" OUR CONVERSATION(S) "

When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that we think our ideas are more important than theirs. James wisely advises us to reverse this process. Put a mental stopwatch on your conversations and keep track of how much you talk and how you listen. When people talk with you, do they feel that their viewpoints and ideas have value? What you say and what you don't say are both important. Now I believe that proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but it is also controlling your desire to say what you shouldn't. Examples of an unbridled tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. Before you speak, ask, "Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" I love the book of James as this letter could be considered a how-to book on Christian living. Now James compares the damaging effect that can be produced by the tongue. It can be rivaled to a raging fire - the tongue's wickedness has its source in hell itself. The uncontrolled tongue can do terrible damage. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another. Idle and hateful words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly, and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. Now once again I believe that we should be mindful of what we say, thinking we can apologize later because even if we do the scares remain. A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build. Before you speak remember that words are like fire - you can neither control nor reverse the damage they can do. Until Next Time... Jim,

" ARE YOU USING YOUR GIFT(S) EFFECTIVELY? "

I'm of the mindset that those of us who have given our lives to the Lord must identify the Spiritual Gift or Gifts that we have been blessed with. Look at this compiled list of gifts and imagine the kinds of people who would have each gift. "Prophets" are often bold and articulate. "Servers" (those in ministry) who are faithful and loyal. "Teachers" are clear thinkers. "Encouragers" are (those who exhort)and know how to motivate others. "Givers" are generous and trusting. "Leaders" are good organizers and managers. Now those who show mercy are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts. An assertive prophet would not usually make a good counselor and a generous giver might fail as a leader. When you identify your own gifts (and this list is far from complete), ask how you can use them to build up God's family. At the same time, realize that your gifts can't do the work all alone. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weakness, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. Together you can build Christ's church. As I study I'm convinced that the gifts from the Father differ in nature, power, and effectiveness according to his generosity as well as his wisdom and graciousness, not according to our level of faith. Now, the "measure of faith" (Romans 12:3) or the "Proportion to his faith" means that God will give the Spiritual power necessary and appropriate to carry out each responsibility. We cannot by our own effort or will power, drum up more faith and thus be more effective teachers or servants. I believe that these are God's gifts to his church and he gives faith and power as he wills. I'm of the mindset that our role is to be faithful and seek out ways that we serve others as Jesus demonstrated while on earth. So, either we use our gift(s)from God or we'll lose it. Now God has given gift(s) so we can build up his church. To use them effectively, we must (1) realize that all gifts and abilities come from God; (2) understand that not everyone has the same gifts; (3) know who we and what we do best;(4) dedicate our gifts to God's service and not to our personal success; (5) be willing to utilize our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God's service. Until next Time... Jim,

" MESSAGE TO THE LAODICEA "

This weeks message is vital for all of us to comprehend. So do yourself a favor and take two minutes to read and understand. I for one believe that we are in the End Times. Laodicea was the wealthiest of the seven cities, known for its banking industry, manufacturer of wool, and a medical school that produced eye salve. But the city had always had a problem with its water supply. Hold on a moment, at one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from the hot springs. But by the time the water reached the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool - only lukewarm. The church had become as bland as the tepid water that came into the city. Lukewarm water makes one disgusting drink. The church in Laodicea had become lukewarm and thus distasteful and repugnant. The believers didn't have a stand for anything; indifference had led to idleness. By neglecting to do anything for Christ, the church had become hardened and self-satisfied, and it was destroying itself. There is nothing more disgusting than a half-hearted, in-name-only Christian who is self-sufficient. Don't settle for following God halfway. Allow Jesus Christ to fire up your faith and get you into the action. God would discipline this lukewarm church unless it turned from its indifference toward him. God's purpose in discipline is not to punish but to bring people back to him. I would like for you to ask yourself are you lukewarm in your devotion to God? God may discipline you to help you out of your caring attitude, but he uses only loving discipline. You can avoid God's discipline by drawing near to him again through Confession, Service, Worship, and Studying His Word. Just as the spark of Love CAN be rekindled in marriage, so the Holy Spirit can reignite our Zeal for God when we allow him to work in our hearts. Are You still in the Fight? Until Next Time... Jim,

" MY COURAGE COMES FROM ABOVE "

