”JOY FILLED HEART”

by Cindy Bice

Aloha!

Our hearts are full of something.  It might as well be filled with “JOY!”

Is your heart full of grief, despair, hate, fear, unbelief, sorrow…?  If your heart is on the EMPTY side of JOY today, there is hope for you! FILL UP WITH JESUS and you’ll soon find that you have the JOY of the Lord!

JOY is one of the fruits of the Spirit.  Fruit must be cultivated to grow. If you don’t have JOY in your heart, you may need to do some weeding and perhaps pruning.  Neither are pleasant or fun, but are necessary for healthy fruit.

JOY isn’t subject to any situation or circumstance.  You can be in the middle of a trial and the JOY of the Lord will come bubbling up inside your heart. Before you know it, you are rejoicing in the Lord.

Do you have the JOY of the Lord?  His JOY is our strength!  Jesus is the JOY set before us!

Inevitably, in life, we are faced with fear, hate, doubt, unbelief, anger, sorrow, and many other JOY-stealers.  We choose how we deal with each circumstance.  I encourage you to process and go through with JESUS!  Don’t live in denial.  Do live in FAITH.  Turn to Jesus and let the JOY of the LORD be your strength!

“I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart…down in my heart to stay.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness,     goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”

Romans 14:17 (NIV) “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and JOY in the Holy spirit,”

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the JOY set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) “A MERRY HEART does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.”

Proverbs 15:3 (NKJV) “A MERRY HEART makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

SONG: Desert Song by Hillsong United https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urxW5KVvriI

PICTURE:  Sexy Pink Heliconia from my garden

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

TESTIMONY TIME

by Cindy Black

Aloha!

Your personal testimony of what the Lord has done in your life is something no one can ever take from you!  You can, by your choice, share it with others.

Have you ever been to a church when they say, “it’s testimony time, does anyone have a testimony?”  It’s thrilling to hear what God has done in people’s lives!  When was the last time you shared your testimony?  What has God done in your life lately?  Your testimony can encourage others in their faith in God! 

We can encourage others in their walk with the Lord by what He’s done for us. 

Jot down when God answers prayers and share with others when you are able. It’s good to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness in our lives. 

God is alive and well and He cares about every part of our lives.  He saves us to the uttermost.  I encourage you to look for and expect God at every hand.  He’s with us and hears every prayer and the cry of our hearts. 

Whether it’s Salvation, healing, or answered prayer, we all have a testimony where we are personally affected that we can readily share with others.  You may ignite hope in someone’s life. 

Revelation 12:11(NKJV) “And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

We live in a lost and dying world who desperately needs… hope, life, light, help.  We may not have the answer they need, but we know the living Savior, Jesus!  Friendship Evangelism is simple.  You don’t preach at people.  You share, from personal experience, what Jesus has done in your life. 

When sharing your testimony, you point people to Jesus. He’s our focus!  Jesus is the answer. 

John 14:6 (NIV) “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

There’s power in the blood of the Lamb!  Today’s a great day to share your testimony!

SONG:  Alan Jackson, “There’s power in the Blood” https://www.bing.com/search?q=there%27s+power+in+the+blood+alan+jackson&qs=HS&pq=there%27s+power+in+the+blood+&sc=8-27&sp=1&cvid=68D0AD0C4E2C40409257D89C9BAE9124&FORM=QBRE

PICTURE: Bulb from my garden

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

YOU ARE STRONG

by Cindy Bice

Aloha!

We grow strong when we trust God through life’s storms! 

Some days we have to encourage ourselves in the Lord.  It’s easy to praise God when everything is going well.  It can be quite challenging to praise God when life’s trials hit you below the belt.

David encouraged himself in the Lord.  I encourage you to lift up your eyes and see beyond the storms and black clouds that seem to hide God’s face.  Know that God hasn’t left you.  He’s with you through all the tough places. 

A song came to mind as I was preparing for today’s Devotion, “Hard Times.” It was one of the first songs I learned to play and sing.  It’s come to mind throughout my Christian walk as a Happy reminder to keep my eyes on the Lord even when I can’t see Him.  Also, to remember that, “Hard Times make you strong!”

