"WE'LL SEE"

How are you today? For a while now I've had something on my heart to share with you, but I didn't.

First allow me to share a verse of scripture with you, a diamond in the rough: Hosea 14:9 " Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; WHOEVER is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them".

Today my concern is on Integrity, especially on keeping our word, following through on our promises. I believe that many of us are so at ease with just saying words, we don't even consider the cost. Most people that I challenge on what they just promised or what someone else has just committed to, all ready have an excuse ready. That's why when someone tells me that they are going to do something all I say is "WE'LL SEE" .

Have you kept your word today? How often do you allow words, even heartfelt words to pass from your lips and fall to the ground? DO YOU HAVE INTEGRITY IN WORD ???
The word integrity is derived from the Latin "Integer" which means untouched, whole or unbroken. One who lacks integrity has failed to mature socially and morally. He or she has not fully learned the benefits of integrity and the long - term negative consequences of when one acts without it. Trust me, Integrity brings self - Confidence and Self-Assurance.... I read this somewhere, you see I'm a man in training, seeking to be a person of Integrity. As such I must be thinking about my every word, action and deed. I'm told that a person with integrity has no Moral Fears. It's suggested that whenever, you have a question regarding how you should act in a given situation, let integrity be your guide and it will show you " THE RIGHT WAY ".

DO YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A SITUATION IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH IT ? DO YOU COMMIT TO YOUR WORDS ?

I've come to the realization that becoming a person of Integrity is hard work. One must truly be committed, even when NO one is looking. Integrity applies to many areas, from personal, work and even our general ethics come into play.

Those of you who know me personally and if you're paying attention when I respond to you, you'll sometimes hear me say "We'll See ". In my opinion most people forget about a promise, moments after it leaves the tongue even Christians. Do you always do what is right? If you found $1,000.00 in school or in the work place, or even in the bank parking lot what would you do?

INTEGRITY IS A VALUE a plus, something that I've discovered that I can't live without.

I'm reminded of Hebrews 13:5 " Make sure that your character is free from the Love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, " I will never Desert you, Nor will I ever forsake you".

We must always put God first so when you promise to do something (Making A Vow) you must keep your word... And maybe when someone tells me that they will do something I won't have to Reply " We'll See ".

Until Next Time!

"USURY " (INTEREST)

First of all how are you fairing out in the weather that we're experiencing lately? All I can suggest is for you to pray and continue to look up and PRAISE The LORD. We must remember to Trust God in all situations that we find ourselves in. When we take the drivers seat, well " A person not in control is at the wheel".

A while back as usual our grandsons came over and spent the weekend with my wife and I. We are always on the lookout to highlight Godly principles in what we think, do, and say especially when our grandchildren are around. Somehow the discussion turned to charge cards and loans as they were informing us of the status of their checking and savings accounts. My wife mentioned that interest was bad, (I believe she was getting at not paying your Charge Card balance each month) so I decided to do some research. I wanted to see just how far apart man is from God. The Merriam - Webster Dictionary defines the word " interest" : The lending of money with interest charge for its use. (2) An excessive rate or amount of interest charged; esp: interest above an established legal rate. (advantage) profit, benefit & gain.

In the Word of God, Exodus 22:25 " If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest". In other words we are to help out our family, friends and neighbors when times are lean. We are to assist, to help them through a financial crisis and not profit from your gift. Deut. 23:19 " You shall not charge interest to your countrymen: interest on money, food, or anything that may be loaned at interest". We are not to neglect the poor, financially secure families were responsible to help and house those in need. What has happened to mankind as we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and don't know where to begin. If we have mercy when we come across it, we will be doing the will of the Father. God will not put more on us than what we can handle. God also doesn't expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does He expect us to neglect our families while providing for others. He does expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality. (Lev. 25:35-37) "Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. (36) ' Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your country - man may live with you. (37) " You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain". In Nehemiah's day usury was abolished God says that caring for one another is more important than personal gain. When a Christian brother or sister suffers we all suffer (1 Cor. 12:26) "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it".

