" ABRAHAM "

This week we will be taking a glimpse at the life of Abraham and his decision-making process. Lessons that we can learn from the life of Abraham. Something that I told my children as well as my grandchildren: That there are consequences to any action we take. It's vital that we recognize that we can set into motion a series of events that may continue long after we're gone. Unfortunately, when we are making a decision most of us think only of the immediate consequences. These are often misleading because they are short-lived. Abraham was an ordinary man who's faith pleased God. He had a choice to make. Now the decision that he had to make was between setting out with family and belongings for parts unknown or staying right where he was. He had to decide between the security of what he already had and the uncertainty of traveling under God's direction. All he had to go on was God's promise to guide and bless him. Abraham could hardly have been expected to visualize how much of the future was resting on his decision of whether to go or stay, but his obedience affected the history of the world. His decision to follow God set into motion the development of the nation that God would eventually us as his own when he visited earth himself. When Jesus Christ came to earth, God's promise was fulfilled; through Abraham, the entire world was blessed. You probably don't know the long-term effects of most decisions you make. But shouldn't the fact that there will be long-term results cause you to think carefully and seek God's guidance as you make choices and take action today? Until Next Time... Jim,

" Christian are you using your spiritual gift(s)? "

First Things First, when someone gives his or her life to the Lord Jesus Christ we receive at least One Spiritual Gift. Now, are you taking advantage of what the Father may have given you as a Christian? Regarding Spiritual Gifts, there are two errors to avoid with Spiritual Gifts. Now Paul compared the Body Of Christ to a Human Body. Each part has a specific function that is necessary to the body as a whole. The parts are different for a purpose, and in their differences, they must work together. Christians must avoid two common errors:(1) Being too proud of their abilities, or (2) Thinking they have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different gifts simultaneously, to spread the Good News of Salvation. Check out this list of Spiritual Gifts and imagine the kinds of people who would have each gift. Take for instance PROPHETS who are often bold and articulate. SERVERS (those in ministry) are faithful and loyal. TEACHERS are clear thinkers.ENCOURAGERS (those who exhort) know how to motivate others. GIVERS are generous and trusting. LEADERS are good organizers and managers. Those who show mercy are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts. And assertive prophet would not usually make a good counselor, and a generous giver might fail as a leader. When you identify your own gifts (and this list is far from complete), ask how you can use them to build up God's family. At the same time, realize that your gifts can't do the work of the church all alone. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weakness, and be used by God. Util Next Time... Jim,

" FAMILY "

This week we are looking into " Family." I'm very sorry to say that I'm of the mind that some take family for granted. It's vital that you teach your family the value of following God. Take a moment and lean in, life without the Father to me is senseless. Consider this, all of life's work - building a home, establishing a career, and raising a family - must have God as the foundation. In the Bible, we are told that a good family is a reward for following God. The values outlined in God's Word include Love, Service, Honesty, Integrity, and Power. Those help all relationships and they are especially vital to home life. Is your home life heavenly or hectic? Reading and obeying God's Word is a good place to start to make your family all that it should be. LAST POINT: " He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the kind intention of His Will " (Ephesians 1:5). " Predestined " means marked out beforehand. This is another way of saying that salvation is God's work and not our own doing. In his infinite Love, God has adopted us as his own children. Through Jesus' sacrifice, he has brought us into his family and made us heirs along with Jesus (Romans 8:17). Now in Roman Law, adopted children had the same rights and privileges as biological children, even if they had been slaves. This term shows how strong our relationship to God is. Have you entered into this loving relationship with God? Until Next Time... Jim,

" GOD WILL PROVIDE "

This week we are looking into how the Father always provides. Those of you who are familiar with the phrase " A Ram In The Bush " will know where we're headed. I get so blessed when I read the accounting of the Offering Of Isaac. I'm referring to when God tested Abraham. God said take your son, your only son in whom you love, take him to the land of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain of God's choosing. Now, why did God ask Abraham to perform human sacrifice? Pagan nations practiced human sacrifice, but God condemned this as a terrible sin (Leviticus 20:1-5). God did not want Isaac to die, but he wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so it would be clear that Abraham loved God more than he loved his promised and long-awaited son. God was TESTING Abraham. Now the purpose of testing is to Strengthen our Character and deepen our Commitment to God and his perfect timing. Through this difficult experience, Abraham strengthens his commitment to obey God. He also learned about God's ability to provide. Now put yourself in Abraham's place, how would you have handled this situation. Are you 100% trusting God in whatever He may ask of you. Never Forget, " God Will Provide. " Until Next Time... Jim,

" MIRACLE REGARDING THE FLEECE "

Do you believe in the possibility of Miracles? This week we will be looking into The Miracle Regarding The Fleece. " Miracle:" Is a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency. ( Wonder, Marvel, Sensation, Phenomenon, or Mystery). Please read or re-read Judges 6:36-39. Was Gideon testing God, or was he simply asking God for more encouragement? In either case, though his motive was right (to obey God and defeat the enemy), his method was less than ideal. Gideon seems to have known that his requests might displease God (6:39), and yet he demanded two miracles (6:37-39) even after witnessing the Miraculous fire from the rock (6:21). It is true that to make good decisions, we need facts. Gideon had all the facts, but still, he hesitated. He delayed obeying God because he wanted even more proof. Demanding extra signs was an indication of unbelief. Fear often makes us wait for more confirmation when we should be taking action. Visible signs are unnecessary if they only confirm what we already know is true. Today the greatest means of God's guidance is his word, the Bible. Unlike Gideon, we have God's complete, revealed word. If you want to have more of God's guidance, don't ask for signs; study the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Get excited when you are preparing to do your daily study. Change your mindset and take it slow when reading and studying the Word Of God. Until next Time... Jim,