Our Greatest Natural Resource: People

Psalm  139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 

Our greatest resource is not oil, or water, it is people.  While our natural resources have both monetary and non monetary value, so do people. Certain gifts and talents can yield a monetary value; just as gestures of kindness yields a non monetary value.     This is sometimes expressed in our culture as “money can’t buy love”.   The ONLY supernatural or spiritual resource is God, our Father.  

In the book of Genesis 1 God said:  Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness.  In what ways are we made in God’s image?  God obviously did not create us exactly like himself, especially in a physical sense.  Instead, we are reflections of God’s glory.  We will never be totally like God because he is our creator.  Our best hope is to reflect his character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness and faithfulness.  Human worth is not defined by possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness or public acclaim.  Instead it comes from being made in God’s image.  You have infinite worth. 

You are unique!  You are special!  You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  God took his time when he created you.  He placed within you all the things he wanted to be there.  He chose your hair color, and your eye color. You are so special your fingerprints are specific only to you.  Your gifts and talents are specific to you.  There is no one else like you in the entire universe.  Therefore, there is no need to compare ourselves to others.  We are an original.  A masterpiece!!    

The monetary value of natural resources is what people believe the value to be. Our ignorance can cause the resources to be greatly undervalued, which is a major problem. Like our natural resources there are people who will try and place a value on us that does not even come close to our true value. There are some who have counted us out and spoken some harsh things not only against us but against our destinies. They do not understand we have great value and lots of potential.  God loves us and His thoughts towards us are innumerable and precious towards us. 

Ps 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. 

God’s character goes into the creation of every person.  It is human nature to want to see how we measure up in comparison to others; especially if we think that they are better than us or have more of something we want.  We should not compare ourselves with others because there is no one like us and this makes us incomparable.  It is sometimes almost easier to look outside of ourselves and feel like we are lacking in comparison to other people rather than taking responsibility for our own progress in relation to the fulfillment of our life purpose. 

Each of us live under a unique set of circumstances, everybody’s life is not on the same track. We are working on different problems, growing at various rates on varied character traits. We experience different trials and have been influenced by our environment in distinctive ways. A true and accurate comparison is impossible by another human being. It misses the mark of perfection according to the truth of God.   Malcolm S Forbes said:  Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.   Remember you are the greatest natural resource.  God Loves You and so do I…Pastor Tammy

In patience possess your souls

Luke 21:19

“Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things – with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.”  Corazon Aquino   

Patience is not passive!  When we think of patience, we think of being still and operating in “wait mode”.  Patience can best be described as:   To bear pains or trials calmly without complaint. Forbearance under provocation or strain. Not hastily, but steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity; able or willing to bear.   There are many who are going thru hard trials and tribulations.  Some may even feel like quitting, giving up or throwing in the towel.  There are some who are saying what is the use, I have been struggling for a long time and I do not see any changes.  I want to encourage you today; don’t give up, don’t give in but in patience possess (hold, seize and acquire) your souls.  In times when you may be feeling down, here is a little poem to help pick you up:

Don’t Quit

by: Unknown Author

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out:
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.   We can never really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure.  Instead of complaining or running from our struggles, let us exercise a little patience in the trial and tribulations viewing them as opportunities for growth.  Let us pray and ask God for help to solve the problem; along with patience and strength to endure whatever comes our way.  God loves you and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

Am I My Brother’s Keeper

Gen 4:9 Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? 

A charitable concern for our brethren, as their keepers, is a great duty, which is strictly required of us, but is generally neglected by us.  In light of the recent earthquake that devastated Port-Au-Prince in Haiti; a question arises are we our brother’s keeper.  Do we have a responsibility to look out and care for one another?  Yes we do.  It brought great joy to my heart to see so many people reach out to help Haiti in their time of need. 

