Returning Home

Brothers in the faith,

I know that most of us have heard a sermon or read about Nehemiah, for whatever reason this is what I'm suppose to share with you.

"NEHEMIAH"

And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire. Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the King's pool...

Then went I up in the night by the brook... and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley."

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW DID NEHEMIAH WIN FAVOR WITH THE KING?

Although Artaxerxes allowed Ezra to beautify the temple in Jerusalem in his seventh year (Ezra 7:8), he expressly forbade the building of the wall (Ezra 4:16,21). The city had a long infamous record of rebellion (Ezra 4:15,19). The fact that four months passed before Nehemiah made his request to the king indicates its serious nature (cf. Nehemiah 1:1; 2: 1). For Nehemiah to be made governor of Judah and be able to fortify its capital revealed the tremendous trust the king placed in his cupbearer. Because he was indirectly involved in the assassination of his father, Artaxeres was well aware of the danger of poisoned wine. Nehemiah had the responsibility of protecting the king's life by keeping the poison out of his cup. It was a high position of trust which he faithfully and competenly fulfilled. Artaxerxes was now looking to Nehemiah as he had in the past to preserve his interests in Israel by allowing him to fortify Jerusalem. If Nehemiah led Judah into a revolt against Artaxerxes by making an alliance with Egypt and Athens, the King could have possibly lost the entire area south of the Euphrates river (cf. Ezra 4:16). However, If Nehemiah remained loyal to his master, as artaxeres fully expected, it would do much to stabilize the entire area.

HOW DO WE KNOW IF NEHEMIAH'S MOTIVES WERE PURE?

Nehemiah's concern for God's reputation above his own is apparent in his humble and reverential prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-10). He lived in the splendid capital of the pagan Persian Empire while Jerusalem, the residence of the temple of God, lay in ruins. Like Jeremiah he could weep and say, "How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people; how is she become a widow! She that was great among the nations, a princess among the provinces; how is she become tributary. (Lamentations 1:1). Nehemiah knew that the cause of the situation was the disobedience of his own people, but other nations would think that the God of Israel was less powerful than their gods. Nehemiah's concern was for the spiritual restoration of his people, and he realized the importance of rebuilding the city which was the center of the nation's spiritual activities. He was willing to leave his position of prestige and safety in order to help accomplish this task.

LAST QUESTION: HOW WAS NEHEMIAH ABLE TO GET THE JOB DONE SO QUICKLY?

Nehemiah had won the favor and confidence of the King; however, he knew that when govenors Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem learned of his ambitious project these jealous leaders would go to the king to stop the reconstruction. Nehemiah calculated that he had only a few months before the king's message could be delivered and returned from Jerusalem to susa (cf. Ezra 7:8,9). It was imperative, therefore, that he get the job down within that period of time. He accomplished this by having each man concentrate on a small section of wall which bordered his property. By working long hours and not being distracted or discouraged by their opponents diversionary tactics, they were able to complete it in the alloted time period. nehemiah met each opposition of the enemy wisely and accurately, careful to choose a course that would nullify their undermining efforts.

We at C3 church are in the midst of a building project,with the blessings of the father. Nehemiah also had the blessings of his authority figure. Despite threats, blackmail and false accusation - an incredible task is accomplished. When Sanballat, govenor of Samaria, Tobiah, govenor of Ammon, and Geshem, leader of the Arabs who lived to the south of Judah heard of Nehemiah's action the three joined in an informal coalition to prevent the reconstruction of the wall. They first tried to discourage Nehemiah, then they demoralized the people. Next they gathered and army for a direct attack and then tried to blackmail Nehemiah by accusing him of treason. But these men failed in their attempts to trap Nehemiah because of his ability to outmaneuver his opponents.

Nehemiah finished his task in the incredibly short time of fifty-two days, but even then he did not consider his mission accomplished. He continued to use his influence to make Jerusalem a safe and attractive place to live. Because of his determined effort, the Lord used him to reestablish Jerusalem as the vital center for the Jews worship of their God.

"WITH INTEGRITY, YOUR CHARACTER STANDS ALONE UNDER GOD'S WATCHFUL EYE".

