" OUR PASTORS / MINISTERS "

Greetings, Well here we are again another week has come and gone. I never know what I'm going to write about until the Lord Jesus Christ puts a subject on my heart.

This week I've been led to share with you about our Shepherd, our Pastor or Ministers. A Pastor is one of the position(s) of leadership in the Local Church which the Holy Spirit uses for the edification of the Body of Christ. A person so gifted is to: lead the members of the Body, help them to understand and apply the Scriptures and keep them safe from false teachers and unsound doctrine.

Our Pastors are or should be recognized as Shepherds of People. Pastors are just like you and me; flesh and blood. We all have our faults, and sometimes it may seem that we can never rise above them. Now, can you imagine the pressure that our Pastors are under everyday of their lives? Are you lifting up your Pastor in prayer throughout your day, and do you even give him a thought at all?

If your Pastor is anything like mine he's always on the go for Jesus. As Shepherds they are constantly being attacked, and therefore our prayers are very much needed. I know that you are up for this task, vow that you will Stand In The Gap for your Pastor daily... well do ya, say it.

Micah was a straight shooting Prophet of God. His purpose was to warn God's people that judgment was coming and to offer pardon to all who repent. Now the people of his day liked the false prophets who told them only what they wanted to hear. Micah spoke against prophets who encouraged the people to feel comfortable in their sin. Preachers are popular when they don't ask too much of us and when they tell us our greed or lust might even be good for us. But a true teacher of God speaks the truth, regardless of what the listeners want to hear. Ministers shouldn't dilute the message to please the crowd. Don't expect your pastor's to do everything. " BUT WE WILL DEVOTE OURSELVES TO PRAYER AND TO THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD " (Acts 6-4).

The Bible explains that the Apostles' priorities were correct. That the ministry of the Word of God should never be neglected because of administrative duties. Our Pastors should not try, or be expected to try, to do everything. Instead, the work of the church should be spread out among its members, and Church Volunteers. Again I say, Lift up your Pastors and Ministers daily, as Satan never gives up the thought of taking them down.

Until next Time...
Jim

" ARE YOU CONSIDERED HUMBLE "

Good Morning to you and to all in whom you care so much about. Well Christmas has come and gone and today is New Years Eve and I wish you the very best that our Lord and God has to offer. May I be the very first to BLESS YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.

My dictionary defines HUMBLE as: Not proud or haughty (2) Not Pretentious: Unassuming (3) Insignificant: Meek, Modest or even Lowly.

Now The Word Of God says:(The man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth). Can you imagine anyone saying the same about you? That you are very HUMBLE. Humbleness hardly seems the proper weapon to deal with enemies. God warfare must be carried out with calm faith, humility before God, and hope in His deliverance.

Jesus also promises a sure reward for those with HUMBLE attitudes. " When Pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the Humble is Wisdom." Zechariah 9:9 refers to the HUMBLENESS of Jesus. Prophecy of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. " HUMBLE, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Do you draw on Christ's power for strength? Do you have great needs, or are you discontented because you don't have what you wanted? Learn to rely on God's Promises and Christ's power to help you be content. Now if you want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance. Listen it's vital you grasp this promise of God. That He will supply all of your needs, but in a way that He knows is best for you.

LAST POINT: We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. Remember that God's recognition counts more than human praise. God is able and willing to bless us according to His timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in His good time - either in this life or in the next - He will exalt you. May you have a Blessed as well as an exciting New Year.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" THE ART OF PRAISE "

Good Morning All,

Well here we are towards the end of a week and the day after Christmas. Where is and what is your mind on? Could it be on possibly returning a gift or two or on our Lord Jesus Christ? How often do you truly give God what He deserves? Do you actually understand what PRAISE is? Praise is expressing to God our appreciation and understanding of His worth. It is saying " THANK YOU " for each aspect of His divine nature.

Our inward attitude becomes outward expression. Now, when we praise God, we help ourselves by expanding our awareness of who He is. In each Psalm I always look for an attribute or characteristic of God in which I can thank Him. 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.

Listen closely, we should begin any task by praising God, as this can inspire us to give Him our best. Now I encourage you to practice giving praise to God, and you will experience greater joy and strength to face anything. PRAISE expresses Admiration, Appreciation, and Thanks. Considering all that God has done and does for us, what can be more natural than outbursts of heartfelt praise?

When we Worship, Praise should be given to God, not only for what He does - His Creation, His Blessings, His Forgiveness - but also for who He is - Loving, Just, Faithful, Forgiving, Patient. Note also those times when the Praise of God is shared with others, and they too are encouraged to Praise Him. In what ways have you recently praised God or told others all that He has done for you?

LAST POINT: Our worship should begin by acknowledging God's Love. Praise God First; then you will be prepared to present your needs to Him. Recalling God's Love and Mercy will inspire you to worship Him daily.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" WHY NOT VENGEANCE? "

Good Day to you and I mean it. Are things well with you and yours? I pray that you are walking with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This week we will be looking into " VENGEANCE " and believe it or not we all should truly take heed to this one. " Never take your own Revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, " VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord (Rom. 12:19).

When someone hurts you deeply instead of giving him what he deserves, Paul says to befriend him. Why do you think that he told us to forgive our enemies? (1) Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation. (2) It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways. (3) By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy.

Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness. God will repay those who deserve it. Refuse to rejoice when your enemies suffer, and don't try to get revenge. Seeking Revenge will ruin your own peace of mind and increase the chances of further retaliation. Sometimes forgiving a personal attack shows more strength than lashing out in revenge. Trying to prove one's power and authority often proves only one's fear and self-doubt. Insulting others and being jealous are not right responses when we feel left out. But seeking revenge for an insult is just as wrong, and very costly.