This week we are revisiting " Courage " and Courage is Persevering in spite of Fear. Some of the most Courageous men and women have prevailed in spite of Weakness, Sickness, and Persecution. I'm of the mindset that we are to face new situations and surroundings with courage. God told Jacob to leave his comfort zone, his home, and travel to a strange and faraway land. But reassured him by promising to go with him and take care of him. When new situations or surroundings frighten you, recognize that experiencing fear is normal. To be paralyzed by fear, however, is an indication that you question God's ability to take care of you. God can give you the strength you need for any situation. And don't be startled by the way he helps you. Only after you begin to obey God, you will find the Courage to move ahead. Now I believe that Courage can be misinterpreted as cowardice. The means that we use to accomplish a goal are just as important as the goal we are trying to accomplish. I'm reminded of how David spared Saul's life. David's goal was to become King, now David's men continued to urge David to kill Saul when he gets the chance. David's refusal was not an example of cowardice but of Courage - the Courage to stand against the group and do what he knew was right. Don't compromise your moral standards by giving in to group pressure or taking the easy way out. It takes Courage and Strength to Stand Firm in your convictions and to confront wrongdoing in the face of opposition. When you believe something is wrong, do not let yourself be talked out of your position. Firmly attack the wrong and uphold the right. Until Next Time... Jim,

" HELL IS A REAL PLACE "

Yes, Hell is an honest to goodness place. Please open your mind to what I'm about to share. Jesus tells about the Rich Man and the Beggar. Now I have to wonder if you truly recognize why Jesus told this story. In this accounting two men lived two life styles one man obviously was very rich. The Pharisees considered wealth to be proof of a person's righteousness. Jesus startled them with this story where a second man who was a diseased beggar is rewarded and the rich man is punished. Now the rich man did not go to hell because of his wealth but because he was selfish refusing to feed Lazarus, to take him in, or even care for him. This rich man was hardhearted in spite of his great blessings. The amount of money we have is not as important as the way we use it. What is your attitude toward your money and possessions? Do you hoard them selfishly, or do you use them to help others? Now the other man Lazarus which who should not be mistaken for Jesus' good friend in which Jesus raised from the dead in John 11. The Bible says " The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom, and the rich man also died and was buried. Now while in Hades this rich man lifted up his eyes, being in agony, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in anguish in the flame. Now the rich man thought that his five brothers would surely believe a message who had been raised from the dead. But Jesus said that if they did not believe Moses and the Prophets, who spoke constantly of the duty to care for the poor, not even a resurrection would convince them. Notice the irony in Jesus' statement; on his way to Jerusalem to die, he was fully aware that even when he had risen from the dead, most of the religious leaders would not accept him. They were set in their ways, and neither scripture nor God's son himself would shake them loose. Until Next Time... Jim,

" MARRIAGE (I DO) "

Getting hitched, yes I know that we have visited " Marriage " in the past. But this we're going to make a quick visit. " What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." Marriage, wedlock from God's perspective, a covenant between a man and a woman that binds them together for life. God performed the very first marriage in Eden, and Jesus sanctioned marriage by being present at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. In Jewish law and culture, there were two stages in marriage: 1- Betrothal (q.v.) and 2- The ceremony of the husband taking the bride to his home. " Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage should be kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Let your marriage grow strong by protecting your relationship from too many outside pressures and distractions - especially in the beginning. And don't expect or demand so much from newlyweds that they have inadequate time or energy to establish their marriage. LAST POINT: (1 Corinthians 7:15-16) Now I believe that this verse is misused by some as a loophole to get out of marriage. But Paul's statements were given to encourage the Christian spouse to try to get along with the unbeliever and make the marriage work. If, however, the unbelieving spouse insisted on leaving, Paul said to let him or her go. The only alternative would be for the Christian to deny his or her faith to preserve the marriage, and that would be worse than dissolving the marriage. Paul's chief purpose in writing this was to urge the married couples to seek unity, not separation. Until N

" WHAT'S YOUR REPUTATION LIKE?

REPUTATION: Overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general (2) place in public esteem or regard. A reputation can be developed through consistency. I'm reminded of Ruth, her life exhibited admirable qualities: She was Hard Working, Loving, Kind, Faithful, and Brave. Now, these qualities gained for her a good reputation, but only because she displayed them Consistently in all areas of her life. Wherever Ruth went or whatever she did, her character remained the same. Your reputation is formed by the people who watch you at work, in town, at home, in church. A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in - no matter what group of people or surroundings you are in. I'm also of the mindset that a good reputation comes through serving God. Now, take Abraham for example, when he was in a foreign land looking for a place to bury his wife. Strangers offered to help him because he was " A Mighty Prince," and They Respected Him. Although Abraham had not established roots in the area, his reputation was above reproach. Those who invest their time and money in serving God often earn a pleasant return on their investment - a good reputation and the respect of others, Until Next Time... Jim,