" DEPRESSION "

Good morning to you all , how have you been feeling? Here we are at mid-month of the new year and I for one have heard one word so much that it has truly caused me some concern for some of you on a spiritual level. We sometimes allow the world and the circumstances of life to beat us down. I know because I've been beaten down once or twice before in my life. But I've learned that when I take Christ out of the equation it's very hard to get up, to respond to the bell for the next round. Just as long as we live there's always another round coming up.

This time of year just after the holidays is when most of our population starts to take stock in life, re-evaluate and retrospection. Many things in life can catapult us into low spirits which signals that we're in a Spirit Battle for our lives. Have you felt beaten down by life's situations, or just facing over-whelming odds? It's very important for you to know that God is never overawed by the size of the enemy or the complexity of a problem. With God their is always the right scenario, and there are always enough resources to resist the pressures and win life's battles.

When you are facing a difficult situation that is beyond your control, always ask yourself, " What steps can I take now to work toward a solution? " It's my prayer that you're looking to Jesus for your direction to the solution needed.

Depression is becoming one of the most common emotional ailments in man. I believe that one counter agent for depression is to meditate on the annals of God's goodness to his people. As we reflect on the Word of God, this will take our mind off the present situation and give hope that it will improve. When you feel depressed, take advantage of the Psalms as they can be your antidepressant. The Word of God will focus your thoughts on the Father's ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself. Do your own homework, read and meditate on the Bible's accounts of God's goodness, and muse it's contents.

I believe that most of us, when we think of a person who is going through depression, believe that something unfortunately has happened. Severe depression often follows great achievements, so don't be surprised if you feel drained after a personal victory. During wound able times , avoid the temptation to think that God owes you for your efforts.

Always know that it was His strength that gave you victory. Concentrate on God and the things of God when you believe that you have no way to turn. Forget about yourself and concentrate on Him.

Until next time,

Jim

" RETROSPECTION "

Have you had to pause and review one or more events in your past? Have you said to yourself what was I thinking!

Maybe it's time we learn how to let God guide our life and place His Will ahead of our own. I'm reminded of an account in the Word of God, with major consequences. Do you remember the story of Isaac, he inherited all that his father acquired in life including God's promise to make his descendants into a great nation. Isaac pleaded with God for children as his wife Rebekah was barren, and the Lord answered. It's very important that we seek the face of the Lord before we make any decision. When we don't ask for God's opinion we never know what we're going to get.

Isaac's son Esau was born just before his younger brother Jacob, and therefore he received the family Birthright. It included a double portion of the family inheritance along with the honor of one day becoming the family's leader.
I believe that all of us have heard that we must be careful of what we ask for, as we just might get it.

Now Esau seems to be the kind of guy who doesn't think past the end of his nose. One who lives for the moment and then he attempts to adapt to the situation at hand.
I think I mentioned that God allows certain events in our lives to accomplish his overall purposes, but we are still responsible for our own actions. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, and Jacob is described as a peaceful man living in tents. Esau came home one day from hunting and he was famished, his brother Jacob had cooked a stew. Esau said please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there. Jacob responded "first sell me your birthright." Remember that a birthright was a special honor that was given to the first born son. The oldest son had the right to sell his birthright or give it away if he chose, but in so doing, he would lose both material goods and his leadership position.
Esau traded the lasting benefits that came with his birthright for the immediate pleasure of food. He acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences of what he was about to do.

We can fall into the same trap. When we see something we want, our first impulse is to get it. Esau showed complete disregard for the spiritual blessings that would have come his way if he had kept it. In effect, "despised" his birthright. Please take the time to include the Father into all of your decision making. How often have you heard me say "TRUST GOD"

Until next time.

Jim

"ARE YOU SIGHTLESS "

Being Sightless: Unable to see, Spiritual blindness is an inability to understand the things of God. Of course given the choice, none of us would choose blindness in any realm. Are you blind to Jesus Christ's true identity? It's my opinion that neither of us would wish to walk in darkness, but always in the light.

Tomorrow starts a brand new year (2009) and we have the opportunity to change our mode of operation. We have the chance to put into practice all that the Lord wants us to share. It's no fun going throughout this life without the assurances of God.

