Pastor James Blog

Family Problems

James Miller — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:57:00 GMT

Within the ranks of families problems and challenges are imminent, the truth is there are no flawless families. When a person embraces this truth it brings with it a sense of relief and freedom because we have the tendency to be trapped with tunnel vision. Thinking that my family is the only one with troubles and others have it so much better. Well that's exactly what trouble is designed to do, making us feel powerless and presses us to look for something that a family is designed and capable of providing. We wind up discarding the most important relationships and limiting ourselves in establishing deep meaningful ones. Learning to communicate and work through the challenges we face will further the knitting of hearts together. When problems go unresolved they become a dividing wedge that restricts the depth of relationships. We should take courage and begin the process of working on those issues we have pushed aside and trust the Lord to help us bring resolve and restoration.

Resist to Win

James Miller — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:45:00 GMT

As life unfolds we encounter the onset of facing an enemy who has our demise in mind, regardless of how weak or strong we are our faith will be tested.

The Apostle Peter was very familiar with this reality, Jesus had told him that Satan had desired to sift him like wheat. Jesus answer to Peter's dilemma was simple but he would soon discover it takes a strong stand to win. Jesus said "I have prayed for you" but it was not a general prayer, He was very deliberate about how He prayed. Jesus targeted the area of Peter's faith not failing and why would He be so precise? Peter was facing an attack from an unseen enemy and nothing but spiritual weapons can stop him and faith was exactly the weapon of choice.

Jesus also told Peter to strengthen others after he recovered from this vicious attack. Understanding from personal experience Peter knew how to do this. He wrote how Satan comes around like a roaring lion but we are to resist him steadfast in the faith. Peter is saying faith worked for me it has been tried and proven therefore stick to your guns of faith and remain on top. Stay strong in faith and you will win.....

Rebuke not Respect

James Miller — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 02:52:00 GMT

As believers it becomes a vital necessity we develop a right attitude concerning our adversary. All to often we respond to his attacks lacking the same disdain Jesus expressed toward him.

I remember when I first came into the family of God a dear sister in the Lord was visiting my wife and me. As we talked the conversation turned in the direction of our enemy, she cupped her hand around her mouth and began to whisper saying "you know him down there". It was obvious there was absolutely no fighting attitude in her at all, it was more like that of the children children of Israel when they saw the giants in Canaan.

When Jesus was confronted by the enemy He used phrases like shut up and come out, having the utmost disregard for their person. It astounded those who heard Him speak in this way questioning among themselves saying "what thing is this and what new doctrine is this". They were saying listen to how this man speaks and look at His results, obviously this was new to them. We will always fall short in dealing with our enemy if we fail to develop the same attitude Jesus demonstrated for us. Stand tall and be aggressive knowing victory belongs to you and never to the enemy. God Bless You.....

Saved by grace or works?

James Miller — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:58:00 GMT

Saved by works or by grace?

Over the years there has been much emphasis on one or the other about being saved whether it’s by grace or through good works.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says;

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. KJV

This verse clearly points out that grace is how we are saved and not by works, God offers salvation as a gift. If it’s a gift then it would be impossible to earn it, because if you did then it would no longer be a gift. You might ask where work fits into this equation if I am not saved by them. Our works should a reflection or result of being saved not to be saved.

Ephesians 2:10 says;

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. KJV

Created in Christ Jesus is a reference of being saved (born again) this letter has been written by Paul to the believers at Ephesus. Notice their good works followed their salvation not preceding it.

Romans 6:23 says;

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV

Jehovah Jireh

James Miller — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:38:00 GMT

One of the most important truths for the believer is understand the finished work of Jesus. All that we would need to carry out the will of God has already been provided for us, He missed nothing. In Genesis Abraham declared God to be Jehovah Jireh because God provided for himself a lamb. Genesis 22:14 says Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh; as it is said to this day , in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. Jehovah Jireh meaning the Lord who provides or my provider. The word provision is a combining of two Latin words which mean: To see beforehand. God sees beforehand and therefore provides long before the need arises as it was demonstrated on Abraham's behalf. God is aware of everything we will ever face and has already arranged for the availability of provision. Consider our need for salvation and how God met the need long before we were aware of the need. Throughout the Old and New Testament God has proved Himself to be faithfully committed to meet our needs.

Love is a Choice

James Miller — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:45:00 GMT

    There have many opinions offered as well as followed concerning the subject of love, some are confusing while others are just ridiculous. I'm not trying to be critical but there are so many hurting people because of being mislead in this area. First of all the bible clearly states that walking in love has never been a suggestion but rather a commandment.

