Resist Pride

 Proverbs 16:18-20

Pride goes before destruction,

And a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 

Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly,

Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 

He who heeds the word wisely will find good,

And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

Pride does indeed come before destruction. It literally ruins everything. In pride, there is no surrendering to the Lord. It's impossible. It cannot be done. You cannot be partially surrendered to the Lord, and prideful at the same time. I mean you can, but it doesn't work. If all you're wanting to do is reach around pat yourself on the back, and telling everyone who will listen how good you are, you won't be talking about how good the Lord is. Just stands to reason. And I know we've talked about this before. But it's certainly bears repeating. Because the enemy is very crafty. He knows that if he can get us to be prideful, it will weaken our testimony, and hinder our walk with the Lord. 

Humility. I saw something once that really made me think. It said, "Humility. Once you think you have it, you've lost it." Have you seen that? Folks saying things like, "I'm the most humble person you'll ever see. If you look up humility in the dictionary, you're gonna find my picture right there! I guarantee it. There's no one more humble than me." Hahahaha. It is a daily struggle to remain humble. Because we have narcissism on steroids nowadays. People checking back 47 times a day to see how many likes and comments they have on their posts. Completely consumed with being noticed. And I'm gonna use a word that's going to be very uncomfortable. Completely consumed with being praised. Ouch. We don't wanna hear that. It feels icky to even say it. Worse to know it's true. 

We have to get to the point where all of the honor, glory, and praise goes to the Lord. None to us. When you get to that point, it's absolutely incredible. For me personally, I've noticed in ministry, and also in music, it's easy to allow pride to weasel its way into my life.  Because if I allow it to enter in and I entertain that thought. That interjection of pride. "Yes, I am good! I'm more special because I'm good at this." Once that thought gets planted, and you begin to entertain it, all the ground you've gained, starts slipping away. 

And the way to fight it is right here in these Scriptures as well. Through the word of God. We must heed the Word wisely! And trust in the Lord. Yes, I'm gonna say it again. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6 

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

We see that, and we think, it can't be that simple! It is. That is faith. Not trusting in what you see, hear, or even feel. You trust in the Lord, because you believe His word is true. You know His word is true! You're not trying to figure things out on your own. You're trusting that the Lord has them all figured out. He does. Amen? Have a great day and God bless. James

And We Know

 Proverbs 15:13-15

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,

But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

14 

The heart of him who has understanding seeks

knowledge,

But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15 

All the days of the afflicted are evil,

But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

Happiness is emotional. It's fleeting. Here today, gone tomorrow. Maybe here right now, and gone in 20 minutes. Happiness is temporary. But joy can be permanent. Joy is a decision. Like love is. Love is a decision. Yes it's emotional, in the beginning stages of it, but most of all, it is a decision. Let me tell you why I choose joy every day. Because the Creator of all that was, is, and/or ever will be, loves me. The mayor of my city doesn't know who I am. Much less the governor of my state. But God Almighty knows who I am, and loves me so much, that He sent Jesus to die on the cross for me. In order to experience the joy of the Lord, you must believe that with all your heart. When you have joy in your heart, you don't have to pretend to be happy. You just are. It's not emotional at that point. It's a state of mind now. My spirit is alive and thriving in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. So that knowledge moves into the rest of my being. Why wouldn't I be filled with joy? 

Does that mean bad things don't ever happen to me? Of course not. But circumstances don't change the fact that the Lord of all creation knows me and loves me. And oh, by the way, He wants the best for me. Because I am His child! It's all about what you believe and what you expect. Do you expect the best, or do you expect the worst? That's why when someone asks me, sometimes, how I'm doing, I answer as DL Moody used to. "Better than I deserve!" Because it's true. I know what I deserve. I know who I was. Furthermore, I know who I am now. I'm not perfect. Far from it. Sometimes I dwell on the wrong things. I say the wrong things. I react badly at times. I get frustrated in traffic. I want you to know that under the anointing these messages are created. That doesn't mean that I am perfectly observing everything in them all the time. I wish I could say that was the case, but it's not. 

