" IS IT WISE TO GRUMBLE & COMPLAIN "

OK, another week has come and gone and the Lord has put a tough subject before us today. It's the desire of my heart to open the eyes of anyone who complains and grumble's about anything. Now, sit down and strap in, oh it's time for some of us to put on our big boy pants.

Do you complain about your problems instead of praying to God about them? Why is it so easy for us to complain about our problems, even to God, while we refuse to act, change, and do what he requires? You know we don't even take the advice he has already given us? Do you ever feel as if God has abandoned you? Check to see if there is anything he has already told you to do. You may not receive new guidance from God until you have acted upon his previous directions. Please understand just how vital it is that we comprehend that our problems just might be brought on by our own disobedience.

Those who resort to complaining, in my opinion is telling our Lord we don't trust you. It's important for us to learn that God is able to provide for us. Now, when we focus on the faithfulness of God in our past we can face crises with confidence rather than with fear and complaining. How often do you find yourself grumbling and or complaining? When we do now, I believe that clearly points to a lack of faith in God. So harness your complaining over any inconveniences and discomforts that you may be going through.

At one time many years ago, people were executed for grumbling and complaining against God. You see a negative attitude can lead one to rebellion against our authority figure. While becoming stubborn about our rights we're pushing God further away. The path to open rebellion against God begins with dissatisfaction and skepticism, then moves to grumbling about God and present circumstances. Next comes bitterness and resentment, followed finally by rebellion and open hostility. Now Beware, if you are often dissatisfied, skeptical, complaining, or bitter, take care and keep your wits about you! Be mindful that these attitudes lead to rebellion and separation from God. Any choice to side against God is a step in the direction of letting go of him completely and making your own way through life.

Difficult circumstances often lead to stress, and complaining. Attempt to focus on God's power and Wisdom to help you deal with the cause of your stress. Don't complain about the problem instead seek the face of God. Now some problems can be solved by careful thought or by rearranging our preference's. Some can be solved by discussion and wise counsel. But some problems can be solved only by PRAYER. We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining, because complaining only raises our level of stress. Prayer quiets our thoughts and emotions and prepares us to LISTEN.

Until Next Time...

Jim,

" A VOW IS A PROMISE "

Good Morning,

I'm so grateful that you chose to stop by and visit. You inspire me to strive to be better at what I do in the Body Of Christ. You make me into a better man than I otherwise might have been. Caring for you is my honor and always my pleasure, lifting you up to the Throne of Grace.

How often do you vow or promise to do something for another,I believe that we should not have to make promises. Has anyone ever asked, do you promise, and if so, how does that make you feel? Are you known for keeping your Word or for being Casual with your words? Oaths, or Vows, were common, and Jesus told his followers not to use them,He said that their Word alone should be enough.

Please recognize the fact that making vows rashly and then reconsidering them does not put you in a very good light. God takes vows seriously and requires that they be carried out. We often have good intentions when making a vow because we want to show God that we are determined to please him. Jesus, however, says it is better not to make promises to God because he knows how difficult they are to keep.

(21) " WHEN YOU MAKE A VOW TO THE LORD YOUR GOD, YOU SHALL NOT DELAY TO PAY IT, FOR IT WOULD BE SIN IN YOU, AND THE LORD GOD WILL SURELY REQUIRE IT OF YOU. (22) HOWEVER, IF YOU REFRAIN FROM VOWING, IT WOULD NOT BE SIN IN YOU, (23) YOU SHALL BE CAREFUL TO PERFORM WHAT GOES OUT FROM YOUR LIPS, JUST AS YOU HAVE VOLUNTARILY VOWED TO THE LORD YOUR GOD, WHAT YOU HAVE PROMISED (Deuteronomy 23:21-23).

Now, if you still feel it is important to make a vow, make sure that you weigh the consequences of breaking that vow. It is better not to make promises than to make them and then later want to change them. It is better still to count the cost beforehand and then to fulfill them. (DON'T EVER MAKE RASH VOWS).

God the Father emphases the significance of always telling the truth. Why is it that we are so nonchalant with our words, we should not be breaking our word to anyone. Keeping oaths and promises is important; it builds trust and makes committed human relationships possible. The Word Of God condemns making vows or taking oaths casually, giving your word while knowing that you won't keep it, or swearing falsely in God's name. You know, oaths are needed in certain situations only because we live in a sinful society that breeds distrust. It's wise to be very careful as to what trickles out of our mouths,it's important to say what we mean and mean what we say.

Until Next Time...

Jim,

" OUR WIDOWS "

Come on in it's wonderful that you took the time to stop by today. This weeks message is regarding the care of our Widows. They are blessed and should be honored by us all. We are to look after them and that's the way the Father wants it.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a " WIDOW " as: A woman who has lost her husband by death and has not married again.

