" WE MUST BE PREPARED "

Welcome one and all, this week we will dive into the art of preparation. You see being prepared is vital to our everlasting life with the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are warned that we ought"to be ready in and out of season". That we should always be ready to serve God in any situation, whether or not it is convenient. Be sensitive to the opportunities God gives you. Christ is coming soon, and he wants to find faithful believers ready for him. It may be inconvenient to take a stand for Christ or to tell others about his love, but preaching the Word Of God is the most important responsibility the church and its members have been given.

Jesus said that his disciples, that's those of us who know him as our Lord and Savior should be less concerned with knowing the exact date and more concerned with being prepared. Living God's way consistently so that no matter when Jesus came in glory, He would claim them as His own.

Jesus' purpose in telling about his return is not to stimulate predictions and calculations about the date, but to warn us to be prepared. Will you be ready? The only safe choice is to obey him today. To put our affairs in order is to get ready before hand.

John the Baptist made ready the way for Jesus. People who do not know Jesus Christ need to be made ready to meet him. As Christians we can prepare them by explaining their need for forgiveness, demonstrating Christ's teachings by our conduct, and telling them how Christ can give their lives meaning. We can " Make his paths straight " by correcting misconceptions that might be hindering people from approaching Christ. Someone you know may be open to a relationship with Christ. What can you do to prepare the way for this person?

LAST POINT: We should take steps now to prepare the way for our children to find and fulfill God's purpose. Sooner or later our children will have to make their own decisions,but we can help by supplying them with the proper tools: Showing them how to pray and study God's word, the difference between right and wrong, and the importance of church involvement.

Until Next Time...

Jim,

" HOW'S YOUR MORALS, VALUES "

Good Morning,

I feel so blessed to be able to share with you again this week. This week the Lord has put on my heart Morals, have you thought about your values lately and how you come across to others.

We must be on the alert, and realize if we're in the furnace, it's easy to catch on fire. We live with neighbors whose values may be completely different from ours. We are called to maintain a life-style that shows our faith. Our lives ought to show that we put obeying God before doing what is praised and accepted by society. Be careful about what you allow to form your opinions. The Bible is the only standard of truth. Evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings. We need to be careful about the input we allow to form our beliefs. Given TV, Music, and the rest of the media often presenting sinful life-styles and unwholesome values. We find ourselves constantly bombarded by attitudes and beliefs that are totally opposed to the Bible.

No matter who you are, moral laxness will cause problems. Just because you have won a battle with temptation does not mean you will automatically win the next one. We truly need to be vigilant against temptation. Sometimes Satan's strongest attacks come after a victory. Consider carefully the things that you cherish. Now, if you value anything more than God, it becomes your golden calf and will one day drag you down. Let go of anything that interferes with your relationship with God, the source of morals. Many people claim to believe in God while refusing to give up attitudes and actions that God denounces. Now, God cannot be added to the values we already have. He must come first, and His Word must shape all our actions and attitudes.

God's plans frustrate the " Way of the wicked " because his values are opposite of society's. Don't be surprised when others don't understand your Christian values, but don't give in to theirs. Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when he explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up. and never wear out. We should never be fascinated with possessions, lest they possess us.

People don't usually fall into immorality and evil suddenly - they slip into it a bit at a time until, hardly realizing what has happened, they are irrevocably mired in their wicked ways. Any person who allows sin to take root in his or her life can find himself or herself in this predicament. Temptation entertained today becomes sin tomorrow, then a habit the next day, then death and separation from God forever. To think you could never become this evil is the first step toward a hard heart. Acknowledge your need to to confess your sin before God.

Until Next Time...

Jim,

" THE GOOD SHEPHERD "

Howdy, This week we're touching on the Good Shepherd, none other than " Jesus Christ " Himself. Have you ever wondered why you keep making the same mistakes in life? Do you seem to be going round and round over the exact same ground? Well it's time for you to start following Jesus. We are likened to dumb sheep and if you're honest with yourself you just might grasp the reality that we are. In the sheepfold, the shepherd functioned as a door, letting the shepherd in and thus protecting them. Jesus is the door to God's SALVATION for us. He offers access to safety and security. JESUS CHRIST THE LORD IS OUR PROTECTOR. Some people resent that Jesus is the door, the only way of access to God. But Jesus is God's son - why should we seek any other way or want to customize a different approach to God? Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects his people from eternal harm. While believers can expect to suffer on earth, know that Satan cannot harm you or take away your eternal life with God. There are many reasons to be afraid here on earth as this is the devil's domain. But if you choose to follow Jesus, he will give you everlasting safety. Jesus came to be the shepherd, the one who can show people how to avoid life's pitfalls. " SEEING THE PEOPLE, HE FELT COMPASSION FOR THEM, BECAUSE THEY WERE DISTRESSED AND DISPIRITED LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD " (Matt 9:36). As the Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, we better understand that we're his sheep. Not to be passive, frightened animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow the one who will lead us to the right places and in the right ways. Those of us who sincerely recognize Jesus for who he truly is, and are fighting the good fight will be with Him in Paradise. Until Next Time... Jim,

" CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM "

Good day to you, I wish to thank you for dropping by. This week we will be discussing criticism and how it should be dispensed. Before criticizing another we must pause long enough to discover our own motives. Failing to do this can bring disastrous results. What is often labeled as " Constructive Criticism " may actually be destructive jealously, since the easiest way to raise our own status is to bring someone else down. Are you willing to question your motives before you offer criticism? Does the critical finger you point need to be pointed first toward yourself? Any time I point I'm reminded that three other fingers are looking my way. To criticize is to judge as a critic: to evaluate; to find fault; or to just express criticism. Have your facts straight before you criticize. Now,if you hear of a friend who has wandered from the Lord or of entire congregations that have fallen away, we should check the facts and find the truth before doing or saying anything that could prove harmful. There are times, of course when God wants us to take action - to rebuke a head strong fractious acquaintance, to discipline a child, to reject false teaching - but first we must always be sure we have all the facts correct. When the need arises and you are very sure of your facts proceed with love face to face. Sometimes sincere Christians,yes even christian leaders blunder. And it may take other sincere Christians to get one back on track. Now if you are assured that someone is doing harm to themselves or the church, try the direct approach. There is no place for backstabbing in the Body Of Christ. When the time comes to rebuke another it must be drawn with caution. The purpose of any rebuke, confrontation, or discipline is to help people, not hurt them. Be affirming let them know that you appreciate them and therefore you feel led to speak up. When we must correct another, it helps to begin by affirming what God has already accomplished in them. Your words may need to be firm but motivated by love - like the love that a good father has for his children, you parents know what I mean. Until Next Time... Jim,