" IRON SHARPENS IRON "

Top Of The Morning To You, There's an old saying from when I was a boy that says: " Time Fly's When We're Having Fun. " Are we having fun yet, are you being all that you can be in the Lord? Do you have some one that you look up to, someone that mentors you and prays for and with you? OK let's get into the meat of this weeks message which is entitled:"Iron Sharpens Iron." " AS IRON SHARPENS IRON,SO ONE MAN SHARPENS ANOTHER " (Proverb 27:17). Christ says that those who overcome (those who remain faithful until the end and continue to please God)will rule over Christ's enemies and reign with him as he judges evil. As God's representatives we must be faithful and always have a sound mind, a sharpness about us. We are never to rebel against God in our hearts and once again we are able to be truly faithful to God. It's easy to pretend friendship, wicked people often put on a show of kindness or friendship in order to gain their own ends. True believers should be straightforward and sincere in all their relationships. Now as men of God we should be aware of how to handle small problems between ourselves. We're taught that disagreeing Christians should not have to go through the secular system to resolve our differences. You see as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit and the Mind Of Christ, so why should we ever turn to those who lack God's Wisdom? Men there is a mental sharpness that comes from being around good people. And a meeting of minds can help people see their ideas with new clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. This requires discussion partners who can challenge each other and stimulate through people who focus on the idea without involving their egos in the discussion; people who know how to attack the thought and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper. " THEN THERE WILL BE A FOURTH KINGDOM AS STRONG AS IRON; INASMUCH AS IRON CRUSHES AND SHATTERS ALL THINGS, SO, LIKE IRON THAT BREAKS IN PIECES, IT WILL CRUSH AND BREAK ALL THESE IN PIECES". Now as men of God we should be vigilant and keep our wits about us, always looking to God for everything. I believe that we should look out for our fellow man and put to good use the gifts that our Lord has given us. Until Next Time... Jim,

" SINCERITY "

Well it appears that another week has come and gone. As always I enjoy the company,and I thank you for dropping by. I want you to know that I'm intentional about my work in God's Kingdom. Remember just let me know of your prayer request and I will get right on it, and you can take that fact to the bank. This week we will be covering a subject that we all should be mindful of " Sincerity. " Sincerity is defined in this manner: freedom from deceit, hypocrisy; or duplicity;probity in intention or in communicating; earnestness. " Sincerity ": is advanced when you are open to having others in your life and when you do not feel a need to compare yourself with what others have and what you do not. There is no substitute for obedience or excuse for disobedience. We are often guilty of trying to make God in our image, molding him to fit our expectations, desires, and circumstances. When we do this, we end up worshiping ourselves rather than the God who created us - and self-worship, today as in the Israelite's time, leads to all kinds of immorality. What is your favorite imagine of God? Is it Biblical? Is it adequate? Do you need to destroy it in order to worship the immeasurably powerful God who delivered you from bondage to sin? Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one -hope the Word Of God. God's words are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when He speaks. OK, please adhere,when you go to church, or have fellowship with other believers, are you doing this from habit or for what you get out of it? God says that an attitude of worship without a sincere desire to know and love him will lead to ruin. " Sincere Love " involves selfless giving,a self-centered person can't truly love. God's Love and Forgiveness free you to take your eyes off yourselves and to meet others' needs. By sacrificing his life, Christ showed that He Truly Loves Us. Please wrap your mind around this concept, that you can love others by following His example and by giving of yourself sacrificially. Until next Time... Jim,

" DEPRESSION "

Good Day To You!

It's my prayer that all is well and right in your world. There is much hurting and despair in the lives of so many today that those of us who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior must stay in prayer. This week we will be touching on the subject of " DEPRESSION. "

Depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. Now one antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness to His people. This will take your mind off the present situation and give hope that it will improve. It will focus your thoughts on God's ability to help yourself.