It’s going to rain, but there’s no need to fret because you know the sun is shining right behind the clouds and soon the rain will end and then you’ll see the sun again.  The hard times you face can make you stronger if you let them.  Exercise your spiritual muscles and press through or rather praise God through the storms. 

1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV) “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

You can see many rainbows in Hawaii.  It may be dark and rainy on one part of the island and just beyond there’s a beautiful rainbow.  The tropical flowers and fruit trees are productive and lush because of the rain.  Let the Lord strengthen you through all your trials. 

Be encouraged!  God isn’t finished with you yet!  The next time you are tempted to be discouraged, be encouraged!  Jesus is going through the hard places with you!  You will be stronger in the end.

SONG: “Hard Times,” Jamie Owens Collins, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osWDu2JFF_g

PICTURE:  Waxy Red Hibiscus in my garden

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

FORGIVENESS

by Cindy Black

Aloha!

“Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner.”  Lewis B. Smedes

One of the hardest things to do in life is “FORGIVE.”  It’s a very important part of our Christian walk.

God doesn’t ask, He clearly tells us to forgive.  If you’re alive long enough, someone will need your forgiveness or you theirs. We also need to forgive ourselves. 

Matthew 6:14,15 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

“Forgiveness,” was the message at one of the best and most memorable Valentine’s Banquets I’ve ever been to.  We are all imperfect humans who mess up sometimes.  Any healthy relationship includes forgiveness.  If you hold grievances against another, you yourself will become hard and bitter.  It not only affects you, but all those around you. 

It’s easy to be critical and judgmental of others when they don’t line up to your standards.  We don’t have that option. Having a Christ like attitude means we are KIND, TENDER, and FORGIVING in our hearts towards others.

Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, FORGIVING one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Jesus is the perfect example in forgiveness.  He was beaten, whipped, spit on, falsely accused, and crucified. Yet, at the end of his earthly life, He prayed for us all, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Luke 23:24 Matthew 18:21, 21 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?  Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Walk in forgiveness daily.  Forgive yourself and others.  Remember God loves you!

SONG:  Matthew West, “Forgiveness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYTnTorkkxg

Story behind the song, “Forgiveness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz3tkHv5sbg

PICTURE:  Red Throated, Pink Hibiscus

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

BROKEN HEARTS

by Cindy Bice

Aloha!

A broken heart hurts to the depths of your soul and is almost inconsolable.  The pain can be intensely deep.    God knows when our hearts are broken. He is there to comfort, heal, and help us through all our brokenness. 

A few years ago my heart was so broken I was completely devastated.  At first, nothing could be said or done to console me.  The damage was done and it resulted in a broken heart. 

Although the situation did not change, I decided the relationship was more important than me being right.  The unconditional LOVE OF GOD and extending FORGIVENESS began the healing of my broken heart. 

♥TODAY MY RELATIONSHIP IS STRONGER AND THE LOVE OF GOD HAS HEALED MY BROKEN HEART. 

LOVE and FORGIVENESS can cause new life to be birthed into relationships. They can soon grow and be stronger than before. 

Look to the Lord.  His comfort and love are immeasurable.  Apprehend him in all of life’s storms.  He is a very present help in time of trouble.  Every situation is different.  The Lord will give you wisdom concerning your brokenness.

Psalm 121:1,2 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

Restitution doesn’t always happen.  You can’t choose how others respond.  We are responsible for ourselves.  It’s during those times, we completely cast those cares and concerns on the Lord. 

I pray the Lord comforts your broken heart and gives you peace.  Take refuge in the Love of God.  Underneath are His everlasting arms.  God cares, loves, and is there to help you through all your brokenness.

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) “A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

SONG:  Third Day, “Cry Out To Jesus” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmVxRl5bc4Y

PICTURE:  Orchid in my Garden

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

WHEN GOD CALLS MY NAME, MARY & MARTHA

by Cindy Bice

Aloha!

Do you relate with Mary or Martha?  Are you having intimate time with the Lord, or are you running around, like a chicken with its head cut off, distracted by life?

