" A GOOD REPUTATION "

Listen I sincerely want to thank you for stopping by, as I realize that you can be doing something else. This week I'm instructed to share with you the meaning of a " GOOD REPUTATION. " REPUTATION: is defined as Overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general (2) in a place in public esteem or regard. A person's life-style and relationships provide a window into his or her character. Those who invest their time and money in serving God often earn a pleasant return on their investment-a good reputation and the respect of others. Your reputation is formed by the people who watch you at work, in town, at home, and in church. A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in-no matter what group or surroundings you are in. Now, each of us is forming a reputation, developing personal qualities by which we will be remembered. How would God summarize your life up to now? Some defiantly claim that how they live is their own business. But scripture teaches that the way you live today will determine how you will be remembered by others and how you will be judged by God. WHAT YOU DO NOW DOES MATTER. I understand that it can be remarkably difficult to be silent when others tear us down because we want to protect our reputation. We find it difficult to do nothing while they assault something so precious to us. But we don't need to lash back in revenge or justify our position; we can Trust God to protect our reputation. Jesus was silent before his accusers (Luke 23:9-10); he left his case in God's hands (1 Peter 2:21-24). Now that's a good place to leave our case(s) too! Sometimes we can pick up a bad reputation just because of the employment we hold. But, you want to know one thing, we can live above it. When God calls us to follow and obey him we must do so with blind faith. We also must decide to leave behind those things that would keep us from following Christ. It can be real difficult to change your reputation, especially if you've been a real pistol in life. Now, new Christians (especially those with tarnished reputations) need sponsors, people who will come alongside, encouraged, teach, and introduce them to other believers. Find a way to stand up for another, who's image may be somewhat clouded. Until Next Time... Jim,

" LOVE AND COMPASSION "

Greetings, It's always my pleasure as well as my honor sharing with you week in and week out. This week I was moved to share on " Love and Compassion ". Real Love is an action, not a feeling. It produces selfless, sacrificial giving. The greatest act of love is giving oneself for others. How can we lay down our lives? By serving others with no thought of receiving anything in return. Sometimes it is easier to say we'll die for others than to truly live for them - this involves putting others'desires first. How do we love others as Christ loves us one might ask. All we have to know is that we are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice Sacrificial Love: by Listening, helping, and encouraging.Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. GIVE ALL THE LOVE YOU CAN AND THEN TRY TO GIVE A LITTLE MORE. Love is as strong as death;it cannot be killed by time or disaster;and it cannot be bought for any price because it is freely given. Love is priceless, and even the richest king cannot buy it. Love must be accepted as a gift from God and then shared within the guidelines God provides. Accept the Love of your spouse as God's gift, and strive to make your love a reflection of the perfect love that comes from God Himself. I believe, people are still confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God himself (1 John 4:8). Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God's message; hope is the attitude and focus; Love is the action.When Faith and Hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God Loves. Listen with all the sin and sorrow surrounding us we must know that " The Lord's Loving kindness indeed will never cease,for his Compassion's never fail." God willingly responds with help when we ask. Perhaps there is some sin in your life that you thought God would not forgive. God's steadfast Love and Mercy are greater than sin,and he promises forgiveness. LAST POINT: Believers should be ashamed when unbelievers show more Concern and Compassion than they do. God wants us to be concerned for all of his people, lost and saved. Until Next Time... Jim,

TEMPTATION / LURE

Good day to you. I must tell you that I feel so blessed as I just received a wonderful Praise Report from another Christian brother in the faith. Now, I have to ask you, how many times have you been tempted not to trust God.

 " KEEP WATCHING AND PRAYING THAT YOU MAY NOT ENTER INTO TEMPTATION; THE SPIRIT IS WILLING, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK " (Matt. 26:41).

It's when I'm weak, temptation floods my way. Help me to automatically put on my armor when I open up my eyes. At the moment You allow me to rise up from my bed, may I seek Your face my Savior. Thank You for washing all of my sins away and therefore showing me that, You're the only stimulant that I need. You Lord are the one that I will call upon in times of enticement. You are becoming the coffee that I desire in the mornings, thank You for all You've done. Help me not to be selfish, and it's my pleasure to honor You Amen.