When you feel depressed, take advantage of this Psalm's antidepressant (Psalm 42:5-6). Read the Bible's accounts of God's goodness, and mediate on them. Look up these verses, as they speak on depression:

• Isaiah 61:1,3
• 1 John 4:4
• Proverbs 42:11
• Matthew 28:18
• Isaiah 26:3
• Philippians 4:8
•  Isaiah 40:29
• Isaiah 53:4,5
• Nehemiah 8:10
• John 14:27

 Depression often follows great achievements. Example in the Word, God tells of Samson's triumph. After a great feat Samson was physically and emotionally exhausted. Now after his great personal victory, his attitude declined quickly into self-pity, " Shall I die of thirst?" Emotionally we are most vulnerable after a great effort or when faced with real physical needs. Severe depression often follows great achievements, so don't be surprised if you feel drained after a personal victory. During these times of vulnerability, avoid the temptation to think that God owes you for your efforts. It was His strength that gave him victory. Concentrate on keeping your attitudes, actions, and words focused on God instead of yourself.

Elijah experienced the depths of fatigue and discouragement just after his two great spiritual victories: the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the answered prayer for rain. Often discouragement sets in after great spiritual experiences, especially those requiring physical effort or involving great emotion. To lead him out of depression God first let Elijah rest and eat. Then God confronted him with the need to return to his mission - to speak God's Word in Israel. Elijah's battles were not over; there was still work for him to do.

When you feel let down after a great spiritual experience, remember that God's purpose for your life is not yet over. You don't have to be alone when you're going through a bout of depression. Always remember that Jesus never fails.

 Trust God in all things and in all ways.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" BITTERNESS "

Good Morning, You know it's really good to see you, thanks so much for stopping by. This week we will be tackling another very important subject " BITTERNESS, " so sit down and strap in. Jesus said that whoever hates another person is a murderer at heart. Bitterness against someone who has wronged you is an evil cancer within you and will eventually destroy you. Don't let a " Root Of Bitterness " grow in you or your church. you know one of the greatest barriers to Salvation for those who put wealth before the Lord Jesus is pride. For those less fortunate, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of Salvation. Forgiveness changes bitterness to joy. Don't let anything keep you from forgiving others. If you are refusing to forgive people, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy and share it with others. Make your joy grow: Forgive somebody who has hurt you. The Word Of God says " LET ALL BITTERNESS AND WRATH AND ANGER AND CLAMOR AND SLANDER BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU, ALONG WITH ALL MALICE." Like a small root that grows into a great tree,bitterness springs up in our hearts and overshadows even our deepest Christian Relationships. A " ROOT OF BITTERNESS " comes when we allow disappointment to grow into resentment, or when we nurse grudges over past hurts. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and immorality. When the Holy Spirit fills us, however, he can heal the hurt that causes bitterness. I'm sure that we are all aware that life can bring us some bad situations. We can feel cheated, but we don't have to remain bitter. We can remove bitterness from our lives by honestly expressing our feelings to God, forgiving those who have wronged us, and being content with what we have. Hatred and bitterness are like weeds with long roots that grow in the heart and corrupt all of life. I'm reminded of Hebrews 12:15 which warns us to watch out " THAT NO ROOT OF BITTERNESS SPRINGING UP CAUSES TROUBLE, AND BY IT MANY BE DEFILED." Don't let hatred and its resulting bitterness build in your heart. As others before you, you will find it backfiring against you. Now if the mere mention of someone's name provokes you to anger, confess your bitterness as sin. Ignoring bitterness, hiding it from others, or making superficial changes in behavior is not enough. If bitterness is not completely removed, it will grow back, making matters worse. We may feel bitter about a situation, but we must never despair. Today is always a new opportunity for experiencing God's Care. Until Next Time... Jim,

" SEXUAL SIN STARTS IN THE MIND "

