" REST "

Here we are thrust into another week and it is my prayer that all is well in your camp. This week we are looking into " Rest. " "Come To Me All Who are weary and heavy- Laden, and I will give you Rest " (Matt 11:28). Now we all at times can feel like we have the weight of the world on our shoulders. Now a person may be carrying heavy burdens of sin and maybe weariness in the search for God. Jesus frees people from these burdens. The rest that Jesus promises is Love, healing, and peace with God, not the end of all of our say work stress. Please listen: a relationship with God changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose. The Bible reminds us that these bodies of ours require rest. When the disciples had returned from their mission, Jesus took them away to rest. Doing God's work is very important, but Jesus recognized that to do it effectively we need periodic Rest and renewal. Jesus and his disciples, however; did not always find it easy to get the Rest they needed. LAST POINT: God has given his chosen people a gift, the opportunity to enter Canaan, but they disobeyed and failed to enter (Numbers 13;14). Now God offers the opportunity to enter his ultimate place of Rest - He invites us to come to Christ. To enter his Rest, you must believe that God has relationship in mind for you; you must stop trying to create it; you must trust in Christ for it; and you must determine to obey him.Today is the best time to find peace with God. Tomorrow may be too late. Until Next Time... Jim

" CAIN AND ABEL "

This week we are looking into the original brothers Cain and Abel. Adam and Eve's first two children were these two young men. No longer was everything provided for Adam and Eve as it had been in the Garden Of Eden where their daily tasks were refreshing and delightful. Now they had to struggle against the elements in order to provide food, clothing, and shelter for themselves and their family. Now Cain became a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. In parts of The Middle East today, these ancient occupations are still practiced much as they were in Cain and Abel's time. Have you ever really wondered what happened between God and Cain. Now Cain was the first born to Adam and Eve and I would imagine that he was pampered. I likewise wonder if jealousy creeped into his life when baby brother came on the scene. The Word of God says: " So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord has regard for Abel and for his offering; " The Bible does not say why God rejected Cain's sacrifice. Who knows maybe Cain's attitude was improper, or perhaps his offering was not up to God's standards. Proverbs 21:27 says, " The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with evil intent!" God evaluates both our motives and the quality of what we offer him. LAST POINT: OK, it's time to search your heart. Prayerfully you are not the person that you once was, most of us never truly overcome anger. Now, how do you react when someone suggests you have done something wrong? Do you move to correct the mistake or deny that you need to correct it? After Cain's sacrifice was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. God even encouraged him to do this! But Cain refused, and the rest of his life is a startling example of what happens to those who refuse to admit their mistakes. Now it just may be possible that someone will suggests you are wrong, take an honest look at yourself and choose God's way instead of Cains. Until Next Time... Jim,

" ARE YOU A CARNAL CHRISTIAN ?"

Welcome and come right on in, sit down and stay awhile. This week we are looking into " Carnal Christians." " CARNAL " is translated from the Greek word " Sarkikos, " which actually means " Freshly. " Now this revealing word is seen in the context of Christians in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. " Paul called the Corinthians infants in the Christian Life because they were not yet Spiritually healthy and mature. The proof was that they quarreled like children, allowing divisions to distract them. Now, immature Christians are " Worldly, " controlled by their own desires; Mature Believers are in tune with God's desires. How much influence do your desires have on your life? Our goal should be to let God's desires be ours. Being controlled by your own desires will stunt your growth. I believe that we must all ask ourselves, are we a Carnal Christian or Unbeliever who is disobedient to the word - that is to Jesus Christ? If you have given this question a thought " Are You A Carnal Christian " how did you answer it? Were you quick to discount the term Carnal Christian? Do you remember when you first got Saved, when you gave your life to the Lord? A total metamorphosis took place in your life, and you were intentional about staying away from the things that caused you to sin. It is vital that you Armor Up Daily, first thing in the morning. Now the Word Of God proves to us that we can have eminent, daily victory. Scripture says, " For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace " (Romans 6:14). If we're no longer the law but under grace, we are now free to sin and disregard the Ten Commandments? Paul says, " May it never be!" When we were under the law, sin was our Master - The law does not, justify us or help us overcome sin. But now that we are bound to Christ, He is our Master, and he gives us power to do good rather than evil. So if you feel you're on a slippery slope, reach out for help by calling on Jesus. Until Next Time... Jim,

" ADVERSARY / CONFLICTS "

Good Evening All, It is my heart's desire that all is well in your camp. This week we are looking into " Adversary / Conflicts " we must be alert to how Satan will use another to cause us to stumble. " Adversary:" Foe, Opponent or enemy, One who is antagonistic toward another. Satan is the Adversary of God and the Accuser of his people. Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. Through Christ, people can have a Personal Relationship with God and be blessed beyond measure. I'm reminded of David, who frequently claimed that God was slow to act on his behalf. We often feel this same impatience. It seems that evil and suffering go unchecked, and we wonder when God is to stop them. David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God's justice to be realized. When you feel impatient, remember David's steadfast Faith in God's unfailing Love. When involved with an adversary, we should initiate every effort to solve the matter quickly. Now I'm reminded of Abram and Lot when facing a potential conflict with his nephew Lot, Abram took the initiate in settling the dispute. He gave Lot first choice, even though Abram, being older, had the right to choose first. Abram also showed a willingness to risk being cheated. Now Abram's example shows us how to respond to difficult situations: (1) Take the initiative in resolving conflicts (2) Let others have first choice, even if that means not getting what we want; (3) Put Family above personal desires. Until Next Time... Jim,