January 1, 2009 8:21 AM
Sam wrote:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Today, we have options. We can not blog, of course, as one. For a second option, we can read Proverbs and comment on it. For a third option, we can read James and comment on it. And for a fourth option, we can read both Proverbs and James and comment on them. Today, I am going to read James. For two reasons: My son, Daniel, whom I hope will join us in this blog, asked me to do this book as much he has learned in his program supposedly was derived from James. And two, Tony asked last year (yesterday) to do a lot in the New Testament. So, I am going to close this first comment with a thank you and a greeting. Thanks to God for allowing me to live through another year, and to all reading this, I wish you a very successful, profitable, and very spiritual journey through the entire year. Reply to this
January 1, 2009 8:53 AM
Sam wrote:
oops---that would be 2nd Kings, not Proverbs for options 2 and 4. Sorry about that. That was my FIRST mistake of the year, but I am sure I will make a coupla more. Reply to this
January 1, 2009 8:34 AM
Sam wrote:
James 1. There are enough suggestions/commands in this chapter to keep us all very busy all year long if we elect them as New Year's resolutions. JB asked a coupla days ago, what our resolutions might be. After reading this chapter, I think I will try the following: Learn from the many trials that come my way, knowing God is testing, not tempting me. Finish projects I started in 2008 (and some earlier than that which remain undone). Gain more wisdom from daily searches of God's Word. Better control of my anger...badly needed resolution here. Do what the Word says, don't just read and talk about it. Get rid of filth (which can be a long line of things from lust to greed to pride). Whew....tired already just THINKING about these resolutions. And note that all of these are not very specific (topic/time line)...and they SHOULD be, but for now I will just try to improve on each of them. One SPECIFIC goal this year, however, is to restart my dieting and exercise program (I had lost 35 pounds last year in the first 7 months, but gained back 15 in the last 5) and get to, and stay at 175 pounds. I NEED YOUR encouragement every day to help remind me to stay away from carbs, eat salads and healthy meals, refraining from a lot of beer and alcohol. I would not mind a daily reminder from EACH of you to help me attain this goal. What can I do for you? Reply to this
January 1, 2009 10:30 PM
Johnbob wrote:
Wow. Those are a lot of goals. I decided to do only two. I don't remember if I put this last time, but I haven't made goals in a long time - years. I would just be too depressed or lack faith or be in sin or all of the above. But this year I have hope. So my one goal is to pray - a lot more. Pray more with brothers. Pray more with my wife. The second is to learn more Spanish to be more relatable to my wife and her family.
So if you can do all those goals, Mac, then that is awesome, but you might want to pick out just a couple to really commit to it.
So, anyway, how is your anger going concerning you family members staying with you? Reply to this
I have two new year resolutions. 1-read the blog every day and post something (thay may not all be impressive but it will show that I am in it daily) 2 speak the truth in love. If i have to talk (or blog) to one or more of you about a character sin i see I want to be bold enough to show you your flaws. I believe we have a bond that will believe I are doing it out of love.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
temper, temper, temper. it is a vile thing, becoming angry to the point of breaking things, punching holes in walls and so on. If you continue to behave this way you are a stumbling block for those around you and are a poor example to your children. Our children watch and follow our example, and to see them have fits like they have learned from there father it is a shame. I used to have fits like this, but I have not behaved like this in a while. If we are quick to listen and slow to speak and take everything to God in prayer (I am still trying to remember this part) the anger should leave. My father used to scare me to death with his temper, I do not want my children to have that kind of fear. it is not a healthy fear. Also, if we are considering our trials pure joy, we would be much less apt to lose our tempers. Men of God, be the example in your home. Reply to this
January 1, 2009 10:35 PM
Johnbob wrote:
Great resolutions. I am glad that you are growing in dealing with your anger - sounds like you are breaking the chain in terms of generational tendencies toward sin.
There are certain things that I don't feel like I have totally broken the chain regarding my dad and me and my son. Reply to this
January 1, 2009 12:30 PM
Tony wrote:
26 "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." One should not speak out in anger but should remain silent and listen, pray for wisdom and patience. 27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." How do you keep from being polluted by the world? The world is so full of garbage, everywhere you look and everything you hear, nothing but garbage. Happy new year. Reply to this
January 1, 2009 10:46 PM
Johnbob wrote:
Great scriptures about peseverance. Sometimes I think that the single quality that is absolutely required to remain faithful to God is perseverance. I give up too easily, though I made some good strides in 2008.
