Edition 9 of the First Principals

Monday, October 31st

Happy Halloween!

Edition 9 of the First Principals

Acts 2:36-47
36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Shall (verb):

1. Something that will take place or exist in the future.

Forgiveness (noun):

1. Compassionate feelings that support a willingness to forgive.




2. The act of excusing a mistake or offense.

Corrupt (adj.):

1. Marked by immorality and perversion; depraved.




2. Venal; dishonest.




3. Containing errors or alterations, as a text.

Devote (noun):

1. To give or apply (one's time, attention, or self) entirely to a particular activity, pursuit, cause, or person.




2. To set apart for a specific purpose or use.




3. To set apart by or as if by a vow or solemn act; consecrate.

Note: Do I have a “what SHALL I do” attitude? Do I see the society that I live in corrupt? Three thousand believed right then. They were forgiven. They were excused from the mistakes they made. Not only that, they went after the purpose of being a disciple. They were devoted. How devoted am I? Do I see myself studying out the teaching? What about the fellowship? Do I go after relationships with other disciples? Do I have dinner with others? Do I pray with others? Do I go to a solitary place to pray? This is what Christians are supposed to do and were lifted up for doing.

Acts 8:26-40
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."

30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."

34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

Note: Do I have the heart to want to know more? Am I humble enough to sit down and learn from someone else?

Acts 16:22-34
22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.

Note: What must I do to be saved? Even though I am a disciple, I must still have this attitude. I must still search and seek to find answers to my questions. If I miss something, I need to ask, as the jailer.

Luke 14:25-33
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Note: What things are in my way? This scripture is important to me. I have to count the cost. This goes for everything in life, not just becoming a disciple. If I say something, that I will do something, I should sit down and see if I should say yes or no. If I say that I am going to go here or there, then I better go. If I say that I am going to be a disciple, then I should count the cost before making the commitment. This scripture is very much in tune with James 5:12 (12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.). To let my yes be yes or no, no, I need to count the cost. When I become a disciple and I say that I will be a disciple and dedicate my life to God, I need to stand by what I say.

Edition 8 of the First Principals

Saturday, October 29th

Edition 8 of the First Principals

Acts 2:36-47
36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

I will re-look at this again tomorrow… but this is what I looked at today… I put the words that stuck out to me in italics and these words are what I am going to focus on when I get another opportunity. Johnny Out.

Edition 7 of the First Principals

Friday, October 28th

Edition 7 of the First Principals

John 3:1-7
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

Note: To be a part of the kingdom, baptism is the only way.

Acts 2:22-37
22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: " 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'

29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

Note: There is a personal responsibility. It has to be personalized that it was me who crucified Jesus. He died for MY sins. If I look at it any other way, then it isn’t as powerful and my faith can become weak.

Acts 2:38-42
38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Note: The order of how things work. You repent of you sins. Then you get baptized. Once you are baptized, your sins are forgiven and you are given the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:3-4
3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Note: Baptism is like that of Christ’s crucifixion. We rid ourselves of sin (Christ’s death), are submersed in water (buried), and raised out of the water into salvation (resurrection).

The History of Education

The history of Education:

University (The world’s first university)

Takshashila (Taxila)

Around 2700 years ago, as early as 700 BCE there existed a giant University at Takshashila, located in the northwest region of India.

Founded in the 5th Century A.D., Nalanda is known as the ancient seat of learning. 2,000 Teachers and 10,000 Students from all over the Buddhist world lived and studied at Nalanda, the first Residential International University of the World.

Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, is generally considered to be the oldest university in the world. It was founded roughly the same time as the city of Cairo, in 969 AD. The first lecture was delivered in 975 AD.

Like many centers of learning, Al-Azhar University was originally intended as a place of worship and religious instruction. The mosque at Al-Azhar is one of the most famous in the Muslim world, and is still considered the seat of Sunni Islamic study.

The university pioneered systems of advanced academic instruction with its hierarchy of regular instructors and visiting professors. Its history follows the turbulent rise of the Islamic Empire, replete with political revolutions and competing religious philosophies. While Al-Azhar University has a storied history of religious instruction, it also boasts a robust secular curriculum, offering advanced degrees in engineering and medicine.

Europe's oldest university was founded in 1088 in the northern Italian city of Bologna. The United States’ oldest university, Harvard, opened in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1636, not long after the first English colonists arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

“There can no longer be any real doubt that both Islam and Christianity owe the foundations of both their mystical and their scientific achievements to Indian initiatives".
- Philip Rawson (British Orientalist)

Parable of the Yellow Shirt

The baggy yellow shirt had long sleeves, four extra-large pockets trimmed in black thread and snaps up the front. It was faded from years of wear, but still in decent shape. I found it in 1963 when I was home from college on Christmas break, rummaging through bags of clothes Mom intended to give away. "You're not taking that old thing, are you?" Mom said when she saw me packing the yellow shirt. "I wore that when I was pregnant with your brother in 1954!"

