" CONFORMITY "

Hello all, it's so good to be with you again.

Today's topic is Conformity. I can just hear some of the statements that those of us who are parents and those in authority hear from time to time. Statements like: Everyone is going; The whole class will be there; Everybody's doing it; Why can't I get one like...

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "Conformity" in this manner: To be similar or identical, to be in agreement or harmony. Now, what are you in total agreement with in life? Before you answer know that the Word of God strongly suggest that we resist the temptation to conform to society's values. We are to withstand the strains of this world by always looking to Jesus. It has been written: "That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun." It seems to me that we truly have no alternative but to trust God in every aspect of our lives. If we are to be obedient or compliant why not trust in the will of God?

I would imagine that the Lord must just shake His head and say something like, here we go again. The Word of God warns us about conformity, you, shall not follow the masses in doing evil. I continue to say to myself that I get it, I'm finding it easier to understand why we are likened to dumb sheep. We have been asked to stay away from pagan behavior. Romans 12:2 " And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the Renewing of your mind " Wow, are you getting it, are you hearing me it should be obvious as to what the Father is expecting of us by now?

One of my favorite western cowboy stars was John "Duke" Wayne. He would often address someone that he didn't know as Pilgrim. Webster defines a pilgrim as a Foreigner; one who journeys in foreign lands; a wayfarer.

As a Born Again Believer I am just passing through, and I'm not apart of this world. I'm from the school of thought that today's society and it's lack of moral fiber appeals to worldly desires, especially sexually immorality and or drunkenness. Friends, we are to keep ourselves pure of heart and therefore set apart for God.

Follow God, and don't let the culture around you shape your thoughts and actions. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we honesty converted, transformed to the things of God.

At this moment Romans 8:5 popped into my head: " For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the spirit, the things of the spirit."

Until Next Time,
Jim

" CHILDREN ARE A GIFT "

Are you thanking the Lord, I mean giving thanks to God for all that He has given you? I for one am trying not to take God for granted nor look past what He has blessed my wife and I with. I am a father of three and a grandfather of seven who is striving very hard to stay involved in all of their lives.

It's been hinted by some to often that children are seen as liabilities rather than assets. I for one become incensed when I hear dross such as this. My Bible calls children " a gift of the Lord ", a reward. Psalm 127:3 says "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." Children have been graciously given to us. It is very important to tell our children about God's work in our past and to help them see what He is doing right now. If you were to take a moment right now, can you recall what the turning points in your life were? When I think back, it's the times of God's intervention that met the most to me.

There is nothing like the Love of The Father. His agape love, which can be described as unconditional, sacrificial love which does what is in the best interest of another, without expecting anything in return.
God commanded us to teach our children: Exodus 34:7 " Who keeps loving kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations."

Please be extremely careful not to treat sin casually, but repent and turn from it. The sin may cause you little pain now, but it could sting in a most tender area of your life - your children and your grandchildren. Why would sins affect our children and our children's, children? This is no arbitrary punishment. Our offspring still suffer for the sins of the parents.

One of our greatest responsibilities as parents is to encourage our children to become wise. Wisdom can be passed down from parents to children, from generation to generation. Ultimately, of course all wisdom comes from God; parents can only urge their children to turn to him. If Mom and Dad never taught you in this way, God's Word can perform as a loving and compassionate Mother or Father to you. You can be taught many a lesson from scriptures and then create a legacy of wisdom as you teach your own children. It's alright for your children and your grandchildren to see you praying with your spouse. It's even better when they join in with you and Mom/Dad, likewise it's great for them to see you get excited about Church Attending, Small Groups, or Bible Study or even just prayer with others. Teach your children now as tomorrow may be to late. Our responsibility is to instruct them in Faith...

Until next time,

Jim

" RESIGN WILLINGLY TO GOD'S DIRECTION "

How much do you trust God, and are you always obedient? Take a moment and consider just how you would respond to God if he instructed you to find a spouse. Most of us would eventually come to terms with this life altering request of God after much consideration.

Picture this, Almighty God has just revealed to you that your new wife will be unfaithful to you. She will bear many children, and knowingly some will be fathered by other men. Wow, can you willingly resign to God's direction? If we have paid attention to God's Word " I will work all things for your good. Romans 8:28", then in " Isaiah 58:11 " I will guide you". I have come to realize that it is always best to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. You know when you know that you know. I almost never know what's going to happen or what benefit it will be for me. Even though following the directions of God may cause some headaches from time to time, it's very important that we trust God. It's also paramount that we don't lose our appreciation or our special relationship with The Father. Scout out the ramifications of dreams and ambitions that do not include him, so we stay on the path of righteousness.

Listen in today's world it seems that everything we wear, purchase and eat has been suggested by some greedy Ad Person. We can search after other loves, rather than the love of our spouse. It seems that we can pick up almost any newspaper or even go online and be informed that so and so has just left his or her spouse. Love of money, or recognition, Love of power and even pleasure can be very powerful. The magnetic luring of this world can be very seductive. Are you loyal to God, remaining completely faithful, or have other loves taken first place? There is still hope for those who turn back to God. No loyalty, achievement, or honor can be compared to loving Him. Turn to the Lord while the offer is still good. No matter how far you have wandered off or how low one sinks, God is willing to buy us back - to redeem us - and to lift us up again.

Until next time...

Jim

" SEARCH THE HEART "

Last week I was not able to share with you, as I was very ill. There were many moments that I was wishing that the Lord would take me home. If I were to guess I would say that I had some kind of stomach virus or something. This was the worst I can remember feeling in over sixty years. I suffer with chronic daily pain to the point of tears most days but last week took the cake. If it were not for my prayer lists and the Word of God I would most likely be saying woe is me.

I was praying and searching the Word of God and the Lord shared Jeremiah 17:10 with me. I truly believe that the Lord gives you what is needed, when it's needed even when it comes to His Word. I've read through the Bible 27 times, plus I study the Word daily and this is the first time that I recall this verse jumping out at me. " I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve (Jeremiah 17:10)." When you're flat on your back you have time to reflect and to take stock in your life. I believe that the end times are upon us, and each one of us will have to face the Lord Jesus on our own. Our hearts have been inclined toward sin since birth. We can still choose whether or not to continue in sin, know that if you seek out God to help you resist temptation he will give you the strength needed.

I desire to stay clean and pure of heart, therefore I find myself calling on the Lord often during the course of a day. Be aware that there are an abundance of traps and snares waiting out there for us, so until next time please keep your wits about you.

Jim