" OUR OBLIGATION TO THE FATHERLESS "

Good Morning To You All,

This morning we're going to see just how the Lord feels about the Fatherless/Orphans. I wonder just how often you may have glared at some children rough housing or doing something that you just didn't agree with. Maybe you said something like where is there parental authority, or didn't their father teach them anything? You see there are many reasons that one or another didn't have a father in their life. If you grew up without a father in your life may God bless you, always know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Father to the Fatherless.

Gut check, when was the last time that you praised the >Lord, moments ago, within the hour, today, last week, months, etc. Everything that has breath should praise the Lord. InPsalm 68:5 we are told that our God is a Father to thefatherless. Only in God is there hope for the parent less, and those who think that they have know one. So that I'm clear this includes Orphans, Widows, those in Captivity, and all >lonely people. If you are homesick or disadvantaged, it's time you praise, and discover the joy that comes from praise and worship.

We are obligated to look after widows and orphans as they are among the most vulnerable of all God's people in the Bible. The prophets as well as God's Apostles insisted that these folks be properly cared for in this life. (22) " You shall not afflict >any widow or orphan. (23) If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to ME, I will surely hear his cry; (24) and MY anger will be kindled, and, I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children Fatherless (Exodus 22:22-24).
You know in times gone by orphans and widows had very little means of financial livelihood, unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were diminished to begging, selling themselves as slaves, or the alternative, starvation. By caring for these powerless people, the church put God's word into practice. When we give with no hope of receiving in return, we show what it means to serve others. My wife always says: " After all it's not about me/us. "

Until Next Time...
Jim

ISN'T IT TIME FOR ACTION ?

Good Afternoon To You,

Can you believe that this Thursday is the day that we in the United States Of America celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Between you and me I believe that we must be thankful everyday of our lives. I'm grateful that you and I have the chance to communicate each week. Don't you believe that it's time for us to stop procrastinating and place ourselves into action mode. I believe that Actions speak louder than words so saddle up.

Action: An act of will; A thing done; A deed or the accomplishment of a thing.
What do you do that marks you as a follower of Christ? The way you raise your children, demonstrate love for others. Showing concern for the poor, as well as living in devotion to God - these actions will leave visible marks for all to see. While national groups are marked by customs and traditions, Christians are marked by loving one another.

Parents help shape the world's future by the way we shape our children's values. What kind of role model are you, have you thought about what your actions are teaching your children? As a grandfather of nine, I believe that our children are receiving every word, action and deed from us. The first step toward helping children live right is for the parents to live right. Your actions are often copied by those closest to you. What kind of example are you setting for your children and grandchildren your legacy?

Have you learned how to balance prayer with action yet? I have found that many Christians procrastinate by saying that I'm going to pray about it. Listen I'm confident that the Lord may be thinking stop praying and let's see some action already. Prayer must have an indispensable place in the hearts and minds of Christians, sometimes we know what to do, but we pray for more guidance as an excuse to postpone action. If we know what we should do, then it is time to get moving.

God supplies most people with the personal and financial abilities to respond to the needs of others. If we all realize how God has blessed us, and if we all used our resources to do God's will, hunger and poverty would be wiped out. Wealth is a blessing only if we use it in the way God intended. Everything that we do in this life has consequences. It is vital that we think before acting, as it is wise to consider the effects that our choices may bring. Some folks fly by the seat of their pants while the rest of us think, what I mean is we plan our steps. As we deal with others, we should always act responsibly and justly with friends and enemies as well. The thought for the day is ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" A GOOD REPUTATION "

Good Day All,

Thanks so much for stopping by, I truly appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule. This weeks message is " A Good Reputation " have you thought much or any about your reputation? I believe that it's the kind of thing that each and every one of us must give thought to. The good thing about a reputation is with time it can be improved upon.

A reputation is defined by Webster as the overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general. How are you judged, what do others think of you and your mode of operation?

I believe that a reputation can be a tricky thing for some, you see we must walk a fine line. I also believe< the more that one loves the Lord Jesus Christ, he/she will love and have much more compassion for others. Someone with a Christ - like reputation will be thought of first when a choice must be made. Spiritually mature as well as wise men and women are always thought of first. Helping and serving other believers with humility will go a long way in the banking of a good reputation.