God's Servant,
Jim

James

ENDURANCE IS SETTING ASIDE PRIVILEGES WHICH WEAKEN ME OR OTHERS.

"It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles" (Rom. 14;21). Men one measure of mature Christian is his willingness to refrain from activities which some Christians think are right and others believe are wrong.

True love will always show deference. deference is limiting our freedom in order not to offend the convictions of other Christians. The alternative to deference is defending our right to engage in questionable activities. This defense usually involves trying to prove that the activity is acceptable, but the real question does not concern the activity at all. Now my brothers the real question is whether we are willing to cause a weaker Christian to stumble.

In every period of church history there have been questionable activities which have caused Christians to be divided. When this matter was discussed in the very first church council, clear principles were given which required Christians to set aside any activity which would spiritually weaken themselves or others. One measure of a mature Christian is his willingness to refrain from activities which some Christians think are right and others believe are wrong.

Listen to this short story: A man carefully chose the best lamb of his flock and made his way to the heathen temple. Then he sacrificed it according to the temple ritual. A pagan priest took the lamb, slipped out of the temple and went directly to the meat market. In order to get money quickly for the lamb, the priest sold it at a low price.

Many Christians shopped in this village meat market. They knew that the meat available at a bargain price came from a heathen temple. They also knew that it was the best meat available. It was easy to find reasons why it was perfectly proper to purchase this meat. Some thought it was right; others felt strongly that it was wrong. The controversy grew.

Soon it threatened to divide Christians and a church council was held the leaders of the early church gathered together. Several questions were presented and vigorously discussed.
One man waited until everyone had expressed their thoughts. Then he spoke, wouldn't it be great if we all waited until everyone else had their say. Most of us know a man like this our prayer partner Josh Patterson.

Getting back to the story everyone had great respect for him and listened attentively to his suggestion. When he finished speaking, they all agreed that his conclusion was in harmony with the principles of scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

His conclusion was written in a letter and sent to Christians in the early churches who were waiting for it. The letter explained that the unanimous decision of the church as confirmed by the Holy Spirit was all Christians abstain from meats that were offered to idols. This decision established a precedent for all future questionable activities. The speaker of that council was the apostle JAMES. (From Acts 15:1-35)

JAMES BECAME A MAN WHO LIVED BY HIS CONVICTIONS.

After hearing all the arguments, the wise and respected James decided upon a compromise. He clearly favored freedom from the mosaic law for gentile believers, but he urged Gentiles to avoid practices which would unnecessarily offend Jews. Because James himself had been such an example of setting aside privileges which would weaken or offend others, his decision was accepted without controversy.

Men allow me to regress for a moment as some might ask what was the reason for James' unexpected conversion? While Jesus was ministering on earth, James and his brothers were not in agreement with His claims. When Christ was rejected at Nazareth, He implied that opposition was ever "among His own Kin" and "in His own house". (Mark 6:4) But when Jesus wrote his epistle, he began, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ". (James 1:1) He didn't refer to himself as the Lord's brother or even as his apostle. The word used literally means slave.

The details of his conversion are not given, but it appears that his skepticism was completely removed by a special appearance of the risen Christ. "After that he was seen by James; then of all the apostles" (I Corth. 15:7). Like Paul after him who saw the Risen Lord on his way to persecute Christians in Damascus, James' Life was completely turned around. The fact that he believed that his brother was the son of God is very significant. One of the main tenets of Christianity is that Christ was without sin in His own life in order that He might die for the sins of others (John 1:29; II Corth.5:21). The fact that James believed this truth proves that not once during the many hours they had spent together as children, teen-agers, and young men could James recall a single incident when Jesus committed a sin.

James was his own man, one might think that his human relationship to the Lord as brother would have made James an important and credible witness to the claims of Christ witness to the claims of Christ. But the fact that he was elected to such a significant and key position in the mother church of Jerusalem indicates the respect he held. It was said that James was a person of prayer, infact His knees were said to be as hard as camel's because he was so constant in prayer for his people. Even non-believing Jews respected him for his exemplary life.

