Jim's DEEP Thoughts

Will no longer post this blog

2009-11-28T19:04:00.002-05:00

I have created a new blog called "Jim's Devotional Blog". Only people close to me will be able to read this blog.

JOURNALING Quotes

2009-11-27T13:51:00.002-05:00

Keeping a thoughtful record of your spiritual journey can promote godliness. It can help us in our meditation and prayer. It can remind us of the Lord’s faithfulness and work. It can help us understand and evaluate ourselves. It can help us monitor our goals and priorities as well as maintain other spiritual disciplines. Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 1991

Here are some reasons for writing out our thoughts:

1. We more easily discipline our minds to sustain our thoughts without interruption.

2. If interrupted, because we have written our thoughts, we are able to return to them again for further contemplation and development.

3. We can also return to our reflections in the distant future, when otherwise they might have been totally forgotten.

4. Writing demands that we organize our thinking connectedly or cohesively on a subject.

5. We train our minds to express ourselves meaningfully and accurately.

6. We build a reserve of good thoughts for a time when our thinking is more vacuous, or our spirituality is in decline.

7. We teach ourselves the significance of learning by demonstrating to ourselves that cogent, biblical thinking is worth writing down.

8. We find that our developed thoughts sometimes emerge in our public speaking or private conversations, even though we did not prepare to use them.

9. We have a cache of mature thoughts to peruse as seed for public writing or speaking.

10. We leave our thoughts to future generations when normally the preponderance of them, if not every last one of them, would have vaporized upon our death or mental decline.

Jim Elliff
Writing Down Our Thoughts, Christian Communicators Worldwide

Quotes on Meditations

2009-11-22T20:40:00.002-05:00

By meditating on Scripture you are transformed into the person God intends you to be. Meditation is a blend of your words to God and His Word to you; it is loving conversation between you and God through the pages of His Word. It is absorption of His words into your mind by prayerful contemplation and concentration.
Jim Elliff
Returning to Your First Love

Meditation is a help to knowledge; thereby your knowledge is raised. Thereby your memory is strengthened. Thereby your hearts are warmed. Thereby you will be freed from sinful thoughts. Thereby your hearts will be tuned to every duty. Thereby you will grow in grace. Thereby you will fill up all the chinks and crevices of your lives, and know how to spend your spare time, and improve that for God. Thereby you will draw good out of evil. And thereby you will converse with God, have communion with God, and enjoy God. And I pray, is not here profit enough to sweeten the voyage of your thoughts in meditation?
William Bridge
The Works of the Reverend William Bridge

The kind of meditation encouraged in the Bible differs from other kinds of meditation in several ways. While some advocate a kind of meditation in which you do your best to empty your mind, Christian meditation involves filling your mind with God and truth. For some, meditation is an attempt to achieve complete mental passivity, but biblical meditation requires constructive mental activity. Worldly meditation employs visualization techniques intended to “create your own reality.” And while Christian history has always had a place for the sanctified use of our God-given imagination in meditation, imagination is our servant to help us meditate on things that are true (Philippians 4:8). Furthermore, instead of “creating our own reality” through visualization, we link meditation with prayer to God and responsible, Spirit-filled human action to effect changes.
Donald Whitney
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

The challenge before us then is not merely to do what God says because He is God, but to desire what God says because He is good. The challenge is not merely to pursue righteousness, but to prefer righteousness. The challenge is to get up in the morning and prayerfully meditate on the Scriptures until we experience joy and peace in believing “the precious and very great promises” of God (Rom. 15:13; 2 Peter 1:4). With this joy set before us the commandments of God will not be burdensome (1 John 5:3) and the compensation of sin will appear too brief and too shallow to lure us.
John Piper
How Dead People Do Battle With Sin

My Personal Spiritual Meditation in my Christian Faith

2009-11-22T13:52:00.003-05:00

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 49:3
My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.

Psalm 104:34
May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.

Psalm 119:97
Mem Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.

Colossians 4:2-4
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak

My Personal Meditation Thoughts
My heart is like a garden with beautiful flowers and plants. As with all gardens, the hearts must be kept free from weeds and insects. For me, both because I need to look at my whole being. I need to focus on God with all of my heart and mind. I am not a perfect Christian but I am a forgiven Christian who is still learning. I need to remind myself that God wants me to have free and responsive hearts, "Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God." In Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Sometimes I just feel a complete hypocrite in my Christian life. The book of Hebrews raises many questions in my mind. If it does not raise questions in my
mind, it is very likely that I have already grown dull of hearing and are in a serious spiritual condition. I stop growing spiritually. Drifting and coasting and inactivity in spiritual things is very dangerous by becoming hardened to spiritual convictions. If a Christian don't feel the conviction and didn't have the motivation to change from "within", then we should be concerned whether we are truly saved or not. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." The condition of the heart determines how receptive a person is to God's commandments.

Whether I am a new Christian or an old one (I am old Christian), I never stop the process of spiritual maturity. A Christian who is committed to Christ is going to grow. Growth will only take place when Christians are spiritual, not carnal, and when they are living for the glory of God, not for themselves. I have to understand my spiritual hindrances so that I can have spiritual growth because I am dealing with the thing that keeps me from growing. Carnal person is a Christian who still has self on the throne (selfishness). Christ is still in there somewhere, running around, but He is not in charge, and the life is still in chaos. There's no Lordship. For a Spiritual Christian, Self is off the throne (self-less), Christ is on it, and the life is all in order.

Sometimes I struggle to know the will of God for my life and often I try to have a conversation with myself (= meditation) along with God's Word. The word "meditation" in Hebrew means basically to speak or to mutter. When this is done in the heart it is called musing or meditation. So meditating on the Word of God day and night means to speak to myself the Word of God day and night and to speak to myself about it. A Christian must build into my life a regular encounter with God, personally and quietly over the Word. In John 15, Jesus was talking about "abiding" Him and His word. The word "abide" simply means "to remain." Jesus is saying, "Be for real, and give evidence that you're for real by remaining with Me." To abide as a believer simply means to stay close to Jesus. A branch is much better off if it's connected to the vine. Being only a half an inch away from the vine doesn't do a branch any good. To abide is to be totally connected to Jesus Christ. As the vine sends its energy through the branch to bear fruit, so Christ can send His energy through me. The word translated "abide" (Gk. meinete) is in the aorist tense and implies in this context a permanent fact. In 2 Timothy 2:15, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of truth." What is true in God's Word. Jesus said, "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth" (John 17:17; cf. Ps. 119:151). The truth is also in Christ: "You did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus" (Eph. 4:20-21). Dwelling on what is true necessitates meditating on God's Word.

I have to remind myself that by renewing my mind through regular meditating on God's Word. Doing so will bring into my mind what is spiritually healthy and lead me away from what is harmful. The Holy Spirit awakens my life and faith and personal transformation (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more, Galatians 5:22). God the Holy Spirit does that. But Holy Spirit does it through the word of God (1 Peter 1:23; John 17:17). God gave me a conscious mind. He gave me volition and emotion. God gave us conscience. If the truth of God's Word opposes the world's wisdom on a certain issue, you must align yourself with God's Word. When a Christian who is saved by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, this Christian is living in a new Creature with holy conscience rather than sinful conscience. If we didn't feel the conviction and didn't have the motivation to change from "within", then we should be concerned whether we are truly saved or not. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." I know that progressing in my sanctification and my spiritual growth and it only happens as I live in the environment of the truth and respond to that truth, and obey that truth, and avoid anything that diminishes my understanding of that truth or perverts that truth.

The Holy Spirit makes the words of Jesus effective when they attach with understanding to my mind and then to my will and emotions. Christ is glorified when His word is heard and understood and affirmed and enjoyed. So that is how God has ordained for change to happen. My own spiritual level will always be different from others. Others may be more spiritually mature while others are not as matured. We are in different stages of life with different demands on our days. We are at different levels of spiritual maturity, and no one matures over night. I am always searching and identifying my strengths and weaknesses rather than dwell solely on the negative aspects of my weaknesses. I will have to remember that I will often fall short of God's holiness that the world will not come to an end it that happens. Failures are just lessons of bad habits that I keep bringing back. I just need to pick myself up and start again. Let the mistake be a lesson and learn to make adjustments as I go along. I know that God's love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). I understand that God's Grace with love refuses to take human failure as final. With Christ in me, my human failures are never final. He is not finished with me yet.God gave me the grace to sanctify me. In sanctification God has to deal with me on the death side as well as on the life side. The struggle begins. "If any man come to Me and hate not his own life, he cannot be My disciple." Being sanctified means “to be separated from sin”. The key to sanctification then, is to know and obey the truth which is the Word of God in my heart. When I got saved, I am justified which is "declared righteous". Justification cannot be separated from sanctification. I am declared righteous in justification, and then the process of making me righteous begins to function in this sinful world. Sanctification is a progress towards holiness which is spiritual growth. God uses thorns to perfect His "power is perfected in weakness". Through GRACE, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:4). Grace of heart is a gift from God and this has nothing to do with the thorns because God change our circumstances by changing us internally, by allowing Him to lift us above our present thorn and He will lead us into His will. James says count it all joy when you fall into various trials cause trials have a perfecting work. Peter says after you've suffered a while the Lord will make you perfect.

Reading my BIBLE: The Bible illumines the dark corners of my heart and my mind by exposing sin but reveals the way towards His holiness. The Word of God (Bible) rebukes in order that I may see myh faults. God's Word (the Bible) sometimes wounds me deeply and it is imperative because through the Bible, God speaks loudly. I need to be convicted, respond in repentance and ask for forgiveness.

God is really teaching me lately.......

2009-11-21T13:55:00.003-05:00

In relation to justification and sanctification, there is a substantial difference and that Luther did not protest in vain. Scripture teaches that justification is a declarative act of God, not a process. Jesus promised immediate salvation to believers: “He who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” (Jn. 5:24). That verse clearly states that on the basis of faith alone, sinners pass out of death and into eternal life. Sanctification is a result, not a prerequisite. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). As a part of His saving work, God will produce repentance, faith, sanctification, yieldedness, obedience, and ultimately glorification. Since He is not dependent on human effort in producing these elements, an experience that lacks any of them cannot be the saving work of God.

Those who have been born again are new creatures in Christ; they are the products of grace, not the achievers of it in any way, shape, or form. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone, not by human works or human merit of any kind or to any degree (Eph. 2:8, 9). And yet, we are saved unto good works, as Ephesians 2:10 makes so abundantly clear. And the ability to do these good works is the result of the washing and renewing work of the Spirit within us (Titus 3:5). That cleansing work (called regeneration) is also a work of transformation. If we have been truly transformed on the inside, it will affect our outside lives as well.

John 10:26–27. Here, Jesus plainly says to his unbelieving listeners: “You do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

The word used here for “follow” is akoloutheo. Whenever it is used in a religious context in the New Testament, it refers to discipleship. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says this about the term:

The distinctive statistical evidence shows that the special [meaning religious] use of akolouthein is strictly limited to discipleship of Christ; apart from a single reference in Revelation it is found exclusively in the four Gospels. … The disciple leaves everything to go after Jesus (Mk. 10:28; cf. 1:18; Lk. 5:11). This implies, however, that akolouthein signifies self-commitment in a sense which breaks all other ties (Mt. 8:22; Lk. 9:61 f.). … The exclusiveness of the NT use arises from the fact that for primitive Christianity there is only one discipleship and therefore only one following, namely, the relationship to Jesus. The demand akolouthei moi in Mk. 2:14 and par. is a Messianic demand (–> sunakoloutheo). Because it signifies following the Messiah, this discipleship is essentially a religious gift. Akoulouthein means participation in the salvation offered in Jesus. (Gerhard Kittel, TDNT, vol. 1, pp. 213–14; Greek terms transliterated).

So Jesus’ Himself uses a term for discipleship to refer to the characteristics of His sheep (true believers). If I am truly born of God, I have a faith that cannot fail to overcome the world (1 John 5:4). Even though I may sin (1 John 2:1)—I will sin—but the process of sanctification can never stall completely. God is at work in me (Phil. 2:13), and He will continue to perfect me until the day of Christ (Rom. 8:29-30; Phil. 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:23–24).

Justification is free (Jn. 4:1)
Sanctification is costly (Lk. 14:25-33)

Justification is instantaneous (Jn. 3:8)
Sanctification is a life-long process (Jn. 8:31)

Justification is by faith (Eph. 2:8)
Sanctification is by faithfulness (1 Cor. 4:2)

Justification is not of works (Eph. 2:9)
Sanctification is of works (Eph. 2:10)

Justification involves Christ’s love for me (Jn. 3:16)
Sanctification involves my love for Christ (1 Jn. 4:19)

Justification concerns Christ’s righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21)
Sanctification concerns my righteousness (Lk. 14:25-33)

Justification involves my position in Christ (Col. 2:11-14)
Sanctification involves my practice (Col. 3:1-11)

Justification considers what God has done (1 Cor. 15:3-4)
Sanctification considers what I am doing (Lk. 14:25-33)

Justification is God’s commitment to me (1 Jn. 5:9-13)
Sanctification is my commitment to God (Jn. 14:15)

Justification requires obedience to one command: to believe the Gospel (Ac. 6:7)
Sanctification requires obedience to all of Christ’s commands (Matt. 28:19-20)

Justification focuses on the cross which Jesus took up once and for all (1 Cor. 1:18)
Sanctification focuses on the cross which I am to take up daily (Lk. 9:53)

Justification is finished at the moment of faith (Jn. 5:24)
Sanctification is not finished until I go to be with the Lord (1 Cor. 9:24-27)
Author Unknown

Quotes from theologians
You cannot take Christ for justification unless you take Him for sanctification. Think of the sinner coming to Christ and saying, “I do not want to be holy;” “I do not want to be saved from sin;” “I would like to be saved in my sins;” “Do not sanctify me now, but justify me now.” What would be the answer? Could he be accepted by God? You can no more separate justification from sanctification than you can separate the circulation of the blood from the inhalation of the air. Breathing and circulation are two different things, but you cannot have the one without the other; they go together, and they constitute one life. So you have justification and sanctification; they go together, and they constitute one life. If there was ever one who attempted to receive Christ with justification and not with sanctification, he missed it, thank God! He was no more justified than he was sanctified.
A.A. Hodge
Evangelical Theology.

If you do not put a difference between justification wrought by the Man Christ without, and sanctification wrought by the Spirit of Christ within…you are not able to divide the word aright; but contrariwise, you corrupt the word of God.
John Bunyan

My final thoughts:
I have to remember that its not the scriptures that are corrupted so before I blame, I am to lay blame where it is deserved. This is where I should have a serious responsibility in this matter to search in my heart about my motives when I try to glorify God. Paul said, "But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment" (1 Corinthians 11:31). I can learn from others who believe such doctrines and examine my own. I am to allow the Holy Spirit to lead me and convict me the truth. Often my flesh's desires gets in the way of spirit-lead truth. Spiritual truth is so necessary to understand God as who He is, not the way I want to think. I have been thinking, like most Christians,I often question myself about my own spiritual issues and motives. Is the whole of my thinking governed by Scripture, or do I come with my reason and pick and choose out of Scripture? Thinking theologically is a tough thing to do. It works against my human (sinner) and horizontal perspective on life. I will never forget C.S. Lewis' quote: "You never know how much you really believe anything until truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you." I remember that it is not the scriptures that are corrupted. Its a man's heart (as in my own) that is corrupted in all areas such as in intelligence, reason, and choice. Even forgiven sinners who are not sanctified in the renewal by the Holy Spirit even though they are justified by faith. The Scriptures aim to affect my heart and change the way I feel about God and His will. It is the will of God that His Word crush my own feelings of arrogance and self-reliance and that it give hope to the poor in spirit. Christianity will always be running against the prevailing movement of society with individualistic doctrinal beliefs. I am in the world of self-deceit that sometimes I am too focused on myself to see the eternal truth.

Sin and Grace

2009-10-26T19:00:00.003-04:00

I am thinking of my life and I am sure this is affecting many other Christians. Why is it that so many us professing Christians make no spiritual progress, and indeed make no efforts to grow in grace? Is it possible to be a Christian and yet ignore the desire to grow in grace? If I have no concern to grow in grace then I am not abiding in Christ. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon. Grace does not grant permission to live in the flesh; it supplies power to live in the Spirit. Sometimes I am too apt to rest on faith, and to think that this will save me (without Grace). I have been saved by Grace and Grace is free, but it is not cheap because this requires discipleship. To fully understand the sufficiency of God’s grace, I must learn the insufficiency of myself by looking at my sinfulness. Seeing my sinful life, I have learned over the years to appreciate grace in its basic meaning of God’s undeserved favor for me. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon. To live by grace is to live solely by the merit of Jesus Christ. The spiritual life is lived between two polarities: our sin and God’s grace.

To live by grace is to base my entire relationship with God. As a born sinner, I didn't naturally seeks after God(cf. Romans 3:9-18). I am to pursue intimacy with Jesus and the inner transformation to Christ-likeness when I look to Him through the spiritual disciplines. God uses means of grace to sanctify me, chief of which are the personal and corporate spiritual disciplines. As a result of grace, I have been saved from sin’s penalty. One day I will be saved from sin’s presence. In the meantime I am being saved from sin’s power through grace. God is in the business not of whitewashing sins but of transforming sinners like me. When God’s grace changes my nature (from old to new), it doesn’t change the nature of the flesh. I am delivered from the penalty of sin and from the authoritative power of sin, but not from the continued presence and influence of sin. Sin is no longer reigning, but it is remaining. My Christian life is a war in the fiercest battles. Spiritual birth is followed by growth, and that growth involves warfare. I am in spiritual warfare. Anything that springs from myself, however small it may be, is sin. I am not simply a sinner because I sin; I sin because I am a sinner. Indwelling sin remains in me even though it has been dethroned by Jesus Christ. And though it has been overthrown and weakened, its nature has not changed. Jesus saves me from my sins. He saves me from the guilt of sin, by washing me in His own atoning blood. He saves me from the dominion of sin, by putting in my heart the sanctifying Spirit. He saves me from the presence of sin, when He takes me out of this world to rest with Him.

The Believer’s Warfare are internal, with the flesh- Gal. 5:17; Not after the flesh- 2 Cor. 10:3; with the armor of light- Rom. 13:12; external, with the world- John 16:33; not by resistance but submission- James 4:7; with the armor of righteousness- 2 Cor. 6:7; infernal, with the devil- Eph.6:12; with the whole armor of God- Eph. 6:13. I understand a spiritual process begins in my life in the process of sanctification in which Paul refers to it as "inner man being renewed day by day." The Bible explains the promise of God that when I am saved, the sanctification process begins. There is a continual working of the Holy Spirit in my life that renews that believer from one level to another level spiritually to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. During my sanctification over the years, I have faced groanings in my life, and longing to be delivered from sin and the debilitating power of temptations.

It is a sure mark of grace to desire more. All grace grows as Love to the Word of God grows. The Scripture is both the breeder and feeder of grace. How is the convert born, but by “the word of truth”? (James 1:18). the out-flowing of the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we, like Peter, will fail (Mt. 26:31-34). As Jesus said to his disciples, “without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), it is my responsibility to exert the effort and develop the essential disciplines of the Christian life if I am to become more like Christ. Christian life comes not by the work of the Holy Spirit alone, nor by my work alone, but by my responding to and cooperating with the grace the Holy Spirit initiates and sustains. Grace is we live in the Spirit AND also walk in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in us with all the power and gifts of God, necessary to enable us to walk the noble, spiritual, Son-like life with God. Many Christians seem to understand the concept of being saved by grace, but they have missed the concept of being sustained by grace.

I am still spiritually ignorant.........

2009-10-24T11:49:00.001-04:00

We have to remember that its not the scriptures that are corrupted so before we blame, we are to lay blame where it is deserved. This is where we should have a serious responsibility in this matter to search in our hearts about our motives when we try to glorify God. Paul said, "But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment" (1 Corinthians 11:31). We can learn from others who believe such doctrines and examine our own. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and convict us the truth. Often flesh's desires gets in the way of spirit-lead truth. Spiritual truth is so necessary to understand God as who He is, not the way we want to think. I have been thinking, like most Christians,I often question myself about my own spiritual issues and motives. Is the whole of my thinking governed by Scripture, or do I come with my reason and pick and choose out of Scripture? Thinking theologically is a tough thing to do. It works against my human (sinner) and horizontal perspective on life. I will never forget C.S. Lewis' quote: "You never know how much you really believe anything until truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you."

The more I know God's love letters to us (Bible), the more I struggle

2009-10-24T11:02:00.002-04:00

with understanding my sins against Him.

Martin Luther's Quote: The great difference between doctrine and life is obvious, even as the difference between heaven and earth. Life may be unclean, sinful, and inconsistent; but doctrine must be pure, holy, sound, unchanging ... not a tittle or letter may be omitted, however much life may fail to meet the requirements of doctrine. This is so because doctrine is God's Word, and God's truth alone, whereas life is partly our own doing.... God will have patience with man's moral failings and imperfections and forgive them. But He cannot, will not, and shall not tolerate a man's altering or abolishing doctrine itself. For doctrine involves His exalted, divine Majesty itself (WA, 30 111, 343 f.)