Most of us have heard the story, in the book of Genesis about Cain & Abel.  It was time for Cain & Abel to bring their sacrifices and present them to God.  Cain brought fruit from the ground and Abel brought the firstlings of his flock.  God had respect unto Abel’s offering; but not Cain’s offering.  Hebrews 9:22 states that there must be the shedding of blood before there can be the remission of sin, but Cain brought a bloodless offering from the cursed earth. His offering may have been sincere, but it was not accepted. He had no faith in God’s Word or dependence on the sacrifice of a substitute.  Cain killed his brother because God had respect unto Abel’s offering.  In verse 9 God asked Cain where is Abel, your brother.  Cain’s response was am I my brother’s keeper? 

Cain’s response was one of calloused indifference.  Am I my brother’s keeper?” People say, “I’ve got enough to do to look after myself.” On the other hand, many times we quickly say, “Yes, I am my brother’s keeper,” but it turns out to be more of “a duty required; but also a duty generally neglected because of our own selfishness.” Matthew Henry said, “When a person is unconcerned in the affairs of others and takes no care when they have opportunity to prevent hurt–especially in their souls,–that person in effect speaks Cain’s language.” Who is my brother?  Anyone and everyone is my brother, my family, my friends, my coworkers and yes even my enemies.  

So what are our responsibilities towards our brothers? 

• First and foremost we are to love one another  – John 14:34
• We are to “receive one another” – Ro 15:7
• We are to “edify another” – Ro 14:19
• We are to “serve one another” – Ga 5:13
• We are to “bear one another’s burdens” – Ga 6:1-2
• We are to be “forgiving one another” – Ep 4:32
• We are to be “submitting to one another” – Ep 5:21
• We are to “exhort one another” – He 3:12-13
• We are to “consider one another” – He 10:24-25
• We are to be “hospitable to one another” – 1Pe 4:8-10

 Cain’s name meant possession while Abel’s name meant weakness or vanity.  There are some that belief; I have mine, now you get yours.  I want to encourage you today to lay aside the hindrances that are keeping you from fulfilling your obligation towards one another.  Theodore Roosevelt 26^th President said:  - “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” …… God loves you and so do I….. Pastor Tammy

Beyond My Expectations

What are your expectations for 2010? 

Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

Many people at the beginning of a New Year like to make New Year’s resolutions.  I must admit that I was one of those people a while back.  Somehow, I just could not seem to stick to those resolutions.  I had expectations but I really did not know if my expectations would actually be fulfilled.  This is not so with God.  

How limited we often are in our asking, thinking that God will not do some particular thing for us. The apostle Paul encourages us to pray and to trust God for the answer.  God not only is able to do what we have asked but he is able to do exceeding; to surpass to go beyond any request to overcome and do anything.  He is able to do abundantly; to overflow and to do more than enough.  He is able to go above: to go over and beyond, surpassing any need, in all that we ask, or can even think.  Imagine for a moment an answer from God that goes beyond what we can ask or think! 

What are your expectations for 2010? That just when you think things are starting to look up the rug gets snatched from underneath you? Do you feel that nothing good is going to happen for you because it never does?  Do you feel that this year will be worse than last year?  Do you feel that you will never find someone to love you with no strings attached?  Maybe you have a health concern and don’t feel that you can be healed or get any better because it’s something that has run in the family? 

God stands ready to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think.  That’s only part one.  Part two says according to the power that worketh in us.  What power?  That is, the strength of his Spirit.  The power that still worketh for the saints is according to that power that hath produced in them. Wherever God gives of his fullness he gives to experience his power. This power can be seen in the life of a believer who has been transformed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.  When we come to ask for grace from God, we ought to give glory to God. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus.  The purpose of God answering prayer and in doing all this for us: that He might be glorified in the church through Jesus Christ. 

All God’s gifts come from his to us through the hand of Christ; and all our praises pass from us to him through the same hand. And God should and will be praised throughout all ages, world without end; for he will ever have a church to praise him, and he will ever have his tribute of praise from his church. Amen. So be it; and so it will certainly be. 

Place your expectations into the Master’s hand.  God can take a little and turn it into a lot… God Loves You and so do I…

First Things First

 Thought:  How to live free from worry

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Our first priority is to seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness means to turn to him first for help, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to take his character for your pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything.  What is really important to you?  People, objects, goals and other desires all compete for priority.  Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don’t actively choose to give him first place in your life.   