Question, are you in shape both physically and spiritually? In our society, much emphasis is placed on physical fitness, but spiritual health (godliness) is even more important. What kind of reputation do you bring to the table, are you hard working, loving, kind, faithful, and chivalrous? These qualities can gain you a good reputation, but only if you display them consistently in all areas of your life, and your character should remain the same. Your reputation is formed by the people who watch you at work, in town, at home, and in church. A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in - no matter what group of people, or surroundings you are in.

My last thought: A stellar reputation and the respect of others is like gold to me.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" ARE YOU STILL IN THE FIGHT "

Thanks for taking the time to stop by today, just maybe I can give you some good news. As we all all know that from time to time a bump in the road will arise. At times we are threatened with a situation that not only knocks us off our feet but brings the house down upon us. At times such as these some are ready to give up, but don't, Now I'm asking " ARE YOU STILL IN THE FIGHT " ?


Now, when your life seems to be spiraling out of control this is your cue to call upon the Lord, and watch how He moves. When it appears that you're trapped behind enemy lines, remember that Christians are to never leave anyone behind. I care for you, always remember when one of us is hurting we are to come along side and show the compassion of Jesus Christ.

How many times have you seen God's powerful hand deliver you or another? If we focus on God's faithfulness in our past we can face any crisis with confidence rather than with fear and complaining. I declare that the enemies of the Lord our God is likewise my mortal enemy. This battle that we're in, is real as it gets. This spiritual battle that we're in is claiming casualties every minute and we must continue to be vigilante. Stop being a zombie, now I ask you are you still in the fight? When life knocks you down, don't let circumstances cut you off from the main Body of Christ. Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come " with confidence ". Some Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask Him to meet their needs. Others pray thoughtlessly, and are cavalier with their words. We should always approach the Throne of Grace with much reverence as He is the King of Kings. Remember that you're not alone and you are being prayed for.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" VENTURE TO PERSEVERE "

Good Morning To You,

It's my hope and desire that you are well on this day that the Lord Jesus Christ has made. I understand that many are faced with sickness, heart-ache and much suffering, so it is my prayer that the Will of God, his " Perfect Will " be done in your life. This week we are discussing Persevering through anything that may come our way.

Once I set my mind on something it's firmly fixed, in spite of any difficulties. To believe in Jesus and endure to the end will take perseverance because our faith will be challenged and opposed. Severe trials may sift true Christians from fair-weather believers into robust. Enduring to the end does not earn salvation for us, but marks us as already saved. The assurance of our salvation will keep us going through the times of persecution.

If God has called you to any chore, determine in your mind that you are going to complete it, even if you face opposition and or discouragement. In these times uncomfortable situations may seem to be the norm. The rewards of work well done are sincerely worth the effort. Some of us forget or we just put out of our minds that every day all over this world Christians suffer for Christ. Now, if you're up on your Bible you know that Jesus predicted that His followers, those of us who know Him as our personal Savior could be severely persecuted by those who hate what He stands for. In the midst of terrible persecution, please know that you are never alone. This translates into you knowing that Salvation is yours, remembering that He's promised never to leave us nor to forsake us.

Listen, perseverance, persistence, then the prize! When we became Christians we were never told that this life would be perfect in all ways. We must have a purpose and a plan because times will be difficult and Satan will attack. But we never persevere without the promise of a prize - a promise God will keep. I'm convinced that all true believers persevere, though they may have lap es of faith, tantamount with steadfastness and endurance. Those who patiently and persistently do God's will, find eternal life. He is contradicting his previous statement that salvation comes by faith alone. We are not saved by good deeds, but when we commit our lives fully to God, we want to please him and do his will. As such, our good deeds are a grateful response to what God has done, not a prerequisite to earning His grace.

Last Point: Because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain confident and likewise hopeful to the end. I say again we are not saved by being steadfast and firm in our faith, but our courage and hope do reveal that our faith is real. Without this enduring faithfulness, we could easily be blown away by temptation, false teaching, or persecution. Remember the benefits of standing firm, allows our faith to grow in Christ. To persevere is totally trusting God in any situation, no matter how things presently appear.

Until Next Time...
Jim