"It's just the thing to wear over my clothes during art class, Mom. Thanks!" I slipped it into my suitcase before she could object. The yellow shirt be came a part of my college wardrobe. I loved it. After graduation, I wore the shirt the day I moved into my new apartment and on Saturday mornings when I cleaned.

The next year, I married. When I became pregnant, I wore the yellow shirt during big-belly days. I missed Mom and the rest of my family, since we were in Colorado and they were in Illinois. But that shirt helped. I smiled, remembering that Mother had worn itwhen she was pregnant, 15 years earlier. That Christmas, mindful of the warm feelings the shirt had given me, I patched one elbow, wrapped it in holiday paper and sent it to Mom. When Mom wrote to thank me for her "real" gifts, she said the yellow shirt was lovely. She never mentioned it again.

The next year, my husband, daughter and I stopped at Mom and Dad's to pick up some furniture. Days later, when we uncrated the kitchen table, I noticed something yellow taped to its bottom. The shirt!

And so the pattern was set.

On our next visit home, I secretly placed the shirt under Mom and Dad's mattress. I don't know how long it took for her to find it, but almost two years passed before I discovered it under the base of our living-room floor lamp. The yellow shirt was just what I needed now while refinishing furniture. The walnut stains added character.

In 1975 my husband and I divorced. With my three children, I prepared to move back to Illinois. As I packed, a deep depression overtook me. I wondered if I could make it on my own. I wondered if I would find a job. I paged through the Bible, looking for comfort. In Ephesians, I read, "So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will be standing up."

I tried to picture myself wearing God's armor, but all I saw was the stained yellow shirt. Slowly, it dawned on me. Wasn't my mother's love a piece of God's armor? My courage was renewed.

Unpacking in our new home, I knew I had to get the shirt back to Mother. The next time I visited her, I tucked it in her bottom dresser drawer.

Meanwhile, I found a good job at a radio station. A year later I discovered the yellow shirt hidden in a rag bag in my cleaning closet. Something new had been added. Embroidered in bright green across the breast pocket were the words "I BELONG TO PAT."

Not to be outdone, I got out my own embroidery materials and added an apostrophe and seven more letters. Now the shirt proudly proclaimed, "I BELONG TO PAT'S MOTHER." But I didn't stop there. I zigzagged all the frayed seams, then had a friend mail the shirt in a fancy box to Mom from Arlington, VA. We enclosed an official looking letter from "The Institute for the Destitute," announcing that she was the recipient of an award for good deeds. I would have given anything to see Mom's face when she opened the box. But, of course, she never mentioned it.

Two years later, in 1978, I remarried. The day of our wedding, Harold and I put our car in a friend's garage to avoid practical jokers. After the wedding, while my husband drove us to our honeymoon suite, I reached for a pillow in the car to rest my head. It felt lumpy. I unzipped the case and found, wrapped in wedding paper, the yellow shirt. Inside a pocket was a note: "Read John 14:27-29. I love you both, Mother."

That night I paged through the Bible in a hotel room and found the verses: "I am leaving you with a gift: peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really love me, you will be very happy for me, for now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in me."

The shirt was Mother's final gift. She had known for three months that she had terminal Lou Gherig’s disease. Mother died the following year at age 57.

I was tempted to send the yellow shirt with her to her grave. But I'm glad I didn't, because it is a vivid reminder of the love-filled game she and I played for 16 years. Besides, my older daughter is in college now, majoring in art. And every art student needs a baggy yellow shirt with big pockets.

Edition 6 of the First Principals

Thursday, October 27th

Edition 6 of the First Principals

(Warning: This is a bit long… but I think it is really enlightening, at least for me, anyway.)

Luke 7:36-50
36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."

40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."

"Tell me, teacher," he said.

41 "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."

"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Sinful (adj.):

1. Marked by or full of sin; wicked.


2. Characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin.


3. Having committed unrighteous acts.

Sinner (noun):

1. One that sins or does wrong; a transgressor.


2. A scamp (a rogue; a rascal).

Perceive (verb):

1. To become aware of directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing.


2. To achieve understanding of; apprehend.

Note: This scripture screams about perception. How do I perceive my sin? Do I look at it like I don’t sin that much, so it’s not a big deal? Do I become overwhelmed by it and become depressed? I am a sinner. I do wrong. In fact, I am sinful. I am full of sin. The hardest part is to say that I am wicked. I want to separate the two. Sinful and wicked are one in the same. To say that I am sinful and not wicked would be contradictory. So do I look at my sin as being little or much? Am I a Pharisee or am I like the woman coming humbly before Christ? Do I look at my debt like $5.00 or $5,000.00?

1 Peter 2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Mercy (noun):

1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency.


2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving.


3. Something for which to be thankful; a blessing.


4. Alleviation of distress; relief.

Note: Once I was a person who did not receive mercy, but now I am. Once I was in the dark, but now I am in the light. No God = No Light and in darkness; Know God = Know Mercy and be in God’s light.

