schools, in our churches, in our government and around the world; he is just causing havoc everywhere (may I remind you that this is his job). We must know that the safest place for us in the Lord’s hand. He is in control of all things. No matter what we face, no matter the turmoil, we can dwell safely and we can lay down in peace and sleep in His hands, our safe haven.

I don’t know what you are facing today or what you have been dealing with, but know this, the Lord we serve is not a man that He should lie and He has promised to keep His own and only He can make you dwell in safety. We must put our confidence in Him because He and only He alone has the power to keep us safe, there is no other. I am reminded of the scripture in Jeremiah that says, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh:is there anything too hard for me?" We can find safety in those words alone, amen?

Let the peace of God rest, rule and abide in you today, as we remember that the safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God. Stay there, rest there and sleep peacefully with confidence in Him.

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:7-8

As I sit here today, gazing out of the window watching the rain fall and the wind blow the trees outside my home, it’s brings about a certain peace. There’s tranquility and a calmness that comes over me that honestly, passes all understanding and I know that the Lord is here with me in these still moments. It affords me the opportunity to think with the peace of God; a peace that tells me that I’m in a place where no anxiety is felt, where all my cares have been cast, and I have committed all into the Lord hands, knowing that He supplies all of my needs according to His riches and glory. A peace that confirms that He is with me; confirms the confidence I have in the God, and it keeps my mind thinking on the whatsoever things. His word tells me that, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Paul tells us in the verses, to think on the things that will keep our minds at peace. Everyday won’t be the same and some days you will have to remind yourself or come to yourself and get back on the right track of thinking. Our thinking can so easily get off track, especially with life happening all day, everyday. In Him we have a resting place, a place that is better than window gazing at rain fall; a place where there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Get there and get there often; get to the peace of God and let that peace rule in your heart and mind today to experience the peace that passes all understanding.

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23:6 (Psalm 23)

This psalm holds so many good nuggets and today it gives us a reminder that the Lord continuously keeps watch over us and our lives. This verse says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Follow, being the operative word here, means to watch, observe, or pay close attention to someone or somebody's movements under constant surveillance; to go after or go behind somebody while in position, time, or in sequence. This tells me that goodness and mercy are with us constantly to keep, guard, protect, and shield; a 24 hour surveillance as we go throughout each day and all the days of our lives.

What comfort and an assurance we have, in the watchful eye and care of our Shepherd. He is always there for us, through life’s changes, in our circumstances, our trials, and every situation. He is in every aspect of our life. We can be confident of this very thing, that because He is our Shepherd, He won’t leave us nor forsake us. He is keeping constant watch over us and that is a promise we can stand on. I don’t know about you, but I get joy when I think of how God has kept and is keeping me in the midst of my storms, through life, even with its ups and downs that come to make me stronger in Him. He has always shown Himself faithful, He has graciously loved me, His grace has sufficiently kept me, and goodness and mercy has faithfully followed me. God does not leave His people to wander about hopelessly lost and without direction. He gently nudges us in the way that we should go, even when we try and stray away from the path. This psalm is perfectly penned to assure us of that and so wonderfully concludes with David saying, “and I will dwell with Him in glory forever.”

We can’t let anything separate us from the love of God so that we can get to that glory; not trouble, hardship, persecution, want, or danger. The word tells us we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered, but we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For we must be convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, that none of these things will be able to separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:35-37). We can trust and be content in the fact that the goodness and the mercy of God will follow us all the days of our lives. In this, we have hope and joy and a promise that He is with us always; keeping watch of our movements. We are under constant 24 hour surveillance making sure that they constantly guarding, protecting, and shielding us throughout each day and all the days of our lives. Now that's protection!