EVEN UNBELIEVERS MOURNED HIS DEATH:
Josephus, the contemporary historian, relates the death of James. During a transition of governors, the high priest, Ananias, charged James and others of breaking the law. As a result, he was stoned to death. Josephus reports that this unjust act was protested by pious non-Christian Jews who respected him so highly. As a result, the high priest was relieved of his office. James died a Christian martyr about A.D. 62. WOW now James was truly a Christian, is there anything in your life that you need to improve on. I know that I have some more work to do in my character.

HAVE A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD...

God's Servant,
Jim

A Man's Home Is His Castle

Do you believe that a man's home is his castle?

The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serve God. Have you made your commitment to God, and what kind of example are you being for the Lord?

BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.

The well known phrase, "A man's home is his castle", is no empty cliché. God designed the home to be a bastion to protect each member from the influences of an often hostile world. I believe we all know just how antagonistic this planet has become. Home is to be a place of training, preparation, and provision. It is to give care to its members and hospitality to its visitors. Its potential is to generate resources and skilled warriors who are able to go out to spiritual warfare and advance the Kingdom of God.

Since the home was designed by God for all these purposes, there should be little wonder that it has been the object of a calculated, systematic, and very effective assault in our generation.

First, the home was robbed of its basic functions; then, ill-trained sons and daughters were lured into enemy territory, where they were easily defeated.

Wives and Mothers were coerced out of the home with the promise of vocational fulfillment and financial security.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of all is that the "Modern Father" has been convinced that he should open up the doors of his castle to any godless influence which desires to come in, plunder his home, and take captive his wife and children.

But God is calling together men like you and me who are claiming His power and learning the principles of His word in order to raise up the foundations of many Godly generations.

Brothers children tend to adopt their father's values. Are you hearing me?

If our major concern is for temporal things, theirs will often be also. However, children may take a different approach to temporal things. If, for example, a father is overly concerned about retirement, his son may be slothful on the basis that if retirement is so important, he will beat his father to it.

Hang with me, when sons and daughters adopt their father's God-given goals, the father can provide much-needed encouragement, resources, and counsel for these goals.

We saw this in the building of the temple.

David had the vision for it, but his son built it. Now, as fathers we must be rebuilders, no matter what our past failures may have been. Our sins tend to recur in the lives of our sons and daughters. The manifestations may differ, but the basic failure will be there. When sons and daughters react to us, they become just like us either in actions, or attitudes, or both. I've shared this next point a number of times to you in the past. "WHAT FATHERS ALLOW IN MODERATION, THEIR SONS AND DAUGHTERS TEND TO EXCUSE IN EXCESS".

PROTECT YOUR HOMES AT ALL COST

Steps to a dynamic Home
1- Worship Center
2- Learning Center
3- Hospitality Center ( II Kings 4:8-10; Luke 14:13)
4- Health Center (Proverbs 31"10-31; Acts 9:39)
5- Craft Center ( Exodus 15:26; Matthew 8:14-15).

Until next time, be the man that God wants each of us to be.

God's Servant,
Jim

Our Children, Continued

I'm prompted to complete the message from earlier, as a few of you shared that you were blessed and you learned to be a better father.

None of us are perfect, but we truly need to get it right (FATHERHOOD).

"THE DESTRUCTIVE CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION"

"The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it " (Proverbs 30:17). The raven is a scavenger bird. It is usually the first to arrive at the scene of death. It has exceptionally keen eyesight and is able to detect dead or dying prey. The raven first determines if its prey is dead by picking at the eyes of the victim. If the victim does not defend its own eye, it is assumed to be dead. After the raven has begun to satisfy its appetite, the eagles arrive. They are larger and more powerful scavengers, and they finish the work which the ravens began.

These facts from the world of nature add astonishing depth to the warning of Proverbs 30:17. Listen up, when a son or daughter despises or rejects the authority of his or her parents, he or she begins to show signs of spiritual death. Those evil ones who, like the raven, feed upon destruction, can see the signs of spiritual death in rebellious children by looking into their eyes, "The light of the body is the eye..." Matt 6:22. Paul warned that the one who lives in pleasure is dead while he lives (1Tim 5:6). Rebellion to authority invites destructive temptation; and after smaller "Scavengers" have begun their work, larger ones will come and finish the job.

"GOD'S JUDGMENT WHEN MEN FAIL TO BE SPIRITUAL LEADERS..."

