Character and Values

Character and Values


We can be secure in the knowledge that our value and worth are not dependent upon who we are or what we think or say or do. It is based on who we are in Christ Jesus. Joyce Meyer

Whether you realize it or not, your character is shaped by your values. Society seeks to impose its set of values upon us, however these values are often contrary to God’s Word and our own best interests. The world makes promises that it simply cannot fulfill. It promises happiness, contentment, prosperity, and abundance. But genuine abundance is not a by-product of possessions or status; it is a by-product of your thoughts, your actions, and your relationship with God. The world’s promises are incomplete and deceptive; God’s promises are unfailing.

We live in a world that is filled with countless opportunities to make big-time mistakes. The world seems to cry, “Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, and your thoughts!” But God commands otherwise: He instructs you to worship Him and Him alone; everything else must be secondary.

Do you want to strengthen your character? If so, then you must build your life upon a value system that puts God first. If you’re a thoughtful believer, then those values are shaped by the Word of God.

Many times Christians do not think of evaluating the character of those that they choose to be in relationships with. They often think that to do so would be to be judgmental. Instead of looking to the kinds of character traits that God deems important, we look to external things that do not have much to do with how someone ultimately performs in relationships.

As you think of people to date and become close friends with, or to put yourself under spiritual direction with, think about those issues. Does your relationship with them help you to grow spiritually and get closer to a loving God? Does it help you to become more loving and relational? And does it help you to grow as the person God wants you to be?

We all need to know what it is that we are looking to confront and to avoid. If you are going to give your heart to people and trust them, you have to know what you are looking for. And remember that God wants you to be able to recognize character problems for two reasons. One is to confront each other with the truth so we can see our faults and overcome them; secondly, for our own protection and growth.

In addition to learning about the character of others, we must find out what it is about us that causes us to make such poor, hurtful choices. The truth is that it is not just a lack of knowledge. We usually make such choices out of our own weaknesses. If you find yourself dealing with the same issues time and time again; its time to re-evaluate the decisions you are making and more importantly; investigate what is causing you to make the choices that you do….Character and Value really do go hand in hand. ”Life is Better; when we get there together” God Loves you and so do I……..Pastor Tammy

No Greater Love

No Greater Love
(Thank you for your Sacrifice)
St. John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” First, I would like to thank all the servicemen and women who place their lives on the line for our safety. You are loved and appreciated not just today, but everyday. To the family of those who have “fallen”, we are in prayer with and for you.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans have forgotten the true meaning of Memorial Day. Traditional Observances included; many people vsiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers often place American flags on each gravesite at National Cemeteries. Many Americans also use Memorial Day to honor other people who have died. In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also used as a time for picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and sporting events. One of the longest-standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.

It is not important who was the first in celebrating Memorial Day; what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all. This would help greatly to return the solemn meaning back to the day, and to help return minds and hearts to think upon the ultimate sacrifices made by those in service to our country. Just one day out of the year to honor our loved ones, our ancestors, our friends who died in conflicts and wars -- not to honor war, but those that died in those conflicts and wars. Whether or not we agree with the war in Iraq we still have family, friends and loved ones who are giving us the greatest gift of love by putting their lives on the line. We should love, support and pray for them each day.

This brings to mind a man, who laid down his life for mankind, Jesus. St. John 10: 11” I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” Jesus did not die as a martyr; killed by men. He died as a substitute, willingly laying down His life for us. Jesus is the good shepherd and as with any good shepherd he cares for the sheep. He knows his sheep. He knows our nature. While all sheep are alike in their essential nature, each sheep has its own distinctive characteristics; and the loving shepherd recognizes these traits. One sheep may be afraid of high places, another of dark shadows. A faithful shepherd will consider these special needs as he tends the flock. He also knows our needs. As the shepherd cares for the sheep, the sheep get to know their shepherd better. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. They get to know Him better by listening to His voice (the Word) and experiencing His daily care. As the sheep follow the Shepherd, they learn to love and to trust Him.