Isaiah 59:1-2
1 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

Iniquity (noun):

1. Gross immorality or injustice; wickedness.


2. A grossly immoral act; a sin.


3. Absence of moral or spiritual values.


4. Morally objectionable behavior.


5. An unjust act.

Separate (verb):

1. To set or keep apart; disunite.


2. To space apart; scatter.


3. To sort.


4. To differentiate or discriminate between; distinguish.


5. To remove from a mixture or combination; isolate.

Note: When I sin, I become separated by God. He does not hear me anymore. Furthermore, if I am not baptized, I am not a part of him. He has nothing to do with me. He doesn’t even look at me.

Romans 3:23-25
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished

Forbearance (noun):

1. Tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation; patience.


2. A refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due.


3. A delay in enforcing rights or claims or privileges; refraining from acting.

Note: God has restrained from enforcing his laws. I have sinned. We all have sinned. EVERYONE. But the things is I have to read this scripture like this: For Johnny has sinned and falls short of the glory of God. If I read it any other way, I loose touch with my heart and may justify that I am not so bad. God has patience with me. Shouldn’t I be grateful for that? What should my response be? I have a debt that is due and I cannot pay it. Therefore, I should work as hard as I can to show that I am grateful for the release of that debt.

James 4:17
17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Ought (verb):

1. Used to indicate obligation or duty.


2. Used to indicate advisability or prudence.


3. Used to indicate desirability.


4. Used to indicate probability or likelihood.

Note: This is a tough scripture. I know that there is a ton of things I ought to do. I should stop when I see someone stuck on the side of the road. I should spot a homeless person a miniscule dollar when I see them. I should volunteer for this or that activity. And by acknowledging the things I should do and then don’t do them, in short I am sinning.

Galatians 5:16-24
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Sexual Immorality (noun):

1. The evil ascribed to sexual acts that violate social conventions.

Impurity (noun):

1. Lack of consistency or homogeneity; adulteration.


2. A state of immorality; sin.

Debauchery (noun):

1. Extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures; dissipation.


2. Seduction from morality, allegiance, or duty.


3. A wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity.

Idolatry (noun):

1. Worship of idols.


2. Blind or excessive devotion to something.

Witchcraft (noun):

1. Magic; sorcery.


2. Wicca.


3. A magical or irresistible influence, attraction, or charm.


4. The art of sorcery.

Hatred (noun):

1. Intense animosity or hostility.


2. The emotion of hate; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action.

Discord (noun):

1. Lack of agreement among persons, groups, or things.


2. Tension or strife resulting from a lack of agreement; dissension.


3. Lack of agreement or harmony.


4. Disagreement among those expected to cooperate.


5. Strife resulting from a lack of agreement.

Jealous (adj.)

1. Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of losing affection or position.


2. Resentful or bitter in rivalry; envious.


3. Inclined to suspect rivalry.


4. Having to do with or arising from feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness.


5. Vigilant in guarding something.


6. Intolerant of disloyalty or infidelity; autocratic.

Rage (noun):

1. A feeling of intense anger.


2. A state of extreme anger.


3. Something that is desired intensely.


4. Violent state of the elements.


5. Behave violently, as if in state of a great anger (verb).

Selfish Ambition:

1. Concerned chiefly or only with yourself (selfish – adj.).


2. An eager or strong desire to achieve something, such as fame or power.


3. The object or goal desired.


4. Selfish Ambition would then be a desire to achieve something for oneself.

Dissension (noun):

1. Disagreement among those expected to cooperate.


2. A conflict of people's opinions or actions or characters.

Faction (noun):

1. A group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious minority within a larger group.  


2. Conflict within an organization or nation; internal dissension.


3. A clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue.

Envy (noun):

1. A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another.


2. A feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something possessed by another.


3. Spite and resentment at seeing the success of another.

Drunkenness (noun):

1. Delirious with or as if with strong drink; intoxicated.


2. Habitually drunk.


3. The condition of being delirious with or as if with alcohol; intoxicated.


4. The act of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess.


5. Habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Orgy (noun):

1. A revel involving unrestrained indulgence, especially sexual activity.


2. Uncontrolled or immoderate indulgence in an activity.


3. A secret rite in the cults of ancient Greek or Roman deities, typically involving frenzied singing, dancing, drinking, and sexual activity.

Note: I would have to say that I have done a lot of the things on this list. Even orgies, in the context of immoderate indulgence in an activity. Gossip can be a big thing. Gossiping leads to dissension and discord. Gossip is such a big thing for people in the church. And women are not the only ones guilty of it. Men tend to think it is just a woman’s issue. Guys are just as guilty and I am of the worst. “Did you hear about so-and-so?” And so it begins. This list is convicting. Now, to the fruits.

Love (noun):

1. A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness.

Joy (noun):

1. Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness.