 “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”  ~Leo Buscaglia  

 Matthew 6:25-33 Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when he explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out. 

 Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us to take no thought about those needs that God promises to supply.  Worry may damage your health, cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts, disrupt your productivity, negatively affect the way we treat others and reduce our ability to trust God.   

 The words ”take no thought” mean do not worry; do not be anxious; do not be overly concerned and caring.  The Lord is not suggesting that a man NOT prepare for life; be lazy or take a I don’t care attitude.  He is talking about being preoccupied with the material possessions of life; being so entangled with the affairs of this earth that we forget eternity.  The charge is clear we are not to worry.  

 The basic problem of man is setting priorities and determining what is to be first in his life.  Why do we seek things that only sustain and adorn our physical body for a brief time and then fade away?  Why not seek first that which can sustain and adorn our life forever? That which sustains us for eternity is a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

 Even the most inspired Christians from time to time, can find themselves running on empty. The demands of daily life can drain us of our strength; and rob us of the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ. When we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worried, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. That source is God.

 God intends that His children lead joyous lives filled with abundance and peace. But sometimes, abundance and peace seem very far away. It’s no secret turmoil is in the government, the schools and our homes.  It is then that we must turn to God for renewal, and when we do, He will restore us. If you are tired or troubled today turn your heart toward God in prayer.

 Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.  ~Swedish Proverb. As we begin this New Year, let’s get our priorities in order, and put first things first.  God Loves you and so do I.  Pastor Tammy

The Truth About Deception

John 8:32” And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 

Sir Walter Scott, “Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” The Bible says the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9).  Since this is true, none of us are above deception. If we think we are, then we’re deceived already. At one time or another, we’ve found ourselves caught in a web of deception of our own making. 

During the past year the media has brought news of various forms of deception in extra marital and illicit affairs, extortion, ponzi schemes and wrongdoings by some well known persons and others who are not so well known.   

Simply put we are just too concerned about ourselves and not enough about the hearts of others and the character of God. One of the clearest proofs of this is our deceitfulness toward others. In addition, we depend upon our own methods of preservation or acquisition rather than depending upon God to deliver us through the truth and give us what we need through our honesty. Jesus declared in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” 

The consequences of telling the truth often seem too threatening compared to living a lie or too limiting if we don’t “stretch the truth” to get what we want. Unfortunately, we seldom anticipate the real cost of our deceit when the truth finally is known; and it usually becomes known; at the worst possible time. And the cost of the deception ends up being very high. 

However, the most dangerous part of the deception is getting away with it. The lie steals a part of us, depriving those we deceive of seeing the real us and creating a wedge in our relationship that robs each side of genuine intimacy. As the web of deceit grows, it touches more and more aspects of the relationship until the very foundation of the friendship, marriage, contract, fellowship, or partnership is entangled in the deceit and the very foundation of the relationship is threatened. Even if our deceit is never discovered we are damaged and become selfish and abusive people who fear no consequence.

Eph 4:25-26 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”  Choose today to be truthful from this day forward.  Don’t start deception.  God is truth and he does not lie.  He placed his principles in HIS word so we would live prosperous lives and be in peace and harmony with each other.  When someone confesses their deception and asks for forgiveness, as hard as it may be we must forgive, it is the will of our Father. If long term deceit is revealed it may take the help of a counselor to help bear the weight of the crushing weight of the secret or deception. 

“The cruelest lies are often told in silence”. – Robert Louis Stevenson.  We can’t blame all this deception on the devil. Nor can we be ignorant to his devices. Part of the enemy’s job is to find and exploit the idolatry in our hearts: the deceitfulness of riches, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, or anything else that causes us to give God’s place to another. Once Satan finds that idolatry he will tempt you with it. At that point we have a clear choice: we can walk in darkness and deceit or walk in the light. And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.  “Speak the truth in Love” ~ The Bible.  God loves you and so do I…Pastor Tammy

Finishing Your Course With Joy

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 

Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God’s work.  Today I began reflecting on how much passion, enthusiasm and energy I had when I first began my Christian race in 1986.  It took me some time to realize that God has a unique plan and purpose for all our lives.  And that each of us must step up to life with purpose, and vision to fulfill these God given tasks.