4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Perseverance is important so that you can mature. Have you ever met a man (or woman) that is in his 30s, 40s, or 50s, yet there are parts of his character that are still stuck in their teens. Think about addictions, affairs, and even just every day sins - a lot of it comes because we don't persevere. As Rick says, he doesn't punch the wall anymore - amen! - but it took some persevering until he matured out of that. With me, it is still impurity - like when I first got involved finding my dad's 'stash' of magazines - it is still something I haven't matured in.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Satan fakes me out too much - I don't 'stand the test' and persevere - it is deeply embedded in my character. I am overweight - because I can't persevere in my eating habits (I think I get enough exercise). But I am not giving up - we will see what this year brings. Reply to this
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Today, we have options. We can not blog, of course, as one. For a second option, we can read Proverbs and comment on it. For a third option, we can read James and comment on it. And for a fourth option, we can read both Proverbs and James and comment on them. Today, I am going to read James. For two reasons: My son, Daniel, whom I hope will join us in this blog, asked me to do this book as much he has learned in his program supposedly was derived from James. And two, Tony asked last year (yesterday) to do a lot in the New Testament. So, I am going to close this first comment with a thank you and a greeting. Thanks to God for allowing me to live through another year, and to all reading this, I wish you a very successful, profitable, and very spiritual journey through the entire year.
Reply to this
oops---that would be 2nd Kings, not Proverbs for options 2 and 4. Sorry about that. That was my FIRST mistake of the year, but I am sure I will make a coupla more.
Reply to this
James 1.
There are enough suggestions/commands in this chapter to keep us all very busy all year long if we elect them as New Year's resolutions. JB asked a coupla days ago, what our resolutions might be. After reading this chapter, I think I will try the following:
Learn from the many trials that come my way, knowing God is testing, not tempting me.
Finish projects I started in 2008 (and some earlier than that which remain undone).
Gain more wisdom from daily searches of God's Word.
Better control of my anger...badly needed resolution here.
Do what the Word says, don't just read and talk about it.
Get rid of filth (which can be a long line of things from lust to greed to pride).
Whew....tired already just THINKING about these resolutions. And note that all of these are not very specific (topic/time line)...and they SHOULD be, but for now I will just try to improve on each of them. One SPECIFIC goal this year, however, is to restart my dieting and exercise program (I had lost 35 pounds last year in the first 7 months, but gained back 15 in the last 5) and get to, and stay at 175 pounds. I NEED YOUR encouragement every day to help remind me to stay away from carbs, eat salads and healthy meals, refraining from a lot of beer and alcohol. I would not mind a daily reminder from EACH of you to help me attain this goal.
What can I do for you?
Reply to this
Wow. Those are a lot of goals. I decided to do only two. I don't remember if I put this last time, but I haven't made goals in a long time - years. I would just be too depressed or lack faith or be in sin or all of the above. But this year I have hope. So my one goal is to pray - a lot more. Pray more with brothers. Pray more with my wife. The second is to learn more Spanish to be more relatable to my wife and her family.
So if you can do all those goals, Mac, then that is awesome, but you might want to pick out just a couple to really commit to it.
So, anyway, how is your anger going concerning you family members staying with you?
Reply to this
Good morning and happy new year!!!
I have two new year resolutions.
1-read the blog every day and post something (thay may not all be impressive but it will show that I am in it daily)
2 speak the truth in love. If i have to talk (or blog) to one or more of you about a character sin i see I want to be bold enough to show you your flaws. I believe we have a bond that will believe I are doing it out of love.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
temper, temper, temper. it is a vile thing, becoming angry to the point of breaking things, punching holes in walls and so on. If you continue to behave this way you are a stumbling block for those around you and are a poor example to your children.
Our children watch and follow our example, and to see them have fits like they have learned from there father it is a shame. I used to have fits like this, but I have not behaved like this in a while. If we are quick to listen and slow to speak and take everything to God in prayer (I am still trying to remember this part) the anger should leave. My father used to scare me to death with his temper, I do not want my children to have that kind of fear. it is not a healthy fear. Also, if we are considering our trials pure joy, we would be much less apt to lose our tempers. Men of God, be the example in your home.
Reply to this
Great resolutions. I am glad that you are growing in dealing with your anger - sounds like you are breaking the chain in terms of generational tendencies toward sin.
There are certain things that I don't feel like I have totally broken the chain regarding my dad and me and my son.
Reply to this
26 "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." One should not speak out in anger but should remain silent and listen, pray for wisdom and patience. 27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." How do you keep from being polluted by the world? The world is so full of garbage, everywhere you look and everything you hear, nothing but garbage.
Happy new year.
Reply to this
Great scriptures about peseverance. Sometimes I think that the single quality that is absolutely required to remain faithful to God is perseverance. I give up too easily, though I made some good strides in 2008.
4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Perseverance is important so that you can mature. Have you ever met a man (or woman) that is in his 30s, 40s, or 50s, yet there are parts of his character that are still stuck in their teens. Think about addictions, affairs, and even just every day sins - a lot of it comes because we don't persevere. As Rick says, he doesn't punch the wall anymore - amen! - but it took some persevering until he matured out of that. With me, it is still impurity - like when I first got involved finding my dad's 'stash' of magazines - it is still something I haven't matured in.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Satan fakes me out too much - I don't 'stand the test' and persevere - it is deeply embedded in my character. I am overweight - because I can't persevere in my eating habits (I think I get enough exercise). But I am not giving up - we will see what this year brings.
Reply to this