" ANOTHER'S ADVICE MUST BE DISCERNED "

This weeks message is one that that you truly need to take heed. How well do you receive " ADVICE?"

I'm positive that your parents have offered and given you advice. Most parents can be a storehouse of good advice, because they have a lifetime of insight into their children's character. You may not agree with everything your parents say, but at least talk with them and listen carefully. This will help avoid hard feelings in the future.

Now, we should evaluate advice, ask if it is realistic, workable, and consistent with Biblical principles. Determine if the results of following the advice will be fair, make improvements, and give a positive solution or direction.

Seek counsel from those more experienced and wiser. Advice is helpful only if it is consistent with God's standards. The following of bad advice can cause disaster. When seeking advice don't make these errors. 1- Give extra consideration to the suggestions of those who know the situation better than you, and ask God for wisdom to discern who has the better option. It is easy to follow the advice of our peers because they often feel as we do. But their view may be limited. It is important to listen carefully to those who have more experience than we do - they can see the bigger picture.

LAST POINT: You know it does us no good to seek God's advice if we ignore it when it is given. Real love for God is shown not by merely asking for direction, but by following that direction once it is given.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim

" HOW IMPORTANT IS PRAYER TO YOU "

My very best to you on this day that the Lord has made. This week we will be looking into the importance of prayer.

PRAYER is a petition, supplication or praise that is addressed to God. Probably the best known from the Bible is the Lord's Prayer, i.e. the prayer which Jesus taught His disciples as an example of how they should pray.

The world defines prayer this way:
1- A supplication or expression addressed to God or a god: A set order of words used in praying
2- An earnest request or wish
3- The act or practice of praying to God
4- A religious service consisting chiefly of prayers - often used in pl.
5- Something prayed for
6- Slight Chance.

If a man is not considerate and respectful of his wife, his prayers will be hindered, because a living relationship with God depends on right relationships with others. Jesus said if you have a problem with a fellow believer, you must make it right with that person before coming to Worship (Matt. 5:23-24). Now, I especially believe that this principle carries over into family relationships. If men use their position to mistreat their wives their relationship with God will suffer.

" ALWAYS OFFERING PRAYER WITH JOY IN MY EVERY PRAYER FOR YOU ALL."

This is the first of many times Paul used the word joy in his letter. The Philippians were remembered with joy and thanksgiving whenever Paul prayed. By helping Paul, they were helping Christ's cause. Now the Philippians were willing to be used by God for whatever he wanted them to do. When others think about you, what comes to their minds? Are you remembered with fondest and joy by them? Do your acts of kindness lift up others?

 Until next Time...
 Jim

" DON'T DOUBT CHRIST "

Do You Believe? If you do, in whom do you believe in? This week's title is " DON'T DOUBT CHRIST."

I often think back to challenging times for me as well as for some of you. My mind also reflects on how Moses witnessed God's power in spectacular miracles, yet at this time he questioned God's ability to feed the wandering Israelite's. If Moses doubted God's power, how much easier it is for us to do the same?

Completely depending upon God is essential regardless of our level of spiritual maturity. When we begin to rely on our 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. Momentary doubt vs. lack of trust unfortunately is a fact of life. Now when you examine your conscience do you always unearth everything? When you're confessing your sin(s) is all the secret sin(s) coming forth? Can you declare your confidence in your integrity and God's justice. 

We are always likely to have hidden sin in our lives. Sin we don't even know about because God's standards are so high and our performance is so imperfect. If we are true believers, however, all our sins are forgiven because of what Christ did on the cross in our behalf (Rom 5:1-8). The Word of God also teaches us that even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts (1 John 3:20). His forgiveness and cleansing are sufficient; they overrule our nagging doubts. The Holy Spirit in us is our proof that we are forgiven in God's eye's even though we may feel guilty. If we, are truly seeking God, we can stand up to another's accusations as well as our own nagging doubts. Now, you can take this to the bank: if God has forgiven and accepted us, we are forgiven indeed. No doubt about it.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim

" I WON'T BOW DOWN "

Praise the Lord, here we are at the dawning of another year. I for one am looking forward to doing a better job with my Walk With Christ. Shadrach is the name given to " Hananiah " by the Babylonians who invaded his country and took many captives. Hananiah was one of three companions of Daniel, all of whom were thrown into a fiery furnace for not bowing down and worshiping the golden idol set up by Nebuchadnezzar the king.

They were miraculously protected from the fire by God. Why didn't the three young men Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego just bow to the image and then tell God that they didn't mean it? They had PRE-determined never to worship another god, and they courageously took their stand. The boys did not know whether they would be delivered from the fire; all they knew was that they would not fall down and worship an idol.

