"JEALOUSY"

To Whom It May Concern,

This weeks message is one that none of us would like to be accused of nor personally experience in life. I would imagine that right now your mind is reaching back into your past as you're attempting to recall the times you were jealous.

The word Jealous is defined: 1: (a) intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness (b) disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness 2: hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy and advantage 3: vigilant in guarding a possession jealousy: a jealous disposition, attitude, or feeling.

Jealousy can lead to other sins, so it's vital that you comprehend the seriousness of this emotion. Do you believe that this feeling can bring a body to taking a life? Before you answer, " Not A Chance" check out the accounting of Joseph in the book of Genesis. As an adolescent, Joseph was overconfident with himself. His natural self-assurance, increased by being his father Jacob's favorite, as well as the youngest. Now, ten men his siblings all were willing to kill their youngest brother over an article of clothing (a tunic), and a few reported dreams. Their deep jealousy had grown into an uncontrollable rage, completely blinding them to what was right. You see when we're not in our right mind(s) Jealousy can be difficult to recognize because our reasons for it seem to make perfect sense
at the time. But left unchecked, jealousy grows quickly and leads to serious sins. Please take note, the longer you cultivate jealous feelings, the harder it is to uproot them. History proves that the ideal time to deal with jealousy is when you first notice yourself keeping score of what another has. Petty jealousy can tear families and neighbors apart. Christians often bicker while Satan is at work all around them. Rivalries, arguments, and disagreements among believers can be destructive in these
ways: (1) They make us self-centered rather than love-centered. Jesus totally understands how destructive arguments among brothers can be. (2) They hamper progress toward important goals. (3) They damage goodwill, trust, and peace - the foundations of good human relations. In Jesus' final prayer before being betrayed and arrested, Jesus asked God that his followers be " ONE" (John 17:21).

Listen, jealousy is a dividing force that is strong enough to tear apart the mightiest of nations or the closest of friends. How many friends and loved ones have been driven out of your life due to jealousy, it's time to be honest with yourself. Jealousy forces you separate yourself from what you were longing for in the first place. When you find yourself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God for their good fortune. Before you strike out in anger, consider what you could lose - a friend, a job, or even your spouse. When you lose something of great value, or if others conspire against you and succeed, anger is the first and most natural reaction. But you can control your feelings by (1) Recognizing your reaction for what it is, (2) praying for strength, and (3) asking God
for help to see the opportunities that even your bad situation may provide. We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Too often unfortunately, we are jealous of those who rejoice and apathetic toward those who weep. Believers are in the world together - there is no such thing as private or individualistic Christianity . We shouldn't stop with enjoying only our own relationship with God. We need to get involved in the lives of others.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIP(S)"

Good morning to you all, it's truly my prayer that you and your families are doing well. You know I truly believe that we should be responsible minded when it comes to sustaining our relationships. Yes it takes work maintaining our relationship(s) and I'm of the school of thought that we must go the extra mile.

My dictionary defines relationship(s) as the state of being related or interrelated. (2) The relation connecting or binding participants in a relationship: A: kinship B: a specific instance or type of kinship.

God's family is accepting and doesn't exclude anyone. Jesus did not show partially; he allowed everyone the privilege of obeying God and becoming part of his family. Now, in our increasingly computerized, impersonal world, warm relationships among members of God's family take on major importance. The Body of Christ can give loving and personalized care that many people find nowhere else. Jesus explained that in our spiritual family, the relationships are ultimately more important and longer lasting than those formed in our physical families.

Just in case some of you may need clarification, the family of God includes all who have believed in him in the past. All who believe in the present, and all who believe in the future. We are all family because we have the same father. If we want to receive God's blessings, it is important that we stay in contact with other believers in the body of Christ. Those who isolate themselves from God's family and try to go it alone cut themselves off from God's power.

Broken relationships can impede our relationship with God. If we have a problem or grievance with a friend, we should resolve the problem as soon as possible. We are pretenders if we claim to love God while we hate others. Our attitudes toward others reflect our relationship with God. A right relationship with God leads to right relationships with fellow believers. Although we will not always feel loving toward all other believers, we must pursue peace as we become more Christlike.

Christian fellowship is truly caring for and loving those in your sphere of influence. Are you you praying for those whom you have a relationship with? Are you staying in contact with old friends, those whom you don't see or speak to at least in months or even years? It's important that you're their for a friend or anyone whom you've invested your time with. Building a relationship with another is a precious thing, so remember to nurture it.