Our purpose and life is directly linked to our relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  You cannot and will not find your purpose outside of a life committed to Christ.  When we make a commitment we become single minded in our focus to that commitment.  Whether it’s in marriage, our families, employment or a quest for a healthier lifestyle, we have a single focus. 

The Apostle Paul was a man totally devoted to Christ through all situations, seasons, and circumstances.  His life reveals his commitment to serving the Lord.  He served with humility, with tears and with many trials.  I can identify with the apostle Paul; there have been times, when I have had to serve in humility.  I wanted to say some things that may have been considered unkind or not “Christian”, but I held my peace.  There were other times when I served with tears and great opposition.

Early in my walk with Christ, I went through a period where people tried to make me doubt my identity.  I was told many reasons why women could not and should not be a pastor.  Being a babe in Christ, I took those issues to the Lord in prayer.  And one day the Holy Spirit revealed a passage of scripture to me Gal 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”  That forever settled in my heart any concerns I may have had. 

Life has not been easy and will at times throw you a curve, storms will come and strong winds may blow, but each of us must decide how we will finish our course.  We can live a life full of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and regret or we can finish our course with Joy.  Real joy comes when we are not so consumed with ourselves, but when we can make a difference in the lives of others. 

Paul did not count his life dear unto himself.  His life was not for him to use and do as he pleased, not for earthly comfort or pleasure.  His life was for Christ.  His life was a precious and valuable possession of the Lord.  Ps 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” Each of us is as the apple of God’s eye and like Paul we have to make the decision to consecrate and dedicate our lives back to the One who gave us life in the first place.    

Paul finished his course and ministry not because he had to, but because he chose to. And he did so with joy.  Ralph Sockman says “Love is the outreach of self towards completion”.  Finish your course with joy.  God Loves you and so do I….Pastor Tammy

Peace in the midst of pressure

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).

 Earlier in life, I can remember times when as a young mother, I longed for times of peace and quiet.  My children would awake; my day started and the pressures of life seem to start closing in the minute our feet hit the floor.  Life at times can seem out of balance.  The balance of everyday living can create a lot of pressure and become overwhelming. Our Heavenly Father, states in his word, HE will keep us in peace, in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace at all times, under all events. This peace shall he put us into, and we shall keep possession of, whose mind is stayed upon God, because we trust in HIM.

 When evil tidings arise, those who hearts have been fixed and trusting in the Lord will not fear.  Psalms 112:7-8 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. (NIV) 

Our Father’s love and support never changes. From the cradle to the grave, God has promised to give us the strength to meet any challenge. God has promised to lift us up and guide our steps if we let Him. God has promised that when we entrust our life to Him completely and without reservation, He will keep us in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him.  This gives you and I the courage to face any trial and the wisdom to live in His righteousness. 

Henry Kissinger said:  “A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.”  Pressure reveals what is on the inside of us. We must resist the temptation to blame other people for our reactions.  Some of us like to shift the blame because we don’t have to take responsibility for our own mistakes and weaknesses.  Christian maturity is revealed by how we behave in everyday life, particularly under pressure. How do we act when someone cuts us off in traffic? Or a person gets in an express check out lane at the grocery store with more than the required number of items? How do we act on our own in the little things reveals pretty much how we will react in bigger things? 

Jesus is the Prince of Peace!  He is the only one who can offer permanent peace.  The Lord not only wants us to know His peace, but also He wants us to distribute His peace. Matt 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”.  Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. God Loves You and so do I….Pastor Tammy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knocked Down But Not Knocked Out

2 Cor 4:8-9:  “We may be troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 

In the sport of boxing a boxer can be considered technically knocked out, if a boxer is knocked down, and unable to get up to his feet and gain his balance and composure before the referee counts to 10. If and when he gets to his feet, he’s given a standing 8 count. If the referee feels that although the fighter is on his feet but he’s in no condition to continue the fight, the referee will stop the fight, and the boxer is considered technically knocked out. Then there’s the three knock down rule.  

