*Goals Better than Resolutions*

Consider setting goals instead of making New Year´s resolutions. Unlike resolutions, goals are an ongoing thing, so if you fail January 1 or 2 to reach your goal, you still have 363 days to keep working toward -- and to reach -- your objective.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.." Philip. 3:13

*Guidelines 9 and 10*

When in doubt about doing something, answer these questions:

* Can you thank God for it? "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thess. 4:18.

* Would you want Jesus to see you doing this? "For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings." Job 34:21.

Why Christians Suffer

The following thoughts on why God allows suffering in the lives of His children are from the BBN Voice, March 2003 issue.

1. God often allows suffering to make us stronger for tasks that lay ahead of us.

2. Suffering is often used to bring a backslidden Christian back into the arms of Jesus.

3. Job 33:27-33 tells us that God uses suffering at times to keep His people from sin.

4. When we suffer, it allows the Holy Spirit, the great Comforter, to comfort us in our time of need.

5. Those who have suffered and come through it have the opportunity to share with others the faithfulness and grace of God in their lives.

6. Even Jesus learned obedience to His Father through the suffering of the Cross. (Heb. 5:8-9)

It All Adds Up!

Our choices today determine our tomorrows. Someone has said, "What you are today, you were becoming yesterday. Today you are becoming what you will be tomorrow." Joshua gave this challenge to the Israelites: "If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) Even if you made wrong decisions in the past, you can begin now to make the right ones. Remember, It all adds up!

*Guidelines 5 and 6*

Here are some guidelines to test whether a thing is right or wrong:

* Do you deep down feel as if it might be wrong? If in doubt, don´t! "Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Rom. 14:22,23.

* Does it edify others, or only self? Will it hurt others? "...Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Phil. 2:3-4. "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." Rom. 14:7.

Verses on Temptation

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Cor. 10:13

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

Failures -- or Only Setbacks?

"According to Tulane University business professor Lisa Amos, entrepreneurs fail in an average of 3.8 business ventures before they finally make it. The successful ones aren´t deterred by mistakes or adversity because they don´t see setbacks as failures. They recognize that three steps forward and two steps back still equals one step forward…." (John Maxwell, 1Leadership Wired, January 2000.) The same is true in the spiritual realm: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9

Life´s Lousy; Why Be Thankful?

When life turns lousy, why be thankful? There are many reasons -- for the basics of life: food, shelter, family, friends and the other usual things we think of at the Thanksgiving season. But God´s children can be thankful that no matter what happens, we have no reason to worry about nor fear the future! God is still in control, and as His child, no matter how rough life gets, He will always see us through it. Even death itself can`t conquer the soul, for He has promised we will be with Him at the instant of death. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." II Cor. 5:6

Billy Graham Quote

"Through the years I have learned to use three guidelines to face temptation: involve others in my decisions; search the Scriptures for God`s perspective on the issue I am facing; and pray for God`s help to make His decision." -- Rev. Billy Graham

Points to Remember

When planning goals, remember these guidelines: 1.Know what you want to accomplish; 2. Decide on a plan; 3. Write it Down; 4. Break it into smaller steps; 5. Focus toward the outcome, and remind yourself often why you need to accomplish this; 6. Write down your progress periodically so you can visually see your accomplishments.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12

E-Mail Etiquette

Christians should always be polite, even in e-mails. :o) Here are humorous tips to help you remember:

* PLEASE DON´T TYPE IN ALL CAPS. IT´S HARD TO READ AND IS THE EQUIVALENT TO SHOUTING. I know, some of you think it´s easier to read, but I don´t make the rules, I´m just tellin´ ya about them.
* use punctuation its hard to read stuff that doesnt have any commas capital letters periods or apostrophes
* Usee yur spall chacker. Its annyang to try to reede constent spalling misstakes.
(Tip Source: Steve, WorldStart. For more tips, visit:
http://www.worldstart.com/guides/emailetiquette.htm)

Life´s Garden Harvest

Our choices today determine our tomorrows. You can`t be a grouch most of your life, then expect to suddenly turn into a sweetheart when you´re old. Paul said, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal.6:7 Pick and sow carefully, for you always get back more than what was sown. If you sow good seed, the fruit you harvest will be bountiful and sweet indeed!