"...THE CHILD SHALL BEHAVE HIMSELF PROUDLY AGAINST THE ANCIENT, AND THE BASE AGAINST THE HONORABLE" (Isaiah 3:5).

"...Children are their oppressors, and women rule' over them..." (Isaiah 3:12).

"WHAT IF A FATHER HAS ALREADY FAILED?
A man who fails is not a failure! However, God promises "beauty for ashes." God allows us to fail when we try to succeed in our own strength. His most powerful illustrations have been in the lives of men who knew their own weaknesses, but who learned how to draw upon God's strength.

Failure leaves "scars", but these "scars" can be turned into God's glory for sons and daughters: Disobedience always results in loss and regret. When the nation of Israel disobeyed God, He scattered the families and destroyed the temple. Later, the people repented and rebuilt the temple, but it was less glorious than the orginal structure. However, God promised to make it more glorious than the former temple if they would be obedient to Him.

The dreams of the fathers are often fulfilled by the sons and daughters: Children tend to adopt their father's values. If his chief concern is for temporal things, theirs will often be also. However, children may take a different approach to temporal things. If, for example, a father is overly concerned about retirement, his son may be slothful on the basis that if retirement is so important, he will beat his father to it. When sons and daughters adopt their father's God-given goals, the father can provide much-needed encouragement, resources, and counsel for these goals. This was illustrated in the building of the temple. David had the vision for it, but his son built it.

THE SINS OF THE FATHERS ARE PASSED ON TO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION: A father must be a rebuilder, no matter what his past failures may have been. His sins tend to recur in the lives of his sons and duaghters. The manifestation may differ, but the basic failure will be there. When sons and daughters react to their father, they become just like him either in actions, or attitudes, and both. WHAT FATHERS ALLOW IN MODERATION, THEIR SONS AND DAUGHTERS TEND TO EXCUSE IN EXCESS.

Brothers I wish you all the very best, I know that you will be the very best father you can be. It's never to late to learn. What legacy are going to leave your children?

Have a great week in the Lord.

Our Children

This message has been on my heart and mind for afew weeks now. One day I'll learn when the Lord puts a message on my heart I need to share it right away. Too often by not sharing it at the appointed time someone looses a blessing.

I'm still a young man of 59 years and my children are in their early to mid thirties, I'm also a grandfather of four grandsons.

Our children and grandchildren are all walking with the Lord, but I as Job pray for my children / grandchildren daily. My wife will tell you that I'm not perfect in fact I make mistakes every day. Karen and I pray daily for our family before 6am each morning.

Fathers it's my pray that you will get something out of this message.

When a father does not fulfill promises... Our children get wounded spirits.
When a father does not admit he is wrong... Our children lose confidence in our leadership.
When a father refuses to ask for forgiveness... Our children react to our pride.
When a father does not have right priorities... Our children feel that we are too busy from them.
When a father is too strict in discipline... Our children have their spirits broken.
When we fathers give too much freedom to our children... Our children see freedom as a form of rejection.
When a father neglects his parents... Our children do not honor the counsel of their grandparents.
When a father puts his parents in a nursing home for the sake of convenience... Our children are taught to reject older people.
When a father does not love his wife... Our children take up offenses for their mother.
When a father neglects God's word... Our children reject the authority of God and the Bible.
When a father sacrifices his family for a better retirement... Our children develop a temporal value system.
When a father disciplines in anger... Our children have seeds of bitterness.
When a father delegates his children's education to others... Our children cease to respect him as a teacher.
When a father does not teach his children how to please him... Our children feel frustrated and rejected.
When a father focuses on the outward beauty of others... Our children feel inferior and reject themselves.
When a father is impatient with his children... Our children seek approval from friends.
When a father has inconsistent standards... Our children despise us.
When a father tries to warn his children only of the consequencesof sin... Our children are challenged to be successful in avoiding the consequences.
When a father lets his wife assume spiritual leadership... Our children may regard religion as childish when they grow older.
When a father does not have personal convictions... Our children accept situational ethics and excuss in excess what their father allowed in moderation.

CAN YOU DETECT WARNINGS OF REBELLION?

