" IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE "

Happiness To You,

Have you ever asked to be forgiven and the other
party refused, as they were still upset with you? Think
back for a moment to the crucifixion of Jesus when we
heard Jesus say something like today you will be with
me in Paradise.
(39) One of the criminals who were hanged
there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, " are
you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (40)
But the other answered, and rebuking him said,
" Do you not even fear God, since you are under
the same sentence of condemnation? (41) " And
we are indeed suffering justly, for we are
receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but
this man has done nothing wrong. " (42) And he
was saying, " Jesus, remember me when you come
in your kingdom! " (43) And He said to him, " Truly
I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise. "

Are you one of those people who like to procrastinate, do
you believe in waiting until the last moment? Well one of
the thieves being executed along side of Jesus REPENTED
and was forgiven on the spot, as you can be if only you ask.
At the last possible moment, minutes before his execution
he was plucked from the train to Hell. There's an old saying
that life is a gamble, a roll of the dice. Listen, it's time that
you start to think for yourself. It's time for you to do your
homework and search out the truth of the Bible.
Luke 23:39-43 As this man's death and mortality were on
the immediate horizon, his true emotions came through. He
quickly turned to Jesus of Nazareth for immediate
dispensation. Jesus is such a gentlemen he took the time to
clearly hear this man's heart, and accepted him into His
kingdom. Now, what does this suggest to you. Know matter
where you are in life and know matter what you've done you
can come to Jesus. From my perspective most people that we
share the Good News with, claim that they are not ready.
As I've shared before, we never know when Jesus Christ
will return. " In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and
the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be
changed" (1 Cor. 15:52). I want you to consider the fact
that Jesus Christ is coming back. Know matter what is going
on in your life and around the world you must believe that
Jesus will return. We should live our lives expecting his
imminent return.

As Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion his whole
mind, body and soul was doing the will of the Father. He
made himself available to us, all we have to do is to call
upon him. His love for us exhibits his total commitment,
and proves that our deeds don't save us - our faith in
Christ does. Now if you're feeling that you're just not ready,
or that you're too involved in your present way of life to be
excepted by Christ. Consider the thief hanging next to Jesus,
it's never too late to be saved.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" ATTITUDE (S) "

Well folks it's our time together again, and I want you
to know just how sincere I am when I say that I enjoy
your company. It's wonderful having you visit with me
each week. This week we're going to discuss " Attitude "
as we all have them on every subject.

Attitude: State of feeling or a mental position (2) a
position assumed for a specific purpose
a way of thinking.

Do your attitudes reflect the values of the world or of
Christ? What if the Lord said to you that you are not of
any value to me because you are not sharing your faith.
Now that would shake me to my core, fear would grip me
like never before. If you are not witnessing when the Holy
Spirit prompts you then one might say that you are
selfish. If we are too much like the world, we are
good - for - nothing.

Christians should not blend in with everyone else.
Instead, we should affect others positively, just as
seasoning brings out the best flavor in our food.
Those of us who profess the Lord Jesus Christ as our
Personal Savior are pilgrims passing through. Therefore
don't conform to the attitudes to those in society. I
understand that sometimes it's hard for us to tell if another
is a Christian. As followers of Christ we should be good and
moral and have a strong desire to worship God. In this day
and age it appears that people are doing just whatever they're
big enough to do. Another way to bring home this point; man
is doing what ever is right in his own eyes. He has NOT left
our conduct up to us nor our opinions.

Christian it's essential that we stay connected to the Father.
Know matter what transpires we must continue to have a
positive attitude when we find ourselves in a stressful position
we should always call upon God to intervene. I also believe
that we as Christians are called to be different to be holy,
separate, an unique among all others. Therefore our
attitudes must be Christ - Like. How often have your children
said something like, why can't I BE LIKE so and so. Another
question, how often have you allowed the values and or actions
of another dictate their attitudes and behavior upon you? Have
you ever made a bad decision because you wanted to be like
everyone else?

LAST POINT: Be vigilante, so that the values of your friends,
and those in your sphere of influence don't pull you away from
what God says is right. Know matter who you are, or what your
station in life is believe this - when God's people want to be like
unbelievers, they are heading for spiritual disaster.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" CORRECTION "

Are you well this day?

I have a question for you today, have you ever had to be corrected? I'm confident that you know what it isto be corrected. The dictionary defines the word correct / correction in this manner: to make right; conforming to a conventional standard; agreeing withfact or truth.

Nothing but truth is acceptable to God. When we pray, sing, speak, or serve, nothing closes the door of God's acceptance more than hypocrisy, lying, or pretense. If we're honest, it's easy to point out someone else's faults or sins, am I correct? Now how often have you accused a friend or even a family member of sin to make them feel guilty and not encouraging them nor correcting them. I'm practicing the Art of seeking the face of God before I decide on anything. If we feel that we must admonish another, we should be sure we are confronting that person because we love them, not because we are annoyed, inconvenienced, or seeking to blame them.

