" MY WORTH "

Good Day All,

This is a very solemn week in the Christian faith and yet the way it ends and next week begins defines Christianity. You might want to ask was I worth it... The Lord Jesus Christ layed down His life for you, I'd say that you're worth it.

" WORTH " The value of something measured by its qualities; equal in value, having sufficient worth; merit, excellence.

Those of us who feel pretty good about ourselves most likely walk around with our heads held high. OK, now raise your hands if you're not feeling too good about yourself, and you're feeling like you're not worth very much. Well, Jesus said that the Father is aware of everything that happens, EVERYTHING. Now allow your mind to gravitate towards anything, and everything now who do you come up with? You, your person is in there somewhere, so pick yourself up, and dust yourself off and look up to Jesus. God will never forsake anyone who seeks Him. When you're feeling down, don't think that the rest of us never have times when we're down, and maybe even feeling sorry for ourselves. God's promise does not mean that those of us who trust in Him will escape loss or suffering; it means that God himself will never leave us no matter what we face. Jesus said that God is aware of everything that happens even to sparrows, and you are far more valuable to Him than they are. You are so valuable that God sent His only Son to die for you. " For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Because God places such value on you, you need never fear personal threats or difficult trials. Now in my opinion the real test of value is how well something holds up under the wear, tear, and abuse of everyday life.

Jesus showed us that when you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. The Father paid a steep price with the life of his Son the highest price He could pay, now do you think that you're of little value? The real value of a person is inside, not outside. Although a person's body or their speech or even their brain power may be deformed, etc that person inside is no less valuable to God. When you feel repulsed by someone, stop and remember how God feels about that person ...and about you. You are worth this much... now picture Jesus stretching out His loving arms and laying down His precious life for you.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" FIGHT TO STAY OUT OF HELL "

Good Evening To You All,

This week our subject is a very serious one, Hell. Before another word is thought or even said you must believe that Hell is a real place. It truly is not something that we should take lightly or put on the back burner so to speak and just not consider.

The dictionary defines Hell as the realm of the devil in which the damned suffer everlasting punishment. (2) A place or state of torment or destruction. (3) A nether world in which the dead continue to exist.

Why do people say: I'm in hell, and why is it that man does not seem to fear hell? Hell is a real place and also not a place that any one wants to be, as you are continuously in torment. Extreme pain, and the anguish of body and mind, once you're in hell, there's no escape, nor relief. I'm reminded of a verse Luke 16:24 " And he cried out and said, ' Father Abraham have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame'. If God didn't spare angels when they sinned and sent them to hell, what do you think will happen to you?


Listen, we must turn from sin and turn to Jesus in faith. When we endeavor to control our lives and overlook God, we are setting sail on a course that leads directly to hell. Now when we place our lives in Christ's hands, He restores us now and resurrects us later to an eternal, peaceful relationship with Him. unfortunately many people don't want to believe that God sentences people to " eternal fire " for rejecting him. Sinners who don't seek forgiveness from God will face eternal separation from Him. Now, you can't say that you didn't know. This warning is to all who rebel against, ignore, or reject God. Those people who are separated from God in eternity no longer have any hope of salvation.

In life we run into all kinds of people with unusual idea's about God. Though nature reveals God, people need to be told about Jesus and how, through Him, they can have a personal relationship with God. Another way to make my point: the lake of fire which burns with brimstone (sulfur) is the final destination of the sinful. Anyone whose name is not recorded in the book of " Life " will be thrown into the lake of fire. At the judgment, the books are opened. They represent God's judgment, and in them are recorded the deeds of everyone, good or evil. We are not saved by deeds, but deeds are seen as clear evidence of a person's actual relationship with God. The book of Life contains the names of those who have put their trust in Christ to save them. So you need to consider something very important, do you feel lucky, or are you just going to take a wait and see posture. It's time to fight to stay out of hell.

Until next time...

Jim

" ACCEPTABILITY "

My Very Best To You,

Here we are again another week has come and gone and I've been impressed to share with you regarding " ACCEPTABILITY ". How many people do you know who just don't feel accepted for what ever reason. I've heard some say that life stinks and they just don't seem to fit in, while others fit in very well where ever they go. Could it just be a state of mind or knowing that you are a child of the King. It's very important that as Jesus we have compassion for all those we meet. It should break your heart when you run into someone who feels that nobody cares and who is in despair.

To be acceptable is to be capable or worthy of being accepted. Our Lord Jesus accepts you as you are, and it's crucial that you understand this fact. Jesus accepts you as you are is something that you may not have heard before nor understood. Readers, the good news about Jesus is that He comes to all, including the plain and the ordinary. If you are humble enough to accept Him into your life, you will truly become a new person in Him. He comes to anyone with a heart meek enough to accept Him. Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have the Lord in your life. Don't think for a moment that you need extraordinary qualifications - He accepts you as you are.

