" ANGER "

Good Evening All,

Well here we are already fully engulfed into the holiday seasons of 2009. I'm sure that some of you have already started your shopping for the holidays. Listen keep your wits about you and don't fall for the retailers hype. It truly bothers me how we allow ourselves to be lead around by the nose and to be told what to think. I'm a Baby Boomer and I'm not afraid to ask why and I will also share with you my feelings. During the holidays if we're honest most of us will have an angry episode.

Being honest have you ever had a strong feeling of displeasure, in other words anger? We are told in Proverbs that "A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back." The Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. People tend to become like those whom we spend a lot of time with. Even the negative characteristics sometimes rub off. The bible exhorts us to be cautious in our choice of companions. Now, getting back to anger, if vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. Some of you allow stuff to build up, If bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter, while destroying us within. We ought to deal with our anger immediately in away that builds relationships rather than destroys them.

Listen if we don't deal with our anger, I believe that we're giving place to the devil. It's giving Satan an opportunity to divide us, when we nurse our anger along. We should not become angry when we fail to win an argument or when we feel offended or neglected. Selfish anger never helps anybody. Anger and worry (fretting) are two very destructive emotions. They reveal a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control. We should not worry; instead we should trust in God, giving ourselves to him for his use and safe keeping. By dwelling on your problems, you will become anxious and angry. But if you concentrate on God and his goodness, you will find peace. Where are you focusing your attention?

Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve your differences? Don't let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship.

Until next time remember that it's OK to get angry but we must not sin.

Jim

" THE IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP "

Here we are again another week has come and gone and it's time for our chat.
The Lord put the importance of fellowship on my heart for this week and I won't keep you long.
We, you and I are connected through the worldwide web and therefore we fellowship weekly.

Can we talk, I'm so very grateful that you are out there, especially those of you whom I hear from. Yes the worldwide web connects us in moments, and I can be made aware of what's on your heart. It's my intention to become woven into your life by praying, rejoicing, caring and sharing especially during your times of sorrow.

I've discovered that true fellowship combines social and spiritual interaction, and it is made possible only through a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. To neglect fellowship is to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We all need someone to care about us, and to check up on us. I wish to gather with others to share our faith and to strengthen one another in our Lord. Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services. In fact when ever I've missed church I found out later that the message was for me. So, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be conscientious in our attendance. My dictionary defines fellowship in this manner: (1) The condition of friendly relationship existing among persons: Comradeship (2) : A community of interest or feeling (3) : A group with similar interest.

Enjoy your time of fellowship, until next time...

Jim

" ACQUIRE WISDOM "

Good Afternoon All,

Normally I publish on Wednesday mornings but I just have to share whats in my heart with you today. You've heard me share about the wise men whom I fellowship with in prayer and friendship. I'm intentional about gathering Wisdom and having Wise Counsel around me.

Proverbs 16:16 " How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver." Wow, God seems to be speaking loud and clear to me. Earning wisdom is better than being awarded a satchel of gold, now can you wrap your brain around this concept? If you truly aspire wisdom in your life you must decide to go after it. We are told to let the Word of God dwell in us richly, in all wisdom. It takes resolve -- a determination not to abandon the search once you begin, no matter how difficult the road may become. I understand getting emotionally behind a thought or idea of say having wisdom in all things, but not giving up during the process. This is not a once - in - a - lifetime step, but a daily process of choosing between two paths - the wicked and the righteous. Nothing else is more important or more valuable. In the book of Proverbs we're told that the beginning of wisdom is Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. It's important that we truly understand why we must have such knowledge.

God says that Wisdom is primary and essential, and it is the foundation on which all life is built. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. It is my intention to always make wise decisions. We should make God's wisdom our first choice. We don't have to wait for God to appear to us. We can boldly ask Him for wisdom today through prayer. James 1:5 assures us that God will grant our request. Are you using wise judgment, are you getting to know God better? Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. " GET WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION AND UNDERSTANDING".

Until Next Time,

Jim

" ACQUIRE WISDOM "

" DORCAS "

Good Day To You,
This week I was reminded of just how good you are. A call for assistance went out in my community, and within hours a very serious need was filled. For those of you out there who may be of the mind set that man is basically selfish, may need to re-think that one. If we seek we shall find there are many of you out there doing really nice things for others. I am very sure that many of you are answering the call of kindness when and wherever there is a need. I'm reminded of how often in the Gospels we are told of the compassion of Jesus Christ. He showed us the way of Love and Kindness, and the Word of God gives us a glimpse of Tabitha also known as "Dorcas". She is only spoke of briefly but is well remembered for her goodness.

I'm sure that we all have a little Dorcas in us. She truly was a loving individual and she was intentional about the gift of love and compassion given to her. Just imagine if you made yourself available to someone or a family in need. The Bible shares that Dorcas made an immense impression on those in her society " by many deeds of kindheartedness and compassion", by making tunics and other clothing. The shares that when she died, the room was filled with grievers, most certainly many of the people she had helped. Hopefully you have put yourself out for others. And just maybe you will have someone other than your immediate family mourning for you when your time comes. Now when she was brought back to life, the news raced through the town. Our Father God uses great preachers like Peter and Paul, but he also uses those who have gifts of kindness like Dorcas. Rather than wishing you had other gifts be grateful of what God has given you. Remember that it's not always about you, we must follow the lead of Dorcas. She continually kept her eyes open to do a good deed for another. I will from here on out check myself, and just maybe you might take a quick look at your scorecard.
Until next Time...

Jim