Celebrate His Righteousness
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.  Psalm 89:14-17
 
It’s clear to me that the writer of this Psalm has committed himself to giving God praise and declaring His faithfulness forever, as well as expressing who God is and giving us his reasons as to why we should make a vow to praise Him continually for His mercies. In this passage, the writer is engaged in a conversation to God on behalf of the people; he tells Him that your righteousness and virtue; your goodness, your kindness, and justice are the foundation, the very basis of your throne; your love and faithfulness go out before you. In other words, we feel your love and faithfulness, even before we know it's you because you send them ahead to bless us!
 
He then tells God that those of us who have come into this understanding, into this knowledge are blessed and have learned how to be extremely happy and joyful because we know who you are and have experienced you. And we give you the highest praise because we not only walk, but live in the light or the strength of your presence. Your presence is where we want to be. One of my favorite scriptures describes this perfectly, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Then he says, we promise to rejoice in your name all day long and celebrate your righteousness, O God; for you are our glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt us and we are endowed with power. Because you are great and powerful you make us strong; because of your loving, kind, approving and supportive ways you make us strong. How could we not celebrate our God? 
 
When we understand who God is and when we grasp the every essence of His love and His faithfulness towards us, we can began to live in the light of His presence. We can bask in His mercy, walk in His favor and be equipped with His power. We will continually find ourselves happy and full of joy with the motivation to strive in obedience to His word and not disappoint the One who has done so much for us. We then become free in our spirit to celebrate God, especially when we realize because of His works and His mighty acts, there is absolutely none like Him. We can rejoice in the magnificence and the glory that is God!
 
While writing, I was reminded of the words to a song that is so befitting, “because of who you are, I give you glory; because of who you are I give you praise, because of who you are I will lift my voice and say, Lord I worship you because of who you are… Jehovah Jireh, my provider; Jehovah Nissi, you reign in victory; Jehovah Shilom, you’re my Prince of Peace, and I worship you because of who you are.” Come on let's praise God and celebrate Him for all that He is today!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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Color Me, New!
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth.  Isaiah 42:9-10

As we embark upon a new week, I can tell you what a difference a word makes. One word from the Lord can give you a new perspective on your life and your ministry. Over the weekend, it was like that for me. The Lord met me right where I was and because of that, I feel brand new. Yes, new! Sometimes, we need a refreshing; a direct word that you know came from the Lord; a word to let us know that we are on the right track, especially when everything around you seemingly is not going as you would like or think. Although, nothing happened in the physical realm, much took place in the spirit.

Not too many have had the pleasure of knowing my personal plight or the things that I've endured while on this journey, because I've never been one to share except on a need to know basis. So, when the Lord pointed out a few things, and some other concerns I've had, I was a bit taken aback. The Lord let me know that I was on the right path and that my steps were indeed ordered by Him (Psalm 37:23). Nothing that I was currently experiencing and had experienced was by happenstance. It has all been for my sake, and for the sake of the kingdom; all for my good and all things were working together for my good (Romans 8:28). Of course, I was thinking that I encourage myself with those words frequently but this time the words resonated in my spirit.
 
I often had a sense that my fire (i.e., trials, tribulations, and sufferings) just seemed hotter for some reason which caused me to cry uncontrollably on occasion, question myself and make me wonder if I was truly within the will of God. And even though I’ve noticed that I’ve not been burned or singed (well, just my pride) through this process, it caused me to think that I don’t even smell like what I’ve been through. Now, the Hebrew boys can testify about that because they knew all about going through the hot and fiery (Daniel 3). The word also tells me,  "thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:" (Isaiah 43:1-3). Now, that's a word that I can stand on! 

