" ARE YOU CONSIDERED HUMBLE "

Good Morning to you and to all in whom you care so much about. Well Christmas has come and gone and today is New Years Eve and I wish you the very best that our Lord and God has to offer. May I be the very first to BLESS YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.

My dictionary defines HUMBLE as: Not proud or haughty (2) Not Pretentious: Unassuming (3) Insignificant: Meek, Modest or even Lowly.

Now The Word Of God says:(The man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth). Can you imagine anyone saying the same about you? That you are very HUMBLE. Humbleness hardly seems the proper weapon to deal with enemies. God warfare must be carried out with calm faith, humility before God, and hope in His deliverance.

Jesus also promises a sure reward for those with HUMBLE attitudes. " When Pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the Humble is Wisdom." Zechariah 9:9 refers to the HUMBLENESS of Jesus. Prophecy of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. " HUMBLE, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Do you draw on Christ's power for strength? Do you have great needs, or are you discontented because you don't have what you wanted? Learn to rely on God's Promises and Christ's power to help you be content. Now if you want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance. Listen it's vital you grasp this promise of God. That He will supply all of your needs, but in a way that He knows is best for you.

LAST POINT: We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. Remember that God's recognition counts more than human praise. God is able and willing to bless us according to His timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in His good time - either in this life or in the next - He will exalt you. May you have a Blessed as well as an exciting New Year.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" THE ART OF PRAISE "

Good Morning All,

Well here we are towards the end of a week and the day after Christmas. Where is and what is your mind on? Could it be on possibly returning a gift or two or on our Lord Jesus Christ? How often do you truly give God what He deserves? Do you actually understand what PRAISE is? Praise is expressing to God our appreciation and understanding of His worth. It is saying " THANK YOU " for each aspect of His divine nature.

Our inward attitude becomes outward expression. Now, when we praise God, we help ourselves by expanding our awareness of who He is. In each Psalm I always look for an attribute or characteristic of God in which I can thank Him. Praise and thanksgiving should be a regular part of our routine, not reserved only for celebrations. Praise God continually, and you will find that you won't take His blessings for granted.

Listen closely, we should begin any task by praising God, as this can inspire us to give Him our best. Now I encourage you to practice giving praise to God, and you will experience greater joy and strength to face anything. PRAISE expresses Admiration, Appreciation, and Thanks. Considering all that God has done and does for us, what can be more natural than outbursts of heartfelt praise?

When we Worship, Praise should be given to God, not only for what He does - His Creation, His Blessings, His Forgiveness - but also for who He is - Loving, Just, Faithful, Forgiving, Patient. Note also those times when the Praise of God is shared with others, and they too are encouraged to Praise Him. In what ways have you recently praised God or told others all that He has done for you?

LAST POINT: Our worship should begin by acknowledging God's Love. Praise God First; then you will be prepared to present your needs to Him. Recalling God's Love and Mercy will inspire you to worship Him daily.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" WHY NOT VENGEANCE? "

Good Day to you and I mean it. Are things well with you and yours? I pray that you are walking with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This week we will be looking into " VENGEANCE " and believe it or not we all should truly take heed to this one. " Never take your own Revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, " VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord (Rom. 12:19).

When someone hurts you deeply instead of giving him what he deserves, Paul says to befriend him. Why do you think that he told us to forgive our enemies? (1) Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation. (2) It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways. (3) By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy.

Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness. God will repay those who deserve it. Refuse to rejoice when your enemies suffer, and don't try to get revenge. Seeking Revenge will ruin your own peace of mind and increase the chances of further retaliation. Sometimes forgiving a personal attack shows more strength than lashing out in revenge. Trying to prove one's power and authority often proves only one's fear and self-doubt. Insulting others and being jealous are not right responses when we feel left out. But seeking revenge for an insult is just as wrong, and very costly.

God's will is supreme over all rulers, all historical events, and all hostile forces. He can deliver us in ways we can't imagine. Now, if we trust in his power and love, no opposition can stop us. Now do not be redundant Jesus' words about REVENGE: When we are wronged, often our first reaction is to get even. Instead Jesus said we should do good to those who wrong us! Our desire should not be to keep score, but to Love and Forgive. This is not natural - it is Supernatural. Only God can give us the strength to love as He does. Instead of planning vengeance, pray for those who hurt you.

Until next Time...
Jim

" BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING "

Anxiety is something that we must strive to keep out of our lives. We all have stuff going on all the time and it's vital that we learn how to channel these episodes. I believe that it all comes down to trusting God especially when we have that every now and then "Bend In The Road".

We can never avoid strife in our lives as it's in the world around us. With God we can know "Perfect Peace" even in turmoil. When we are devoted to Him, our whole attitude is steady and stable. Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos.

Do you want peace? Then keep your thoughts on the Father and always trust in God. Carrying your worries, stresses, and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have NOT trusted God fully with your life. It takes humility, however, to recognize that God cares, to admit your need, and to let others in God's Family help you.

Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. But when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight even of those struggles. Letting God have your ANXIETIES calls for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls circumstances. "

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING;(6) IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT " (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God pays attention to those who call upon him. Whether God offers escape from trouble or help in times of trouble, we can be certain that he always hears and acts on behalf of those who Love him. God wants us to cast our cares on Him, but often we continue to bear them ourselves even when we say we are trusting in him. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.

LAST POINT: Philippians 4:6 says " DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD."

Imagine being " Anxious For Nothing! " It seems like an impossibility - we all have worries on the job, in our homes, and at school. But Paul's advice is to turn our WORRIES INTO PRAYERS. Do you want to worry less? Then Pray More! Please remember that whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

Until next Time...
Jim

" CONFESSION "

Good day To You, This week we will be looking into a subject that I feel is of utmost importance to you and to me. It's time to be real so that we can be free. This weeks subject is " CONFESSION. "

An act of Confession is an acknowledgement of guilt, and or a formal statement of religious belief.

At conversion all our sins are forgiven - past, present, and future. Yet even after we become Christians, we still need to confess. This kind of confession is not offered to gain God's acceptance, but to remove the barrier to fellowship that our sin has put between us and Him. It is difficult, however, for many people to admit their faults and shortcomings, even to God. It takes humility and honesty to recognize our weaknesses,and most of us would rather pretend that we are strong.

We need not fear revealing our sins to God - He knows them already. He will not push us away, no matter what we've done. Instead He will draw us to Him. Confession is supposed to free us to enjoy fellowship with Christ. It should ease our consciences and lighten our cares. But some Christians do not understand how it works. They feel so guilty that they confess the same sins over and over; then they wonder if they might have forgotten something. Other Christians believe that God forgives them when they confess, but if they died with Un-confessed sins, they would be forever lost. These Christians do not understand that God wants to forgive us. He allowed His Beloved Son to die just so he could offer us pardon.

UNDERSTAND, WHEN WE COME TO CHRIST, HE FORGIVES ALL THE SINS WE HAVE COMMITTED OR WILL EVER COMMIT.

We don't need to confess the sins of the past all over again, and we don't need to fear that God will reject us if we don't keep our slate perfectly clean. Of course we should continue to confess our sins, but because failure to do so will make us lose our salvation. Our relationship with Christ is secure. Instead, we should confess so that we can enjoy maximum fellowship and joy with Him.

True confession also involves a commitment not to continue in sin. We couldn't be genuinely confessing our sins to God if we planned to commit them again and just wanted temporary forgiveness. We should also pray for strength to defeat temptation the next time we face it.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" THE TRIALS OF JOB "

OK, here we are again our time of the week to hear what our Lord has for us. This week we will be looking into the Book of Job, this weeks message is titled " THE TRIALS OF JOB." Please put your thinking caps on and saddle up so that we can hear what JOB has for us today.

Job is portrayed as a wealthy man of upright character and one who loves God. Yet God allows Satan to destroy his flocks, his possessions, his children, and his health. Job refuses to give up on God, even though he does not understand why this is happening to him.

How many of us get disappointed in the Lord every day, when things don't go our way? We, too, must trust God when we do not understand the difficulties we face. Job acted as priest and offered sacrifices to God to ask for forgiveness for sins he and his family had committed. This demonstrated that Job did not consider himself sinless. Job did this out of conviction and love for God, not just because it was his role as Head Of The House.

Now in my opinion this man is a STRONGMAN. Do you carry out your Spiritual duties because they are expected, or spontaneously from a heart of devotion? Job showed deep concern for the Spiritual welfare of his children. Fearful that they might have sinned unknowingly, he offered sacrifices for them. As parents today we should show the same concern by praying for our children. This means " Sacrificing some time each day to ask God to forgive them, to help them grow, to protect them, and to help them please him."

Job showed the kind of Trust we are to have. When everything is stripped away, we are to recognize that God is all we ever really had. We should not demand that God explain everything. God gives us Himself, but not all the details of His plans. We must remember that this life, with all its pain, is not our final destiny. Although God is present everywhere at times He may seem far away. This may cause us to feel alone and to doubt His care for us. We should serve God for who He is, not what we feel. He is never insensitive to our suffering. Because God is sufficient, we must hold on to Him.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" NO NEED TO QUARREL "

How often do you find yourself quarreling with another? It's important for us to figure out another alternative, rather than trying to impose our will or our thoughts on another body.

 " Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel."

Now a person who is truly confident of his or her strength does not need to parade it. A truly brave person does not look for chances to prove it. A resourceful woman can find a way out of a fight. Now I believe that a man of endurance can and will avoid retaliating. Foolish people find it impossible to avoid strife. Men and Women of character can.

What kind of person are you? " I WAS WRONG " or " I NEED ADVICE " are difficult phrase to utter because they require humility. Pride is an ingredient in every quarrel. It stirs up conflict and divides people. Humility, by contrast, heals. Guard against pride. if you find yourself Constantly arguing, examine your life for pride.

Be open to the advice of others, ask for help when you need it, and be willing to admit your mistakes. Are you quarreling with someone? To " AGREE " ALLOW FOR " NO DIVISIONS, " and " BE MADE COMPLETE IN THE SAME MIND AND IN THE SAME JUDGMENT " does not require everyone to believe in exactly the same way. There is a difference between having opposing viewpoints and being divisive. A group of people will not completely agree on every issue, but they can work together harmoniously if they agree on what truly matters - Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

In your church, speak and behave in a way that reduce arguments and increase harmony. Petty differences should never divide Christians.

LAST POINT: Before complaining about our problems we should first commit them to prayer. Some problems can be solved by careful thought or by rearranging our priorities. Some can be solved by discussion and good counsel. But some problems can be solved only by PRAYER.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" WHAT'S YOUR PURPOSE? "

God's Blessings,

Thanks for stopping by, as I know that there are other things that you can be doing right now. This week we are looking into knowing Our Purpose In Life.

Our "CALLING" from God, as Christians, is to become like Christ. This is a gradual, lifelong process that will be completed when we see Christ face to face. To be " Worthy " of this calling means to want to do what is right and good (as Christ would). We aren't perfect yet, but we're moving in that direction as God works in us. If it's one thing that I've learned is that if we follow God's guidance just as the Israelite's did then we will be alright. When you follow God's guidance, you know you are where God wants you, whether you're moving or staying in one place.

You are physically somewhere right now. Instead of praying, " God, what do you want me to do next? " Ask, " God, what do you want me to do while I'm right here? Direction from God is not just for your next big move. He has purpose in placing you where you are right now.

Begin to understanding God's purpose for your life by discovering what He wants you to do now! Concentrate on finding the special purpose God has for you. How we lose sight of our purpose; Now those of us who have a Personal Relationship with God, we are to worship and to obey the Lord alone.

As Christians we are to influence the world for God. Whatever God has given you to do in the Body of Christ is your means in achieving your purpose. Listen, don't become preoccupied with the things of this world and lose sight of the Lord. We exist only because God has made us, and we have special gifts only because God gave them to us. With God we are something valuable and unique; apart from God we are nothing, and if you try to live without Him, you will be abandoning the purpose for which you were made.

By Reading and heeding the Word, by studying His life on Earth through the Gospels, by being filled with His Spirit, and by doing His work in the world. In this way we will become more like Him.

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" ASSURANCE "

Good Afternoon to you, is all well with you today.

This week we will be looking into " ASSURANCE " so please clear your schedule for a few moments and let's see what the Bible says about it.

 The dictionary defines " ASSURANCE " as the act or action of assuring: as a pledge, guarantee; the state of being assured.

What do you cling to for the assurance of God's presence and His power? You know Moses clung tightly to the shepherd's staff as he left Egypt to face the greatest challenge to his life. The staff was his assurance of God's presence and power.

When feeling uncertain, some people need something to stabilize and reassure them. For assurance when facing great trials, God has given promises from His Word and examples from great heroes of the faith. Those of us who know Him as our Personal Savior may cling tightly to these.

Sleep does not come to easily during a crisis, but the assurance of answered prayer brings peace. It is easy to sleep well when we have the full assurance that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying awake at night worrying about circumstances you can't change, pour out your heart to God, and thank him that he's in control. Then I promise your sleep will come.

Jesus warned us that in the coming days, and I believe that we are in the END TIMES persecution of His followers will take place. Family members will be betrayed by their friends as well as those in their household. Christians of every age have had to face this possibility. It sure is reassuring to know that even when we feel completely abandoned, the Holy Spirit will stay with us. He will comfort us, and give us the words we need. This assurance can give us the courage and hope to stand firm for Christ no matter how difficult the situation.

LAST POINT: Do you remember how you felt when you were very young and your birthday approached? You were excited as well as anxious. As always you knew that you would receive gifts and other special treats. But some things would be a surprise. Birthdays combine assurance and anticipation, and so does FAITH! Now Faith is the conviction based on past experience that God's new and fresh surprises will surely be ours. It's vital that you look for the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim,

" ARE YOU ACCEPTABLE "

Good Morning, So, are you prepared for whatever you're about to face today?

Do you have your mind right? Are you confident in your life, and are you your own person? This weeks subject is titled " Are You Acceptable. "

 What is socially acceptable is not always right. I'm reminded of Rachel and Leah who were locked in a cruel contest. In their quest to have more children, they both gave their maids to Jacob as concubines. Jacob would have been wise to refuse even though this was an accepted custom of the day. The fact that a custom is socially acceptable does not mean it is wise or right. You will be spared much heartbreak if you look at the potential consequences to you and or others regarding your actions.

Are you doing anything now that might cause future problems? God accepts anyone who turns to Him for Salvation. Now we shouldn't begrudge those who turn to God in the last moments of life, because, in reality, no one deserves Eternal Life.

Think about this, many people we don't expect to see in the Kingdom will be there. The criminal who REPENTED as he was dying will be there along with people who have believed and served God for many years. Do you resent God's gracious acceptance of the despised, the outcast, and the sinners who have turned to him for forgiveness? Are you ever jealous of what God has given to another person? Instead, focus on God's gracious benefits to YOU, and be thankful for what you have.

We are to help the rejected feel accepted today, both believers and non believers may drive away those who do not fit the norms dictated by our society, neighborhoods, or churches. As a Christian you know that everyone can have a place in God's family. Can you do anything to help these people gain acceptance for their character and abilities?

LAST POINT: Too often we are inclined to accept only the parts of God's Word that appeal to us and support our own agendas, ignoring the teachings we don't like. We must accept all of God's Word as absolute truth. Jesus accepts you as you are, the Good News about Jesus is that He comes to all, including the plain and the ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him.

Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have Jesus in your life. Don't think you need extraordinary qualifications - He accepts you as you are.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim,

" THE POOR "

Good Morning To You, Yes it's me again and boy do I have a message for you this week.

We will be looking into " The Poor " and Jesus told us that the poor will always be with us. I personally believe that when we find a culture or a nation that is doing it right, just maybe we should reconsider our present course. The Hebrew law code is noted for its fairness and social responsibility toward the poor. God insisted that the poor and powerless be well treated and given the chance to restore their fortunes.

We should reflect God's concern for the poor by helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Throughout the Old Testament God told His people to treat the poor with justice. The powerless and poverty - stricken are often looked upon as incompetent or lazy when, in fact, they may be victims of oppression and circumstance. God says we must do all we can to help these needy ones. His justice did not permit the Israelite's to insist on profits or quick payment from those who were less fortunate. Instead, his laws gave the poor every opportunity to better their situation, while providing human options for those who couldn't.

Here are eight common excuses for not helping the poor and needy:
(1) They don't deserve help.
(2)They got themselves into poverty; let them get themselves out. God's call to help the poor applies to another time.
(3) we don't know any people like this.
(4) I have my own needs.
(5) Any money I give will be wasted, stolen, or spent. The poor will never see it.
(6) I may become a victim myself.
(7) I don't know where to start, and I don't have time.
(8) My little bit won't make a difference. Instead of making lame excuses, ask what can be done to help.

Does your church have programs to help the needy? Could you volunteer to work with a community group that fights poverty? As one individual, you may not be able to accomplish much, but join up with similarly motivated people and watch mountains begin to move.

GOD SAID THAT NEGLECTING THE POOR WAS A SIN. Many times we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and don't know where to begin. Now the Father does expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality, are you hearing me?

Please think about the poor in a way that you never have before.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim,

" CORRECTION "

Greetings, Today we will be looking into " CORRECTION "

All of us at some point in our lives had to be corrected about something. We must learn that correction is vital in our learning experience.

 " ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD AND IS PROFITABLE FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS " (2 Tim 3:16);

The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God. It is not a human book. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed His person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down His message for His people (2 Peter 1:20-21). This process is known as inspiration.

The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own minds, talents, languages, and styles, they wrote what God wanted them to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of their writing. Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and lives. The Bible is " God-Breathed. " Read It, and use its teachings to guide your conduct.

Are you a scoffer or a wise person? Do not reprove (Rebuke) a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a Wise Man and he will Love you. You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick put-down or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; This is the path to wisdom.

Now Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because He created life. To know God is not just to know the facts about Him, but to stand in awe of Him and have a relationship with Him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better.

It is easy to point out someone else's faults or sins. If we feel we must admonish someone, we should be sure we are confronting that person because we love Him, not because we are annoyed, inconvenienced, or seeking to blame Him. As mentioned earlier when we must correct others, it helps to begin by affirming what God has already accomplished in them.

