" 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