You might not see or understand what God is doing in your life, you may lay awake and cry or sometimes question if you are truly in the will of God because you don't understand His plan for you. Trust me when I say, if you are doing all that you know to do; praying, fasting, believing, and trusting God, you are undoubtedly on the right path. God is trying to build your faith, increase your endurance and strength, develop your character, and equip you for kingdom work. Just let Him continue to do a perfect work in you. Stay focused and be assured that He is with you every step of the way. It certainly may not feel good at times or look good from your perspective but please know that everything is working for your good and to God's glory.

 Today, I am singing to the Lord a new song, and praising Him for being so mindful of me; got me feeling all wonderful and refreshed and new!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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I Trust in You
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7
 
This morning, I woke up singing “I trust in you Lord; I trust in you Lord to see me through. It’s because of you, I made it through. I trust you, I really do.” There is nothing like waking up with a song of praise in your heart. It starts the day off right and sets the pace for the morning (and a Morning Love).

Truly, if there was ever a time that we need to trust God, it’s now. In the midst of all that is or is not going on in our lives, it’s imperative that we continue to trust Him to see us through every circumstance. The song goes on to say, “when bills are due and friends are few, and all I have is you, I trust you Lord.” It’s crucial to keep the mindset that He is our strength and our defense at all times. We are not able to make it without his help and when we put our trust in Him and believe that He is our all in all, we can then begin to rejoice in the God of our salvation. We must have faith that He is our resource; Jevohah-Jireh, our provider for whatever we stand in need of.
 
I encourage you today to make this your daily affirmation. Wake up saying out loud, “I trust in You, Lord!”

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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Enduring the Process
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
… count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
 
Patience is defined as capable of waiting without becoming annoyed or upset; capable of persevering calmly when faced with difficulties; to be enduring, tolerant, unwearied, uncomplaining, and our favorite, long suffering. I am so glad to know that there is an encouraging scripture to support every one of these words and why it is important that we learn to let patience have her perfect work in us.
 
James tells us the importance of counting it all joy when we find ourselves immersed in various circumstances or situations that come to test our faith because in this we can establish the patience we need to run this race and complete this journey. He encourages us to let patience have her perfect or absolute work, so that we can be made complete and whole in Christ.
 
As hard as it may seem, we sometimes feel as if we are somehow incapable of enduring what patience brings about. Yet, we have God’s assurance that once we have been tried by the testing of our faith, there comes the delight of knowing that we are much more precious than gold that perishes and we are kept by the power of God through our faith. The process that gold has to endure before it is even presentable involves high heat in order to rid it of impurities so it can be at its purest form. Think of it in that sense. God’s desire for us is to go through the fire in order to burn off the dross, the gunk, and the impurities that keep us from shining forth as the precious jewels we are. It’s a process that we must endure. Peter also reminds us that in this we can greatly rejoice with unspeakable joy (I Peter 1:5-9).
 
As we meditate on this today, remember that in order for God to use us effectively, we have to be willing to go through the process of what He is trying to do in us. And while we are enduring that process, let’s count it all joy!
 
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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Fully Persuaded
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Romans 4:20-21
 
I realize that at any given moment or any given situation, doubt can creep in and cause us to have a momentary lapse in the ability to make a sound or a sensible decision. More often than not, life knocks you off your feet or throws you for a loop and you might not always respond properly. Sometimes, you are so taken back that honestly, your discernment might not kick in right away. I (the discerning one) know this because, I have fallen victim to it on more than a few occasions.
 
However, Abraham, the man who is known for his great faith, was determined that no unbelief would make him waver concerning the promise that God had made. Instead he grew strong in his faith and continued to give glory to God, completely convinced, fully persuaded, and without doubt that God was able to do what he had promised.
 
This should be our goal, striving to be like Abraham; have that faith that moves mountains and faith that believes in the impossible. Faith that says, although I may not see it, although there may not be any tangible proof, I put my complete trust in you God and without a shadow of a doubt, I am fully persuaded that what You have promised, You are able to perform.
 
