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

Does Anybody Really Care?

Neh 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, 

 “Ask me if I care!” The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that’s the essence of inhumanity.” George Bernard Shaw put those words into the mouth of the Rev. Anthony Anderson in the second act of his play The Devil’s Disciple. 

Nehemiah was the kind of person who cared. He cared about the traditions of the past and the needs of the present. He cared about the hopes for the future. He cared about his heritage, his ancestral city, and the glory of his God. 

Nehemiah broke down and cried when he heard that Jerusalem walls still had not been rebuilt. Why did this upset him?  Walls mean little in most present day cities, but in Nehemiah’s day they were essential.  Nehemiah was deeply grieved about the condition of Jerusalem.  After his grief he poured out his heart to God and looked for ways to improve the situation.       

Fast forwarding to the events of our time, prior to the 7.0 Earthquake that struck Haiti; not much attention was given to Haiti. Haiti is one of poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Eighty percent of residents live in poverty, according to the CIA World Fact Book.  Thousand of people have been killed and countless buildings crushed in Haiti. Haiti earthquake was so dangerous because the medical infrastructure was already almost nonexistent in Haiti. Aid workers are facing countless critical medical needs for the millions, who have been affected by the widespread destruction, said by officials. Deadly diseases develop in a few days without access to clean water or sanitation.

Like large doors, great life-changing events can swing on very small hinges.  Some people prefer not to know what’s going on, because information might bring obligation. “What you don’t know can’t hurt you,” says the old adage; but is it true? In a letter to a Mrs. Foote, Mark Twain wrote, “All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure.” But what we don’t know could hurt us a great deal! “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” Closing our eyes and ears to the truth could be the first step toward tragedy for us as well as for others. 

Nehemiah revealed a caring attitude in four different ways.

1. He cared enough to ask
2. He cared enough to weep
3. He cared enough to pray
4. He cared enough to volunteer

There has been a great outpouring from many countries, celebrities and everyday people to support Haiti during this time of adversity.  Like Nehemiah let us care enough to ask what can I do, weep with those who are weeping, pray for those who are experiencing difficulty and volunteer to help where we can. 

When God puts a burden on your heart, don’t try to escape it; for if you do, you may miss the blessing He has planned for you.  If God is going to answer prayer, He must start by working in the one doing the praying! He works in us and through us to help us see our prayers answered. 

God is still looking for people who care, people like Nehemiah, who cared enough to ask for the facts, weep over the needs, pray for God’s help, and then volunteer to get the job done. “Here am I, Lord—send me!” ~ 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 Greatest Christmas Gift

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The greatest gift on Christmas Day does not come in a box, it comes from the heart.  This gift can transcend even death.  Sometimes this gift might not cost you much at all and at other times it might cost you everything. While we know that we should give this gift to all there are some that make giving this gift difficult at times.  This gift is Love.  Instead of spending money we don’t have; to please people who could care less; why not give the gift of love this holiday season.  

Love expresses itself in many forms.  1 Corinthians 13 describes love this way; Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

Love is a very powerful force. Jesus came to this earth because the Father has love for each of us in his heart.  The word of God declares we are his workmanship.  God loves us.  We did not earn it.  We cannot lose it.  And there is nothing we can do to stop him from continuing to love us.  The scripture tells us that God so loved this world that he gave.  He is our primary example of what love is.  He gave his all, he gave HIS son.  

I leave you with these parting thoughts found in the lyrics of a song performed by The Tempations  Give Love on Christmas Day ~  “People making list, buying special gifts, Its time to be kind to one and all, Its that time of year when special friends are so dear, And you wish you could give more than just presents from a store, Why don’t you give love on Christmas Day”…..  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 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