In a culture filled with moral depravity an sin inducing pressures of our world today we must be on our toes to the temptations of today. (1) wrong desires and temptations happen to everyone, so don't feel you've been singled out; (2) other's have resisted temptation and so can you; (3) any temptation can be resisted because God will help you to prevail. Our Father has already promised never to leave us, nor to forsake us. God helps you resist temptation by helping you (A) Recognize those people and situations that give you trouble, (B) Run from anything you know is wrong, (C) Choose to do only what is right, (D) Pray for God's help,and (E) Seek friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted. Running from a tempting situation is your first step on the way to victory. Watching means being aware of the possibilities of temptation, sensitive to the subtleties and spiritually equipped to fight it. Because temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we can't resist it alone. Now prayer is essential because God's strength can shore up our defenses and defeat Satan's power.

 Until next Time...

 Jim,

" COMPLETE TRUST "

Welcome, now come on in, we're going to be discussing " FAITH " this week again.

I feel that someone really needs to hear this message. " ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH WILL IT BE DONE TO YOU " (MATT 9:29).

 I'm reminded of an account in the Bible of two blind men. Jesus Heals the Blind and the Mute. Now, Jesus didn't respond immediately to these men's pleas. He waited to see if they had faith. I've come to the conclusion that not everyone who says he wants help really believes God can help him. Jesus may have waited and questioned these men to emphasize and increase their faith.

When you think that God is too slow in answering your prayers, consider that He might be testing you as He did the blind men. Then He touched their eyes, saying, " IT SHALL BE DONE ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH " (Matt 9:29).

I believe that it's vital for you to know that because of our salvation and even our faith and gifts, we should respond with gratitude,praise, and joy. " FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT ". Now I believe we've all heard the account of the Centurion, a Roman Army Officer who was in charge of 100 men. This warrior approached Jesus not as a last resort or wizardry, but because he believed Jesus was sent from God. OK, in his time of need, it was natural for him to turn to Jesus. As an army captain, he daily delegated work and sent groups on missions, so this was how he chose to get his message to Jesus. You may be wondering why did this centurion, this warrior send Jewish Elders to Jesus instead of going himself? He was well aware of the Jewish hatred for Roman Soldiers, he may not have wanted to interrupt a Jewish gathering. Matthew 8:5 says the Roman centurion visited Jesus himself, while Luke 7:3 says he sent Jewish Elders to present his request to Jesus. In dealing with the messengers. Jesus was dealing with the centurion.

 LAST THOUGHTS: Now I've always believed that I was a man of much faith. For 12 years I suffered with extreme chronic pain daily, and could hardly walk without assistance. many people who cared for me prayed daily for God's intervention. For years they told me that I would walk, but in the back of my mind, I was hearing my doctors telling me that I would end up in a wheelchair. Finally I got into my quite place and had a heart to heart with Jesus, and I'm HEALED... For better or worse, our faith affects others. We cannot make another person a Christian, but we can do much through our Words, Actions, and love to give him or her a chance to respond to Christ. Look for opportunities to bring your friends to the Living Christ.

 Until next Time...

 Jim,

" COMFORT / UN ANXIETY "

Good Morning, Well as always it's so great that you saw fit to stop by today.

" COMFORT " consolation: freedom from pain, trouble, or anxiety: also something that gives such freedom. 

Now let's get started, we are instructed to comfort one another. Doing the Lord's work doesn't guarantee a comfortable life. Many people think that believing in God protects them from trouble, so when calamity appears, they question God's goodness and justice. We are promised that everything, even our discomfort, has meaning in God's plan. Real comfort is sacrificing yours to show love for another. When you love someone, you will do all you can to ensure the safety of that person and care for his or her needs, even at a cost to your personal comfort.