AWARNESS OF TENSION BETWEEN PARENTS: When a child senses conflict between the parents, the child tends to take up an offense against one or both parents and ultimately rejects the authority of both parents.

ACCUSATIONS THAT PARENTS ARE SHOWING FAVORITISM: A child has a keen sense of fairness. Once a parent shows unfairness, the child will feel rejected and accuse the parents of favoritism. This will produce seeds of resentment which grow into rebelliousness.

FEELINGS OF INFERIORITY AND EVIDENCES OF SELF-REJECTION: If a son or daughter rejects the design of unchangeable features, he or she will also tend to reject the designer and his authority in daily living.

LOYALTY TO FRIENDS WHO REJECT AUTHORITY: Wrong friends corrupt right living also, a son or daughter tends to choose friends who will openly do what that son or daughter secretly wants to do.

LACK OF CLEAR OR SIGNIFICANT ANSWERS TO THEIR PRAYERS: A child who "Gives up his or her faith" is usually only giving up the parents' faith because the child has never experienced any convincing evidence of a living and loving God.

EVIDENCE OF PERSONAL MORAL IMPURITY: A child who violates God's moral laws will experience guilt which, if not dealt with, will produce rebellion to parents, to the Bible, and to God.

ADMIRATION OF THOSE WHO MOCK AUTHORITY AND ENCOURAGE REBELLION: Scripture warns about the devastating influences of teachers who reject God's principles of authority. These teachers will corrupt the obedient spirit of a son or daughter.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE: When a son or daughter begins to question the accuracy of the Bible, the authority of the Bible is also in question.

LACK OF CONSISTENT INTEREST IN THE BIBLE OR CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES: Satan's program of destruction beginning with separation from the Bible and Christian friends, and then doubts and defeat follow.

Brothers it's my hope that we all can share and grow in our faith. Children are a blessing and we must never forget: WHAT WE FATHERS ALLOW IN MODERATION, OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS TEND TO EXCUSE IN EXCESS.

Have a wonderful weekend.

God's Servant,
Jim

Why Should I Share My Faith?

Brothers In The Faith,

I've just started reading/studying the book of Revelations again for the 25th time. Don't you just love it how the Lord makes it just as fresh and new as it was the very first time. Don't you think about those that are un-saved?

Purpose of Revelation: To reveal the full identity of Christ and to give warning and hope to believers... Be full of hope, knowing that God is in control, Christ's victory is assured, and all who trust Him will be saved.

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near (Rev. 1:3). Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be Amen. (Rev. 1:7).

John is announcing the return of Jesus to earth. Jesus' second coming will be visible and victorious. All people will see Him arrive, and they will know it is Jesus. When He comes, He will conquer evil and judge all people according to their deeds. "I am the Alpha and the Omega", says the Lord God, "Who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty" (Rev. 1:8). The alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The Lord God is the beginning and the end. Our God the father is the eternal Lord and Ruler of the past, present, and future. Honor the one who is the beginning and the end of all existence, wisdom, and power. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saving, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last (Rev. 1:17). Jesus appeared in glory and splendor, reassuring John that he and his fellow believers had access to God's strength to face these trials. If you are facing difficult problems, remember that the power available to John and the early church is also available to you. All we must do is turn from sin and turn to him in faith. When we attempt to control our lives and disregard God, we set a course that leads to hell. But when we place our lives in Christ's hands, He restores us now and resurrects us later to an eternal, peaceful relationship with Him. 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches, to him who overcomes, I will grant to eat the tree of life which is in the paradise of God'. (Rev. 2:7).

Two trees were in the paradise of God the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eating from the tree of knowledge bought realization of good and evil. When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge, they disobeyed God's command. So they were excluded from Eden and barred from eating from the tree of life. Eventually, evil will be destroyed and believers will be brought into a restored paradise. In the earth, everybody will eat from the tree of life and will live forever. 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death'.(Rev.2:11). Believers and unbelievers alike experience physical death. All people will be resurrected, but believers will be resurrected to eternal life with God while unbelievers will be resurrected to be punished with a second death eternal separation from God.