I relate to both Mary and Martha.  I picture Mary as the sister who wanted all God had for her and soaked up His every word like a dried up sponge.  You can see Martha stewing in the kitchen!  She was running around trying to get everything done so they could have a nice meal to share with Jesus!  She was preparing, cooking, and cleaning.  Martha was so distracted by what needed to be done, she forgot what the most important thing was. 

A good book to read regarding this is “Having a Mary heart in a Martha world, Finding intimacy with God in the busyness of life.” By Joanna Weaver. We studied this at a ladies Bible Study and found it to be very encouraging in finding balance in doing what needs to be done and also having time for Jesus.

Luke 10:38-42 “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!”  Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Martha was in such a tiz with all her distractions, while trying to get everything done, she felt sorry for herself and wanted Jesus to make Mary help her.  Jesus did care about Martha, but she was so distracted, she forgot the one important thing. Jesus wasn’t going to deny Mary a close encounter with Him because Martha was bent out of shape over trying to do it all herself. 

Life is full and can become overwhelmingly busy.  The next time you find yourself distracted by it all, stop, breathe, and say a prayer focusing on the Lord and not the chaos.  The Lord will give you peace and help you to prioritize so you get the important things done and the rest will have to wait. 

Jesus is first Priority!  You can cook and clean, just make sure you have Jesus at the top of the list and not at the bottom.  Keep the Main thing the Main thing!

SONG: Kari Jobe “One Desire” at Relevant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlzL3asCyPo

PICTURE:  Waterfall in my Garden

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

WHEN GOD CALLS MY NAME, HEARTS ON FIRE

by Cindy Bice

Aloha!

How would you rate your relationship with the Lord?  We are either HOT, COLD, or LUKE- WARM.  I pray the Lord fans the flames of our hearts with passion for Jesus once again!

Rate yourself from 1-5, 1 being Hot and 5 being Cold:

I love God with all my heart! (1-5) I look forward to private prayer time! (1-5) I desire for God to fulfill His purposes and plans in all my life! (1-5) I look for opportunities to share Jesus with others. (1-5)

If you are HOT (1), then keep the embers flaming and spread the love, joy, and hope of Jesus with others.  If you need to turn up the heat (2-5), then be encouraged, God will fan the flames of your heart for Him!  Repent of what’s caused you to become cold or complacent and fully and wholeheartedly turn to the Lord.  He will revive you and set your heart on fire for Him once again!

I pray for Revival to spread across our country and the world.  Revival begins with each of us in our personal relationship with the Lord. It’s interesting that when your life is the Lord’s, you are so much more satisfied than when you try to hold on to your life in living it your way.

I received Jesus as my Savior at 14 years old.  He filled me with the Holy Spirit and set my heart on fire for Him!  Through the years, my heart has always been filled with hope no matter what I’ve faced in life.  My heart still burns with passion for Jesus.  I know that beating someone over the head with my Bible won’t draw them to him, but sharing the truth of the gospel in God’s love will. 

God loves you!  I pray the Lord opens your eyes and your hearts to know Him personally.  Jesus is the way, the truth, and the Life.  John 14:6

Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Romans 6:11 “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Today’s message was inspired by my nephew’s song, “Greater,” from his CD “No Scars.”  Listening to John’s song reminded me of how our hearts need to be on fire for the Lord.  I hope you’re encouraged and the embers of your hearts are aflame once again for Jesus!

SONG: “Greater” by John Eastmond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gazEcEGDWnQ

To see more about John, go to www.AndrewEastmond.com 

PICTURE:  Bulbs from my Garden

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

WHEN GOD CALLS MY NAME, KNOW GOD IS WITH YOU

by Cindy Bice

Aloha!

Be encouraged in knowing , “God is with you!”

You can be around people all the time and still feel alone.  We have all felt that way at some point in our lives.  The important thing to remember is you are not alone, God is with you!

Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel” (which means God with us)

Joseph probably felt alone, rejected, and forgotten.  His brothers sold him!  He was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and then thrown into prison and basically forgotten by Potiphar.  God was with him the whole time.  God not only delivered him out of prison, but used him to save a kingdom as well as his whole family.  Genesis 37-45

When you start to feel abandoned, forsaken, and forgotten, remember the God you serve has not, nor will ever forget you! He’s right there with you!  Fix your eyes on Jesus and remind yourself to “Hope in God!” 

