I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation], but he has already passed over out of death into life.  John 5:24

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 2Mile Swim at lake Pflugerville
2. Read: Wireless Networking in the Developing World p96
3. Iron clothes

I am currently reading the book – Wireless Networking in the Developing World and while reading, I could not help but imagine all the possibilities. Then ideas and projects pop out of nowhere and I began to wonder of “what I can I do or contribute?”.  My knowledge on Windows servers is up to date to the latest technology [ie. Sharepoint, Exchange, SQL Servers, Windows Networking, Windows Media Streaming]  but there was one question lingering in my mind – How to build the network infrastructure specially in remote areas where there is limited internet connectivity. This book that I am reading provided some insights. 

In the US, we have everything we need and we can always get what we want in a matter of seconds.  In some places, getting what we have is just a dream.  I still believe that to some of us, we are sent out from our homeland to experience something and then one day come back and apply those knowledge locally.  Merida has been my inspiration for a long time now and I am hoping that one day, I can be of some value to that small town. 

Now back to the verse of day… When I stumble Words like these, I normally stops and contemplate.  What does it mean?  Is He talking to me?  Is the verse addressed to me?  Does this matter to me? 
1. Listen to Him
2. Believe in God
3. Trust in the Lord
4. Cling to Him
5. Rely

Just read Barnes notes below.  He explained John 5:24 better.

The town of Merida

Red letter means-Jesus talking

Barnes on Joh 5:24 –
He that heareth my word – To “hear,” in this place, evidently denotes not the outward act of hearing, but to receive in a proper manner; to suffer it to make its proper impression on the mind; to obey. The word “hear” is often used in this sense, Mat_11:15; Joh_8:47; Act_3:23. Many persons outwardly hear the gospel who neither understand nor obey it.

My word – My doctrine, my teaching. All that Jesus taught about Himself, as well as about the Father.
On him that sent me – On the Father, who, in the plan of redemption, is represented as “sending” his Son to save men. See Joh_3:17. Faith in God, who sent his Son, is here represented as being connected with everlasting life; but there can be no faith in him who “sent” his Son, without faith also in him who is “sent.” The belief of one of the true doctrines of religion is connected with, and will lead to, the belief of all.

Hath everlasting life – The state of man by nature is represented as death in sin, Eph_2:1. Religion is the opposite of this, or is “life.” The “dead” regard not anything. They are unaffected by the cares, pleasures, amusements of the world. They hear neither the voice of merriment nor the tread of the living over their graves. So with sinners. They are unmoved with the, things of religion. They hear not the voice of God; they see not his loveliness; they care not for his threatening. But religion is “life.” The Christian lives with God, and feels and acts as if there was a God. Religion, and its blessings here and hereafter, are one and the same. The happiness of heaven is living for God – being sensible of his presence, and glory, and power – and rejoicing in that. There shall be no more “death” there, Rev_21:4. This “life,” or this religion, whether on earth or in heaven, is the same – the same joys extended and expanded forever. Hence, when a man is converted, it is said that he “has” everlasting life; not merely shall have but is already in possession of that life or happiness which shall be everlasting. It is life begun, expanded, ripening for the skies. He has already entered on his inheritance – that inheritance which is everlasting.

Shall not come into condemnation – He was by nature under condemnation. See Joh_3:18. Here it is declared that he shall not return to that state, or he will not be again condemned. This promise is sure; it is made by the Son of God, and there is no one that can pluck them out of his hand, Joh_10:28. Compare the notes at Rom_8:1.

But is passed from death unto life – Has “passed over” from a state of spiritual death to the life of the Christian. The word translated “is passed” would be better expressed by “has passed.” It implies that he has done it voluntarily; that none compelled him; and that the passage is made unto “everlasting” life. Because Christ is the author of this life in the soul, he is called the “Life” Joh_1:4; and as he has “always” existed, and is the Source of “all life,” he is called the “eternal life,” 1Jo_5:20.

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Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! [Isa. 55:1, 2.]  Matthew 5:6 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 30Mile Bike
2. Research HSMM-MESH Networking

To some people, when they discover something interesting, they write a book about it.  Well today, I want to save you some money – this is free of charge.
“How to be completely satisfied in life?” Answer: Don’t just do the right thing, thirst for it.  Keep looking for righteousness.  Ask yourself “the question” every time you do something or make a decision.  There are two category of things that we do in life, one is ‘”right” and the other is “wrong” – that simple and there is no half right or wrong.
Examples:
1. Treat people with gentleness, that is the right thing to do.
2. Don’t verbally abuse a co-worker, that is the right thing.
3. What about, saying hello to your spouse upon arrival.
4. Doing your job at work instead of wasting company’s money.
5. What about being totally honest to your husband or wife.
6. What about eating right and exercising
7. Doing chores at home before being told
8. Doing your homework on time before your parents tell you
9. Taking responsibility and taking ownership
10. What about listening good instead of talking.

I came across some interesting projects. 
HSMM-MESH Network
http://wndw.net/
http://asteriskradio.net/wp/hsmm/
http://www.titanwirelessonline.com/
http://www.l-com.com/home.aspx
http://www.fab-corp.com/
http://www.wlanparts.com/
http://www.wrtrouters.com/

Barnes on Mat 5:6 –
Blessed are they which do hunger … – Hunger and thirst, here, are expressive of strong desire. Nothing would better express the strong desire which we ought to feel to obtain righteousness than hunger and thirst. No needs are so keen, none so imperiously demand supply, as these. They occur daily, and when long continued, as in case of those shipwrecked, and doomed to wander months or years over burning sands, with scarcely any drink or food, nothing is more distressing. An ardent desire for anything is often represented in the Scriptures by hunger and thirst, Psa_42:1-2; Psa_63:1-2. A desire for the blessings of pardon and peace; a deep sense of sin, and want, and wretchedness, is also represented by thirsting, Isa_55:1-2.

They shall be filled – They shall be satisfied as a hungry man is when supplied with food, or a thirsty man when supplied with drink. Those who are perishing for want of righteousness; those who feel that they are lost sinners and strongly desire to be holy, shall be thus satisfied. Never was there a desire to be holy which God was not willing to gratify, and the gospel of Christ has made provision to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy. See Isa_55:1-3; Isa_65:13; Joh_4:14; Joh_6:35; Joh_7:37-38; Psa_17:15.

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God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?  Numbers 23:19

0730hours, If you really take the verse today literally, it means that “God tells 100% truth”, that everything He says in the Bible is true.  It is really hard to measure faith, how far can we go deeper when we try to believe that God never lies.  First, we really have to believe that the Bible is His Word.  How true is that? How can we be so convinced that it is.  Well, that is when faith comes.  You really have to believe first in Him and then when your faith is established in your heart, you will begin reading His Word and then His Words becomes alive and your journey into faith starts. 

I am excited when I read a verse like this – “God cannot lie”  because He mentioned many promises in the Bible for you and me and imagine… those will come true. 
What are those exciting Promises: [these are just a few that I like]
1. What about when He said He will give peace and comfort and joy and hope
2. What about when He said, I will provide for you
3. What about when He said, I will never leave you nor forsake you
4. What about when He said, I will give you long life [hmmm, really and not in the 40’s]

Dream #1:
I was staying in a house that was not so organized, furniture were not properly arranged and even saw my time trial bike parked blocking the kitchen.  A manager from one of the Samsung department visited the house but he was visiting the girl staying with me. He brought flowers to that girl indicating he was trying to win the heart of the girl.

Dream #2:
My family was in a vacation in Cebu and the objective of the day was to go to a special place somewhere up in the mountains.  I decided not to bring my camera but when we arrived at the location, the place was so beautiful and told them that I need to leave the group and go back home to get my camera. On my way back home, I have to ride a jeepney [for those who don’t know, just google it] and since the location was at the mountain top and there was no place to turn around, the driver has to drive backwards from the long downhill and at the slope was a knee-deep river.  Since it was a steep backward downhill, we got wet a little bit when we plunged backward into the river. So I arrived home but somehow I got side tracked and lost the awareness of time and my purpose of going home and totally forgotten that my family was waiting. When I realized that, it was already 2-3 hours past the timetable.