We all are still sinners because we still make mistakes.It is just that people do not so willingly acknowledge that fact (for an example, Christians are divided by sin through errors). The sins of the godly are worse than others, because they bring a greater reproach upon Christianity. Sin is still here. It is just that people do not so willingly acknowledge that fact. A sin is two sins when it is defended.All sin, not least sexual sin, begins with the imagination. Therefore what feeds the imagination is of maximum importance in the pursuit of kingdom righteousness (Phil. 4:8). Though sinning itself is bad enough, denying sin is an additional sin, so that those who deny sin are actually double sinners.

The first degree (of temptation) relates to the mind – it is dragged away from its duties by the deceit of sin. The second aims at the affections – they are enticed and entangled. The third overcomes the will – the consent of the will is the conception of actual sin. The fourth degree disrupts our way of life as sin is born into it. The fifth is the flesh’s goal, a hardened life of sin, which leads to eternal death (James 1:14-15). Our life as a Christian is seemingly full of Christ and there is no room for self, but an aggressive sin comes in and wiggles his way in, crowding out Christ just a little bit. We give place to this sin and soon another does the same thing. Sin by sin, error by error, selfishness by selfishness, the backsliding continues until you are virtually empty of Christ and full of self. The root of our sinfulness is the desire for our own happiness apart from God and apart from the happiness of others in God. Especially when you desire something that is contrary to God's will. Sin dwells in hell, and holiness in heaven. Remember that every temptation is from the devil, to make you like himself. Remember when you sin, that you are learning and imitating of the devil. Sin is what you do when you are not satisfied in God. Sin arises when things that are a minor good are pursued as though they were the most important goals in life. If money or affection or power are sought in disproportionate, obsessive ways, then sin occurs. No matter where it ends, sin always begins when an evil thought is sown in the mind and heart. Sin in the mind goes to work in the emotions which incites the will, which yields the act.

As a result of grace, we have been saved from sin’s penalty. One day we will be saved from sin’s presence. In the meantime we are being saved from sin’s power.When we sin as Christians, we do not sin as slaves, but as individuals with the freedom of choice. We sin because we choose to sin. When our flesh and mind wants to know God, the flesh imposes ignorance, darkness, error and trivial thoughts. The truth is, our evil desires are constantly searching out temptations to satisfy their insatiable lusts (James 1:14).The Believer’s Warfare are internal, with the flesh- Gal. 5:17; Not after the flesh- 2 Cor. 10:3; with the armor of light- Rom. 13:12; external, with the world- John 16:33; not by resistance but submission- James 4:7; with the armor of righteousness- 2 Cor. 6:7; infernal, with the devil- Eph.6:12; with the whole armor of God- Eph. 6:13

Jesus saves us from our sins. He saves us from the guilt of sin, by washing us in His own atoning blood. He saves us from the dominion of sin, by putting in our hearts the sanctifying Spirit. He saves us from the presence of sin, when He takes us out of this world to rest with Him. He will save us from all the consequences of sin (including future ones), when He shall give us a glorious body at the last day (resurrection day or eternal life). . When God’s grace changes our nature (from old to new), it doesn’t change the nature of the flesh. Once regenerated, we are delivered from the penalty of sin and from the authoritative power of sin, but not from the continued presence and influence of sin. Sin is no longer reigning, but it is remaining. The Christian life is a war, and the fiercest battles are those hat rage within the heart of every believer. Our new birth radically and permanently changes our sinful nature, but it does not immediately liberate that nature for all of the remnants of sin. Birth is followed by growth, and that growth involves warfare. We are in spiritual warfare. Anything that springs from self, however small it may be, is sin. We are not simply sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. Indwelling sin remains in us even though it has been dethroned by Jesus Christ. And though it has been overthrown and weakened, its nature has not changed. Sin is still hostile to God and cannot submit to His law (Romans 8:7). Although sin no longer rules us, we still are naturally sinful. God considers us righteous and credits us with the spotless record of Christ, but we still do sin. In fact, the battle with our indwelling sin starts at our conversion. Through justification we are declared righteous, and it is at this point that our sanctification – our growing in sanctification (holiness) – begins.

The atonement is the work of God from beginning to end. God alone provides the means of salvation through the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ; through the call of God for all to repent and don't reject; and through the God-given restoration. God wants our hearts more than He wants us to follow rules. If we give our hearts to God, then we will know what is sinful and what is not sinful. One of the greatest examples I have learn is from Lot's wife. Lot's wife died when she looked back. Looking back means you rely on flesh's desires more than God's commands and desires.

When I became a Christian, I understand a spiritual process begins in my life in the process of sanctification in which Paul refers to it as "inner man being renewed day by day." The Bible explains the promise of God that when I am saved, the sanctification process begins. There is a continual working of the Holy Spirit in my life that renews that believer from one level to another level spiritually to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. During my sanctification over the years, I have faced groanings in my life, and longing to be delivered from sin and the debilitating power of temptations. I need to look into God’s gracious means of sanctification are revealed to us in Scripture. I understand that there is no sanctifying power in human intuition, there is no sanctifying power in insight and also there is no sanctifying power in experience. It is all in the Scripture with the help from Holy Spirit. Only the truth of God revealed in Scripture sanctifies through sound teaching accurately interpreted, understood, applied. And as I embrace the truth, I progress spiritually. By doing that, my Christian life is no longer defined by my theology because it is defined by my adoration and passion for God. All my biblical knowledge has introduced Him to me and now I’ve engaged in a communion with Him that has deepened. I don’t want to be ignorant about great truth. I don’t want to be ignorant about it because I want to be able to thanking God for everything He’s done.

Grace is we live in the Spirit AND also walk in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in us with all the power and gifts of God, necessary to enable us to walk the noble, spiritual, Son-like life with God. Many Christians seem to understand the concept of being saved by grace, but they have missed the concept of being sustained by grace.

Chief Evangelist

2009-10-18T21:54:00.005-04:00

The Scriptures say that God Himself is the chief evangelist. For the Spirit of God is the Spirit of truth, love, holiness and power, and evangelism is impossible without Him. It is He who anoints the messenger, confirms the word, prepares the hearer, convicts the sinful, enlightens the blind, gives life to the dead, enables us to repent and believe, unites us to the body of Christ, assures us that we are God’s children, leads us into Christ-like character and service, and sends us out in our turn to be Christ’s witnesses. In all this the Holy Spirit’s main preoccupation is to glorify Jesus Christ by showing Him to us and forming Him in us. John Stott, Making Christ Known: Historic Mission Documents for the Lausanne Movement, Eerdmans, 1996, p. 238.

Only a disciple can make a disciple. Cultural change can be difficult, after all, things have changed a lot in the last 2,000 years and they will continue to do so until the return of Christ. In order to see God’s church grow, we should use the means God has given to us. We ought to acknowledge, in humility, that any growth that comes does not ultimately come from us. It is the Holy Spirit who gives assurance of life in Christ, not the evangelist (Rom. 8:16). We are to relate the basis of assurance but leave the actual assuring to the Spirit. God, and God alone, can read the human heart. Our gaze cannot penetrate beyond the outward appearance. We may worship through evangelism, but never are we instructed to evangelize through worship. Evangelism is indeed an act of worship. It is an act of worshipful obedience to the Great Commission of the risen Christ (Matt 28:19-20, cf. Acts 1:8). Lutherans are a sometimes neglected group of evangelicals because we are are not known to be "evangelicals" but we are. We are not like other evangelicals because what I see is that we "disciple". Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. Personal discipleship takes months while Church discipleship takes years. God commanded us to disciple but there are those whose mission is to "save" rather than disciple. God knew making disciples is the best way to go.

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples. A disciple is literally a follower, a pupil, a learner, an apprentice. He is one who has dedicated not only to follow his master but also to become like Him. In the Christian life, thinking is crucial, emotions are crucial and serve is crucial. Jesus touches our lives (inward) and enables us to touch others (outward). And since the Gospel so transforms us with the power of the Word, we can demonstrate God's grace power with the reality of our lives. Through Jesus Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we have apostolic succession, but it is not in a line of men who pass along authority from one to another. It is the passing on of apostolic truth that goes from one generation to the next, in the context of the ministry of the truth in local churches around the world. God reveals Himself primarily through the pages of Scripture; that is why I believe the Bible as my absolute authority. The idea that Jesus Christ has absolute and final authority over all of us in every detail of our lives is simply having faith in Him and His power of Grace. God will guide us into all truth. God is spirit and faith is required to know Christ and then, the Holy Spirit will reveal who God really is through His grace and power.

One thing I have learned over the years relating to the "doctrine of salvation". I have to remember that the Bible does not present faith as simply "mental assent to the facts of the gospel" but rather true saving faith involves repentance from my own sin and a complete trust in the work of Christ to save me from sin and make me righteous. Through the doctrine of Soli Deo gloria: All glory is due to God alone, since salvation is accomplished solely through His will and action—not only the gift of the all-sufficient atonement of Jesus on the cross but also the gift of faith in that atonement, created in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit.

The atonement is the work of God from beginning to end. God alone provides the means of salvation through the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ; through the call of God for all to repent and don't reject; and through the God-given restoration. God wants our hearts more than He wants us to follow rules. If we give our hearts to God, then we will know what is sinful and what is not sinful. One of the greatest examples I have learn is from Lot's wife. Lot's wife died when she looked back. Looking back means you rely on flesh's desires more than God's commands and desires.

The sacraments are visible means through which we and Christ commune. They encourage us to be like Christ in all His holiness. The grace received through the sacraments is no different from that received through the Word. Both convey the same Christ. Many people are forgetting the REAL purpose of the CHURCH. Through the Old Testament, we learned that man's destiny revealed by God, man's destiny restricted by sin, and through the New Testament, we learn that man's destiny recovered by Christ. Jesus Christ died the death that you deserved. He became sin who knew no sin. He died in our place. He is our substitute. He had to be man to die as man, He had to be God to overcome death and sin. And so the God/Man had to suffer. Jesus said, "The Son of Man must suffer and be killed."

Through communion, we are to examine ourselves that we are sorry for our sins; we believe in our Savior Jesus Christ and in His words in the Sacrament; and we plan, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to change our sinful lives. ts a reminder that the life of the church is made up of spiritual attitudes and spiritual motivations, spiritual graces that come from deep within the community. Its a reminder of this verse in Ephesians 4:4, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." Jesus is the one who does the real cleansing on the inside. He does that constantly, as we appropriate His forgiveness. At a church communion service, this is pictured in a very meaningful, Christ-like way.

Grace is we live in the Spirit AND also walk in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in us with all the power and gifts of God, necessary to enable us to walk the noble, spiritual, Son-like life with God. With Grace, we can show mercy and help others (Heb. 4:13-16).

Living in the Word as in Living in Spirit

2009-10-17T22:55:00.001-04:00

I have to remind myself that in terms of "living in the Word", every one of us have different interpretation of the Word. When (we interpret Scripture by focusing) on our inner voice, we risk losing the original voice of Scripture. The task of hermeneutics is to discover the meaning of the text in its proper setting; to draw meaning from Scripture rather than reading one’s presuppositions into it. A person who intends to manage his own affairs, maintain his pride, and secure esteem and glory from his fellow human beings will twist the words of Jesus to support his own self-esteem. Compare Scripture with Scripture. False doctrines, like false witnesses, agree not among themselves. We have to remember that its not the scriptures that are corrupted. Its a man's heart that is corrupted. Intelligence, reason, and choice.

The Scriptures aim to affect our hearts and change the way we feel about God and his will. It is the will of God that his Word crush feelings of arrogance and self-reliance and that it give hope to the poor in spirit. Christianity will always be running against the prevailing movement of society with individualistic doctrinal beliefs. We are in the world of self-deceit that we are too focused on ourselves to see the eternal truth.

As you can see around the world, you see difference of opinions of Scriptures based on their own interpretations OR what they they have learned over the years through their denominational teachings. We all victimized because we grew up in a certain theological system and we became indoctrinated by what we have learned over the years that we have struggled by defending what we have learned and can't seem to let go of it.

Interfaith

2009-10-17T19:59:00.002-04:00

Changing my denominations over the years have been difficult but I was willing to compromise for the sake of my marriage. I now accept that there will be interfaith marriage. Now that I have learned Lutheranism and accepted Lutheranism doctrines. I understand there are some differences between Lutherans and Catholics about the meaning of doctrines in relationship to Christian life within an interfaith marriage. We will learn to overcome the unknowns involved in Lutheran-Catholic interfaith relationship. We both will be patient, communicate as one with acceptance, and respectful humor.

Spiritual thoughts

2009-10-15T18:43:00.000-04:00

When I became a Christian, I understand a spiritual process begins in my life in the process of sanctification in which Paul refers to it as "inner man being renewed day by day." The Bible explains the promise of God that when I am saved, the sanctification process begins. There is a continual working of the Holy Spirit in my life that renews that believer from one level to another level spiritually to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. During my sanctification over the years, I have faced groanings in my life, and longing to be delivered from sin and the debilitating power of temptations. I need to look into God’s gracious means of sanctification are revealed to us in Scripture. I understand that there is no sanctifying power in human intuition, there is no sanctifying power in insight and also there is no sanctifying power in experience. It is all in the Scripture with the help from Holy Spirit. Only the truth of God revealed in Scripture sanctifies through sound teaching accurately interpreted, understood, applied. And as I embrace the truth, I progress spiritually. By doing that, my Christian life is no longer defined by my theology because it is defined by my adoration and passion for God. All my biblical knowledge has introduced Him to me and now I’ve engaged in a communion with Him that has deepened. I don’t want to be ignorant about great truth. I don’t want to be ignorant about it because I want to be able to thanking God for everything He’s done. I want to appreciate Him in all His fullness. I want to go beyond just appreciating the things that are true about Him and I want to know Him in the fullness that I can. Through cognition, it starts with understanding what the Bible says and what it means. The meaning of the Scripture is the Scripture. Sanctification begins with renewing my mind. It’s about understanding truth so that I can obey it and praise God for it, as His Son did. The discipline of putting the truth constantly in my mind is critical because lack of knowledge retards my spiritual growth, it retards sanctification and there isn’t any way I can make it up. Legalism won’t get me there (I went through this). Mysticism won’t get you there (I went through this). All Christians acknowledge that life in Christ begins by the work of the Spirit. It cannot be perfected or brought to maturity through the flesh. Yet many in the church today seem to believe that it can. We must turn to the Spirit of God and learn to walk in the Spirit and know the power of the Spirit. We must reject man-centered, humanistic, psychological solutions to problems. Built into such solutions are false impressions of man's ability, which create the illusion of sanctification by intellectual achievement. In Galatians 3:1-3, Paul explains that sanctification comes by trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit by faith.

From cognition in understanding the Bible and move to conviction as in accepting. As I learn the Bible, I develop conviction to the things that I believe. Biblical truth establishes cognition in the mind and develops conviction in the conscience. You cannot achieve a spiritual goal by natural means. The Holy Spirit produces spiritual life initially and He also sustains it. The Holy Spirit is to the Christian what the Creator is to the creation. In reading Isaiah's prophecy Christ was saying, "I am the true Sabbath rest, the One who proclaims a spiritual Jubilee by freeing sinners from bondage to sin." That's why Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ inaugurated a new covenant, which did away with the sabbatical system (Col. 2:16-17). The righteous have entered Christ's salvation rest and look forward to ultimate rest in His presence (Heb. 4:9-11).

Many Christians seem to understand the concept of being saved by grace, but they have missed the concept of being sustained by grace. James D. Mallory, Jr.

Change

2009-10-14T19:45:00.002-04:00

I need to focus another way to reflect on what I am facing and what I am learning. A blog is a great way to let people know my side of the story. Many times, I go back and read the my blogs to help me remember what I faced and how I am doing today than I was back then. Life's experiences encouraged me to examine my own beliefs. They help me think, explore and examine. It’s also a great step of becoming a better person, it is about learning from your failure. To learn, it’s not enough with a promise not to repeat only, we also need to make some actions to ensure that we really learn from our failure. Sometimes blogging and networking can cost me true relationships. I have made mistakes over the years. should "learn" from the past rather than "holding on to the past". It would be nice not to have any regrets. If I had no regrets, I would never grow.

Another reason why I blog. For years, I had to struggle with the conditions that affect the development of my communication skills within personality and intelligence. Bogging or networking are particularly useful for the introverts like me, that we know that we are not so good with words, especially when we have to speak. Writing is much more comfortable because we can think without pressure for the right words to say.

I enjoy having deep thoughts about God and put down what I actually think about so I can come back and look what I said. I am always learning about theologies and doctrines. I don't know everything biblically but in faith, I am willing to learn. Its easy to be a Christian but not easy to become a Disciple. For over 30 years, I had the passion to study the Bible and understanding God. I had the passion but I didn't have the commitment of what it means to be a disciple.

Time for a change.

Mistakes

2009-10-11T20:14:00.004-04:00

In my life, I have encountered a lot of consequences for bad choices and decisions in my life. I have reaped what I have sowed. I am not sure what happened but I know I need God's grace to help me what I am facing today. I can tell you without any fear of contradiction or oversimplification that the root cause of all marriage conflicts is selfishness. I can say that because there's probably no better practical synonym for the concept of sin than selfishness. We keep forgetting that we took one another as sinful, frail, imperfect persons, and not as angels, or as blameless and perfect. There is no immunity from conflict.

Never look back; never waste your time in the present; never waste your energy; forget the past and rejoice in the fact that you are what you are by the grace of God. God does not want to remove your memories; he wants to redeem them. He wants to transform them into something good, something that will make you more like Jesus. Do you see the hope this offers Christians? Your bad memories of your past sins - even the worst ones - can be opportunities for life-changing growth. You do not need to avoid, run from, cover over, or get rid of your past.

Mistakes that are understood but require effort to prevent. The kind of mistakes that defines me and my character. I am going to have to start accepting responsibility makes learning possible and don’t equate making mistakes with being a mistake. I know that I can’t change mistakes, but I can choose how to respond to them.

I like these two quotes by John Calhoun:

* In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to correct.

* Learn from your mistakes and build on your successes.

John Caldwell Calhoun (March 18, 1782 – March 31, 1850) was a prominent United States politician from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. He served as the seventh Vice President of the United States, first under John Quincy Adams (1825-1829) and then under Andrew Jackson (1829-1832).

2009-10-03T20:16:00.003-04:00

I took a test on this site: Christian Denomination Selector

Its very accurate. I expected to be 1. Lutheran LCMS, 2. Presbyterian/Reformed (PCA), 3. Anabaptist 4. Baptist 5. Church of Christ

My #1 is: Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
My #2 is: Evangelical Lutheran Church
My #3 is: Presbyterian Church in America/Orthodox Presbyterian
My #4 is: Reformed Churches
My #5 is: Methodist/Wesleyan Church
My #6 is: Presbyterian Church USA
My #7 is: Reformed Baptist
My #8 is: Church of Christ
My #9 is: Mennonite Brethren (Anabaptist)
My #10 is: Southern Baptist

Guilty without thread of evidence

2009-09-19T12:16:00.003-04:00

Ryan Widmer, a 27 year old man, was charged with murder just 2 days after he found his wife unresponsive in their bathtub, on August 11, 2008.

This happened in Warren County, Ohio

Prosecutor: Jury can be seated in retrial of Ohio drowning case despite 'Dateline NBC' show

'The police are not your friends'......Ryan Widmer's mother Jill talks about his decision to get an attorney after his wife, Sarah, died.

Its shocking that a person can be convicted of a crime based on assumptions and theories alone.

Lost 11 pounds

2009-09-18T14:28:00.002-04:00

I went to my doctor for my quarterly checkup. I lost 11 pounds and most of my blood work reading is very good except for sugar (diabetes) and good cholesteral is low. I have something I can work them them.

I have been walking on an average 3 miles a day now and it paid off. I am feeling great and I am able to handle my MS better. However, my hearing will always remain the same and that is losing alittle each year.

Have a great weekend.

Jim

Life and personal flaws..................................

2009-09-14T20:01:00.003-04:00

I am one guy who don't like to admit my own mistakes or even acknowledge them. Sometime it takes me a while to learn from them. Often my mistakes have revealed for who I am and people will remember them. That's the saddest position of all.

I can only learn from a mistake after I admit I’ve made it. As soon as I start blaming other people (or the universe itself) I distance myself from any possible lesson. My mistakes were avoidable but my sequence of decisions made inevitable. Mistakes that are understood but require effort to prevent. The kind of mistakes that defines me and my character. I am going to have to start accepting responsibility makes learning possible and don’t equate making mistakes with being a mistake. I know that I can’t change mistakes, but I can choose how to respond to them.

Often my life is always reactive that are very dramatic, frustrating, painful, unrewarding, unfulfilling and illogical. What I need to do is put the breaks on reacting to mistakes by looking at the cure is being more diligence, regardless of the task. I need to stop putting off intentionally and habitually the doing of something that should be done. Maturity means acting responsibly; it means learning from my mistakes and trying not to make the same ones over again. Mistakes are a part of being human. I need to appreciate myh mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way.