*Guidelines 3 and 4*

When the Bible doesn´t mention a specific thing, how do you decide whether it is a sin? Here are some guidelines to test borderline issues:

* How would you feel if Christ came back while you were doing this? "Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt. 24:44.

* What do the best Christians you know think about it? "Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14. The BEST counsel is the Word of God. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11.)

Focus on Jesus

When confronted with temptation, try to focus on the goodness of Jesus. This is much easier to do than to debate giving in to the temptation. --submitted by TheologLC

Don´t Add Fuel

How can we keep from participating in gossip? One way is to refrain from adding comments. It`s hard not to, but DON`T. (The muck stops here!)

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." Pro. 26:20

I´m In the Mood For ...

How do you get over a bad mood? Take action, maybe clean a closet? Yell at your kids? Call a friend? Confess it and ask God to change your thinking? Or do you cling to your mood so you can enjoy your misery?

You can "think" yourself out of a bad mood and into a good one! The Bible says, "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7 The next time you get down in the dumps, ask yourself, "What have I been thinking on today?" More importantly, "What do I choose to think on now?"

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8

Saying Yes but Meaning No

Sometimes we are happy to do someone a favor; other times we`d rather not. The person asking your help may not realize the pressure the request will put on you. Another may not care as long as his or her own goal is accomplished. This is when you MUST communicate your real feelings. Saying "no" just might be best for BOTH of you. For example, allowing someone to habitually borrow from you while never repaying is NOT good for the borrower nor yourself.

"Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification." Romans 15:2

Repeat -- or Repeat Not?

To gossip or not to gossip? Remember, some things shouldn`t be repeated at all.

"A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." Pro. 11:13 4

6 Months After 9/11

Six Months After 9/11 -- To see the best of the Crosswalk.com archived coverage of 9/11, go to the following link page. (Note: This is a long link. When copying and pasting into your browser, make sure to delete any spaces that may have occurred in the process.) If the first link doesn´t work, try the second. Lots of clickable links at this site to articles to help with anger, grief, suffering, etc.

http://link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A3.28.5261.8.451757

http://crosswalk.com/CC_Content_Page/0%2C%2CPTID70668%7CCHID404182%7CCIID%2C00.html

Love the Sinner?

The traditional definition of tolerance means to "endure" or put up with something, such as a person´s behavior, attitudes or beliefs, without necessarily agreeing with them. The "new tolerance," however, asks us to accept the behavior, too! Though Christians can´t compromise with sin, we can love the sinner through Christ. This can make the difference in whether or not he later accepts Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Remember, you are the only Bible some people will ever read!

"And of some have compassion, making a difference:" Jude 1:22

Suffering is Necessary

We can let suffering make us either bitter or better. Suffering is necessary to test the strength of our faith. Even Jesus learned obedience to His Father through the suffering of the Cross. (Heb. 5:8-9) And because Jesus experienced everything we will ever go through, He eagerly waits to help us through our own suffering:

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

Guidelines 11 and 12

Is it a sin? Here are two questions to help you decide:

* Does it hold power over you? "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful unto me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." I Cor. 6:12.

* Am I willing to give a personal account before God for it? "...for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Rom. 14:10-12.

Christians Should Vote

Christians should be good citizens. Christians should vote. To learn how to register to vote, click below. Then click on your state to find out your registration deadline. You will be able to print forms you can fill out and mail in. (Three states will not accept these forms.) If time is really short, you may want to consider driving the forms to their county destination instead of mailing them, just to be sure they get in on time!