1047hours, Church was great today. We had a communion and of course I was by myself.  My team as usual was still sleeping and I really wish they were with me.  My household is still divided when it comes to faith.  I guess I have to go on this journey by myself most of the time.  I am not worried about it for God had made a promise.  In due season, their eyes will be open.  I truly understand that “the walk with God” is an individual journey and not a group effort.  Each one of us must go through each phase of the journey alone and in that essence, we truly experience and know Him, when that happens, our faith is established beyond no doubt. One day…

Here’s the summary of today’s sermon [myNotes] .
Characteristics of No Ordinary Kids
1. They are reaching for EXCELLENCE
2. They are MORALLY SECURED
3. They are BOLD
4. They are WISE
5. They have great ATTITUDE
6. They are GODLY

 MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Celebration Church
2. 15Mile Time Trial
3. Mow yard
4. Read about Sharepoint Content Types Modification, [problem at work]

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For this we declare to you by the Lord’s [own] word, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall in no way precede [into His presence] or have any advantage at all over those who have previously fallen asleep [in Him in death].  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first. I Thessalonians 4:15-16

A little hard to comprehend at first but when you read the full chapter, you will truly understand what Paul is talking about.  Be interested not in the rewards of seeing Him at the end but of who else can be with you during the end times. 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 3Mile Leg Workout
2. Work=10H
3.

Barnes on 1Th 4:15 –
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord – By the command or inspired teaching of the Lord. Prof. Bush (Anastasis, p. 265) supposes that the apostle here alludes to what the Saviour says in Mat_24:30-31, “And they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven,” etc. It is possible that Paul may have designed a general allusion to all that the Lord had said about his coming, but there cannot have been an exclusive reference to that passage, for in what he says here there are several circumstances mentioned to which the Saviour in Matthew does not allude. The probability, therefore, is, that Paul means that the Lord Jesus had made a special communication to him on the subject.
That we which are alive – See this fully explained in the notes on 1Co_15:51. From this expression, it would seem, that some of the Thessalonians supposed that Paul meant to teach that he himself, and many of the living, would survive until the coming of the Lord Jesus, and, of course, that that event was near at hand. That this was not his meaning, however, he is at special pains to show in 2Th_2:1-10.

And remain unto the coming of the Lord – Those Christians who shall then be alive.

Shall not prevent them which are asleep – Shall not precede; anticipate; go before. The word prevent with us is now commonly used in the sense of hinder, but this is never its meaning in the Scriptures. The word, in the time of the translators of the Bible, was used in its primitive and proper sense (praevenio), meaning to precede, or anticipate. Job_3:12,” why did the knees prevent me?” That is, why did they anticipate me, so that I did not perish, Psa_79:8, “Let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us;” that is, go before us in danger. Psa_119:147, “I prevented the dawning of the morning and cried;” that is, I anticipated it, or I prayed before the morning dawned. Mat_17:25,” Jesus prevented him, saying;” that is, Jesus anticipated him; he commenced speaking before Peter had told him what he had said; compare Psa_17:13; Psa_59:10; Psa_88:13; Psa_95:2; 2Sa_22:6, 2Sa_22:19; Job_30:27; Job_41:11 The meaning here is, that they who would be alive at the coming of the Lord Jesus, would not be “changed” and received up into glory before those who were in their graves were raised up. The object seems to be to correct an opinion which prevailed among the Thessalonians that they who should survive to the coming of the Lord Jesus would have great advantages over those who had died. What they supposed those advantages would be – whether the privilege of seeing him come, or that they would be raised to higher honors in heaven, or that they who had died would not rise at all, does not appear, nor is the origin of this sentiment known. It is clear, however, that it was producing an increase of their sorrow on the death of their pious friends, and hence it was very important to correct the error. The apostle, therefore, states that no such disadvantage could follow, for the matter of fact was, that the dead would rise first.

1Th 4:16 –
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven – notes, Act_1:11.

With a shout – The word here used (κέλευσμα  keleusma), does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It properly means a “cry’ of excitement, or of arging on; an outcry, clamor, or shout, as of sailors at the oar, Luc. Catapl. 19; of soldiers rushing to battle, Thuc. 3:14; of a multitude of people, Diod. Sic. 3:15; of a huntsman to his dogs, Xen. Ven. 6:20. It does not mean here, that the Lord would himself make such a shout, but that he would be attended with it; that is, with a multitude who would lift up the voice like that of an army rushing to the conflict.

With the voice of the archangel – The word archangel occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, except in Jud_1:9, where it is applied to Michael. It properly means a chief angel; one who is first, or who is over others – ἄρχων  archōn. The word is not found in the Septuagint, and the only archangel, therefore, which is named in the Scriptures, is Michael; Jud_1:9; compare Rev_12:7. Seven angels, however, are referred to in the Scriptures as having an eminence above others, and these are commonly regarded as archangels. Rev_8:2, “and I saw the seven angels which stood before God.” One of these is supposed to be referred to in the Book of Tobit, 12:15, “I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.” The names of three only of the seven are mentioned in the Jewish writings: Michael, the patron of the Jewish nation, Dan_10:13, Dan_10:21; Dan_12:1.
Gabriel, Dan_8:16; Dan_9:21; compare Luk_1:19, Luk_1:26. Raphael, Tobit 3:17; 5:4; 8:2; 9:1, 5; 12:15. The Book of Enoch adds that of Uriel, pp. 187, 190, 191, 193. Michael is mentioned as one “of the chief princes,” Dan_10:13; and as “the great prince,” Dan_12:1; compare notes on Eph_1:21, and see an article by Prof. Stuart in the Bibliotheca Sacra. No. 1, on Angelology. It seems evident from the Scriptures, that there is one or more among the angels to whom the name archangel properly belongs. This view is in accordance with the doctrine in the Scriptures that the heavenly beings are divided into ranks and orders, for if so, it is not unreasonable to suppose that there should be one or more to whom the most exalted rank pertains; compare Rev_12:7. Whether there is more than one to whom this name appropriately belongs, it is impossible now to determine, and is not material. The word here (in Greek) is without the article, and the phrase might be rendered, “with the voice of an archangel.”
The Syriac renders it, “with the voice of the prince of the angels.” On an occasion so august and momentous as that of the coming of the final Judge of all mankind; the resurrection of the dead, and the solemn transactions before the tribunal of the Son of God deciding the destiny of countless million for ever, it will not be inappropriate that the highest among the heavenly hosts should be present and take an important part in the solemnities of the day. It is not quite certain what is meant here by “the voice of the archangel,” or for what purpose that voice will be heard. It cannot be that it will be to raise the dead – for that will be by the “voice of the Son of God” Joh_5:28-29, and it seems most probable that the meaning is, that this will be a part of the loud shout or cry which will be made by the descending hosts of heaven; or perhaps it may be for the purpose of summoning the world to the bar of judgment; compare Mat_24:31.

And with the trump of God – The trump which God appoints to be sounded on that solemn occasion. It does not mean that it will be sounded by God himself; see the notes on Mat_24:31.
And the dead in Christ – Christians.
Shall rise first – That is, before the living shall be changed. A doctrine similar to this was held by the Jews. “Resch Lachisch said, Those who die in the land of Israel shall rise first in the days of the Messiah.” See Wetstein, in loc. It is implied in all this description, that the interval between their resurrection and the change which will occur to the living, will be brief, or that the one will rapidly succeed the other compare notes, 1Co_15:23, 1Co_15:51-52.

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He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved. How long will you set upon a man that you may slay him, all of you, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence? They only consult to cast him down from his height [to dishonor him]; they delight in lies. They bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!  My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved.  With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Psalm62: 2-7

During my Aikido training years ago, I learned the following good principles for the Unification of Body, Mind and Spirit.  During the peak of my training, my body and mind was so in-tuned but something was still missing deep inside, nothing can satisfy my longings and then I was led to discover a faith that changed it all.  The following principles are still being practiced today but I changed the reference and the focus.
1. Keep One Point
2. Relax Completely
3. Keep Weight Underside
4. Extend Ki

If I have to counsel someone today who is still searching for something, I will say “find the truth about God and His mercy”.  He is the only one that will make things plain and simple to us and put everything in perspective.  Having faith is not a weakness, it is a secret power and a very heavy spiritual anchor in life that when the trials and tribulation comes, we won’t be swift away. 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 3Mile Leg Workout
2. Work-10H
3.