Websters Dictionary defines the word "Hear" 1- to perceive by the ear 2- to gain knowledge of by hearing; learn 3- Heed; also; Attend 4- to give a legal hearing to or take testimony from - hearer. Websters Thesaurus: to perceive by ear - listen to, give attention, attend to, make out, become aware of, catch, apprehend or take in, eavesdrop, detect, perceive by the ear, overhear, take cognizance of, keep ones ear open, have the sense of hearing, read (loud and clear), strain ones ears, listen in, *get (an earful). To receive information. We must share our faith always... When a person comes to know Christ and is born again the Bible says he is removed from Satan's control or the "power (domain) of darkness" and become part of the "Kingdom of His (God's) Beloved Son." (Col. 1:13)

The only way that Satan can influence the Christian is by deceiving (John 8:44) him into thinking that he actually has power over us. The Christian can still therefore, be tempted and deceived by Satan if he fails to remain alert in spiritual Warfare and employ the Spiritual Weapons and armor God has provided while trusting in God's strength to make him victorious.

Brothers in warfare we must constantly be on the alert; so it is with our adversary Satan, we never know when he will be trying to trick us into sinning. 1Pet. 5:8.

As mature men in the faith we look to share the Gospel message. We can share it's essentials in a manner most appropriate to the situation you find yourself in. Along with your explanation of the Gospel, an important aspect of YOUR witness for Christ includes your personal testimony. This should be a simple yet a brief and honest account of how you came to know Christ and what He has done for your life since that time.

Do not major on how sinful (or good) you were before you became a disciple of Christ, nor on all the minute details surrounding your conversion.

EMPHASIZE INSTEAD WHAT JESUS MEANS TO YOU ON A DAY - TO - DAY BASIS. HIS LOVE, HIS FORGIVENESS, HIS POWER OVER SIN AND HIS ENCOURAGEMENT, COMFORT AND HOPE DURING TRIALS.

Remember, the Christian life is never stagnant. You must grow daily. Let your relationship with Christ, your understanding of His word, and every detail of your Christian life be better today than it was yesterday.

And that's why we should share our faith.

God's Servant,
    Jim

Accountability

This morning I had a magnificent time of prayer with some of you. Isn't God gooood the way that He weaves us together. I thank God for these men often throughout the day as they pray in one accord for those in authority over us, other ministries and each others families.

This morning I was reminded of a card Mike Sparks had given me seven years ago. This card was lamenated and it challenges any man to be all we can be in our Christian walk. We all should have accountability partners, men who we can trust and be totally honest with.

Brothers you may have seen this once upon a time, this is good to carry in your pocket or wallet I do.

MEN OF FAITH: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. (James 5:16)

1. How are you and the Lord doing with your Accountability issue(s)?
2. Have you used your gifts to fulfill your God given responsibilities to the best of your ability this week?
3. Have you spent time in daily prayer, worship and the Scriptures this week?
4. How did you sacrifice for someone else this week?
5. Have you taken time to lead your wife and children spiritually and emotionally this week?
6. Have you been completely above reproach in all your decisions and all your financial dealings this week?
7. Did you say anything this week that you would take back or change if you could say it again?
8. Have you prayed for witnessing opportunities this week?
9. Have you been with a woman this week in such a way that was inappropriate or could have looked to others that you were using poor judgment?
10. Have you exposed your to any suggestive or explicit sexual material this week?
11. Have you prayed for me?
12. Have you just been truthful to me?
13. How can I pray for you?

Brothers I'm of the school of thought that if we read this daily, we won't have a problem with any of us checking on the other. Men this may not be a very long message but it's got fangs.....

Have a great week in the Lord.

God's Servant,
Jim

Jim

Wise Counsel

This past week my Prayer partner's and I discussed wise counsel especially the counsel of your wife.

Men we need to recognize that God made us and our wives as one. We must also understand if she approaches us with caution about a decision, realize that God will often give her cautions about business decisions that he will not give to us. As men we must purpose to seek out and listen to her cautions and not make decisions until there is oneness of spirit with her, as well as with God's word.

My Bride Karen and I will have been married 38 years in five months. As I think back, almost every time I made a decision without listening nor taking her advice, things went bad. OK, we must never follow the wrong counsel of a wife. A wife should never obey instructions that violate God's Word, so the husband should never follow counsel that contradicts God's commands.

