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2025 |
2019 Present Your Requests To God 2 24 15 & 9 18 20 2014 You Can Do It 3 21 14 & 8 6 20 Always Grateful 4 9 14 & 8 20 20 When God Intervenes 12 23 14 & 2 16 21 |
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Friday, March 28, 2025 |
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Scriptures: Hebrews 11:8 (NIV) – “By faith Abraham, when called to a place he would later receive his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Genesis 12:1-4a (NIV) – “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ So Abram went, as the Lord had told him;” Message: I don’t know about you, but I’m a planner. I want details. I want to know exactly what I can expect, where I’m going, and even when I’ll be back. Not Abraham! He gave up his right to know. If God said it, he was going to obey! He didn’t need to understand God’s plan; he was ready and willing to follow. I know if I eat an avocado with the right amount of ripeness, it will be delicious. Once I eat the avocado, I’m left with the pit. It’s just a plain old pit, which if put in the trash is useless; but God has another option. As a gardener, if I dig a hole in the dirt, put the pit in and cover it with soil, water it and allow God’s sun to shine on it; the pit will grow into a flourishing avocado tree. Now I not only have the beauty and shade of the tree, yet with time it will produce more delicious avocados. My ways are not always God’s ways, but clearly God’s way is always best. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, not our will, but Yours be done. You came to give us life and to help us flourish. Help us stay in Your light and keep our eyes fixed on You. We want to give up the right to understand Your plans and simply trust You with all our being. We thank You for Your unconditional love and everlasting power. Amen! Cyd Frank |
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Christmastide - Thursday, December 28, 2023 |
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Scripture: Colossians 3:12 (NIV) – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Message: They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I’ve been working on clothing myself in the image of Christ. I began to ponder, why a nun wears a habit? Even the name of the clothing isn’t a coincidence, I believe it’s a God-incidence. A habit is a visible sign that God exists and loves everyone. A nun clothes herself in spiritual clothing. So what have I been clothing myself in? Pride, self-reliance, control, and sinful desires? I’ve even allowed the enemy to come into my living room for many years – that’s right – what I watched on TV was not always the things of Christ. The enemy wants us bound up in our old ways, our sinful desires, and in our old clothing. Paul encourages us, as believers in Christ, to live a life that is pleasing to Christ; to put on the character of Christ more and more every day so that we become more like Him. I came to realize that I was wearing the wrong things. I needed to take off the old clothes before I could put on the new ones, and, most importantly, I could not take off the old clothes on my own. I needed help from the Holy Spirit and my Christian sisters and brothers who have already built a freeing relationship with Jesus. It is said that freedom is a journey, not a destination. Free people – free people. When we surround ourselves with people who have tasted freedom, we can then relate and acquire the desire to free ourselves of the old. We must let go of the old and welcome the new. So I ask you, “Are you also wearing the wrong clothes?”. Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving us Your resurrecting power and new clothes. Thank You for allowing us to be clothed in Your clothes. We want to be more and more like You, clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Thank You for these gifts. May we never take them for granted, and may they be part of our daily life, a life that we consciously choose to walk in with You! Amen. Cyd Frank |
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Friday, March 18, 2022 |
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Scripture: Romans 5:8 (NIV) – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Message: For me this verse speaks volumes of how much my heavenly Father loves me. However, what it reveals to me is what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say, once I cleaned up my act and got it together He will love me, or when I stop doing it Cyd’s way He will love me. Even when I chose to live in Selfie World, which isn’t hard to do and I was underserving, it does say He chose to sacrifice His Son for me – WOW! Such love! The cross is the overwhelming evidence of God’s love for me and for you. Christ loved me unconditionally at my darkest, how can I not love Him and His children. Guess what, that includes you and me. If Jesus died for me, I can live for Him. Jesus says, come to me, all of you; the good, the bad and the broken. WOW! This is love; He is love. I grew up with conditional love, but what I found in Abba, Daddy is a love that is unconditional and will never end. Who doesn’t want a Father like that? This verse gives me a sense of safety and security, His love is too great and He will never abandon me. He loved me in my unlovable state. I believe His desire to be in relationship with me and with you was too deep; Jesus could not avoid choosing the cross. Prayer: Today, Abba, Daddy I want to be in relationship with You. I have such gratitude that You love me / us so much that You made the ultimate sacrifice. It is my hope that I can grow deeper with You and lean into Your power more and more. I chose to love You. Thank You. Amen. Cyd Frank |