God has a special love and concern for the "poor". He insists that people who have material goods should be generous with those who are needy. My dictionary defines NEEDY: being in want: Poverty - Stricken. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible; As mentioned before it is a command that may require a modification of attitude. When we give with no hope of receiving in return, we show what it means to serve others. May God bless you all...

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Jim

"PERSEVERE IN YOUR PRAYER"

Tonight I want to make mention of prayer, are you consistent in your prayer life? Are you confident that your prayers are being heard.
If you're anything like me, when I pray for you or someone else I truly expect results. Through the years prayer and fasting makes it easier for me to hear from the Lord and to get a prayer through. I have been praying for some of you for twenty- six years. I've come to the knowledge that answered prayer can be hindered by unseen obstacles. Never forget that we are in a Spiritual battle for our lives, continue to prayer. Please don't give up, know that you know that your prayers will be answered yes, no or not right now. Continue to work at it your "Prayer Life" have a good evening.

Jim

"Outside Influences"

Hello all,

Have you ever had one of those days that turns into a week in which it seems that you just can't get anything done? No matter how much you tell yourself that you have to buckle down and get it done, nothing seems to happen. I'm grateful that today is Wednesday and it's been like pulling teeth this week as my laptop is on the blink. It's as if my brain said that it's vacation time, time to change the creative juices in my mind. One good thing that I look forward to each week is Thursday morning. Every Thursday morning at 6a.m. a group of dedicated men who care about the souls that they are responsible for (Family) come together to seek the face of the Lord. We believe that "Prayer Changes Things" and we also believe that we must be the Strongman in our families. Sometimes one finds himself/herself praying for others far away and that's OK. I think that it's cool to pray for others especially when they are not even aware of it. Have you ever wondered why you are being so blessed at times and other times you may not feel it? Just maybe someone is praying for you!

Ever since the beginning of time, when the fall of man took place, man needed to be on the look- out for the serpent, Satan. Outside influences seem to creep into our lives. In Genesis three Satan disguised as a crafty serpent tempted Eve by getting her to doubt God. How often have you left your home not fully clothed, not totally dressed for the day? I'm talking about forgetting to put on your armor of protection. Without being Prayed up it's easy for us to get thumped by Satan and his demons. Satan and his crew are intentional about occupying a secure place in our hearts. It's very important for us to fort up and use the weapons that God gave to us. We've been given: The Word Of God, Daily Prayer, Growing FAITH, Hope and Love, the Holy Spirit will open up God's Word to us as never before.

"Keep Your Wit's About You"

"MARRIAGE"

Isn't God good, he thought of everything?

The institution of marriage is so very important to the Father that He wrote about it. As a loving Father He wants to share His heart with us in the same manner that we wish to share with our offspring.

MARRIAGE IS PERMANENT (Matthew 19:6) "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate".

If you are married or planning to be married, you must be willing to keep the commitment that makes the two of you one? The goal in marriage should be more than friendship; it should be oneness. Marriage is based on principled practice of love, not on feelings. Ephesians 5:21-33 will open your understanding to this fact. The Word of God teaches there must be lines of authority, even in marriage, there should not be lines of superiority. God created men and women with unique and complementary characteristics. One sex is not better than the other. We must not let the issue of authority and submission become a wedge to destroy oneness in marriage. Instead, we should strive to strengthen our marriages and to glorify God.

Ideally, only death should dissolve marriage (Romans 7:2-3) Unfortunately men and women go into marriage with an escape plan. It's as if some say, if this marriage thing gets uncomfortable or hard work I'm gone. Commitment is essential to a successful marriage (Genesis 24:58-60). My wife and I are still discovering things about each other, going on forty years of marriage. We should take a page from Solomon when it comes to the language of love.