And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king. 1 Chron. 26:32

https://ssl.capwiz.com/fof/nvra/

How Gossip Hurts

Gossip hurts the one talked about and the one doing the talking. The Bible doesn´t use the word "gossip." Rather, it refers to gossip as talebearing, backbiting, etc. Here are a couple of God`s "statements" about it:

"The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Proverbs 18:8

"He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips." Pro. 20:19

When the World Gets Too Hard

When your world gets topsy-turvy, check first to see if you have Jesus in his proper place, on the throne of your heart. If you find yourself, or anybody or anything else, occupying the place that belongs to Jesus, stop and put the King back on his throne. Life will amazingly right itself again! Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Matt. 6:33

Stopping Gossip

If you are serious about stopping gossip, you may have to be frank and open with the person spreading it.

"The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue." Prov. 25:23

Use Words Carefully

Keep a careful check on the words you use. Don`t give the "talebearer" any reason to use your conversation later, as it may be twisted out of context.

"Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile." Psalm 34:13 3

*Guidelines 7 and 8*

Here are two questions to ask about borderline issues that are not specifically mentioned in the Bible:

* Will it make another Christian stumble? It´s not good to do "any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak." Rom. 14:22.

* Will I have peace about it if I do it? "Let your moderation be known unto all men. the Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7.

Poem: Hands So Gentle...

Hands So Gentle, So Strong
(by Jackie (Micke) Jinks)

These are hands oh, so gentle
Yet strong as they can be
Helping my way through life
They´re always there for me.

Reaching to pick me up
When I stumble along the way
Crowning my soul with glory
When I´ve nothing more to say.

Passing on to me my needs
Not always what I pleasure
But they know best, what I should have
These given as my treasure.

These hands have never failed me
They´ve stayed with me so long
My Lord´s hands hold me dearly,
So gentle, yet so strong.
(Me? I´ve placed my life in these hands.)
~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~
© Copyright Jackie (Micke) Jinks, 2001. All rights reserved.

To read other poetry by Micke Jinks, go to:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewpoetry.asp?AuthorID=7070&id=16612

Prayer for Difficult Times

A good prayer for obtaining peace during difficult times is the Prayer of Surrender from the Turning Point Ministries Newsletter, May 2002:

A PRAYER OF SURRENDER

"Lord, today I surrender my life to You. I choose Your will to be done, not mine. I accept Your terms for my life today and purpose to live personally the crucified life which I received positionally through faith in Christ. I ask You to give me grace to be a surrendered soldier of the Cross today. Amen."

Poem: Forgive Me When I Whine

Forgive Me When I Whine

Today, upon a bus,
I saw a girl with golden hair.
and wished I was as fair.

When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch.
But as she passed, she passed a smile.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it´d do no harm.

And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you´ve been so kind.
It´s nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I´m blind."

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
He did not know what to do.

I stopped a moment and then I said,
" Why don´t you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew, he couldn´t hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 ears, the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I´d go.
With eyes to see the sunset´s glow.
With ears to hear what I´d know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I´ve been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

--Author Unknown

Poem: "Revelation"

"REVELATION"
by Louise Norman

I complained of a crowded house;
He showed me slums.
I complained of mud-streaked carpet;
He showed me floors of dirt.
I complained of noisy neighbors;
He showed me prisoned silence.
I complained of bitter cold;
He showed me the faint.
I complained of aching joints;
He showed me the blind, the lame.
I complained of many things;
He showed me -- Himself.

© Copyright 2001 by Louise Norman. All rights reserved. (First published by Purpose, June 7, 1970)

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5 Now THAT´s a promise to live by -- and to die by!

Setting Goals

When setting goals for your life, pick at least one in each of these areas: Physical, Spiritual, Emotional, Social, Financial, Mental, and Personal. Need wisdom? Just ask your Heavenly Father! "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5

What About Halloween?