Just to name a few who failed to obey God's command: Adam, see Gen.2:16-17; 3;1-7 Abraham, see Gen. 12:2; 16. Solomon, see Deut. 17:17; 1Kings 11:4-8 and Ahab, see Num. 36:7; 1Kings 21:7

When the Father designed the husband the and wife to come together in one flesh, His purpose was for the wife to provide valuable assistance in the basic areas of the husband's life. Accordingly, God gives to your wife an alertness and understanding that He does not initially give to husband. In this way, the husband recognizes his need for his wife and is motivated to maintain a oneness of spirit in order not to miss God's direction through her.

There are several scriptural examples of God's giving vital information to his wife. He told Manoah's wife that she would have a son, and how she was to rear him, before He told Manoah. (see Judges 13:1-15). He appeared to Mary before He explained Christ's birth to Joseph. (see Matt. 1:18-25).

The wife of a prosperous landowner in Shunem accurately discerned the Godly character of Elisha and urged her husband to assist him. (see II Kings 4:8-9).

The wife of a governing ruler in Jerusalem discerned the innocent character of Jesus and warned her husband not to deliver him over to judgment (see Matt. 27:19).

Brothers in Christ these scriptural examples serve to illustrate the significant ability of a wife to discern the character of those with whom her husband is dealing.

God bless you all and have a enjoyable week with your wife.

God's Servant,
Jim

Be A Man Who Stands Alone

This morning I was challenged along with the other men that I pray with on a weekly basis, not to be like the Pharisees.

1. Pharisees were committed to obeying all of God's commands. VS. Behaved as though their own religious rules were just as important as God's rules for living.
2. Were admired by the common people for their apparent piety VS. Their piety was often hypocritical and their efforts often forced others to try to live up to standards they themselves could not live up to.
3. Believed in a bodily resurrection and eternal life VS. Believed that salvation came from perfect obedience to the law and was not based on forgiveness of sins.
4. Believed in angels and demons VS. became so obsessed with obeying their legal interpretations in every detail that they completely ignored God's message of mercy and grace.
5. Were more concerned with appearing to be good than obeying God.

My friend David A. said that the Pharisees had "Head Knowledge VS. Heart Knowledge". I for one was truly challenged as I want to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. As I reflected on the words of the men in my Prayer Group I thought to myself how Daniel was a man who stood alone. Each time that Daniel stood alone, it looked as if he would lose; but God used the struggles that Daniel experienced to give him greater honor and spiritual insight.

Brothers in every age God is looking for Daniels - men and women who understand scriptural principles and have purposed to stand for them whatever the cost. When David was speaking I truly heard what the Father wanted me to hear. When we choose to be a Daniel, we open up our life to the tremendous potential of greatly influencing all of those around us and bringing great honor and glory to the God whom we serve.

Men as a boy he had been challenged by the courageous pronouncements of the prophet Jeremiah against the wickedness of the king and the nation in which he lived. His people refused to change their ways and scoffed at the punishment which the prophet predicted.

A few years later that very judgment fell on the nation as foretold. Their king was chained and led from his country with thousands of others to a heathen land. This young man was among that captured group. Everything had been taken from him - his home,his family, his possessions, his freedom. But these circumstances revealed what was of lasting value. He observed that compromise with evil always results in punishment to the compromiser and to those around him. He visualized the compromises which he might face and made the decision that he would not defile himself or violate God's word in any way.In so doing he chose to be governed by a higher and stricter law than that which the one hundred twenty-two men followed. Not only were standards higher but his motivation to keep them was stronger. He was keenly aware that God was watching and evaluating every one of his words, thoughts, actions and attitudes.

His Very Name Daniel Means, "God Is My Judge."

Thank you all for praying for me and know that I'm praying for you.

It's my prayer to be the man that God wants me to be, and to be able to "Stand Alone" if need be...

God's Servant,
Jim

Attributes and Names of God

Recently I spent some time thinking more about God, and I ended up praising Him for everything I saw. I get so tickled that I don't have to be concerned about anything anymore. I'm teaching myself to think and say Lord willing about everthing in my life.

