" 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,