Good Day To You, Memorial Day has just passed and we gave tribute to our fallen soldiers here in the good old U.S.of A. yesterday. All who have served and to those who are presently serving THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. With that being said this weeks message is entitled " Sexual Sin Starts In The Mind " In the old testament of the Bible we are told that it is law, for no one to have sex with someone other than his or her spouse (Exodus 20:14). But Jesus said that the desire to have sex with someone other than your spouse is mental adultery and therefore sin. Internet Pornography runs rampant around the world today. My friend said that it's a choice, and that silence about pornography indicates your approval. Pornography has destroyed the lives of men and women around the globe. I've read that experts believe that a pornography addiction may be harder to break than a heroin addiction. Pornography destroys marriages and families. Excessive interest in online pornography strongly contributes to divorce. Sexual desires must be placed under God's control. The temptation to engage in sexual intercourse outside the marriage relationship has always been powerful. God created sex for procreation and pleasure, and as an expression of love between a husband and wife. Sexual experience must be limited to the marriage relationship to avoid hurting ourselves, our relation to God, and our relationships with others. Sexual Sins hurt someone: Individuals, Families, businesses, churches. Besides the physical consequences, there are also Spiritual consequences. " Because sex is perverted, shouldn't we also abstain in marriage? " "If my spouse is unsaved, should I seek a divorce?" Should unmarried people and widows remain unmarried?" Paul answered many of these questions for us today by saying, " For now, stay put. Be content in the situation where God has placed you. If you're married, don't seek to be single. If you're single, don't seek to be married. Live God's way, one day at a time, and he will show you what to do." Sexual Sin is devastating because it's consequences are so far reaching. Remember that sexual sin is just not between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience against God. Until Next Time... Jim,

HOW " KIND " ARE YOU ?

Good Morning To You, Welcome aboard,I'm so pleased that you have seen fit to come my way. Before another day comes and goes it will be my honor to share why we should be kind to others. KIND is being considerate as well as loving. Act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his son to die for your sins. " Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you " ( Ephesians 4:32). Now if you're asked, have you as of yet tasted the Kindness of the Lord, with out a doubt we can all give a resounding yes. People have tried all kids of ways to please God, but God has made his wishes clear: He wants his people to be just, love kindness, and walk humbly with him. In your efforts to please God, examine these areas on a regular basis. Are you fair in your dealings with people? Do you show kindness to those who wrong you? Are you learning humility? Kindness is a by-product of living for God. A strategy to help you live for God day by day: (1) imitate Christ's compassionate,forgiving attitude; (2)let love guide your life; (3)let the peace of Christ rule in your heart;(4)always be thankful; (5)keep God's word in you at all times;(6) live as Jesus Christ's representative. I'm reminded of a wonderful story about a woman named Dorcas in the Word Of God who is synonymous to KIND ACTS. Dorcas made an enormous impact on her community by " abounding with deeds of Kindness and Charity," by making tunics and other clothing. When she passed,the room was filled with mourners, very likely many of the people she had helped. And when she was brought back to life, the news raced through-out the town. God uses great preachers like Peter and Paul, but he also uses those who have gifts of Kindness like Dorcas. Rather than wishing you had other gifts,make good use of the gifts God has given you. Until Next Time... Jim,

" I WILL SERVE THE LORD "

Good Day To You, The Lord impressed me to share a little something about myself. This weeks title is " I WILL SERVE THE LORD ". I have a healthy fear of my Lord and therefore I serve him in sincerity and truth. I am a Warrior of God on the front lines, as I am not made to watch from the sidelines. I propose that you join me, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. We must live what we believe, and be Men of Integrity, Men of Valor and of course we must be first, Servants Of God. " AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE MAN SHARPENS ANOTHER " (Proverbs 27:17). We must daily ask for forgiveness, and for our hearts and our minds to be open to the things of God. Now this kind of prayer is one that must be prayed until YOU get an answer. You must decide whether you will obey the Lord, who has proven his trustworthiness time after time in your life. Now, It's easy to slip into a quiet rebellion - going about life in your own way. Now the time has come brother when you must choose whom or what will control - you. The choice is yours. Will it be God, your own limited personality, or another imperfect substitute? Warrior of God once you have chosen to be controlled by God's Spirit, reaffirm your choice every day. A Warrior of God is daring, in taking a definite stand for the Lord, you will be displaying your Spiritual Leadership. I know that He who care most about you will be gratified. The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to see God.I feel that I have to ask a question, have you strapped on your armor as of yet today? Have you received your marching orders for the day? We have been warned that Satan is roaming earth seeking whom he can devour (Overcome). Talk is Cheap. You know it's easy to say we will follow God, but it is much more important to live like it. Be a man of great faith in God and a powerful leader in the faith. It's vital that you show sagacity in the things of God. We are in a Spiritual Battle to the possible death of you and all whom you care most about. Keep your wits about you, and keep your eyes and your ears open. Until Next Time... Jim,