Last point; love means at times we may have to confront those we care about, regarding certain behavior. Both authority and personal concern are needed in dealing with people who are ruining their lives with sin. When we find ourselves in the position of concerned friend we must proceed with caution. As we all know that there are several wrong approaches in confronting others and these can further break relationships rather than heal them. How many times have you belted someone over the head with your interpretation of the law and scripture. We can look to build relationships by taking a favorable approach -- sharing, communicating, and caring. Now this can be a laborious path that can drain us emotionally, but it is the best way for the other person, and it is the only Christlike way to deal with others' sin. So let's become intentional in regard to all those who are in our sphere of influence. Now, let's start getting in touch with those who have made a difference in your life.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" UNCHANGEABLENESS "

My very best to you and yours it's truly my prayer that you have hit the ground running.
Have you ever been disappointed in someone, well I have. Many times we say things like, I'm going to do this or that and we don't. Is it me or have we all become much to cavalier with our words. Just think for a moment when someone promises you something do you truly believe that
it's going to happen? I confess that I walk around with a We'll see kind of attitude, and that makes me feel very sad. I believe that we should be very careful of what comes out of our mouth, as we are going to be held accountable.

Either we believe God or we don't. Please get this into your head that our God is unchangeable. Listen if you have prayed for something and you are positive that you have heard from the Lord then wait. Sometimes the anticipation of waiting on God can be almost unbearable. As we've learned about the character of Abraham, he was told to wait. He waited
patiently - it was 25 years from the time God had promised him a son (Isaac). Now let's
be honest with ourselves, either we believe God or we don't, and I'm referring to His unchangeableness. God's promises are unchanging and reliable because God is unchanging and totally trustworthy. When God promised Abraham a son, God took an attestation of the truth in his own name. The oath was as good as God's name, and God's name was as good as his divine nature.

So when we have spent time praying and fasting and waiting on God. We must remember that our God is an on time God and it's impossible for Him to lie. Listen, because our trials and temptations are often so intense, they seem to last for an eternity. We must learn to wait for God to act in his timing, even when our needs seem too great to wait any longer.

God is unchanging in his being, perfections, purposes, and promises, yet God does act and feel emotions, and he acts and feels differently in response to different situations. Friends two unchangeable things are God's nature and of course his promise. God almighty embodies all truth; therefore he cannot lie. Because God is truth we can be secure in his promises; we don't ever have to wonder if he will change his plans. Please, you who don't know God as your personal Lord and Savior take note to this. When you ask God with openness, honesty, and
sincerity to save you from your sins, he will do it, this truth should give you encouragement, assurance, and confidence. Remember the thought for the day is: The unchangeableness of the Word of God.

Until next time...

Jim

" PICK UP YOUR SHIELD "

This weeks message contains vital information for us regarding Love and Protection.
Instinctively when we feel threatened our hands reach up and out to repel whatever is coming our way. By nature we inherently go into a mode of self preservation, we attempt to block and sometimes we strike back. This weeks warning comes maybe just in time for us to shield ourselves from those fiery darts that our being hurled at us. You see, satan and his demons are taking there very best shot at each of us. They know their end is near and we all have heard that saying: " That misery loves company" So armor up, pick up your shield, NOW.

A shield is a protective device, meant to intercept attacks. As believers in Jesus Christ we walk around with a huge bulls eye on our chest. Satan and his demons are always looking for ways to take us down. The Word of God tells us to " Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour " ( 1 Peter 5:8). We are not to be so focused on our troubles that we forget to watch for dangers, readers we are especially vulnerable to satan's attacks. So make sure that you are prepared to protect yourself and your family. It's vital that you make sure that you put on your armor daily. Please get this.... we are all engaged in spiritual battle an yet some may not recognize this fact. All believers will find themselves subjected to satan's attacks because they are no longer on satan's side. When we put our trust in Jesus and turn from our wicked ways satan and his demons come at us with a full frontal attack. Please be aware that anytime within the first 24 hours of accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you might be tested. What you will see are satan's attacks that will come in forms of insults, setbacks, and temptations. The shield of faith protects us from satan's flaming arrows. Our Lord Jesus is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. As Christians we can be confident that we can drive away satan's offensive tactical actions. Ephesians 6:16 assures us of this fact " In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one ".

It's vital that you get this...that you know, that you know God is a shelter, a refuge when you are afraid. Your faith in the almighty God as protector should carry you through all the dangers and fears of life. Either we trust God or we don't, now this should be a picture of our trust-trading all our fears for faith in him, no matter how intense our fears. By entrusting ourselves to his love and protection and then pledging our daily devotion to Him, we will be kept safe.
Now go forth but keep your wits about ya.

Until next time...

Jim