" CHILDREN FOLLOW THEIR PARENTS EXAMPLE(S) "

This weeks message is one that I believe each and every parent should pay close attention, this week as we are talking about " Family. " All human beings are related, going back to Adam and Eve. Mankind is a family that shares one flesh and blood. You must remember this if you when prejudice enters your mind or hatred invades your feelings. Please recognize the fact that each person is valuable and unique as we all are a creation of God. As Parents we help Shape the world's future by the way we shape our children's values. How often have you heard me say, What we do good or bad, our Children will do in excess. Now I believe the first step toward helping children live rightly is for the parents to live rightly. Our actions are often copied by those closest to us. What kind of example are you setting for your children? It is important to tell our children about God's work in our past and to help them see what he is doing right now. What are the Turning Points in your life where God intervened? What is God doing for you now? Your stories will form the foundations of your children's belief in God. What kind of legacy will you have? Sharing Spiritual experiences. Do you have traditions - special dates or special places - to help your children learn about God's work in your life? Do you take time to tell them what God has done for you - Forgiving and Saving you, Answering your Prayers, Supplying your Needs? Retelling your story will help keep memories of God's Faithfulness alive in your family. LAST POINT: I believe that it's vital for us to instruct, guide our family in following Christ. A good family life is a reward for following God, I believe in Family Altar (Family Devotions). The values outlined in God's Word include Love, Service, Honesty, Integrity, and Prayer. These help all relationships, and they are especially vital to home life. Is your home life heavenly or just crazy? Reading and obeying God's Word is a good place to start to make your family all that it should and could be. Until Next Time... Jim,

" WHY IS PRAYER IMPORTANT "

PRAYER: A Petition, Supplication or Praise addressed to God. Probably the best known from the Bible is the Lord's prayer. The prayer which Jesus taught his Disciples as an example of how they should pray. We must train ourselves into turning our worries into prayer. Always collect your thoughts and prayer. When we feel the pressure that can almost overwhelm us when about to face a difficult conflict, we can run about frantically or we can pause to pray. Which approach will be more effective. Now I believe in balancing prayer with action. A few weeks back I was reminded of God's people being chased by pharaoh's army as they left Egypt. They knew that they were being chased by one of the mightiest armies in the world. Moses called upon God to intervene. We may not be chased by an army, but we may still feel trapped. Instead of giving in to despair, we should adopt Moses' attitude to " Stand by and see the Salvation of the Lord which he will accomplish for you today. " Now the Lord told Moses to stop praying and get moving! Prayer must have a vital place in our lives is also a place for action. Sometimes we know what to do, but we pray for more guidance as an excuse to postpone doing it. If we know what we should do, then it is time to get moving. LAST POINT: Imagine being " Anxious For Nothing "! It seems like an impossibility - we all have worries on the job, in our home, at school. But Paul's advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then Pray More! Whenever you start to worry stop and pray. Let God's peace guard your heart against anxiety. Until Next Time... Jim, ,

" Jesus' Brother James "

Welcome Aboard, this week we are looking into " James. " As most know, the Book Of James is my second favorite in the Bible after the Book Of Joshua. Traditionally, it has been assumed that the James who authored this letter is the brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3), and the leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; Gal 1:19). Now James was probably the oldest of Christ's several brothers and sisters since he heads the list in Matthew 13:55 as well as in Mark 6:3. At first he did not believe in Jesus and even challenged him and misunderstood his mission (John 7:2-5). Later James became a committed disciple. Before his martyrdom C. A.D. 62, James was very prominent in the church. 1- James was one of the selected individuals Christ appeared to after his Resurrection (1 Cor 15:7). 2- Paul called him a " Pillar " of the church (Gal 2:9). 3- Paul, on his first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem, saw James (Gal 1:19). 4- Paul did the same on the last visit (Acts 21:18). 5- When Peter was rescued from prison, he told his friends to tell James (Acts 12:17). 6- James was a leader in the important council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13). 7- Jude could identify himself simply as a " brother of James " (Jude 1:1), so well - known was James. LAST POINT: During Jesus' lifetime, his siblings did not believe he was the Messiah (John 7:5), but his resurrection must have convinced them. Jesus' special appearance to James, one of his brothers, may have been an especially significant event in their conversion (see 1 Corinthians 15:7). Once again this James is Jesus' brother, who at first did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:5). After seeing the resurrected Christ, he became a believer and ultimately a leader of church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13). James wrote the New Testament book of James. Until Next Time... Jim,

" Joshua Son Of Nun "

Joshua was a brilliant military leader and a strong spiritual influence. But the key to his success was his submission to God. When God spoke, Joshua listened and obeyed. Joshua's obedience served as a model. As a result, Israel remained faithful to God throughout Joshua's lifetime. Out of over a million people, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who left Egypt and entered the promised land. " Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9). " God's charge to Joshua, " Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses." Because Joshua had assisted Moses for many years, he was well prepared to take over the leadership of the nation. Changes in leadership are common in many organizations. At such times, a smooth transition is essential for the establishment of the new administration. This doesn't happen unless new leaders are trained. If you are currently in a leadership position, begin preparing someone to take your place. Then, when you leave or are promoted, operations can continue to run efficiently. If you want to be a leader, learn from others so that you will be prepared when the opportunity comess. Joshua had big shoes to fill but God's anointing his approval was all he needed. As Joshua we are likewise told to be STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. Until Next Time... Jim,