Barnes on Psa 62:2 –
He only is my rock … – See the notes at Psa_18:2.
I shall not be greatly moved – The word greatly here, or much – “I shall not be much moved,” implies that he did not anticipate perfect security from danger or calamity; he did not suppose that he would escape all disaster or trouble, but he felt that no great evil would befall him, that his most important interests were safe, and that he would be ultimately secure. He would be restored to his home and his throne, and would be favored with future peace and tranquility. None of us can hope wholly to escape calamity in this life. It is enough if we can be assured that our great interests will be ultimately secured; that we shall be safe at last in the heavenly world. Having that confidence the soul may be, and should be, calm; and we need little apprehend what will occur in this world.

Psa 62:3 –
How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? – The original word here rendered “imagine mischief,” from התת  hâthath, occurs only in this place. It means, according to Gesenius (Lexicon), to break in upon; to set upon; to assail: “How long will ye break in upon a man?” that is, set upon him. So the Septuagint, and the Latin Vulgate. It does not refer to their merely forming purposes of mischief against a man, but to their making assaults upon him; to their endeavoring to take his life or to destroy him. The address here is to the enemies of David, and the language would apply well to the attempts made upon his life by Absalom and his followers. The question here is, “how long” they would continue to do this; how long they would show this determined purpose to take his life; whether they would never cease thus to persecute him. They had already done it long; they had showed great perseverance in this course of wickedness; and he asks whether it would never come to an end? Who these persons were he does not intimate; but there can be no great danger of mistake in referring the description to Absalom and his adherents.
Ye shall be slain all of you – Prof. Alexander renders this entire passage,” Will ye murder (that is, seek to murder him) all of you (combined against a single person, who is consequently) like wall inclined (or bent by violence), fence (or hedge) crushed (broken down).” So, substantially, DeWette renders it. Those who thus interpret the passage give it an active signification, meaning that his enemies pressed upon him, like a wall that was bent by violence, or a fence that was likely to fall on one. The original word rendered “ye shall be slain,” tªraatsªchuw – תרצחוּ  terâtsechû, is in the active form (Piel), and cannot without violence be rendered in the passive, as it is in our translation. But the active form may still be retained, and a consistent meaning be given to the whole passage without the forced meaning put on it in the rendering by Prof. Alexander. It is not natural to speak of enemies as so coming on a man as to make him like a falling wall, or a tottering fence. The evident idea is, that they themselves would be as a falling wall; that is, that they would be defeated or disappointed in their purpose, as a wall that has no solid foundation tumbles to the ground. The meaning of the original may be thus expressed: “How long will ye assail a man, that ye may put him to death? All of you shall be as a bowing wall,” etc. That is, You will not accomplish your design; you will fail in your enterprise, as a wall without strength falls to the ground.
As a bowing wall – A wall that bows out, or swells out; a wall that may fall at any moment. See the notes at Isa_30:13.
And as a tottering fence – A fence that is ready to fall; that has no firmness. So it would be with them. Their purposes would suddenly give way, as a fence does when the posts are rotted off, and when there is nothing to support it.

Psa 62:4 –
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency – This is the object of all their counsels and plans. They aim at one high in rank – and their purpose, their sole purpose, is to bring him down. This would apply well to the case of David in the time of the rebellion of Absalom.
They delight in lies – In false pretences; in secret plans of evil; in hypocritical assurances. This was eminently true of Absalom, who made use of these arts to seduce the people from allegiance to his father. 2Sa_15:1-6.
They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly – They profess true attachment and zeal, but they are traitors at heart. See the notes at Psa_28:3. This, too, would apply well to the conduct of Absalom and those associated with him.

Psa 62:5 –
My soul, wait thou only upon God – See the notes at Psa_62:1. There is, in the word used here, and rendered wait, the same idea of rest or repose which occurs in Psa_62:1. The meaning is, that he would commit the whole cause to God, and that his soul would thus be calm and without apprehension.
For my expectation is from him – In Psa_62:1, this is salvation. The idea here is, that all that he expected or hoped for must come from God. He did not rely on his fellow men; he did not rely on himself. God alone could deliver him, and he confidently believed that God would do it. Often are we in such circumstances that we feel that our only “expectation” – our only hope – is in God. All our strength fails; all our resources are exhausted; our fellow-men cannot or will not aid us; our own efforts seem to be vain; our plans are frustrated, and we are shut up to the conclusion that God alone can help us. How often is this felt by a Christian parent in regard to the conversion of his children. All his own efforts seem to be vain; all that he says is powerless; his hopes, long-cherished, are disappointed; his very prayers seem not to be heard; and he is made to feel that his only hope is in God – a sovereign God – and that the whole case must be left in His hands. This state of mind, when it is fully reached, is often all that is needful in order that our desires may be granted. It is desirable that this state of mind should be produced; and when it is produced, the prayer is answered.

Psa 62:6 –
He only is my rock … – See the notes at Psa_62:2. The only difference between this verse and Psa_62:2 is, that in this verse the word “greatly” is omitted. The psalmist declares here in the most absolute manner, that he shall not be “moved” at all. In Psa_62:2, he said that he would not be “greatly moved;” his mind would not be much or materially disturbed. The language here indicates more entire confidence – more certain conviction – showing that the slight apprehension or fear which existed in the beginning of the psalm, had been wholly dissipated, and that his mind had become perfectly calm.

Psa 62:7 –
In God is my salvation – See Psa_62:1. That is, his salvation, his safety, his anticipated deliverance, was to come only from God.
And my glory – That in which I glory or boast; the source of all in me that is glorious or honorable. he gloried that there was such a God; he gloried that He was his God.
The rock of my strength – The strong rock; the refuge that cannot be successfully assailed; where I shall feel strong and secure. See the notes at Psa_18:2.
My refuge – That to which I may flee for safety. See the notes at Psa_46:1.

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But showing mercy and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.  Exodus 20:6 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Rest
2. Work-10h
3.

Barnes on Exo_20:6
Unto thousands – unto the thousandth generation. Yahweh’s visitations of chastisement extend to the third and fourth generation, his visitations of mercy to the thousandth; that is, forever.

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Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit. Revelation 22:12

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Rest
2. Work-10H
3.

Barnes on Rev 22:12 –
And behold, I come quickly – See the notes on Rev_1:1, Rev_1:3. These are undoubtedly the words of the Redeemer; and the meaning is, that the period when the unchanging sentence would be passed on each individual – on the unjust, the filthy, the righteous, and the holy – would not be remote. The design of this seems to be to impress on the mind the solemnity of the truth that the condition hereafter will soon be fixed, and to lead people to prepare for it. In reference to each individual, the period is near when it is to be determined whether he will be holy or sinful to all eternity. What thought could there be more adapted to impress on the mind the importance of giving immediate attention to the concerns of the soul?

And my reward is with me – I bring it with me to give to every man: either life or death; heaven or hell; the crown or the curse. He will be prepared immediately to execute the sentence. Compare Mat. 25:31-46.

To give every man according as his work shall be – See the Mat_16:27 note; Rom_2:6 note; 2Co_5:10 note.

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If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. James 1:5

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 2-Mile Swim at Lake Pflugerville
2.
3.

I finished reading the book “Windows Server 2008 R2” last night [only 200 pages].  I was already running R2 2 months ago but I did not know what was added to the R2 release.  Some key points:  Here’s a one-page summary of the new W2008 R2 Components.
1. Better Hyper-V
2. IIS 7.5 improvement
3. Only runs on x64
4. Powershell v2
5. Direct Access, a VPN replacement
6. RDP is a lot better
7. Server Core now includes .Net Framework to run asp.net

Barnes on Jam 1:5 –
If any of you lack wisdom – Probably this refers particularly to the kind of wisdom which they would need in their trials, to enable them to bear them in a proper manner, for there is nothing in which Christians more feel the need of heavenly wisdom than in regard to the manner in which they should bear trials, and what they should do in the perplexities, and disappointments, and bereavements that come upon them; but the language employed is so general, that what is here said may be applied to the need of wisdom in all respects. The particular kind of wisdom which we need in trials is to enable us to understand their design and tendency; to perform our duty under them, or the new duties which may grow out of them; to learn the lessons which God designs to teach, for he always designs to teach us some valuable lessons by affliction; and to cultivate such views and feelings as are appropriate under the peculiar forms of trial which are brought upon us; to find out the sins for which we have been afflicted, and to learn how we may avoid them in time to come. We are in great danger of going wrong when we are afflicted; of complaining and murmuring; of evincing a spirit of rebellion, and of losing the benefits which we might have obtained if we had submitted to the trial in a proper manner. So in all things we “lack wisdom.” We are short-sighted; we have hearts prone to sin; and there are great and important matters pertaining to duty and salvation on which we cannot but feel that we need heavenly guidance.

