" IMPURE "

Good morning to you, I was wondering if we could just take a moment to talk? This past weekend as almost every weekend my wife and I have at least two of our eight grandchildren over. We get a second chance to invest in the lives of people that mean so much to us. It matters immensely what kind of men my grandsons grow into. Friends if we don't share our lives, our experiences with those in our Family Tree then shame on us. Remember that the sins of the father will re-visit our off-spring up to three and four generations. Something else to take into account is what we do/allow our children will do/allow in excess.

Today's theme we touch on being not pure; not clean.
How does that make you feel? Picture this it's a beautiful weekend day and you're enjoying the great out doors with your pals. Now, let's say that you're engaged in an arousing athletic competition and it starts to rain cats and dogs, you've heard the expression.
Everyone on the playing field, their clothing from head to toe is saturated with North Carolina mud. This kind of uncleanness/stain can be tolerated, and can be seen as a badge of courage, now on the other hand obscene and moral corruption is something that man, above all attempts to conceal. The book of Ephesians shares with us that we are to be imitators of God, that we should walk in love just as Jesus Christ loved us and sacrificed His life for us. In no uncertain terms God shares in " Ephesians 5:5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is a idolater, has an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God."

Wow, now that's as plain as the nose on your face, God does not leave any room for error of interpretation. It is so important that we don't revel in sin. We are to be wise in the Word of God. The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Christ. Now, this process will not be complete until we see Christ face-to-face, but knowing that it is our ultimate fortune, and that should motivate us to purify ourselves. Every person has a master either God or sin. As man it's our Adamic nature to sin, it is impossible to be neutral. A christian is not someone who cannot sin, but someone who is no longer a slave to sin. He or She belongs to God.

Friends to be clean is our objective, some of you may not truly understand purification. To purify means to keep morally straight and free from corruption of sin. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right. As you bathe daily with soap and water you must bathe yourself in the Word daily to stay fresh and clean. If we don't keep ourselves clean and fresh we can become lost in the quagmire of life.

I Love you all, until next time...

Jim

"SELF-CONTROL"

Today I wish to speak on the topic of self-control. The Word of God describes self-control as the ability to regulate one's own actions and feelings.

How well are you doing in this department, are you making high quality choices in all areas? May I suggest that it's not enough to disavow sin and evil yearnings; - we ought to carry out aggressive spiritual warfare daily. I myself have always been what one might call an effervescent christian. An athlete works out daily or at lest on a predetermined schedule. We are told in the book of Phil 2:5 " Let this mind be in you, which was also in Jesus Christ".

It's so easy to succumb to temptation, to look at what's not appropriate, or to listen to any conversation that is ungodly. To commit sin and say, I'll ask for dispensation later is wrong headed.

I'm reminded of the apostle Paul when he went up against Felix the Roman Governor or Procurator of Judea. Paul had come before Felix to answer the Jews' accusations. I for one am so overawed at Paul's ability to present the gospel message through his defense. We should always be looking for an opening to present the Word of God at all times. Remember that God uses ordinary people so be prepared. Paul's appeal to Felix became so personal that the governor was feeling trepidation, and rightly so as he had taken another man's wife. It's been my experience and most likely yours that many people will be in full agreement to discuss the gospel with you. Just as soon as the conversation touches their lives on a very personal level, they squirm like a fish to get off the hook. The Bible warns us of these vices, as we neglect God and others when we indulge in: Sexual immorality(Galatians 5:19); Impurity(5:19); Passion(Colossians 3:5); Enmities(5:20); strife(5:20); Jealousy(5:20); Anger(5:20); Disputes(5:20); Dissensions(5:20); arrogance(2 Corinthians 12:20); Envy(5:21); Murder(Revelation 22:12-16); Idolatry(5:20; Ephesians 5:5); Sorcery(5:20); Drunkenness(5:21); Carousing(Luke 5:13; Galatians 5:21); Fraud(1 Corinthians 6:8); Adultery(1 Corinthians 6:9-10); Homosexuality(1 Corinthians 6:9-10); Coveting(1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 5:5); Stealing(1 Corinthians 6:9-10); and Lying(Revelation 22:12-16).
Please work hard on your self-control issues as your life depends on it. Another scripture comes to mind " Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

Until Next Time Stay Focused.

Jim

" VULNERABILITY TO SIN "

Good Morning to you, are you prepared for what might be coming around the corner? You may respond and say something like, " I'm always ready, I was taught to be prepared". Some of you may agree with this statement while others such as myself believe in being vigilant.

Isn't it great how the Father Loves, Protects, and Provides for us? We are admonished in 1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be of Sober Spirit, be on the Alert. Your Adversary, the devil, Prowls around like a Roaring Lion, seeking someone to Devour. But Resist him, Firm in your Faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world". We are warned to watch out for Satan always, but most especially when we are going through something. Lions will stalk, attack and most definitely devour the sick, the young and also the struggling as this is their nature. Satan's business is to steal, rob and to kill. Learn to keep your eyes on Christ, and resist the devil. The Bible tells us in the book of James that " he will flee from you " (James 4:7). Just in case you didn't know that, now you do. If you resist, if you are watching out for the things that are not of God, Satan will flee. If you are not alert, you are exposed to anything. By giving into temptation, say by not telling the complete and total truth at all times, we risk turning a piacular act into a pattern.

Make no mistake anything that is sin is a flaw in our characters and can be considered a vulnerable spot in our spiritual armor.
No matter how much we love God, certain temptations can be especially difficult to resist. As we struggle with our weakness, we can be encouraged to know that God is watching out for us just as He did for other believers in the faith.

Stay on the alert, be watchful and it's alright to be offended if and when you hear the Lords name taken in vain.

Until next time...

Jim

" TO HAVE WORDS WITH "

God morning to you all today's message may truly cause some to pause. Have you ever thought to yourself, "Why can't I stop myself from always wanting my own way? Do you fight for everything in life, and then justify it my stating to anyone who will listen that you're just competitive. Have you discovered that you are always having words with someone, also do you always want the last word?

We are told in the Word of God to avoid arguments. Titus 3:9 "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the law, for they are UNPROFITABLE AND WORTHLESS. " You know I just get a kick out of the Word of God, I'm so grateful how straight forward, and how plain it is. I can remember when I first allowed Jesus Christ into my heart I stayed up all evening attempting to understand the bible. Finally the man who discipled me shared that it would get easier as I petitioned the Lord for help. God doesn't pull his punches, He speaks to us all so that if we truly wish to know we will. The bible uses words like UNPROFITABLE: useless, and vain.
He also uses the word WORTHLESS: lacking worth; valueless; useless and low despicable.

We are admonished to keep away from locking horns with others. Foolish people find it impossible to avoid conflict, but people with character can. In fact Proverbs 20:3 "Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel." Have you ever wondered why you disagree with others? I read somewhere that pride comes into play. Yes pride is a major component in every quarrel. We are told to guard against pride, ergo bickering.
Quarreling spawn's from evil desires battling within us - we seem to want more possessions, more money, superior status, and more acknowledgement. We should agree that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, petty differences should never divide believers. Instead of aggressively seizing what we what, it behooves us to submit ourselves to God. If you ask, he will help you rid yourself of selfish desires and that will reduce arguments and promote harmony.

I confess that God's not finished with me yet, please keep me in prayer.

Until Next Time,

Jim