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" EXAMPLE "

Good Day To You, If no one has greeted you or asked how you are doing today, let me be the first to do so. I appreciate that you have chosen to stop by for a visit. This week we will be looking into what it means to be an " EXAMPLE ".

What kind of example are you being? An influence on others vs. being influenced by others. Now take Noah. To say that he was righteous and blameless does not mean that he never sinned (The Bible records one of his sins). When he drank of the vine and became drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent. Rather it means that he wholeheartedly loved and obeyed God. For a lifetime he walked step by step in faith as a living example to his generation.

Like Noah, we live in a world filled with evil. Are you influencing others or being influenced by them? To rise above the influence of poor models, we must seek better ones. Christ provides a perfect model. No matter how you were raised or who has influenced your life, you can move beyond those limitations by taking Christ as your example and consciously trying to live as he did.

Those you lead will not always follow your example, but that should not affect the way you live for God. We should be teaching by example so determine both to study and to obey God's Word. If you want someone to act a certain way, be sure that you live that way yourself. Then you will earn the right to be heard, and your life will reinforce what you teach. If you are of an age or position where people look up to you, make sure that your example is motivating younger believers to live in a way that HONORS GOD.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" HAVING DOUBT(S) "

Good Morning,

 I'm so very pleased that you decided to stop by today. As always it's a privilege to share with you each week, as well as hearing from some through email. Your encouragement is a blessing to me and I appreciate the the kind thoughts.

This week we will be looking into " HAVING DOUBT(S)." To " ask in faith without any doubting " means not only believing in the existence of God, but also believing in His loving care. It includes relying on God and expecting that He will hear and answer when we pray.

We must put away our critical attitude when we come to Him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with His purposes. Listen when we begin to rely on our own understanding, we are in danger of ignoring God's assessment of the situation. By remembering His past works and His present power, we can be sure that we are not cutting off His potential help.

People often try to protect themselves from their fears by putting their faith in something they do or have: good deeds, skill or intelligence, money or possessions. But only God can save us from the one thing that we really need to fear - eternal condemnation.

We believe in God by recognizing the insufficiency of our own efforts to find salvation and by asking Him to do His work in us. When Jesus talks about unbelievers, He means those who reject or ignore Him completely, not those who have momentary doubts.

 All God's words are right and true - they can be trusted. The Bible is reliable because, unlike people, God does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled. We can trust the Bible because it contains the words of a holy, trustworthy, and unchangeable God. A mind that waivers is not completely convinced that God's way is best. It treats God's word like any human advice, and it retains the option to disobey. It vacillates between allegiance to subjective feelings, the world's ideas, and God's commands. If your faith is new, weak, or struggling, remember that you can trust God. Then be loyal to Him.

To stabilize your wavering or doubtful mind, commit yourself whole heartily to God.

Until next Time...
Jim,

" TRUTH BE TOLD "

Good Day To You
I want you to know that I appreciate you stopping by. I know that you can be reading or doing something else. It's important to me to carry out the assignments that our Lord puts in front of me. This weeks topic is called " TRUTH BE TOLD " so please sit down and let's get started.

God says to walk before me (Him) in truth. God's promises are unconditional and they will always be fulfilled. Psalm 15:1 God calls his people to be morally upright to walk in integrity, righteousness and we are to always tell the truth.You see one of God's characteristics is truthfulness. He embodies Perfect Truth; for this reason, His WORD cannot lie. It is true and dependable for guidance and help. The Bible is completely true and trustworthy. Stubbornness can blind a person to the truth. When you rid yourself of stubbornness, you may be surprised by abundant evidence of God's work in your life. Jesus Himself is the truth that sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from consequences of sin, from self-deception and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to Eternal Life with God. Thus Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God.

As we seek to serve God, Jesus' Perfect Truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be. To handle the Word of Truth correctly, we must study what the Word of God says so we can understand what it means. Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been for Him, we should build our lives on His WORD and build His WORD into our lives - it alone tells us how to live for Him and serve Him.

Believers who ignore the Bible will certainly be ashamed at the judgment. Consistent and diligent study of God's Word is vital; otherwise we will be lulled into neglecting God and our true purpose for living.

LAST POINT: How many of us only want to hear Good News, often the truth makes us uncomfortable. We prefer lies and illusions when they make us feel more secure. It is much better to face reality than to live a lie. Don't settle for something that makes you feel comfortable but is not true.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" WHAT KINDS OF WORDS COME FROM YOUR MOUTH? "

This weeks message is one that will or should truly give us pause.

Why are we so cavalier with our speech? Always remember that what goes in must come out. The Word Of God says: " BUT I TELL YOU THAT EVERY CARELESS WORD THAT PEOPLE SPEAK, THEY SHALL GIVE AN ACCOUNTING FOR IT IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. FOR BY YOUR WORDS YOU WILL BE JUSTIFIED, AND BY YOUR WORDS YOU WILL BE CONDEMNED " (Matt 12:36-37).

Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. What kinds of words come from your mouth? That is an indication of what your heart is really like. You can't solve your heart problem, however, just by cleaning up your speech. Though it is a move in the right direction. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source. "

But he answered and said, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God'. " Jesus was able to resist all of the devils temptations because He not only knew Scripture, but He also obeyed it. Ephesians 6:17 says that God's word is a sword to use in spiritual combat. Knowing Bible verses is an important step in helping us resist the devil's attacks, but we must also obey the bible.

Note that Satan had memorized scripture, but he failed to obey it. Knowing and obeying the bible helps us follow God's desires rather than the devil's. Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar.

As you begin each day, determine that God's love will guide what you say and how you think. Harsh words always seem to stir up anger. Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. Now, to turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.

LAST POINT: Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear (Ephesian 4:29).

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" YOUR GOD GIVEN ABILITIES "

This week we will be discussing " Our God Given Abilities. "

I believe that we should always give to God what is due. We are nothing without our Lord Jesus Christ nor can we accomplish anything without the abilities that He has blessed each of us with. If we don't utilize our gifts and abilities, they will diminish.

Each of us have been given a special skill or two. God wants to fill us with His Spirit so we will use them for His glory. Now, think about your special talents and abilities and the ways you could use them for God's work in the world (and we all have talents, don't sit there thinking you don't have any). A talent must be used or it will depreciate. Listen, it's important that we apply ourselves. We are responsible to use well and to the best of our abilities what the Father has blessed us with.

When people reject Jesus, their hardness of heart drives away or renders even the little understanding they had. Some people, well aware of their abilities (gifts), believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Now others may feel that they have no special talent(s) at all. Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them.

All of our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Look at this list of gifts and or abilities and imagine the kinds of people who would have each gift.

• Prophets had to be bold and usually were given the gift of articulation. 
• Servers (Those In Ministry) are faithful and loyal. 
• Teachers are clear thinkers. 
• Encourage (to exhort another) know how to motivate others. 
• Givers are generous and trusting. 
• Leaders are good organizers and managers. 
• Those who show mercy are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. 

It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts. An assertive prophet would not usually make a good counselor, and a generous giver might fail as a leader. When you identify your own gifts (and this list is far from complete), ask how you can use them to build up God's family. At the same time, realize that your gifts can't do the work of the church all alone. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. Together you can build Christ's Church.

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" WE ARE LIKENED TO SHEEP "

Well here we go again, another week has come and gone and the Lord is allowing me to share with you again. This week's subject title is: " We Are Likened To Sheep. "

Now strap yourself in and let's see what our Lord has to say about us being sheep like. God compares Christians to sheep, so in turn the Word of God points out the similarity between Christians and sheep, and this fact cannot be overemphasized. Therefore we as a sheep, like people, need a shepherd or someone to "lead us".

Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd: ( 1 Peter 5:4) This refers to the Second Coming, when He will judge all people. Those who minister to Christians are compared to shepherds " Feed The Flock Of God Which Is Among You." God is our Creator; we did not create ourselves. Many people live as though they are the creator and center of their own little world. This mindset leads to a greedy possessiveness and, if everything should be taken away, a loss of hope itself. But when we realize that God created us and gives us all we have, we will want to give to others as God gave to us (2 Cor 9:8). Then, if all is lost, we still have God and all he gives us.

Sheep that become independent too soon stray away from the safety of the shepherd and the flock. They are actually drawn away by their own appetites as they go from one clump of grass to another. Thus, they expose themselves to a multitude of dangers. The sheep's thick coat of wool can easily be caught in the under brush of thickets causing the sheep to be held captive until it dies. A lone sheep is also an open invitation to one of its many predators. Without the protection of the shepherd, a wolf, lion, or a bear would quickly kill and devour the sheep as it truly has no natural defenses. Further dangers for sheep involve falling into crevices, picking up parasites, eating poisonous plants, or casting.

" When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd " (Matt 9:36). SHEEP ARE DEFENSELESS. They have no way of protecting themselves. They cannot kick, bite, or hide. In fact, they cannot even run away from enemies that prey upon them. Keep your eyes on Christ, and RESIST THE DEVIL. Then, says James, " HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU " (James 4:7).

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" VALUES / MORALS "

Good Morning To You,

 Well this week I have the kind of message that just might make you a little uncomfortable. We all know from right and wrong as I'm sure that we all grew up with some kind of value system or another. Now a person's relationship with Christ is more important than anything else. To know Christ should be our ultimate goal.

