" THE POOR "

Good Morning To You, Yes it's me again and boy do I have a message for you this week.

We will be looking into " The Poor " and Jesus told us that the poor will always be with us. I personally believe that when we find a culture or a nation that is doing it right, just maybe we should reconsider our present course. The Hebrew law code is noted for its fairness and social responsibility toward the poor. 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. Throughout the Old Testament God told His people to treat the poor with justice. The powerless and poverty - stricken are often looked upon as incompetent or lazy when, in fact, they may be victims of oppression and circumstance. God says we must do all we can to help these needy ones. His justice did not permit the Israelite's to insist on profits or quick payment from those who were less fortunate. Instead, his laws gave the poor every opportunity to better their situation, while providing human options for those who couldn't.

Here are eight common excuses for not helping the poor and needy:
(1) They don't deserve help.
(2)They got themselves into poverty; let them get themselves out. God's call to help the poor applies to another time.
(3) we don't know any people like this.
(4) I have my own needs.
(5) Any money I give will be wasted, stolen, or spent. The poor will never see it.
(6) I may become a victim myself.
(7) I don't know where to start, and I don't have time.
(8) My little bit won't make a difference. Instead of making lame excuses, ask what can be done to help.

Does your church have programs to help the needy? Could you volunteer to work with a community group that fights poverty? As one individual, you may not be able to accomplish much, but join up with similarly motivated people and watch mountains begin to move.

GOD SAID THAT NEGLECTING THE POOR WAS A SIN. Many times 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. Now the Father does expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality, are you hearing me?

Please think about the poor in a way that you never have before.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim,

" CORRECTION "

Greetings, Today we will be looking into " CORRECTION "

All of us at some point in our lives had to be corrected about something. We must learn that correction is vital in our learning experience.

 " ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD AND IS PROFITABLE FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS " (2 Tim 3:16);

The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God. It is not a human book. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed His person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down His message for His people (2 Peter 1:20-21). This process is known as inspiration.

The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own minds, talents, languages, and styles, they wrote what God wanted them to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of their writing. Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and lives. The Bible is " God-Breathed. " Read It, and use its teachings to guide your conduct.

Are you a scoffer or a wise person? Do not reprove (Rebuke) a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a Wise Man and he will Love you. You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of tossing back a quick put-down or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; This is the path to wisdom.

Now Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because He created life. To know God is not just to know the facts about Him, but to stand in awe of Him and have a relationship with Him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better.

It is easy to point out someone else's faults or sins. If we feel we must admonish someone, we should be sure we are confronting that person because we love Him, not because we are annoyed, inconvenienced, or seeking to blame Him. As mentioned earlier when we must correct others, it helps to begin by affirming what God has already accomplished in them.

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" EXAMPLE "

Good Day To You, If no one has greeted you or asked how you are doing today, let me be the first to do so. I appreciate that you have chosen to stop by for a visit. This week we will be looking into what it means to be an " EXAMPLE ".

What kind of example are you being? An influence on others vs. being influenced by others. Now take Noah. To say that he was righteous and blameless does not mean that he never sinned (The Bible records one of his sins). When he drank of the vine and became drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent. Rather it means that he wholeheartedly loved and obeyed God. For a lifetime he walked step by step in faith as a living example to his generation.

Like Noah, we live in a world filled with evil. Are you influencing others or being influenced by them? To rise above the influence of poor models, we must seek better ones. Christ provides a perfect model. No matter how you were raised or who has influenced your life, you can move beyond those limitations by taking Christ as your example and consciously trying to live as he did.

Those you lead will not always follow your example, but that should not affect the way you live for God. We should be teaching by example so determine both to study and to obey God's Word. If you want someone to act a certain way, be sure that you live that way yourself. Then you will earn the right to be heard, and your life will reinforce what you teach. If you are of an age or position where people look up to you, make sure that your example is motivating younger believers to live in a way that HONORS GOD.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" HAVING DOUBT(S) "

Good Morning,

 I'm so very pleased that you decided to stop by today. As always it's a privilege to share with you each week, as well as hearing from some through email. Your encouragement is a blessing to me and I appreciate the the kind thoughts.

This week we will be looking into " HAVING DOUBT(S)." To " ask in faith without any doubting " means not only believing in the existence of God, but also believing in His loving care. It includes relying on God and expecting that He will hear and answer when we pray.

We must put away our critical attitude when we come to Him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with His purposes. Listen when we begin to rely on our own understanding, we are in danger of ignoring God's assessment of the situation. By remembering His past works and His present power, we can be sure that we are not cutting off His potential help.

People often try to protect themselves from their fears by putting their faith in something they do or have: good deeds, skill or intelligence, money or possessions. But only God can save us from the one thing that we really need to fear - eternal condemnation.

We believe in God by recognizing the insufficiency of our own efforts to find salvation and by asking Him to do His work in us. When Jesus talks about unbelievers, He means those who reject or ignore Him completely, not those who have momentary doubts.