2. The expression or manifestation of such feeling.

Peace (noun):

1. The absence of war or other hostilities.

Patience (noun):

1. The capacity, quality, or fact of being patient.

Kindness (noun):

1. The quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic.

Goodness (noun):

1. Moral excellence or admirableness.

Faithfulness (noun):

1. Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal.


2. Having or full of faith.


3. Worthy of trust or belief; reliable.

Gentleness (noun):

1. Mildness of manner or disposition

Self-Control (noun):

1. Control of one's emotions, desires, or actions by one's own will.

Note: When I move into the light, when I belong to Christ Jesus and have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires, I have the fruits of the Spirit.

Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Wages (noun):

1. Payment for labor or services to a worker, especially remuneration on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis or by the piece.


2. A fitting return; a recompense.


3. A recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing.

Note: The consequence of sin is death. The whole weeping and gnashing of teeth doesn’t sound like something I would like to be working for. So, when the UPS man comes to deliver my gift from God, will I sign for it? Who am I working for? Who signs my check? What kind of return am I looking at for my deeds?

Credit Card Scam

You can verify this at snopes.com.

WARNING: New Credit Card Scam

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; THEY already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

My husband was called on Wednesday from "VISA," and I was called on Thursday from “MasterCard."

The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge Number is 12460 your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?"

When you say "No," the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"  You say "yes." The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation.

If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security.  You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card."

He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number; the next 3 are the security Numbers' that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.  The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do," and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.

Long story made short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation.

The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a Police report as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.

Edition 5 of the First Principals

Wednesday, October 26th

Edition 5 of the First Principals

Isaiah 2:1-3
1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Note: So, it will come out of Jerusalem and all nations will stream to it…

Daniel 2:44, 7:18
44 "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.

Note: God will set up his kingdom.

18 But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.'

Note: Saints will receive his kingdom.

Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17
1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Note: It wasn’t there yet with John the Baptist.

17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Note: Still not there yet when Jesus started preaching.

Mark 9:1
1 And he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Note: Some of the apostles will see the Kingdom, and it will come with power.

John 3:1-7
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

Note: You have to be baptized to enter the kingdom.

Luke 17:20-21
20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21 nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

Note: The kingdom is within us.

Matthew 16:13-19
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Note: Peter brings in the kingdom. He opens the doors.

Luke 24:44-49
44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Note: Begins in Jerusalem, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached. They will be clothed with power from on high.

Acts 1:4-5, 8
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Note: The Holy Spirit will come with power and they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. They can’t leave Jerusalem.

Acts 2:1-8, 36-41
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?

36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Note: Acts 2 shows that it all happened. Everything that was predicted came true in Acts 2. It happened in Jerusalem. All nations were present. Peter brought about the kingdom. It came with power. Repentance and forgiveness of sins was preached. The gift of the Holy Spirit was given. I love this study. It just makes me feel warm and fuzzy, which is nice for a change…

Edition 4 of the First Principals

Tuesday, October 25th

Edition 4 of the First Principals

Luke 5:1-11
1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

The response God is looking for is “because you say so.” Sometimes things don’t make sense. Sometimes things seem confusing, they seem strange from the world we live in. But God uses the strange to humble the proud. God uses the poor to shame the rich. I need to do things for God because he says so. He fed 5,000 men, plus the women and children. And he is still feeding them today. He is feeding me with not only the food in my pantry, but with the scripture. And with the last verse, I need to not let anything come before my God. Now that I have a child, I understand God’s love for me. I would give anything for my wife and son. God had a son, and would give anything to him, yet he gave him to me. What does that say about his love for me? It knows no bounds. Therefore, since he gave all to me, why should I not leave everything for him?

Luke 14:25-33
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Everything (pronoun):

1. All things or all of a group of things.


2. All relevant matters.

Hate (verb):

1. To feel hostility or animosity toward.


2. To detest.


3. To feel dislike or distaste for.

Why would he say hate? I believe that it is because our love for God has to be so abundant, so grandiose, that when it is compared to that of ourselves, our family, that is nothing. It’s like a bank account. I have a $100 dollars to give on Christmas to those I love: God, parents, wife, son and friends. What gift do I get? How much do I spend on God on Christmas? What about the rest of the list? This is hypothetical, but it makes a point in my heart. What percentage do I give God in comparison to the rest of the group?

Luke 9:57-62
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."

58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

59 He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."

60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good bye to my family."

62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Excuse (verb):

1. To explain (a fault or an offense) in the hope of being forgiven or understood.


2. To apologize for (oneself) for an act that could cause offense.


3. To grant pardon to; forgive.


4. To make allowance for; overlook.


5. To serve as justification for.

What excuse do I have for being late to church? What excuse do I have for passing someone on the highway who is broken down? What things are getting in my way from my worship of my lord? What kind of justification am I making for not doing the things that need to be done? It is much like what Yoda said. There is no try. Do or do not. I cannot start something and leave it unfinished. I cannot start plowing and look back at how good things used to be. It didn’t work for the Israelites in the desert, and it won’t work in Euless today. How committed am I to my God?

Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Authority (noun):

1. The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.


2. One that is invested with this power.


3. An accepted source of expert information or advice.


4. Justification; grounds.


5. A conclusive statement or decision that may be taken as a guide or precedent.


6. Power to influence or persuade resulting from knowledge or experience.


7. Confidence derived from experience or practice; firm self-assurance.

Obey (verb):

1. To carry out or fulfill the command, order, or instruction of.


2. To carry out or comply with (a command, for example).

I think of a child when I see this scripture. If a child loves his parents, then that child obeys them. The parent has authority over the child and only directs them because they love the child. I call God “Father.” God asks for me to obey him, because he has authority and wisdom beyond my comprehension. Knowing that, it makes sense to obey him. God has granted the authority to Jesus. On those grounds, and the experience that Jesus has, it makes only sense to obey him. He is God in the flesh. 1st John 5 says that to love God is to obey his commands. And with his authority comes the purpose (the quality of being determined to do or achieve something) to go forth and multiply, to bear fruit. Am I a man of purpose? Am I obeying the command to go and bear fruit? Am I teaching others? Am I making disciples?

Fiesta! 2005 Marriage Retreat

Fiesta! - November 18-19 (Friday & Saturday) at the Marriott Dallas Solana

John & Carol McGuirk, of the Boston Church of Christ, will be sharing their personal stories and how God works in marriages when we build them on Biblical principles. Be making plans now to attend and stay the night in the beautiful Marriott Hotel in Westlake. This year's marriage retreat is an opportunity to celebrate our marriages in a fun-filled and encouraging atmosphere.

Friday:

• 4:00 PM Registration & Hotel Check-In


• 7:30 PM Opening Session


• 9:00 PM Fiesta! Celebration

Saturday:

• 11:00 AM General Session


• 2:00 PM Close Out

See links for more information.

Edition 3 of the First Principals

Monday, October 24th

Edition 3 of the First Principals

Acts 11:25-26
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Disciple (noun):

1. One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.


2. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.


3. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example.

Christian (noun):

1. A religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination.


2. The name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were "brethren," "the faithful," "elect," "saints," "believers." But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name "Christian" came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs but three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16).

Disciple is the name God gave. Christian is the name man gave. I would much rather be a disciple than a Christian.

Mark 1:14-20
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.

19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

“Follow me, I will make you fishers of men.” If I follow God, I will become a fisher of men.

Follow (verb):

1. To take as a model or precedent; imitate.


2. To adhere to; practice.


3. To occur or be evident as a consequence of.

What do I adhere to? What do I practice? Does my life show as evident that I am a follower of Christ? And does it show that I do it without delay? Do I have a “at once” attitude?

At once:

1. All at one time; simultaneously.


2. Immediately; instantly.

Luke 9:23-26
23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Cross (noun):

1. An upright post with a transverse piece near the top, on which condemned persons were executed in ancient times.


2. Any affliction that causes great suffering.

Deny (verb):

1. To declare untrue; contradict.


2. To refuse to believe; reject.


3. To refuse to recognize or acknowledge; disavow.

Daily (adj.):

1. Happening or done every day.


2. Everyday.

Everyday, I have to reject myself and what I want to do and pick up what causes me great suffering and imitate my God. Now doesn’t that sound like fun? And still many believe that there is a once saved, always saved mentality. If I do this only once, am I in? If I did it five years ago and I haven’t done it since, am I in? I hear that you can “pray Jesus into your heart” and ka-zaam, I’m saved. You don’t even need to be baptized for that one. Is that following God? Is sinning now, knowing you are going to a confessional later following God? Is that taking up your cross daily?

Edition 2 of the First Principals

Sunday, October 23rd

Edition 2 of the First Principals

Mark 7:1-13
1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.)

5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"

6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: " 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' 11 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Tradition (noun):

1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.


2. A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage.


3. A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present.


4. A body of unwritten religious precepts.


5. A time-honored practice or set of such practices.

Corban (noun):

1. A sacrifice made to God by the ancient Hebrews at the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Pharisees of the day walked around thinking they were all that, changing the rules that Moses had set down and basically saying, instead of taking care of the homeless, taking care the elderly, that the people should give that money to the church instead. The Pharisees even threw the label of Corban on it to make it seem all that much more Holy to do that deed. Do I follow blindly what people tell me? If someone comes to me and explains something to me that it would “make me a super Christian,” do I check it out? Or do I let it become a tradition in my life to neglect others? Is it a tradition for me to drive past someone who is broken down? Is it a tradition to stub my nose at the homeless at the street corners? Is it a tradition to chant in church for the forgiveness of my sins instead of opening up to a friend and making it personal?