     If we are commanded to love then we can understand it begins with a decision, we choose whether we will obey or not. Even though we are commanded to love He's not going to make us do it against our will. He gave us the right to choose, if He were going to make people do what He wanted according to His will then everyone would be saved. 2Peter 3:9 says He's not willing that anyone would perish but all would repent. Clearly salvation has been at His expense but the choice to receive lies within our realm of choice. Walking in love towards God and others begins by making a heart felt decision regardless of how we feel.

    The expression of Love is not a feeling but an action and love is not built on a feeling but a commitment. Feelings always follow our commitments, what we are committed too we will stand, fight and even die for. Maybe you know or heard of someone who's marriage failed because one of the spouses said they didn't feel like they loved them any more. This is a sad but classic case of a lack of understanding, basing their most important human relationship on mere feelings. We should make a decision to cultivate our hearts towards love and not be lead around by our feelings. God Bless You;

Influence by Love

James Miller — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:30:00 GMT

   Ever consider what methods we use to influence the world around us. Paul said in Romans 2:4 Do you despise the riches of his goodness and forebearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads to repentance?

  All to often we overlook the reason why God sent Jesus to the earth, which John 3:16 clearly states it was because of love. Not to condemn but save through the expression of love to mankind. Jesus said there's no greater love than laying down ones life for his friends John 15:13. Our efforts of influence should always be prompted by love as God's was for us. Without it we are missing the redemptive power of God as Paul said "goodness leads to repentance." We can major on the immorality of our day and use that to witness, but leave out love and become religious. As the body of Christ we are the dispensers of the love of God on the earth.
        Let's not underestimate the power of love........

Commandments

James Miller — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:45:00 GMT

I was teaching on the subject of loving God and loving others, asking the question of how do we express our love towards God and man? Quoting what Jesus said in John 14:15 which says; If you love me keep my commandments. I then proceeded by saying keep my commandments ; is to follow God by submitting to His word and ordering our lives accordingly.

After the class someone ask the question of which commandments are we supposed to keep because there are 613 laws in the Torah,meaning the first five books of the bible. To answer that question properly we must look to the New Testament. Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment?
His reply was simple; love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. He then went on to say hang all the law and the prophets on the commandment of love, James wrote saying that love was the Royal Law.
Paul said in Romans 13:10 Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. The law of love is the commandment we are to keep as new testament believers.

Our lives should be expressing the love of God in all that we do and say. I realize we are not perfect and we will make mistakes but we should be striving to obey the command of love.

Learn To Forget

James Miller — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:21:00 GMT

5-6-08
I think everyone’s had bad experiences they would like to forget. It’s not an uncommon thing for people to be haunted by an event of their past and struggle moving forward without the feelings of shame or regret. Paul the Apostle said; “this one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind me.” The power to forget is within our realm of ability but it will take some work on our part. Forget by definition means; To treat with thoughtless inattention; To banish from one's thoughts: To disregard on purpose.

1. Make a heartfelt conscience decision to forget.

2. Start thinking about what you are thinking about.

3. Stop thinking about what you are trying to forget.

4. Faith is more powerful than feelings.

5. Refuse to allow the feelings of shame or embarrassment to control

you, by waging a verbal war against those feelings.

6. Say; I refuse to allow my past experiences and feelings to control the

way I feel, think and perform, my future is bright, filled with God’s

goodness and blessing for me.

I hope this will assist you on your road to recovery and healing of

your heart towards your past.

Faith

James Miller — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:15:00 GMT

2-26-08
Faith; what an important part of the life of the believer! The bible says numerous times that the just shall live by faith. Simply meaning those who are born again are expected to live a life that reflects their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul in writing to the church at Rome stated that “faith comes by hearing the word of God”. One important element that must not be overlooked or never forgotten is our relationship with God. Meaning this “ we cannot replace relationship with information”. If we look at faith as being trust or confidence in God, we can say our faith will never rise above our depth of relationship. I think it is possible for Christians to have the information about God but do not know him. If that’s the case then it becomes extremely difficult to trust someone you don’t know. Our deepest level of trust comes from a personal relationship with God Almighty. We are able to cultivate a relationship with God through His word which reveals His character. We must remember not to neglect His word or our relationship with Him.