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Saturday, December 3, 2022 |
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Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) – “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Message: As a child my favorite thing was to play with my Barbies. As a teen it was to ski on snow and water. I have water skied barefoot, and in college was on the snow ski team. If I had my choice to do anything, it would be to go water skiing. Going to church was not part of my childhood. My Christian walk began 18 years ago, all of it here at Asbury. Asbury is and always does hold a tremendous special place in my heart. As I studied God’s character and read His word, He has become a real friend to me. A safe haven, always willing to listen and comfort. His love surpasses all that I know. I used to have to sit with Jesus and learn about Him (you all told me to); now I want to hang with my friend Jesus. I guess you can say I’m a slow learner. Today, the thing I like doing more that anything is sitting in the presence of Jesus. Learning that Jesus loves all of us so much was so eye opening and true. Just being still, hearing God speak, and trusting His promises brings such comfort. This is nothing I did, because Cyd only had one speed – fast. I had trouble relaxing and just being still. I’m so grateful that today I get such joy from being in God’s presence. Yes, my quiet time with Jesus has become my favorite thing. Although I’ll never be able to walk on water, I plan to continue skiing across water, and am incredibly grateful and blessed to sit in the presence of the One who does Walk On Water. Prayer: Hello Jesus, what a gift You are to me and to this world. What a gift it is to draw near to You and sense Your presence. Thank You for moving mountains for me and countless others. Your loving friendship is truly my favorite thing. I look forward to pleasing You this Christmas by sharing Your great love with others. Amen. Cyd Frank |
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Saturday, January 9, 2021 |
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Scripture: Romans 15:13 (NIV) – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Message: 18 years ago, I saw a big sign at Asbury – “Easter Carnival”, Petting Zoo, Candy and activities for the family. I had two teenage children and a 3-year-old. Who doesn’t like candy? Hoping to get some chocolate for myself and let the kids see the Easter bunny, I headed over to the event. We had such a wonderful afternoon. I saw sparkles in the eyes of the volunteers; church members were overflowing with Joy. I had no hope, no joy. Someone invited me back for the Sunday, Services. I thought, well they were happy, they had something that I didn’t have. I thought, what do I have to lose? I came back week after week. I heard messages I had never heard before. I watched families going through struggles, but still seeing the good; still living in this Light. I really didn’t understand, but it felt warm and fuzzy. I slowly learned those warm fuzzies came from the Holy Spirit inviting me to rest in Him. Trusting God that He cares for me and He will provide my needs, even in my darkest times. Fast forward to today, I thought I came to Asbury for Chocolate and Easter Eggs. That was Cyd’s will. What I discovered was God’s will for Cyd. God’s message of Hope came true for me and for this I am forever grateful. Hope brought me out of darkness. The Hope that is found at the Cross. It wasn’t a coincidence that it was at an Easter Festival that I found Jesus, I like to call it a “God-incidence”. Someone also shared with me that Hope stands for “Holding On, Praying Expectantly”. This was so beneficial. Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a God of miracles and a God of Hope. Your ways are far better than anything I can do on my own. Thank You for loving me so much that You can pull me up from darkness and expose me to Your light. To all those that are living without hope, living in darkness; may they see Your light. Let us all Hold On Praying Expectantly for Your miracles. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Amen! Cyd Frank |
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Friday, April 16, 2021 |
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Scripture: Galatians 4:7 (NLT) - "Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir." Message: When I was a child people asked me who I was and I would say Bryan's little sister, or Jim's daughter. When I got married, I was Tom's wife. For work, I was the membership director of "X" company, or a manager of "Y" company. When I had children, I was my precious children's Mom. When the grand babies came along, oh when the grand babies came; I became Mimi. This is a title that is bigger than almost anything. And the list goes on and on. Today the title I'm most touched by, the one that has made an eternal difference in my life, is, "I'm a child of God". I'm Royalty and an heir to the throne; the King's Kid! I can tap into this title anytime. Along with this title comes power, resurrection power. It's a title that reminds me of whose child I am, and whom I am in Christ. A title that I know, and a title that affirms God will rescue me, provide for me and protect me. I'm not a slave to this life, but a Child of the King. He loves me. So when people ask me who I am? My answer is, "I'm a Child of God." Yes, Abba, Daddy, Father loves me and He loves you too!. Prayer: Abba, Father what a gift it is to be called your daughter. You are a good Father. You always seem to make a way for me. When people see me, I pray that they see You too! Amen! Cyd Frank |
