" TO RECEIVE "

" Receive: " To take in or accept (as something sent or paid): come into possession of; to Get 2: Contain, Hold 3: to permit to enter: Greet, Welcome. " The Lord has heard my supplication, the Lord RECEIVES my prayer." jesus gave the disciples a principle to guide their actions as they ministered to others: " Freely you received, freely give. Because God has showered us with his blessings, we should give generously to others of our Time, Love, and Possessions. Matthew 21:22 " And all things you ask in Prayer, believing you will receive." Now, this verse is not a guarantee that we can get ANYTHING we want simply by asking Jesus and believing. God does not grant request that would hurt us or others or that would violate his own Nature or Will. Please understand that Jesus' statement is not a blank check. To be fulfilled, our request must be in harmony with the Principles of God's Kingdom. The stronger our belief, the more likely our prayers will be in line with God's Will, and then God will be happy to grant them. LAST POINT: Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him." Now the Crown of Life is like the victory wrath given to winning athletes. God's Crown of Life is not glory and honor here on earth, but the reward of Eternal Life - living with God forever. the way to be in God's winners' circle is by loving him and staying faithful even under pressure. Until Next Time... Jim,

" IGNORANCE; IS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE "

A discerning question, when was the last time you read the book of Job, I'm struck by God's Mighty Power. OUT OF A WHIRLWIND GOD SPOKE, surprisingly, he didn't answer any of Job's questions; Job's questions were not at the heart of the issue. Instead, God used Job's ignorance of the earth's natural order to reveal his ignorance of God's moral order. If Job did not understand the working of God's physical creation, how could he possibly understand God's mind and character? There is no standard or criterion higher than God himself by which to judge God himself is the standard. Our only option is to submit to his authority and rest in his care. It does us no good to seek God's advice if we ignore it is given. Real love for God is shown not by merely asking for direction, but by following that direction once it is given. We should not try to obey God selectively, choosing those commands we will obey and those we will ignore. God's Word has authority over every aspect of our lives, not just selected portions. Food for thought, washing your hands of a a tough situation doesn't cancel your guilt. It merely gives you a false sense of peace. Don't make excuses - take responsibility for the decisions you make. LAST POINT: I believe that it's time to be real. We like Jesus' disciples took Jesus for granted. The disciples had a fantastic opportunity - they were eyewitnesses of Christ, the son of God. But for many months they took Jesus for granted, not really listening to him or obeying him. We also have a privileged position, with knowledge of 2,000 years of church history, availability of the Bible in hundreds of languages and translations, and access to many excellent pastors and speakers. Yet often we take these for granted. Remember, with privilege comes responsibility. Because we are privileged to know so much about Christ, we must be careful to follow him. Until Next Time... Jim,

" QUESTION(S) "

This week we are looking into " Question(s) " We all have them but are we asking the right one(s)? The most important question we will ever answer is what we believe about Christ. Now I'm of the mind that other theological questions are irrelevant until we believe that Jesus is who he said he is. God Welcomes Our Questions. Take John The Baptist, for example, he had to know if Jesus Christ his cousin was the Messiah. Now John was somewhat confused because the reports that he received were unexpected and incomplete. Johns doubts were natural, and Jesus didn't rebuke him for them. Instead, Jesus responded in a way that John would understand: Jesus explained that he had accomplished what the Messiah was supposed to accomplish. God can handle our doubts, and he welcomes our questions. Do you have questions about Jesus - about who he is or what he expects of you? Admit them to yourself and to Go, and begin looking for answers. In a number of places 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, (2) they test him but are not willing to believe what they discover. Have you made either of those mistakes? Until Next Time... Jim,

" TRANSRGESSION / TRANSGRESSOR "

This week we will be looking into "Transgression / Transgressor." Trespass, Sin (an overstepping, false step). A violation of human or divine law. Several words are used in the Bible to define various aspects of transgression, the most common of which is " Sin." (EXODUS 34:7) " WHO KEEPS LOVINGKINDNESS FOR THOUSANDS, WHO FORGIVES INIQUITY, TRANSGRESSION AND SIN; YET HE WILL BY NO MEANS LEAVE THE GUILTY UNPUNISHED, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF FATHERS ON THE CHILDREN AND ON THE GRANDCHILDREN TO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION." Why would Sins affect Children and Grandchildren? This is the arbitrary punishment. Children still suffer for the sins of their parents. Now consider abuse or alcoholism, for example. While those sins are obvious sins like selfishness and greed can be passed along as well. The dire consequences of sin are not limited to the individual family member. Be careful not to treat sin casually, but repent and turn from it. The sin may cause you little pain now, but it could sting in a most tender area of your life later - your children and grandchildren.