"The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it." Alan Saporta

Deborah Kendrick commentary relating to disabled

2009-09-13T20:29:00.002-04:00

Mall of America's branch of Abercrombie & Fitch's case and I like & agree with her commentary: Disabled just want to fit in, and the rest of us can help

Millions among our vast minority dubbed "disabled" have acquired the status with conditions that cannot be seen. Diabetes, dyslexia, asthma, hearing impairments or bipolar disorder are not readily apparent conditions, but they are disabilities. People who have these disabilities -- as well those within the minority whose disabilities are visible -- long for nothing so much as to just fit in. None of them should be required to wear a placard announcing their difference and, if they or their caregivers can articulate a disability-related need when it arises, the not-yet-disabled among us should learn to tune in and catch on.

Upper Arlington's Tremont shop may be revived

2009-09-13T11:28:00.003-04:00

Already, two Facebook pages and a Twitter page have been created by former customers wanting to keep the Goodie Shop in operation. The sites combined have more than 652 fans, followers and members. In Upper Arlington, 100 customers plan to hold a rally Sept. 27 at the Tremont Center during a scheduled auction of the Goodie Shop's equipment. And more than 60 "I (heart) the Goodie Shop" T-shirts have been sold.
More from the Columbus Dispatch

I am not completely deaf and sometimes.........

2009-09-13T10:47:00.002-04:00

I have a hard time communicating tough issues over the phone as a customer with businesses. I don't have a TDD and tried working with them via computer but their staff are not the people I need to talk to. They use staff who are not familiar with business issues to communicate the issues to key staff which frustrates the communication more. That delays more which costs more.

So I have my wife who is hearing who deals with the telephone conservations. Sometimes, they won't talk to my wife simply because she is not "Jim" and my wife explains that she is like a relay operator but better. Most of the time they work but some business won't accept her.

How can businesses deal with the needs that hearing impaired people have? There is an awful lot that they can do in configuring those to make communication easier and better, and they do not do that. Not enough attention is paid to that and, as a result, they are struggling to communicate in environments that their best friend would not want to impose on them. They don't treat their customers as their best friends.

We want something that meets our need, and we want it to meet it now. We do not want to wait for months to solve that problem; we want to do it now. Because if you have to wait, they will cause us to lose our motivation, and it makes things much more difficult and at the end, the businesses wins while the deaf/hearing impaired customers loses while waiting to find communication solutions to solve the actual issue.

A quote in my friend's facebook status....

2009-09-08T20:15:00.001-04:00

The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.

After reading that, I failed life's tests so many times. My own flaws have been revealed so clear.

Lately, I have been walking instead of swimming

2009-09-07T20:29:00.004-04:00

Due to schedule and lack of $$$, I had to give up swimming. In the past few weeks, I have been walking at least 3 to 4 times a day @ work and @ home.

At work, I have been walking during my 2 15 min breaks and 30 min lunch hour.

Don't forget, I do walk at bus stops at home and downtown Columbus in the mornings and evenings.

During the weekend and sometime during the week, I walk 1 to 3 1/2 miles in my neighborhood.

I have to tell you, finances have been tough for me since my work had a furlough which caused my pay to be reduced about $ 240 a month. My wife didn't get paid during the summer which compounded the problem.

We are cutting back our cable, grocery and others. So far, we are getting there. Even though I am an accountant, my wife and I are seeing a credit counselor so we can get a neutral and balanced objectives while working out the details.

I am losing weight (I can tell). My stomach is getting smaller and I am getting to have more energy. I will have a blood drawn this friday which will tell me the status of my diabetes and other minor health issues.

Will keep you posted.

Blog Tag: Central Ohio Bueinss Owners

2009-09-07T09:56:00.003-04:00

Since I saw an article about "Handimamm" got me inspired to search for other Central Ohio Business Owners that are unique. I find this interesting.

I send Denise, the owner of Handimamm an email stating that I have added her to my list if I need something done around my house. Since I am Accountant and Bookkeeper, I can't fix things around the house. In fact, my wife, Carole is more of a "fixer" around the house. That article reminds me of my lovely wife.

She said, 'Hi, I'm Denise.' She said, 'But you're a woman,' and I said, 'Indeed I am -- and I'll do a great job for you.' "

2009-09-07T09:40:00.003-04:00

The National Association of Women in Construction, founded in 1953 by 16 women, reports that more than 150,000 women have entered the industry in the past five years. Even so, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women still make up just 9.6 percent of the almost 12 million Americans who earn a living in a construction-related field. Article

Denise's website: Handimamm

Whitehall, Ohio city councilmember might be facing

2009-09-06T21:19:00.002-04:00

a recall. Petitioners hope recall will make fall ballot Proponents of a petition to recall Whitehall City Councilwoman Jackie Thompson are aiming to place the issue before voters on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Elections for Upper Arlington Positions on November 3, 2009

2009-09-06T20:47:00.002-04:00

Member of Upper Arlington Council (Vote for not more than FOUR)
Frank Ciotola 4225 Greensview Dr., Columbus 43220

David DeCapua 2101 Yorkshire Rd, Columbus, OH 43221

Debbie Johnson 1903 Brandywine Dr., Columbus, OH 43220
Website: www.johnsonforuacouncil.com
E-mail: debbie@johnsonforuacouncil.com

Frank Milillo 2056 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221

Vern Morrison 2333 McCoy Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
Website: www.governua.com
E-mail: governua@gmail.com

Mike Schadek 1537 Guilford Rd., Columbus, OH 43221
Website: www.voteschadek.com
E-mail: mike@voteschadek.com

Wade Steen 2500 Sherwin Rd, Columbus, OH 43221

Upper Arlington City School District
Member of Board of Education (Vote for not more than TWO)
Robert M. Arkin 2131 Cheshire Rd, Columbus, OH 43221
Marjory Pizzuti 2158 N Parkway Dr, Columbus, OH 43221

Source: Franklin County Ohio Board of Elections

Upper Arlington, Ohio

2009-09-06T20:36:00.002-04:00

Upper Arlington Arts Festival
Upper Arlington Supersite
Tremont Center
Lane Avenue Shopping Center

Ohio Association of the Deaf, Inc (OAD) and Deaf Fair 2009

2009-09-06T19:39:00.002-04:00

History relating to Ohio Association of the Deaf, Inc (OAD), you will find it here OAD has 10 Board members and eight regional representatives who are available and willing to listen to issues which concern deaf Ohioians

OAD is hosting 2009 Deaf Fair Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 10:00AM to 5:00PM
at the Ohio Expo and State Fair – Lausche Building 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211

I plan to be there.

Deaf Women of Ohio......

2009-09-06T19:17:00.002-04:00

Deaf Women of Ohio is dedicated to serving Deaf, hard of hearing and Deaf-blind women and girls in Ohio. Deaf women of Ohio want to make a difference. This organization began in April 2004 with their first elections of Officers and Board Members, and they have been growing by leaps and bounds since then.

SAVING MONEY in the Old Fashion way....

2009-09-06T14:19:00.003-04:00

You can get yourself in a position where you’re not spending more than you make, but it takes commitment to stay there. Remind yourself every day that you’re not going to waste money and that you’re going to spend less than you earn this week - and this month - and this year. It’s all priorities and budgeting. I believe it comes down to desire to get ahead. There are many little habits and purchases that can be cut out of everyday life and will add up to thousands of dollars over the years. No matter what your financial situation may look like, you must prioritize your bills. Credit card bills and other debts should seldom come before groceries, shelter, or utilities. There is nothing more important than your family’s well-being. Dealing with debt can feel like a never-ending battle, but it's important to look to the future. Regardless of your situation, you can find the light at the end of the tunnel if you have the proper tools and support. Create a budget and commit to taking control of your financial situation by making hard decisions.
1. Money to spend on yourself each week
2. Money to put aside for your bills and regular commitments
3. Money for lifestyle
4. Money to save for your goals and the future

Noticed your blog is not being posted in an aggregator?

2009-09-01T21:18:00.003-04:00

A site that is an aggregator that gathers blogs from all over the internet into one central location. In computing, a feed aggregator, also known as a feed reader, news reader or simply aggregator, is client software or a Web application which aggregates syndicated web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs in a single location for easy viewing.

Sometimes they are not located where they should be.

Sometime, I see aggregators do not really work.

Financial Perspective: Spending Lunch Money

2009-09-01T20:26:00.001-04:00

Let's put it in perspective; you eat out 5 days a week, at $6.00 a day, for about 20 days a month, 12 months a year (5 days x $6.00 a day x 20 days a month x 12 months a year). That's $7,200.00 a year spent on lunch.

Now, what would you do with $7,200 if you didn't buy any lunch?

I would pay off the debts.

Blood Test May Predict Course Of MS

2009-09-01T19:30:00.000-04:00

Scientists have discovered a blood test that could predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS), or even indicate who is likely to develop the condition after a first MS-like attack.
The results of the study suggest that differing antibody levels produced in response to the common virus Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), may predict the course of MS.

Gov't bill would make Internet more accessible for disabled via real-time texting, closed captioning

2009-09-01T19:22:00.001-04:00

A new bill will aim to make content on the Internet more friendly to those with disabilities

HSBC agrees to nationwide deal to help blind and deaf dispute credit card charges

2009-09-01T19:18:00.000-04:00

A national credit card company has agreed to do a better job serving customers who are blind or deaf after it told a vision-impaired New Yorker she had to complete a written form to dispute a charge.

Ohio bloggers, especially from Central Ohio

2009-08-31T10:44:00.001-04:00

Fellow bloggers, where you are? I can't seem to find you.

Proactive

2009-08-30T09:21:00.002-04:00

Most people like me often think reactively by reacting to certain events and hoping things will be fixed. that don't always work as I am learning in the past few weeks. Many of us are not particularly good at taking charge of our future, our health, our relationships, our career, our finances,and our life. We tend to spend our life reacting to events, situations and circumstances, rather than creating and shaping them. Reactive life is boring but very dramatic, frustrating, painful, unrewarding, unfulfilling and illogical.

Being proactive means that instead of merely reacting to events as they happen, you consciously engineer your own events. Being proactive usually means dealing with discomfort, lack of support, fear and even resistance from others.

"The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it." Alan Saporta

Christ told his disciples not to be anxious about tomorrow, but he never said not to consider tomorrow. Intelligent problem solving demands careful consideration of the future effects of present solutions. R.C. Sproul, The Intimate Marriage, P&R Publishing, 1975, p. 67.

Exercise puts medical students in deaf patients' shoes

2009-08-30T09:18:00.001-04:00

Every medical schools should do this.

The event, the only one of its type in the country, has students consult "health providers" who are actually members of the local deaf community. It was started by med students in 1998.

Discrimination: Two Cases in Ohio

2009-08-29T15:15:00.003-04:00

I believe the laws were mostly useful for raising the level of awareness and consciousness. However, the aging and disability rights movements are still educating people about the structural and attitudinal barriers in the United States and similar industrialized countries that are the fundamental cause for the discrimination and oppression faced by many people. We must remove physical, emotional and spiritual barriers that are often discriminates.

Case # 1: Woman wins ageism lawsuit Hotel worker who was replaced by younger women to get $420,000, Charlotte Thomas, who was 67 when she was fired by the Marriott Courtyard Hotel.

Case # 2: The state law banning discrimination against pregnant women does not protect new mothers who take unauthorized breaks to use a breast pump, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled yesterday. LaNisa Allen, then 35, was fired in August 2005 by the outerwear manufacturer Totes/Isotoner in West Chester after a supervisor caught her pumping milk during her scheduled work time.

Survey: The Hot Issue: Do you think the woman who took unauthorized breaks to use a breast pump should have been fired?

Diligence and Procrastination

2009-08-29T14:22:00.005-04:00

I have a weakness. I have a major flaw. My lack of diligence along with proper communication have been affecting my life and my ability to do what I needed to do for my family. The paradoxical character of the Christian is revealed through life and seen by many. Every Christian is a citizen of heaven and to that sacred citizenship even though each Christian lives in a sinful world and sin will happen.

One cure for procrastination is more diligence, regardless of the task. The dictionary defines PROCRASTINATE as "to put off intentionally and habitually the doing of something that should be done."

Today we are obsessed with protecting and strengthening our physical hearts while forgetting that the truly important issue is the state of our spiritual hearts. "Heart" is used a number of different ways in Scripture. Paul told the Colossians: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24). Someone has said, "Today was tomorrow yesterday." Indeed it was. And it is just as true too that today will be yesterday tomorrow. Yesterday is past; we cannot change that. Tomorrow is not yet here. We cannot yet live in that. Today is all we have as the day to live in.

Philippians 1:7 ESV: It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

The dictionary defines being diligent as "characterized by steady, earnest and energetic application and EFFORT" and DILIGENCE as "persevering application." The word "diligence" basically means "speed" or "haste." Philippians 1:7 is similar to Proverbs 4:23: "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." Both verses speak of the heart as the center of thought and feeling.

Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains. Prefer diligence before idleness. Diligence makes the rough places plain and easy. Jesus said "Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

Procrastination is “the act of willfully delaying the doing of something that should be done,” and in some people it is a habitual way of handling any task. We CAN have the faith to activate the power of God through God's GRACE in diligence in our hearts to be proactive in our lives. Faith and Grace are at the foundations of all Christian living, and because faith has to do with the character of God, not on Christian's faith. God gives us, one by one, the gifts and the graces of the Holy Spirit sufficiently.

What you may not be aware is grace is working in your life.

2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

2 Corinthians 12:9
God said: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Romans 5:15 "......how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!"

Romans 5:17 ".......how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ."

Grace is a wonderful gift that God has given us. I thank God that gives me faith on my behalf which is through GRACE. According to His grace, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit that being justified by His grace I might be made heir according to the hope of eternal life. In God's Grace that I have great spiritual and eternal freedom to grow.

Spiritual training which is forming spiritual fruits. In 2 Peter 1:5-9: make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Deaf Culture and Alexander Graham Bell

2009-08-23T20:39:00.002-04:00

Alexander Graham Bell's influences of audism is still effective even today through his organization. I have been watching many of the wording of AG Bell's promotion of their organization. I can see they are not accepting deaf culture as fact of life. My main issues is Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's (AGBell's) negative attitude towards the Deaf culture in general.

Audism basically means those who discriminate or stereotyping against Deaf culture. Audism means a system of practice, behavior, belief, or attitude. Stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions leap into one’s mind. Stereotyping has created by showing incorrect judgment of a possibility by making people into stereotypes that leads to myths. Nowadays, it is hard to tell the difference but I believe that with today's technology and disability discrimination laws that are out there, there should not be any ignorance. My only conclusion is that people are doing audism rather than being ignorant.

Alexander Graham Bell had helped banning deaf people getting married. His reason was he thought deaf people are growing becoming a race with the language that is not graceful for him. He thought preventing deaf people getting married would prevent from deaf people growing. His opinion was deaf people need be fixed and speak only that would help them better life. deaf people suffered oppression by Alexander's ignorant and audism for 120 years.

Audism is a negative or oppressive attitude towards deaf people by either deaf or hearing people and organizations, and a failure to accept deaf culture, one example would be the refusal or failure to use sign language in the presence of a sign language-dependent person is considered audism. We must remember that the Deaf culture is based on the heritage and traditions of the Deaf community, not about deafness itself. We are to treat all deaf individuals equal opportunity to understand all aspects of the deaf community, culture and education. This is really about about non-culturally Deaf people learning to accept Deaf culture & language without judgments.

What we should do is have diplomacy to have all organizations who work with deaf individuals be united that we all get together in alliance to accept all aspects of deafness.

Hearing aids and health care

2009-08-23T16:33:00.003-04:00

Just thinking and wondering what would happen if both of my hearing-aids died today and I can't afford to buy them anytime soon. I need those hearing-aids to communicate with my family, friends and co-workers. Its a necessity, not cosmetic or anything. Most insurances do not cover at all or only cover partial. I have other bills like everyone else including those who are "able" who don't have any disabilities to spent money on.

While I am against socialist concept of health care and prefer to have the flexibility to get the insurance we want through our employment or other means. There should be a way that the government can work with the employers to provide health insurance for ALL employees. Those who are unable to work should be able to get health care through the government.

Its one of those thoughts I have been thinking lately. The only hope—for the doctors, for their patients, for all of us—is for the doctors to assert a moral principle. Individual freedom and personal choice, rooted in American values, provide principled health care, moral health care, and the best health care. That is why United States have the best in the world. The only problem is that "lack of funds" by those who needs medical attention.

Today, we need to define, understand and establish health and medical ethical boundaries. Both morality and politics must be discussed before the relation between political rights and health care can be appreciated. If the government controls everything, do we think it will be more responsive to the needs of individual patients? We should look at the public education as an example.

However, as you can see, public education have not been doing so good lately in the United States. Other countries are gaining ahead of us in educating our kids.

Now, I have Multiple Sclerosis to deal with and my financial picture is not very pretty.

Woman nabbed after scuffle with boy in wheelchair over soccer ball

2009-08-19T19:19:00.001-04:00

Authorities said a 23-year-old woman was arrested after a scuffle with a 13-year-old boy in a wheelchair Police said the woman's first swing missed, but her second struck the boy's halo, causing him pain.

Bias relating to deafness....................

2009-08-19T18:41:00.002-04:00

In the past, I have regretted helping certain organizations and when they asked that I help again the following year, I decided not to. My experiences with some have not been really pleasant nor I felt good after volunteer work. If I don't feel good afterward, I don't believe I should come back.

Right now, I am planning to volunteer some work for certain other non-profit organizations (I have not been involved in the past) later this fall and winter. I am having a meeting with one organization next month. I just want make sure that I give my time to an organization or organizations are worthwhile.

In the past, I have posted about my issue with bias. Bias is a term used to describe a tendency or preference towards a particular perspective and ideology. A bias could lead one to accept or deny the truth that is often very "one-sided" while ignoring the other.

When looking at organizations, I have deep thoughts about joining an unbais advocacy organization, especially if such good organizations are too focus on their own agenda. One example is organization for people with hearing loss (deafness), there are many organizations that are very biased to certain group of people with hearing loss. Very few are qualified as "unbiased" and I can list a few in my mind.

Ever since I started blogging, I have learned more about organizations and their agendas. Who knew this much before blogging? We had limited resources in the past. Now, with the age of internet technology, we can learn more about each organization and their activities through other people. The more I read about organizations and their backgrounds, the more I am seeing the powerful and influential organization with hidden agendas that are not easily recognized.

I would like to see an organization that support families without "broadcasting" their own personal belief system or predisposing their outcome through our own biases. I have been looking into my own motives in joining organizations and that I need to have a better understanding before joining. I need an organization that is very sound, clear, accurate, and unbiased information for everyone. Public diplomacy is the very definition of advocacy that is creating awareness of an organization's agendas.

An organization must meet the highest standards of credibility for the purpose of advocacy. The information being shared about a specific topic must be fair, unbiased, accurate, complete and honest.

Quotes:
Bias and prejudice are attitudes to be kept in hand, not attitudes to be avoided. Charles Curtis

The theory of cultural bias... is the idea that a culture is based on a particular form of organization. It can't be transplanted except to another variant of that organization. Mary Douglas

"We must have strong minds, ready to accept facts as they are." - Harry S Truman (1884-1972)

"You laugh at me because I am different, but I laugh at you because you are all the same." - Unknown

"Men have become the tools of their tools."- Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

"If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?" - Will Rogers (1879-1935)

Credit Unions

2009-08-19T18:24:00.001-04:00

I have been a satisfied member of a credit union I belonged to for years until recently. I read somewhere that nearly 70% of credit union customers feel that their credit union has their best interests in mind. Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that work to pass on earnings to account holders in the form of better rates on savings accounts and loan products. The remaining 30% do not feel the same way. I wonder why?

I can see why a member may be treated differently due to various circumstances.

Most Credit Unions' guiding principles have remained the same:

(1) Only people who are credit union members should borrow there;

(2) Loans are made for "prudent and productive" purposes;

(3) A person's desire to repay (character) is considered more important than the ability (income) to repay.

Members are, after all, borrowing their own money. These principles still govern most of the world's credit unions. Credit unions (most of the time) continue to look out for their members’ interests and provide a level of service that is not generally available at other financial institutions. Whether it’s providing a loan to help a member cover unexpected medical bills, giving financial counseling to a member whose company closed its doors, or simply offering a better deal on a used car loan, credit unions make a difference for their members and the communities they serve.

Credit unions do provide many services that banks offer. But the core values are so different—regardless of the credit union’s size or offerings. As a credit union member, you’re not just a customer; you’re an owner, with a vote in determining the direction of the credit union. And because credit unions are not-for-profit, all earnings go back to the members in the form of great rates and low fees. It’s about putting people before money. Banks, on the other hand, exist to make a profit for shareholders. While that is fine, it means they’re not motivated by the same values as credit unions. Regardless, both Banks and Credit Unions rely on the faith and confidence of their customers/members in order to stay in business.

My personal opinion is that Credit Unions are still better than banks and other financial institutions. In my personal case, I will continue to evaluate my relationship with my Credit Union.

Dealing with Depression and life

2009-08-17T20:27:00.004-04:00

I am dealing with my own depression which often cause several environmental, emotional and financial situation but let's not forget Multiple Sclerosis(MS)also be a factor. I have been taking nutrition along with my medications to help control my depression that is usually caused by MS medication and other medications I am taking.

Other causes of depression are complex and involve a combination of biologic, genetic, and environmental factors. Anyway, whatever the cause, I am dealing with it.