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Monday, March 23, 2020 |
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Scripture: Psalm 73:28 (ESV) – “But for me, it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works Message: For me, Lent is a beautiful reminder of the importance of fasting from the things that pull me away from the Lord and replacing them with things that draw me near to Him. There are times when my life can get going on autopilot, the days just happen, my thoughts and my desires get in the way; this tends to happen when I fail to have my quiet time. When I take the time to do the most important thing – Being Still, spending time with our Lord; my life has a deeper sense of purpose. My attitude tends to shift from “why me” to “why not me”. Looking back, I am grateful for each opportunity and challenge. It’s a beautiful gift to rest in knowing God’s got things covered. I can surrender and trust Him. Prayer: Dear Lord, allow me to always remember what was done for me and for us at the cross. Help me to put You first, to stay close to You; not my phone or anything that separates me from You. I want to be so filled with Your Holy Spirit, that when people see me; they see You. Amen. Cyd Frank |
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Monday, May 11, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Psalm 46:10 (NIV) – “He says, ‘Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth Message: In our busy rat race world and in my life, it’s sometimes near impossible to be “still”. But God calls us to do just that. A necessary pause in the hectic rush of our lives. I believe the reason for being still is so that we will worship and praise Him, get to know Him, sit with Him and place our trust in Him daily to care for us, instead of counting on ourselves. We just went through Holy Week and saw the enormous price Jesus paid for each one of us; surely, I can set aside time to give Him my undivided attention each and every day. A time to reflect and feel His mercy, His love and His grace. I also like how God says, “Be still, and KNOW that I am God”. He doesn’t say, “What if I am God”, or “Consider that I may be God”. NO, NO! He says, "KNOW THAT I AM GOD!!" During this COVID 19 crisis, there have been times when I felt fearful, lonely, tired, fitful and I turned to this verse, which caused me to cling to His promises. Before long my sleep pattern improved. In addition, I saw the silver lining in the social distancing; gratitude became my top emotion and I was once again energized to serve. What this pandemic taught me is, “When God is all you have, God is all you need” and that “God is alive and well and with us”. Prayer: Thank You Lord, for You are God. I praise Your name and hold it Holy in my life. I will continue to strive to be still and place my trust in You. I pray I can stay close to You and really depend on You. God, when You are speaking, help us to listen and obey. In Jesus’ Name and for Your glory. Amen. Cyd Frank |
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Monday, April 1, 2019 |
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Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) - "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Message: I grew up with a fishing rod in my hands, I even question if I came out of the womb holding one, so for me this verse paints such a vivid picture. I picture myself casting my burdens, my hurts and my worries out to our Almighty God and yes, I experience great peace, many times a peace that surpasses all understanding. There's even been times where people have asked me, "How are you standing, how are you able to smile in the midst of your struggles?" I know it wasn't me it was Him working on my behalf. Then there's the times when I cast my worries, just like my daddy taught me to do on the boat, or on the riverbank, by throwing out my line and waiting. It's that waiting that I wasn't too good at. Daddy would say, "Be patient, keep your line in and a fish will bite - trust me." Of course, what did I do, reel in my line and no fish. I eventually learned to wait for the fish to bite before I reeled in my line and I've caught some pretty amazing fish along the way. Some days I still revert to that child, casting my troubles on Him but then reeling them back in. I'm grateful I don't do it that often or for that long, and I can surrender to Him, because His peace is, oh so much more than I could ever imagine. Prayer: What a gift it is to have such a loving God that cares so much about me and each one of His children. Thank you Lord for sending Your Son to offer us peace and comfort in the midst of our chaos. I hope I can continue to cast ALL, not some, of my worries on You and not reel them back in. Amen. Cyd Frank |