1 Timothy 4:16
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

I like the conjunction words. The word “and” is used twice in this scripture: “life AND doctrine,” yourself AND your hearers. It is also told to persevere in the BOTH, with the word “if” indicating that should I not, I will save no one, including myself. Should I persevere in both of them, I will save myself and others.

Acts 17:11-12
11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

Eagerness (noun):

1. A positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something.

Examine (verb):

1. To observe carefully or critically; inspect.


2. To study or analyze.

How have I been approaching the scripture? Am I eager? Would others say that I am not only eager, but I am greatly eager to get in the word? The Bereans showed great eagerness. They showed it EVERY DAY. They inspected and analyzed the scriptures every day. And they had a chump like Paul to teach them, and they didn’t take even Paul’s word for things. They said to themselves, “Hey, this guy may not be right, let’s see for ourselves…” So, when I go to church, do I study things out afterward?

John 12:47-48
47 "As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.

The thing then is this: If I don’t take the Berean challenge, if I don’t examine the scriptures, if I let leaders create new rules, new traditions, and then I follow them blindly, it will be that is judged in the end. Will I let someone’s judgment and pride in turn be my demise? Who’s words will I stand by in the end: the preacher or the bible? How are my quiet times? Am I growing closer or fading away?

Edition 1 of the First Principals

Saturday, October 22nd

Edition 1 of the First Principals

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Teach (verb):

1. To impart knowledge or skill to.


2. To provide knowledge of; instruct in.


3. To condition to a certain action or frame of mind.


4. To cause to learn by example or experience.


5. To advocate or preach.

Rebuke (verb):

1. To criticize or reprove sharply; reprimand.


2. To check or repress.


3. Censure severely or angrily.

Correct (verb):

1. To remove the errors or mistakes from.


2. To indicate or mark the errors in.


3. To punish for the purpose of improving or reforming.


4. To remove, remedy, or counteract (a malfunction, for example).


5. To adjust so as to meet a required standard or condition.

Train (verb):

1. To coach in or accustom to a mode of behavior or performance.


2. To make proficient with specialized instruction and practice.


3. To prepare physically, as with a regimen.

The purpose of the bible looks clear. God wants me to become a specific person for him, to be like Jesus in every way. And based on the definitions, it is not an easy process. I have to be willing to see my errors. I have to commit to a regimen. I must be open to reprimand. It doesn’t sound all warm and fuzzy. It’s not a Burger King religion.

Hebrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Living (adj.):

1. Possessing life.


2. In active function or use.


3. Of persons who are alive.


4. Relating to the routine conduct or maintenance of life.


5. Full of life, interest, or vitality/


6. True to life; realistic.

Active (adj.):

1. Being in physical motion.


2. Functioning or capable of functioning.


3. Marked by energetic activity; busy.


4. Involving or requiring physical exertion and energy.


5. Being in a state of action; not quiescent.


6. Erupting or liable to erupt; not dormant.

Soul (noun):

1. The spiritual nature of humans, regarded as immortal, separable from the body at death, and susceptible to happiness or misery in a future state.


2. The disembodied spirit of a dead human.

Spirit (noun):

1. The soul, considered as departing from the body of a person at death.

So the bible is possessing life and is not dormant. Some may call the bible boring, and in some parts (Leviticus, Numbers) I think it can be… but, the thing is how you read it. I remember in High School trying to read the bible front to back, and when I hit Leviticus, I stalled out and soon gave up. I find doing studies such as these to be more inspirational. Now the word can also separate soul and spirit. According to dictionary.com, they mean the same thing. I find that absolutely amazing, because so many people say they are different things, yet the dictionary doesn’t see it that way. Can you imagine something so sharp as to cut apart your soul and spirit, which we as people cannot grasp a total understanding of what the difference is between the two? The pain that must be… being cut is not a good feeling. It hurts.

John 8:31-32
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Believe (verb):

1. To have firm faith, especially religious faith.


2. To have faith, confidence, or trust.


3. To have confidence in the truth or value of something.

Hold (verb):

1. To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view.


2. To assert or affirm, especially formally.


3. To regard in a certain way.

To be a Christian, there has to be more than just belief. You have to hold to the teachings. The people Jesus was talking to already believed. They needed to do more than that. They needed conviction. They needed to be more assertive.

Edition 50 of my Pride study

Friday, October 21st

Edition 50 of my Pride study

James 1:2-11
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

Trial (noun):

1. The act or process of testing, trying, or putting to the proof.

Perseverance (noun):

1. Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness.

Mature (adj.):

1. Having reached full natural growth or development.


2. Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe.