All of us have promises that God has made to us specifically or we are standing on the promises we’ve read throughout scripture. In any case, we must be unequivocally convinced, undeniably persuaded in that which God promised. He is more than able to come through on our behalf. We might wobble sometimes, but stay the course. Don’t waver or become unsure, just continue to be strong in your faith. Whatever He has promised you may not come when you expect it, but undoubtedly, He is always right on time!
 
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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Walk in Your Truth
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4
 
I had a wonderful conversation that revolved around walking in one's own truth. Oftentimes, our circumstances, situations, and people (loved ones in particular) stifle or repress the developmental process that it takes for us to spread our wings and grow. We then become broken emotionally and consequently, can become fearful of what we could be or what we were born to do. We may not express to others nor admit or acknowledge even to ourselves that we are silently suffering. This fear in turn, stagnates, cripples, and hinders if not dealt with and we are unable to soar effectively which is essential to becoming what God has designed and purposed for our lives. We are not often validated or established in the truth or in the encouragement needed to grow, so that we can learn to walk confidently in our own truth. Once we learn better, we can do better.
 
This is what I love about this particular chapter because it hails words of encouragement from John to Gaius, as he voices not only his love but praises him for his persistency in walking in truth. I liken this to God regarding us because it gives Him great joy to see us, His children, walking and living in truth and in such a manner that is pleasing in His sight. Going and doing and being as He intended because we are His workmanship, created for good works so that can be found walking in them (Ephesians 2:10).
 
We must begin to walk in the truth of who we were created to be. If you are unsure, then seek God for answers. Begin today, whether you know how to get started or not, speaking positive affirmations into your life. Find scriptures that you can quote daily and stand on the word of God. The scripture tells us if God be for us, who can be against us (Read Romans 8:26-31 ESV). It is imperative that we remember to be true to ourselves. We cannot continue to allow the fear that grips us to keep us bound; the fear that causes us not to excel and be free to do all that God intended because the world is waiting on our offerings and our gifts, whatever that may be.
 
It's time to break free! We all deal with some degree of hurt and disappointments from our past and even in our present circumstances but let’s begin the process of healing; doing whatever we need to do to get to healthy. Let's rise above and begin to walk in our truth!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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With This Faith
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
 
And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream...
Daniel 2:3
 
When I began reading this chapter, verse 3 came across in the voice of Martin Luther King with “I have dreamed a dream.” It made me smile to have heard his voice and then my next thought was, stay focused because that has nothing to do with the scripture today. Needless to say, after a few minutes, I began to write and I realized, yes, it does. This story of Daniel and his faith in the God of his salvation runs parallel. There is no doubt that whatever we endeavor to do, it has to begin with a dream, a vision, a thought, or a revelation; something stirring in your spirit; a concern in your heart that wants to provoke change for the better.
 
Dr. King had a dream and he acted on it. His words, we quote every year and then shelve it until it's needed again, the next January. Hearing his words, pricks our hearts and fires up our emotions only for a moment and then we find ourselves back to business as usual. Honestly, there's even more of an urgency today that we not forget. Dr. King said, "With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day."
 
As we hear and remember the infamous words today, let's apply them as we move forward because this is "the one day!" We have the power we need to do our part, every one of us.
 
I too, have a dream today that with this faith, we would come together as one, in unity, as a body in Christ (Ephesians 4), and provoke change by going out and compelling men to come and know this faith and what we can accomplish, together.
 
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde


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Let Nothing Separate You
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

It's sometimes easy to fall into complacency when we are faced with diverse situations. However, it is those times when we must remember what the word of God tells us. Paul writes to the Romans and asks them a question, "Who shall separate us?" This is profound within itself because he makes us personally accountable.

No one can separate you from His love but you. We cannot take the low road by casting blame on someone or anything and not taking responsibility. Paul let them know that no matter what you the situation is, no matter what it looks like, and no matter what comes, do not separate yourself from the love of Christ.  He made it clear that he was persuaded and wouldn't let anything separate him. We must have the same mindset and let nothing cause us to separate or detach us from His love!

Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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