Another issue is not helping me which is sexual. MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain and numbness can also create sexual problems for men living with MS. I can see my wife is trying to figure out “what we did wrong” or “what I could do better” when she is analyzing our problem. I have read that I am not alone since I have heard that men with MS are probably already experiencing some degree of anger, embarrassment, fatigue and grief over the changes in their bodies, so there may be some rough spots starting a conversation about sexual dysfunction. That's not easy.

Its a struggle but I am hanging in there.

Girl, 10, Fined $50 For Lemonade Stand At NY Park

2009-08-17T20:05:00.000-04:00

A spokesperson for the Parks Department says the agents showed poor judgment and that the ticket will be dismissed.

Hot weather and Multiple Sclerosis

2009-08-17T19:51:00.002-04:00

Weather is considered a possible influence on a wide variety of health conditions by weather factors may make existing pain worse. Some people with MS report that their symptoms get worse in hot weather or when they become overheated. Heat intolerance in MS shows up as a "pseudoexacerbation" -- the experience of having symptoms appear or worsen due to heat exposure. This is different than a true relapse. A True relapse is an exacerbation (also known as an attack, a relapse, or a flare) is a sudden worsening of an MS symptom or symptoms, or the appearance of new symptoms, which lasts at least 24 hours and is separated from a previous exacerbation by at least one month. The most common disease course in MS, called relapsing-remitting MS, is characterized by clearly defined acute exacerbations, followed by complete or partial recovery with no progression of the disease between attacks.

In the case of a pseudoexacerbation, when the body’s temperature returns to normal, these symptoms disappear. No damage, such as inflammation, demyelination or new lesions, has been done during these pseudoexacerbations. It's important to remember that summer's heat could trigger a brief pseudo-relapse. While the symptoms are real enough, they are temporary and subside when the triggering event, such as heat, has passed." Once the triggering event is past—e.g., the body temperature returns to normal, the symptoms subside as well. Some people with MS report a worsening of their symptoms during or after periods of intense stress.

Teacher furloughs, other academic, athletic cutbacks will cost students at the schools for deaf, blind

2009-08-17T19:40:00.001-04:00

Edward E. Corbett Jr., the superintendent at the deaf school, said he thinks students realize that, in a bad economy, changes must be made. Read the article....State schools for the deaf and blind -- especially centralized, residential institutions like Ohio's -- are increasingly rare. But both schools here are more than 150 years old and have ardent supporters.

Many institutions like these will be hurt because they are invisible and not fully recognized by many.

Last year, I completed a survey for Deaf411

2009-08-15T15:09:00.004-04:00

I was curious about the result for a long time until I ran into this report which came out recently. Columbus, Ohio is on the list as well as my home state, Boston, MA.

This “Deaf Friendly Cities” report includes a narrative of a selected city from each of four U.S. regions, lists several community resources, and photos representing a variety of situations that are considered “deaf friendly” to deaf consumers or travelers.

"While research for this report should not be considered scientific," a Deaf411 representative explains, "this sampling of consumers with significant hearing loss who depend primarily on sign language provides solid criteria for evaluating cities for accessibility from a deaf friendly perspective."

Actual Report (free registration may be required)

Deaf411 surveyed deaf Americans by asking if they considered the current city they live in is “Deaf-Friendly.” The survey also included questions about accessible recreational activities, community events, resources in these cities for deaf people, etc.

Favorite child of a man who fired a son whose only transgression was developing multiple sclerosis.

2009-08-15T14:36:00.002-04:00

Article from the Wall Street Journal in April 24, 1997.

Wall Street Journal

For years, the heir apparent was Joe Jr. He joined the company straight out of college in 1967 and worked his way up to chief operating officer. But because of his advancing multiple sclerosis, first diagnosed in 1983, he tired easily. He arrived at work late and left early. His father wasn't pleased; he wanted a strong successor. "He just came in my office one day and said it was time to go," says the son, who was out that same afternoon, in 1988.

A Study 10 Years Ago...,DEAF ENTREPRENEURS

2009-08-15T14:05:00.002-04:00

Is there a latest study out there?

A NATIONAL STUDY OF DEAF ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS : IMPLICATIONS FOR CAREER COUNSELING

My deafness was undiagnosed until I was 4 years old

2009-08-06T12:22:00.002-04:00

I missed out my communication skills and hearing bedtime stories until I was finally diagnosed I am hearing-impaired. From birth up to until I was about 4 years old, my family didn't know I was deaf until I had a hearing test in a famous hospital in Boston. I could hear loud noises but I could not communicate or even talk normally. As soon as they found out that I have a major hearing loss, my grandparents got me a new hearing-aid and I actually remembered the first day I actually HEARD anything including my mother's voice and of course a TRUCK outside the hearing-aid store. My first hearing-aid was a Zenith.

Then before attending deaf school, I was in speech therapy and then soon, I was able to talk basic words but not really having a conversation. Soon, I started attending the Boston School for the Deaf for 7 years which was an oralist deaf school (now closed). I was not to learn or use sign language until I was about 19 years old. I really wished I learned better english grammar, even through sign language because I wanted to communicate effectively. Today, even though I can hear and can communicate effectively. My grammar will always be off and words I say will always be off the mark.

In "person", I am mildly reserved and low-key person because I am usually afraid of saying something wrong grammar or speech. I am not big on small talk. I usually prefer in-dept discussion about important issues rather than small talk. Along with my deafness, I had to struggle with the conditions that affect the development of my communication skills within personality and intelligence. Today's experts say that "Age of onset plays a crucial role in the development of language". It took me YEARS to overcome my lack of understanding in english grammar as well as sign language.

I missed out alot when I was diagnosed.

Today is Friendship Day....especially those who are deaf or have MS

2009-08-02T17:32:00.004-04:00

C.S. Lewis said of friendship: “It is when we are doing things together that friendship springs up – painting, sailing ships, praying, philosophizing, and fighting shoulder to shoulder. Friends look in the same direction.”

Practicing charity (love) is a toughie depending on someone's view because we might argue over things that we love which can cause damages to the friendship. If its hard to forgive, then it is hard to love another because love unconditionally forgives. Love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). Love refuses to take human failure as final. Love never keeps a record of wrongs. Love forgives and love is unable to think about them anymore. Forget the past and move on.

After being diagnosed with MS, coping with disabilities including MS and hearing-impairment, I have lost my own self-confidence. I even remembered their comments about my own confidence why they no longer want to be my friends, those comments affected my thinking in the past 7 years. I was struggling with my newly diagnosed MS while dealing with major problems at work. I am very thankful for my co-workers. Most of them, I worked with for 20 years or longer. They are family to me and they were there for me. Many of them have retired and will be retiring. One of my close friends have just retired on Friday (July 31st). She will always be one of my close friends even though I won't see her as much. I won't be seeing her at work as I used to.

Earlier, during the time I was diagnosed with MS, I have lost some friends especially to those who I admire and respect. I have not seen many of them for years now. The best way to determine if a person is real friend is when you are alone. Looking back, I have learned that a real friend is someone who will help you through tough time and stand beside you through anything even if they dislike the choices you make but they will say they are happy for you and they are the one who will stick up for you will you need them.

"Friendship doubles your joys, and divides your sorrows." ~ author unknown

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Friendship is neither a formality nor a mode: it is rather a life." ~ David Grayson

Remember, you know who your friends and close relatives are by noticing that they are with you for life regardless what happens.

New Blog: Ohio Bookkeeper's Deep Thoughts

2009-08-02T15:11:00.003-04:00

I will still have this blog and my Christian thoughts blog. I am adding another blog that is related to my new business: Ohio Bookkeeper Deep's Thoughts

I have Twitter

2009-07-31T20:43:00.001-04:00

You can follow me: Ohio Bookkeeper

Words versus FACTS

2009-07-25T13:43:00.003-04:00

I can see that there are more women bloggers out there than men. I can't win with words but I can win with facts. However, those with words will try to win more than those with facts. You can see that in media and everywhere else.

My work has cut my pay for the next two years and my wife is not getting paid this summer so my reality of paying the bills builds on my heart, mind and soul.

In this world, we all need more affirmation and less confrontation that if you can’t say something nice, keep your mouth shut. Often, I see flaws and often keep my mouth shut because I have flaws of my own.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven….a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak….” Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 7

Financial disagreements are a normal and necessary part of any marriage. In any discussion between two people who are, financially speaking, there will always be a certain amount of tension. Tension that, over time, leads to even more disagreements over petty issues.

I know that God doesn't always drop money into our hands because His provisions come in ways to cope with the situations we face. More times than not, the answer to my financial provision hasn't been cold hard cash, rather it's been a way to save, the courage to sacrifice something that isn't necessary, or simply a calm peace.

Remember that God cares for the birds of the air, He cares for me. We need not worry. He'll help us get our bucks in a row. So, I have to learn to share the financial responsibilities of the family as couple by “talking”. Talk about these things, work together that the phrase “Two heads are better than one” rings true. The expenses we make are discussed in advance and our dollars are weighed against priorities. There is no mine and yours—it’s ours. Our financial situations are not always caused from bad choices - sometimes the unexpected happens. Learning to manage the family finances consists of more than how much money is in the account. Money management begins with a partnership. Sharing the decisions and sharing the responsibility and more so, learning to give.

Talking: When it comes to talking men are at a serious disadvantage. Experts tell us that women speak, on average, 20,000 words a day. Men might utter 20. We process information, calculate our response and carefully weigh the impact of our words. Men always put foot in their mouth so men, in general do not speak much. Speaking less is better than being in trouble whenever they say something wrong when they are thinking directly from the minds.

I can see that there are more women bloggers out there than men. I can't win with words but I can win with facts. However, those with words will try to win more than those with facts. You can see that in media and everywhere else.

Looking forward to retire so I can be involved in Church ministries including disability

2009-07-25T13:00:00.002-04:00

Now that I found a good Church that I can enjoy worship God and fellowship with other Christians, I am looking forward to retire so I can focus some of my time serving God through Church ministries. The members of my new church are more adaptable and full of fruit of the spirit that they are eager to try to help. The Bible also teaches us to bear the burdens of someone with a disability fulfills a command of scripture (Galatians 6:2). 2 Samuel 9:3-4 tells the story of David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, the lame son of Jonathan, modeling the way the church should minister.

People with disabilities make up one of the largest minority group in the country, especially withing Christian Churches. Many of the Church's members are volunteers and by no means they are expected to be experts on certain issues, especially in disabilities including deafness. They are simply "Helpers", 1 Corinthians 12:28 is amplified in Romans 12:7,8 by the gifts of contributing, giving aid, showing mercy and perhaps also rendering service. This gift is the most common and perhaps very important because Peter encourages those who render service to do it "with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 4:11).

It is tough for small churches make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way the church provides its services. The responsibility rests not just with church leaders, but with everyone.

Deaf fan sues Ohio State to get captions at games

2009-07-25T12:34:00.002-04:00

Its common sense that public places, especially in bars where you can't hear the TV, everyone would want the "caption" and see what they are missing by not hearing what they are saying.

Deaf fan sues Ohio State to get captions at games

MS Network

2009-07-25T11:54:00.001-04:00

Lisa Emrich, Carnival Founder came up with a wonderful blog and she provides a wonderful list of bloggers who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). You can find her MS bloggers here: MS Bloggers

Facebook and other Networks

2009-07-25T11:48:00.005-04:00

I tried "MySpace" but that didn't last. I am doing okay with FACEBOOK because I enjoy staying in touch with my family, classmates, friends and others including other bloggers.

Right now, there are so many "networking" sites out there.

I even started my own "Wordpress" blog but that didn't last at all. I came back to this blog.

Now, I have twitter since my mother got me started. However, I only have 2 followers. They are my mother and brother. LOL

Here's my twitter site: Jim's Twitter called "JamesFromOhio

Lack of desire to blog

2009-07-25T10:30:00.003-04:00

I don't know what really happened. I got away from blogging. My struggle in blogging is that I am an introvert person. It isn’t easy for me to blog as an introvert.I know that motivation is what urges me, encourages me to do something. That encouragement is important if I want to share. But if my motivation and confidence is not there, I will back away and not do anything.

Right now, I have 3 blogs:
This blog: Jim's Deep Thoughts which includes every topic that comes to mind.
Another Blog: Jim's Thoughts on Christian Beliefs which this is mainly about my Christian faith.
Another Blog; Federal Accounting Grants Administration which is about managing and tracking grant spending.

I have not posted Federal Accounting Grants Administration since April 4, 2008. I lost motivation to post.

I still have the desire to post about my faith but not as much.

I am lacking motivation to post in this blog. I only post whenever I am in the mood. Often I don't feel like talking about Multiples Sclerosis, deafness, political and etc.

While I have been away, I have been brainstorming to start a business and been attending Small Business courses (locally) sponsored by The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Now, I have the resources and tools to start a business. I have a strong desire to retire within 2 to 5 years. I just want to get my small business active in good standing by the time I retire. At least having two clients would be a good start.

I will keep you posted. Once I get started, I might start a new blog that ties to my business. Stay tuned.

Jim :)

I am trying to forget that I have MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

2009-07-25T00:36:00.003-04:00

Thinking about it makes me feeling....I am not sure what to feel but negative whatever it is.......

Article relating to Deaf Entrepreneurship

2009-07-25T00:31:00.002-04:00

Interesting Article about NDBI Business and Entrepreneurship in the Deaf Culture

National Deaf Business Institute

Thoughts about PROCRASTINATION and when not to speak

2009-07-20T21:02:00.002-04:00

Procrastination: An “F” for Promptness and Effort

Jesus said "Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

Many of us are behind in today's tasks because we are catching up with what we should have done yesterday. Some of us are hampered from doing our best today because we are worried about what might happen tomorrow. Procrastination is the word for it. Most of us are inclined to do what we like to do and postpone what we don't like. Today can easily slip by without our having brought to it our very best.

It is a part of the Christian life that we do with vigor the task set before us. Paul told the Colossians: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24). Someone has said, "Today was tomorrow yesterday." Indeed it was. And it is just as true too that today will be yesterday tomorrow. Yesterday is past; we cannot change that. Tomorrow is not yet here. We cannot yet live in that. Today is all we have as the day to live in.

In this world, we all need more affirmation and less confrontation that if you can’t say something nice, keep your mouth shut. Often, I see flaws and often keep my mouth shut because I have flaws of my own.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven….a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak….” Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 7

Remember that God cares for the birds of the air, He cares for me. We need not worry. He'll help us get our bucks in a row. So, I have to learn to share the financial responsibilities of the family as couple by “talking”. Talk about these things, work together that the phrase “Two heads are better than one” rings true. The expenses we make are discussed in advance and our dollars are weighed against priorities. There is no mine and yours—it’s ours. Our financial situations are not always caused from bad choices - sometimes the unexpected happens. Learning to manage the family finances consists of more than how much money is in the account. Money management begins with a partnership. Sharing the decisions and sharing the responsibility and more so, learning to give.

Talking: When it comes to talking men are at a serious disadvantage. Experts tell us that women speak, on average, 20,000 words a day. Men might utter 20. We process information, calculate our response and carefully weigh the impact of our words. Men always put foot in their mouth so men, in general do not speak much. Speaking less is better than being in trouble whenever they say something wrong when they are thinking directly from the minds.

"This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases." Matthew 8:17

In terms of disability, how does one handle having limitations? Jesus has authority over all earthly diseases and illness, and does heal according to His will. The words, "there are many more people worse off than you, so just get a grip and move on," were not what I wanted to hear. I was focused on what I didn't have or couldn't do, not on who I am in Christ and what He wanted to do through me.

No one really likes any kind of limitation or disability, but God has a plan and purpose for it. I saw that I had not really noticed or paid attention to those with limitations until I became one of them. God showed me I would have to learn to be a good member of the "Disabilities Crowd" so I could help others see past their limitations and become what God meant for them to become and do, even with their limitations.

One day when all sickness and disease are no more in our heavenly home we will see the total healing of our Lord. But until then, as Joni Eareckson Tada shares, "my wheelchair has shown me the way HOME by heart." I, too, know that my heavenly HOME will be much better than here, but on the way there God has shown me His heart, so I can share it with you!

Deaf or Hearing: Bookkeeping Business...how many of you run it?

2009-07-19T18:04:00.003-04:00

I am curious how many of you own a bookkeeping business and how you are doing?

What involves in a typical bookkeeping? Do you use Quickbook or Peachtree?

What software do you use?

I am an expert on Excel Spreadsheets, do excel help your business?

Do you use Access?

Thanks, Jim

Familiar with National Deaf Business Institute ?

2009-07-19T11:43:00.002-04:00

Is anyone familiar withNational Deaf Business Institute ? I am hard of hearing and a graduate of NTID, would they be useful for me as I start a new business?

I am starting a bookkeeping business.......

2009-07-19T11:03:00.002-04:00

I will be retiring within 2 1/2 years and I want to keep myself busy after I retire. I am planning to work from home. I know every business needs to have a bookkeeping system in place. The crazy thing is that a good bookkeeping system can be a godsend to the business owner. My accounting skills and eye for detail can turn natural ability into a bookkeeping profession when starting a bookkeeping business. As I wrote in my blog on July 12th July 12 blog, With my accounting experience (30 combined years), I will give my complete attention to someone's business who needs to be on the top of the bookkeeper’s priority list. Their business financial will be impeccable only if I as a bookkeeper is focused on getting things done the right way.

I live in Upper Arlington, Ohio and hoping to find a small business who is looking for a bookkeeper. I won't be expensive since I already have a income so my rate will be lower than most bookkeepers in the area.

I have a name that I came up with. I have gone to one seminar so far. I am going to "start a business" seminar later this week (Thursday).

I have a good accounting experience and I need to refresher on bookkeeping since I have not done bookkeeping since in the late 1980's when I volunteered for a few non-profit organizations.

Thinking of my retirement in a few years

2009-07-12T13:36:00.002-04:00

Home business ideas for after-retirement. The ability to work from home, create a fantastic income and spend that precious time with our family would have been an easy choice.

I am an accounting who is eligible to retire within a few years is considering starting-up a home-based bookkeeping service or help another bookkeeper. Small business bookkeepers and accountants have worked from their home offices for years. The average small-business bookkeeping for one client is $100-$300 per month with just 6-8 hours each month.

With my accounting experience (30 combined years), I will give my complete attention to someone's business who needs to be on the top of the bookkeeper’s priority list. Their business financial will be impeccable only if I as a bookkeeper is focused on getting things done the right way.

How others are viewing us Conservatives?

2009-06-05T21:50:00.002-04:00

Lately, I have been thinking of switching parties (from Republican to Libertarians.) The Republican party have too much damages in the last 15 years. We have our internal fights within our Conservative brethren. The conservatives I am talking about are those who have this "over-idealism" in a control issue and that it is at the root of our need to over-control situations, people, places, or things in order to ensure that they come into compliance with our ideal image of the way reality is supposed to be. Negative perceptions of Christians are on the rise that people continues its drift away from Christian values. We live in a very sinful world and there is NO WAY we will be able to legislate our way into becoming a holy and pure nation. That’s not going to happen. We will never have a theocracy government. The tougher issues require reaching people’s hearts and minds and doing the things Scripture actually tells Christians that they should do, which is not political related.

Lately, conservative's image have been on the negative side and we all know it should not be. Many are seeing us as "Those who follows their resolutions according to their understanding of the Scriptures that being radical and focusing on agendas to accomplish God’s will, they will impose on others even though they do not believe with their interpretations." Lately, many conservative Christian leaders are hypocrites and they are no help to the people of America.

If the conservatives want people to see them with approval when they are displaying that Jesus is infinitely valuable to them, but they dare not make the opinion of others the measure of their faithfulness. They may be blind and resistant to truth because I am seeing discrimination, wrong attitudes, ignorance, stereotyping, and alienation. We need to change idealism of the conservatives. They have adopted about how things "should be done" which often gets challenged by the way things are in reality. Conservatives will make rules that will make them feel very safe by imposing standards on others. If they are not following their formula of legalistic beliefs, then they are not true Americans. We should all take a long hard look at what things we consider to be important from God's perspective rather than man's perspective. Extremists will ignore God desires and break God's spiritual harmony. If you look back that Jesus rebuked religious leaders who had extreme doctrines that intimidated others who don't follow their rules.

I am having a major problem with people today using God for their own interests into man-made political issues. Jesus said "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36). Christ have not given us a political agenda, but a spiritual mandate to proclaim the Gospel and disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Politics and ideology have come in the form of the separation in our minds of "sacred vs. secular".

Let me say it this way. There is a huge difference in well-balanced doctrines and being off-balance zealousism. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede. Christian will pursue the will of God actively and be enthusiastic and the attitude toward Christ, a Christian will manifest love and burning devotion from the heart. A true Christian zeal is not based on works but proves only that the one who manifests it is healthy, balanced, energetic and actively interested in serving God's will.

I have learned that politics not give us any real power at all because in God's providence, He allowed every country basically swamps each of us Christians among non-believers together for a purpose. Christ have not given us a political agenda, but a spiritual mandate to proclaim the Gospel and disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The world who are without Christ also have their own views. More often than not, the secular world view is in conflict with the bible. To Christians, this should NOT be a surprise. To the world who are without Christ, this conflict is not a surprise either. I think both Republican and Democrat have Christian attributes if each removed non-Christian attributes. By removing the non-Christian attributes, you will see the actual listing of Christian attributes. As Christians, we can commit ourselves to work more actively for public policies that reduce militarism, war, and political and economic inequities. We must work persistently and faithfully for a more peaceful and equitable world community. That means we if we do not like what the Government is doing, GET INVOLVED and make it change (if God is willing).