I want those lives that see me and the lives that I touch, see the light that shines of confidence, assurance, and trust. I want to exude the happiness and joy that is of the Lord. I want His peace, the peace that passes all understanding, to be seen in me, regardless of what I’m facing, or the trials of life, they will see me rejoicing in the God of my salvation. I can say this because I know without a doubt that goodness and mercy have got my back!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Phil 3: 12-15

Some years back in the movie, Biker Boys, there is a very unique way that Lawrence Fishbourne’s character, Smoke, got ready for a race. He was very focused; he blocked out all the sounds, noises and distractions around him. He forgot those things that were around him in order to see only what was before him. His eyes were set on the goal and his mind was clear. The imagery they used to depict his course of action can be described as tunnel vision; where all else is blocked and blurred except his focal point; he was fixed on his purpose with one mind, one goal and he was at one with the road; his attention was geared towards getting to the finish line and winning the race.

Paul was no different, he also had tunnel vision. He is an example for us because of his perseverance, his determination, his strength of mind, his willpower, and his purpose to press toward the goal of God. He spared nothing when it came to telling us what it would take, in order to get to the finish line. These were not just words, but he lived the life he spoke about, he was a living epistle.

If we are going to reach perfection and our goal in Christ we will need tunnel vision. It requires that we are focused; also blocking out all the sounds, the noise and distractions that so easily overwhelms us (Hebrews 12:1). We must forget those things that surround us in order to reach forth to what is before us. Our eyes have to be set on the goal and keeping our minds clear of the clutter and the things that throw us off track; wrong attitudes, thoughts, viewpoints, opinions, and habits, our past hurts, wounds, offenses from others, and so many diversions. We must keep our minds focused on Jesus. Paul gives us great advice, he said, “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." We have to shake these things loose and get light for the fight (we will contend for the faith) and the flight. Keeping our eyes on the prize, heaven, which should always be in our view. We'll need tunnel vision; blocking out everything except our focal point; our eyes fixed on the goal.

The only difference between Smoke and Paul, is that Smoke’s purpose or his goal wasn’t pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God. However, his methods were firm and he was diligent in his quest to move forward towards his goal. A very admirable quality that we should possess because it will require that same thought, that same objective and pursuit to move forward towards our goal, reaching towards the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; that same determination to the putting on of the perfection of Christ. Holding forth the word of life; that we may rejoice in the day of Christ, that we have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.

My goal today is simply to attain the art of tunnel vision, my goal, to reach the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Isaiah 64:4

Presently, we live in a world full of people who claim they are working for you, but let’s face it, folks have their own agendas that have nothing to do with us. It’s been my experience that those who are supposed to be working on your behalf, are usually not really working on your behalf. They gain your trust but their mindset is “what can I get out of this.” It’s unfortunate, yet it is one truism in life, some people are concerned with their own interests, their own needs; they are selfish and self-seeking. Our interest is not of their concern and all too often, we put our trust in man at his word and will put our trust in everything but God and His Word. Our confidence and trust should be in Him (Psalm 118:8).

Why would we not trust God with everything that pertains to us? He who has made us, knows us, and cares for us? Our God who laid the foundations; who made the heavens and the earth; who parted the Red Sea, and sent His Son down to be born and then die for us. Does it not stand to reason that if the God of all flesh who says, “is there anything too hard for me?” can work all things out for our good? That we could trust him to prepare the way for us? The scripture tells us that we haven’t heard, nor have we understood or comprehended what we’ve heard; our eyes haven’t seen what our God has prepared for those who wait for Him.

We have to keep our hearts and minds in the attitude of waiting on God; resting in Him knowing that He has us in His hands. We cannot imagine what He has prepared for us because it would be too much for us to grasp or embrace all at once. This is undoubtedly where the fear of the unknown comes in, when you are accustomed to being in control of things and trusting in one’s own self. However, it’s in Him that we put our trust, especially when you are not sure about what God is doing, be still and know that He is God or when you have done all you that can do, stand and wait for His mercy, wait for His grace; wrap yourself up in Him while He works out your situation. He richly rewards those who put their trust in Him and those that wait, He will renew strength and take you to new levels of faith.