But, my heart has understanding. And I seek the knowledge of God. Where do you find that knowledge? In God's word. Certainly not found anywhere in this world. I learned long ago, not to put anybody on a pedestal as more than or in a position of absolute greatness, other than the Lord. Because guess what? Man will fail you. I will fail you. Everyone on this earth, who is flesh and blood, is going to fail you at some point. Nobody is perfect, including you. But as we're going through this sanctification process. Learning more about the Lord and His character. We come to that point where we know that we know that we know. When we begin to trust God at His word is when things really begin to change within us. 

And this last part. All the days of the afflicted are evil. When you're going through stuff, it's not fun. But when you have that joy of the Lord, to sustain you, nothing is impossible. Jesus said all things are possible to them that believe. That's the key. I don't wonder. I don't hope. I know. Which is why this next verse is my verse. 

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

You see that? Not we hope. Not even we believe. But we know beyond a shadow of any doubt! When you walk in the confidence that only comes through the joy of the Lord, that joy of knowing and understanding who the Lord is in your life, and all that He's done for you and through you. No, you're not afraid. Because you know that, somehow, some way, the Lord is going to work this out for your good! Not, hope so. Not, maybe so. But you know so! And yes, at that point, I can absolutely guarantee you that you will have a merry heart. Amen? James

Preach the Word

 2nd Timothy 4:1-2

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Here are Paul's last instructions to Timothy. Someone he had taken under his wing. Sort of like an apprentice. He treated him and considered him a son. A big brother/fatherly type of influence on Timothy. And here he is very clear with Timothy in his final letter to him. And he makes his final words very very clear. 

Preach the word! 

Be ready in season and out of season. 

Paul knows who the Lord has called Timothy to be. What he has called Timothy to be. An evangelist. We are all supposed to be about our Father's business. Telling folks about Jesus. We all have that ministry of reconciliation. Reconciling those around us to God Himself. But not everyone is called to be an evangelist. To hold the office of evangelist. What does it mean when he says to be ready in season and out of season? Don't get too comfortable. There's no such thing as retirement from ministry. If the Lord has called you, it is a life long calling. Especially if you're called to an office. Let me clarify what that means.

Ephesians 4:11-12

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Folks can have different talents, and even different types of anointing from the Lord. What I mean by that is, you can be anointed to do several different things. But to be called into an office is different. I've always been a musician. Well, since I was about 12 years old. I've written lots and lots of songs. But, that's not my main anointing. I've come to find over the years that my chief anointing is as a teacher. Sadly, it took me years to come to that understanding. So anyway, that's what I'm talking about as far as an office goes. A specific calling. 

To be ready in season and out of season also means that there is always an opportunity for ministry. Even when you're not expecting it or planning for it. I know some of the most powerful anointing I've been under has been when I was at my weakest and most vulnerable. Because the whole point is, it's not about me. It's not about you. It's about furthering the kingdom of God. Being available to the Lord to be used in whatever capacity He calls us in. There are so many out there who are doing just that. Who aren't known. Who are not recognized by the general public. But they are doing fantastic things to further the kingdom of God, by being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I don't wanna be rich! I don't want to be famous! I just want to be obedient! In all things that the Lord calls me to do. That should be our prayer. I know more and more that's my prayer. "Father, I want to be obedient to You in all things." And I'm gonna tell you right now, that's a lonely road. Not everybody's gonna want to follow you into complete obedience to the Lord. Friends and family may not want to be around you as much anymore. Because sometimes your very presence convicts them of their sin. That is sort of what Paul is warning Timothy about here. When you seek to walk closer with the Lord, and desire the righteousness of God, not everybody's gonna be thrilled with that. But I want to tell you, there's nothing like it. Nothing you've ever experienced can compare to having the presence of God with you at all times. Amen? Have a great day, and God bless. James

God is Good

 Psalm 75:1-5

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.

2 

“When I choose the proper time,

I will judge uprightly.

3 

The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved;

I set up its pillars firmly. Selah

4 

“I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal boastfully,’

And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn.

