" DO YOU COMPREHEND WHO JESUS IS YET " ?

This morning I was reminded by the Lord that He is in total control. Sometimes I have to wonder why He just doesn't shake His head in total disappointment and say why don't they understand. A few days ago I was sharing with someone about the miracle of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people in a remote area. Lord help me/us to truly see, to have the scales removed from our eyes. What am I trying to express to you? Please hear what I'm truly trying to say.

Lord it's my prayer that I stop taking the Word of God for granted... Do you ever feel that you're on auto-pilot? That we're not truly appreciating the acts of God ? We hear sermons, we read and study the Word of God and we may even hear a praise report from someone. My thought is why can't I do that (did I say that at loud)? Are prayers getting answered? Are peopled getting healed? And are lost souls being saved? We have to believe that "All things are possible with God". We must get over our unbelieving ways when it comes to Jesus. Jesus can provide all things, please do not allow what seems impossible by nature to keep you from believing. ARE YOU HEARING ME YET? Do you comprehend who Jesus is yet, any circumstance that seems impossible by human means is simply an opportunity for God. Have you ever said something like this: If I could have walked with Jesus, If I could have seen this or that first hand, I would totally be convinced that nothing is impossible.

Why is it that we don't believe...We say that we do, but our actions say just the opposite. Wouldn't one think with all the Miracles and Comforting words from Jesus Christ that we would truly know who He is. Jesus is: The Word, The Only Son, Lamb Of God, Son Of God, True Bread, Life, Resurrection, Vine, and I Am... Are you getting the idea of who Jesus is yet? He's Eternal, Infinite, Unlimited - He was, is, and always will be the maker and Lord of all that exists.

I'm so amazed that while I was still running around unsaved and doing everything that I was big enough to do, Jesus Christ truly loved me. While we were yet sinners - these are amazing words. God sent Jesus to die for us, not because we were good enough He loved us. Have you ever felt alone, that nothing was going your way and you weren't hearing from the Lord. Whenever you feel uncertain about God's love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him. If God loved you when you were a insurrectionist, He can undoubtedly strengthen you, now that you love Him in return. As believers we must be prepared for, daring in, and sensitive to the opportunities God gives you. Saints we must "be ready in season and out of season" means to always be ready to serve God in any situation, whether or not it is convenient. Be sensitive to the opportunities God gives you.

Do you comprehend who Jesus is yet ? God always gives us the strength to do what he has commanded. This strength may not be evident, however, until we step out in faith and actually begin doing the task. Yesterday I was referred to verse in the book of John as I was searching for a verse regarding the many miracles of Jesus. John 21:25 " And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written".

"WE'LL SEE"

How are you today? For a while now I've had something on my heart to share with you, but I didn't.

First allow me to share a verse of scripture with you, a diamond in the rough: Hosea 14:9 " Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; WHOEVER is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them".

Today my concern is on Integrity, especially on keeping our word, following through on our promises. I believe that many of us are so at ease with just saying words, we don't even consider the cost. Most people that I challenge on what they just promised or what someone else has just committed to, all ready have an excuse ready. That's why when someone tells me that they are going to do something all I say is "WE'LL SEE" .

Have you kept your word today? How often do you allow words, even heartfelt words to pass from your lips and fall to the ground? DO YOU HAVE INTEGRITY IN WORD ???
The word integrity is derived from the Latin "Integer" which means untouched, whole or unbroken. One who lacks integrity has failed to mature socially and morally. He or she has not fully learned the benefits of integrity and the long - term negative consequences of when one acts without it. Trust me, Integrity brings self - Confidence and Self-Assurance.... I read this somewhere, you see I'm a man in training, seeking to be a person of Integrity. As such I must be thinking about my every word, action and deed. I'm told that a person with integrity has no Moral Fears. It's suggested that whenever, you have a question regarding how you should act in a given situation, let integrity be your guide and it will show you " THE RIGHT WAY ".

DO YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A SITUATION IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH IT ? DO YOU COMMIT TO YOUR WORDS ?

I've come to the realization that becoming a person of Integrity is hard work. One must truly be committed, even when NO one is looking. Integrity applies to many areas, from personal, work and even our general ethics come into play.

Those of you who know me personally and if you're paying attention when I respond to you, you'll sometimes hear me say "We'll See ". In my opinion most people forget about a promise, moments after it leaves the tongue even Christians. Do you always do what is right? If you found $1,000.00 in school or in the work place, or even in the bank parking lot what would you do?

INTEGRITY IS A VALUE a plus, something that I've discovered that I can't live without.

I'm reminded of Hebrews 13:5 " Make sure that your character is free from the Love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, " I will never Desert you, Nor will I ever forsake you".

We must always put God first so when you promise to do something (Making A Vow) you must keep your word... And maybe when someone tells me that they will do something I won't have to Reply " We'll See ".

Until Next Time!

"USURY " (INTEREST)

First of all how are you fairing out in the weather that we're experiencing lately? All I can suggest is for you to pray and continue to look up and PRAISE The LORD. We must remember to Trust God in all situations that we find ourselves in. When we take the drivers seat, well " A person not in control is at the wheel".

A while back as usual our grandsons came over and spent the weekend with my wife and I. We are always on the lookout to highlight Godly principles in what we think, do, and say especially when our grandchildren are around. Somehow the discussion turned to charge cards and loans as they were informing us of the status of their checking and savings accounts. My wife mentioned that interest was bad, (I believe she was getting at not paying your Charge Card balance each month) so I decided to do some research. I wanted to see just how far apart man is from God. The Merriam - Webster Dictionary defines the word " interest" : The lending of money with interest charge for its use. (2) An excessive rate or amount of interest charged; esp: interest above an established legal rate. (advantage) profit, benefit & gain.

In the Word of God, Exodus 22:25 " If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest". In other words we are to help out our family, friends and neighbors when times are lean. We are to assist, to help them through a financial crisis and not profit from your gift. Deut. 23:19 " You shall not charge interest to your countrymen: interest on money, food, or anything that may be loaned at interest". We are not to neglect the poor, financially secure families were responsible to help and house those in need. What has happened to mankind as we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and don't know where to begin. If we have mercy when we come across it, we will be doing the will of the Father. God will not put more on us than what we can handle. God also doesn't expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does He expect us to neglect our families while providing for others. He does expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality. (Lev. 25:35-37) "Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. (36) ' Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your country - man may live with you. (37) " You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain". In Nehemiah's day usury was abolished God says that caring for one another is more important than personal gain. When a Christian brother or sister suffers we all suffer (1 Cor. 12:26) "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it".

God has a special love and concern for the "poor". He insists that people who have material goods should be generous with those who are needy. My dictionary defines NEEDY: being in want: Poverty - Stricken. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible; As mentioned before it is a command that may require a modification of attitude. When we give with no hope of receiving in return, we show what it means to serve others. May God bless you all...

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Jim

"PERSEVERE IN YOUR PRAYER"

Tonight I want to make mention of prayer, are you consistent in your prayer life? Are you confident that your prayers are being heard.
If you're anything like me, when I pray for you or someone else I truly expect results. Through the years prayer and fasting makes it easier for me to hear from the Lord and to get a prayer through. I have been praying for some of you for twenty- six years. I've come to the knowledge that answered prayer can be hindered by unseen obstacles. Never forget that we are in a Spiritual battle for our lives, continue to prayer. Please don't give up, know that you know that your prayers will be answered yes, no or not right now. Continue to work at it your "Prayer Life" have a good evening.

Jim