Do you remember the account of Jesus in the wilderness, and how he withstood the trickery of Satan? It's very important for us to know our opponent, our foe the devil as he is real. Jesus bested him with the Word of God, He used Scripture.
Christ's definitive defeat over the devil in the wilderness was absolute. During His ministry, His physical time on earth Jesus knew that he would confront Satan in many forms. We need to be constantly on guard against the devil's on-going attacks. Please take a moment to access your oldest memories to figure out just where you are most susceptible to temptation, right now.

Have you ever had a time in your life were the same thing happened to you on different occasions, but what seemed to be in the same season? It's like going around that same mountain every year of the same month. Well it's time that we open our eyes and Trust God. Remember that Satan doesn't have any new tricks he just applies them in different wrapping. If we keep our eyes on Jesus we will miss those stumbling blocks out there. Ask God to help in those areas of your life where you seem to have a blind spot.

I'm also inspired every time that I read about the blind man who was healed. He had been questioned by many and heard the same questions over and over again. He did not know how or why he was healed, but he was not afraid to speak the truth. He had been blind all his life and now he has his sight. Knowing the truth and sharing this Good News takes very little effort. It's not important for you to have a degree or know all the answers in order to share Christ with others. It is important to tell them how He has changed your life. Then trust that God will use your words to help others believe in him too.

From my family to yours, we wish you a Blessed year and grow in Christ.

Jim

" HEAVEN'S GIFT "

Here we are again "Christmas Eve" and most of us still don't get it. Well it's the day before we reflect on Jesus Christ coming into this world as a man. One cannot say that God cannot relate to what ever we have to go through as "Man". Yes He experienced much pain and humiliation, temptation, the death of family and friends, plus having to live without.

It's important for us to forget about ourselves and take the time to meditate on Him. Remember it's "Christmas" If I had to think of just one word that personally moves me when I think of Jesus Christ it's "COMPASSION". You may be thinking Love, Trust, Never Failing, Always on Time or any number of what God means to you and this I believe should be often.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. " The Word became Flesh " means becoming human. Jesus took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man, he never ceased to be the eternal God who has always existed, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the source of Eternal Life. It's very important for us, all of us who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from the father.

Readers please remember that you exist only because God made you, and you have Spiritual Gifts only because God gave them to you. With God you are something valuable and unique; apart from God you are nothing, and if you try to live without him, you will be abandoning the purpose for which you were made.

Oh, when you feel God's hand of correction, accept it as proof of his love. Realize that God is urging you to follow his paths instead of stubbornly going your own way.

May God keep you and bless you and yours... Until next time.

Jim

"WASHING"

How are you feeling today? Have you or anyone in your household had or is going through a bout with a cold or the Flu? If you are, I understand! Some of you are aware that for the past 5-6 years my primary care physician has recommended strongly that I get a flu shot. I have not had a cold or the flu in as many years, all I know is that it's worked for me.

I'm at a point in my life that I look for Jesus everywhere and in everything. It seems that Jesus was always thinking of us, how often are you thinking of others? This time of year all we hear about is the importance of washing properly. Our Primary care Physicians and Emergency Rooms are over-run with the Influenza Virus. This virus spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others. Anyone can get influenza. For most people, it last only a few days. It can cause: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Some people get much sicker. Influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions. Influenza kills about 36,000 people each year in the United States, mostly among the elderly. In the word of God we are told to " Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; " (Isaiah 1:16)

Friends hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep us all healthy. Even though my children are productive adults I feel that it's still my responsibility to pray for them and their families Spiritual and Physical health daily.

Throughout the day we can accumulate germs on our hands from a variety of sources, such as direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, foods, even animals and animal waste. If you don't wash yous hands frequently enough, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And you can spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch, such as doorknobs.

Some people with flu symptoms, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. The combination of the flu and pneumonia, in fact, is the eighth - leading cause of death among Americans.

WASH YOUR HANDS AND STAY HEALTHY, EVEN FROM SIN.

Jesus truly was a person worthy of our imitation and love. He showed His servant attitude and His compassion to His disciples. Jesus took washing to a new level and not just for personal hygiene. Washing the feet of the saints means learning how to serve other believers with humility. Following the example of Jesus, when He washed the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper, was one of the many first hand lessons from our Savior. Know matter what our station in life maybe, we are not above serving others with true love. Washing the feet of the guest was a job reserved for a household servant to carry out. The Lord of Lords and King of Kings wrapped a towel around His waist, as the lowliest slave washed and dried His disciples feet. Doesn't this act speak volumes to you, now as His followers we also must become servants, in kind.