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Tuesday. December 3, 2019 |
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Scripture: Titus 2:13 (NIV) - "while we wait for the blessed hope - the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." Message: As we are in this time of Advent, we are preparing for something good, with great expectation. For me, I look forward to decorating, baking, going to parties; basically filling my days with busyness; you know the busyness of the season. I quickly realized "busy" is an acronym for "Being Under Satan's Yoke". My head starts playing tricks on me and the joy and the excitement soon turn to feelings of doubt, failure and sadness; robbing me of my joy. It is then that I have to say, that's the devil and not the voice of Holy God; get behind me Satan! Jesus is the Reason for the Season!! It is in these times that I wait and reflect on knowing that blessed hope is on its way. I'm able to surrender, become silent and listen for the still small voice. As I talk and lament with God, I find my Hope and my Joy. As I wait, as I wonder when my prayers will be answered, I find comfort in knowing God is working all things out for His glory and goodness. For me, it may feel like forever, but Gods timing is right on time. I'm also reminded that hope might not be packaged the way I want, or think it should be wrapped; after all Jesus, the Christ, came as a baby and was placed in a manger. Prayer: Loving Father God, help us to enjoy the waiting and to know that You and Your miracles are worth the wait. Allow us to have eyes to see and ears to hear You in all areas of our life. Cyd Frank |
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Friday, March 3, 2017, Thursday, February 22, 2018 & Tuesday, November 10, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: 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.” Message: When I walk through difficulties, which I have as most have; I’ve learned to turn to Him and trust Him. I’m not sure if faith is learned, but what I do know is it’s like physical exercise. I have to exercise my faith and be spiritually fit. I go to the gym to get strong physically and the only way I was able to run a marathon was by training and running; running all the time. So to increase my spiritual fitness and be strong in my faith, I must practice trusting God. Having a prayer journal has helped me build trust, I’m able to look back at my prayers and see how God has used them, or blessed me in ways I couldn’t imagine; even when the prayers weren’t answered. Every trial I go through allows me to trust Him and exercise my belief in Him. I tried for too many years to make it without faith; not too much joy there. God brought me the greatest gift of all, a Savior who wants me to be brave and trust Him. Exercising my faith means I get to run into the arms of Jesus and rest in Him – no matter what. Yes, sometimes I call my best friend and share my burdens, but turning to Him and remembering His promises and His greatness, gives me peace and comfort. Prayer: Father God, You are the perfecter of my faith. Thank You for Your steadfast love and power over me. I pray that when I walk through difficulties I resist the enemy and don’t turn bitter, but I keep my eyes on eternal things; Your goodness and Your gentleness. Allow me to trust You and You alone in all areas of my life even the most challenging ones. You know the people and challenges I’m talking about. Amen. Cyd
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Tuesday February 24, 2015 & Friday, September 18, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Philippians 4:6 (NIV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Message: Over the past 15 months (in 2015) I have had many trials; I watched both my parents, my mother-in-law, and my husband’s Godmother pass. Now my brother-in-law is fighting for his life. It seems as if “I never get a break.” My family was also blessed with a son-in-law this year as we celebrated our daughter’s marriage. I’ve been taught to present my requests to God and then the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Jesus. I’m a prayer warrior and I know how faithful God is. Regardless of what happens, I know that God cares. God is love and God is with me through it all; that means through the good, the bad and the ugly. I ask God for what I would like, but I also know His ways are not my ways. When it’s an outcome other than what I prayed for, I ask, “Allow me to see You Lord in this, give me the grace I need to make it, and hold my hand, through this difficult time.” This is where He is so faithful and I am so comforted things such as: someone’s smile, a note from a friend, or a Scripture. Without praise our hearts grow dim because all we think about are problems and our prayers can become a wish list. Prayer: Gracious God, I have so many reasons to praise You. I am so grateful, I can dance in the rain, and joy does come in the morning. In the face of trial and hardship I have Your promises to reawaken my hope. In the moment of victory I have You to thank for my abilities. During trials, You share a ray of sunshine, a beautiful sunset, or a word of encouragement with me; I have great joy in Your surprises. Thank You God for being so loving. Amen.