God's will is supreme over all rulers, all historical events, and all hostile forces. He can deliver us in ways we can't imagine. Now, if we trust in his power and love, no opposition can stop us. Now do not be redundant Jesus' words about REVENGE: When we are wronged, often our first reaction is to get even. Instead Jesus said we should do good to those who wrong us! Our desire should not be to keep score, but to Love and Forgive. This is not natural - it is Supernatural. Only God can give us the strength to love as He does. Instead of planning vengeance, pray for those who hurt you.

Until next Time...
Jim

" BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING "

Anxiety is something that we must strive to keep out of our lives. We all have stuff going on all the time and it's vital that we learn how to channel these episodes. I believe that it all comes down to trusting God especially when we have that every now and then "Bend In The Road".

We can never avoid strife in our lives as it's in the world around us. With God we can know "Perfect Peace" even in turmoil. When we are devoted to Him, our whole attitude is steady and stable. Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos.

Do you want peace? Then keep your thoughts on the Father and always trust in God. Carrying your worries, stresses, and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have NOT trusted God fully with your life. It takes humility, however, to recognize that God cares, to admit your need, and to let others in God's Family help you.

Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. But when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight even of those struggles. Letting God have your ANXIETIES calls for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls circumstances. "

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING;(6) IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT " (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God pays attention to those who call upon him. Whether God offers escape from trouble or help in times of trouble, we can be certain that he always hears and acts on behalf of those who Love him. God wants us to cast our cares on Him, but often we continue to bear them ourselves even when we say we are trusting in him. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.

LAST POINT: Philippians 4:6 says " DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD."

Imagine being " Anxious For Nothing! " It seems like an impossibility - we all have worries on the job, in our homes, and at school. But Paul's advice is to turn our WORRIES INTO PRAYERS. Do you want to worry less? Then Pray More! Please remember that whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

Until next Time...
Jim

" CONFESSION "

Good day To You, This week we will be looking into a subject that I feel is of utmost importance to you and to me. It's time to be real so that we can be free. This weeks subject is " CONFESSION. "

An act of Confession is an acknowledgement of guilt, and or a formal statement of religious belief.

At conversion all our sins are forgiven - past, present, and future. Yet even after we become Christians, we still need to confess. This kind of confession is not offered to gain God's acceptance, but to remove the barrier to fellowship that our sin has put between us and Him. It is difficult, however, for many people to admit their faults and shortcomings, even to God. It takes humility and honesty to recognize our weaknesses,and most of us would rather pretend that we are strong.

We need not fear revealing our sins to God - He knows them already. He will not push us away, no matter what we've done. Instead He will draw us to Him. Confession is supposed to free us to enjoy fellowship with Christ. It should ease our consciences and lighten our cares. But some Christians do not understand how it works. They feel so guilty that they confess the same sins over and over; then they wonder if they might have forgotten something. Other Christians believe that God forgives them when they confess, but if they died with Un-confessed sins, they would be forever lost. These Christians do not understand that God wants to forgive us. He allowed His Beloved Son to die just so he could offer us pardon.

UNDERSTAND, WHEN WE COME TO CHRIST, HE FORGIVES ALL THE SINS WE HAVE COMMITTED OR WILL EVER COMMIT.

We don't need to confess the sins of the past all over again, and we don't need to fear that God will reject us if we don't keep our slate perfectly clean. Of course we should continue to confess our sins, but because failure to do so will make us lose our salvation. Our relationship with Christ is secure. Instead, we should confess so that we can enjoy maximum fellowship and joy with Him.

True confession also involves a commitment not to continue in sin. We couldn't be genuinely confessing our sins to God if we planned to commit them again and just wanted temporary forgiveness. We should also pray for strength to defeat temptation the next time we face it.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" THE TRIALS OF JOB "

OK, here we are again our time of the week to hear what our Lord has for us. This week we will be looking into the Book of Job, this weeks message is titled " THE TRIALS OF JOB." Please put your thinking caps on and saddle up so that we can hear what JOB has for us today.

Job is portrayed as a wealthy man of upright character and one who loves God. Yet God allows Satan to destroy his flocks, his possessions, his children, and his health. Job refuses to give up on God, even though he does not understand why this is happening to him.

How many of us get disappointed in the Lord every day, when things don't go our way? We, too, must trust God when we do not understand the difficulties we face. Job acted as priest and offered sacrifices to God to ask for forgiveness for sins he and his family had committed. This demonstrated that Job did not consider himself sinless. Job did this out of conviction and love for God, not just because it was his role as Head Of The House.

Now in my opinion this man is a STRONGMAN. Do you carry out your Spiritual duties because they are expected, or spontaneously from a heart of devotion? Job showed deep concern for the Spiritual welfare of his children. Fearful that they might have sinned unknowingly, he offered sacrifices for them. As parents today we should show the same concern by praying for our children. This means " Sacrificing some time each day to ask God to forgive them, to help them grow, to protect them, and to help them please him."

Job showed the kind of Trust we are to have. When everything is stripped away, we are to recognize that God is all we ever really had. We should not demand that God explain everything. God gives us Himself, but not all the details of His plans. We must remember that this life, with all its pain, is not our final destiny. Although God is present everywhere at times He may seem far away. This may cause us to feel alone and to doubt His care for us. We should serve God for who He is, not what we feel. He is never insensitive to our suffering. Because God is sufficient, we must hold on to Him.

Until Next Time...
Jim