God offers Salvation to all people. Many people put off a decision for
Christ, thinking that there will be a better time - but they could easily miss their opportunity all together. Listen, there is no time like the present to receive God's forgiveness. I implore you not to allow anything to hold you back from coming to the Master. Folks we're not guaranteed five minutes from now.

God graciously accepts the despised, the outcast and the sinners who have turned to Him for forgiveness. Focus on God's gracious benefits to you, and be thankful for what you have. Are you hearing me ??? Those who honor God can be victorious regardless of the odds. We should always help the rejected feel accepted. Consider this, even though something is acceptable in today's time it might be wise to refuse participation. The fact that a custom is socially acceptable does not mean it is wise or right. You will be spared much heart break if you look at the potential consequences, to you or others, of your actions. Ask yourself if you are doing anything now that just might cause future problems. Please remember that what is socially acceptable is not always right.

Until next Time...

Jim

" LEARN WHEN TO FLEE "

Good Evening All,

This weeks topic is all about fleeing, and I'm sure that this is something that we normally don't think about. How often do you or have you turned tail and ran, especially when you knew that the Holy Spirit was telling you to run, turn away or even close your eyes?

Here's how my dictionary defines the word "Flee": To run away often from danger or evil. Now I'm pretty sure that you will run as fast as possible from a threatening situation. It's just human nature for us to have self preservation when it comes to our personal safety. INQUIRY, how serious are you when it comes to your spiritual life? Are you prepared to guard your heart against the tricks and stratagem intended to ensnare and deceive you by the devil? Some think Christianity is a passive religion that advocates waiting for God to act. It's imperative that you grasp the concept of knowing when to flee. We must have an active knowledge, and faith, obeying God with courage and doing what we know is right. I believe that as a Christian one must have the conviction to run, when others around us are going with the crowd.

There is no shame in fleeing, the word of God refers to an instant in the Bible when all of the disciples left Jesus and fled. This man felt bodily harm was imminent, just a few hours earlier, he and a group of men had said they would rather die than desert their Lord. They all ended up fleeing in fear.

Another verse in the word of God that truly brings clarity to the art of fleeing. "Now flee from youthful lusts and purse righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart " (2 Tim. 2:22). Now one would think that running away from a situation is considered to be a cowardice act. But those of us who are judicious realize that removing ourselves physically from temptation can be the most gallant action to take. I'm reminded that there is nothing new under the sun, and satan uses his same old tricks. Timothy, a young man, was warned to flee from anything that produced immoral and sinful thoughts. How often have you stumbled into the wrong place, or onto the wrong site, an advertisement that's not pleasing to God. Listen do you have a recurring temptation that is troublesome to resist? Remove your person physically from any situation that stimulates your desire to sin. Knowing when to run is as important in spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight.

Until Next Time...

Jim

"JUDGING OTHERS "

Good Evening All,

I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking and praying for you. I've already asked God to bless each and every reader of "Insights Into God's Word". I believe that it's important for you to know that at least one person has prayed for you today. As human beings I believe that our pessimistic nature makes it extremely easy for us to judge others.

The Bible consistently tells us not to make derogatory statements about others nor should we gossip or make rash judgments. While it may be tempting to judge fellow Christians, evaluating whether or not they are good followers of Christ. Please recognize, only God knows a person's heart, and He is the only one with the right to judge. How often we judge others by our cultural standards - wealth, power, looks - and overlook the truly great people through whom God works! Spiritual renown is not measured by what you have, but by your
faith in God. You must exclusively give yourself to God so God's power can work through you. Folks life is just that simple, all we have to do is to trust God, and we must not attempt to keep up with our neighbors. The one I attempt to measure up with is my heroes in the faith.

God doesn't judge people on the basis of race, sex, or their national origin. He judges them on the basis of their faith in Him and their response to His revealed will. Those who diligently try to obey God's Will are blessed. We must learn how to handle disagreements with other Christians. Before judging the behavior of fellow believers, it is important to hear them out. Unfortunately some of us don't wait to hear the whole story before we run off half cocked. It's vital for us to realize that the Holy Spirit may have something essential to teach us through them.

Don't judge others by their physical appearance neither. When one does that, there's a good chance you will never know the measure of said individual. Appearance doesn't reveal what people are really like or what their true value is. Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. Only God can see the inside, only He can accurately judge people. Only you and God know what your heart really looks like. When you judge someone, you invariably consider yourself better - and that is arrogant.

Until Next Time...

Jim