Let him ask of God – That is, for the specific wisdom which he needs; the very wisdom which is necessary for him in the particular case. It is proper to bear the very case before God; to make mention of the specific want; to ask of God to guide us in the very matter where we feel so much embarrassment. It is one of the privileges of Christians, that they may not only go to God and ask him for that general wisdom which is needful for them in life, but that whenever a particular emergency arises, a case of perplexity and difficulty in regard to duty, they may bring that particular thing before his throne, with the assurance that he will guide them. Compare Psa_25:9; Isa_37:14; Joe_2:17.

That giveth to all men liberally – The word men here is supplied by the translators, but not improperly, though the promise should be regarded as restricted to those who ask. The object of the writer was to encourage those who felt their need of wisdom, to go and ask it of God; and it would not contribute anything to furnish such a specific encouragement to say of God that he gives to all men liberally whether they ask or not. In the Scriptures, the promise of divine aid is always limited to the desire. No blessing is promised to man that is not sought; no man can feel that he has a right to hope for the favor of God, who does not value it enough to pray for it; no one ought to obtain it, who does not prize it enough to ask for it. Compare Mat_7:7-8. The word rendered “liberally” haploos – means, properly, “simply;” that is, in simplicity, sincerity, reality. It occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, though the corresponding noun occurs in Rom_12:8; 2Co_1:12; 2Co_11:3, rendered simplicity; in 2Co_8:2; 2Co_9:13, rendered “liberality,” and “liberal;” 2Co_9:11, rendered “bountifulness;” and Eph_6:5; Col_3:22, rendered “singleness,” of the heart. The idea seems to be that of openness, frankness, generosity; the absence of all that is sordid and contracted; where there is the manifestation of generous feeling, and liberal conduct. In a higher sense than in the case of any man, all that is excellent in these things is to be found in God; and we may therefore come to him feeling that in his heart there is more that is noble and generous in bestowing favors than in any other being. There is nothing that is stinted and close; there is no partiality; there is no withholding of his favor because we are poor, and unlettered, and unknown.

And upbraideth not – Does not reproach, rebuke, or treat harshly. He does not coldly repel us, if we come and ask what we need, though we do it often and with importunity. Compare Luk_18:1-7. The proper meaning of the Greek word is to rail at, reproach, revile, chide; and the object here is probably to place the manner in which God bestows his favors in contrast with what sometimes occurs among men. He does not reproach or chide us for our past conduct; for our foolishness; for our importunity in asking. He permits us to come in the most free manner, and meets us with a Spirit of entire kindness, and with promptness in granting our requests. We are not always sure, when we ask a favor of a man, that we shall not encounter something that will be repulsive, or that will mortify us; we are certain, however, when we ask a favor of God, that we shall never be reproached in an unfeeling manner, or meet with a harsh response.

And it shall be given him – Compare Jer_29:12-13; “Then shall ye call upon me, and go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with your whole heart.” See also Mat_7:7-8; Mat_21:22; Mar_11:24; 1Jo_3:22; 1Jo_5:14. This promise in regard to the wisdom that may be necessary for us, is absolute; and we may be sure that if it be asked in a proper manner it will be granted us. There can be no doubt that it is one of the things which God is able to impart; which will be for our own good; and which, therefore, he is ever ready to bestow. About many things there might be doubt whether, if they were granted, they would be for our real welfare, and therefore there may be a doubt whether it would be consistent for God to bestow them; but there can be no such doubt about wisdom. That is always for our good; and we may be sure, therefore, that we shall obtain that, if the request be made with a right spirit. If it be asked in what way we may expect he will bestow it on us, it may be replied:
(1)    That it is through his word – by enabling us to see clearly the meaning of the sacred volume, and to understand the directions which he has there given to guide us;
(2)    By the secret influences of his Spirit.
(a) Suggesting to us the way in which we should go, and,
(b) Inclining us to do that which is prudent and wise; and,
(3)    By the events of His Providence making plain to us the path of duty, and removing the obstructions which may be in our path. It is easy for God to guide his people; and they who “watch daily at the gates, and wait at the posts of the doors” of wisdom Pro_8:34, will not be in danger of going astray. Psa_25:9.

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In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.  John 14:2-3

Every time I wake  up, I gave myself another 24-hour outlook and nothing else, I don’t look forward beyond that. Then I do my tasks or chores as it comes and enjoy the day or go to work thinking that I only have 24 hours left in my time.  I still believe that this life of mine is so temporary and it can be taken away from me at any time.  I contemplate a lot while cycling or swimming the “what if I die today scenario”, where will I go?  Will I be totally out from this Universe?  Is there really life after death?  Well, I am now a Christian believer and I’ve studied and read passages about heaven and the after life and it is really hard to ignore what the Bible is telling us.  I can’t really be for sure right now if those are really true but when the Book mentions the idea of heaven, it must exist.  I been telling Britta, Brittney and Brent that the only thing that I really wanted them to do when I am gone is to believe what I believed just in case this “Heaven thing” is true and I will see them again after life.  It is really hard to convince people about faith and beliefs. Somehow I think that it is a gift and is given only to a specific person at the right time [your time is coming].  Please read the passage below and find out if you really can ignore the information given here.  What if this is true?  If you have not tried this – try believing that God is real for a week and see what It can do to your life. Talk to Him, believe that He is there beside you – telling and communicating with you just like a friend.  It is something to be cherished as if you are hooked to His presence and you don’t want to let go.

NOTE: The “red letter” means the word was spoken by Jesus.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 30Mile Cycling
2. 1Mile Swim
3.

Barnes on Joh 14:2-3 –
In my Father’s house – Most interpreters understand this of heaven, as the special dwelling-place or palace of God; but it may include the universe, as the abode of the omnipresent God.

Are many mansions – The word rendered “mansions” means either the act of dwelling in any place (Joh_14:23, “we will make our abode with him”), or it means the place where one dwells. It is taken from the verb to remain, and signifies the place where one dwells or remains. It is applied by the Greek writers to the tents or temporary habitations which soldiers pitch in their marches. It denotes a dwelling of less permanency than the word house. It is commonly understood as affirming that in heaven there is ample room to receive all who will come; that therefore the disciples might be sure that they would not be excluded. Some have understood it as affirming that there will be different grades in the joys of heaven; that some of the mansions of the saints will be nearer to God than others, agreeably to 1Co_15:40-41. But perhaps this passage may have a meaning which has not occurred to interpreters.
Jesus was consoling his disciples, who were affected with grief at the idea of his separation. To comfort them he addresses them in this language: “The universe is the dwelling-place of my Father. All is his house. Whether on earth or in heaven, we are still in his habitation. In that vast abode of God there are many mansions. The earth is one of them, heaven is another. Whether here or there, we are still in the house, in one of the mansions of our Father, in one of the apartments of his vast abode. This we ought continually to feel, and to rejoice that we are permitted to occupy any part of his dwelling-place. Nor does it differ much whether we are in this mansion or another. It should not be a matter of grief when we are called to pass from one part of this vast habitation of God to another. I am indeed about to leave you, but I am going only to another part of the vast dwelling-place of God. I shall still be in the same universal habitation with you; still in the house of the same God; and am going for an important purpose – to fit up another abode for your eternal dwelling.” If this be the meaning, then there is in the discourse true consolation. We see that the death of a Christian is not to be dreaded, nor is it an event over which we should immoderately weep. It is but removing from one apartment of God’s universal dwelling-place to another – one where we shall still be in his house, and still feel the same interest in all that pertains to his kingdom. And especially the removal of the Saviour from the earth was an event over which Christians should rejoice, for he is still in the house of God, and still preparing mansions of rest for His people.

If it were not so … – I have concealed from you no truth. You have been cherishing this hope of a future abode with God. Had it been ill founded I would have told you plainly, as I have told you other things. Had any of you been deceived, as Judas was, I would have made it known to you, as I did to him.”