God must always have first place in our hearts. He says, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). Brothers the better we know Him, the easier that will be. Shortly I will list some names of our Lord that are good to read over frequently. Speak them out loud and declare that aspect of God as a reality in your life. They will remind us of His greatness and inspire greatness in us.


In the Bible God has numerous names. Guys if we were able to grasp all of who God is on our own, He would not have needed to inspire the writers of the Bible to speak of Him using His many names. I have a question for you, do you think that God is ashamed of His work? Do you believe that He's done His best?


God doesn't hide who He is and what He has done. We can clearly see Him if we will open our eyes. (20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (21) For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.(Romans 1:20-21).


"A Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent and pick himself up and begin over again after each stumble - because the Christ-like is inside him, repairing him all the time, enabling him to repeat (in some degree) the kind of voluntary death which Christ Himself carried out". -C.S.Lewis. Let's face it, as hard as we try, we all make mistakes. We don't live God's way in everything we think and do. the word of God says, "There is not a man on earth who does good and does not sin" (Ecclesiates 7:20).


Guys no matter what is going on in your life, they will always be cause for Praise. Not only can God create something from nothing, but everything He creates is good. Seven times in the story of creation, God said that what He made was good (Genesis 1:4,10,12,17,21,25,31). Think about this, if everything God makes is good, doesn't that mean you are too?


"Names and Attributes Of God"

He is Good (1 Chronicles 16:34)
He is Powerful (1 Corinthians 1:24)
He is Great (Psalms 86:10)
He is Excellent (Psalms 8:1)
He is Love (1 John 4:16)
He is Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24)
He is Holy (Psalms 22:3-4)
He is Patient (Romans 15:5)
He is Changeless (Malachi 3:6)
He is Merciful (Psalms 116:5)
He is Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:18)
He is Glorious (Exodus 15:11)
He is Righteous (Deuteronomy 32:4)
He is Just (Isaiah 45:21)
He is Grace ( John 1:14)
He is Majestic (Isaiah 33:21)
He is All-Wise (Proverbs 3:19-20)
He is True (Jeremiah 10:10)
He is Pure (1 John 16:30)
He is Sinless ( 1 Peter 2:21-22)
He is Radiant (Hebrews 1:3 NIV)
He is Faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9)
He is Magnificent (Isaiah 28:29 NIV)
He is Worthy (Psalms 18:3)
He is my Creator (Psalms 139:13 TEV)
He is my Redeemer (Isaiah 59:20)
He is my Strength (Isaiah 12:2)
He is my Truth (John 14:6)
He is the Lifter of my Head (Psalms3:3)
He is the All - Sufficient One (2 Corinthians 12:9)
He is my Savior (Luke 1:47)
He is my Hope (Psalms 71:5)
He is the Son of God (Luke 1:35)
He is my Resurrection (John 11:25)
He is The Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1-3)
He is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
He is the Lord of Lords (Deuteronomy 10:17)
He is the King of Kings (Revelation 17:14)
He is my Authority (Matthew 28:18)
He is my Consuming Fire (Deuteronomy 4:24)
He is my Restorer (Psalms 23:3)
He is my Stronghold in the Day of Trouble (Nahum 1:7)
He is my Resting Place (Jeremiah 50:6)
He is my Refiner (Malachi 3:2-3)
He is my Deliverer (Psalms 70:5)
He is my Refuge from the Storm (2 Samuel 22:3)
He is my Overcomer (John 16:33)
He is my Peace (Ephesians 2:14)
He is the bread of Life (John 6:35)
He is my Fortress (Psalms 18:2)
He is my Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)
He is my Shade from the Heat (Isaiah 25:4)
He is my Healer (Malachi 4:2)
He is my Counselor (Psalms 16:7)
He is the Author of my Faith (Hebrews 12:2)
He is my Rewarder (Hebrews 11:6)
He is my Hiding Place (Psalms 32:7)
He is my Shield (Psalm 33:20)
He is my Purifier (Malachi 3:3)
He is my Sustainer (Psalms 55:22)
He is the Sovereign Lord (2 Samuel 7:28 NIV)

Guys I love you all, and Praise the Lord.


Bond-Servant Of God,
Jim


Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust - Psalm 40:4