Every Christians have their own definition of "morality" and this is where Grace comes in. Christian Grace is about loving other people who are very different and that we have the freedom to do so but at the same time, respect how they practice their beliefs. A Christian life in this world should be different from the world, being in the world but not of the world.

Moral reasoning is individual or collective practical reasoning about what, morally, one ought to do. How do we sort out which moral considerations are most relevant? Morality basically means a code of conduct held to be authoritative in matters of right and wrong. Morality is a very broad and complicated topic due to the fact that it is based primarily on individual opinions. We are morally obligated to treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they are and what they have done. Hate what is wrong and stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

A Christian's life and standard of moral living are not private matters but rather they are critical issues of faith and discipleship for non-believers around us who are "watching" us because they believe we are hypocrites. Moral decline is a spiritual problem due to depravity of sin, not a political one, and its solution is the gospel, not partisan politics.

The bottom line, politically, there ARE NO easy answers EXCEPT CHRIST.

By the way, this is for the Americans: Historians have stressed Lincoln's use of and redefinition of republican values that he highlighted the moral basis of republicanism, rather than its legalisms.

Its just that we need to understand what are roles really are and how we behave. Faith and Grace are at the foundations of all Christian living, and because faith has to do with the character of God, not on Christian's faith. The paradoxical character of the Christian is revealed through life and seen by many. Every Christian is a citizen of heaven and to that sacred citizenship even though each Christian lives in a sinful world. Christians have a duel citizenship however earth is a sinful place while Heaven is beautiful and sinless that we are to remember that we are citizens of heaven even though we live in a foreign world. We CAN'T live here on earth as we will in Heaven. we are in Christ His position is our position, His privilege is our privilege, His possessions are our possessions, and His practice our practice. We are significant not because of who we are, but because of who we are in Christ.

We Christians see ourselves surrounded by a culture that embraces sin and rejects God that we KNOW that only God working through the Holy Spirit can change their hearts. Yet, the Lord can also use us Christians to fight abominations like legal abortion and homosexual marriage.

Conservative Christians are against immorality. It's about what do we view as the solution. That's the issue. I am not against anyone who hate evil and wickedness. I am among them. It's not about that. It's about the solution and how we approach this to others. Morality saves no one. We bring people to God through Christ. Christian Conservatives are not interested in making this country moral. We are to be interested in bringing people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, so that He can recreate them so they will become moral. Cultural morality is dangerous because it has no New Testament model to follow except the Pharisees. So if you're going to try to find a New Testament pattern for this effort, you're going to end up with the Pharisees. They were the moral ones. And you know what Jesus said about them? Matthew 23:15: He said when you are through making somebody a convert to your morality, you have made him "twice as much a son of hell as yourselves."

The sinful society is hostile to godliness because it is dominated by carnal ambition, pride, selfishness, greed, lust, and a desire for evil. Even though we live in a hostile world that hates Christ because they are very depraved by their sins. Lutherans and Calvinists agree that Man after the Fall has no ability to cooperate with God's grace in conversion. Many Christians do NOT see the total depravity of man due to sin because they treat the symptoms of sins instead of the heart (where sin is actually located); and they aim for change that is not true sanctification. Is behavior modification more helpful than sanctification? According to Romans 8:9, the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the mark of all who are truly born again: "You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him."

There are to be Christians like "a Joseph in Egypt", or "a Daniel in Babylon and Medo-Persia" that would represent God in a diplomatic way. The Scripture calls us ambassadors to the world (2 Cor. 5:20) and pilgrims in the world (1 Pet. 2:11). Paul told the Philippians that our citizenship is not here but in heaven (Phil. 3:20). And, we are sojourners in the world (1 Pet. 1:17). So, there is a purpose for our individual existence as believers in the society in which we live, to turn depraved sinners to God through Christ. We are a witnessing community a group of people placed in the world to draw the attention of the world to God.

United States government is a democracy which every citizen within the country gets to have a say in what decisions are made. The sovereignty which democracy grants to law (higher than custom or the whim of individuals or the rights of groups) creates a moral problem like must we logically accept a decision of the people to make a law which approves abortion? How to handle people with disabilities? Like for an example, recently, a federal appeals court ruled that the U.S. discriminates against blind people by printing paper money that makes it impossible for them to distinguish the "bills' value". How do we handle this?

The America people are seen as the ultimate source of legitimacy in democracy and while making laws, many cannot all agree to propose legislation. Democracy is very complexed and its not that simple. Democracy is popularly associated with the principle of majority rule and it is the expression of the sovereign will of the people, however there is no easy method by which that "will" is deemed to be defined must consist of majority rule.

We have to understand God's will and His Sovereign. The concept of Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." God governs (controls) the world (Isa. 40:22-24), the nations (Isa. 40:15-17), and us (Proverbs 16:9). I cannot and will NOT dispute God's word how He manages this world. God will take advantage of Satan's evil desires and motives to accomplish His will. The Bible clearly teaches that God knows beforehand what we will need and He will provide beforehand according to His will. God is absolutely powerful, that God is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, that God is immutable, never changes, that God is all wise, perfectly just, holy, righteous. God is ruling all things to work together for our good and His purpose.

we are not to abstain from political system because if we did, we are not responsible citizens. We all have own political opinions and we ought to vote but that is not the mandate that God has given us. Instead of political agenda, Christ gave us a gospel agenda which is changing the lives of the people in it through the transformation to the gospel of Christ, not by electing different leaders. I am involved in politics but I am not loud in politics. We are to influence people with the help from God who is in us. We do not have to be loud but we have to be involved. Jesus taught that the government should work in harmony with the church and should recognize its sovereignty in spiritual matters (Matt. 22:21).

Its not always our fault that we allow liberals to get more powerful because we have to understand God controls everything. J.I. Packer said "Man is a responsible moral agent, though he is also divinely controlled; man is divinely controlled, though he is also a responsible moral agent."

Here's another good quote:"If God is not in some sense responsible for bad things, then he is not responsible for good things either. If we do not "blame" God for death, we should not praise God for life. We cannot have it both ways." Joseph Hill

Knowing God as Lord requires our sincerely committing ourselves to God as follows: “Not my will be done, but Your will be done,” “Not my kingdom come, but Your kingdom come.” We must careful not to identify Christianity with any political parties because Jesus Christ have HIS OWN Party which is HIS KINGDOM. Christ stands alone, above and outside of every ideology of any political parties. Jesus does not and will not join any of our parties. Jesus said "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36).

When we line up Christianity with right-wing politics, we lose, because we are not a political organization.

We are now utterly identified with right-wing, hard-line, traditional politics of a Republican nature, very conservative. We may agree with that, but that is not a definition of the Christian faith. We are not a political, sub-group. This is like of Jesus' days with the Pharisees who were political traditionalists, purists regarding the law, and very nationalistic. We are not like the Pharisees.

We have diverted ourselves from our main message which is the good news of God's grace and Jesus Christ. Our morality is not determined by human means but rather determined by the Word of God through Jesus Christ. Our goal is not to make sure that our government adheres to a national policy that equates to biblical morality. That is not our goal. We are not involved in altering social morality. We are to be interested in people becoming saved. That is our only agenda. If we're going to change our culture we're going to change it from the inside out. Instead of political agenda, Christ gave us a gospel agenda which is changing the lives of the people in it through the transformation to the gospel of Christ, not by electing different leaders.

I hold conservative positions on most issues but have an underlying worldview of what is happening and make decisions based on them. I am against abortion but in relation to my fellow citizens, who am I telling them what to do? To me, idealism is freedom without people telling me what to do or how should I live my life.

I believed we are to obey God that we are to VOTE since all government are God's ordained. We have the privileges and blessings to be part of the government process. If we don't vote, we are telling the government, we want someone to take control of who get to become a leader. The world who are without Christ also have their own views. More often than not, the secular world view is in conflict with the bible. To Christians, this should NOT be a surprise. To the world who are without Christ, this conflict is not a surprise either.

Being a Christian is being a person whose primary form of witness is by their spiritual life, but they do not hide the fact that they are Christians and that they show their spiritual light through deeds first and then words. In our Christian fellowship (not individual), we must recognize that the Holy Spirit desires to take us and lead us, and use us as instruments through which He can express Himself in the community. I have learned that democracy does not give me any real power at all because in God’s providence, He allowed democracy to basically swamp each of us Christians among non-believers.

Sabbath and Grace

2009-06-05T21:47:00.002-04:00

The Sabbaths were symbolic of the rest and holiness salvation brings through Christ. Just as the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to the Lamb of God, so also the whole sabbath system pointed to Christ, who gives ultimate rest and holiness. In reading Isaiah's prophecy Christ was saying, "I am the true Sabbath rest, the One who proclaims a spiritual Jubilee by freeing sinners from bondage to sin. " That's why Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ inaugurated a new covenant, which did away with the sabbatical system (Col. 2:16-17). The righteous have entered Christ's salvation rest and look forward to ultimate rest in His presence (Heb. 4:9-11).

Being Content and understanding God's Sovereign

2009-05-27T20:11:00.001-04:00

God’s Sovereign
What do you think of these quotes?

One of the hardest lessons to learn comes from our stubborn refusal to refrain from interfering in other people’s lives. It takes a long time to realize the danger of being an amateur providence, that is, interfering with God’s plan for others. Oswald Chambers

Faith recognizes the fact that God is in control of my life. Whether I believe it or not, it’s a fact that God is in control of the world. If I don’t believe it, I”m just robbing myself of the enjoyment of the fact. Paul Little

Within the broad field of God’s sovereign, permissive will the deadly conflict of good and evil continues with increasing fury. God will yet have His way [but] as responsible beings, we must make our choice in the present moral situation.” A.W. Tozer (1897-1963), from The knowledge of the Holy

I want to look into God’s sovereign,hidden will which I viewed as God’s “ultimate” will. This facet of God’s will comes out of the recognition of God’s sovereignty and the other aspects of God’s nature. This expression of God’s will focuses on the fact that God sovereignly ordains everything that comes to pass. In other words, there is nothing that happens that is outside of God’s sovereign will. His sovereign will does not imply that God causes everything to happen. This aspect of God’s will acknowledges the fact that even when God passively permits things to happen, He choose to permit them, because He always has the power and right to intervene. God can always decide to either permit or stop the actions and events of this world. Therefore, as He allows things to happen, He has “willed” them in this sense of the word. God’s will acknowledges that while we have the power and ability to disobey God’s commands, we do not have the right to do so. Therefore, there is no excuse for our sin, and we cannot claim that by choosing to sin we are simply fulfilling God’s sovereign decree or will.

God’s Word are backed by His authority as the supreme and sovereign in all situations. The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God.

Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 20:24 A man’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

All of the Old Testament verses are summarized by Paul in Romans 8:28-29 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

God rules over all things and controls all things. ‘Providence” means God’s faithful, moment-by-moment control over everything He has made to ensure that everything He has created are going according to His will. He is active in every detail of it. He’s active at every moment. He doesn’t stand back and let things happen because He decides to intervene if something or someone is not going according to His will. He governs the world moment-by-moment through providence, so that everything that happens, every detail of our life occurs by God’s divine providence or by God’s express permission. He is in control of everything. Even the bad things that happen to us are circumscribed by a loving providence and God promises to use them all for our and HIS ultimate good.

For an example, in Exodus 4: 11 God told Moses: “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” Stated that simply and directly, the idea sounds repulsive. Why would he make a man dumb, deaf, or blind? Yet again and again in Scripture we see that there is far more to God’s sovereign plan than our finite minds can comprehend. Take me for an example, I was born deaf. God knew me before the conception. That’s eternal. God created my inmost being and knitted me together in my mother’s womb. This is what the LORD says— “He who made you, Who formed you in the womb, and Who will help you and that before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.

With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. I was DEAF before I was born so God knew that while my body was being formed. Therefore, time should be eternal because God’s time is eternal.

The truth is in the biblical fact that our God good causes and/or allow sickness and suffering. Job is a classic case of this truth, as well as Jesus Christ on the cross. God’s purposes could be many and one of them could be for the good of the person enduring it, as in the case of both. Or it can be for punishment, as in Leviticus 26:15,16; Deuteronomy 28:61; Psalm 107:17,17; 2 Kings 5:27; Micah 6:13; Acts 5:4-6, 9-10; 13:11; and 1 Corinthians 11:30.

God does everything–He governs everything. Within the broad field of God’s sovereign, permissive will, both good and evil continues with increasing fury. God will yet have His way while as responsible beings, we must make our choices in any situations we may face.

When we pray…..On earth as is in heaven. God’s kingdom in heaven is established, the prayer is let it come to this earth. God’s name is hallowed in heaven it isn’t always hallowed on earth, although His will is done in heaven it isn’t always done on earth. God’s hallowed name, God’s kingdom, God’s will. we are then coming to a holy God, to an Almighty God, to a righteous God, to a sovereign God, to the great God of the universe and yet He is a loving Father. Father in heaven which means the eternal resources are at His disposal for the granting in behalf of His children. Our prayers the bottom line is God’s will be done. We never desire to usurp His will; we never desire to change His will, to force His will, to be conformed to some thought of ours.

Amy Carmichael said, “And, shall I pray to change Thy will my Father, until it be according to mine? But no Lord, no. That shall never be, rather I pray Thee blend my human will with Thine.”

In Ephesians 1:9, “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good purpose which He purposeth in Himself.”

The potter (God) is working with this soft, yielding clay (us). If this clay does not submit, the potter may not be able to do what I should do according to His will. The potter still could make anything except for useful and beautiful (spiritual fruitful) out of an unyielding blob of clay. If God is going to make those kinds of vessels out of clay (us), however, we are going to have to yield to the spiritual law of surrender.

The key thing is are we willing to let Him do His will in the clay of earth, as it is done in heaven? That’s the heart of our prayers.

Considering Libertarian?

2009-05-24T14:31:00.003-04:00

Why am I considering Libertarian Party? I am one Republican who wants to see a return to traditional values that must come from the people, not the government. "We the People" are the true government. Historians have stressed Lincoln's use of and redefinition of republican values that he highlighted the moral basis of republicanism, rather than its legalisms. However, I don't see this happening because of the "far right" members of the party. Some Christians want government set up their way, which mean they want Theocracy rather than Democracy. Political and Christianity will always be divided no matter how hard we try. We need to change idealism of the conservatives. They have adopted about how things "should be done" which often gets challenged by the way things are in reality. I have learned that democracy does not give me any real power at all because in God's providence, He allowed democracy to basically swamps each of us Christians among non-believers. Lately, many conservative Christian leaders are hypocrites and they are no help to the people of America.

Christians would realize that initiating coercion to achieve desirable social goals is out of accord with true Christianity and we should not be advocating a kind of theocracy. For an example, homosexuality is condemned outright in both the Old and New Testaments. In the United States, Christians have the right, in a free society, to make their case against homosexual conduct. What Christians should not do is advocate force to be used against homosexuals. The main issue would be that I look at "what morality is being legislated" more than if morality is being legislated. My problem with the Republican Party is that if the politicians can't control their own moral, why should the average Americans? Moral reasoning is individual or collective practical reasoning about what, morally, one ought to do. How do we sort out which moral considerations are most relevant?

The United States Constitution endorses no religion or set of moral codes. The U.S. Constitution do not mention of Christianity or Jesus Christ. In fact, the Constitution refers to religion only twice in the First Amendment. Many founders were believers themselves and they were well aware of the dangers of church-state union. Our nation's governing document ensures religious freedom for everyone.

Christianity is not United States Government.

Christianity is Jesus Christ.

I believe that Libertarian Party will help Christians set up the government the way it should be. I am thankful that I do not live in an oppressive narrow kind of government however, you may notice that we live in a very oppressive narrow kind of society. Christian Grace is about loving other people who are very different and that we have the freedom to do so but at the same time, respect how they practice their beliefs. A Christian life in this world should be different from the world, being in the world but not of the world. There are religions teach that God is all justice while others say that God is all love. People become arrogant like the philosophers who have their own concepts, views, ideas and theories of what the world can be or should be. When we conceive ourselves to be honest seekers who cannot accept such myths (or truth) that we are in a state of dangerous self-deception which is a grave situation. Our flaw, blunder or shall I frankly say our sin is to follow what we are born with and ignore what we can be born-again with. It is not the Bible but rather the Spirit of God within us leads us to better understanding of the Living Word. If a spiritually dead person tries to read the Bible, is the Bible working for them? Jesus did not promise any of us that consistent Christian living would be easy!

Christian Grace is about loving other people that we have the freedom to do so but at the same time, respect how they practice their beliefs. A Christian life in this world should be different from the world, being in the world but not of the world. A humbled Christian is a Christian with flaws which humbles them that is more useful to God than hypocrite action that puffs them up. Charles Elliot said it nicely, "Hypocrites we are: but we are on the way to liberation even from our own hypocrisy". James 1:26 says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

What God hates

2009-05-19T19:15:00.001-04:00

The problem is sin because those who rejected the conviction of the Holy Spirit loves living in sinful life while God hates it. God loves everything that He has created but He hated what Satan has corrupted. God is good and God is also Just. The Bible teaches that God is love; some have interpreted this in such a way as virtually to deny that He is just, which the Bible also teaches. The biblical doctrine of God's goodness so far that it is made to contradict His holiness.

God is love so we have to understand what God really hates. I have learned that God loves but He also hates. Psalm 97:10 "Ye who love the LORD, hate evil." Hate what is wrong and stand on the side of the good. A right time to love and another to hate. (Ecclesiastes 3:8).

God is love and at the same time, He hates SIN. Grace and LOVE forgives. Love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). Love refuses to take human failure as final.

I thank God that gives me faith on my behalf which is through GRACE. I want certain people to know about it because they CAN have the faith to activate the power of God through God's GRACE. In Ephesians 4:23, the Greek word translated "renewed" (ananeoo) is used which means "to create again" or "make new." According to His grace, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit that being justified by His grace I might be made heir according to the hope of eternal life. In Ephesians 4:23 says, "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind" which means I am not to think the way I did before I knew Christ. I am no longer controlled by a self-centered mind but rather I learn from Christ through grace. The life I live is not mine but Christ living in me (Gal. 2:20). Like a baby is born with a fresh, new mind even though I live in an aging body, my spirit is being renewed daily.

Losing Touch Due to Lack of interest?

2009-05-13T19:59:00.004-04:00

I am not blogging as much as I usually do. Maybe it appears that I getting content with my life. I am happy with new home church in which my wife and one of our kids are joins me every Sunday. At times, I go alone. Now, things are falling into place in my life. My struggle with Multiple Sclerosis is improving. My deafness is not affecting my life and people around me. I have less than 3 years before I am eligible to retire from work (getting closer to 30 years). I love having a close relationship, especially with my family. I messed up my relationship in the past and now I look back and regretted.

In the past 5 years, I have been looking for some answers in my Christian life. Before I married Carole, I got a book called "The Purpose Driven Life" which at first was appealing and sounded good. Over the years, I have discovered to many doctrinal errors in that book. The book maintains and promotes a poor theology stemming from an inadequate bibliology. It is not God-centered because it promotes self-centered good feelings theology. The old self is everything we were in Adam. Our sin was crucified with Christ. As believers we are so united with Christ that when He died, we died. When Jesus died He was paying the penalty for our sins. The great enemy of faith is a complacent spirit, an attitude of self-satisfaction with the status quo.

In Ephesians 4:23 says, "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind" which means I am not to think the way I did before I knew Christ. I am no longer controlled by a self-centered mind but rather I learn from Christ through grace. The life I live is not mine but Christ living in me (Gal. 2:20). Like a baby is born with a fresh, new mind even though I live in an aging body, my spirit is being renewed daily. One of my favorite verses is in Philippians 4:11-12 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

So,I need to remember this verse,Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He (Jesus) Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I probably won't blog as much until I retire. Right now, I am so content and don't really have the desire to blog as much.

Rights versus Privileges

2009-05-13T19:48:00.003-04:00

In the Bible, the Corinthians were busy defending their rights. Today, in America as well as many parts of the world, we are still doing it. God has designed all of human life to revolve around relationships. Everyone is involved in a relationship, and within those relationships are differing roles. However in our society the emphasis is not on relationships, but on individuality. People focus on their rights and seek to satisfy themselves. I don't think God think we all have any "rights" but rather "privileges".

During our sanctification as Christians in this sinful world, we are go grow in spirit and truth. We are to continuing being spirit-filled and spirit-lead by allowing His grace to transform us what He wants us to be. Our task is to faithfully pursue His will. God’s lessons have taught me what Spirit-filled really means and how to practice Spirit-filled virtues. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means I am to refrain from using my rights and privileges I am entitled to by God's grace because I desire to do God's will out of love and obedience as if I am after God's own heart. Great faiths in the Bible were willing to let go of their rights, privileges and lives in the interests of doing God's will. Faith in Jesus has replaced my temporal doubts and fears with eternal hope when I present my body "as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (see Romans 12:1-2).