I go to prepare a place for you – By his going is meant his death and ascent to heaven. The figure here is taken from one who is on a journey, who goes before his companions to provide a place to lodge in, and to make the necessary preparations for their entertainment. It evidently means that he, by the work he was yet to perform in heaven, would secure their admission there, and obtain for them the blessings of eternal life. That work would consist mainly in his intercession, Heb_10:12-13, Heb_10:19-22; Heb_7:25-27; Heb_4:14, Heb_4:16.

That where I am – This language could be used by no one who was not then in the place of which he was speaking, and it is just such language as one would naturally use who was both God and man – in reference to his human nature, speaking of his going to his Father; and in reference to his divine nature, speaking as if he was then with God.

Ye may be also – This was language eminently fitted to comfort them. Though about to leave them, yet he would not always be absent. He would come again at the day of judgment and gather all his friends to himself, and they should be ever with him, Heb_9:28. So shall all Christians be with him. And so, when we part with a beloved Christian friend by death, we may feel assured that the separation will not be eternal. We shall meet again, and dwell in a place where there shall be no more separation and no more tears.

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Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be). Matthew 28:20

The prize for total {100%} obedience is God’s company.  What this promise means is a life filled with blessings because He is there with us in all our ways guiding us in the right steps, illuminating the dark path when we are subjected into trials. A full time life coach guiding us in whatever directions that is good and perfect for us.  One requirement though – a simple obedience.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 15Mile Time Trial
2. Organize Office
3. Organize Projects

Series: No Ordinary Family [myNotes}

Barnes on Mat 28:20 –
Lo, I am with you – That is, by my Spirit, my providence, my attending counsel and guidance. I will strengthen, assist, and direct you. This also proves that Christ is divine. If he is a mere man, or a creature, though of the highest order, how could he promise to be “with” his disciples “always,” or at all? They would be scattered far and wide. His disciples would greatly increase. If he was “with them” always, he was God; for no finite creature could thus be present with many people scattered in different parts of the world.

Unto the end of the world – The word rendered “world,” here, sometimes means “age or state” and by some it has been supposed to mean, I will be with you until the end of this “age,” or during the continuance of the Jewish state, to the destruction of Jerusalem. But as the presence of Christ was no less necessary after that than before, there seems to be no propriety in limiting the promise to his own age. It may therefore be considered as a gracious assurance that he would aid, strengthen, guide, and defend all his disciples, but more especially his ministers, to the end of time.

DREAM: Beautiful Cycling Race
I was in a cycling race. Two of us led the peloton by a long margin.  The other guy leading was stronger than me so I was just following him.  Then we came across a very steep downhill that look like a spiral slide in the water-park and I asked if this was part of the tour and he said it is.  So he went downhill first in the spiral road with no traction and it seems like it was almost vertical descent and saw him once in a while enjoying it.  Then it was my turn and it was not that dangerous than I thought.  I saw kids on the same downhill slide/road and I warn them that the peloton [group of cyclist] is right behind us and they need to make way.  At the end of the downhill was a small pond and then I asked again, is this part of the race and he said yes.  The only way to get through the race was to plunge into the pond.  It was so refreshing to be riding on the bike and then plunge into the small water pond [look like a small lake].  I got out from the water with my bike and then saw the other guy just resting and drying himself in the sun waiting for me. Then he said to me “Let’s go because this is a race” and then I picked up all my belongings that I left drying on the ground, 2 rings, one was mine and the other belongs to him. It was buried in the sand and I accidentally stumbled the ring located close my wedding ring.  He already left when I was just gathering all the stuff drying out in the sun. Then I continue on the race and did not see him anymore. END.

Race – Journey of Life
Someone in the lead – a companion
Downhill Water Slide – risky but enjoyable, all fun
A pond – transformation
2 Rings – symbolizes commitment
I continue the race by myself – journey was left for me to finish

I was puzzled by this dream for a while after waking up this morning until I started reading my Bible and saw the “verse of the day” Matthew 28:20 .  It seems like it was a continuation of what was presented in my dream. 

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[Come] and, like living stones, be yourselves built [into] a spiritual house, for a holy (dedicated, consecrated) priesthood, to offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile Time Trial
2. Work-10H
3. Read Image-X

Barnes on 1Pe 2:5 –
Ye also, as lively stones – Greek, “living stones.” The word should have been so rendered. The word lively with us now has a different meaning from living, and denotes “active, quick, sprightly.” The Greek word is the same as that used in the previous verse, and rendered living. The meaning is, that the materials of which the temple here referred to was composed, were living materials throughout. The foundation is a living foundation, and all the superstructure is compassed of living materials. The purpose of the apostle here is to compare the church to a beautiful temple – such as the temple in Jerusalem, and to show that it is complete in all its parts, as that was. It has within itself what corresponds with everything that was valuable in that. It is a beautiful structure like that; and as in that there was a priesthood, and there were real and acceptable sacrifices offered, so it is in the Christian church.
The Jews prided themselves much on their temple. It was a most costly and splendid edifice. It was the place where God was worshipped, and where he was supposed to dwell. It had an imposing service, and there was acceptable worship rendered there. As a new dispensation was introduced; as the tendency of the Christian system was to draw off the worshippers from that temple, and to teach them that God could be worshipped as acceptably elsewhere as at Jerusalem, Joh_4:21-23 as Christianity did not inculcate the necessity of rearing splendid temples for the worship of God; and as in fact the temple at Jerusalem was about to be destroyed forever, it was important to show that in the Christian church there might be found all that was truly beautiful and valuable in the temple at Jerusalem; that it had what corresponded to what was in fact most precious there, and that there was still a most magnificent and beautiful temple on the earth.
Hence, the sacred writers labor to show that all was found in the church that had made the temple at Jerusalem so glorious, and that the great design contemplated by the erection of that splendid edifice – the maintenance of the worship of God – was now accomplished in a more glorious manner than even in the services of that house. For there was a temple, made up of living materials, which was still the special dwelling-place of God on the earth. In that I temple there was a holy priesthood – for every Christian was a priest. In that temple there were sacrifices offered, as acceptable to God as in the former – for they were spiritual sacrifices, offered continually. These thoughts were often dwelt upon by the apostle Paul, and are here illustrated by Peter, evidently with the same design, to impart consolation to those who had never been permitted to worship at the temple in Jerusalem, and to comfort those Jews, now converted to Christianity, who saw that that splendid and glorious edifice was about to be destroyed. The special abode of God on the earth was now removed from that temple to the Christian church. The first aspect in which this is illustrated here is, that the temple of God was made up of “living stones;” that is, that the materials were not inanimate stones but endued with life, and so much more valuable than those employed in the temple at Jerusalem, as the soul is more precious than any materials of stone. There were living beings which composed that temple, constituting a more beautiful structure, and a more appropriate dwelling-place for God, than any edifice could be made of stone, however costly or valuable.

A spiritual house – A spiritual temple, not made of perishable materials, like that at Jerusalem net composed of matter, as that was, but made up of redeemed souls – a temple more appropriate to be the residence of one who is a pure spirit. Compare the Eph_2:19-22 notes, and 1Co_6:19-20 notes.

A holy priesthood – In the temple at Jerusalem, the priesthood appointed to minister there, and to offer sacrifices, constituted an essential part of the arrangement. It was important, therefore, to show that this was not overlooked in the spiritual temple that God was raising. Accordingly, the apostle says that this is amply provided for, by constituting “the whole body of Christians” to be in fact a priesthood. Everyone is engaged in offering acceptable sacrifice to God. The business is not entrusted to a particular class to be known as priests; there is not a particular portion to whom the name is to be especially given; but every Christian is in fact a priest, and is engaged in offering an acceptable sacrifice to God. See Rom_1:6; “And hath made us: kings and priests unto God.” The Great High Priest in this service is the Lord Jesus Christ, (see the Epistle to the Hebrews, passim) but besides him there is no one who sustains this office, except as it is borne by all the Christian members.
There are ministers, elders, pastors, evangelists in the church; but there is no one who is a priest, except in the general sense that all are priests – because the great sacrifice has been offered, and there is no expiation now to be made. The name priest, therefore should never be conferred on a minister of the gospel. It is never so given in the New Testament, and there was a reason why it should not be. The proper idea of a priest is one who offers sacrifice; but the ministers of the New Testament have no sacrifices to offer – the one great and perfect oblation for the sins of the world having been made by the Redeemer on the cross. To him, and him alone, under the New Testament dispensation, should the name priest be given, as it is uniformly in the New Testament, except in the general sense in which it is given to all Christians. In the Roman Catholic communion it is consistent to give the name “priest” to a minister of the gospel, but it is wrong to do it.
It is consistent, because they claim that a true sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ is offered in the mass. It is wrong, because that doctrine is wholly contrary to the New Testament, and is derogatory to the one perfect Oblation which has been once made for the sins of the world, and in conferring upon just one class of people a degree of importance and of power to which they have no claim, and which is so liable to abuse. But in a Protestant church it is neither consistent nor right to give the name “priest” to a minister of religion. The only sense in which the term can now be used in the Christian church is a sense in which it is applicable to all Christians alike – that they “offer the sacrifice of prayer and praise.”

