Tuesday, March 25, 2014

" THE DAY OF JUDGMENT "

Welcome, come on in and stay awhile, Question for you DO YOU KNOW THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR? This weeks message will be on the " DAY OF JUDGMENT. " "In the last days" Mockers will say that Jesus is never coming back. The " last Days " is the time between Christ's First and Second Comings; thus we live in the last days, and it is wise that you grasp this fact. we must do the work to which God has called us and believe that he will RETURN as Promised. God is not slow; he is just not on our timetable. I'm of the mind that Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him. The wicked and the proud will finally get what they deserve. If it seems as though God ignores the evil and proud people of our day, be assured that a day of judgment will come, just as it came for the people of Judah. I for one believe that God is waiting patiently for sinners to repent, but when his judgment comes, " None Of Them Shall Remain. " What you decide about God NOW will determine your fate then. Whenever we begin to trust in jobs, the economy, a political system. or military might, for our security, we put God in the back seat. Don't allow your money to lead you into sin, as money has a strange power to lead people into sin. Remember Paul said that " The Love of money is a Root of all sorts of evil" (1 Tim. 6:10). It is ironic that we use money - a gift of God - to by things that separate us from him. It is tragic that we spend so much money seeking to satisfy ourselves, and so little time seeking God, the true source of satisfaction. LAST POINT: Now if God did not spare angels, or people who lived before the flood, or the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah,he would not spare those who do not know him as Lord and Savior. Now there are some who believe that God will save all people because he is so loving. But it is foolish to think that he will cancel the Last Judgment. Those three examples should warn us clearly that God judges sin and that unrepentant sinners cannot escape. Until Next Time... Jim,

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

SELF-WORTH / SELF - ESTEEM

Good Morning to you, well here we are again another week has come and gone. We are about to step into the Spring of the year and I wish you my very best. Every thing is coming alive, God's creation is bursting at the seams. Now this weeks message is entitled SELF-WORTH / SELF-ESTEEM, Lord Willing you'll have a better understanding and grow. Since God chose to create us, we are valuable in his eyes; (2) We are more important than the animals. Now our true value is God's estimate of our worth, not our peers'. Other people evaluate and categorize us according to how we perform, what we achieve, and how we look. But God cares for us, as he does for all of his creatures, because we belong to him. So we can face life without fear. Listen, our self-esteem is found in knowing that we are created in God's Image. Now, one may ask in what ways are we made in God's Image? God obviously did not create us exactly like himself because God has no physical body. Instead, we are reflections of God's glory. Some feel that our reason, creativity,speech,or self-determination is the image of God. More likely, it is our entire self that reflects the image of God. We will never be totally like God because he is our supreme creator. But we do have the ability to reflect his character in our Love, Patience, Forgiveness, Kindness, and Faithfulness. Knowing that we are made in God's image and thus share many of his Characteristics provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human Worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead it is based on being made in God's image. Because we bear God's image, we can feel positive about ourselves. Criticizing or downgrading ourselves is criticizing what God has made and the abilities he has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you. LAST POINT: God saw that all he had created was very good. You are part of God's creation,and he is pleased with how he made you. If at times you feel worthless or of little value, remember that God made you for a good reason. You are valuable to him. Until Next Time... Jim,

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

" THAT STILL SMALL VOICE "

Listen, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. This week we will be looking into Hearing The Voice Of God. You know the further away from God that we get, the harder it is for us to hear when He is Speaking. God is our friend, but he is also our Sovereign Lord. Now, to approach him frivolously shows a lack of respect and sincerity. When you come to God in worship, do you approach him casually, or do you come as though you were an invited guest before "The King Of Kings?" If necessary, adjust your attitude so it is suitable for approaching a Holy God. I've heard some say that they never hear from God now or ever. Question, are you available, you know God uses ordinary people? Do you remember the last time that you were used by God? I'm reminded of a scripture 1 Kings 19:9 we're told that the Word Of God came to Elijah: Now the actual verse says: " Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the Word of the Lord came to him, and He said to Him, " What are you doing here Elijah? " Our Lord and God will always find a way to communicate with us. After all we are his children, and we must always be listening and watching for him. He certainly got his people's attention when he divided the sea before them so that they could pass to escape the soldiers of the pharaoh, another time with a pillar of cloud he led them by day,and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way in which they were to go. Then he came down on Mount Sinai, and spoke with His People from Heaven; He also provided bread from heaven for them for their hunger,you likewise brought forth water from a rock for them for their thirst. Our God can be pretty clear of his wishes when he communicates with us. Through Elijah's encounter with the Lord we learn that the Lord communicates with us and it's unmistakable. Now Elijah knew that the sound of gentle blowing was God's Voice. He also recognized that God doesn't reveal himself only in Powerful, Miraculous ways. To look for God only in something big ( Rallies, Churches, Conferences,Highly Visible Leaders). May be to miss him because he is often found gently whispering in the quietness of a humbled heart. Are you listening for God? Step back from the noise and activity of your busy life and listen humbly and quietly for His guidance. It may come when you least expect it. Until next Time... Jim,

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

" LONELINESS "