If God is working for us surely things will turn out better than they would if anyone else in the world were working for us, right? If God is working on our behalf, why would we worry or be concerned knowing that He will work it out for us? If God can’t fix it then it cannot be fixed or better yet, perhaps He is trying to do a new thing! Perhaps, He is positioning us for purpose. God knows what He’s doing and what He is trying to accomplish in us and through us. We have to get out of the way and let God have His way. When we do finally give over to Him, He will manifest some things that we’ve not seen or thought of on our behalf, despite what we see in our present situations; despite how helpless we may feel, because I’ve heard it’s not about a feeling. This is where our faith lies; this is where our trust and our hope lie in the God of our salvation.

Isaiah 46:9-10 says, “I am God and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose."

Be encouraged, the way is being prepared for Him that waits!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. Job 37:21

Imagine seeing the sky and the streaks of the sun are peeking through the clouds while they are being moved by the wind and the brightness of the sun makes itself known and can shine in its fullness. Imagine this being the introduction to God’s glory being slowly revealed. God making Himself known and the Spirit of God, as the wind, removing the clouds of despair, trials, circumstances, and the anxieties to reveal Him in all of His fullness and all of His glory. What a vision of wonderful as it unfolds.

This is what I’m feeling in my spirit today. Words cannot begin to fully express the first 12 days of December, for they have truly been eye opening for me. It is as if the wind has blown and cleared the air; as if a fresh wind has come and swept away the clouds and has allowed me to see things in a new light; to see the glory of God that shines on me, thus revealing His splendor and His power in my life.

Here in this scripture, it tells us that men don’t see the bright light behind the clouds until the wind passes and clears or cleanses them. Thus revealing that the Spirit of God is liken to the wind, He comes in and will make all things clear. The Spirit, who reveals, convinces, guides, gives peace and comforts us that God in all of His greatness is in control of all things. Yes, we are going to be in the dark or the way will not always be made clear to us regarding our life or God’s plan for our life. We won’t always know or be shown what He is doing or what He is trying to perfect in us, but believe me, divine perfection is needed for our good. His perfection has to be worked in and through us.There are things He has to do in us to get us ready for His purpose.

Job could not see his way through, nor did he understand God's purpose or what was happening to him but he did understand the greatness of God, and the majesty of God. He understood the Excellency of His power. We might not understand God’s ways, His thoughts nor His methodology, but if we understand who God is and the vastness of His power as it pertains to our life, then we can or we should rest assure that although we may suffer some natural, yet temporary pain (to our flesh of course, because it does not want to suffer), it is for our good and He is in control of all things that concern us. No pain, no gain right? He wants to take us to higher heights and deeper depths. To put it naturally, to bigger and better things. This requires some action on our part. However, if we are honest, we don't like change and we love our comfortability. I have a quote that says, "the key to change is to let go of fear." Change is inevitable, especially if plan to follow the path that God has laid out for your life and during that plan there will be some dark and cloudy days.

If we could but wait patiently during our cloudiness, our dark periods of not being able to see in our trials, wait until the Lord begins to shine through and reveal Himself and His plan. Waiting until a fresh wind has come and blown away the clouds and we are able to see God in all of His glory and in all of His fullness. We can rest assure that He will appear, shining brightly after the Wind has removed the clouds, cleansing our situations and restoring us to be used for His glory and for His purpose; taking us from strength to strength in Him, shedding a light of hope that He is still with us and knows and hears us as we cry out to Him. He will not forsake us because He has our best interest at heart.

I love how God's favor shines through as the fresh wind begins to gently blow revealing Him in His fullness, in His magnificence, and in all of His brilliance.

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: Psalm 96:1-4

Today and everyday we should give God praise because He has shown Himself mighty from day to day on our behalf. It's time to start singing a new song and begin to give the Lord the glory and honor that is due. Time to worship Him in the beauty of holiness; time to reverence Him and declare the wondrous works. In a day and a time when people are looking for ways to fill the void in their lives, the people of God have to stand up in the strength of the Lord and be thou an example the Word says to those who are in need. They should see us singing songs of praise in the midst of these tumultuous times.

