" WHY SHOULD I KEEP MY PROMISES "

A PROMISE: 1- a pledge to do or not to do something specified 2- ground for expectation of success or improvement 3- something promised. Moses reminded the people that their promises to God and others must be kept. In ancient times, people did not sign written contracts. A Person's Word was as a signature. To make a Vow even more binding, an offering was given along with it. No one was forced by law to make a Vow; but once made, Vows had to be fulfilled. Breaking a Vow meant a broken Trust and a broken relationship. Trust is still the basis of our relationships with God and others. A broken promise today is just as harmful as it was in Moses day. Oaths, or Vows, were common, but Jesus told his followers not to use them that their word alone should be enough. Are you known as a person of your word? Truthfulness seems so rare that we feel we must end our statements with " I PROMISE." If we tell the truth all the time, we will have less pressure to back up our words with an oath or promise. A person with a reputation for exaggeration or lying often can't get anyone to believe him on his word alone. Christians should never become like that. Always be honest so that others will believe your simple YES or NO. By avoiding lies, half-truths, and omissions of the truth, you will become known as a TRUSTWORTHY PERSON. Last Point: If you tell someone that you will do this or that then do it. Now if by chance you can't, then let them know that you can't but always be a person of your word. Until Next Time... Jim,

" THE FATHERLESS / ORPHANS "

Good Afternoon to you, come on in and sit awhile. Is all well in your world, if not I am willing to pray in the name of JESUS CHRIST for you. This week we will be looking into The " Fatherless / Orphans." Are you doing all you can or just maybe a one time pinch of conscience towards the proper care of the needy? 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. " Isaiah says: Learn to do good; Seek Justice, Reprove The Ruthless, Defend The Orphan, Plead for the Widow." Only in God is there hope for the Orphans, Widows, Prisoners, and all other lonely people. Now, if you are lonely or disadvantaged, start to Praise God and Discover Great Joy from Loving and Praising God. Back in the first century, Orphans and Widows had very little means of economic support. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as Slaves, or Starving. By caring for these Powerless People, the Church put God's Word into practice. When we give with no hope of receiving in return, we show what it means to serve others. Another hero of the Faith Paul, wanted Christian families to be as self- supporting as possible. He insisted that children and grandchildren take care of the Widows in their families; he suggested that younger widows remarry and start new families; and he ordered the church not to support lazy members who refused to work. Nevertheless, when necessary, the believers pooled their resources; they gave generously to help disaster - ridden churches, and they took care of a large number of widows. The Church has always had limited resources, and it has always had to balance financial responsibility with generosity. It only makes sense for members to work as hard as they can and to be as independent as possible, so they can adequately care for themselves and for less fortunate members. When church members are both responsible and generous, everyone's needs will be met. Until Next Time... Jim,

" A TIME FOR TESTING "

" YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST." In a number of places Jesus intentionally challenged his listeners to test him. He welcomed those who wanted to question his claims and character as long as they were willing to follow through on what they discovered Jesus' challenge clarifies the two most frequent reasons that people miss when encountering him: 1- They never accept his challenge to test him, or 2- They test him but are not willing to believe what they discover. Have you made either of those mistakes? The Corinthians were called to examine and test themselves to see if they really were Christians. Just as we get physical check-ups, Paul urges us to give ourselves Spiritual Check-Ups. We should look for a growing awareness of Christ's presence and power in our lives. Only then will we know if we are true Christians or merely impostors. If we're not taking active steps to grow Grow Closer To God, we are drawing further away from him. " TEST " 1- A challenge or difficult situation imposed by God for the purpose of strengthening faith; not to be confused with temptation to evil (James 1:13). 2- The act of putting God to the test, demanding that we prove Himself and His power in some way, as Satan attempted to persuade Jesus to do. 3- The act of one person's challenging another to prove himself by answering difficult questions etc. LAST POINT: " Beloved,do not believe every spirit, but TEST the SPIRITS to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world " (1 John 4:1). I believe this verse is saying: " Do Not Believe Every Spirit, But TEST The SPIRITS. " That we shouldn't believe everything we hear just because someone says it is a message inspired by God. There are many ways to test teachers to see if their message is truly from the Lord. One is to check to see if their words match what God says in the Bible. Other tests include their commitment to the Body of Believers, their life-style, and the fruit of their ministry. But the most important test of all, says John, is what they believe about Christ. Do they teach that Jesus is fully man? Our world is filled with voices claiming to speak for God. Give them these tests to see if they are indeed speaking God's Truth. Until Next Time... Jim,