Paul stressed the importance of families caring for the needs of widows and not leaving this responsibility for the church so that the church can care for those widows who have NO FAMILIES. We as the Body of Christ should support those who have NO FAMILY and should likewise help the elderly, young, disabled, ill, or poverty stricken with their emotional and spiritual needs.

Now, children and grandchildren are to take care of the widows in their families; and it's written that the church is not to support lazy members who refuse to work. The church is you and me, and when necessary as believers we are to pool our resources; to give generously to help disaster-ridden churches and above all we should take care of our widows. The church has always had limited resources, and it has always had to balance financial responsibility with generosity. It only makes sense for members to work as hard as they can and to be as independent as possible, so they can adequately care for themselves and for less fortunate members. When church members are both responsible and generous, everyone's needs will be met.

God insisted that the poor and powerless be well treated and given the chance to restore their fortunes. WE SHOULD REFLECT GOD'S CONCERN FOR THE POOR BY HELPING THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES. Widows and orphans were among the most vulnerable of all God's people, and both Old Testament Prophets and New Testament Apostles insisted that these needy people be properly cared for.

LAST POINT: I love the illustration of the "Poor Widow" who lacked worldly goods, and who was for the most part enniless. This widow gave all that she had to the church, do you ever give and have you ever given your all? Jesus shares an account of a poor widow. First I'm reminded that Jesus is observing us in all that we do. He watched this woman from across the room as she gave more than all the others put together. Though her gift was by far the smallest, the value of a gift is not determined by its amount, but by the spirit in which it is given. A gift given grudgingly or for recognition loses its value.

When you give, remember that gifts of any size are pleasing to God when they are given out of gratitude and a spirit of generosity. Are you feeling me,it's time to take care of our widows.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" TIME "

This week we are discussing " Time " A period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues. God created the earth in an orderly fashion (He did not make plants before light), and He created men and women as unique beings capable of communication with Him. Now, take a moment, no other part of creation can claim that remarkable privilege. He created it just the way He wanted it.

OK, in saying " My times are in Your hand," all of life's circumstances are under God's control. Knowing that God loves and cares for us enables us to keep steady in our faith regardless of our circumstances. It keeps us from sinning foolishly by taking matters into our own hands and consenting to God's timetable. Did you know that God's own people were not allowed to work on the Sabbath? They were not even suppose to cook food? Why? They knew that the busy routine of daily living could distract people from worshiping Him. It is so easy to let work, family responsibilities, and recreation crowd our schedules so tightly that we don't take time to worship. Carefully guard your time with God.

We may be tempted to think we should not take time out from our " Important " work for social occasions. But maybe these social occasions are part of our mission. Bring balance to your life by bringing Jesus into times of pleasure as well as times of work. For it is time to seek the Lord. Your time may just be running out, so make sure that you turn to God to forgive your sins. We cannot see the stopwatch of God's patience, and there is no bargaining for additional time. God shows His great patience with us.

You know, I've come to the realization that God will act when He is ready. Children have difficulty grasping the concept of time. " It's not time yet " is not a reason they easily understand because they only comprehend the present. As restricted Human Beings, we can't understand God's perspective about time. We want everything now, unaware that God's timing is better. When God is ready, He will do what needs to be done, not what we would like Him to do. We may be as anxious as children, but we must not doubt the wisdom of timing. Watch and pray for God to reveal His plan. Don't take matters into your own hands.

LAST POINT: Many of us need time for an idea to marinate within us. It takes time to accept something that changes the very foundations of our lives. In taking this time we will be able to hopefully put things together for ourselves. Sharing the gospel will not always have immediate results. When you ask people to let Jesus change their lives, give them time to weigh the matter.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" QUARREL / TO HAVE IT OUT "

Good day To You,

I'm still feeling pretty good physically and I don't mind saying that I am so pleased to be getting out and about. God is so good and I feel so blessed to be the recipient of His love. Now this week we will be discussing " Quarreling " so settle in and let's get this party started.

Quarrel: To find fault (2) To dispute angrily: wrangle or to engage in blows.

How many times have you felt strongly enough about a subject to quarrel with another. PRIDE IS AN INGREDIENT IN EVERY QUARREL, so guard against pride. To say " I was wrong " or even that I need your advice " are difficult phrase to utter, because they require humility. If you find yourself constantly arguing, examine your life for pride. It stirs up conflict and divides people. Now, humility, by contrast, heals and that may be the path to travel. Be open to the advice of others, ask for help when you need it, and be willing to admit your mistakes.