I promised the Lord today that I will be singing a new song from this day forward. I'm going to wrap myself up in Him and show forth His glory among the people; for the Lord is worthy of my praise, continually, because He has done great things for me!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:1-6

There is an old idiom or expression that says, “a lick and a promise”, which means something done hurriedly, most often incompletely, with the intent to return to do it later. So many people today, young or old I’m seeing, operate in that vein. However, the Psalmist tells us, not so with God, He’s not in a rush but can do it suddenly and when He does a thing, He does it in His time, and He does it thoroughly and completely. He doesn’t have the objective to come back and do it later once He’s started. So, as Zion would find out in our passage today.

David pens this psalm of conversion as a song, a prayer, and a promise. He tells of how God reversed the captivity of Zion; the entire city was in need of deliverance. They felt as if they must have been dreaming because this was too good to be true. Us? Delivered and set free from captivity? They were so overwhelmed and didn’t expect what was being done for them. The scripture says their mouths were filled with laughter and their tongues with singing. Have you ever had something happen to you that you felt like you were having an outer body experience? You felt as if you must be dreaming or it was just too good to be true? Maybe, that’s just me. But God had heard their cry and had answered beyond belief. They even asked for the turn or reversal in their captivity to be as a stream, a constant and continuous flow of blessings.

Conversion from captivity means that there is a certain change that happens in the atmosphere when deliverance comes. You can’t explain it and you certainly can’t describe the joy you feel when you have been set free from a situation which has kept you bound, whether self-inflicted or not; nothing like the elation you feel when you are free from your circumstance, free from trouble, free from doubt, free from stress, or free from depression and anxiety. I can’t imagine how they felt being held in captivity, but all of us have been bound at one point or another by something or someone. We know how it feels to have been freed from that bondage. I love how God even encourages His children even in those times; Isaiah says in chapter 35, Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’ And he goes on to say, “… for in the wilderness waters shall break out, and streams in the deserts.” The Lord will come and He shall make a way of escape for you.

For Zion, God’s mercy was so unexpected, and so awesome that they couldn’t form the words to describe it, the reaction was in such a way that the only way to explain it was by jumping, screaming, dancing, singing, and shouting for joy. That would definitely be my reaction as well because this was no small thing that the Lord had done. Zion had been sowing tears, but now they were reaping joy and a harvest of gladness. Now, they were singing songs of happiness because the Lord had redeemed and restored them. They were no longer bound and had been set free. The Lord lets us know also that no matter what we are going through that He hears our cry and sees our tears; He will answer because His mercy and His grace is everlasting. If you have been sowing tears, you are about to reap joy… and I won’t even tell you about your harvest or what it is about to yield! I will say get ready as the Lord begins to pour you out a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive!

Do I see some jumping, screaming, dancing, singing, and shouting for joy right now?

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways? Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Job 4:3-7

The story of Job is a familiar one, regardless of what happened to Job, he was known to be a perfect, upright and righteous man; he had done no wrong in the sight of God. From the outside looking into Job’s life and from the appearance of things, it looked discouraging for Job. He lost his children, household and his substance. It would seem as if Job should be without hope because of his bleak circumstance. The fact of the matter is that God was counting on Job to be exactly who he said he was in lieu of all that had happened and was happening to him. In chapter 1, verse 12, the Lord told Satan, “Behold, all that he hath is in your power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand”; which tells me that the enemy can only go as far as God allows. But it also tells us that sometimes, God will allow hardship, and difficulty or misfortune to come upon us not because He seeks to destroy us or because He wants to see us experience unfavorable or harsh conditions, but because He knows us and our strengths, He is counting on us to come through and shine on His behalf.

As in the portion of scripture today, Job’s friends, the ones who were supposed to know him well; the ones who were supposed to understand who he was; the friends who probably said, I’ll have your back no matter what, were the same friends who turned on him and were set out to prove that Job must have done something wrong. Friends who had their own reasoning’s as to what “they thought” was happening and particularly, Eliphaz, who actually believed that the innocent don’t suffer and commenced in telling Job just that. However, my Bible tells me, But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (I Peter 5:10).