" THE BENEFITS OF TEAMWORK "

This week we are looking into the importance of " Teamwork. " If you are anything like me, I need to partner with others especially when it comes to praying for others in some cases. The disciples were sent out in pairs. Individually they could have reached more areas of the country, but this was not Christ's plan. One advantage in going out by two was that they could strengthen and encourage each other, they faced rejection. Our strength comes from God, but he meets many of our needs through our Teamwork with others. As you serve Christ, don't try to go it alone. Team up with those who follow God, and when you come up against what seems to be an insurmountable situation have trust in your comrade's. Never forget that the Father is with us, so we need not be worried as our God is all powerful. I'm reminded of Gideon and his mighty army. Now Gideon's army was 300 men chasing 15,000. They should have realized that victory was certain because God was with Gideon. But they were so worried about saving themselves that they never thought about God's power to save. Because of fear for ourselves, we may not recognize God's presence in other people and therefore miss God's victory. Then we must face the often bitter consequences of failing to join forces with those God has chosen to do his work. Because God will prevail with or without you, be quick to join others who are engaged in his work. Lend support with your time, money, talents, and prayer. LAST POINT: Always remember that the Lord God is always with us. Do you remember the time God rescued Joseph when his enemies attacked him. So often we struggle by ourselves, forgetting that God is able to help us fight our battles, whether they are against men with weapons or against Spiritual Forces. Now Joseph was able to draw closer to God as adversity mounted. To trust God to rescue you shows great faith. Now, can you trust him when injury or persecution is directed at you? Such Spiritual Battles require Teamwork between Courageous, Faithful People and a Mighty God. Until Next Time... Jim,

" BE A CONFIDENT CHRISTIAN "

Is it well with your soul,the weeks seem to have wings? Anyway this week we will be looking into how we carry ourselves. I'm obligated to ask if you know the Lord As Your Personal Savior? Food for thought... A man may go to Heaven without Health - without wealth - without fame - without a great name - without learning - without culture - without big earnings - without beauty - without friends - without ten thousand other things. But he can never go to Heaven without The Lord Jesus Christ! " I Am The Way, and the Truth, and The Life; No One Comes To The Father But Through Me " (John 14:6). Now as Christians we are to be an Ambassador, An Envoy for Christ Jesus. Take the Apostle Paul, once he saw the light he was in 110%. Listen wherever you go, you are expected to be " The Light In A Dark Place. " Do you represent God wherever you go? Are you Bold and Obedient enough to Speak and Minister to Others? Paul spoke and acted Confidently because he had Faith that he represented Jesus Christ wherever he was. Now I'm aware that you and I may be on a different Spiritual Plain, so I want you to know this. If you ask the Father to give You what I call " HOLY BOLDNESS " He will. By God's Power, Believers are Sanctified - Made Holy. This means that we are set apart from Sin, enabled to obey and to become more like Christ. When we are growing in our relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit frees us from the demands of the Law and from fear of Judgment. Know matter what, you must always Trust God. God had promised safe passage to Paul (Acts 27:23-25), and he would let nothing stop his servant, now the poisonous viper that bit Paul was unable to harm him. I know that at times we are a little thick if you know what I mean. Our lives are in God's hands, to continue on or to come to and end in his good timing. Paul continued to minister to others, even in the worse of times. It is no wonder the Gospel spread like wild fire. Until Next Time... Jim,