3. Of, relating to, or characteristic of full development, either mental or physical.


4. Worked out fully by the mind; considered.

This is the final edition of my pride study. I must confess, this is also very tough, because the scripture is something I talked to my wife about last night. She is struggling with her faith and came to me for answers, which I had none. A co-worker’s daughter passed away yesterday. We both fasted and prayed. She said she did not doubt. She was even excited about her prayer. She knew God was going to let her live and recover. It did not happen. The girl passed on. So I served my wife. My wife is facing a trial. I think this is good in a way. What happens when I have my heart on right, I pray, not for myself as in a selfish prayer, but for someone else, something righteous and something good, and God does not give the answer I wanted? I may not understand it, my wife may not understand it, but right now we must persevere. This happened to me several years ago, I prayed steadfast about something, I can’t remember what now, but God didn’t answer my prayer. My faith was shaken. I knew I had the mustard seed. I believed in my heart and yet it didn’t happen. Why? Why? Why? Why didn’t God do the thing I asked in my prayer?

Humble (adj.):

1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.


2. Showing deferential or submissive respect.


3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly.

I think in some ways, if God did do what I had asked, I would have become prideful. This is what I think could have happened. I pray for this great thing, God does it, then I can boast because I made God my puppet. I caused God to do something. When I pray, I need to check my motivation. When I pray, I need to be at peace that if God doesn’t do it, then I need to respect God.

Respect (verb):

1. To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.


2. To avoid violation of or interference with.

In regards to pride, I need to respect Gods wishes even if he doesn’t answer in the way I expect. That is submissive respect.

Edition 49 of my Pride study

Thursday, October 20th

Edition 49 of my Pride study

Galatians 6:1-10
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.

6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Test (noun):

1. A procedure for critical evaluation; a means of determining the presence, quality, or truth of something; a trial.


2. A series of questions, problems, or physical responses designed to determine knowledge, intelligence, or ability.


3. A basis for evaluation or judgment.

Reap (verb):

1. To cut for harvest with a scythe, sickle, or reaper.


2. To harvest.


3. To obtain as a result of effort.


4. Get or derive.


5. To obtain a return or reward.

Sow (verb):

1. To scatter (seed) over the ground for growing.


2. To impregnate (a growing medium) with seed.


3. To propagate; disseminate.

I must say, this is a great scripture. It has so much for me to learn from. Just great stuff. For me to be able to take pride in myself, God tells me that I should test myself first. I have to give myself a trial to get a basis of truth. I have been praying for my wife’s co-worker day in and day out. And with all the pain I am in, I can give in to excuses on all sorts of levels. One thought I have had is that I can use the time to pray for myself. Why pray for others when I am in a ton of pain? I am busy, I have no time to pray. Blah, blah, blah… the excuses just go on. I think excuses are the reason I don’t do as much as I could or should, and that gives good reason to why I should test myself more often. And in retrospect, the whole reason for this pride study is because I wanted to test myself. I have learned more than the amount of pain I am in (and that’s a ton, by the way – kind of throwing some humor in here). So, once I have tested myself, then I can take pride in myself but not to the point of comparison to someone else.

So my next thought is about verse 7. What seeds to I have in my arsenal? What am I planting? Because, whatever I sow, I will reap. Does my life stink? Am I unhappy with the way something is going? I have to look at it like this by asking the tough questions. Why am I in pain? My back hurts. My chest hurts. My leg hurts. What have I sown to get to this point? I pushed a car when I was a freshman in college. By myself, I might add, and hurt my back. I am reaping the fruits of what I sowed. The pain in my chest is from medicine for my back. I am reaping what I sowed. I am not sure why my leg is doing what it is, but that could also be related to my back, as well.

Verse 10 caught my eye…  the part about doing good to all people.

Good (noun):

1. Moral excellence or admirableness.


2. Benefit.


3. That which is valuable or useful.

“Let us do good to all people.” Let Johnny do that which is valuable or useful to all people. Let Johnny do something of moral excellence to all people. How challenging is that? I am humbled.

November Election

TEXANS - DON'T FORGET
Special Election November 8th, 2005
The Marriage Amendment stating that marriage in Texas is between a man and a woman passed both Houses of the Texas Legislature and will be on the ballot for a special election on November 8th. The amendment, which will be listed as PROPOSITION 2 on the November 8 ballot, must be approved by a majority of Texans for this to become a part of the Texas Constitution, which would remove the issue from the jurisdiction of activist judges on the courts who have struck down Defense of Marriage Acts that other states have passed as simple bills and not as constitutional amendments.

If this were on the ballot during a regular election, there is no doubt that this would pass by a large majority.  This is a special election, where the statewide vote is expected to be only 750,000 total.  The passion, money and organization on the side of those who oppose Proposition 2 because they want same-sex marriage to be legal in Texas could cause this very important amendment to go down in defeat. Because Texas is the only state where this issue is on the ballot this year, same-sex marriage proponents across the nation are sending their money and volunteers to Texas to defeat Proposition 2. In one of their organizational meetings in San Antonio, the plan was disclosed to have people from other states to come to register to vote 30 days before the election to defraud this election. There is no residency requirement to register in Texas – you can register the day you move here

The other side has money, a website, yard signs, bumper stickers, and paid staff in every major city, and has done a major buy for advertising on TV and radio. We don’t have their money or supplies, but we DO have the truth and what God says about marriage.