To offer up spiritual sacrifices – Not bloody offerings, the blood of lambs and bullocks, but those which are the offerings of the heart – the sacrifices of prayer and praise. Since there is a priest, there is also involved the notion of a sacrifice; but that which is offered is such as all Christians offer to God, proceeding from the heart, and breathed forth from the lips, and in a holy life. It is called sacrifice, not because it makes an explation for sin, but because it is of the nature of worship. Compare the notes at Heb_13:15; Heb_10:14.

Acceptable to God by Jesus Christ – Compare the notes at Rom_12:1. Through the merits of the great sacrifice made by the Redeemer on the cross. Our prayers and praises are in themselves so imperfect, and proceed from such polluted lips and hearts, that they can be acceptable only through him as our intercessor before the throne of God. Compare the notes at Heb_9:24-25; Heb_10:19-22.

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Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). [I Pet. 5:7.] Psalm 55:22

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Rest
2. Work-10H
3.

Barnes on Psa 55:22 –
Cast thy burden upon the Lord – This may be regarded as an address of the psalmist to himself, or to his own soul – an exhortation to himself to roll all his care upon the Lord, and to be calm. It is expressed, however, in so general language, that it may be applicable to all persons in similar circumstances. Compare Mat_11:28-29; Phi_4:6-7; 1Pe_5:7. The Margin here is, “gift.” The “literal” rendering would be, “Cast upon Jehovah what he hath given (or laid upon) thee; that is, thy lot.” (Gesenius, Lexicon) The phrase, “he gives thee,” here means what he appoints for thee; what he allots to thee as thy portion; what, in the great distribution of things in his world, he has assigned to “thee” to be done or to be borne; cast it all on him. Receive the allotment as coming from him; as what “he” has, in his infinite wisdom, assigned to thee as thy portion in this life; as what “he” has judged it to be best that then shouldest do or bear; as “thy” part of toil, or trouble, or sacrifice, in carrying out his great arrangements in the world. All that is to be “borne” or to be “done” in this world he has “divided up” among people, giving or assigning to each one what He thought best suited to his ability, his circumstances, his position in life – what “he” could do or bear best – and what, therefore, would most conduce to the great end in view. That portion thus assigned to “us,” we are directed to “cast upon the Lord;” that is, we are to look to him to enable us to do or to bear it. As it is “his” appointment, we should receive it, and submit to it, without complaining; as it is “his” appointment, we may feel assured that no more has been laid upon us than is commensurate with our ability, our condition, our usefulness, our salvation. We have not to rearrange what has been thus appointed, or to adjust it anew, but to do all, and endure all that he has ordained, leaning on his arm.

And he shall sustain thee – He will make you sufficient for it. The word literally means “to measure;” then to hold or contain, as a vessel or measure; and then, to hold up or sustain “by” a sufficiency of strength or nourishment, as life is sustained. Gen_45:11; Gen_47:12; Gen_50:21; 1Ki_4:7; 1Ki_17:4. Here it means that God would give such a “measure” of strength and grace as would be adapted to the duty or the trial; or such as would be sufficient to bear us up under it. Compare the notes at 2Co_12:9.

He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved – literally, “He will not give moving forever to the righteous.” That is, he will not so appoint, arrange, or permit things to occur, that the righteous shall be “ultimately” and “permanently” removed from their steadfastness and their hope; he will not suffer them to fall away and perish. In all their trials and temptations he will sustain them, and will ultimately bring them off in triumph. The meaning here cannot be that the righteous shall never be “moved” in the sense that their circumstances will not be changed; or that none of their plans will fail; or that they will never be disappointed; or that their minds will never in any sense be discomposed; but that whatever trials may come upon them, they will be “ultimately” safe. Compare Psa_37:24.

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For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us,  Ephesians 2:14

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile Time Trial
2. Work-10H
3.

Eph 2:14 –
For he is our peace – There is evident allusion here to Isa_57:19. See the notes at that verse. The “peace” here referred to is that by which a “union” in worship and in feeling has been produced between the Jews and the Gentiles Formerly they were alienated and separate. They had different objects of worship; different religious rites; different views and feelings. The Jews regarded the Gentiles with hatred, and the Gentiles the Jews with scorn. Now, says the apostle, they are at peace. They worship the same God. They have the same Saviour. They depend on the same atonement. They have the same hope. They look forward to the same heaven. They belong to the same redeemed family. Reconciliation has not only taken place with God, but with each other. “The best way to produce peace between alienated minds is to bring them to the same Saviour.” That will do more to silence contentions, and to heal alienations, than any or all other means. Bring people around the same cross; fill them with love to the same Redeemer, and give them the same hope of heaven, and you put a period to alienation and strife. The love at Christ is so absorbing, and the dependence in his blood so entire, that they will lay aside these alienations, and cease their contentions. The work of the atonement is thus designed not only to produce peace with God, but peace between alienated and contending minds. The feeling that we are redeemed by the same blood, and that we have the same Saviour, will unite the rich and the poor, the bond and the free, the high and the low, in the ties of brotherhood, and make them feel that they are one. This great work of the atonement is thus designed to produce peace in alienated minds every where, and to diffuse abroad the feeling of universal brotherhood.

Who hath made both one – Both Gentiles and Jews. He has united them in one society.

And hath broken down the middle wall – There is an allusion here undoubtedly to the wall of partition in the temple by which the court of the Gentiles was separated from that of the Jews; see the notes and the plan of the temple, in Mat_21:12. The idea here is, that that was now broken down, and that the Gentiles had the same access to the temple as the Jews. The sense is, that in virtue of the sacrifice of the Redeemer they were admitted to the same privileges and hopes.

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Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude]. Revelation 3:19

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Rest
2. Work-10H
3.

Barnes on Rev 3:19 –
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten – Of course, only on the supposition that they deserve it. The meaning is, that it is a proof of love on his part, if his professed friends go astray, to recall them by admonitions and by trials. So a father calls back his children who are disobedient; and there is no higher proof of his love than when, with great pain to himself, he administers such chastisement as shall save his child. See the sentiment here expressed fully explained in the notes on Heb_12:6. The language is taken from Pro_3:12.

Be zealous therefore, and repent – Be earnest, strenuous, ardent in your purpose to exercise true repentance, and to turn from the error of your ways. Lose no time; spare no labor, that you may obtain such a state of mind that it shall not be necessary to bring upon you the severe discipline which always comes on those who continue lukewarm in religion. The truth taught here is, that when the professed followers of Christ have become lukewarm in his service, they should lose no time in returning to him, anti seeking his favor again. As sure as he has any true love for them, if this is not done he will bring upon them some heavy calamity, alike to rebuke them for their errors, and to recover them to himself.

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Because of the iniquity of his [Judah’s] covetousness and unjust gain I was angry and smote him. I hid my face and was angry, and he went on turning away and backsliding in the way of his [own willful] heart. I have seen his [willful] ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him also and will recompense him and restore comfort to him and to those who mourn for him. Isaiah 57:17-18 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 2.4 Mile Swim [Lake Pflugerville]
2. Fix a noisy fan
3. Build a simple problem solving template [text based]

There are a lot problems that we can avoid if we only follow the moral standards of this land.  Say for instance following the speed limit, if we keep driving at the posted speed limit, that cop does not have to stop us.  What about at work, when we go to our place of work, our employer is expecting us to do something for them and so therefore we do our job and all is expected to be well.  What about being a good a spouse, we promised to each other to love till death do us part and if only we can follow that, there will be no divorce or separation or fighting. Someone provided a law in this land to keep us in the right direction, if we only follow the law…. 