5 

Do not lift up your horn on high;

Do not speak with a stiff neck.’ ”

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. If you don't have one, do your best to find, and get, a reference edition study Bible. Personally, I like the New King James version (NKJV). Most all of you know that, so I don't post what version I use anymore, because it's always that one. If I deviate from it, I will mention it then. The reason I mention that is, there's often explanation given to different chapters in the Bible. And, of course, reference verses to the verses you may be reading. Also, introductions to the books of the Bible. The explanation of this particular chapter, Psalm 75, is this:

"Thanksgiving for God’s Righteous Judgment

To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A Song."

So anyway, that reference edition study Bible gives you extras that some Bibles don't include. So now, having said all that, let's get into the study itself.

Verse one is a collective prayer mixed in with some praise for the Lord. And in the next four verses, God Himself is speaking. You know, when I read this, you know what I hear in the back of my mind? People who are ignorant of who God is, saying, out loud, for all to hear, "Only God can judge me!" And they are right. He will. But I don't think they know what that means. Because God says, "When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly." What does that mean? It literally means God will judge according to His word! Not according to your word, not, according to what you believe, but according to His word. Thankfully, through Jesus, folks can avoid the just judgment of God, by receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord. But if they do not do that, they will in fact, receive the righteous judgment of the living God. 

All of the rules, and the laws, are set in motion. In the natural, and in the spiritual realm. They cannot, and will not be changed. By anyone. Then God speaks a warning. Do not be boastful. Do not be a braggart. I literally cringe when I hear someone say, "I am a self-made man" or a "self-made woman." The Bible says in 

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

If it's good, it is a gift from the Lord. If you have the mental capacity to understand things, and retain knowledge in order to get all sorts of degrees in education. That's a gift from God. If you're able to work out problems and issues, so that you demand a high pay grade. That is a gift from God. If you start pounding your chest and taking credit for what God has done, be forewarned now, that is not a good thing. And it will not end well for you. 

Then God goes on to say, "Do not speak with a stiff neck." What does that mean? In conjunction with, don't be proud, it means, don't be proud and stubborn. When you hear the truth, receive it as such. What I'm speaking to you here is truth. Not my truth. Not your truth. (That whole concept of my truth and your truth is just relativism. There is no such thing. There is the truth, and that's that. Whether you like it or not, whether you believe it or not. The truth is the truth.) But God's truth. Straight out of God's own mouth. So don't be proud and don't speak with a stiff neck. Be humble. As we read in 

James 4:10 (in context 4:7-10)

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

I do recommend your reading it in its context. The whole thing here is, fully surrender to the Lord already! And you will see great and mighty things. Both in your life and in the lives of your loved ones. Things change when you surrender to the Lord. I guarantee it. Have a great day, and God bless. James

Ministry of reconciliation

 2nd Corinthians 5:18-19

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Continuing yesterday's message, we come to these two verses. This is directly following "we are new creations in Christ Jesus". As we've already read in previous messages, sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:1-3). That was why a mediator was needed. Someone to bridge the gap. Someone to reconcile us to the living God. That is what Jesus did. 

This is the gospel. Jesus, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, free from sin, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and rose from the dead on the third day as He said He would. If you have received that free gift of salvation, you also have a ministry of reconciliation. To speak of all of the Lord has done. As Paul says, "I am not ashamed......"

Romans 1:16 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Have you noticed in the public eye, the media allows people to talk about God? But once you mention the name of Jesus, you get cut off? Have you noticed that? I first really noticed that shortly after September 11th, 2001. 

In the replays of live TV, where sports figures (players) give honor and glory to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the name of Jesus is removed. If you see it live, you hear them mention Jesus' name. But in the replays, they remove Jesus' name. The fact of the matter is Satan does not want you to be reconciled to God! He doesn't want anybody to be reconciled to God. This whole world is searching for answers. They see every thing and every one around them is fake. Maybe they've never heard the gospel? Maybe they've heard people talk about following Jesus but they don't know what that means. It is incumbent upon you and me to share Jesus with those around us. To not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To live our lives in such a way that folks wanna know why we are different. Why do we have joy in the storm that they know we're going through? How can we forgive those who have done us wrong? Maybe they've even seen the wrong done to us and they don't understand how we could ever forgive them. And that's important. But we must also be available to speak the name of Jesus in the public forum. To share the gospel with those around us. In person and in everything we do. Social media and wherever we are. 