Oftentimes, there will be those who won’t understand the why and the why not; the how and the how come of what God is calling for or doing in your life. Friends won’t understand your ethics and family will certainly question your sanity. It will seem strange and honestly crazy, is the word used most often, when you don’t have an explanation to give them. Throughout the Bible from Noah to Abraham and countless others, named and unnamed, were asked to do what seemed crazy at first thought. Especially, not knowing what the outcome would be, yet they obeyed God. They were truly walking by faith and living in hope and in expectation because they trusted God.

In the face of adversity, how many times have we lost sight of hope and positioned ourselves in fear. While honestly, this is not an easy task, it is our response to the suffering that matters most to God. We have to position ourselves in hope and stay right there until our change comes, until God has worked out His plan, until we have given God an atmosphere where He can work in and with us. We must have blind trust, faith of the evidence that is not seen. We can’t worry about it, complain about it, fret about it or be vexed about it, and certainly not be ashamed about it. The Word says, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Job had faith and hope in God in spite of the fact that He had no idea why God had allowed these things to happen. No, perhaps he didn’t handle it as smoothly as he should have, but who does? We are not perfect, yet we should be striving for perfection. A very good friend told me that “hope doesn’t look worried because hope looks like you are already there.”

It’s important to know that we must live in hope, in expectation not only about what God is going to do in us, but what He is doing through us, so that others will see and know that God is in control of all things concerning you. We need not analyze God or allow our friends or family cause us to question or to ponder what’s happening in our lives. If we know who we are in God, and who God is in us, there is no doubt that God is for us and that all things work together for our good (Rom 8:28). Through suffering comes fruit and an accomplishment of His purpose in us; it brings forth faith, patience, knowledge, and maturity. Which are exactly some of the fruit that God is asking us to have.

Be encouraged today and continue to stay positioned in hope. Like Job, God is counting on us!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else:
Joel 2:21-27 (Emphasis on verses 26-27)

During a conversation with my friend recently, she made such a profound statement, “getting to good”, although she didn't realize that it had immediately resonated in my spirit and that it was the perfect subject matter to go with this scripture for Morning Love. I am always astounded at the insight the Lord has given me to hear a word or phrase that’s spoken not only at the time when needed but how it fits perfectly for the moment.

Getting to good is exactly the direction of what I am feeling; not only that I feel like “I got it” as I mentioned previously on Thursday, but that I am headed in the direction to where He has been leading all along. While reading the scripture, I had to meditate on the words that were spoken by Joel. Every word that God speaks to me, I take literally and every word that He gives me daily comes to me first. God is concerned about us and He cares enough to send a word to assure us that He is there, He hears, He knows and He will take of the things that concern us. We cannot continue to stay focused on the issues of our life or over the things that we cannot control. How can He help us if we don’t give it all over to Him and allow God to be God? Allow Him to do what He said and has promised in His word? I have learned when you give over every problem, every situation, and every circumstance it becomes a lighter load that's full of the joy and the peace that God has intended for us to have if we would cast our cares on Him. Why? Because He cares for us and He loves us enough to tell us every promise is ours and we can stand on His every word.

I love what Matthew Henry says, “His promises are real answers to the prayers of faith; with Him saying and doing are not two things.” Unlike us, we say one thing when we could possibly mean another or we say one thing and do another. Oh but God is faithful to His word; what He says is what He means. He answers our prayers and we can have full assurance that He will do what He says He will do. The course of our lives is in His hands and He will bring unmatched blessings to those who faithfully are obedient to His word and His way. I'm a witness to the things He'll do!

This passage has key words that we can take to heart. It starts by first saying, “Fear not, be glad and rejoice. As hard as it may be sometimes not to fear our circumstance, not fear what is going on in our life, or not fear what we don’t see or understand, we have to realize that whatever the Lord is doing is for our good and because He is trying to get us to good. Then Joel said that the Lord will do, not maybe, but will do great things. He then reiterates, be not afraid, be glad then and rejoice. It goes on to say, “And I will restore, return, and re-establish to you ALL; and ye shall have plenty and not lack and because I am. Everyone shall know that there is none else that could have done this. Prophetic words of promise that speaks to our right now. Words, we can stand on right now. Words that say I am getting you to good.