Have you considered the values in which you live your life by? Do you place anything above your relationship with Christ? If your priorities are wrong, how will you reorder them? " VALUE " (worth) The kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. The merchant was earnestly searching for the pearl of great value, and, when he found it, he sold everything he had to purchase it.

Once you have found that treasure you have to be careful with it. One way to be cautious is to not let your relationships with unbelievers lead you away from Christ or cause your faith to waver. Keeping company with those who deny the resurrection could corrupt good Christian character. We are called to maintain a life-style that shows our faith. This can be a struggle, especially if our Christian life-style differs from the norm. Our lives should prove that we put obeying God before doing what is praised and accepted by society.

 What do you allow to influence your Moral Values? People tend to believe lies that reinforce their own selfish, personal beliefs. Today more than ever, we need to be careful about the input we allow to form our beliefs. With TV, Music, Movies, and the rest of the media often presenting sinful life-styles and unwholesome values, we find ourselves, constantly bombarded by attitudes and beliefs that are totally opposed to the Bible. Be careful about what you allow to form your opinions. The Bible is the only standard of truth. Evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings. Morals and or Values are the foundation of our authority in this life. Lack of Moral Backbone can be the root of our woes in this life.

You know it takes courage and strength to stand firm in your convictions and to confront wrongdoing in the face of opposition. When you believe something is wrong, do not let yourself be talked out of your position. Firmly attack the wrong and uphold the right.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim,

" CONTROL "

Good Morning to you and I'd like to wish you a good day in the Lord.

This week the Lord has put "Control" on my heart. Many of us at times may feel that we have absolutely no control over certain aspects of our lives. Me, I'm still learning to let the Lord lead and control my life. In this life I believe that we all must take a definite stand for the Lord, showing our Spiritual Leadership.

Men, it is vital that you are the Strongman in your household. The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serving the Father. God is always in ultimate control, and therefore we must remind ourselves that God owns the cities and He knows the future of every nation. GOD IS IN CONTROL. In and through Him we will gain the victory.

You must choose what will control you, and yes there will come a time when you have to choose who or what will control you. The choice is yours. Will it be God, your own limited personality, or another imperfect substitute? Once you have chosen to be controlled by God's Spirit, reaffirm your choice everyday. People who attempt to control others may be quick witted, manipulate others for their own benefit, unwilling to admit wrongdoing. Those who set out to use people will eventually find themselves used, God's plan cannot be blocked.

Although God permits Satan to work in our world, God is still in control. Jesus, because He is God, has power over Satan; Jesus is able to drive out demons and end their terrible work in people's lives. One day Satan will be bound forever. We are freed from sin's control. The power and penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. Our " Old Self, " Our sinful nature, died once and for all, so we are freed from its power. The " Body Of Sin " is not the human body, but our rebellious sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. Though our body willingly cooperates with our sinful nature, we must not regard the body as evil. It is the sin in us that is evil. And it is this power of sin at work in our body that is defeated. Through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, " Not Guilty " before God. We do not need to live under sin's power. God does not take us out of the world or make us robots- We will still feel like sinning, and sometimes we will sin. The difference is that before we were saved we were slaves to our sinful nature, but now we can choose to live for Christ.

Until next Time...
 Jim

" WHY SHOULD ONE ENCOURAGE ANOTHER "

Good Morning to you, well it's our time together again. This week we will be going over "Encouragement" as you may be aware, some need it more than others.

I believe that we as Christians are to encourage one another. A word of encouragement offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way. Look Around You. Be sensitive to others' need for encouragement, and offer supportive words or actions. The Word of God tells us that we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Please grasp this, that their faithfulness is a constant encouragement to us. We do not struggle alone, and we are not the first to struggle with the problems we face. Others have run the race and won, and their witness stirs us to run and win also.

What an inspiring heritage we have! Do you need to be encouraged right about now? Always remember that the Word of God offers joy and hope in times of trouble. And confidence should be in what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We're called into a LIVING hope of Eternal Life. Our Hope is not only for the future; Eternal life begins when we trust Christ and join God's family. No matter what pain or trial we face in this life, we know that it is not our final experience. Eventually we will live with Christ forever.

• Build up One Another
• Respect Your Leaders
• Encourage the Faint Hearted
• Rejoice Always
• Resist Revenge
• PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
• Avoid Every Kind of Evil
• Count on God's Constant Help

 LAST THOUGHT: Prayers can be a source of encouragement. As a man of prayer I spend my time thinking and praying for those in my sphere of influence. Even though we may be apart from each other it's my thought that my prayers are a source of encouragement. The Word of God tells us that we should pray consistently for others, especially for those who do God's work.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" ABOUT GIVING UP "

Good day to you, I truly appreciate you stopping by and spending a few moments of your time with me.

This week the Lord wanted me to share with you on the topic of " GIVING UP. " Now I'd like for you to keep an open mind, so let's get started.

Surrender: To surrender or admit defeat (2) Hand over somebody or something: to hand over or part with somebody or something. (3) Lose hope for somebody or something: To stop hoping for a good outcome with regard to somebody or something.

This week we will see just what the Lord thinks about us giving up. How many times have you felt that God was slow to act on your behalf? Some may say that they often feel this same impatience. It may be felt at times to us that evil and suffering go unchecked, and we wonder when God is going to stop them. Now in the Psalms, David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God's justice to be realized. When you feel impatient, remember the steadfast faith in God's Unfailing Love. NEVER GIVE UP ON GOD...

In his grief, Job wanted to give in, to be freed from his discomfort, and to die. But God did not grant Job's request. He had a greater plan for him. Now our tendency, like Job's, is to want to give up and get out when the going gets rough. To trust God in the good times is commendable, but to Trust him during the difficult times tests us to our limits and exercises our faith. In your struggles large or small, trust that God is in control and that He will take care of you. God's rescue doesn't always come the moment we want it. God will rescue us when He knows the right time is at hand. When you feel that God has forgotten you in your troubles, remember that God has a time schedule we can't see. God does what seems impossible, God answers prayer in His own way and in His own time. He works in " Impossible " situations. So if you want your prayers answered, we must be open to what God can do in impossible situations. And we must wait for God to work in His way, and in His time.

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" BEHAVIOR "

It's so great that you decided to stop by today, as our subject for this week is an important one " Behavior ".

Will you give me your word that you will be on your best Behavior or at least you will start working on it?

Do you let others dictate your attitude, etc?

Are you aware that Israel is and was called to be a Holy Nation, separate from and unique among all others?

(" THIS YOU ARE TO BE HOLY TO ME, FOR I THE LORD; AND I HAVE SET YOU APART FROM THE PEOPLES TO BE MINE ") Leviticus 20:26.

God has given us the Bible so that we may obtain all the information we need - and the Bible's teaching is trustworthy. Why do we often allow others' values and actions dictate our attitudes and behavior? Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else? Be careful that the values of your friends or " heroes " don't pull you away from what God says is right.

When God's people want to be like unbelievers, they are heading for spiritual disaster. Repentance is changing the behavior that produces sin. Now when you come to the realization that you have sinned there must be a change. When we repent today, we are unlikely to tear our clothing, as was done in days of old, and as in other countries today. But weeping, fasting, making restitution or apologies (if our sin hurts others) demonstrates our sincerity when we repent. The hardest part of repentance is changing the attitudes that originally produced the sinful behavior.

True repentance does not end with words of confession - that would be mere lip service. It must lead to corrected behavior and changed attitudes. When you sin and are truly sorry, confess this to God, ask His forgiveness, and accept His grace and mercy. Then, as an act of thankfulness, make the needed corrections. It's not enough to follow Jesus in your head or heart alone. You must show your faith by changed behavior. Has your faith resulted in action? What changes do you need to make? Being Born Again takes a moment of faith, but becoming like Christ is a life long process. " STRUGGLING IN ONE'S OWN STRENGTH DOESN'T SUCCEED. "

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" ALL A MAN'S WAYS SEEM RIGHT TO HIM "

Thanks so much for stopping by as always the Lord has lead me to share with you on a very important subject. The Bible says " ALL A MAN'S WAYS SEEM RIGHT TO HIM, BUT THE LORD WEIGHTS THE HEART " (Proverbs 21:2).

You know people can find an excuse for doing almost anything, but God looks behind the excuse to the motives of the heart. We often have to make choices in areas where the right action is difficult to discern. We can help ourselves make such decisions by trying to identify our motives first and then asking, " Would God be pleased with my real reasons for doing this? "

God is not pleased when we do good deeds only to receive something in return. The " Way which seems right " may offer many options and require few sacrifices. Easy choices, however, should make us take a second look. Is this solution attractive because it allows us to be lazy? Because it doesn't ask me to change my life-style? Because it requires no moral restraints?

The right choice often requires hard work and self-sacrifice. Don't be enticed by apparent shortcuts that seem right but end in death. " All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight." People can rationalize anything if they have no standards for judging right and wrong. We can always prove that we are right.

Before putting any plan into action, ask yourself these three questions:
(1) Is this plan in harmony with God's truth?
(2) Will it work under real - life conditions?
(3) Is my attitude pleasing to God?