The book of Proverbs says a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again.  It is good to know that no matter how many times we get knocked down, we can get back up again. And the good thing is we may not have our full balance and composure, but just the mere effort of us trying to get up, grabs God immediate attention. 

The Bible teaches us that it’s in our weakest state that God’s strength is made perfect. And because of this promise, God always shows up in our weakest moments.  Every time we’re knocked down in life by some tribulation, some disappointment, some heart break, or by trials, and even the storms of life, we are not distressed.  

We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. 

We may feel hedged in on every side and troubles and oppressions may be present in every way, but we are not crushed.  God knows how much we can bear. Perhaps today you might be feeling perplexed which simply means confused bewildered and cannot seem to find a way out.  Despair means to be hopeless.  Or maybe you are being persecuted; harassed in a way that causes suffering because of principles or religious beliefs.  There are many who are forsaken or forgotten about. 

God never promised us a life free from troubles.  Like a good boxing match we are going to take some punches.  We must also learn to defend ourselves by arming ourselves with the Word of God.  Not just quoting the word but having faith in God and his promises.  

Paul reminded us in our scripture today that though we may be at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of hope.  Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering.  But God never abandons us.  Because Christ won victory over death, we have eternal life.  All our risks, humiliations and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate his power and presence through us.  

When life knocks you down, remember you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, so get back up again.  If God be for us who can be against us?  Yes, I may get knocked down, but thank God I am not knocked out.  God Loves You and so do I   ~Pastor Tammy     

Enough Is Enough

Numbers 11: 15 “If this is how you intend to treat me, do me a favor and kill me. I’ve seen enough; I’ve had enough. Let me out of here.” (The Message Bible)  

I have seen enough; I’ve had enough.  These were the words of Moses, a man chosen by God to lead the children of Isreal out of the land of Egypt.  This statement is made after hearing one complaint after another from the people.  The people complained about their misfortunes and how life was so hard for them.  In other words, they complained about their problems instead of praying to God about them.  They complained about the lack of meat or the things that they did not have.  We can all find things to complain about; let’s try and find some things to be thankful about.  

Moses was a very meek man.  The word meekness means strength that is under control.  But sometimes, even the strongest person gets weak.  After hearing the people continually complaining and whining, it began to affect Moses. Moses went to God and asked him why was he treating him this way?  What did he do to deserve this?  Why was all this responsibility on his shoulders?  He began to rehearse to God what the people were saying to him.  Finally, he said I can’t do this by myself, it is too much. 

Perhaps today you may be feeling like Moses.  You want to know what did you do to deserve what has happened?  And where is God in the midst of all this adversity?  God is always with us, his goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives.  Ultimately, we must all come to the conclusion that Moses did; I can’t do this by myself; it is too much.  We need the Lord’s help to make it through each and every day.  With the changes in our economy, the job loss, the stress in marriages and just the financial strain alone you may want to throw in the towel.  You might even be saying enough is enough, but don’t quit.   

When we complain to one another nothing is accomplished.  But when we take our concerns, our dreams and desires to the Lord much can happen.  Ps 62:8- Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (niv) I want to encourage you today, to pour out your hearts before God.  

Prayer can release our tensions in times of emotional stress.  When we trust God to be our rock, salvation and defense it changes our entire outlook on life.  Prayer will change things.  True relief does not come when the problem is resolved because more problems are on the way.  True relief comes from an enduring hope in God’s ultimate salvation.  

Prayer:  Lord I do not understand why you have allowed this trouble to beset me.  I have exhausted all my possibilities for changing my situation and circumstances and found that I am powerless to change them.  All things are not possible with man, but all things are possible with you.  In the face of discouragement, disappointment and anger I choose to believe your word, that if God is for me who can be against me.  It is with patient endurance, steady and active persistence that I run the race, the appointed course that is set before me.  I know that if you bring me to it, you can bring me through it.  I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.  In Jesus name, AMEN…… God Loves you and so do I….. Pastor Tammy