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” Today as we remember those who have fought the good fight. Let us remember the ONE who laid down his life so that we could be reconciled back to the Father. If you do not know Christ as your personal savior Today is your day!!! The song says JUST AS I AM, without one plea, but that thou blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God I come. Won’t you come ? Pray and invite the Lord to come into your heart and to forgive you of your sins. If you prayed this prayer, please contact me so I can send you some additional resources and to help you in your new walk and I would like to pray for you . And remember God Loves You and so do I…….. Pastor Tammy

Crossroads

CROSSROADS
“From the Point of Decision to Destiny”

A crossroad has been defined as the place where the road intersects; a point at which a vital decision must be made. Choices have consequences, whether good or bad. These consequences will be for our betterment or will work to destroy us. We are all responsible for our choices. Every decision ultimately leads us to our destiny.

Another way to put it is that things will get better or worse for us. The Bible challenges us with this admonition in Deuteronomy 30:19: "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live"

One of the messages stressed in our society is about the “right to choose”; but we have not balanced it with the message that our choices also have consequences. Hollywood movie producers and some celebrities have glamorized many things that are bad for us and have not generally shown the destructive side of the things that are portrayed to bring so much happiness. (drugs, alcohol, adultery, fornication, gambling)

From the time we get out of bed until the time we go to sleep we are making decisions that are leading us one step closer to our destiny. The efforts which we make to escape from our destiny only serve to lead us into it. Because God gave us freedom of choice, we can ignore the will of God, argue with it, disobey it, and even fight against it. But in the end, the will of God shall prevail; because “the counsel of the Lord stands forever” –
If we obey God’s will, everything in life holds together; but if we disobey, everything starts to fall apart. Nowhere in the Bible is this truth better illustrated than in the experiences of Elimelech and his wife Naomi.In the book of Ruth chapter one, we find several mistakes that we must avoid as we deal with the problems and trials of life.


1. We cannot run from our problems
2. Be careful how we represent God in times of adversity
3. Don’t try to hide your mistakes, learn from them
4. Don’t let life make you bitter, but a better person
5. Don’t forget God is “with us” and “for us.”


Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi led to her meeting Boaz and ultimately being in the lineage of Jesus. The decisions we make today will wash up on the shores of tomorrow. When facing a crossroad, pray to the Father, not my will, but thy will be done……God Loves You and So do I …….Pastor Tammy

Do you have a Compassion deficit?

DO WE HAVE A COMPASSION DEFICIT?

The definition of compassion is: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering or suffering with another.

Global statistics report at least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. According to UNICEF, 25,000 children die each day due to poverty. 1.1 billion People in developing countries have inadequate access to water and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation. Nearly 28,000 children under age 5 die daily from illnesses that can be prevented, like pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, malnutrition, poor hygiene and lack of clean water.

Sometimes, we don’t have to go around the world to find someone in need of compassion. We have ample opportunities each day to show compassion and demonstrate grace and love to all mankind. It may be the person next door or the single parent across the street. The elderly couple on a fixed income trying to decide if they are going to buy their medication or food to eat. The person at the cash register who does not have enough money for their purchase.

Lamentations 3:22-23 “ It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

God’s compassions never fail. Great is HIS faithfulness. What about us? Are we compassionate towards one another or is there a compassion deficit in the world today. The Good Samaritan parable tells us a certain man went from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves. They stripped him, beat him and left him half dead. A priest saw him and passed by on the other side. A Levite saw him and passed to the other side. But a Samaritan saw him and had compassion on him. Lack of love is easy to justify even though it is never right. Our neighbor is anyone in any race, creed or social background in need of help. Love means acting to help meet that need.

In the words of President Barach Obama: “You know, there's a lot of talk in this country about the federal deficit. But I think we should talk more about our empathy deficit -- the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes; to see the world through the eyes of those who are different from us -- the child who's hungry, the steelworker who's been laid-off, the family who lost the entire life they built together when the storm came to town. When you think like this -- when you choose to broaden your ambit of concern and empathize with the plight of others, whether they are close friends or distant strangers -- it becomes harder not to act; harder not to help.”

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

Do you have a compassion deficit in your life? Are you no longer moved by those who are in need? I challenge you today to help someone feel a little better about themselves or their situation. Put your love into action. And show some compassion; making a difference. God Loves You and so do I ………………..Pastor Tammy