Many people claim to know God. How can we know if they really do? We will not know for certain in this life, but at a glance at their life - styles will quickly tell us what they value and whether they have ordered their lives around kingdom priorities. Our conduct speaks volumes about what we believe.

What do people know about God and about your faith by watching your life?

 Until Next Time...
 Jim

" KNOWING OUR LIMITATIONS "

Good Day To You, I just wanted to let you know that it's alright to recognize the fact that we all have limitations of some kind or another. It's an important part of our growth acknowledging our short comings in life. We all face limitations and we must learn to overcome them or adjust and live with them.Those who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities are especially aware of this. Some may be blind, but they can see a new way to live. Some may be deaf but they can hear God's Good News. Some may be lame, but they can walk in God's Love. In addition, they have the encouragement that those disabilities are only temporary. The Word of God tells us that we all will be given new bodies when Christ returns and that these bodies will be without disabilities,never to die or become sick. This can without a doubt give us hope in our suffering. I for one have experienced a time of ailing in my life. Those who are suffering and who know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Personal Lord and Savior have hope. When we pass over we will have resurrected bodies. Now if you can select your own body, what kind would you choose - strong, athletic, or beautiful? In the Word Of God, Paul explains that we will be recognized in our resurrected bodies, yet they will be better than we can imagine,for they will be made to live forever. We will still have our own personalities and individuality's, but these will be perfected through Christ's work. The Bible does not reveal everything that our resurrected bodies will be able to do, but we know they will be perfected, without sickness or disease. Limitations will be no more. Listen limitations are not an excuse to stop serving God. " I WILL BE WITH YOU," God told Gideon, and God promised to give him the strength he needed to overcome the opposition. In spite of this clear promise for strength, Gideon made excuses. Seeing only his limitations and weaknesses, he failed to see how God could work through him. As Gideon, we are called to serve God in specific ways. Although God promises us the tools and strength we need, we often make excuses. But reminding God of our limitations only implies that he does not know all about us or that he has made a mistake in evaluating our character. Don't spend time making excuses, instead spend your time doing what God wants. Until Next Time... Jim,

" PAIN / SUFFERING "

I sincerely pray that you are having a fine day, is all well with you and yours? Thanks so much for stopping by to see about me. This week we will be looking into " PAIN and SUFFERING " again now strap in and let's get started. First things first, God Himself is the standard of Justice. He uses his power according to his own moral perfection. Thus, whatever he does is fair, and so we should appeal directly to him. Now, we all are aware that pain and suffering happens in our world. We must be reminded that we dwell in a fallen world. In our world good behavior is not always rewarded and bad behavior is not always punished. Now let's be honest when we see a notorious criminal prospering or an innocent child in pain, we say " that's wrong." And it is. Sin has twisted justice and made our world unpredictable and hideous. As did JOB many a good man suffers for no apparent fault of our own. Sadly to say, but our world is like that. Through JOB'S life we can see that faith in God is justified even when our situations look hopeless. Faith based on rewards or prosperity is hollow. To be unshakable, faith must be built on the confidence that God's ultimate purpose will come to pass. Here are six questions to ask ourselves when we suffer, and what to do if the answer is yes. (1) Am I being punished by God for sin? Response: CONFESS known SIN.(2) Is Satan attacking me as I try to survive as a Christian? Call on God for strength. (3) Am I being prepared for special service, learning to be compassionate to those who suffer? resist self-pity, ask God to open up doors of opportunity and help you discover others who suffer as you do. (4) Am I specifically selected for testing like JOB? Accept help from the body of believers trust God to work his purpose through you. (5) is my suffering a result of natural consequences for which I am not directly responsible? Recognize that in a sinful world, both good and evil people will suffer. But the good person has a promise from God that his or her suffering will one day come to an end. (6) Is my suffering due to some unknown reason? Don't draw inward from the pain. Proclaim your faith in God, know that he cares, and wait patiently for his aid. Suffering draws us back to the basics of faith, now let's take a look back at JOB. JOB was experiencing extreme physical pain as well as grief over the loss of his family and possessions. Some might say that he can't be blamed for wishing he were dead. JOB'S grief placed him at the crossroads of his faith, shattering many misconceptions about God (such as: He makes you rich, always keep you from trouble and pain, or protects your loved ones). Job was driven back to the basis of his faith in God. He had only two choices: (1) He could curse God and give up, (2) He could trust God and draw strength from him to continue.From here on out look at those who are suffering with kindness and compassion. Until next Time... Jim,

" IRON SHARPENS IRON "

Top Of The Morning To You, There's an old saying from when I was a boy that says: " Time Fly's When We're Having Fun. " Are we having fun yet, are you being all that you can be in the Lord? Do you have some one that you look up to, someone that mentors you and prays for and with you? OK let's get into the meat of this weeks message which is entitled:"Iron Sharpens Iron." " AS IRON SHARPENS IRON,SO ONE MAN SHARPENS ANOTHER " (Proverb 27:17). Christ says that those who overcome (those who remain faithful until the end and continue to please God)will rule over Christ's enemies and reign with him as he judges evil. As God's representatives we must be faithful and always have a sound mind, a sharpness about us. We are never to rebel against God in our hearts and once again we are able to be truly faithful to God. It's easy to pretend friendship, wicked people often put on a show of kindness or friendship in order to gain their own ends. True believers should be straightforward and sincere in all their relationships. Now as men of God we should be aware of how to handle small problems between ourselves. We're taught that disagreeing Christians should not have to go through the secular system to resolve our differences. You see as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit and the Mind Of Christ, so why should we ever turn to those who lack God's Wisdom? Men there is a mental sharpness that comes from being around good people. And a meeting of minds can help people see their ideas with new clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. This requires discussion partners who can challenge each other and stimulate through people who focus on the idea without involving their egos in the discussion; people who know how to attack the thought and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper. " THEN THERE WILL BE A FOURTH KINGDOM AS STRONG AS IRON; INASMUCH AS IRON CRUSHES AND SHATTERS ALL THINGS, SO, LIKE IRON THAT BREAKS IN PIECES, IT WILL CRUSH AND BREAK ALL THESE IN PIECES". Now as men of God we should be vigilant and keep our wits about us, always looking to God for everything. I believe that we should look out for our fellow man and put to good use the gifts that our Lord has given us. Until Next Time... Jim,

" SINCERITY "

Well it appears that another week has come and gone. As always I enjoy the company,and I thank you for dropping by. I want you to know that I'm intentional about my work in God's Kingdom. Remember just let me know of your prayer request and I will get right on it, and you can take that fact to the bank. This week we will be covering a subject that we all should be mindful of " Sincerity. " Sincerity is defined in this manner: freedom from deceit, hypocrisy; or duplicity;probity in intention or in communicating; earnestness. " Sincerity ": is advanced when you are open to having others in your life and when you do not feel a need to compare yourself with what others have and what you do not. There is no substitute for obedience or excuse for disobedience. We are often guilty of trying to make God in our image, molding him to fit our expectations, desires, and circumstances. When we do this, we end up worshiping ourselves rather than the God who created us - and self-worship, today as in the Israelite's time, leads to all kinds of immorality. What is your favorite imagine of God? Is it Biblical? Is it adequate? Do you need to destroy it in order to worship the immeasurably powerful God who delivered you from bondage to sin? Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one -hope the Word Of God. God's words are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when He speaks. OK, please adhere,when you go to church, or have fellowship with other believers, are you doing this from habit or for what you get out of it? God says that an attitude of worship without a sincere desire to know and love him will lead to ruin. " Sincere Love " involves selfless giving,a self-centered person can't truly love. God's Love and Forgiveness free you to take your eyes off yourselves and to meet others' needs. By sacrificing his life, Christ showed that He Truly Loves Us. Please wrap your mind around this concept, that you can love others by following His example and by giving of yourself sacrificially. Until next Time... Jim,

" DEPRESSION "

Good Day To You!

It's my prayer that all is well and right in your world. There is much hurting and despair in the lives of so many today that those of us who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior must stay in prayer. This week we will be touching on the subject of " DEPRESSION. "

Depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. Now one antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness to His people. This will take your mind off the present situation and give hope that it will improve. It will focus your thoughts on God's ability to help yourself.

When you feel depressed, take advantage of this Psalm's antidepressant (Psalm 42:5-6). Read the Bible's accounts of God's goodness, and mediate on them. Look up these verses, as they speak on depression:

• Isaiah 61:1,3
• 1 John 4:4
• Proverbs 42:11
• Matthew 28:18
• Isaiah 26:3
• Philippians 4:8
•  Isaiah 40:29
• Isaiah 53:4,5
• Nehemiah 8:10
• John 14:27

 Depression often follows great achievements. Example in the Word, God tells of Samson's triumph. After a great feat Samson was physically and emotionally exhausted. Now after his great personal victory, his attitude declined quickly into self-pity, " Shall I die of thirst?" Emotionally we are most vulnerable after a great effort or when faced with real physical needs. Severe depression often follows great achievements, so don't be surprised if you feel drained after a personal victory. During these times of vulnerability, avoid the temptation to think that God owes you for your efforts. It was His strength that gave him victory. Concentrate on keeping your attitudes, actions, and words focused on God instead of yourself.