She is BACK (well, in June)

2009-05-13T19:22:00.002-04:00

One of my favorites will be back in June. WBNS TV 10 Anietra Hamper

Back in December 2008, I posted about her leaving another News station and thinking I would not see her again. Old Post about

Battling with my Theological bias doctrines

2009-05-09T12:08:00.000-04:00

The other day, for the fun of it, I tested myself to see where the doctrines I am in line with today. It has been interesting because the first part of my Christian life, I was Baptist (non-Calvinist) and Anabaptist (somewhat Calvinist) that many of the "minor" doctrines are still within my heart. However, the major doctrines have changed. It took me almost 40 years to change because I was victimized because I grew up in a certain theological system and I become indoctrinated by what I have learned over the years that I have struggled by defending what I have learned and can't seem to let go of it.

However, one thing I have learned over the years relating to the "doctrine of salvation". I have to remember that the Bible does not present faith as simply "mental assent to the facts of the gospel" but rather true saving faith involves repentance from my own sin and a complete trust in the work of Christ to save me from sin and make me righteous. Through the doctrine of Soli Deo gloria: All glory is due to God alone, since salvation is accomplished solely through His will and action—not only the gift of the all-sufficient atonement of Jesus on the cross but also the gift of faith in that atonement, created in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit.

The atonement is the work of God from beginning to end. God alone provides the means of salvation through the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ; through the call of God for all to repent and don't reject; and through the God-given restoration.

One of the major reasons I moved away from Reformed (Calvinist) is the mystery of God's salvation for us. No matter how much knowledge we have in the Mystery of God, we will never fully comprehend God until we die. In Isaiah 55:8-9 God says, "My thoughts are completely different from yours, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. We are to judge through, to see through to the truth, to truly evaluate something what what we are hearing is biblical or not. Knowledge of the mystery is having the reality of an experience of knowing God personally and consciously. I have learned through the years that God don't need me but I do know He uses my life. My own faith is not self-effort or anything I can do for God but rather from within that my faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit by the conviction to submit into action. The outcome is not based on my faith or my will but rather God's will for my life as I serve Him on this earth as I serve for Him in heaven. The Spirit is our intercessor, our personal indwelling intercessor interceding according to the will of God. Jesus had said to His disciples, "Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" (Matthew 20:26‑27). The life of a local church is made up of spiritual attitudes and spiritual motivations, spiritual graces that come from deep within the community. Its a reminder of this verse in Ephesians 4:4, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all."

(100%) 1: Lutheran
(90%) 2: Presbyterian/Reformed
(87%) 3: Congregational/United Church of Christ
(82%) 4: Church of Christ/Campbellite
(80%) 5: Anglican/Episcopal/Church of England
(80%) 6: Methodist/Wesleyan/Nazarene
(77%) 7: Eastern Orthodox
(75%) 8: Baptist (Reformed/Particular/Calvinistic)
(65%) 9: Roman Catholic
(62%) 10: Baptist (non-Calvinistic)/Plymouth Brethren/Fundamentalist
(57%) 11: Pentecostal/Charismatic/Assemblies of God
(50%) 12: Seventh-Day Adventist
(37%) 13: Anabaptist (Mennonite/Quaker etc.)

http://www.selectsmart.com/plus/select.php?url=denomtradition

Reason, Logic and God

2009-04-26T10:54:00.001-04:00

God reveals Himself primarily through the pages of Scripture. God's Word are backed by His authority as the supreme and sovereign in all situations. Often we make decisions we think that it is God's will however, circumstances will make us change directions. The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God. We are to allow the Holy Spirit do what He will through us and see what He does with us.

Often we battle with issues according to flesh's reasoning. The concept that is is called "begging the question in logic", which is the Latin name petitio principii, is an informal fallacy found in many attempts at logical arguments. Such an argument is valid in the sense in which logicians use that term, yet provides no reason at all to believe its conclusion. Often people will use "logic" and "argument from analogy" (relating things to novel other situations) to prove their case. Thinking logically is a tough thing to do because it works against our human and horizontal perspective on true salvation. One thing I have learned is that God's will don't appear to be "logic". God is good and God is also Just. The Bible teaches that God is love; some have interpreted this in such a way as virtually to deny that He is just, which the Bible also teaches. The biblical doctrine of God's goodness so far that it is made to contradict His holiness. The biblical doctrine of God's compassion cancel out His truth. People will view God is ALL good, which is true but the definition of "good" in God's point of view is different than our human point of view.

Faith is accepting God's Will. Often we make decisions we think that it is God's will however, circumstances will make us change directions. The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God. Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it. nothing is too small in us or in any other creature, not to be ordered by the all-knowing and all-powerful providence of God.

We all can claim to be a Christian, and we all believe that the root of the matter is in us and the seed of God is in our hearts. To understand reality is not the same as to know about outward events. It is to perceive the essential nature of things. The best-informed man is not necessarily the wisest. Indeed there is a danger that precisely in the multiplicity of his knowledge he will lose sight of what is essential.

My life through denominations.

2009-04-20T20:09:00.000-04:00

I have had issues with Tradition which is why I often distrust churches that focus on Tradition more than the Bible. I grew up in various Baptist denominations but I left due to their legalism system and lack of sound doctrines. I went into Anabaptist since it is so similar to Baptist and their doctrines are more sound. The term anabaptist was used to describe and define certain Christians during the Reformation however they were not part of the Reformation (Protesting against the Catholics). These Christians regarded the Bible as their only rule for faith and life. Because of their radical beliefs, the Anabaptists were persecuted by other Protestants (i.e. Luther, Calvin and others) as well as by Roman Catholics. Anabaptists were radical due to their doctrines as Luther did with Roman Catholic Church. Many Catholics viewed Luther a radical heretic. In the early days, which is when the Anabaptists established their reputation, they often challenged the Reformers publicly as did Luther challenged the Roman Catholic Church publicly.

Much of the historic Roman Catholic and Protestant literature has represented the Anabaptists as groups who preached false doctrine and led people into apostasy. persecuted the Anabaptists, resorted to torture and other types of physical abuse, in attempts both to curb the growth of the movement and bring about the salvation of the heretics (through recantation). The Protestants under Zwingli (Reformed) were the first to persecute the Anabaptists. On May 20, 1527, Roman Catholic authorities executed Michael Sattler. King Ferdinand declared drowning (called the third baptism) "the best antidote to Anabaptism".

The Anabaptists, the most persecuted people of the Reformation, were not allowed the luxury of extensive written records. They were known to history for centuries mostly from the writings of their enemies, and Calvinists have been among the worst offenders in this regard.

Other offenders were,Felix Manz became the first Anabaptist martyr in 1527, ten short years after Luther had nailed up his theses. He was drowned in the river right in the middle of Zurich. Other Anabaptists were beaten or banished.

There is no single defining set of beliefs, doctrines and practices that characterizes all Anabaptists. The Anabaptist I was involved in followed reformed doctrines (Luther/Calvin). The very first Anabaptists were Continental, those who were radical and persecuted. The Anabaptist bodies of today are no longer comprised mostly of descendants of the Continental Anabaptists. The Anabaptists were early promoters of a free church and freedom of religion which includes separation of Church and State. The Anabaptists were one of several branches of "Radical" reformers (i.e. reformers that went further than the mainstream Reformers) to arise out of the Renaissance and Reformation.

So, here I am, I love the Reformers, Puritans and I love the Anabaptists as well as the Baptists. I view both theologies of the Reformers and the Anabaptists to clearly define the most comprehensive Evangelicalism today.

One of the main reasons I love the Anabaptist is because resistance is a central practice for the Anabaptist heritage of Christian witness and discipleship. Remember The Amish school shooting that happened at the West Nickel Mines School, Lancaster County, PA? One grandfather of one of the murdered Amish girls was heard warning some young relatives not to hate the killer, saying, "We must not think evil of this man." Another Amish father noted, "He had a mother and a wife and a soul and now he's standing before a just God."

Marie Roberts, the widow of the killer, was one of the few outsiders invited to the funeral of one of the victims. Marie Roberts wrote an open letter to her Amish neighbors thanking them for their forgiveness, grace, and mercy. She wrote, "Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. Gifts you've given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe. Your compassion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community, and is changing our world, and for this we sincerely thank you." Amish school shooting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Anyway, knowing your true enemy is important and that enemy is Satan who can easily become the tool of Satan, who is called the accuser. One of his chief weapons is discouragement. My perspective from what I am reading from the Scriptures, that if we desire honor and glory from God, we must display humility first. That is contrary to our earthly philosophy, which exalts pride which is often used through works of choice.

In this life it is inevitable and it is useful because it produces the evidence of your true spiritual condition, humility and intimacy with God and allows God to put Himself on display in His grace. If we forgive those who sin against us, our heavenly Father will forgive us. But if we refuse to forgive others, our Father will not forgive our sins. We are to forgive seventy times seven. We must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. I have discovered through this forum (especially here), there is lack of forgiveness and lack of love.

Satan have successfully sowed seeds of discords between believers so that there won't be any spiritual and relationship restoration for unity. Relationship will be restored once that sinner comes to me and told me that he repented to God and he wants to restore the relationship. I don’t want to bear a grudge. If you sin against me, I have to forgive you in my heart even as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven me. So, I do that willingly. But I will never be able to have a right relationship with you until you come to me and seek the forgiveness that opens up the relationship. I always forgive and always give a person an amicable, companionable, comradely, cordial, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted invitation without being cold, cool, frigid; bellicose, belligerent, contentious, quarrelsome. If I am not amicable and being cold, then I am not behaving like Christ who is ALWAYS amicable and inviting.

Colossians 3:13...........Forgive one another
Colossians 3:16.......... Counsel one another
Galatians 6:2..............Bear one another's burdens
Titus 1:13.................Rebuke one another (with love)
1 Thessalonians 4:18....Comfort one another
Hebrews 10:25...........Exhort one another
Romans 14:19............Edify one another
Romans 15:14............Counsel one another
Galatians 5:13............Love one another
Ephesians 4:12...........Love one another
1 Peter 1:22..............Love one another

All men through their sinful nature have corrupted Tradition through their persecutions. All great Christian leaders are guilty in one form or another. Only Christ, His Church and Holy Scriptures are perfect.

I grew up in Duxbury, MA which is part of Plymouth Colony. I know alot about the history of Puritans. Regarding the witch trials, the Puritans themselves repented of the way the trials were conducted. Their confession was then made: "...as to the Guilt contracted, upon the opening of the late Commission of Oyer and Terminer at Salem (to which the order for this Day relates) he is, upon many accounts, more concerned that any that he knows of, Desires to take the Blame and Shame of it, Asking pardon of Men, And especially desiring prayers that God, who has an Unlimited Authority, would pardon that Sin and all other his Sins; personal and Relative: And according to his infinite Benignity, and Sovereignty, Not Visit the Sin of him, or of any other, upon himself or any of his, nor upon the Land. . . "

Governor William Phips put an end to the Salem witch trials precisely because there was the recognition that innocent people were being prosecuted without sufficient tangible evidence of their guilt. Innocent people were being incriminated based upon unsubstantiated accusation. Salem trials have brought down Puritanism in New England.

We can learn from history, including Church history that includes Tradition. Some of my favorite Quotes about "Learning from History".

"What I am great advocate of looking into the past, I could warn everybody against living in the past. The only justification for looking to the past is that we may learn great lessons from it and apply them" (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

By avoiding the mistakes of the past: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana)

By repeating the victories of the past: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned not to repeat it" (David B. Calhoun)

Reading Ecclesiastes helps alot. Hearing stories from my elders (old relatives and older Christians) reminded me that their experiences speaks the truth. As they say, "History repeats itself in every generation."

Some 22 members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

2009-04-14T12:28:00.001-04:00

Mets fans have marked Opening Day at Citi Field with a pregame protest over the nearby subway station.

Audism, Struggles and Growth

2009-04-14T11:56:00.000-04:00

Audism basically means those who discriminate or stereotyping against Deaf culture or hearing-impaired individuals. Audism means a system of practice, behavior, belief, or attitude. In the deaf culture, calling someone an audist is akin to calling someone a racist. People who have audist attutides are considered to be audists. Many of us are sharing our insights from our first-hand experiences with deafness. Often when we think of the disabled, we often think only of those who are in wheelchairs or are otherwise, visible physically impaired. However, the word can also refer to the deaf community, though many deaf persons do not consider themselves to be disabled. Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Mostly, we deal with socially and professionally disabled more than deafness.

Many disability obstacles such as discrimination, attitudes, ignorance, stereotyping, or alienation are still around by all of us whether we realized them or not. Stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions leap into one’s mind. Stereotyping has created by showing incorrect judgment of a possibility by making people into stereotypes that leads to myths. Audism, like racism and sexism, is discrimination against deaf and hearing-impaired individuals. However, I do acknowledge that there is a significant difference between ignorance and audism. Nowadays, it is hard to tell the difference but I believe that with today's technology and disability discrimination laws that are out there, there should not be any ignorance. My only conclusion is that people are doing audism rather than being ignorant.

In spirit, the purpose of Christianity with disabilities is not to avoid difficulty, but to produce a character adequate to meet it when it comes. It does not make life easy; rather it tries to make us great enough for life. Paul wrote in Romans 5:3-5, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

A Christian who is rooted deeply and very fruitful, who concentrates on the eternal root system of his or her life is going to bear fruit upward, but if he or she concentrates on the eye-appealing temporal things, he or she may end up a rootless failure. A person who is elated by success and is cast down by failure is still a carnal Christian. At best, his or her fruit will have a worm in it. God's timing is infallible. He takes every factor and contingency into account. We often want to pluck unripe fruit, but He will not be pressured into premature action. A mature Christian disciple will not stumble because of apparently unanswered prayer. A mature Christian disciple will not, however, adopt a fatalistic attitude when he or she examine his or her prayers and seek to discover the cause of failure.

Jesus said in John 15:1-2, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more." With the Holy Spirit and love, we can and will walk in the Spirit because Christ produces the fruit in us through His GRACE. In "the sufficiency of God’s grace" in the worst of human circumstances is that when a person is weak in a temporal sense while the person is strong spiritually by God's Grace in eternal sense.

Jesus also said in John 15:5, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." Carlo Carretto explained it nicely, “We are the wire, God is the current. Our only power is to let the current pass through us”. We must remember that we are still in the flesh even though we have Christ in us. It is the Holy Spirit's conviction that God’s design for us is to be radically transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) Our hope for this radical transformation is by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13). With the Holy Spirit and love, I will walk in the Spirit, Christ produces the fruit. It is Christ through the Holy Spirit produces power, love, sound mind through us. Christ helps us. Without Christ, we are nothing. Our faith is not in our works. Our faith is the generator of our works. Faith produces works. Works reveal faith or the lack of it. Being is expressed in doing. Faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit, without the Holy Spirit, we can't have faith and without the Holy Spirit, we can't be spiritual. Faith will express itself in faith deeds not just words alone. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

In my own experiences, God lead me to what I call "coincidences" in my life which perhaps God will make sure that His wills will be done at His right time and place. God will yet have His way while at the same time, as responsible forgiven sinner, I also must make my choices in any situations I may face. Often I make decisions when I think that they are part of God's will however, circumstances will make me change directions. Someone has said “Life is God’s novel. Let Him write it.” (Isaac Bashevis Singer). My life is like a pencil in God’s hand, He does the writing and the pencil has nothing to do with God’s writing. We often try to alter our circumstances to satisfy ourselves, instead of letting God alter us. God does not desire to destroy our will, but to sanctify “our will into His will”.

The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God. We are to allow the Holy Spirit do what He will through us and see what He does with us. God tests His real disciples more severely than lukewarm ones.

True life is:
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way? The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 20:24, Proverbs 21:1, Jeremiah 10:23, Romans 8:28-29, Matthew 10:29-30)

Our faith should recognize the fact that God is in control of our lives. Whether we believe it or not, it's a fact that God is in control of the world. If we don't believe it, we are just robbing ourselves of the enjoyment of the fact.

Advocacies for Deaf and hearing loss.

2009-04-13T14:01:00.000-04:00

Why many deaf people do not want to be a member of AG Bell's organization?

Hearing loss experiences differ individually. There are those who have been born with hearing loss (like me). There are those who lost their hearing later in life. To many, hearing loss is more of a social and professional disability rather than a physical disability. Many keep forgetting that the majority of the deaf community is often late-deafened, and especially with the baby boomers now entering the old age, we are seeing declining hearing and it is unlikely we’d see them rushing to learn another language like ASL.

Last month, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) denounced repeated demonstrations against the association and its members by several groups claiming that AG Bell discriminates against individuals who are deaf who use sign language, specifically American Sign Language (ASL). One group for an example is “Audism Free America”. I found that there are some hard-core deaf idealists out there. Organizations like this are wasting time and money on divisive activities rather than looking for ways to give all people with hearing loss the ability to achieve their dreams, whatever they may be. Idealism basically means holding on to a set of beliefs which are a rigid system of the way life is "supposed to be" or "should be". Idealism belief system basically means you have adopted about how things "should be done" which often gets challenged by the way things are in reality. Many idealists find it difficult to fully accept anyone the way they really are and chronically attempt to control them so that they can become the way they "should ideally be" which often leads to become fatalistic, hostile, pessimistic, and negativistic attitudes. I truly believe that "over-idealism" is a control issue and that it is at the root of our need to over-control situations, people, places, or things in order to ensure that they come into compliance with our ideal image of the way reality is supposed to be.

Historically, there is a large degree of mistrust between the Deaf community and the AGBell because their philosophies are different. Depending on each individual, some may continue to use ASL after.CI surgery along with other forms of communication within their society. They can enjoy both deaf culture and hearing. There are those who will continue to be against AGBell unless they are willing to change. It is up to each individual (or parents) that a deaf person should learn to interact with other people in the most effective way. It’s up to the parents to help encourage a deaf child to interact with society as well as possible. All parents have the RIGHT to make decisions about cochlear implants and communication methodology for their own children.

I can understand as parents, they find it very tough for parents to find the "right" path for their deaf and hearing-impaired children when their parents are not getting ALL of the information about deafness. AG Bell should be sharing all aspects of what can help parents of deaf children regardless how we think should be the right way. Deaf and Hearing loss advocacies are to be very diverse who are very open minded and willing to learn everything unconditionally whether they "communicate orally, with signs, cue, and/or combined methods". What can parents of deaf children can do for their kids? They can make sure that their children can communicate effectively so they can have a "normal" relationship. I have learned that many children with hearing problems will face both experiential and language deficiencies. My speech is so good that no one will ever know that I am deaf but if they listened to my grammar and/or my speech, they will figure me out.

From birth up to until I was about 4 years old, my family didn't know I was deaf until I had a hearing test in a famous hospital in Boston. I could hear loud noises but I could not communicate or even talk normally. As soon as they found out that I have a major hearing loss, my grandparents got me a new hearing-aid and I actually remembered the first day I actually HEARD anything including my mother's voice and of course a TRUCK outside the hearing-aid store. My first hearing-aid was a Zenith.

Then before attending deaf school, I was in speech therapy and then soon, I was able to talk basic words but not really having a conversation. Soon, I started attending the Boston School for the Deaf for 7 years which was an oralist deaf school (now closed). I was not to learn or use sign language until I was about 19 years old. I really wished I learned better english grammar, even through sign language because I wanted to communicate effectively. Today, even though I can hear and can communicate effectively. My grammar will always be off and words I say will always be off the mark.

In "person", I am mildly reserved and low-key person because I am usually afraid of saying something wrong grammar or speech. I am not big on small talk. I usually prefer in-dept discussion about important issues rather than small talk. Along with my deafness, I had to struggle with the conditions that affect the development of my communication skills within personality and intelligence. Today's experts say that "Age of onset plays a crucial role in the development of language". It took me YEARS to overcome my lack of understanding in english grammar as well as sign language.

Christianity and Hypocrisy

2009-04-12T18:38:00.002-04:00

If anyone remember Daniel in the Old Testament, Daniel's actions were basic part of genuine integrity and the uncompromising life. Christian life in this world should be different from the world, being in the world but not of the world. We should be a humbled Christian because we are Christians with flaws. God uses humbled Christians than hypocrites. Charles Elliot said it nicely, "Hypocrites we are: but we are on the way to liberation even from our own hypocrisy". James 1:26 says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." As Christians in new creature in Spirit within us as for example Jesus are not to be like the religious Pharisees to a group of dishwashers who clean the outside of a cup while leaving the inside dirty.

Often when some Christians try to reassign God’s authority to themselves; they seek to be ultimately self-governing and self-defining. There are those who believe and teaches “joining with Christ though a mixing of our supposed divinity with His” by placing their minds into their faith that whatever they desire will be received. Their theology sees the Holy Spirit as a power to be put to use for whatever the believer wills, we have to understand it is clear such teaches opposite do not mean that. Many typically favor their own kingdom over the true God for maintaining authority, or lordship, over their lives that they seek success, happiness, honor, and self-approval. They exchange God’s supreme reality for a false substitute. An emphasis on subjective feelings or experience rather than objective truth; a tendency toward self-centered rather than God-centered worship; a lack of appreciation for church history and the ancient creeds; an emphasis on pragmatism as the basis for church work; an anti-intellectual attitude and even an openness to mysticism. Non-God-Centered doctrines (i.e. covetousness) are supremely serious, which may be why the commandments against it are first two on 10. The worst form of idolatry is to make a god in our own image, and then worship it.

Self-centered desires affects our minds through deception and that we begin to justify and rationalize our right to possess what we desire. Our society (sinful world) is characterized by lies, it is characterized by deception which lead by Satan’s agenda. This sinful earth is characterized by what is temporal as people can “see” that fulfills their desires, but what is for time only, what is physical, what is passing, what ultimately will be destroyed.

Christians are to focus on God-centered on faith as OUR SOURCE of faith is from God alone. Reading Romans 8:14 says, “Those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God.” Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (See also: Ecclesiastes 9:10; Romans 12:11; I Corinthians 15:5-8; Ephesians 6:7,8.) If we lack wisdom, we are commanded to ask God for it. “It will be given to him“, the wisdom we seek will be ours (cf. Matt. 7:7-11). James says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). Scripture reminds us that we must be sound in the faith through the Holy Spirit and Word of God (1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 4:2-3; Tit. 1:9; 2:1).

I am still struggling and that I need to be reminded that God really does love me and that His love does not depend on my performance.

Phillip Yancey says "there is nothing we can do to make God love us more, and nothing we can do will make Him love us less".

I have been quiet and away

2009-04-12T18:20:00.003-04:00

There was alot happening my life in the past few weeks and I have been too busy to get online long enough to post a blog. There were economic issues as well as other issues that impacted my life.

One of the areas that I was busy is trying to find a local church for BOTH my wife (who is catholic) and I (Reformed). For 5 years, my wife and I have been visiting many churches around the area. There were some that had potential but didn't work out. My wife and I think we found a home church that we BOTH can enjoy together. We have tried many different denominations and churches. We think we found one that we BOTH can enjoy worshiping together every Sunday.

Most Christian denominations and movements share common beliefs in the major aspects of the Christian faith, while differing in many secondary doctrines. We are attending the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) local church. Lutherans are a sometimes neglected group of evangelicals, since they lie somewhere in between Arminianism and Calvinism in their view of divine sovereignty, and embrace neither dispensationalism nor covenant theology in their understanding how the Old and New Testaments relate to one another. Their liturgical worship and their understanding of baptism and the Lord’s Supper bear some resemblance to Catholic practice, but their doctrine of salvation is emphatically Protestant. Ultimately, Lutheranism is best understood on its own terms rather than by comparison to other systems.

Lutheran seems almost unknown in American Christianity. Catholics, Episcopalians, Baptists, Charismatics, and Calvinists are well-represented. Within Protestantism, Calvinists attack Lutherans for “not going far enough in the Reformation,” for keeping papistical practices and idolatrous worship. Arminians attack Lutherans for not believing in the freedom of the will and for leaving the door open to anti-nominianism. Charismatics think Lutherans are “cold.” Fundamentalists say Lutherans are strong on doctrine but weak on morals. Lutherans condemn Arminians for not believing in predestination and Calvinists for believing in double predestination. Catholics and Charismatics are considered alike in believing that the Holy Spirit reveals Himself in human beings, apart from the Word. Fundamentalists are savaged for their legalism.

We are attending classes to learn more about Lutheran doctrines and the local church's beliefs.

I will keep you posted.

Jim

Recession hits harder for deaf, hearing-impaired and disabled

2009-04-12T17:52:00.003-04:00

Those who run non-profit groups are feeling the pain of deep, wounding budget setbacks, including support from various supporters.

Especially those who are disabled who rely on their income to support their disabilities are getting furlough, cutting pay or even facing lay-offs. I am facing my own 10-day unpaid furlough. I even lost almost $15,000 worth of retirement in my deferred compensation plan funds (similar to IRA) that I have to work longer to recoup what I have lost.

Recession also leaves disabled job seekers behind. Many disabled are competing with thousands of non-disabled job seekers going for jobs. The Department of Labor in February released a report tracking unemployment rates among disabled job-seekers. The survey found a 14 percent unemployment rate among disabled workers -- almost double that of the non-disabled population. According to the U.S. Census, people with disabilities comprise the largest minority group, approximately 20 percent of the population. The numbers will change after 2010 Census.

Will President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package help people with disabilities?

Many of us who are disabled do NOT want disability checks. We WANT TO WORK. Many experts and people often treats disabilities as 2nd or 3rd class citizens. We live in a world which places great emphasis on beauty, wealth and power. People with disabilities are often a symbol of the opposite, we struggle with physical or mental imperfection, powerlessness and often invisible. This only adds to the stigma which isolates them, separating them from the mainstream of life. Today, people with disabilities are focusing attention on tough issues that affect quality of life, such as accessible transportation, housing, affordable health care, employment opportunities and discrimination. People should be aware that that people with disabilities are ordinary people (just like them) with common goals for a home, a job and a family.

There are areas that are still facing barriers in one form or another. Improving the material quality of life, improving public safety and security, improving education, Christianity and spiritual values, increasing employment or improving work conditions for those who are truly disabled, improving the cultural quality (i.e. Deaf Culture) of life, improving the psychological and social quality of life and much more.

People with disabilities still are dealing with old legal barriers that prevents them from being independent. We are still identifying barriers to participation in our society. Many people with disabilities have the ability to overcome barriers in their own ways and making sure that they are having quality of life regardless of barriers. Proverbs speaks of the relationship between adversity and strength. "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small (Pro. 24:10)." No matter how big the adversities, we can over-come and be able to what we want with our desires. Its our will that is strong. Its our desire that is strong. Its our determination that is strong.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T12:33:00.003-04:00

Just like King David. David messed up big time but God told us through the Bible that David was truly after God’s heart. We all are sinners and had our share of mistakes. My life is just a series of trying to make up my mind. Every Christian has a past, and every sinner has a future. I have more trouble with myself than I have with anyone else around me. I cannot succeed if I don’t believe in myself. What I think of myself, that is what determines (or indicates) my fate. At times, I fail to grasp the extent to which God identifies me with Jesus, His beloved Son with whom He is well pleased, I do not know that, in Christ, it is impossible for me to displease or disappoint God. The Law promises life to those who keep the Law. The Gospel promises life to those who have transgressed the Law. The promise of the Gospel is an unconditional promise of pure grace.

Justification cannot be separated from sanctification. We are declared righteous in justification, and then the process of making us righteous begins to function in this sinful world. This is a life long relationship with Christ until we go into heaven. God has given us the grace to sanctify us. In sanctification, God has to deal with us on the death side as well as on the life side in a way that sanctified means “to be separated from sin”. In Second Corinthians 5:21 states that God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Keep in mind that Paul doesn’t at all infer that we will automatically be renewed because we have to actively renew our minds to it. I need to understand that I will not try to put up a daily fight against sin because, there are times, I do not truly understand the nature of sin (or try to). According to Peter, God “has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3).

I am repeating my previous post. For Christians, the fear of death is canceled in the hope of bodily resurrection. During Easter, we are to think of what Christ did during His life on earth and what He has and currently been doing over the years. What practical significance does Easter have for us? "Much in every way!" (Romans 3:2). Jesus "through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:4). Jesus "was raised to life for our justification" (Romans 4:25).

Since Christ's resurrection is central to the Christian faith, mention of His resurrection occurs in literally thousands of songs and hymns. "Messiah" is George Frideric Handel's best known work. "Messiah" was designed and selected from the New and Old Testaments of the Bible based on a libretto by Charles Jennens. Handel might never have written "Messiah" had Jennens not sent him a letter a compilation of scriptures which focused on the Christ of God. Handel felt deeply moved in his spirit and began to write. Within seven days he had completed part one of "Messiah," which concerned Jesus' birth that is often played during Christmas. He wrote the redemption part in another nine days and then, in less than one week, Handel completed the resurrection and future reign of Christ portion including the "Hallelujah Chorus" which is often played during Easter. Anyway, this is one of my favorites songs and after 250+ years, Messiah still holds its extraordinary grip on musician and audience member alike.

Handel's Messiah

Christianity's concept of the Messiah ("the anointed one"). In Christianity, the Messiah is Jesus. The work is a presentation of Jesus' life and its significance according to Christian doctrine.

My Personal Thoughts of First Day of the Week and Spiritual Renewal

2009-03-29T17:26:00.000-04:00

For Christians, the fear of death is canceled in the hope of bodily resurrection. During Easter, we are to think of what Christ did during His life on earth and what He has and currently been doing over the years. What practical significance does Easter have for us? "Much in every way!" (Romans 3:2). Jesus "through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:4). Jesus "was raised to life for our justification" (Romans 4:25). That we are not obligated to live in bondage to days and times and seasons (Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 14:4-10; 2 Corinthians 3:5-18) since Christ arose from the dead on the first day, Christians all over the world have the opportunity to set the first day as the Christian's voluntary Sabbath day.

This happened on the first day, which is Sunday, seven (7) weeks after Jesus resurrection. (See Lev. 23:16, 50 days after the Passover Ceremonies, the day after the 7th Sabbath which is 7 weeks). The primary work of Christ in redemption is to justify, sanctify and glorify. Justify means to declare righteous before God, sanctify means to make holy, and glorify means in effect to remake the entire personality after the image of Christ.

New Covenant is sealed in the blood of Jesus, Who is our Savior and Mediator, brought us together with His Grace and Mercy that we have great spiritual and eternal freedom. The Old Testament priests, sacrifices, and sanctuary are superseded by the mediation of Jesus, the crucified, risen, and reigning God-man (Heb. 1-10), in whom believers now find their identity as the seed of Abraham and the people of God (Gal. 3:29; 1 Pet. 2:4-10). Hebrews 9:15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Easter reminds me this: During Jesus' ministry, Jesus spoke of His coming death. "Destroy this temple," Jesus said, referring to His body, "and I will raise it again in three days." Jesus also declared that the Father would raise Him up on the third day. In Romans 1 we read that the Spirit of God declared Jesus to be the Son of God with power "by his resurrection from the dead." Hebrews 9:14 tells us that Father, Son and Holy Spirit all had a part. The Father received the offering of the Son through the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, who is God, the blameless and sinless Son, offered as the Lamb of God, without spot and without blemish. The redemptive price was paid by the Son to the Father through the Spirit. Christ through His death and resurrection, every legal hindrance has been met and satisfied. There is nothing that can keep me from assurance except my own faith. Its not about thinking our way into salvation or to reason our way into salvation. The only way to get in is to believe Him with my heart which is sealed by the Holy Spirit.

The Book of Hebrews explains that Jesus is the mediator, the executor, of The New Covenant (The New Testament). The word mediator comes from the verb "to mediate" which means a mediator is one who stands between two parties or two factions needing to be reconciled eternally.

On the first day of every week.......(First Corinthians 16:2). It was on the first day of the week that Christ arose and so the first day, Sunday, came to be designated as the Lord's Day. On that day the early Christians gathered to worship (Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10) as do we, and in doing so we celebrate Christ's resurrection. Easter (The Resurrection) is celebrated every Sunday. The meaning of the resurrection must be rediscovered by each believing Christians till our Lord returns to earth again.

It is my personal relationship to God that really matters that takes priority over everything else regardless what happens. Christianity is able to make a real affirmation because we affirm that it is possible to be in personal relationship to the personal God who is there and who is the author of our faith. All else but God is dependent, but being in the image of God, we can be in personal relationship to that which is ultimate and full of blessings. We are made in the image of God, has a purpose, to be in relationship to God, who is always there. Sometimes we forget our purpose and we forget who we are and what life means. Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it. The best-informed Christian is not necessarily the wisest.

I am not a perfect Christian but I am a forgiven Christian who is still learning. I know that progressing in my sanctification and my spiritual growth and it only happens as I live in the environment of the truth and respond to that truth, and obey that truth, and avoid anything that diminishes my understanding of that truth or perverts that truth. I often question myself about my own spiritual issues and motives. The more I know about God, the more ready I am to believe Him for everything, because I know Him. I can choose to serve God as I see fit in my heart, mind and soul however God may change my decision as He directs me to another direction. God's providence in my life were my "wake-up calls" as well as making me a better Christian. I realized that when I am trying to understand why He is doing this, my life is more peaceful and more enjoyable. In Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Good News about Suffering....................

2009-03-27T18:28:00.000-04:00

God uses suffering to reveal our spiritual condition. God uses suffering to reveal our spiritual character. You really do not know the truth about someone spiritually when everything is going well. It doesn't surface because basically they appear to be at peace and happy and with a measure of joy and satisfaction and fulfillment in life because superficially and on the surface everything is okay. Then when things begin to go wrong, reality begins to surface as to their spiritual condition. And the worse things get, the more their spiritual character is being revealed. When you strip away the blessings, and you strip away the successes and you strip away the prosperity and you strip away the health and you begin to peel it all back, then you're going to find out what somebody is really made of spiritually. In FAITH, adversity often produces an unexpected opportunity that we are to look for, appreciate and utilize it. This is difficult to do if you're feeling sorry for yourself because you're faced with adversity. Pain narrows vision. The most private of sensations, it forces us to think of ourselves and little else. When life breaks loose, you may be doing something right. Just because we don't see a reason for evil and suffering doesn't mean there's not a reason for it.Consider the story of Joseph and the amazing conclusion in Genesis 50:20 - " You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." There are countless other stories, where suffering was not good, but with time and perspective, some see the good that resulted from the pain and tragedy in their lives.

Real faith is refined in the fires and storms of pain. Every truth about suffering can be twisted into a weapon for or against God. Most often suffering speeds us in the direction we are already heading - whether toward or away from God. Do we not see God at work in our circumstances? Dark times are allowed and come to us through the sovreignty of God. The evil and suffering in this world are greater than any of us can comprehend. But evil and suffering are not ultimate. God is. Satan, the great lover of evil and suffering, is not sovereign. God is.

One side suffering may be viewed as coming from God to bring out the BEST in us (See: Book of Job, Gen. 22:1-2, 15-18; Hebrews 11:17).

On the other side of the coin, Satan brings us sufferings to bring out the WORST in us (see: Book of Job and James 1:13-14).

Sanctification

2009-03-04T18:33:00.000-05:00

The true nature of the Christian life which is unpredictable and expanding called "sanctification".

In sanctification, God has to deal with us:
1. On the death side (spiritual death became spiritual alive as in born again). This is Salvation. By His stripes we are healed.

2. As well as on the life side that our bodies still CARRIES sin even though we are sinless spiritually. The struggle begins. "If any man come to Me and hate not his own life, he cannot be My disciple."

The key to sanctification then, is to know and obey the truth which is the Word of God in our hearts. When we got saved, we were justified which is "declared righteous". Justification cannot be separated from sanctification. We are declared righteous in justification, and then the process of making us righteous begins to function in this sinful world. A person's heart is always found running in the direction of his/her desires. The Bible illumines the dark corners of heart and mind by exposing our personal sins while at the same time, reveals the way of holiness. The Word of God (Bible) rebukes in order that we may see our faults. God's Word (the Bible) sometimes wounds us deeply and it is imperative because through the Bible, God speaks loudly.

Sanctification is a progress towards holiness which is spiritual growth. Some grow slower than others. Some grow faster than others.

Progressing in our sanctification and our spiritual growth can only happens as we live in the environment of the truth and respond to that truth, and obey that truth. We are to avoid anything that diminishes our understanding of that truth or perverts that truth.

God must have all our thoughts it we would experience the sanctification of our minds. A.W. Tozer

One of the heaviest problems in the Christian life is that of sanctification: how to become as pure as we know we ought to be and must be if we are to enjoy intimate communion with a holy God. A.W. Tozer

To give God back to us was the chief work of Christ in redemption. To impart Himself to us in personal experience is the first purpose of God in salvation. To bring acute God-awareness is the best help the Spirit brings in sanctification. All other steps in grace lead up to this. A. W. Tozer

Disability Programs in local Churches

2009-02-28T18:13:00.002-05:00

Through my own family, we have been looking for certain churches that we can fit in and we are learning that there is not much out there. My step-daughter was born with cerebral palsy as well as mild retardation due to seizures when she was a child. We just want a special needs service for my daughter who has cerebral palsy with low IQ. She loves going to Church and she very much wants to go to Sunday School. She is smart enough to understand God and loves God.

It is tough for small churches make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way the church provides its services. The responsibility rests not just with church leaders, but with everyone. People with disabilities make up one of the largest minority group in the country, especially within Christian Churches.

The Bible also teaches us to bear the burdens of someone with a disability fulfills a command of scripture (Galatians 6:2). 2 Samuel 9:3-4 tells the story of David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, the lame son of Jonathan, modeling the way the church should minister. Many churches often treats disabilities, especially with the deaf community as 2nd or 3rd class citizens. A disabled Christian believer can enrich in a Christian community, Christians with disabilities – especially those in positions of leadership can serve as God's best examples of His power being made perfect in weakness.

Helping and learning from it

2009-02-22T10:17:00.011-05:00

We've all struggled in our lives in some way or in many ways. We help others financially as well as physically (i.e. a place to live). Trials come to us to teach us to value the blessing of God from His perspective to enable us to help others in their suffering and to make us better able to assist others in their own suffering.

However, there are some concern when you try to help someone and they are taking advantage of the kindness and it is hard sometimes maybe to say no to family, but it must be done to keep the peace. The main issue when helping others is empathy. Even when someone used something without their knowledge (asking me directly) and lost it. It was a sentimental item that is irreplaceable.

There's self-preoccupation, that don't pay attention to those who are helping them. Lack of courtesy means more than simple lack of manners. Free room, electric, internet, volunteer their time and their vehicle's wear/tear by driving them around. There's little observation on their part, listening, and understanding. There's lack of self-awareness by those who are helping. If they understand their emotions, they will more easily be able to understand another. There are those who understand them and helped them in a big way. There are those who don't and often don't chip in to help those who is struggling while they are helping them. Helping others can put a family in jeopardy. Helping others can cause friction. Helping others can effect a family's future. Helping others takes over a family's home, their privacy and their whole being. Helping others can cause many things. Kindness can turns their financial upside down.

Sometime, people are going to learn from this and not do this again. Now that some have lost money and will lose more money down the road. Will they help again? THAT remains the question.

Many men are like David who was having trouble with women

2009-02-15T16:26:00.001-05:00

Men (as I have in the past but no longer) have problems with porn (as in pictures) as much as women has problems with romance books (erotica). Its not just "lust" as with porn but greed and covet, those are just as bad. I used to deal with porn when I was younger but my wife and fellow Christians who had similar problems have helped. I just knew that I was not alone.

We sin because we are still sinners. Satan fires shafts of impurity, shafts of selfishness, doubt, fear, disappointment, lust, greed, vanity, covetousness, it all comes down to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Peter says, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion walketh about', seeking whom he may devour." 1st John 2:16 says: "All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, is not of the Father." Psalm 5:4: "You are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness; neither will evil dwell with You." Numbers 15:39 .......going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.

Many of us MEN are like David. David is remembered as a man after God’s own heart that we men can be like David. We must admit our weaknesses and allow God to work in us.

David was guilty of horrific sin which he committed adultery with Bathsheba, and then conspired to cover his sin with the murder of her husband. One example is this (I learned the most): David who learned that "thinking" leads to sin. David with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). David woke up from a nap, went for a stroll on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman taking a bath. Through the eyes of David, enter into his mind, he sees a beautiful naked woman and began thinking about her. I am a man, and I have a GOOD IDEA what he was thinking? David's thinking led him to self-serving which was motivated by lust and envy. This is where God has a problem with me (as well as with many Christians).

Reading Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. David wrote this after prophet Nathan came to him after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

Learning from David, I have learned that God loves but He also hates.

Psalm 97:10 "Ye who love the LORD, hate evil."

Reading Psalms, David used six synonyms to describe Scripture: law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, and judgments. David understood that he was chosen by God. 2 Chronicles 6:6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel. Why did God chose the Jewish people during the Old Testament time and not the Gentiles?

Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people.

I have found that God chose unqualified people and what kind of "logic" is that?

God will use ordinary good people as well as ordinary very sinful people to accomplish great things. God will use people who have the life experiences by that will Glorify Him by putting them through the right spiritual directions and teaching them the right spiritual lessons.

God knows our hearts and He will honor our search for truth.

God sees and measures the heart more than He sees actions. Our sinful actions were the RESULT of our sinful heart. I also have learned that David was an example of how we are to serve others without demanding our rights.(LOVE)

Psalm 27:4 -- David said, "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple." David have cried more over things that have happened to other people that he care about than he have ever cried about things that have happened to him. When David is identified with God, the things that break his heart when some dishonor God.

It is God's will for us to be sanctified. Spiritual maturity requires a believer to allow the Holy Spirit to change our lives. The Holy Spirit dwells in us with all the power and gifts of God, necessary to enable us to walk the noble, spiritual, Son-like life with God. Being sanctified means “to be separated from sin”. The key to sanctification then, is to know and obey the truth which is the Word of God in our hearts. When we got saved, we were justified which is "declared righteous". Justification cannot be separated from sanctification. We are declared righteous in justification, and then the process of making us righteous begins to function in this sinful world.

Knowing your true enemy is important and that enemy is Satan who can easily become the tool of Satan, who is called the accuser. One of his chief weapons is discouragement. He knows that if he can make us discouraged and dispirited we will not fight the battle for holiness.

Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

In my office, I have this cute cartoon. It is showing a cute person wearing the Armor of God and shooting arrows (devil's schemes). A quote under the cartoon states: "Look at it this way...... Without these trials, testing of your faith, working of patience, and fighting a good fight.......LIFE COULD BE BORING." (see 1 Peter 1:7) My mother gave me that when I was facing tough situations.

America's Capitalism is failing.................

2009-02-14T10:11:00.004-05:00

Consumers, the backbone of the economy, are taking a beating from the worst economic crisis in seven decades. America's economy is being destroyed by human greed by executives.

Capitalism is failing and our government is gaining control in the new Stimulus package. With the avalanche of corporate corruption scandals that have rocked the markets over the years, people are getting fed up by the corporate greed in this country. This is the very integral part of free-market capitalism. Lack of internal control and lack of government over-sight to ensure that executives do not take advantage of the stockholders and customers. They do not accept the moral laws in their hearts: you will not steal; you will not bear false witness (lie, deceive, defraud); and you will not covet. Morality basically means a code of conduct held to be authoritative in matters of right and wrong. Money has given us more freedom, but we are unable to tell the difference between right and wrong. America's attitudes towards money should be in their conviction that money is a social good, not a private possession and that the economic main purpose is the welfare of everyone in society, not the personal pleasure of the person who happens to have control over it. Greed is one of the major flaws of Capitalism.

Business is based on the idea that self-interest and the desire for profit are moral and good. However there are those who make inappropriate ways to profit. Today, what we are seeing a major assault on morality in America. America is becoming morally bankrupt! Covetousness is yet another corruption of love that stems from a narcissistic desire for self-gratification. The pure in heart can see; but when covetousness gets into the heart, it makes the eye dim or blind.

All of us are going through this trial. Going through any trial of life for a Christian can be a joyous experience if perspective is right. Remembering the story of Job. A Christian can go through the severest imaginable trial of life if he or she really trusts God. And if he/she believes that God is on the throne, that God will keep His promise, that God never makes mistakes, that God always fulfills His word and that God will accomplish His purposes, it is that kind of faith that passes the test. Trials come to test the strength of our faith.

What's the main purpose of the trials? God doesn't have to test any of us to find out what's in our heart because He already KNOWS. God tests us so we can find out because sometimes, we are too blind to see them. He assists us in doing that spiritual inventory. He assists us in self-examination. I need to know and you need to know the strength of our faith. James says trials have a perfecting work. Peter says after you've suffered a while the Lord will make you perfect. God uses suffering to reveal our spiritual condition. Trials come to us to reveal what we really love.

We must realize that God allows trials in our lives, especially when we are blessed in places of spiritual service, to keep us humble, lest we think more confidently of our spiritual strength than we should and start to feel that we're invincible. Many Christians take sufferings with despair and despondency, others despise them, some feel God is far off.

Instead of trust, doubt comes.

Instead of quietness, turmoil comes.

Instead of contentment, resentment comes.

Instead of hope—knowing God is perfecting us, that the testing of our patience has a perfect work—instead of hope and giving of thanks, thoughts of bitterness arise toward God.

Sufferings attempts to tempt us and trials to bring out the WORST in us (see: James 1:13-14).

Trials give us a greater affection for that which is eternal because they help us long for the eternal city in Heaven. We set our affections on things above through trials and that's a very important spiritual thing. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4, "For which cause we faint not, for though our outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day and our light affliction which is but for a moment works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible only according to God's will, not our imagination. Real faith knows only one way and willing to allow God lead us as He did with great faiths in the Scriptures. True saving faith is not dependent on positive circumstances but negative circumstances as well. In the book of James, the entire letter is about living faith during trials and list the tests intended to reveal the legitimacy of someone's faith.

Trials cannot destroy true faith; they only put it to the test and strengthen it as in spiritual training. We know it takes true faith to perseverance because true faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the blessings for faith are to see what you believe. As this one well known verse says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1).

We all have to remember God's GRACE. What we may not be aware is grace is working in our lives.

2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

2 Corinthians 12:9
God said: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Romans 5:15 "......how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!"

According to His grace, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit that being justified by His grace we might be made heir according to the hope of eternal life. In God's Grace that we have great spiritual and eternal freedom to grow.

Spiritual training which is forming spiritual fruits. In 2 Peter 1:5-9: make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

As we Christians are training for our spiritual growth, we look NOT AT our faith but in Christ of WHO we have faith in, who is THE author and finisher. "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1). The Holy Spirit tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus not on others who are also running the race! There are important things each of us should know and understand about our struggles as the faithful people of God.

Sufferings produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4) Suffering experiences may be viewed as coming from God to bring out the BEST in us (See: Gen. 22:1-2, 15-18; Hebrews 11:17).

Quotes:
“The very fact that faith looks to a power beyond itself means that it is continually subject to loss of control. So if you’re looking to get control of all your problems, forget Christianity. If you’re looking for success, happiness, or freedom from pain, forget Christ. The way of Christ is the cross, and the cross spells weakness, poverty, failure, death.” (Mason, Gospel According to Job, 418)

“Take away material prosperity; take away emotional highs; take away miracles and healing; take away fellowship with other believers; take away church; take away all opportunity for service; take away assurance of salvation; take away the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit... Yes! Take it all, all, far, far away. And what is left? Tragically, for many believers there would be nothing left. For does our faith really go that deep? Or do we, in the final analysis, have a cross-less Christianity? Unless the simple gospel has center-place in our faith, it has no place at all. Unless the cross is everything, it is nothing.” (Mason, Gospel According to Job, 210)

"The point of the Book of Job is not suffering: where is God When It hurts? The prologue (chapters 1-2) dealt with that issue. The point of the Book of Job is faith: Where is Job when it hurts?" - Phillip Yancey

"If a bird is flying for pleasure it flies with the wind, but if it meets danger, it turns and faces the wind, in order that it may rise higher." Corrie ten Boom

"We human beings instinctively regard the seen world as the "real" world and the unseen world as the "unreal" world, but the Bible calls for almost the opposite." Phillip Yancey

When disaster comes into a person's life, it reveals what's truly in their hearts." Kimber Kauffmann - pastor College Park church

"If you love, you will suffer, and if you do not love, you do not know the meaning of a Christian life." Agatha Christie

"The deep meaning of the cross of Christ is that there is no suffering on earth that is not borne by God." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Why should the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" replied Lewis......"They're the only ones who can handle it." CS Lewis

"The most devastating effect of sin is that by it, we are blinded to it." Billy Graham

"Faith in God offers no insurance against tragedy." Philip Yancey

"Pure suffering has a consciousness, a tongue, a heart all its own and even the memory of it is but a pale unreality when compared with the actual experience." Mike Mason, The Gospel According to Job

"Suffering is not an elective, it is a core course in the University of Life." Steven J. Lawson, When All Hell Breaks Loose You May be Doing Something Right

"Adversity often produces an unexpected opportunity. Look for it ! Appreciate and utilize it! This is difficult to do if you're feeling sorry for yourself because you're faced with adversity." John Wooden

"Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has." Billy Graham

"Pain narrows vision. The most private of sensations, it forces us to think of ourselves and little else." Phillip Yancey

"What is the greatest deficiency among human Chrsitians? They have an inadequate view of human suffering." Helmut Thielicke, German pastor and theologian

"It is easy for us to tarnish God's character because He never argues back; He never tries to defend or vindicate himself." Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

"Our response to suffering is an accurate barometer of our soul, Steven J. Lawson, "When All Hell Breaks Loose - You May be Doing Something Right".

"I had to be healed of my desire to be healed." Joni Eareckson Tada

"If God is not in some sense responsible for bad things, then he is not responsible for good things either. If we do not "blame" God for death, we should not praise God for life. We cannot have it both ways." Joseph Hill

"How can you get to know God without suffering - - you can't ! - - Charles Stanley

"Just because we don't see a reason for evil and suffering doesn't mean there's not a reason for it.Consider the story of Joseph and the amazing conclusion in Genesis 50:20 - " You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." There are countless other stories, where suffering was not good, but with time and perspective, some see the good that resulted from the pain and tragedy in their lives." Tim Keller

"Real faith is refined in the fires and storms of pain". Eugene Peterson

"Every truth about suffering can be twisted into a weapon for or against God. Most often suffering speeds us in the direction we are already heading - whether toward or away from God." David McKenna, The Whisper of His Grace

Update

2009-02-13T19:44:00.003-05:00

Because of my wife's recent hospital stay in the last part of December and early part of January, she had a severe case of pain. The doctors were giving us conflicting results of what my wife may have so she went in for colonosoply. Some thought she has Ulcerative colitis but she didn't. Her family have history of "Crohn's disease". Anyway, her results are final and she has no serious illness other than inflammatory of her colon area.

All of this was going on, in the last 2 1/2 months, I have been having deep thoughts about my spiritual relationship with God. "Is my spiritual life superficial or real?" God uses suffering to reveal my spiritual condition. God uses people with the right life experiences by putting them through the right spiritual directions and teaching them the right spiritual lessons.

My recent circumstances have caused me to discover my spiritual issues that I became aware of. I have learned great importance of spiritual act of faith that Holy Spirit provides in my heart.

I have been in solitary and deep thinking. I shall return once I am ready.

Jim

Deep thoughts about My Christian Faith

2009-02-11T22:24:00.001-05:00

God constantly intervenes in our lives through His Providence. This also include the election of salvation. Before, a person was spiritually DEAD until the Holy Spirit prick's a person's heart, made that person aware of his/her sins and convicted them to repent. This conviction caused a person to understand and aware of their sins that he/she had NO CHOICE but to respond. God’s love extends to all in the gospel offer and Scripture says simply, “they were unwilling to come” (Matthew 22:3). Jesus told his servants, “The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the wedding feast” (v. 9). Here, Jesus opened the invitation to all comers but at the end, Jesus closes with this: “Many are called, but few are chosen” (v. 14). The gospel invites many to come who are unwilling to come. Many are called who are not chosen. The invitation to come is given indiscriminately to all. Whosoever will may come, the invitation is not issued to the just the elect alone. Its clear that the gospel is a free offer of Christ and His salvation to all whoever hear Holy Spirit's conviction. Ephesians 1:13 "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit."

1 Thessalonians 1:5 "because our gospel came to you not simply with words (hearing the gospel), but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake." God’s love extends to the whole world. It covers all humanity but the actual atonement is for the elect (whoever heard the Holy Spirit's conviction and repented).

Jesus in John 6:29 "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent."

Jesus said again in John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

People have learned that they "took credit" for almost everything they achieved, even their own salvation (by making "the choice). That is why the Apostle Paul wrote, “Your salvation is nothing you have achieved by your good works. It is a gift of God. You receive it by faith. That way no one can boast of his own accomplishments.”

Its not about choice but about conviction. God's divine intervention BOTH WAYS because all circumstances can turn or don't turn people to God. People may despise it instead of embracing it. Romans 9:18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. The Word of God stresses the importance of conviction and concern and repentance when being born from above by the Spirit of God, not from man's within. This is the same word Jesus used in John 3:3 when He told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again (anothen, lit. "from above"). God came from above and regenerates me, gave me life. And in the process cleanses my old dead life so that regeneration which is called a washing that I became a new creature from above. I didn't save myself from within but God saved me from above.

There are only two possible ways to God. One involved your work, your effort, your righteousness, your goodness. The other acknowledges that you have none of that which pleases God. It either involves something you do to please God or nothing you do to please God and there can’t be any other way. God reveals Himself to us as a "birth," bringing forth a new creation by the regenerating act of the Holy Spirit inside our sinful nature that we live in. In regenerating act, 'we' are that whosoever will may come to Christ while the other is that before anyone can come there must have been a previous work done our hearts by the sovereign operation of God through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Its not about choice because, without the Spirit's help, and believe saving on Christ by a sudden decision of the will, is wholly contrary to the teachings of the Bible. According to the teachings of Christ, none of us will or can come and believe unless there has been done within a us a prevenient work of God enabling our heart to respond. The spiritual birth, like the natural one, is unique, separate experience shared in by no one. Biblical truth is a spiritual experience and can be grasped in its inner essence only as the Spirit of truth enlightens our hearts and teaches us in the deep into our souls. Salvation is something that takes place and becomes known inside of us and salvation is redemption appropriated by faith that only the Holy Spirit can provide.

The truth of Scripture is something precious that must be carefully handled and closely guarded (1 Timothy 6:20). There are some truths revealed in the Scriptures that place a great strain upon our minds and Divine revelation assures us that certain things are true which imagination will simply not grasp. We Christians living in a sinful body, being imperfect, can never quite know perfection in anything, least of all in our relation to the incomprehensible God. Not one of us has authority to divide the truth and teach only a part of it because if we do, we weaken the truth to self-centered knowledge. We cannot know God by thinking the way we want to believe, and we can never know Him very well without accepting all aspects of God's Character. We are not to have a mind of a child that thrives on half-truths and error. There has to be a personal application of biblical truths because redemption has flowed down to us from the heart of God through His Son by the Spirit. Truth occurs both in the singular and in the plural. There are within the Holy Scriptures truth and truths, all inspired and all profitable, but certainly not always equally clear. To know Christ is to know the Truth in living experience, but it is not to know all truths in intellectual apprehension. We are to be careful because we see a truth in the Word and mistake it for the Truth. There is a mighty difference. Biblical Christianity is all about truth. God’s objective revelation (the Bible) interpreted rationally yields divine truth in perfectly sufficient measure. Everything we need to know for life and godliness is there for us in Scripture (2 Peter 1:3). We need to adapt our understanding to the truth of God’s Word and not try to manipulate Scripture in a vain effort to harmonize it with the changing opinions of some people's views. Today, gross error is now tolerable in some areas for the sake of peace. Rather than rightly dividing the word and proclaiming it as truth, many are focusing on certain truths and avoiding other truths which means ignoring the great doctrines of the faith.

We need to proclaim truth from our hearts without being arrogant if we claim to know anything for certain (we certainly don't). We do have the truth, not because we are smarter or better than anyone else, but because God has revealed it in the Scriptures and has been gracious to open our personal eyes to see it. God reveals to each of us differently according to His will.

It is important to understand that our hearts are the state of our "flesh". There are Christians who are zealous for their "doctrines" and forget the sensitivity of others regarding certain topics. God gave us conscience. If the truth of God's Word opposes the world's wisdom on a certain issue, you must align yourself with God's Word. When a Christian who is saved by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, this Christian is living in a new Creature with holy conscience rather than sinful conscience. A Christian may be theologically knowing and spiritually ignorant.

Personal Spiritual Relationship with God

2009-02-07T12:12:00.001-05:00

I need to say this because I have learned this the hard way in my life. I know that progressing in my sanctification and my spiritual growth and it only happens as I live in the environment of the truth and respond to that truth, and obey that truth, and avoid anything that diminishes my understanding of that truth or perverts that truth. Being a Christian is being whose primary form of witness is by my spiritual life, but I should not hide the fact that I am a Christian and that I show my spiritual light through deeds first and then words.

I have learned that God's spiritual training which is necessary for forming spiritual fruits that are needed to wrestle against the world, the devil and the flesh. Spiritual growth with maturity and balance will happen only when I apply myself to God's guidance through the Bible and Holy Spirit's convictions. God wants me to be busy rejoicing in the gracious prospect of all opportunities of God's will in my life. I have been reminding myself that God wants me to have free and responsive heart towards HIM, "Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God." In Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

I should not be ferreting out the secret will of God that He plans to do, but discerning the revealed will of God that I ought to do in FAITH and Grace.

I deal with my own "theological bias" that I have learned doctrines taught by MAN. I was victimized because I grew up in a certain theological system and I become indoctrinated by what I have learned over the years that I have struggled by defending what I have learned and was unable to let go of them. Until I understood God's grace.

I learned that the Bible does not present faith as simply "mental assent to the facts of the gospel" but rather true saving faith involves spiritual and complete trust in the work of Christ who saved me from my sins and made me righteous. Saving faith involves both my mind and my will spiritually.

Over the years, as I studied my Bible, I asked myself: "By what criteria do I determine true from empty in my faith?"

I have learned to understand that God is the deeper life and much more than "faith systems" created by man. I am not a perfect Christian but I am a forgiven Christian who is still learning. I remember this verse written by Paul, “If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing” (1 Tim. 6:3-4). God holds us accountable for what we believe as well as how we think about the truth He has revealed. I see many give "lip-service" to the importance of doctrine and frown upon doctrinal discussions.

God is touching me and my heart since my wife was in the hospital.

God's intervention and His Sovereign

2009-02-05T18:59:00.001-05:00

Do we value God’s controllable sovereign rather than an uncontrollable God?

Does “our” controlling means that God would be, in effect, to control God?

True knowledge of God is to understand how we may know God depends on what God lovingly wants for us and from us.

Does self-revelation leads to improper motives, such as selfish and arrogance, in our response to that revelation?

Are we saying that God exists without knowing God as Lord?

Can we reasonably make demands on God in favor of our preferred ways of knowing God?

What are our intentions in having knowledge of God?

Do we aim to use it for our own honor and self-promotion, treating it as self-credit rather than as an unearned gift?

Who is entitled to decide how one may know God —humans or God?

Are we missing the real point of knowledge of God that He is all-inclusive kingdom rather than agents of our own exclusive kingdoms?

Are there Christians calling God’s authority into question?

Knowing God as Lord requires our sincerely committing ourselves to God as follows: “Not my will be done, but Your will be done,” “Not my kingdom come, but Your kingdom come.” We must understand that God gives us an opportunity to achieve, without coercion, enabling us, through knowledge of God, to be rescued without coercion from our will. The Holy Spirit enables us to have our wills transformed, not just our intellects (our thoughts and beliefs). God is calling us to transformation away from our self-centeredness “will” toward the unselfish, loving character of God and His will. God's ways of imparting vital knowledge of God do not meet our natural expectations. This is in keeping with God’s offer of redemption by grace in hearing the Gospel rather than by earning in hearing the Gospel. God meets, convicts, and redirects our will through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This is BOTH sides of this relationship, two wills and are personal between Savior and sinner.

Often when some Christians try to reassign God’s authority to themselves; they seek to be ultimately self-governing and self-defining. They typically favor their own kingdom over the true God for maintaining authority, or lordship, over their lives that they seek success, happiness, honor, and self-approval. They exchange God’s supreme reality for a false substitute.

Scripture can teach both that God providentially brings all things to pass in conformity with His eternal purpose and that the prayers of men can have a significant affect in the unfolding of world history. Understanding this relationship between the sovereignty of God and the prayers of men begins with recognizing the comprehensive nature of God’s eternal purpose. The “all things” which God works out “according to the counsel of His will” (Eph 1:11) includes the means that He uses to bring about His ultimate ends. God uses the sun to bring light to the earth, He uses doctors to restore people to health, and He uses prayer to bring about many things He has purposed in eternity past.

Within the broad field of God's sovereign, things will happen according to His will and His plan. God will yet have His way HOWEVER, at the same time, as responsible beings, we must make our choice in the present situation. Human's destiny revealed by God, human's destiny is restricted by sin at birth, and human's destiny recovered by Christ at re-birth. All of that happens in God's control.

If you say that God cannot control all circumstances, then He cannot control His prophecies. There are over three hundred prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament. It is certainly reassuring to know that God has ultimate control of history, especially when current events may lead one to conclude otherwise. We come from the world's setting that is controlled by God that lead to the fulfillment of a Hebrew prophet's statement that He would be born in Bethlehem; all the way down to the circumstances of His birth, His life, His death, His Resurrection and His Future. Before Christ's death, trying to understand what Jesus said to the Pilate in John 19:11 "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." Which means God have complete control of what was going on in Christ's situation. In John 19:28 Jesus recognized that all of the prophecies were fulfilled up to His death except for one. Human's destiny revealed by God, human's destiny is restricted by Adam's sin at birth, and human's destiny recovered by Christ at re-birth spiritually. Jesus said clearly about a penny's worth of sparrows compare to us. Matthew 10:29: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. If God can control with those two sparrows, then He will do the same for His creatures around the world including Satan.

In between the Fall (Adam & Eve) and the establishment of the Kingdom of Christ is this present-evil age. Our society (sinful world) is characterized by lies, it is characterized by deception which lead by Satan's agenda.

A.W. Pink writes,
God has decreed that certain events shall come to pass, but He has also decreed that these events shall come to pass through the means He has appointed for their accomplishment. God has elected certain ones to be saved, but He has also decreed that these ones shall be saved through the preaching of the Gospel. The Gospel, then, is one of the appointed means for the working out of the eternal counsel of the Lord; and prayer is another. God has decreed the means as well as the end, and among the means is prayer (The Sovereignty of God, 171).

All God's creatures are subject to God's control and authority.

Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 20:24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

One of the greatest and most essential attributes of God is His sovereignty; God rules over all things and controls all things. God also uses providence to accomplish His will in the world. God directs and uses events to accomplish His own Will which meant: "the providence of God." Romans 8:28 says, "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." All things are controlled by God to work together to fulfill His eternal purpose for His Will.

We all need to understand Paul's Statement to the leaders in Luke's Acts 17:
22Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.

24"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' 29"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. 30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."

Deaf Juror dismissed In Ohio (Update)

2009-01-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

Hearing-impaired woman should not have been on jury, court says Does this mean that deaf jurors are disqualified from sitting on juries?