We have been forgiven and reconciled to God. We have an intimate, personal relationship with our Father God. God did not anoint an appoint angels to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has appointed and anointed you. And me. Stand for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen? All right, then, y'all have a great rest of your day, and God bless you and yours. James

Regard no one in the flesh

 2nd Corinthians 5:16-17

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

So what does it mean to no longer regard anyone according to the flesh? It simply means that status doesn't matter. Rich, poor, middle class, or somewhere in between. None of that matters. Who you were in the past. Whether you were a good guy, a bad guy, a mean guy, whatever. Once you have been born again, you are a new creation. Furthermore, it means, it doesn't matter whether you're male or female, what nationality you are, or what color your skin is. In speaking on this, it reminds me of...

Galatians 3:27 -29

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

To most Jewish folks hearing this, especially at that time, this would have been considered heresy! Absolute heresy. Blasphemy even. But it is 100% true. He makes quite a distinction here in this cluster of verses. And this is why Jews at that time would've been awfully upset. Because he says, if you are in Jesus, that new creation we just spoke about, you have become Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. What promise? The promise God made Abraham. In receiving Jesus, we have been grafted into that vine of the people of God, but we are not the people of God. We are children of God. 

Romans 8:16 -17

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Now, do you see that? I'm not telling you anything that's not scriptural. And I want to, more and more, as time permits, to lay down the scripture that refers to what I'm speaking of. Just for clarity, and for further, or future reference. 

So back to our original scripture of the day in 2nd Corinthians. In Jesus, we are new creations. Old things have passed away.  And all things have become new. This is speaking of the complete turnaround from following the flesh, to following the Spirit. The sanctification process begins as soon as we receive Jesus. And, like I've said before. If the only reason for your being born again, was so that you would go to heaven, you would've dropped dead instantly right after you received Jesus. Right? So, if you're still breathing, that means there's a purpose for you.  And we'll talk more about that tomorrow. Lord willing. As we're going to continue in this chapter in 2nd Corinthians for at least another day, maybe two days this week. So stay tuned, there's more to come. Y'all have a great day, and God bless. James

Whosoever Calls Upon Name of the Lord Shall Be Saved

 Joel 2:32

And it shall come to pass 

That whoever calls on the name of the Lord 

Shall be saved. 

For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, 

As the Lord has said, 

Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.

Act 2:21

'And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’

Romans 10:8-13

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

I'm sure you're seeing a pattern here. What all these verses have in common. And of course, that is, "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!" 

Not maybe. Not could be. Not we hope so. But "shall be". Which is just a different way of saying "will be". Which means, for sure it's going to happen. 

Acts 4:10-12

let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

(I highly recommend reading verses 8 through 12.)

Calling upon the name of the Lord is different now, than it was in the Old Testament. Joel was a prophet. And while what he was saying applied to the people he was speaking to, it far more applies to us. I believe that is the reason both Paul and Peter quote it. Because the name that we call upon now, is the name of Jesus. When we call upon the Lord. Don't let that be confusing. Because it's not. 

In order to be saved, set free from our sins, what we read in Romans 10:8-12 is exactly what we must do. Furthermore, the entire world, both dead and alive, on earth, & in heaven and in hell, will at some point, bow their knees, and confess Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God. 

Philippians 2:9-10

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

So yes, Jesus is the name above all names. The only one through which we must be saved. So those who call upon the name of the Lord now, are to call upon the name of Jesus for their salvation. For our salvation. Because Jesus died on the cross to bridge the gap between God and man. And that gap was/is, caused by sin. 

Isaiah 59:1-3

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.

2 

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

3 

For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity.

I realize we've bounced a lot throughout Scripture here. But every single one of the Scriptures we have read is necessary to tell the story of how and why, "those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." God is so very good to us. And He doesn't want anyone to die in their sins and go to hell. So He has made a way for that not to happen. A 100% guaranteed way to be saved. And I guess a pertinent question here at the end of this would be, "Saved from what?" 

