" UNBELIEF / UNBELIEVERS "

Come on in and sit awhile, this week we are looking into " Unbelief / Unbelievers. " It must be said to those who don't believe in God, life on planet earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for all this world has to offer. This world's values: Money, Prestige, Power, and of course Pleasure. Now, for Apostle Paul, to live meant to develop Eternal Values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an Eternal Perspective. Paul's whole purpose in life was to speak out Boldly for Christ and to become more like Him. Therefore Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better than living, because in death he would be removed from worldly troubles, and he would see Christ face-to-face. If you're not ready to die, then you're not ready to live. Make certain of your Eternal Destiny; then you will be free to serve - devoting your life to what really counts, with fear of death. Now, " What will happen to the heathen who have never heard about Christ?" This question is often asked about God's justice. God " is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Those who sincerely seek God will find him! When you feel lost, it may be because you're looking everywhere but to God your help and guidance. It's time to take out a real insurance plan, with Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Until Next Time... Jim,

" OPPORTUNITIES "

Between you and me I sincerely appreciate the Opportunity that I have to share with you. This week we are looking into " Opportunities." And Paul comes to mind. Now, when Paul became a Servant of the Gospel, The Father gave him the Ability, to share effectively the gospel of Christ. You may not be an Apostle or even an Evangelist but God will give you Opportunities to tell others about Christ. And with said opportunities he will provide the Ability, Courage and Power. Whenever an Opportunity presents itself, make yourself available to God as his Servant. Now, as you focus on the person and his or her needs, God will communicate your caring attitude. Your words will be Natural, Loving, and Compelling. I have the opportunity to share with you as well as others around the globe. Until Next Time... Jim,

" SERVICE "

" SERVICE: " A valuable Action, Deed, or effort performed to satisfy a Need or to fulfill a demand. When I think of someone with a Servant's heart I think of Rebekah. Now Rebekah's Servant spirit was clearly demonstrated as she willingly and quickly drew water for Eliezer and his camels. The pots used for carrying water were large and heavy. It took a lot of water to satisfy a thirsty camel - up to 25 gallons per camel after a weeks travel. Seeing Rebekah go to work, Eliezer knew this was a woman with a heart for doing far more than the bare minimum. Do you have a Servant Spirit? When asked to help or when you see a need go beyond the minimum. Avoid excuses when God calls you to serve. Do you remember in the Book Of Judges in chapter 6 verse 14 - 16 " 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. Like 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 it doing what God wants. Until Next Time... Jim,

" RESPONSIBILITY IS YOURS "

Christians have both a privilege and a great responsibility, Paul and the Apostles received forgiveness ("Grace") as an undeserved privilege. But they also received the responsibility to share the message of God's forgiveness with others. God also graciously forgives our sins when we believe in him as Lord. In doing this, we are committing ourselves to begin a new life. Paul's new life also involved a God-given Responsibility - to witness about God's Good News to the world as a Missionary. Now, God may or may not call you to be an overseas missionary, but he does call you (and all believers) to witness to and be an example of the changed life that Jesus Christ has begun in you. We must pick up the gauntlet to keep the world alive for the next generation. Now, as Paul reached the end of his life, he could look back and know he had been faithful to God's call. Now it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, preparing, leaders to take his place so that world would continue to hear the Life - Changing message of Jesus Christ. Timothy was Paul's living legacy, a product of Paul's faithful teaching, discipleship, and example. Because of Paul's work with many believers,including timothy, the world is full of believers today who are also carrying on the work. What legacy will you leave behind? Whom are you training to carry on your work? It is our responsibility to do all we can do to keep the gospel message alive for the next generation. Until Next Time... Jim,