Are you ready to take a stand for God no matter what? I'm of the mind that when you stand for God, you will stand out. It may be painful, and it may not always have a happy ending. Be prepared to say, " If he rescues me, or if he doesn't, I will serve only God. "

Now the boys names were changed because Nebuchadnezzar wanted to make them Babylonian. New names would help them assimilate into the culture. " Hananiah " means the Lord shows grace;". The name, Shadrach, probably means " under the command of A K U" (the moon god). The story of Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), and Abed-nego (Azariah) is told in the Book Of Daniel. They refused to bow down and worship an idol, how about you?

 Until Next Time...
 Jim

" TEAMWORK "

I want to Thank You so very much for stopping by.

This week's message is all about " TEAMWORK." So often we struggle by ourselves, forgetting that God is able to help us fight our battles, whether they are against men with weapons or against spiritual forces. To trust God to rescue you shows Great Faith.

Now, can you trust Him when injury or persecution is directed at you? Such spiritual battles requires teamwork between courageous, faithful people and a Mighty God. Because of fear for ourselves, we may not recognize God's presence in other people and therefore miss God's victory. Then we must face the often bitter consequences of failing to join forces with those God has chosen to do His work.

Because God will prevail with or without you, be quick to join others who are engaged in His work. Lend support with your time, money, talents, and prayer.

LAST POINT: After 70 years in exile, the captives from Judah were allowed to return to their homeland. Nearly 50,000 people made the journey. Now the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom. Now, this proclamation permitted the Jews to work together to accomplish the huge task of rebuilding the temple. Some did the actual building, while others operated the supply lines. Significant ventures require TEAMWORK, with certain people serving in the forefront and others providing support. Each function is vital to accomplishing the task.

When you're asked to serve, do so faithfully as a Team Member, no matter who gets the credit.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim

" POSSESSIONS "

Well here we are again, the beginning of another week. I sincerely am grateful that you had the mind to stop by.

This week we will be looking into " POSSESSIONS. " Possession is defined in this manner.
1- Control or Occupancy of property
2- Ownership
3- Something Owned; Property
4- Domination by something ( as an Evil Spirit, a Passion, or a Idea)
5-Self-Control.

I'd like to speak about Paul and possessions. Now Paul was satisfied with what he had and so should we. Examine your attitudes toward wealth and comfort. If you focus more on what you don't have than on what you do have, it's time to reexamine your priorities and put God's work back in first place.

The money we earn is not ours alone. Everything that we possess comes directly or indirectly from God and ultimately belongs to Him. We should return a portion to Him and also share a portion with those in need. Possessions will not satisfy if we neglect God. If we put God first, He will provide for our deepest needs. If we put Him in any other place, all our efforts will be futile.

Caring only for your physical needs while ignoring your relationship with God will lead to ruin. As mentioned by not giving God first place in our lives, our work will not be Fruitful or Productive, and our material possessions will not satisfy.

LAST POINT: A greedy desire can entice us into doing things or going places we shouldn't. The prosperity we long for is captivating;it can both entice us and enslave us if our motives are not in line with God's desires.

Until Next Time...
Jim

" BEING PRAYERFULLY PROTECTED "

Greetings to you, now please come on in and sit awhile.

This week we will be looking into Being Prayerfully Protected.

" BEWARE THAT YOUR HEARTS ARE NOT DECEIVED, AND THAT YOU DO NOT TURN AWAY AND SERVE OTHER gods AND WORSHIP THEM " (Deuteronomy 11:16).

Please understand this, Satan is a Liar and the " Father Of Lies. " Satan still uses people to obstruct God's work. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own NATURE, for he is a liar and the Father Of Lies. Satan's main Tactic in Spiritual Warfare is to Misrepresent the Word and Character of God.

It is so important that you rise early and put on your Armor, " The Armor Of God. "

* Piece of Armor: " BELT " Use, " Truth " Application, Satan fights with lies, and sometimes his lies sound like truth; but only believers have God's Truth, which can defeat Satan's lies.

* Breastplate: " Righteousness " Satan often takes our hearts - the seat of our emotions, self-worth, and trust. God's Righteousness is the Breastplate that protects our hearts and ensures his approval. He approves of us because He loves us and sent His Son to die for us.

* Foot Gear: " Readiness to spread the Good News " Satan wants us to think that telling the Good News other than the Good News is a worthless and hopeless tasks - the size of the task is too big and the negative responses are too much to handle. But the Foot Gear God gives us is the motivation to continue to proclaim the true peace that is available in God - news everyone needs to hear.

* Shield: Use: " Faith " APPLICATION: What we see are Satan's attacks in the form of Insults, Setbacks, and temptations. But the shield of faith protects us from Satan's flaming arrows. With God's perspective, we can see beyond our circumstances and know that ultimate victory is ours.

* Helmet: Use: SALVATION; Application: Satan wants to make us doubt God, Jesus, and our Salvation. The Helmet protects our minds from doubting God's Saving work for us.

* Sword: Use: The Spirit, The Word Of God; Application: The sword is the only weapon of offense in this list of armor. There are times when we need to take the offensive against Satan. When we are tempted, we need to trust in the Truth Of God's Word.

Until Next Time...
Jim