In looking up the word, good, it has several English translations that fit the direction in which the Lord took me; of high quality, virtuous, honorable, sufficient and fit for purpose. Now, you know that I like that last one, sufficient and fit for purpose which is the place where God wants us to be in Him. God is calling us to a position of faith, a position of strength and a position of hope today. Getting us to a place where we are ready for His purpose and His plan for our lives. Again, not only for our good but for His glory. Getting us to a place where we rest in Him, where we find strength in Him, a place of trust. A place where we can say and know without doubt that God has increased our faith and now these are not just idle words spoken because we breathe the words we talk about, we are the words that we talk about and we are in a place where we live in the words we talk about.

Getting to good, that's the place!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde

Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet as hinds feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. Habakkuk 3:18-19

Sometimes it's very hard to contain myself when I’m writing the Morning Love, especially when the Lord has given me verses, like today, that speak to my right now; what He is working out right now, how He is blessing right now; how He shows me that He is mindful and reminds me by saying, “Cynde, I got this!” It is especially notable to say here that when you give over to Him completely, you get the opportunity to understand Him in His fullness. Consequently, you begin to experience nothing but joy and with what I experienced, it felt nothing short of amazing and it was extraordinary what came over me and suddenly there was a peace that truly passes all understanding. I have a new prospective for what Paul said in Philippians 4:7-8. When I tried to explain this, a friend asked me if I felt as if I was being carried, as if I was in the hands of the Lord, yes and it was a wonderful way to describe what I was feeling; it was as if I was just floating.

The Lord has been speaking in regards to many things lately and I wonder how it is possible for me to attain it all, yet, He has taught and allowed me to learn how to trust, move, and do as He tells me without me getting in the way. Through various persons and even through devotionals, He has been constantly sending a direct word and without question, it was for me. Because at times, Cynde does asked alot of questions and requires of the Lord some answers to some specifics concerning things that affect her. The story of Habukkuk is a perfect example, when He gave it to me this morning, first I had to smile but also wanted to read and study more before writing about it.

Habukkuk means to embrace or the One who embraces and he chose to hold firmly on to God regardless of what happens. He chose to have complete confidence and move without fear of God's divine intervention. He decided that nothing was BIG enough to stand in the way of his ultimate joy and happiness in spite of what or how it appeared. I’ve said this before that what we fear the most, never comes to fruition. This acronym describes it best, FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real).

If you read the previous chapters of Habukkuk, you’ll see that he was not afraid to grapple with God about certain issues that would test his faith. He directs all of his questions to God and then waits to see how He will respond. After a couple of times of this, Habukkuk finally gets an understanding from the responses and realizes who God is – His person, His power, and His plan. He realizes that it is God’s plan and not his… sound familiar? This speaks volumes to my life and I have been Habukkuk on so many occasions, and also including some recent times. We fear what we don’t understand or what we cannot control however, we must radiate absolute assurance and trust in the God of our salvation. He knows what He is doing and it's always going to work out for our good, regardless the outcome.

Now that Habukkuk understands this, He gives God praise and begins to rejoice. You can truly delight in God and have joy when you understand as well as acknowledge God’s wisdom and divine purpose for your life. Especially, when you “get it” and you are in alignment with His will for your life. This is the part that gave me such happiness and butterflies, you know that's what we say we get when we are anticipating something wonderful because like Habukkuk, I too, finally got it.

So, I’ll end the love where I started, talking about the scripture He blessed me with this morning. "Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet as hinds feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." Regardless of what is going on, regardless of what I see or don’t see, God is yet in control. He has shown me that He is my salvation, He is my strength, His is my deliver, He is my all and all, He is God and is there anything too hard for Him? All I need to do is put my complete trust in Him and like the hind (which is a female deer) whose home is in the mountain, whose rear feet step precisely into the same spot as her front feet, and whose every motion on the mountain, from the roughest to the most challenging of the rocky terrain is always focused, sure-footed, and equipped to climb up to the high places of the mountain. And to add to today's journey, a deer actually ran across the road in front of the car this morning afterward. How's that for confirming a word and how can I do anything else but rejoice in the God of my salvation? I'm feeling nothing but joy right now!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde