" AGE "

Good day to you, how are you on this wonderful Autumn day that the Lord has made? Yes stand up and take a deep breath as you are here to usher in another day. Many that rose this morning will not see the sun go down and for this reason alone we should thank God. Each day I ask the Lord to use me as to His Will, even if He wishes to change the path that I'm currently on.
I like to think of myself as experienced in the things of God and life and it's always my pleasure sharing with you. The Lord gives me the topics to share with you and I go from there, many times I just don't understand God's reasoning, but always someone or multiple positive comments come in. Thank you so much for your support and as your older brother I'm thinking about your Spiritual Growth.

" You shall rise up before the grey headed and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:32).
Age is no barrier to our creator. At any time in our lives we can be called upon to accomplish something in the name of the Lord. Never think you are too old or even to young to be of service to him. Do you remember the young boy who gladly shared his lunch, and it is a miracle which is still read and talked about thousands of years later? That shows me that all we have to do is to make ourselves available. If we offer nothing to God, then in a way we are saying I just don't have the time for you. Please remember that our God can take what little we have and turn it into something of epic proportions.
Older people like yourselves and you are older than someone in your sphere of influence, should teach those younger by words and by our example. This is how values are passed on from generation to generation. An individual's primary work for God may have to wait until he or she is an adult, but no one is ever too young to take God seriously and obey him. Teach your children, no show your children the love of God at an early age.

Having a high regard for God is not limited to those in the early portion of life as they seem to have unlimited strength and energy. Even in old age, devoted believers can produce spiritual fruits. Seek out an elderly friend or relative to tell you about his or her experiences with the Lord and challenge you to new heights of spiritual growth. If you are struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or other older adults who know you well. There extra years of experience may have given them the wisdom you seek.
FYI some societies honor their elders ( "An Older Individual"). They respect their wisdom, defer to their authority, and pay attention to their comfort and happiness. This is how a Christian saint should act. Regardless of your age, God can use you whether you are young or old, don't think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see Christ in you.

Until Next time...

Jim

" REJOICE "

Good day to you all, have you been well since our last encounter? Are you looking to Jesus in all things and in all ways? This past week has truly been one where I truly had to be intentional about almost every single thing that I accomplished. Have you ever felt like " Why me, or Why is it always me"? Even now I'm fighting my way through our time together, I'm having to stop to call on continuously invite the Lord into my thoughts. I'm thinking how grateful I am to be alive, and I'm Praising the Lord for all He does for me. Yes sometimes life can be challenging for all of us but we must learn to turn to God in all things. I find that when I'm going through a challenging moment in life by thinking and praying for others works for me. " REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS".

Have you learned to rejoice, to feel joy and great delight in all aspects of your life?
many are hurting due to the Economy, Marriage's being tested in all areas, and Financial Concerns now days. It's evident that the powers of darkness are working over time and we truly must learn to rejoice in all things. On the surface things may seem like there's no tomorrow, but if you Trust God he will bring us through. As children of God we are to stay faithful no matter what. We are to remain functioning, cheerful, and somewhat comfortable in the most difficult of hardships. We don't have the luxury to allow circumstances or an other's expectations to control us. I understand that there are days when the last thing we want to do is Rejoice. Our state of mind is down, our situation is out of control, and our sorrow or culpability is overwhelming. When you don't feel like rejoicing, tell the Father how you're feeling. You will find that God will give you a reason to rejoice. God has given you this day to live and to serve him so be glad! Enjoy life now, but don't do anything physically, morally, or spiritually that will prevent you from enjoying life when you are old. Now a word on Suffering...

We are to rejoice in our suffering, now when we suffer, Christ feels it with us. Our suffering can be endured joyfully because it changes lives and brings people into God's kingdom. When we suffer, if we faithfully represent Christ, our message and example affect us and others for good.
Use suffering to build your character. Don't resent it or let it tear you down.

Rejoice always and in all things, from my experience it works. Rejoicing in the things of God takes my mind off of me.

Until next time...

Jim

"LYING"

This week the Lord put it on my heart to share some of His thoughts regarding lying.
Question: Do you ever tell a lie, or have you ever told a lie? Please be careful and take some thought before you answer. You might be thinking that I'm here all by myself, that no one else is here. God is always with us do you remember that He promised " Never to leave us, nor forsake us". Believe me when I tell you there is nothing like " INTEGRITY ".

Can we talk, being untruthful in anyway opens the door for us to become familiar with the art of lying. It's time to be honest, how many times have you entertained the notion to to embellish a noteworthy accounting of your life? Lying only compounds our problems or the effects of sin. Why is it that we feel that we can say what ever we wish, and have the confidence that we don't have to authenticate our statement(s). Lying to each other disrupts harmony by creating conflicts and destroying trust. We should all committ to memory Psalm 120:2 " Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue".