 All God's words are right and true - they can be trusted. The Bible is reliable because, unlike people, God does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled. We can trust the Bible because it contains the words of a holy, trustworthy, and unchangeable God. A mind that waivers is not completely convinced that God's way is best. It treats God's word like any human advice, and it retains the option to disobey. It vacillates between allegiance to subjective feelings, the world's ideas, and God's commands. If your faith is new, weak, or struggling, remember that you can trust God. Then be loyal to Him.

To stabilize your wavering or doubtful mind, commit yourself whole heartily to God.

Until next Time...
Jim,

" TRUTH BE TOLD "

Good Day To You
I want you to know that I appreciate you stopping by. I know that you can be reading or doing something else. It's important to me to carry out the assignments that our Lord puts in front of me. This weeks topic is called " TRUTH BE TOLD " so please sit down and let's get started.

God says to walk before me (Him) in truth. God's promises are unconditional and they will always be fulfilled. Psalm 15:1 God calls his people to be morally upright to walk in integrity, righteousness and we are to always tell the truth.You see one of God's characteristics is truthfulness. He embodies Perfect Truth; for this reason, His WORD cannot lie. It is true and dependable for guidance and help. The Bible is completely true and trustworthy. Stubbornness can blind a person to the truth. When you rid yourself of stubbornness, you may be surprised by abundant evidence of God's work in your life. Jesus Himself is the truth that sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from consequences of sin, from self-deception and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to Eternal Life with God. Thus Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God.

As we seek to serve God, Jesus' Perfect Truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be. To handle the Word of Truth correctly, we must study what the Word of God says so we can understand what it means. Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been for Him, we should build our lives on His WORD and build His WORD into our lives - it alone tells us how to live for Him and serve Him.

Believers who ignore the Bible will certainly be ashamed at the judgment. Consistent and diligent study of God's Word is vital; otherwise we will be lulled into neglecting God and our true purpose for living.

LAST POINT: How many of us only want to hear Good News, often the truth makes us uncomfortable. We prefer lies and illusions when they make us feel more secure. It is much better to face reality than to live a lie. Don't settle for something that makes you feel comfortable but is not true.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" WHAT KINDS OF WORDS COME FROM YOUR MOUTH? "

This weeks message is one that will or should truly give us pause.

Why are we so cavalier with our speech? Always remember that what goes in must come out. The Word Of God says: " BUT I TELL YOU THAT EVERY CARELESS WORD THAT PEOPLE SPEAK, THEY SHALL GIVE AN ACCOUNTING FOR IT IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. FOR BY YOUR WORDS YOU WILL BE JUSTIFIED, AND BY YOUR WORDS YOU WILL BE CONDEMNED " (Matt 12:36-37).

Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. What kinds of words come from your mouth? That is an indication of what your heart is really like. You can't solve your heart problem, however, just by cleaning up your speech. Though it is a move in the right direction. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source. "

But he answered and said, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God'. " Jesus was able to resist all of the devils temptations because He not only knew Scripture, but He also obeyed it. Ephesians 6:17 says that God's word is a sword to use in spiritual combat. Knowing Bible verses is an important step in helping us resist the devil's attacks, but we must also obey the bible.

Note that Satan had memorized scripture, but he failed to obey it. Knowing and obeying the bible helps us follow God's desires rather than the devil's. Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar.

As you begin each day, determine that God's love will guide what you say and how you think. Harsh words always seem to stir up anger. Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. Now, to turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.

LAST POINT: Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear (Ephesian 4:29).

Until Next Time...
Jim,

" YOUR GOD GIVEN ABILITIES "

This week we will be discussing " Our God Given Abilities. "

I believe that we should always give to God what is due. We are nothing without our Lord Jesus Christ nor can we accomplish anything without the abilities that He has blessed each of us with. If we don't utilize our gifts and abilities, they will diminish.

Each of us have been given a special skill or two. God wants to fill us with His Spirit so we will use them for His glory. Now, think about your special talents and abilities and the ways you could use them for God's work in the world (and we all have talents, don't sit there thinking you don't have any). A talent must be used or it will depreciate. Listen, it's important that we apply ourselves. We are responsible to use well and to the best of our abilities what the Father has blessed us with.

When people reject Jesus, their hardness of heart drives away or renders even the little understanding they had. Some people, well aware of their abilities (gifts), believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Now others may feel that they have no special talent(s) at all. Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them.

All of our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Look at this list of gifts and or abilities and imagine the kinds of people who would have each gift.

• Prophets had to be bold and usually were given the gift of articulation. 
• Servers (Those In Ministry) are faithful and loyal. 
• Teachers are clear thinkers. 
• Encourage (to exhort another) know how to motivate others. 
• Givers are generous and trusting. 
• Leaders are good organizers and managers. 
• Those who show mercy are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. 

It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts. An assertive prophet would not usually make a good counselor, and a generous giver might fail as a leader. When you identify your own gifts (and this list is far from complete), ask how you can use them to build up God's family. At the same time, realize that your gifts can't do the work of the church all alone. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. Together you can build Christ's Church.

Until Next Time...
Jim,