Elijah experienced the depths of fatigue and discouragement just after his two great spiritual victories: the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the answered prayer for rain. Often discouragement sets in after great spiritual experiences, especially those requiring physical effort or involving great emotion. To lead him out of depression God first let Elijah rest and eat. Then God confronted him with the need to return to his mission - to speak God's Word in Israel. Elijah's battles were not over; there was still work for him to do.

When you feel let down after a great spiritual experience, remember that God's purpose for your life is not yet over. You don't have to be alone when you're going through a bout of depression. Always remember that Jesus never fails.

 Trust God in all things and in all ways.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" BITTERNESS "

Good Morning, You know it's really good to see you, thanks so much for stopping by. This week we will be tackling another very important subject " BITTERNESS, " so sit down and strap in. Jesus said that whoever hates another person is a murderer at heart. Bitterness against someone who has wronged you is an evil cancer within you and will eventually destroy you. Don't let a " Root Of Bitterness " grow in you or your church. you know one of the greatest barriers to Salvation for those who put wealth before the Lord Jesus is pride. For those less fortunate, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of Salvation. Forgiveness changes bitterness to joy. Don't let anything keep you from forgiving others. If you are refusing to forgive people, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy and share it with others. Make your joy grow: Forgive somebody who has hurt you. The Word Of God says " LET ALL BITTERNESS AND WRATH AND ANGER AND CLAMOR AND SLANDER BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU, ALONG WITH ALL MALICE." Like a small root that grows into a great tree,bitterness springs up in our hearts and overshadows even our deepest Christian Relationships. A " ROOT OF BITTERNESS " comes when we allow disappointment to grow into resentment, or when we nurse grudges over past hurts. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and immorality. When the Holy Spirit fills us, however, he can heal the hurt that causes bitterness. I'm sure that we are all aware that life can bring us some bad situations. We can feel cheated, but we don't have to remain bitter. We can remove bitterness from our lives by honestly expressing our feelings to God, forgiving those who have wronged us, and being content with what we have. Hatred and bitterness are like weeds with long roots that grow in the heart and corrupt all of life. I'm reminded of Hebrews 12:15 which warns us to watch out " THAT NO ROOT OF BITTERNESS SPRINGING UP CAUSES TROUBLE, AND BY IT MANY BE DEFILED." Don't let hatred and its resulting bitterness build in your heart. As others before you, you will find it backfiring against you. Now if the mere mention of someone's name provokes you to anger, confess your bitterness as sin. Ignoring bitterness, hiding it from others, or making superficial changes in behavior is not enough. If bitterness is not completely removed, it will grow back, making matters worse. We may feel bitter about a situation, but we must never despair. Today is always a new opportunity for experiencing God's Care. Until Next Time... Jim,

" SEXUAL SIN STARTS IN THE MIND "

Good Day To You, Memorial Day has just passed and we gave tribute to our fallen soldiers here in the good old U.S.of A. yesterday. All who have served and to those who are presently serving THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. With that being said this weeks message is entitled " Sexual Sin Starts In The Mind " In the old testament of the Bible we are told that it is law, for no one to have sex with someone other than his or her spouse (Exodus 20:14). But Jesus said that the desire to have sex with someone other than your spouse is mental adultery and therefore sin. Internet Pornography runs rampant around the world today. My friend said that it's a choice, and that silence about pornography indicates your approval. Pornography has destroyed the lives of men and women around the globe. I've read that experts believe that a pornography addiction may be harder to break than a heroin addiction. Pornography destroys marriages and families. Excessive interest in online pornography strongly contributes to divorce. Sexual desires must be placed under God's control. The temptation to engage in sexual intercourse outside the marriage relationship has always been powerful. God created sex for procreation and pleasure, and as an expression of love between a husband and wife. Sexual experience must be limited to the marriage relationship to avoid hurting ourselves, our relation to God, and our relationships with others. Sexual Sins hurt someone: Individuals, Families, businesses, churches. Besides the physical consequences, there are also Spiritual consequences. " Because sex is perverted, shouldn't we also abstain in marriage? " "If my spouse is unsaved, should I seek a divorce?" Should unmarried people and widows remain unmarried?" Paul answered many of these questions for us today by saying, " For now, stay put. Be content in the situation where God has placed you. If you're married, don't seek to be single. If you're single, don't seek to be married. Live God's way, one day at a time, and he will show you what to do." Sexual Sin is devastating because it's consequences are so far reaching. Remember that sexual sin is just not between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience against God. Until Next Time... Jim,

HOW " KIND " ARE YOU ?

Good Morning To You, Welcome aboard,I'm so pleased that you have seen fit to come my way. Before another day comes and goes it will be my honor to share why we should be kind to others. KIND is being considerate as well as loving. Act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his son to die for your sins. " Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you " ( Ephesians 4:32). Now if you're asked, have you as of yet tasted the Kindness of the Lord, with out a doubt we can all give a resounding yes. People have tried all kids of ways to please God, but God has made his wishes clear: He wants his people to be just, love kindness, and walk humbly with him. In your efforts to please God, examine these areas on a regular basis. Are you fair in your dealings with people? Do you show kindness to those who wrong you? Are you learning humility? Kindness is a by-product of living for God. A strategy to help you live for God day by day: (1) imitate Christ's compassionate,forgiving attitude; (2)let love guide your life; (3)let the peace of Christ rule in your heart;(4)always be thankful; (5)keep God's word in you at all times;(6) live as Jesus Christ's representative. I'm reminded of a wonderful story about a woman named Dorcas in the Word Of God who is synonymous to KIND ACTS. Dorcas made an enormous impact on her community by " abounding with deeds of Kindness and Charity," by making tunics and other clothing. When she passed,the room was filled with mourners, very likely many of the people she had helped. And when she was brought back to life, the news raced through-out the town. God uses great preachers like Peter and Paul, but he also uses those who have gifts of Kindness like Dorcas. Rather than wishing you had other gifts,make good use of the gifts God has given you. Until Next Time... Jim,

" I WILL SERVE THE LORD "

Good Day To You, The Lord impressed me to share a little something about myself. This weeks title is " I WILL SERVE THE LORD ". I have a healthy fear of my Lord and therefore I serve him in sincerity and truth. I am a Warrior of God on the front lines, as I am not made to watch from the sidelines. I propose that you join me, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. We must live what we believe, and be Men of Integrity, Men of Valor and of course we must be first, Servants Of God. " AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE MAN SHARPENS ANOTHER " (Proverbs 27:17). We must daily ask for forgiveness, and for our hearts and our minds to be open to the things of God. Now this kind of prayer is one that must be prayed until YOU get an answer. You must decide whether you will obey the Lord, who has proven his trustworthiness time after time in your life. Now, It's easy to slip into a quiet rebellion - going about life in your own way. Now the time has come brother when you must choose whom or what will control - you. The choice is yours. Will it be God, your own limited personality, or another imperfect substitute? Warrior of God once you have chosen to be controlled by God's Spirit, reaffirm your choice every day. A Warrior of God is daring, in taking a definite stand for the Lord, you will be displaying your Spiritual Leadership. I know that He who care most about you will be gratified. The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to see God.I feel that I have to ask a question, have you strapped on your armor as of yet today? Have you received your marching orders for the day? We have been warned that Satan is roaming earth seeking whom he can devour (Overcome). Talk is Cheap. You know it's easy to say we will follow God, but it is much more important to live like it. Be a man of great faith in God and a powerful leader in the faith. It's vital that you show sagacity in the things of God. We are in a Spiritual Battle to the possible death of you and all whom you care most about. Keep your wits about you, and keep your eyes and your ears open. Until Next Time... Jim,

" LOYALTY "

What are you loyal to, my dictionary defines Loyal as: 1)faithful in allegiance to one's government 2)faithful esp. to a cause or ideal : constant. " YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GOD'S BEFORE ME. YOU SHALL NOT WORSHIP THEM OR SERVE THEM; FOR I, THE LORD YOUR GOD, AM A JEALOUS GOD, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS ON THE CHILDREN, ON THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATIONS OF THOSE WHO HATE ME " (Exodus 20:3,5). Ask yourself a question, are you consistent in your loyalty to God? OK let's take a look back into the Old Testament for a moment. Despite Israel's disobedience, God showed his great mercy by raising up judges to save the people from their oppressors. Mercy has been defined as " Not giving a person what he or she deserves". This is exactly what God did for Israel and what he does for us. Our disobedience demands judgment! But God shows mercy toward us by providing an escape from sin's penalty through Jesus Christ, who alone saves us from sin. When we pray for forgiveness, we are asking for what we do not deserve. Yet when we take this step and trust in Christ's saving work on our behalf, we can experience God's forgiveness. Remember to whom your loyalty is when you are challenged, and therefore in a stressful situation recognize " We are the servants of the God of Heaven and Earth." It is not always easy to speak up for our faith in an unbelieving world, but we must. the way to deal with pressure and intimidation is to recognize that we are workers for God. Our allegiance is to him first, people second. When we contemplate the reactions and criticisms of hostile people, we can become paralyzed with fear. If we try to offend no one or to please everyone, we won't be effective. God is our leader, and his rewards are most important. So don't be intimidated. Let others know by your words and actions whom you really serve. True unity, however, cannot be forced - it must be the free response of willing hearts. If you want the Loyalty of say employees, children, or anyone else in your charge, win their respect through love instead of trying to gain their submission through force. The Lord says: " I DELIGHT IN LOYALTY RATHER THAN SACRIFICE " LAST POINT: Inquiry, what kind of friend are you? There is a vast difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty (loving " at all times " ) see (1 Cor 13:7) - being available to help in times of distress or personal struggles. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they're not getting anything out of the relationship. Think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages. I can honestly say that I have some very loyal Friends/Prayer Partners. Until Next Time... Jim,