Fear is without a doubt the most common motive for lying. We are fearful that our private thoughts and the things that bring out our emotions will be exposed or our wrongdoings discovered. Listen, please understand that lying causes much greater complications than what we can imagine. Letting Jesus deal with your fears, as there's nothing like hearing " Take Courage; it is I, do not be afraid". If God can't be trusted with our innermost thoughts and fears, we are in greater trouble than we first imagined. When you want to please someone, it is tempting to lie to make yourself look good.

I get it, obeying God doesn't always protect us from evil consequences. Obedience may, in fact provoke them. I'm from the school of thought that it's better to suffer from man's displeasure than from God's wrath. if you are mocked for being honest, remember that this can be a sign that you are indeed doing what is right in God's eyes. In 1 Samuel we're told to "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice".

Until Next Time...

Jim

" IN TIMES OF DISCOURAGEMENT "

Today's subject is one that frankly we usually don't have a problem sharing about. Yes I admit that I do find myself getting disappointed in others from time to time. What causes me to be taken back is a flaw in some peoples character. My problem is when another tells me that I will do this or that and they don't. I take what I say and especially what I promise very seriously and when another does not I'm disappointed.

How are you to be around when you're discouraged? Are you your normal sweet self, who puts others before yourself? We all experience discouragement from one time or another. Between you and me the trick is to get over it by looking to God, the author and finisher of our faith. I must be honest and share with you that I'm still a work in progress. Keep your faith in times of discouragement, no matter how many times you attempt to climb that mountain (translation: problem). Is there a difficult conflict that you find yourself facing again and again? Don't give in when you know what is the right thing to do, I find that persistence usually is rewarded.

Listen, when you do experience discouragement pray, bring what's on your heart to God. Each of us must face times of barrenness when nothing seems to come to fulfillment either in our work, service, or even relationships. It truly can become arduous to pray in faith when we feel so incompetent. Please press on through, as you will discover prayer opens the way for God to work. Prayer is the antidote for discouragement, tell God how you truly feel and leave your problems with him. Some of you saints out there just may be feeling sorry for yourselves, you may be lonely and even discouraged. If and when you are tempted to think that you are the only one remaining faithful to a task, don't stop to feel sorry for yourself.

Self-Pity will dilute the good you are doing. You can take it to the bank that others even if you don't know them they are, faithfully obeying God and fulfilling their duties. The only cure for weariness and despair is focusing on God's purposes. If you are overwhelmed by an assignment, tired, and discouraged, remember God's purpose for your life and his special purpose for the undertaking.
Turning a bad situation into a good one in times of indecision, financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, or even the loss of our jobs. How we act in such situations will reflect what we believe. Look for ways to demonstrate your faith even in bad situations. Whether or not the situation improves, your faith will grow stronger.

Remember, we all have our times of discouragement, but it's how rapidly we think to turn to Jesus.

Until next time...

Jim

" ACCORDING TO OUR MEASURE OF FAITH "

Well today's thought is one were I sincerely pray that you can wrap your brain around. Once again I wish to express my fondness for your zeal to grow in the matter of your love for the things of God. Picture this you have a God who loves you so much that you have been given the option for your faith to grow. Yes, we have all been given the ability to exercise in order to grow in faith. Many of you have no problem rising early to run/jog, or making your way to the gym to get and stay fit. It's very important that we exercise our minds and our faith in God.

Have you ever thought about your "Measure Of Faith" ?
My measure of faith is probably different than yours. I have often wondered why I could believe God for something that you just might think is impossible. I also marvel at the greatness of our God, when I ponder the question of why God didn't give all of us the same level. You know what I mean an equal measurement of faith. Please understand the fact that if we don't exercise our faith it will become stagnant. we must read and study the Word of God daily, our faith grows as we put the Word of God into action. What kind of Christian are you, are you a lazy Christian with a hard time believing anything, unless a very spiritual individual gave you the thumbs up? On the other hand some can believe just because we can believe God for anything. In other words we walk in faith. God has given all of us the ability to effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ. By sharing our personal story of how we came to know the Lord as our personal savior. You may not be an Apostle, a Pastor or even an Evangelist, but God will give you opportunities to tell others about Christ. Have no fear as He will provide the ability, courage, and power. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, make yourself available to God as his servant. Remember that he will be with you. As you focus on the individual and his or her needs, God will impart your caring attitude.

Your words will be natural, loving, and compelling. Isn't it wonderful to be able to trust God in every facet of your life. Healthy self-esteem is important because some of us think too little of ourselves; on the other hand, some of us overestimate ourselves. The key to an honest and accurate evaluation is knowing the basis of our self-worth our identity in Christ. " For thought the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a MEASURE OF FAITH" (Romans 12:3).

Until Next Time...

Jim