I once learned that life offers only two choices, either we do it or not do it.  [always choose to do the right thing, it does matter]

Brent turns 14 today.  [just for the record]
Stats:
Weight=161 lbs
Height=5’ 5” [same as my height]
Waistline=32”
Body Fat=15.2%
BMI=27.6
GF=None yet

Barnes on Isa 57:17 -18
For the iniquity of his covetousness – The guilt of his avarice [extreme greed]; that is, of the Jewish people. The word rendered here ‘covetousness’ (בצע  betsa‛) means “plunder, rapine, prey”; then unjust gains, or lucre from bribes 1Sa_7:3; Isa_33:15; or by any other means. Here the sense is, that one of the prevailing sins of the Jewish people which drew upon them the divine vengeance, was avarice, or the love of gain. Probably this was especially manifest in the readiness with which those who dispensed justice received bribes (compare Isa_2:7). See also Jer_6:13 : ‘For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness.’
And smote him – That is, I brought heavy judgments on the Jewish people.
I hid me – I withdrew the evidences of my presence and the tokens of my favor, and left them to themselves.
And he went on frowardly – Margin, ‘Turning away.’ That is, abandoned by me, the Jewish people declined from my service and sunk deeper into sin. The idea here is, that if God withdraws from his people, such is their tendency to depravity, that they will wander away from him, and sink deeper in guilt a truth which is manifest in the experience of individuals, as well as of communities and churches.

I have seen his ways – That is, either his ways of sin, or of repentance most probably it means the former; and the idea is, that God had seen how prone his people were to sin, and that he would now interpose and correct their proneness to sin against him, and remove from them the judgments which had been brought upon them in consequence of their crimes.
And will heal him – That is, I will pardon and restore him. Sin, in the Scriptures, is often represented as a disease, and pardon and salvation as a healing of the disease (2Ch_7:14; Psa_41:4; Jer_3:22; Jer_17:4; Jer_32:6; Hos_14:4; see the notes at Isa_6:10).
And to his mourners – To the pious portion that mourned over their sin; or to the nation which would sigh in their long and painful captivity in Babylon.

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But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 2 Corinthians 12:9

Today’s entry is longer because I went to church yesterday and learned some good stuff and I wanted to share what I’ve learned to all of you.  Also, the verse for today embraced the topic of “WEAKNESS and STRENGTH” and those two also had good info in it.  No, I do not live to write commentaries like these, I have other passion in life.  The reason why it is in my journal is I want you [my circle] to know how my inner core is built.  It is very important to know what engine I am running on so that one day when it is your time to face ‘the calling’, you know exactly where to get your sources.  Gotta’ have the right engine before running the race.  When you do have the right engine, the race becomes easier as it unfolds.

I never understood the verse “in weakness there is strength” until I experienced it myself in real life. Only when you realized that you are not in control of your life, that all you have worked for will not exist forever, that all your plans and visions are not yours, that your health is so fragile and at any moment your view in life will be changed in a blink of an eye and then you are told that you only have a few years or months to live and you know yourself that you can go out from this earth at any time… then you feel weak and helpless and feels like you have no more strength to go on.  But then a supernatural intervention clouds your mind and suddenly your hope is elevated with great optimism that you can make it one more day.  It is so true that when you are at the weakest point in your life, you will find strength – a strength so hard to explain in words that you have to find it or experience it yourself. Please read Barnes commentary below for more insights.

We had a guest pastor yesterday at Celebration Church and his message was “The Rest Of Your Life Will Be The Best Of Your Life’”. How?  Read Proverbs Chapter 4 below. If you want a short version, just read my scanned notes from my notebook.  Be Blessed!

Pro 4:1  HEAR, MY sons, the instruction of a father, and pay attention in order to gain and to know intelligent discernment, comprehension, and interpretation [of spiritual matters].
Pro 4:2  For I give you good doctrine [what is to be received]; do not forsake my teaching.
Pro 4:3  When I [Solomon] was a son with my father [David], tender and the only son in the sight of my mother [Bathsheba],
Pro 4:4  He taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live. [I Chron. 28:9; Eph. 6:4.]
Pro 4:5  Get skillful and godly Wisdom, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation); do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth.
Pro 4:6  Forsake not [Wisdom], and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you.
Pro 4:7  The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation). [James 1:5.]
Pro 4:8  Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
Pro 4:9  She shall give to your head a wreath of gracefulness; a crown of beauty and glory will she deliver to you.
Pro 4:10  Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life shall be many.
Pro 4:11  I have taught you in the way of skillful and godly Wisdom [which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God]; I have led you in paths of uprightness.
Pro 4:12  When you walk, your steps shall not be hampered [your path will be clear and open]; and when you run, you shall not stumble.
Pro 4:13  Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.
Pro 4:14  Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Pro 4:15  Avoid it, do not go on it; turn from it and pass on.
Pro 4:16  For they cannot sleep unless they have caused trouble or vexation; their sleep is taken away unless they have caused someone to fall.
Pro 4:17  For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
Pro 4:18  But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared]. [II Sam. 23:4; Matt. 5:14; Phil. 2:15.]
Pro 4:19  The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. [John 12:35.]
Pro 4:20  My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.
Pro 4:21  Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.
Pro 4:22  For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
Pro 4:23  Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.
Pro 4:24  Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you.
Pro 4:25  Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.
Pro 4:26  Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.
Pro 4:27  Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.

Wisdom+Favor+Generosity=”The rest of your life will be the best of your life” [myNotes]

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 30Mile Bike
2. 1K Swim
3. Iron clothes [myTeam failed to deliver the laundry to my station Sunday night so I have to iron the clothes today on my cycling and swimming day, well good ironman training then]

Barnes on 2Co 12:9 – [please be patient, this is long and so many key points]
And he said unto me – The Saviour replied. In what way this was done, or whether it was done at the time when the prayer was offered, Paul does not inform us. It is possible, as Macknight supposes, that Christ appeared to him again and spoke to him in an audible manner. Grotius supposes that this was done by the בת קול  Bath-qowl – “daughter of the voice,” so frequently referred to by the Jewish writers, and which they suppose to be referred to in 1Ki_19:12, by the phrase, “a still small voice.” But it is impossible to determine in what way it was done, and it is not material. Paul was in habits of communion with the Saviour, and was accustomed to receive revelations from him. The material fact here is, that the request was not granted in the exact form in which he presented it, but that he received assurance of grace to support him in his trial.

It is one of the instances in which the fervent prayer of a good man, offered undoubtedly in faith, was not answered in the form in which he desired, though substantially answered in the assurance of grace sufficient to support him. It furnishes, therefore, a very instructive lesson in regard to prayer, and shows as that we are not to expect as a matter of course that all our prayers will be literally answered, and that we should not be disappointed or disheartened if they are not. It is a matter of fact that not all the prayers even of the pious, and of those who pray having faith in God as a hearer of prayer, are literally answered. Thus, the prayer of David 2Sa_12:16-20 was not literally answered; the child for whose life he so earnestly prayed died. So the Saviour’s request was not literally answered, Mar_14:36. The cup of suffering which he so earnestly desired should be taken away was not removed. So in the case before us; compare also Deu_3:23-27; Job_30:20; Lam_3:8. So in numerous cases now, Christians pray with fervour and with faith for the removal of some calamity which is not removed; or for something which they regard as desirable for their welfare which is withheld. Some of the reasons why this is done are obvious:

(1) The grace that will be imparted if the calamity is not removed will be of greater value to the individual than would be the direct answer to his prayer. Such was the case with Paul; so it was doubtless with David; and so it is often with Christians now The removal of the calamity might be apparently a blessing, but it might also be attended with danger to our spiritual welfare; the grace imparted may be of permanent value and may be connected with the development of some of the loveliest traits of Christian character.

(2) it might not be for the good of the individual who prays that the exact thing should be granted. When a parent prays with great earnestness and with insubmission for the life of a child, he knows not what he is doing. If the child lives, he may be the occasion of much more grief to him than if he had died. David had far more trouble from Absalom than he had from the death of the child for which he so earnestly prayed. At the same time it may be better for the child that he should be removed. If he dies in infancy he will be saved. But who can tell what will be his character and destiny should he live to be a man? So of other things.

(3) God has often some better thing in store for us than would be the immediate answer to our prayer Who can doubt that this was true of Paul? The promised grace of Christ as sufficient to support us is of more value than would be the mere removal of any bodily affliction.