" UNBELIEVERS "

Good Morning to you welcome and come on in, and sit awhile. This week my Lord and Savior impressed upon me to share with you on the subject of " UNBELIEVERS. " So buckle in and let's get started. Open up your hearts and your minds as this is important. Why God's plan is hidden to the unbelievers. The Holy Spirit comforts and guides us who know and Love him as our Lord and Personal Savior. Knowing the wonderful and eternal future that awaits us gives us hope and courage to press on in this life, to endure hardship, and to avoid giving in to temptation. This world is not all there is. The best is yet to come. Now the Bible refers to the " Depths Of God " and this refers to God's unfathomable nature and his wonderful plan, Jesus' death and resurrection -and to the promise of salvation, revealed only to those who believe that what God says is true. Those who believe in Christ's death and resurrection and put their faith in him will know all they need to know to be saved. Now, this knowledge, however can't be grasped by even the wisest people unless they accept God's message. All who reject God's message are foolish, no matter how wise the world thinks they are. Jesus didn't ask God to take believers out of the world but instead to use them in the world. Because Jesus sends us into the world, we should not try to escape from the world, nor should we avoid all relationship with Non-Christians. We are called to be SALT and LIGHT (Matthew 5:13-16), and we are to do the work that God sent us to do. Eternal Punishment takes place in Hell ( The Lake Of Fire, or Gehenna), the place of punishment after death for all those who refuse to repent. Now, in the Bible, these words are used in connection with Eternal Punishment. (1) Sheol, or "The Grave," is used in the Old Testament to mean the place of the dead, generally thought to be under the earth. (see Job 24:19; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 38:10). (2) Hades is the Greek word for the underworld, the realm of the dead. It is the word used in the New Testament for Sheol. (see Matthew 16:18;20:13-14). (3) Gehenna, or Hell, was named after the valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem where children were sacrificed by fire to pagan gods (see 2 Kings 28:10; 2 Chronicles 28:3). This is the place of Eternal Fire ( Matthew 5:22; 10:28; Mark 9:43; Luke 12:5; James 3:6; Rev 19:20) prepared for the devil, his angels, and all those who do not believe in God (25:46; Revelation 20:9-10). This is the final and eternal state of the wicked after the resurrection and the Last Judgment. When Jesus warns against unbelief, he is trying to save us from agonizing punishment. Until Next Time... Jim,

" FELLOWSHIP "

Welcome Aboard, This is the day that our Lord has made and therefore I will not complain rain nor shine.I am a blessed man as I fellowship with a very special group of men. Men who know and understand the Word Of God and I am grateful for their Christian-Like Warrior Faith. Their prowess is unmatched in my book. John wrote about us having fellowship with other believers. There are three principles behind True Christian Fellowship. First our fellowship is grounded in the testimony of God's Word. Without this underlying strength, togetherness is impossible. second, it is mutual, depending on the unity of believers. Third, it is renewed daily through the Holy Spirit. True fellowship combines social and spiritual interaction, and it is made possible only through a living relationship with Christ. To neglect Christian meetings is to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the Lord. As we get closer to the "DAY" when Christ will return, we will face many spiritual struggles,and even times of persecution. Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength. Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services. Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in our attendance. Now hows your relationship with your Heavenly Father? I was just sharing with someone this past weekend about our God and how he is always by our side. The thought of two humans covered with vegetation attempting to hide from the all-seeing, all-knowing God is humorous to me(Adam & Eve). How could they be so silly as to think they could actually hide from the Lord? Yet we do the same, acting as though God doesn't know what we're doing. Have the courage to share all you do and think with him. And don't try to hide, it can't be done. Honesty strengthens your relationship with God. God desires fellowship with us and Jesus opens the way, so why are we afraid of having companionship with Him? LAST POINT: Have you ever longed to see a friend with whom you share fond memories? All Christians are part of God's family and thus share equally in the Transforming Power of his Love. Do you feel a deep love for Fellow Christians, friends and strangers alike? Let Christ's love motivate you to love other Christians and to express that love in your actions toward them. " IF ONE FALLS DOWN, HIS FRIEND CAN HELP HIM UP. BUT PITY THE MAN WHO FALLS AND HAS NO ONE TO HELP HIM UP! " (Ecclesiastes 4:10) Until Next Time... Jim,

" REWARD(S) "

Come on in,and welcome,this week we will be tackling the subject of " REWARD(S). I believe that each and every one of us are open to being rewarded for our accomplishments in life. So let's strap in and see just what the Word Of God's point of view on Rewards is. Now, those of us who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Personal Savior are promised a reward. While we sometimes experience immediate and material rewards for our obedience to God, this is not always the case. If so, we would be tempted to boast about our achievements and do good only for what we get. Jesus said that if we look for rewards now, we will lose them later. Our heavenly rewards will be the most accurate reflection of what we have done on earth, and they will be far greater than we can imagine. Jesus turned the world's values upside down. Consider the most powerful or well-known people in our world - how many got where they are by being humble, self- effacing, and gentle? Not Many! But in the life to come, the last will be first - If they got in last place by choosing to follow Jesus. Don't forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits. Be willing to make sacrifices now for greater rewards later. Be willing to accept human disapproval, while knowing that you have God's approval. In the Word Of God, Paul emphasizes the spiritual rewards for those who give generously to God's work. We should not expect to become wealthy through giving. Those who receive your gifts will be helped, will Praise God, and will Pray for You. As you bless others, you will be blessed. Recognition and reward are great motivators that have two dimensions: (1) The Temporal Dimension. Living by God's standards may result in acclaim here on earth. (2) The eternal dimension. Permanent Recognition and Reward will be given in the next life. Don't be discouraged if you feel your faith in God going unrewarded here on earth. The best rewards are not in this life but in the life to come. Until Next Time... Jim,

" THE ART OF HONORING ANOTHER "

Good Morning to you, and I wish to thank you for stopping by. The Springtime of the year is my most favorite as everything is waking up from a long sleep. Now we have another chance to give God the Glory and all the Honor he deserves. Life is breaking forth according to His plan. This week we will be looking at " HONOR ". My dictionary describes Honor in this manner: To regard or treat with honor; a good name; outward respect or a person of superior standing. Now the Bible says " The wise will inherit honor, but fools display dishonor " (Prov. 3:35). Personal honor comes from honoring God, we should praise the Father for all that he has done for us and through us. I have come in contact with some who assumed that their own greatness and charisma have been instrumental in their life's conquest. we should be grateful to God for our success and not think that we did it in our own power. We are told to honor our Parents in the Ten Commandments. This is the first commandment with a promise attached. Now you may need to know exactly what it means to " Honor " your parents. In some degree it means speaking well of them and politely to them. It also means acting in a way that shows them courtesy and respect (but not to obey if this means disobedience to God). OK this part is really important, follow their teaching as well as their example of putting God first. Parents have a special place in God's sight even those who find it difficult to get along with their parents are still commanded to honor them. We are required to honor the Lord. He says " FOR THOSE WHO HONOR ME I WILL HONOR." I confess that I have many men friends who respect this old man. People often find it easy to dismiss the opinions of the elderly and avoid taking time to visit with them. These days it's easy to stay in contact with another through the newest forms of communications. But the fact that God commanded the ISRAELITES to honor the elderly shows how seriously we take the responsibility of respecting those older than we. Their Wisdom gained from experience can save us from many pit falls. When we give honor we will in turn receive honor. Until Next Time... Jim,

" ABUSE/ ABUSIVE "

Good Morning To You, I'm so pleased that Spring has sprung, the grass, tree's and shrubs are all coming alive.The birds are singing and I've already seen Squirrels, Rabbits, and even two coyotes and the Deers I see almost daily Grazing in both my front and back yard. Nothing get's past my Lord, he's thought of everything in nature,etc. This weeks message is on the subject of " Abuse " and it's one well worth sinking our teeth into today. The way that I feel is once we know the truth about the Word Of God we are responsible as well as accountable for our actions. " ABUSE": Can be coarse and insulting speech, while Jesus was hanging on the cross, there were some who dared to hurl abuse at him. Now there are some who have and still others who will hurl insults right up to the time of their death. Abuse is a corrupt practice, and many do this without even a second thought, words can hurt very deeply. Men marriage is to be a Holy union, a living symbol,a precious relationship that needs tender, self-sacrificing care. Husbands we are to love our wives and our wives are to be subject to her husband. Now, the question is how should a man love his wife? (1) He should be willing to sacrifice everything for her. (2) He should make her well-being of primary importance. (3) He should care for her as he cares for his own body. No Wife needs to fear submitting to a man who treats her in this way. When Peter calls Women the " Weaker " partners, he does not imply moral or intellectual inferiority, but he is recognizing women's physical limitations. Now the women in this day, if unprotected by a man, were vulnerable to attack, abuse, and financial disaster. Women's lives may be easier today, but women are still vulnerable to criminal attack and family abuse. In spite of increased opportunities in the work place, most women still earn considerably less than most men, and the vast majority of the nations' poor are single Mothers and their Children. A man who honors his wife as a member of the weaker sex will protect, respect, help, and STAY with her. He will not expect her to work full-time outside the home and full-time at home; he will lighten her load wherever he can. He will be sensitive to her needs, and he will relate to her with courtesy, consideration, insight, and tact. LAST POINT: " Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you " (1 Peter 5:7). Carrying your worries, stresses, and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not trusted God fully with your life. It takes humility, however,to recognize that God cares, to admit your need, and to let others in God's family help you. Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. But when we turn to God in repentance, he will bear the weight even of those struggles. Letting God have your anxieties calls for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls circumstances. Remember Verbal and Physical ABUSE have a long lasting sting. Until Next Time... Jim,