Now, this shows up most often in small actions - walking upstairs to get your spouse a glass of water, leaving work early to attend some function your child is involved in, or sacrificing your personal comfort to tend to the needs of a friend. Knowing that God keeps his promises can comfort you too. As we read the Word of God hopefully you are convinced that it is true. More important you realize that it is more than just stories; it is part of God's Word. In it The Father is revealing to you his plans for human history. Is your faith becoming too comfortable? Are you willing to totally obey God, what if the Lord tells you that he needs you to accomplish a task on the other side of the world, what would you do?

Now if you do completely understand that God may be trying to lead you to a place of greater service and usefulness for him. Don't allow the comfort and security of your present position make you miss God's plan for you. Don't give into society's pressures. Don't settle for comfort without commitment. Stand up against evil by living as God would have his people live.

FINAL POINT: Ways to become a better comforter to those in pain: (1) Don't talk just for the sake of talking; (2) don't sermonize by giving pat answers; (3) don't accuse or criticize; (4) put yourself in the other person's place; and (5) offer help and encouragement. The best comforters are those who know something about personal suffering.

Until Next Time...

Jim,

SERVANT / SERVANT HOOD

Do you have a servant spirit, now do you have a heart for doing far more than the bare minimum? When asked to help or when you see a need do you go beyond the minimum? The Father will use and He will lead us if we are available, are you? It is paramount that we follow the Word Of God. To effectively serve God you must fulfill the conditions of His word. Serving God is selfless, not self-centered. Again as believers, yes we are to be selfless rather than self-centered. Instead of expecting God to serve us, we are to serve Him, expecting nothing in return. We serve God for who He is, not for what we get from Him.

Christians I'm talking to you, I believe that every now and then we must all do a gut check. I'm afraid in life we find ourselves on auto-pilot going through life. Check the condition of your heart toward God. We can be very active in our work for God and still not give the heartfelt obedience he desires. The Father has a place for us all to serve. You don't have to be an ordained minister to have an important place in the Body Of Believers. No matter what your walk in life may be God can use you. God has given you an unique combination of talents. Use them to serve and honor Him. When you see others - even in carrying out ordinary tasks - you are serving God. Because ultimately we serve God, every job has dignity. We should put aside our own interest to serve other Christians. Again when we serve others, we are serving God.

We are called to serve God in specific ways.Although God promises us the tools and strength we need, we often make excuses. Confession Time... My hand's up. But reminding God of our limitations only implies that He does not know all about us or that He has made a mistake in evaluating our character. Don't spend time making excuses. Instead spend it doing what God wants.

Until Next Time...

Jim,

" ARE YOU WATCHING "

Greetings to you,

This week we will be talking about " Watching ".It's important that we are vigilant in our daily watch for the return of our Jesus Christ.

If you are watching, what are you watching for? Jesus tells us about remaining watchful, to the point that MATTHEW, MARK and LUKE chose to mention it in each of the Gospels. I am of the belief that every word in the Bible is life giving. Unfortunately we don't always discover it's value at the moment. Sad but true we sometimes just read words,therefore we miss what the Lord is trying to tell us at that specific moment in time.

Are you watching and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ our Lord? It is probably a good thing that we don't know exactly when Jesus Christ will return. Now let's be honest, if we knew the precise date, we might plan to keep sinning and then turn to the Father right at the end. When Jesus returns to take his people to Heaven, we must be ready. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Our relationship with the Father must be our own. Jesus' second coming will be swift and sudden. There will be no opportunity for last-minute repentance or bargaining. The choice we have already made will determine our eternal destiny. Jesus' purpose in telling us about his return is not to stimulate predictions and calculations about the date, but to warn us to be vigilant and prepared. Will you be ready? The only safe choice is to obey him today. God's coming judgment is as certain as Jesus' return to earth.

Jesus asks us to spend the time of waiting taking care of His people and doing His work here on earth, both within the church and outside it. Now readers this is the best way to prepare for the return of Jesus Christ. Remember the scriptures tell us that He's returning for His bride... The church, and He's looking for a bride without spot or wrinkle. Who is the church? Those of us who know Him as Lord and Savior, those who have a Personal Relationship with Him.

Until Next Time...

Jim,