Each week ChristianWebSite.com screens hundreds of web sites. Here are a few of the top sites and the descriptions added recently on Halloween:

Halloween in Light of Scripture Bible studies on topics related to Halloween: the occult, Satanism, witchcraft, death, fear, demonology, exorcism, the after life, deliverance, hell, Satan. Every scripture verse on each topic. http://www.christianwebsite.com/cgi-bin/se/jump.cgi?ID=59

Annie´s Halloween Page - A Christian Perspective Aren´t you a Christian? Isn´t it just a fun holiday? Let´s find out together! http://www.christianwebsite.com/cgi-bin/se/jump.cgi?ID=19711 (This one has really cute graphics.)

Halloween: Just the Facts Here is the truth, in black and white, about Halloween. Many of you probably already know. If so, help dispel the ignorance of others. Will we follow the traditions of society, or the commands of God? http://www.christianwebsite.com/cgi-bin/se/jump.cgi?ID=19713

Halloween Outreach Evangelize your neighborhood this Halloween, as simple as turning your light on. http://www.christianwebsite.com/cgi-bin/se/jump.cgi?ID=19712

For a complete list of new additions this past week go to: http://www.ChristianWebSite.com/search/New/

Christian Freedom on Trial

Where would you turn if your Christian freedom was being challenged in the courts? The Christian Law Association has served Bible-believing churches and Christians since 1969. (CLA provides free legal services, based in part on "the generosity of God`s people." Contributions are tax deductible.) If you have encountered legal difficulty for practicing the Biblical faith, contact the CLA office at http://www.christianlaw.org, or write Christian Law Association, Box 4010, Seminole, FL 33775. You can also call: Tel. (727) 399-8300.

*Judge Gently*

*Judge Gently*

Pray, don´t find fault with the man that limps
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
Or struggled beneath his load.

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
Or the burden he bears placed on your back
Might cause you to stumble too.

Don´t sneer at the man who´s down today
Unless you have felt the blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.

- Author Unknown

Benefits of Psalm 23

Benefits of Psalm 23

This is an eye opener. Some have probably never thought about the 23rd Psalm in this way, even though they´ve read or said it over and over again:

The Lord is my Shepherd -- That´s Relationship! I shall not want -- That´s Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures -- That´s Rest !
He leadeth me beside the still waters -- That´s refreshment !
He restoreth my soul -- That´s Healing !
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness -- That´s Guidance!
For His name sake -- That´s Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- That´s Testing!
I will fear no evil -- That´s Protection!
For Thou art with me -- That´s Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -- That´s Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- That´s Hope!
Thou anointest my head with oil -- That´s Consecration!
My cup runneth over -- That´s Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life -- That´s Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -- That´s Security!
Forever -- That´s Eternity!

Three Big "M´s"

There are three big M`s in life: Our MASTER, our MISSION, and our MATE.

* MATE: "Who will my mate be?" We all ask that when we are young. Yet who our mate will be is determined by who our MASTER is.

* MISSION: "What is my mission in life?" That, too, depends on who your MASTER is.

* MASTER: "Who is my master?" That is up to you! "Choose you this day whom ye will serve..." Joshua 24:25

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" Rom. 6:16.

*Guidelines 1 and 2*

At times we must decide whether something is right or wrong -- things not specifically mentioned in the Bible, though the principle is there. Here are some guidelines to test borderline issues:

* Can I honor God doing this? "Whether therefore ye eat , or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Cor. 10:31.

* Will it seem evil to others I want to win to Christ? "Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thess. 5:22.

Judging Others

While we sometimes glibly quote "Judge not…" out of context, there is a right kind of judging -- else there would be no need for court trials, for example, and one day Christians will even judge angels! (I Cor. 6:2-5) Yet our view can be distorted at times, and things are not always what they seem. When tempted to judge others, we need to be careful to get all the facts and see things through God´s eyes so we can judge a situation rightly.

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." John 7:24