Please remember to cover your mouth with a handkerchief, Kleenex, or neckerchief so we don't spread the germs that are within us and wash your hands often.

Until next time...

Jim

"SUFFERING"

How are you doing this fine day that the Lord has made? Today is December 10th and the present temperature is 62' degrees and the high for today in North Carolina is expected to be 73'- 75' degrees. I'm reminded of my first years of marriage as my bride and I hailed from the Oxnard/Santa Barbara Calif. area, in the late 60's through the mid seventies. I was in perfect health and I was able to physically do what ever I attempted. In the mid ninety's is when the chronic pain that I experience truly started to get my attention.

Can any of us ever say that we have never experienced any form of suffering in our lives? My dictionary says to suffer is: to feel or endure pain (2) to bear loss, damage, or injury. Have you ever witnessed to someone or even known someone who walked away from his/her faith, how did you feel? Pain and sorrow for them, right?

Just for a moment can you imagine what Jesus had to endure? I'm reminded of Isaiah 53:3 "He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him."

How would you function if you were despised and rejected by those around you? Would and could you stay focused on the job at hand? How many times have you experienced physical pain of some kind, and some I know are saddled with chronic pain all the time? When we suffer we should be mindful that Christ feels our pain, can you feel His or your neighbors pain? How many are experiencing the pain of the loss of life? Did you hear or read about that poor man who lost his whole family this past Monday, when a military jet crashed into his home in San Diego, Calif. Can you imagine his pain?

Why is it that we are always thinking about ourselves and our families more than others? Suffering may be unavoidable when it comes to bringing forth the Good News of Christ to the world. There is a price that goes with being identified with Jesus. When a person becomes a Christian, he or she gains all the privileges and responsibilities of a child in God's family. One notable prerogative is being lead by the spirit (see Galatians 4:5-6). We may not always feel as though we belong to God, but the Holy Spirit is our witness. His inward presence reminds us of who we are and encourages us with God's love.

As a person who has first hand knowledge of one form of suffering, it's my privilege to suffer for Christ. Always remember that you are not alone in the good times and when we suffer.

Until next time think and pray for another.

Jim

"FACTS ABOUT ANGELS"

Good morning to you, this week angels have been on my heart. Have you ever really thought about angels, who they are and what they do?

Angels are spiritual beings created by God who help carry out His work on earth. Angels fulfill a number of responsibilities for the Lord. They convey messages (Luke 1:26-28), they shield God's people (Daniel 6:22), offer optimism (Genesis 16:7), bring discipline (2 Samuel 24:16), police the earth (Ezekiel 1:9-14), and wrestle the forces of evil (2 Kings 6:16-18; Rev. 20:1).

It seems that angels are good and bad; as they obviously have free choice. (Rev 12:7), because of their preference evil angels who are allied with Satan, have considerably less power and authority than good angels. The angel Michael is one whom I believe to be a potentate angel or at least one of high ranking. I believe, well I should say, I'm of the opinion that he wields controlling power of his assignments.

One of his responsibilities is to safeguard God's body of believers. When we get back to basics the main role of the good angels will be to offer continuous praise to God. Praise is the heartfelt response to God by those who love Him. The deeper your love for God the more you'll realize just what He has done, and the more you will respond with praise. Remember that praise is at the heart of true worship. Let your praise of God flow out of your realization of who He is and how He loves you.

Last point, angels shouldn't be worshipped!!!

Even though false teachers were claiming that God was far away and could be approached only through various levels of angels. They taught that people had to worship angels in order, eventually, to reach God. THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY UNSCRIPTURAL; the Bible teaches that angels are God's servants, and it forbids worshipping them (Exodus 20:3-4; Rev. 22:8-9).

My wife use to challenge me in saying something like, as you grow in your Christian walk, let God's Word always be your guide, NOT THE OPINIONS OF OTHERS. Readers I Know that God will open up His Word to you, just ask and He will reveal what's for you at the moment. Know matter where you are in this world, and more importantly in your Spiritual walk with God, know that He loves you.

Until next time, please remember this verse from the Word of God (Hebrews 13:2) " Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it".

Jim