" WHY IS DISHONESTY SO HARD TO AVOID "

Good Morning To You,

Lord Willing all is well with you this fine day that the Lord has made. It is my desire to share with you what I have discovered regarding dishonesty. Dishonesty is defined in this manner: (1) Lack of honesty or integrity; disposition to defraud or deceive (2) A dishonest act; Fraud.

Those who deceive soon begin to believe the lies they construct around themselves. I for one believe that it's truly hard work being dishonest, as one must endeavor to recall exactly what was said in order to appear credible. Talk about mental exhaustion, telling lies would make me very uncomfortable. I venture to guess that dishonest people tend to lose the ability to tell the difference between truth and lies. If you are concerned about getting caught, then you are probably in a position that is less than honest. Listen let your fear of getting caught be a warning to do right.

Fact, correcting yourself in the middle of doing wrong may bring hurt and disappointment, but it also will bring freedom from sin's control. How we react to a moral dilemma often exposes our real motives. Don't take dishonesty lightly. Even the smallest portion of dishonesty contains enough of the poison of deceit to kill your spiritual life. If there is any dishonesty in your life, tell God about it now. Dishonesty affects the very core of a person, it is easy to cheat if we think no one is looking

Proverbs clearly tells us that God despises all forms of dishonesty. It is wiser to be honest because " The righteous will escape from trouble " (Prov. 12:13). Unrighteous talk can be looked at as twisting the facts to support your claims. As I mentioned earlier those who do this are likely to be trapped by their own lies. By believing your own lies you deceive yourself, you will alienate yourself from God, and you will lose credibility in all your relationships. In the long run, honesty wins out.

Notable Facts that we should be aware of: Leaders value those who speak the truth (Prov. 16:13). Most people will appreciate truth in the end more than flattery (Prov 28:23). The upright are guided by integrity. Truthful lips endure. Riches gained dishonestly don't last. God delights in honesty. God delights in those who deal truthfully. God detests unjust measures. God is pleased when we do what is right and just.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" DON'T EVER BE EMBARRASSED BY JESUS "

Good Afternoon To Ya,

I sure hope that you had a week that you can truly be proud of. I'm still in that growing stage, I find myself asking for forgiveness. Some of you are aware that I'm a man in training, as I am striving to be a man of integrity so I work at being truthful. I'm also learning to totally take the Lord at his word, so I'm listening for that tiny voice inside that instructs and prompts me.

How many times have you backed down when you knew that the Holy Spirit induced you to witness to another? Paul was not ashamed because he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, The Good News. Now, the Good News is a message of Salvation, which has LIFE CHANGING POWER, for all who hear and accept, now.

So, we must not be embarrassed to share at anytime and to anyone. When you're tempted to be ashamed, remember what the Good News is all about. Many times when I was a new Christian I had to fight through my fear. I once read that if you focus on God and on what God is doing in this world rather than on my/our inadequacy, you won't be ashamed, nor embarrassed

Have you ever wondered how a little child can run naked through a room full of strangers without embarrassment ? One of my youngest grandson's enjoys running around in his birthday suit and he does so without shame. Please remember that he's only two years old. Typically a husband and wife have no barriers, feeling no embarrassment in exposing themselves to each other and as well to God. We must remember that God see's and hears all. When we are working for the Father, in other words when we're on the job we must not take note of any lack in confidence that we may be experiencing when sharing the Good News.

I've read in the Word of God that people of faith died without receiving all that God had promised, but they lost their vision of heaven. Many Christians become frustrated and defeated because their needs, wants, expectations, and demands are not immediately met while they believe in Christ. We sometimes become impatient and we even consider abandoning our quest for the things of God. Jesus constantly turns the world's perspective upside down with talk of first and last, saving and losing. Jesus gives us a choice.. We can reject Jesus now and be rejected by Him at His SECOND COMING, OR WE CAN ACCEPT HIM NOW. Rejecting Christ may help us escape shame for the time being, but it will guarantee an eternity of shame later.

Last word on this subject we can be assured, however, that whenever we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, He will be with us all the way. It is not shameful to suffer for being a Christian. Don't seek out suffering, and don't try to avoid it. Instead, keep on doing what is right regardless of the suffering it might bring. Continuing to always look to Jesus... somehow always makes me feel good.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" DISOBEDIENCE IS SIN "

Greetings To You All,

Here we are again in the beginning of another week in which all things are possible. With that being said it's very important that I/we focus on the things of God. I'm very sure that none of us intentionally " DISOBEY " but when we let our guard down any thing's possible. I'm from the school of hard knocks which means that sometimes it takes me a little longer to grasp a concept. I've read that rebellion is likened to the sin of witchcraft so disobedience does not need to be in our play book.

Disobedience/Rebellion is sin, and it breaks fellowship with God. Those of you who are in a position of authority I have one question for you. How do you feel when someone directly or indirectly disobeys you? We must always remember that there are consequences for our actions. But fortunately, when we disobey, God is willing to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him.

Listen, your faith in God will give you the courage to take a stand for what you know is right. God does not expect us to obey those in authority when they ask us to disobey him or his word. Following the majority or the authority is not always right. Whenever we are ordered to disobey God's word, we must " Obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Our disobedience may bring suffering upon ourselves and maybe others that we care about. Our disobedience can lead us down a road that we're not truly prepared for. Obeying those who are in authority over us may inadvertently save our lives.

Consider this, often our troubles result from our own disobedience and or lack of faith. We cannot blame God for our sins. Until we face this truth, we will have little peace and absolutely no spiritual growth. We often make life's journey more difficult than necessary by disobedience. Accept God's Love, read and follow His commands in the Bible, and make a promise to stick with God whatever your situation. You will find that your life will be less complicated and yet more rewarding. Last word, never allow anyone, no matter how attractive or persuasive, to talk you into doing wrong. God knows our true motives... He forgives, restores, and blesses only when we are honest about our sins.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" STUBBORN UNBELIEF... ME ? "

Good Evening All,

We'll it's truly been a magnificent 4Th of July holiday weekend for me and mine. My youngest daughter got married to a great guy and all is well in our camp. My two sisters and their families are here from New England and I'm on cloud nine. It's my prayer that all is well with you and yours. Now keep your wits about you in all things and in all ways. Open up your hearts and your minds to the things of the Lord.

Have you ever looked at another and thought to yourself, why don't they get it. How many times have we heard and read about the miraculous power of God. Stubborn unbelief leads to a hardened heart - and a hardened heart can lead to calamity of all kind. We must not wait for great calamities to drive us to God, but we should open up our hearts and minds to his direction now. Have you ever looked back in life and wondered why did I follow my own limited resources instead of God's. Unbelief may be the root of many sins and problems. When we feel lost, it may be because you're looking everywhere but to God for your help and guidance.

I'm of the opinion that the more we study and meditate in the word, that prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives. When I pray I ask God to help >my unbelief. I've become aware that growing in faith is a constant process of my daily renewing of my trust in Jesus. Know matter how much confidence I have in myself, I'll never reach the point of being self-sufficient. I need Jesus... I'm convinced that no matter what you've shared with others, saved or unsaved some continue in their unbelief. So it's time to open up your heart and believe that all things are possible with God. So when you pray ask the Father to help your unbelief.

Until Next Time...
Jim