Paul sets a right perspective on our situations.  No matter how hard they may seem, Paul called them  “light afflictions that are but for a moment.”  Look at what all Paul went through and he calls them light afflictions!  2 Corinthians 11:23-25  

I remember after my mom died, the silence of not hearing her voice was so loud, it was almost ear piercing.  At 36, I felt alone.  She’d not only been my Mom and Confident, but also covered for my Dad after he died when I was 14. Thankfully, my husband helped me through the grief process.  Although I miss her greatly, to this day, I know God is with me!  He is my comfort!

I pray God comforts and encourages you as you draw close to Him.

SONG: By Your Side – “Tenth Avenue North” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU

PICTURE:  Pink Hibiscus from my Garden

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

WHEN GOD CALLS MY NAME, TRUST

by Cindy Bice

Aloha!

“In God We Trust!”

Psalm 91:2 “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:  my God, in him will I trust.”

Proverbs 3:5, 6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.”

Who can you turn to?  Who can you trust?  We live in uncertain times in an ever-changing society.  God doesn’t change.  He stays the same.  You can confidently rely on the Lord!  He is faithful and true!  Trust in God!

Do you trust God with some things and not everything?  He doesn’t want part of us.  He wants all of us!  We aren’t asked to trust in Him.  We are told to trust him with all our hearts!

Let go of trying to figure everything out.  Don’t limit God.  God is Omnipotent!  Let God be God!  Trust Him with all your heart!

While en route to pick up VBS supplies, my children and I were driving through what looked like the aftermath from an action movie!  A storm had passed through previously that left cars in the ditches and pile ups on both sides of the highway. We were able to get through and collect our shared items for VBS unscathed!

Whatever you are facing, trust in God!  He is with you through every storm!  It’s not always easy, but it’s comforting to know that when you are trusting Him implicitly, He will direct your path!

Pray with me, “I trust in you, Lord, with all my heart.  I will not lean on my own understanding.  In all my ways, I acknowledge you, and I thank you for making my paths straight.”

SONG: Lauren Daigle – “Trust in You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs

PICTURE:  Red Ginger from my backyard Garden.

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice

WHEN GOD SPEAKS – PRAY

Aloha!

Don’t wait until you’re in a Crises situation to pray.  Pray now!  Make a habit of continually turning to God in prayer.  Living a prayerful life is a good thing.  A prayer may be as simple and short as, “Help!”  Know that the Lord hears the cry of our hearts and every prayer we pray.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (kjv) “Pray without ceasing,”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (kjv) “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Jesus was our perfect example in teaching us to pray.  You are acknowledging God as our heavenly father and giving Him reverence.  Your attitude is for His will to be done. It’s not a blanket for all time prayer.  It’s a personal, daily prayer.  Ask for provision and sustenance.  We ask God to forgive us and we forgive others.

Matthew 6:9-13 (kjv) “After this manner therefore pray ye:  Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.”

I’m visiting my daughter, who is expecting a baby any day, in Louisiana.  Rather than being overwhelmed during the extensive flooding in Louisiana, we have had opportunity to trust in the Lord during this very trying time.  It can become stressful when you can’t leave the house due to bridges and roads being closed.  The phones are out and there’s no water, except for what you’ve caught in buckets.  We are thankful the electricity is working and are on high ground.

After you pray, it’s a good thing to do what you need to do.  Don’t shirk your responsibilities by just praying.  God wants us to pray and trust Him!  He also wants us to be doers of the word and not just hearers only.  God may have blessings and answers to your prayers, but you need to step out of your boat and trust Him.  If you are praying for something, what do you need to be doing?

Please pray for those who are facing challenging situations due to the massive flooding from all the rain.

SONG: Andrea Bocelli – “The Lord’s Prayer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEplqV0scyo Matthew 6:9-13 (Beautifully and prayerfully sung!)

PICTURE: flower from my backyard garden (blooms once a year)

Mahalo,

Cindy Bice

“TIMES OF REFRESHING” Garden Bible Study in Hawaii

Please contact me via my Facebook for more information:

www.facebook.com/cindy.b.bice