Cyd Frank |
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Wednesday, April 9, 2014 & Thursday, August 6, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Philippians 4:13 (NLT) – “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Message: Ever been afraid of something? Snakes, public speaking, heights! Well, for all my life, I’ve been extremely fearful of heights. I made a deal with my earthly father (he too was afraid of heights), that someday I was going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. You see, my father had tried, but on the way up he became paralyzed with fear and couldn’t complete the journey. So, the deal was that I would someday complete the task for both of us. I was all set to conquer this “Tower of Terror” when I visited Paris in November 2013. I had Philippians 4:13 repeating in my mind. It was even engraved on the ring on my finger (yes, I had been given a ring three years previously with this passage engraved on it, and I wear it often), and I had loved ones around me. But when I looked up at the Eiffel Tower, my fear became real. Then, miraculously, something clicked. I felt an inner strength and peace come over me that allowed me to embrace the moment, and with God’s help, I kept my promise. I made it to the top! Prayer: Father, Thank You for empowering me with a supernatural strength that can only come from You and Your Spirit. For this I am grateful. Amen.
Cyd Frank |
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Wednesday, April 9, 2014 & Thursday, August 20, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) – “...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Message: When my 22-year-old son was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, I was devastated. If I followed my old tendency, I would get angry with God, question God and possibly become bitter. But, prayer helped me see there was wonder, puzzlement and yes, heartache, but I knew I wasn't alone. I knew my son was walking through this battle with steadfast prayer, encouragement and God's Love. I was so grateful that I was able to be there for each treatment, each injection, and each surgery. I got to show my son that a prayer warrior is someone who puts his or her whole trust in Christ alone. As God was holding my hand, I was holding my son's hand. I am so thankful that God gives us a way to see Christ in all situations. Prayer: Thank you, Jesus that Your word says You will never leave us. This brings great comfort to me and enables me to see You in all areas of my life. For this I give praise and thanksgiving. Father, I pray I can have an attitude of gratitude always. Amen.
Cyd Frank |
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Tuesday December 23, 2014 & Tuesday February 16, 2021 |
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Scripture: James 1:17 (NIV) – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Message: As a small child I remember my parents saying, “Let’s have another baby, that should make us happy”, or “If we buy this house, we will have joy”. As I grew up, I too followed in that lifestyle / pattern. If I date this man, or if I drive this car, or if I am nice; you get the picture, everything will be ok and I will be happy. Always searching and seeking what was best for me, my family and everyone else, I was going to figure it all out. When I was in so much pain and nothing I was doing resulted in the outcome I wanted, I looked up. I started bargaining with God, telling Him what I needed, giving Him instructions. Still no joy; no contentment. Then it dawned on me, James 1:17; I haven’t a clue what is best for me or even what I really want and how could I possibly know what is best for others. I suited up, shut up and surrendered to His will. Today I live a life of gratitude and love, most days, I don’t have to figure it all out, Hallelujah! Back to my parents, although they spent a life-time seeking happiness the way they knew how, it was years before they truly found it. Their pattern was free will operating out of self until God intervened. I am so blessed that God intervened. I got to observe them being truly happy. Both my parents became ill, childlike. They were able to live life as life unfolded. It wasn’t the way I wanted them to be happy, but it was beautiful having that time with each one of them while they were content. I am so grateful for my heavenly Father and the parents He gave me: my earthly loving parents – Jim and Mimi Gallagher. Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are perfect. The older I get the less I know, but to trust You. Only You know what is best for me and for others. I pray for Your guidance and my willingness to receive Your guidance and the strength to act upon it. Allow me to surrender my will to You today and every day. Amen.
Cyd
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