The church must weigh in on this election to insure that God’s standard for marriage is the law of the land.  

Early voting begins October 24th.

Ephesians 4:17-19
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

Galatians 5:19-21
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 1:18-32
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Depraved (adj.):

1. Morally corrupt; perverted.


2. Hopelessly bad.


3. Deviating from what is considered right or proper or good.

Edition 48 of my Pride study

Wednesday, October 19th

Edition 48 of my Pride study

2 Corinthians 8:16-24
16 I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. 17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. 19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

22 In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. 24 Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.

Last night, my wife showed me her love. Not that she had to prove it, I know she loves me. But last night was a scary night for me. Normally when you put your hand to your chest you can feel your heart beat. Last night, I could not. My heart rate slipped down to about 60 beats per minute. In retrospect, I guess there wasn’t anything to worry about, seeing as to how the normal range for an adult is 60-100 beats per minute, but I couldn’t always feel the ker-thump in my chest, so this was new ground for me. My wife showed her proof of love for me and I take pride in her. She is an inspiration to me.

Proof (noun):

1. The evidence or argument that compels the mind to accept an assertion as true.

Initiative (noun):

1. The power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task; enterprise and determination.


2. A beginning or introductory step; an opening move.

Verse 21 really stood out to me. Doing right in Gods eyes is good. But also doing right in the eyes of man?

Hypocrisy (noun):

1. The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.


2. An act or instance of such falseness.


3. An expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction.


4. Insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have.

I have to ask myself, what does man see? I shouldn’t live to please man, but yet I shouldn’t tell them I am some great righteous Christian as I spit a cuss word every other sentence either. If my walk as a Christian is like a light held under a lamp, no one can see it and it does no one any good, including myself, because I would be walking as a hypocrite. But if I have the right doctrine and the right life, then not only do I save myself, but those who see my life, those I interact with.

1st Timothy 4:16
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Edition 47 of my Pride study

Tuesday, October 18th

Edition 47 of my Pride study

2 Corinthians 7:2-7
2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

It is good to take pride in others, when they do right. Paul’s pride was one of seeing those who were doing good spiritually. He was encouraged by their actions. When Paul was in a time where he could have been discouraged, he say those who were repenting and became encouraged.

Luke 15:1-7
1 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Even in the darkest hour, when something good happens, I need to let it encourage me. That is so hard to do. Even thinking about it challenges me. I am doing so much better now than in days prior. Thanks for the calls and emails, it really does encourage me to know that the fellowship is good and well. When I see fellowship work like this, it reminds me of Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” When I walk like Christ, I stick closer than a brother.

Edition 46 of my Pride study

Monday, October 17th

Edition 46 of my Pride study

2 Corinthians 5:11-21
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

I am not to look at God through a worldly point of view. If I were to look at God this way, I would miss out on the close relationship God wants to have with me. God wants to use me to help others reconcile with him. I am to try to persuade others to God.

Reconcile (verb):

1. To reestablish a close relationship between.


2. To settle or resolve.

Persuade (verb):

1. To induce to undertake a course of action or embrace a point of view by means of argument, reasoning, or entreaty.

Edition 45 of my Pride study

Saturday, October 15th

Edition 45 of my Pride study (5 more to go)

1 Corinthians 4:1-7
1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

So, I think verse three really hits home. How big a people pleaser am I? Do I care if others think I am right? Well, yes, I do. It is not my place to judge. I live in a society where the news is always a big thing. Did you hear about this or that, people will ask. Gossip with the third degree.

Proverbs 20:19
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

Proverbs 11:13
13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

Proverbs 16:28
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 18:8 (also 26:22)
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Proverbs 26:20
20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

And finally, Proverbs 10:19
19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

I struggle with this. I thought I was being wise by chasing after atheists, but I see that all that I am doing is bringing about judgment in my heart against them, quarrelling about with them, and slandering them and letting them slander my belief. It re-instills their belief’s as it does mine, but at the same time, I am developing an anger that shouldn’t be. With this in mind, I feel that I shall stop acting in this way, repent of my unrighteous anger and move on with my life. I have no right to judge the unrighteous. That is my Gods place to do such, and if I were to judge others, I then would be condemning myself.

An Atheist in the Woods

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods, admiring all that the "accident of evolution" had created. "What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!" he said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing. He ran even faster, so scared that tears were coming to his eyes.

He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was even closer. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out "Oh my God!"

Time stopped.

The bear froze.

The forest was silent.

Even the river stopped moving.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky, "You deny my existence for all of these years; teach others I don't exist; and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as Christian now, but perhaps could you make the bear a Christian?" "Very well," said the voice. The light went out.

The river ran again.

And the sounds of the forest resumed.

And then the bear dropped his right paw

... brought both paws together...

bowed his head and spoke:

"Lord, for this food which I am about to receive, I am truly thankful”