The Power Of God

James Miller — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:30:00 GMT

2-22-08
The power of God is resident within the believer. However it’s obstructed or released by what we believe to be true concerning it’s availability. Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they would have a breakthrough in their understanding in relation to God’s power and the believer. In his epistle to the Romans he stated; that the power of God for salvation was readily available for those who believe. Not just a random believing but what was believed in relation to the gospel of Christ. Our believing must be rooted in this good news message of what Jesus did for man. He has redeemed us from sin and made the power of God available. Without power we are obviously powerless, unable to overcome the issues that we encounter in life. The power of God is available to make man free from the things that bind and imprison. Although this is true, without faith to access and release it in our lives and that of others we will remain victims of our ignorance. We must not forget that faith comes by hearing and understanding the word of God. God Bless You in your endeavors of spiritual growth.

Medicine and Doctors

James Miller — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:12:00 GMT

2-11-08
What about medicine, should a Christian take medicine or go to the doctor or just believe God? Believing God is a must for all Christians. It should not be, do I take medicine or believe God? If I take medicine I should not dismiss faith, but use faith while I take medicine and believe God for quick recovery. We should not replace God with medicine and doctors, but use them to assist us in maintaining our health while we are growing in faith. Everyone must operate where they are in their faith and not where someone else may be. Learning to believe God and follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit is a must for all believers. This is impossibility apart from the word of God being a relative part of our lives. Paul said faith comes by hearing the word of God, which conveys the idea of no word no faith. Don’t starve your faith by staying inactive where the word is concerned. Starve your dependency where medicine is concerned by growing in faith. Don’t condemn yourself or others over the need for medical assistance. Let’s all grow together and walk in another level of faith. Do you have a testimony you would like to share of how believing God has worked for you? It would be a blessing to others who are facing health issues.

Finding our Place

James Miller — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:55:00 GMT

2-01-08
God has set every member in the body as it has pleased Him. God is the one who decides where we fit in the body, it’s our responsibility to find out where and then follow His lead. To accomplish this most important task we must be willing to be lead by the witness of the Holy Spirit. Say to God how important it is to you that His will be fulfilled and not your own, show me where I am to go. This must be a strong desire and major priority to avoid being trapped by well meaning people. Relationships come with influence and because of this it’s possible to over ride the leading of the Lord, blinded by familiarity that comes with relationships. God has an ordained place for everyone, where we can flow, grow and fulfill His plan for our lives.

New Years Resolutions

James Miller — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:25:00 GMT

1-08-08

The new year will stir the hearts of many to make life changing resolutions, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Some stay away from making resolutions because of not keeping the previous commitments, while others think it’s just a waste of time. Regardless of what people think or do there’s a powerful truth connected to making a resolved heart decision.
Without making a decision to change or deal with a particular issue in our life, more than likely we will continue to live on and do the same things. The book of James says a double minded man is unstable in all his ways and is unable to receive anything from the Lord. This describes someone who is indecisive and unable or unwilling to make a decision. This person is inhibiting God from getting involved with him. He cannot receive anything from the Lord because there’s no decision made. God needs us to make a decision of faith to attack or subdue areas of our life that has been out of control. He will help and assist us with the proper wisdom, grace and people to get us through the time of change. Go ahead and make some new year resolutions and watch God help you improve your life as you continue to walk with Him.

Season Of Love

James Miller — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:00:00 GMT

12-11-07
What a wonderful time of the year! The Christmas season brings families together in giving, fellowshipping and the sharing of love. This is an event that reminds us of the greatest expression of love, which we find in John 3:16. God’s love for man goes beyond human limitations and expectation toppling any religious attempt to contact God and gives Himself for us. Jesus said there’s no greater love than that expressed by the laying down of ones life for his friends. Jesus laid down His own life that we may experience the love of God that passes mere knowledge, perceivable by personal experience. A season of love that’s to be valued and cherished by all. Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Troubled Not

James Miller — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:08:00 GMT

11-30-07
Jesus said let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. This for many may seem to be an impossible task with all the things they have to deal with on a daily basis. Well life does have a way of challenging the tranquil condition we strive to maintain in our heart. As Jesus said “let not” leaves us with how are we to do this? In short it’s what we believe to be true in our hearts and what we entertain in our thoughts that bring peace or turmoil. You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. {Isaiah 26:3} A peaceful heart is priceless but it comes with the price of a diligent effort. May Gods richest blessings be yours through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankful

James Miller — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:59:00 GMT

11-19-07
Being thankful is an attitude of the heart, which the bible teaches is an important part of a believers life. We are to give thanks in all things, not for all things, because God is not responsible for everything we experience in life. Giving thanks to God in all things will help us keep a right attitude while we go through life challenges. Lets cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving, by being mindful of God’s presence and realizing He’s for us and not out to destroy us. He’s not taunting playing games or treating us like puppets. He’s interested in our well being.