Quarreling has been known to escalate into major conflicts, so be mindful. The Word of God says that quarrels and conflicts among believers are always harmful. We are told that quarrels result from evil desires battling within each of us. We want more possessions, more money, higher standards, and more recognition. When we want badly enough to fulfill these desires, we fight in order to do so. Instead of aggressively grabbing what we want, we should submit ourselves to God, ask God to help us get rid of our selfish desires, and trust Him to give us what we really need.

Ask God for the Wisdom to know when to withdraw and when to stand and fight. A person who is truly confident of his or her strength does not need to parade it. A truly brave person does not look for chances to prove it. A resourceful woman can find a way out of a fight. A man of endurance will avoid retaliating. Foolish people find it impossible to avoid strife. Please grasp hold of this, men and women of character can. What kind of a person are you?

Don't complain about the problems in your life, start to pray about them. You know some problems can be solved by careful thought or by rearranging our priorities. Some can be solved by discussion and good counsel. But some problems can be solved only by prayer. We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining, because complaining only raises our level of stress. Prayer quiets our thoughts and emotions and prepares us to listen. NOW LISTEN, I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT WITH YOU.

Until Next Time...

Jim

" MUCH OBLIGED "

Top Of The Morning To You,

I sincerely want you to know that I'm obliged that you stopped by. This week we are going to be looking into the art of being thankful. So saddle up and let's hit the trail towards thankfulness.

Thank those who have helped you along the way, but remember to praise God for his care and protection. In all areas of life we should show our THANKFULNESS. THANKSGIVING should be an integral part of our praise to God. As we praise and thank God for material and spiritual blessings, we should also thank him for answered prayer. Remember when you asked God for protection, strength, comfort, patience,love, or other special needs, and he supplied them? Beware of taking God's provision and answered prayer for granted.

Four elements of true thanksgiving are found in the psalms. (1) Remembering what God has done, (2) Telling others about it, (3) Showing God's glory to others and (4) gifts of self, time, and resources. If you are thankful your life will show it. Praise and thanksgiving should be a regular part of our routine, not reserved only for celebrations. Praise God continually, and you will find that you won't take his blessings for granted.

How do we give thanks in everything? Please understand that we do not have to thank God for everything that happens to us, but in everything. Evil does not come from God, so we should not thank him for it. But when evil strikes, we can still be THANKFUL for God's presence and for the good that he will accomplish through the distress. During the Thanksgiving holiday,we focus on our blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips every day. We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders, and especially to God. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude toward life will change. You will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble.

Until Next time...

Jim

" NEGLECT/OVERLOOKED "

Good Morning All,

First of all I'd like to thank you for stopping by on this day that the Lord has made. It's always great to welcome you back as well as any new reader. This weeks subject is Neglect so lets find a good seat and get comfortable.

My dictionary defines neglect in this manner: To leave undone or unattended to, omit, ignore, overlook, to slight, or forget.

Don't neglect your family for ministry, neglecting the responsibilities in your home is totally wrong. I say again don't allow your desire to do God's work cause you to neglect your family. If you do, your mission may degenerate into a quest for personal importance, and your family will suffer the consequences of your neglect. It's very sad many Christians fall into the frame of mind that I must volunteer for everything, and I must attend every meeting etc. Well maybe not so drastic as I've portrayed.

Neglecting Christ is the same as rebelling. Like a house of cards, the fool's life crumbles. Most people do not deliberately seek to build on a false or inferior foundation; instead, they just don't think about their life's purpose. Many people are headed for destruction, not out of stubbornness but out of thoughtlessness. Part of our responsibility as believers is to help others stop and think about where their lives are headed and to point out the consequences of ignoring Christ's message.

We tend to think that doing wrong is sin. We're told in the Word Of God that sin is also not doing right. ( These two kinds of sin are sometimes called sins of Commission and sins of Omission.) It is a sin to lie; it can also be a sin to know the truth and not tell it. It is a sin to speak evil of someone; it is also a sin to avoid him or her when you know he or she needs your fellowship. We should be willing to help as the Holy Spirit guides us. If God has directed you to do it You will experience a renewed and refreshed vitality to your Christian faith. So get it done, whatever, he's leading you to do. " AND DO NOT NEGLECT DOING GOOD AND SHARING, FOR WITH SUCH SACRIFICES GOD IS PLEASED" (Heb. 13:16).

It is easy to say we love God when that love doesn't cost us anything more than weekly attendance at religious services. But the real test of our love for God is how we treat the people right in front of us, our family members and fellow believers. We cannot truly love God while neglecting to love those who are created in His Image.

Final Point: The Word Of God Teaches that a person who neglects his or her family responsibilities has denied the faith. Are you doing your part to meet the needs of those included in your family circle?