December 31, 2007 7:02 AM
Sam wrote:
So ends another year. And so ends another book. 1st John was an interesting book when reading it with others, as I got a lot more out of it 'listening' to your comments. Rich, don't struggle with sin....it is obvious you have God in your heart. You have done remarkably well in as of late in your current family situation. (How IS little Richie any way?--You have not mentioned his pancreas/whatever problem in a while. Hope and pray everything is getting better.) John tells us in this chapter that we should have faith and belief in God; and if we do, then we have eternal life. Rich hit upon a great concept the other day....it is not the 'daily sin' which keeps someone from heaven, it is the lifestyle of sin that does. If sinning is a way of life for you (always lusting, hating, envying, lying, etc) then probably your chances of gaining eternity with the Father are slim. On the other hand, if these sins (and the others (maybe excluding murder, rape and stealing)) are not commonplace in your life, but occur with much less frequency, and you fight it each time, then I bet you stand a great chance of eternal bliss. Interesting that John 'glosses' over 'daily sins', and singles out, in the last sentence, the dangers of idols. Worshipping 'stuff' (or people) rather than God. We all probably have to watch this one, as we all probably, to some degrees, worship money as an idol. We try not to, but it is difficult in this society...as it probably was in Jesus' (and John's) day. Maybe I'll just try a wee bit harder next year. Well, adios, aloha and goodbye to 2007.....tomorrow we embark on a new year, a new life, AND a new book in the Bible. I'm going to post the book of Philippians on this blog, along with the book of Psalms....do with them as you feel.
December 31, 2007 10:45 AM
Rich wrote:
I also wish everyone a Happy New Year. I am actually quite happy with how 2007 is ending in my life. I have grown alot this year and I have much hope in the future. I have not been able to say that for many years.
Richie is doing much better in many ways. Physically, he seems to be completely healed from his gallbladder problems. He was in the hospital for a total of almost 2 weeks. They ran many tests and had surgery scheduled for him 3 times (to remove his gallbladder). The surgeon kept delaying the surgery because he was not totally convinced that removing his gallbladder was the best thing. He did not like the idea of such surgery on a 16 year old who was otherwise in perfect health. The night before the 3rd scheduled surgery, I layed my hands on his stomach and prayed. I specifically prayed that any demons that were causing the pain leave. About 2 hours later, Richie woke with severe pain and actual twitching on the left (i.e., other) side of his stomach. The nurse and I were amazed. We could actually see his stomach muscles moving. Richie was in tremendous pain and they had to give him a double dose of medicine just to allow him to settle down enough to rest. The next morning when he woke, ALL pain was gone (in both sides of his stomach). Three different doctors came in that day and all exams showed that he no longer had any gallbladder pain or problems. He was sent home the next day and since has showed no symptoms whatsoever.
I told Richie that I was totally convinced that God cured him and that God drove out a demon(s) that was causing his pain. About a week later, he told mom that the pain he had was a demon that God drove out.
Also, Richie has had a very bad relationship with my wife for the past 5 years. Very long story, but basically her illnesses, depression and medicines have had a large impact on him. Over the past month she has gotten better healthwise, she and I have made huge steps in repairing our marriage and trust, and the relationship between Richie and mom has changed dramatically. I am more excited and hopeful about the changes I am seeing there than anything else. All I need to do is listen to the two of them talk and laugh and I KNOW that God is real!!!
I have 2 simple goals for 2008: (1) to personally grow closer to God and (2) to help each member of my family to grow closer to God. I want to be able to sit here on December 31, 2008 and look back over the year and say with certainty that these goals were achieved. The process began in 2007 (in large part due to the help and encouragement I received from you guys). 2008 will truly be a GREAT year if it continues. Reply to this
So ends another year. And so ends another book. 1st John was an interesting book when reading it with others, as I got a lot more out of it 'listening' to your comments. Rich, don't struggle with sin....it is obvious you have God in your heart. You have done remarkably well in as of late in your current family situation. (How IS little Richie any way?--You have not mentioned his pancreas/whatever problem in a while. Hope and pray everything is getting better.) John tells us in this chapter that we should have faith and belief in God; and if we do, then we have eternal life. Rich hit upon a great concept the other day....it is not the 'daily sin' which keeps someone from heaven, it is the lifestyle of sin that does. If sinning is a way of life for you (always lusting, hating, envying, lying, etc) then probably your chances of gaining eternity with the Father are slim. On the other hand, if these sins (and the others (maybe excluding murder, rape and stealing)) are not commonplace in your life, but occur with much less frequency, and you fight it each time, then I bet you stand a great chance of eternal bliss. Interesting that John 'glosses' over 'daily sins', and singles out, in the last sentence, the dangers of idols. Worshipping 'stuff' (or people) rather than God. We all probably have to watch this one, as we all probably, to some degrees, worship money as an idol. We try not to, but it is difficult in this society...as it probably was in Jesus' (and John's) day. Maybe I'll just try a wee bit harder next year. Well, adios, aloha and goodbye to 2007.....tomorrow we embark on a new year, a new life, AND a new book in the Bible. I'm going to post the book of Philippians on this blog, along with the book of Psalms....do with them as you feel.
Happy New Year!
Reply to this
I also wish everyone a Happy New Year. I am actually quite happy with how 2007 is ending in my life. I have grown alot this year and I have much hope in the future. I have not been able to say that for many years.
Richie is doing much better in many ways. Physically, he seems to be completely healed from his gallbladder problems. He was in the hospital for a total of almost 2 weeks. They ran many tests and had surgery scheduled for him 3 times (to remove his gallbladder). The surgeon kept delaying the surgery because he was not totally convinced that removing his gallbladder was the best thing. He did not like the idea of such surgery on a 16 year old who was otherwise in perfect health. The night before the 3rd scheduled surgery, I layed my hands on his stomach and prayed. I specifically prayed that any demons that were causing the pain leave. About 2 hours later, Richie woke with severe pain and actual twitching on the left (i.e., other) side of his stomach. The nurse and I were amazed. We could actually see his stomach muscles moving. Richie was in tremendous pain and they had to give him a double dose of medicine just to allow him to settle down enough to rest. The next morning when he woke, ALL pain was gone (in both sides of his stomach). Three different doctors came in that day and all exams showed that he no longer had any gallbladder pain or problems. He was sent home the next day and since has showed no symptoms whatsoever.
I told Richie that I was totally convinced that God cured him and that God drove out a demon(s) that was causing his pain. About a week later, he told mom that the pain he had was a demon that God drove out.
Also, Richie has had a very bad relationship with my wife for the past 5 years. Very long story, but basically her illnesses, depression and medicines have had a large impact on him. Over the past month she has gotten better healthwise, she and I have made huge steps in repairing our marriage and trust, and the relationship between Richie and mom has changed dramatically. I am more excited and hopeful about the changes I am seeing there than anything else. All I need to do is listen to the two of them talk and laugh and I KNOW that God is real!!!
I have 2 simple goals for 2008: (1) to personally grow closer to God and (2) to help each member of my family to grow closer to God. I want to be able to sit here on December 31, 2008 and look back over the year and say with certainty that these goals were achieved. The process began in 2007 (in large part due to the help and encouragement I received from you guys). 2008 will truly be a GREAT year if it continues.
Reply to this