Good Day To You, this week we will be looking into " Loneliness. " Nobody wants to be alone,nor should we ever experience loneliness. Loneliness is everywhere - many people feel cut off and alienated from others. Being in a crowd just makes people more aware of their isolation. Now we all need friends who will stick close no matter what, who will listen, care, and offer help when it is needed - in good times and bad. I'm very blessed in this area and you know who you are, thanks for always being available. It is better to have one such friend than dozens of what I call superficial acquaintances. Instead of wishing you could find a true friend, seek to become one. There are people who need your friendship. Ask God to reveal them to you, and then take on the challenge of being a true friend. Loneliness makes us feel sorry for ourselves. When you are tempted to think that you are the only one remaining faithful to a task don't stop to feel sorry for yourself. You see self-pity will dilute the good you are doing. Be assured that even if you don't know who they are, others are faithfully obeying God and fulfilling their duties. Jesus used Parables to explain that although Christianity had very small beginnings, it would grow into a worldwide community of believers. When you feel alone in your stand for Christ, realize that the Father is building a worldwide kingdom. He has faithful followers in every part of the world, and your faith no matter how small, can join with that of others to accomplish great things. Do life's problems always seem to go from bad to worse? God is the only one who can reverse this downward spiral. He can take our problems and turn them into glorious victories. But there is one very necessary requirement - we, like David, must cry out, " Turn to me and be gracious to me." When you are willing to do that, God can turn the worst into something wonderful. The next step is yours - God has already made his offer. Until next Time... Jim,

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

" DOING WHAT'S RIGHT "

This week we will be looking into our decision making process. Don't you think that it's time that we look into " DOING WHAT'S RIGHT. " So take a deep breath and let's get started. Now, will you give me your full attention for a few moments? Whether you've taken notice or not we make hundreds of decisions every day. How we react to a moral dilemma often exposes our real motives. OK, it's time to be real, I'm under the assumption that we are more worried about getting caught, you may be in a position that is less than honest. Let your fear of getting caught be a warning to do right. Are you worried about looking good or doing right? Admit your mistakes,and show that you are more interested in doing what is right than in looking good. Are you determined to do the right thing, do you have the courage to stand alone? Doing what is right will not always make you popular. Those who do right will be in the minority, but to obey God is more important than to obey people. I believe that a good or bad habit can be formed within 28-30 days. Persistent sin makes us forget what is right,now have you ever thought that I no longer know how to do what is right. The more one sins, the harder it will be to remember what God wants. The same is true for all of us. The longer we wait to deal with sin, the greater it holds onto us. Finally we forget what it means to do right. ARE YOU ON THE VERGE OF FORGETTING? Until next Time... Jim,

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

" INSPIRATION "

Good day to you. I have already prayed multiple times this day for those of you on my " Immediate Prayer List. " Isn't God good? Just think about it, You Woke Up This Morning, and yet many did not see the dawn nor will others see twilight. You see I am truly inspired to be a Child of God, as I have so much to look forward to each moment of the day. This week we will be looking into " INSPIRATION. "

First things first, the Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God. It's 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. This process is known as INSPIRATION. The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own minds, languages, and styles, they wrote what the Holy Spirit wanted them to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of it's 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. The Bible is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live. " But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all eagerness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also (2Corinthians 8:7).

The process in which the scriptures were written as stated in 2 Tim. 3:16 and 1 Pet 1:21. These chosen human authors were guided directly by the Holy Spirit, and the Scriptures themselves are the Words of God. As a Christian Doctrine, Inspiration guarantees that all the words of Scripture are completely Reliable and Without Error (see Inerrancy). It does not mean that God simply dictated the words to the human authors, though this is undoubtedly to some extent. Instead God guided the authors in such a way that their own personalities are discernible in their writings, while the truth and accuracy of their words are ensured.

Please open up your mind and rediscover the Word Of God. Question: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a tim. Now how do you study the Word Of God... one word, or sentence at a time? Personally I'm Inspired by those who take the time to STUDY the Bible, as I recognize that I can learn from them.

Until next Time...
Jim,

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

" INNATE ABILITIES "

Well here we are again, another week has come and gone. And as always I have something to share with you of great importance.

This week we will be looking into our " INNATE ABILITIES. " All of us have special skills. God wants to fill us with His spirit so we will use them for His glory. Now think about your special talent(s) and abilities and the ways you could use them for God's work in the world.

A talent must be used or it will diminish. Everyone of God's people has been given Special Abilities. We are responsible to develop these abilities - even the ones not considered religious - and to use them for God's glory. Now we can become skilled through hard work and study, by watching others, and through practice. Work on your skills or abilities that could help your church and or the community. 

Now those who have ears, please listen. Jesus told us how to live until He comes: We must first watch for Him, work eagerly, and obey His commands. Now attitudes such as these are especially necessary for leaders. As I've watched those who lead me, I'm convinced that our Lord increases opportunities and responsibilities. The more resources, talents, and understanding we have, the more we are responsible to use them effectively. God will not hold us responsible for gifts He has not given us, but all of us have enough gifts and duties to keep us busy until Jesus comes.

When I think about our abilities my mind goes to the Word of God. How many of us regretfully do not live up to our Potential in God. I'm thinking of the parable of the LOANED MONEY, now the verse reads: " TO ONE HE GAVE FIVE TALENTS, TO ANOTHER, TWO, AND TO ANOTHER, ONE, EACH ACCORDING TO HIS OWN ABILITY; AND HE WENT ON HIS JOURNEY."

So that we're clear: A landowner was about to go on a journey, so he called upon some valued slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. Now this man divided the money (talents) among his servants according to their abilities in his eyes. Now the Master made very sure that no one received more or less than what he could handle. If they failed in his assignment, there excuse could not be that he was overwhelmed. Failure could only come from his own laziness or from hidden hatred for the master.

Now these talents can represent any kind of resource we are given. The Father gives us time, gifts, and other resources according to our abilities and he expects US to invest them wisely until He returns. We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have.

Until next time,
Jim,