Listen there is nothing more vital than encouraging and appreciating the person you love. Be sure to tell your spouse "I Love You" every day, and show that love by your actions. It's truly sad, just how many married couples are just living together. Christian marriage involves mutual submission, subordinating our personal desires for the good of the loved one, and submitting ourselves to Christ as Lord. I confess that there have been a few times in the past 40 years that I have not been at my best, nor did I always make the best decision. Please listen, this is a significant statement about judging others. We must realize the importance of compassion and forgiveness... When others are caught in sin, are you quick to pass judgment? To do so is to act as though you have never sinned. It is God's role to judge, not ours. Our role is to show forgiveness and compassion. When your spouse hurts you and your feelings it's essential to forgive ASAP.

"Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him".

Being there for your spouse, the love of your "Youth" is paramount.
Proverbs 5:15 "Drink waters from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well". Enjoy the spouse God has given you. Now, in desert lands, water is precious, and a well is a family's most important possession.

We are to look to each other for lifelong satisfaction and companionship. God designed marriage and sanctified it, and only within this covenant relationship can we find real Love and Fulfillment. Life is rough enough with out a partner... DAILY PRESCRIPTION: "Communicating Love and expressing Admiration in both Words and Actions can enhance every marriage".

Have a great day in the Lord, until next time,

Jim

"GOD'S MERCY"

Have you truly ever taken any time to contemplate why God loves you so much? Why would the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings love me so much and have God-like mercy on me? You know, in the New Testament of the Bible we are shown just how much Jesus loves us no matter who we are. Jesus Christ was intentional about His purpose here on earth, and even to this day He's cheering for each of us as the gentleman He is.

We all know right from wrong and hopefully we are doing our best to be Christ-like in all ways. We are shown the compassion of our Savior, and it appears that He healed everyone who asked to be whole again.

"Mercy" Compassion of God in holding back our just judgment also He extends undeserved compassion and forgiveness to man. Our God can do this without compromising His justice, because of the death and resurrection of Christ. Mercy is also a Christian virtue encouraged of believers. If we were given what we truly deserve, the "Cowardly" are not those who are faint-hearted in their faith or who sometimes doubt or question, but those who turn back from following God. They are not brave enough to stand up for Christ; They are not humble enough to accept his authority over their lives. They are put in the same list as the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the liars, the idolaters, the sexually immoral, and those who practice the art of magic.

It's important to become an "OVERCOMER" and as an over comer of this world we must understand that Jesus never promised that obeying Him would be easy. Now the hard work and self-discipline of serving Christ are no burden to those of us who love Him. And if our load starts to feel heavy, we can always trust Christ to help us bear it.

"ASPIRANT TO WISDOM"

It's my prayer that all is well with each and every one of you.

We must store up knowledge in this life, but if we don't seek God's wisdom we are heading for a fall. The Father wants us to be wise and to consistently make judgments showing God's savvy.

If you are not reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis I believe that you will not be able to stand the enticement of the devil. In order for us to walk, we must crawl. Before we start our adult lives we must endeavor to educate ourselves in the things of God. My wife and I found much value in the book of Proverbs when our children were just toddlers.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Prov.1:7)".

The Merriam - Webster Dictionary defines the word fool as " a person who lacks sense or judgment." We should be a 'seeker of wisdom', the knowledge that we possess should be dispatched with confidence. It's important for us not to keep our knowledge of God to ourselves. Don't hide or divide the bedrock of knowledge is to fear the LORD, as we honor and reverence the LORD, be mindful to share. Some of you are aware that one of my favorite books of the Bible is "Joshua". He truly was a wise leader and he set under the pedagogy of Moses, who learned all he could from the Egyptians and then all he could from God. I believe gravitating towards those of wisdom will keep us on the straight and narrow.

I'm reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 " Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."

Talk over all your decisions with the Father, spend time in the Word of God as it will never steer you wrong. We should always be willing to listen to and be corrected by God's Word and wise counselors.

Until next time...