" 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