In our Christian life we must from time to time confront those we care about. Both authority and personal concern are needed in dealing with people who are ruining their lives with sin. Listen, when it comes to correction their are several wrong approaches in confronting others, and these can further break relationships rather than heal them. Reprimanding our friends and family, we should care enough about them to confront them with their wrongdoing(s) and sometimes those who we love make choices that we know are wrong. OK, if we ignore their behavior and they continue in it, we won't be showing love to them. We show love by honestly sharing our concerns in order to help these friends do and be their very best for God.

We're advised to be kind and gentle, patiently and courteously explaining the truth. Good teaching never promotes quarrels to foolish arguments. Remember to listen to people's questions and treat them respectfully, while avoiding foolish debates. If you do this, those who oppose you will be more willing to hear what you have to say and perhaps turn from their error.

LAST POINT: When we don't make any move to help, we show that we are more concerned about being well liked than about what will happen to them. Sometimes sincere Christians, and even Christian leaders, make mistakes. If you are convinced that someone is doing harm to himself/herself or the Church, try the direct approach. There is no place for backstabbing in the Body Of Christ.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" UNBELIEF "

Salutations,

You know it's important that we come out of our comfort zones and think of others. Sometimes we may have to miss an appointment or go the extra mile for another. What do you believe in, is it hard for you to accept every word in the Bible? Many people have a hard time accepting and believing every word of the Bible. Do you remember what detective Joe Friday would say: " JUST THE FACTS " . I truly believe EVERY WORD is true.

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Unbelief in this manner: The withholding or absence of belief: Doubt: incredulity or skepticism esp. in matters of religious faith. " And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that he is a re warder of those who seek Him". The disposition of trust and assurance that the Bible calls belief of faith is not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God. Listen, no matter how much faith we have, we never reach the juncture of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away as some may surmise like money in the bank.

Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus. Your faith will grow as you go through life, paying close attention and giving God all the glory. I realize that if we're not looking for Jesus Christ to return in all of His glory then we are not in a good place. In fact we're told " The master of the slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, AND ASSIGN HIM A PLACE WITH THE UNBELIEVERS "
(Luke 12:46). Please do not be apart of a unbelieving generation,
when Jesus said that he was attempting to teach and also prepare for his departure. I'm waiting for His return, we're told that He will be coming back in the twinkling of an eye. Don't be blinded by what this world has to offer, it just won't last. " In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Cor.4:4). If you're in the other camp, those who do not believe allow me to share this thought. Their will be a never - ending supply of God's mercy, forgiveness, and cleansing power. Now is the time for you to switch sides and resign to this camp.

Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen" (Mark 16:14).

Until Next Time...

Jim

" TESTIMONY / WITNESS "

Good Day To You,

This week we are going to look into being a witness
and or giving honest testimony.

" Testimony " (1) evidence based on observation or
knowledge (2) an outward sin (3) a solemn declaration
made by a witness under oath (4) evidence, confirmation,
proof, testament.

As one who believes that the Word of God is true and is
vital in my life. " The law of the Lord is perfect,
restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is
sure, making wise the simple" ( Psalm 19:7). It may
be safe to say that God's laws are an outline of policy or
conduct which are lights for our path, rather than chains on
our hands and feet. They point at danger and tip us off,
then point towards success and guide us. When we think of
the law, we often think of something that keeps us from
amusement. But the law of God revives us, making us wise,
gives joy to the heart, gives light to the eyes, warns us, and
rewards us.

One of God's characteristics is truthfulness. He embodies
perfect truth; therefore, His Word cannot lie. It is true and
dependable for guidance and help. The bible is completely
true and trustworthy.

The world hates Christians because Christians' values
differ from the world's. Because those of us who embrace
Jesus Christ don't cooperate with the world by joining in
their sin, they are living accusations against the world's
immorality. The world follows satan's agenda, and satan
is the declared openly enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ and
his people. " If we receive the testimony of men, the
testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of
God is this, that he testified concerning His Son"
(1 John 5:9). When sharing with another focus the
attention on God. Rather than using the situation to
make you look good, turn this into a powerful witness for
the Lord. One secret of effective witnessing is to recognize
opportunities to relate God to the other persons experience.
When the opportunity arises we must have the courage to
speak.

While boldness in stating our identity as God's people
is our responsibility, at times a good strategy is to keep
quiet until we have won the right to be heard. Now, this
is especially true when dealing with those in authority
over us. But we can always let them see the difference
God makes in our lives. If we simply proclaim what we
know about God, we may be surprised at how people
will listen. Try it and see.

Last Point: If we are sensitive to the Holy Spirits'
leading, we will see increased opportunities to share
our faith, even in the face of opposition.

Until next Time...

Jim