Physical Prosperity

James Miller — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:00:00 GMT

11-06-07
Prosperity is designed to cover the whole of mans life, spiritual, physical, financial, social and mental. Physical prosperity is the well being and health of the body, God is interested in our bodies being healthy. Physical sickness and diseases are the result of the fall of man as sin and the curse entered into the earth realm. Through mans fall the human race has been plagued with dreadful and fatal diseases. Although we are faced with such heath issues, help is available beyond the medical field. Thank God for the advancement of medical technology but it’s not supposed to replace God. Healing was a normal part of Jesus earthly ministry, He never turned anyone away that came to be healed. The same is true today, Jesus the same yesterday today and forever. I’m very much aware of this being somewhat of a touchy and controversial subject but the bible is still clear concerning this issue. I determined a long time ago not to blame God or develop my own doctrinal belief because of my experiences. I decided a long time ago that He’s not the problem, if I don’t receive manifestation of healing it’s me that’s missing it not Him. One of the trouble spots I encountered was the perception I had developed concerning sickness. As a child I had discovered that when I was sick I got special attention, which I used to my own advantage. I did not know how that strategy would work against me in the future. As I developed this way of thinking my heart was being conditioned to accommodate sickness. When symptoms appeared I yielded instead of resisting them and fell victim to a variety of sicknesses. This type of mentality also spilled over into the area of accidents, I was somewhat accident prone. Because I was expecting the worst and became vulnerable to circumstances that produced trouble. After I gave my life to Jesus I had to do something with my thought life. I’ve had to recondition my heart with the word of God and become resistant to the onset of sickness. I believe that by the stripes of Jesus we were healed and if we were then I am. I have not arrived but I am pressing toward a more prosperous life.

Prosperity

James Miller — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:09:00 GMT

10-09-07
Our past experiences leave behind memories, images and learned behaviors. Some are good while others push us toward an impoverished way of living. Jesus came that we may have life or experience life at it’s fullest. It’s stated in John ten that the thief came to steal kill and destroy; but Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Money is a part of our everyday requirement, without it we are unable to function properly in this world. The simple pleasure of having a indoor bathroom requires money to maintain it’s use, money is a necessity. However not everyone has the sufficient funds to maintain what they have much less go beyond the present living conditions. It is not the will of God for man to go hungry or without daily provision. There are a variety of reasons why people go without proper financial stability but one of the major reasons for this is past images and experiences. A poverty mind can be developed by living from day to day in an environment of lack. Many have unchecked habits of saving all kind goods from condiments, plastic bags, bowls, and a whole menagerie of items. This type behavior is the result of a fear of not having enough that’s usually connected to past experiences. Proverbs says; To keep your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life. We could say it this way; that the boundaries of life are set or settled within the heart. What we see and believe inwardly will flow out into life and determine our limitations. If our perceptions are incorrect towards money, they can be altered and forever changed by the word of God. How? By meditating on the word concerning prosperity, thereby drawing a new picture to view. That the eyes of our heart will be permeated with thoughts of prosperity, directing our life into exceeding old boundaries previously imposed by the past. Don’t settle for surviving or allow thoughts of failure to live in the heart, root them out and go on to better things.

Social Prosperity

James Miller — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:18:00 GMT

10-02-07
Our past plays a major role in the way we respond to life’s circumstances. The bible teaches we are to prosper in this life, which includes spiritually, physically, financially, socially, and emotionally. The way we function in the various arenas of our life is affected by how we've processed life and the experiences we’ve had. Allow me to use the social realm for an example. If our home environment was abuse whether it’s physical, verbal or sexual we have the tendency to hide and cover up those things in our life. As we engage in life beyond these negative events we carry this learned behavior into the other areas of life. Such as being inhibited in our social skills, by shying away from relationships and staying somewhat shallow in the ones we may have. Some people perceive this type of behavior as being unfriendly, hard to communicate with or strike up any meaningful conversation. People will most generally misjudge this kind of person, only to leave them in the same condition with a strong possibility of growing worse. How does a person begin to recover from this paralyzing social behavior? First there be an identifying how we got to this place. Was there someone abusive in our past or did we live an isolated life with little social involvement or just lived among others as an introvert? These are some simple questions we must ask and answer for ourselves. If you were abused forgive them and let it go, make a heartfelt decision to no longer hold onto something you cant go back and change. They did what they did as bad as it may have been it’s in the past. Humble yourself by going to God and say you need His grace to help empower you to forgive and recover from the hurt. He is so willing and able to help us walk through the pains of the past. It’s not a overnight fix but well worth the time and effort we expend. We can either continue to harbor the hurt and work with all the negatives that accompany it or refocus our efforts on getting better. Forgiving is the first step toward recovery.