" WHAT JESUS MEANS TO ME "

Good day to you,today I'm feeling so very good and it's so great to be alive. Isn't God wonderful, he has blessed me with everything that I need. A great Wife,three wonderful Children and nine outstanding and unique Grandchildren. I've been sitting here basking in the Love of my Lord and realizing just what Jesus means to me. So I've named this weeks thoughts " WHAT JESUS MEANS TO ME. " I have eternal life through Jesus Christ. He knows all of my thoughts and this is comforting to me as he knows what I'm sincerely seeking when I call upon him. He's not a quitter,but a finisher. He'll get the job done, as he's very focused when it comes to you and me. He loves like no other, and his compassion is also like no other. He's obedient, and the Bible tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice... He in fact sacrificed his life for me. He knows what it means to suffer and to bleed for others. He's kind, reverent and unselfish, you want to know something he's my biggest cheerleader. He speaks to me often during the course of the day, and he's clear in what direction I'm to go in. You know he never disappoints me, and I have total trust in him. He's my hero, He withstood beatings,he was cursed at and just about everyone turned their backs on him accept for the disciples. Jesus says: " HE WHO IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME; AND HE WHO DOES NOT GATHER WITH ME SCATTERS." Listen it is impossible to be neutral about the Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone who is not actively following him has chosen to reject him. Any person who tries to remain neutral in the struggle of good against evil is choosing to be separated from God who alone is good. To refuse to follow Christ is to choose to be on Satan's team. ENOUGH SAID. Until next Time... Jim,

" OPTIMISM "

Good morning all, it's my prayer that all is well with you and those whom you care much about. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, I sincerely pray that you will be inspired this day. God's promises are public, and their fulfillment is sure. So why do we ever doubt him? We never have to be uncertain when we have a God of truth and righteousness. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. Anytime that you become fearful about anything just remember the Father. Please take hope in this that faith in God keeps us from losing hope and helps us resist fear. I am comforted as well as optimistic because I know that my God has promised to never leave nor to forsake me, now how about that? I'm confident that my Lord hears my supplication, the Lord receives my prayers anytime that I call out to him. Prayer can release our tensions in times of emotional stress. trusting God to be our Rock, Salvation, and Stronghold will change our entire outlook on life. No longer must we be held captive by resentment toward others when they hurt us. When we are resting in God's strength, nothing can shake us. We're all encouraged by a leader who stirs us to move ahead, someone who believes we can do the task he has given and who will be with us all the way. God is that kind of leader. He knows the future, and his plans for us are good and full of hope. As long as God,who knows the future, provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill his mission, we can have boundless hope. This does not mean that we will be spared Pain, Suffering, or Hardship, but that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion. " OPTIMISM " (1) An inclination to anticipate the best possible outcome of actions or events. (2) The optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well. (3) The belief that good is ultimately triumphant over the evil in the world. Until Next Time... Jim,

" IF GOD RESTED, WHY NOT ME "

Can we talk,this week the Lord put " REST " on my heart. Time for me to be very candid with you, I only average four to five hours of sleep per night seven days per week. Yes I'm up every morning praying for all of you whom I've promised to Stand In The Gap for. This week I've learned about balance. Jesus' take on the value of rest;we live in an action-oriented world! There always seems to be something to do and no time to rest. Yet God demonstrated that rest is appropriate and right. If God himself rested from his work, then it should not amaze us that we also need rest. Jesus demonstrated this principle when he and his disciples left in a boat to get away from the crowds. Our times of rest refresh us for times of service. Doing God's work is very important, but Jesus recognized that to do it effectively we need periodic rest and renewal. Jesus and his disciples, however, did not always find it easy to get the rest they needed! God's rest has several meanings in scripture: (1) The seventh day of Creation and the weekly Sabbath commemorating it,(2) The Promised Land of Canaan;(3) Peace with God now because of our relationship with Christ through faith; and (4) Our future Eternal Life with Christ. All of these meanings were probably familiar to the Jewish Christian readers of Hebrews. God rested on the seventh day, not because he was tired, but to indicate the completion of Creation. The world was perfect, and God was well satisfied with it. This rest is a foretaste of our eternal joy when creation will be renewed and restored, every mark of sin will be removed, and the world will be made perfect again. Our Sabbath - rest in Christ begins when we trust him to complete his good and perfect work in us. We must rest from our work and from the toil of our hands. Now God offers us the opportunity to enter his ultimate place of rest - he invites us to come to Christ. To enter his rest,you must believe that God has this relationship in mind for you, you must stop trying to create it; you must trust in Christ for it; and you must determine to obey him. Today is the best time to find peace with God. Tomorrow may be too late. " COME TO ME, ALL WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY - LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST " (Matt. 11:28). Until Next Time... Jim,

" CONFLICT / DISAGREEMENTS "

Oh, it's you, well come on in I have something that I wish to share with you today. This week I'd like to talk about friction in your life. If you're ready to learn something about yourself as I did about me then strap in and stay focused. People often argue over minor disagreements, leaving the real issue untouched. When you are in a disagreement, stop and ask yourself if you are arguing over the real issue or if you have introduced a smoke screen by attacking someone's character. If you are unjustly criticized, remember that your critics may be afraid to face the real problem. Don't take this type of criticism personally. Ask the Father to help you identify the real issue and deal with it. Rivalries, arguments, and disagreements among believers can be destructive in three ways. (1) They damage goodwill, trust, and peace - the foundations of good human relations. (2) They hamper progress toward important goals. (3) They make us Self-Centered rather than Love-Centered. Jesus understood how destructive arguments among brothers could be. In his final prayer before being betrayed and arrested, Jesus asked God that his followers be " ONE " (John 17:21). Here's a thought, when you face conflict, step back from the hostilities and consider whether you and your enemy have common goals that are bigger than your differences. Appeal to those interests as you work for a settlement. As Christians, we are in conflict with anyone who would discredit the saving message of Christ. All true believers are in this fight together, uniting against the same enemy for a common cause. Facing a potential conflict can reveal your true character. Life is a series of choices. When we stop making choices in God's direction, all that is left is to make choices in the wrong direction. Sometimes conflict is unavoidable. Sometimes, however, it isn't worth the consequences. Always look for agreeable options to solve our problems, even if it is harder for us to do so,I told you this would be hard. LAST POINT: Always try to make peace first, look for the truth, be prepared to negotiate rather than fight a battle that is not necessary. Assuming the worst about the intentions of others only brings trouble. So conflicts can be averted by asking qualifying questions before assaulting. Beware of reacting before you hear the whole story. Now, you see that wasn't so bad, choose your battles carefully. Until Next Time... Jim,

" SLANDER / DEFAMATION "

Good Day To You, I wish to thank you for stopping by, this week we will be discussing a very hurtful topic " Slander " My Mom always said that if we can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. My God says that Slander is to speak critically and maliciously of another person. So that I'm very clear "Slanderers" are haters of God, per the Holy Scriptures Romans 1:30. Scripture also says " A perverse man spreads strife, And a Slander separates intimate friends " (Prov. 16:28). So we must be very careful with our words as defamation of one's character can be a very serious thing. My dictionary defines slander in this manner: To utter slander against; a false report maliciously uttered and tending to injure the reputation of a person. We should treasure our friendships,yes from time to time there may be a falling out,but absolutely know reason to destroy a reputation. By hating another person you may become a liar or a fool. If you try to conceal your hatred, you end up lying. If you slander the other person and are proven wrong, you are a fool. The only way out is to admit your hateful feelings to God. Ask him to change your heart, to help you love instead of hate. Making up or spreading false reports was and is still forbidden by God. Gossip,Slander, and false witnessing undermined families, strained neighborhood cooperation, and made chaos of the justice system. Destructive gossip still causes problems, no matter how you slice it. Even if you don't initiate a lie, you become responsible if you pass it along. Now, make sure that you don't circulate rumors; squelch them. Question, have you ever been falsely accused or so badly hurt that you wanted revenge? Instead of taking matters into your own hands and striking back, the proper response to slander is Prayer, not revenge, because God says, " VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." Instead of striking back, ask God to take your case, bring justice, and restore your reputation. Until Next Time... Jim,