Saved from hell. And no I don't just mean eternal hell after you take your last breath on this earth. Although that is certainly a reason to call upon the name of the Lord. To be saved from that. Most definitely. But there's also the hell that we create for ourselves, right here on this earth, through following the flesh, and committing sin after sin after sin after sin. 

Sin is not like a bullet to the head or a knife to the heart. Oh no. It slowly kills you spiritually and physically. To the point that you're looking forward to death. Even though death means eternity in hell. I know this firsthand. And yet, I just couldn't stop. I knew better, but I didn't do better. Because I couldn't. Not without the help of the Lord. I had to call upon the name of the Lord in order to be saved from all of that. Same is true with you and everyone you know. 

There is no loophole. There is no other way to salvation except through Jesus (John 14:6). Here's the other thing. You're not saved because your parents are saved. God does not have any grandchildren. You are either His child, or you are not.

All right then. Y'all have a great rest your day and God bless. James

The Word

 1st Peter 2:1-3

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Philippians 2:14 -16

Do all things without complaining and disputing,15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Malice, what does that mean? Simply defined, malice means the intent to inflict injury or harm on someone else. I would say it goes hand-in-hand with selfishness. When you're selfish, you want what you want, when you want it, and how you want it. And you could care less who gets hurt along the way, in order for you to get it. It's where we get "malicious intent" as a legal definition in our legal system. It wasn't an accident. It was premeditated. You planned to do it, and you did it. So, first and foremost, let go of that. 

And then, stop lying on a regular basis. I never realized what a big, fat liar I was until I stopped lying. Or rather, purposed in my heart to stop lying. 

Now, hypocrisy, we know what that is. Saying one thing, and doing another. Perfect example of that would be telling everybody else to stop smoking, when you in fact, are still smoking. Or drinking, or doing drugs, looking at porn, or whatever. And guess what, we're surrounded by hypocrites, because we are all hypocrites in one way or another. We all say one thing, and do the other, in different aspects of our lives. So don't kid yourself, when you point the finger at other people calling them hypocrites. You've got three pointing right back at you. Our job is to stop doing these things. And really, the only way to do that is to ask the Lord to help you. That is the key. Pointing fingers at other people because they fall short it's pretty stupid. Because we all fall short. You might not fall short where they fall short, but you fall short. 

Envy, we know what that is. Jealousy. 

Evil speaking? That covers a whole bunch of stuff. Lying, gossiping, speaking words of discouragement, rather than words of encouragement. Cuss words. All kinds of stuff. But again it's not a mystery to us when we see that. Evil speaking. We know what that is. So to help you keep from doing those things, we must have that thirst, that starvation of spirit, for the word of God. The pure milk of the word. Now, as you grow, you will go from drinking milk to eating meat. And it's at that point you can start sharing the meat of the word that you've received. And here we go right back into the sanctification process.

As we head into the next scripture of the day. Those verses above in Philippians are all about being a good example. Being an effective ambassador of Christ. Being a good example among fellow believers. Not whining and complaining about everything, and everyone. Because everyone whines and complains. But when you don't, you sort of stand out. You're weird. You're different. Why is that? Why don't you have that malicious intent to get your own way? 

Our goal is to become more like Jesus, and less like our old selves. To purpose in our hearts to allow that sanctification process to occur from within to without. In other words, from the inside out. It does no good to have a cup clean on the outside, if it's dirty and filthy on the inside. Signifying that we can really only be an effective witness if we allow the Lord to clean us from the inside out. Jesus spoke about this in 

Matthew 23:25-26

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also."

And no, I'm not gonna lie to you, it's not easy. It's sometimes very uncomfortable being the different one. And it's hard because our old nature is ever present. Wanting to get a foothold again. And here we go again. That's why you have to purpose in your heart to meet with the Lord every morning in prayer, and to read your Bibles every single day. Feed your spirit, not your flesh. And finally, live what you believe. When you read and believe God's word, it's imperative to live according to it. And again, it's not easy. But it's the best way. Amen? 

All right, then, have a great rest of your day, and God bless you and yours. James.