(4) it would not be well for us, probably, should our petition be literally answered. Who can tell what is best for himself? If the thing were obtained, who can tell how soon we might forget the benefactor and become proud and self-confident? It was the design of God to humble Paul; and this could be much better accomplished by continuing his affliction and by imparting the promised grace, than by withdrawing the affliction and withholding the grace. The very thing to be done was to keep him humble; and this affliction could not be withdrawn without also foregoing the benefit. It is true, also, that where things are in themselves proper to be asked, Christians sometimes ask them in an improper manner, and this is one of the reasons why many of their prayers are not answered. But this does not pertain to the case before us.

My grace is sufficient for thee – A much better answer than it would have been to have removed the calamity; and one that seems to have been entirely satisfactory to Paul. The meaning of the Saviour is that he would support him; that he would not suffer him to sink exhausted under his trials; that he had nothing to fear. The infliction was not indeed removed; but there was a promise that the favor of Christ would be shown to him constantly, and that he would find his support to be ample. If Paul had this support, he might well bear the trial; and if we have this assurance, as we may have, we may welcome affliction, and rejoice that calamities are brought upon us. It is a sufficient answer to our prayers if we have the solemn promise of the Redeemer that we shall be upheld and never sink under the burden of our heavy woes.

My strength is made perfect in weakness – That is, the strength which I impart to my people is more commonly and more completely manifested when my people feel that they are weak. It is not imparted to those who feel that they are strong and who do not realize their need of divine aid. It is not so completely manifested to those who are vigorous and strong as to the feeble. It is when we are conscious that we are feeble, and when we feel our need of aid, that the Redeemer manifests his power to uphold, and imparts his purest consolations. Grotius has collected several similar passages from the classic writers which may serve to illustrate this expression. Thus, Pliny, vii. Epis. 26, says, “We are best where we are weak.” Seneca says, “Calamity is the occasion of virtue.” Quintilian, “All temerity of mind is broken by bodily calamity.” Minutius Felix, “Calamity is often the discipline of virtue.” There are few Christians who cannot bear witness to the truth of what the Redeemer here says, and who have not experienced the most pure consolations which they have known, and been most sensible of his comforting presence and power in times of affliction.

Most gladly, therefore … – I count it a privilege to be afflicted, if my trials may be the means of my more abundantly enjoying the favor of the Redeemer. His presence and imparted strength are more than a compensation for all the trials that I endure.

That the power of Christ – The strength which Christ imparts; his power manifested in supporting me in trials.

May rest upon me – ἐπισκηνώσῃ  episkēnōsē. The word properly means to pitch a tent upon; and then to dwell in or upon. Here it is used in the sense of abiding upon, or remaining with. The sense is, that the power which Christ manifested to his people rested with them, or abode with them in their trials, and therefore he would rejoice in afflictions, in order that he might partake of the aid and consolation thus imparted. Hence, learn:

(1) That a Christian never loses anything by suffering and affliction. If he may obtain the favor of Christ by his trials he is a gainer. The favor of the Redeemer is more than a compensation for all that we endure in his cause.

(2) the Christian is a gainer by trial. I never knew a Christian that was not ultimately benefitted by trials. I never knew one who did not find that he had gained much that was valuable to him in scenes of affliction. I do not know that I have found one who would be willing to exchange the advantages he has gained in affliction for all that the most uninterrupted prosperity and the highest honors that the world could give would impart.

(3) learn to bear trials with joy. They are good for us. They develop some of the most lovely traits of character. They injure no one if they are properly received. And a Christian should rejoice that he may obtain what he does obtain in affliction, cost what it may. It is worth more than it costs; and when we come to die, the things that we shall have most occasion to thank God for will be our afflictions. And, O! if they are the means of raising us to a higher seat in heaven, and placing us nearer the Redeemer there who will not rejoice in his trials?

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You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.  Matthew 5:13

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 15Mile Time Trial
2. Celebration Church
3. Yard Maintenance
4. Iron clothes

Barnes on Mat 5:13 –
Ye are the salt of the earth – Salt renders food pleasant and palatable, and preserves from putrefaction. So Christians, by their lives and instructions, are to keep the world from entire moral corruption. By bringing down the blessing of God in answer to their prayers, and by their influence and example, they save the world from universal vice and crime.

Salt have lost its savour – That is, if it has become tasteless, or has lost its preserving properties. The salt used in this country is a chemical compound – chloride of sodium – and if the saltiness were lost, or it were to lose its savor, there would be nothing remaining. It enters into the very nature of the substance. In eastern countries, however, the salt used was impure, or mingled with vegetable or earthy substances, so that it might lose the whole of its saltiness, and a considerable quantity of earthy matter remain. This was good for nothing, except that it was used to place in paths, or walks, as we use gravel. This kind of salt is common still in that country. It is found in the earth in veins or layers, and when exposed to the sun and rain, loses its saltiness entirely. Maundrell says, “I broke a piece of it, of which that part that was exposed to the rain, sun, and air, though it had the sparks and particles of salt, yet it had perfectly lost its savor. The inner part, which was connected to the rock, retained its savor, as I found by proof. So Dr. Thomson (The Land and the Book, vol. ii. pp. 43, 44) says, “I have often seen just such salt, and the identical disposition of it that our Lord has mentioned. A merchant of Sidon having farmed of the government the revenue from the importation of salt, brought over an immense quantity from the marshes of Cyprus – enough, in fact, to supply the whole province for at least 20 years. This he had transferred to the mountains, to cheat the government out of some small percentage. Sixty-five houses in June – Lady Stanhope’s village were rented and filled with salt. These houses have merely earthen floors, and the salt next the ground, in a few years, entirely spoiled. I saw large quantities of it literally thrown into the street, to be trodden underfoot by people and beasts. It was ‘good for nothing.’
“It should be stated in this connection that the salt used in this country is not manufactured by boiling clean salt water, nor quarried from mines, but is obtained from marshes along the seashore, as in Cyprus, or from salt lakes in the interior, which dry up in summer, as the one in the desert north of Palmyra, and the great lake of Jebbul, southeast of Aleppo.
“Maundrell, who visited the lake at Jebbul, tells us that he found salt there which had entirely ‘lost its savor,’ and the same abounds among the debris at Usdum, and in other localities of rocksalt at the south end of the Dead Sea. Indeed, it is a well-known fact that the salt of this country, when in contact with the ground, or exposed to rain and sun, does become insipid and useless. From the manner in which it is gathered, much earth and other impurities are necessarily collected with it. Not a little of it is so impure that it cannot be used at all, and such salt soon effloresces and turns to dust – not to fruitful soil, however. It is not only good for nothing itself, but it actually destroys all fertility wherever it is thrown; and this is the reason why it is cast into the street. There is a sort of verbal verisimilitude in the manner in which our Lord alludes to the act: ‘it is cast out’ and ‘trodden under foot;’ so troublesome is this corrupted salt, that it is carefully swept up, carried forth, and thrown into the street. There is no place about the house, yard, or garden where it can be tolerated. No man will allow it to be thrown on to his field, and the only place for it is the street, and there it is cast to be trodden underfoot of men.”

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Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world. 1John 4:4

There are times that we feel powerless and helpless when we face a big temptation or facing a huge unsolvable problem [in our eyes] or encountering an enormous mountain in our journey.  There are times that we feel giving up is our only option when all the worlds problem land in our shoulder at once.  How do we encourage ourselves when those situations arise? How do we face adversities? How do we handle discouragement? How do we face a loss? How do we face death?  How do we handle failure?  The simple answer is – there is a greater person living with us, who is with us in every situation. He will provide us a way out if we let Him.  Be encouraged! We are not alone in this journey. Song of the day is Awesome In This Place from the album  The Secret Place .

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile Time Trial
2. Work 10H
3.

Barnes on 1John 4:4
”Ye are of God – You are of his family; you have embraced his truth, and imbibed his Spirit.

Little children – Notes, 1Jo_2:1.
And have overcome them – Have triumphed over their arts and temptations; their endeavors to draw you into error and sin. The word them in this place seems to refer to the false prophets or teachers who collectively constituted antichrist. The meaning is, that they had frustrated or thwarted all their attempts to turn them away from the truth.

Because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world – God, who dwells in your hearts, and by whose strength and grace alone you have been enabled to achieve this victory, is more mighty than Satan, who rules in the hearts of the people of this world, and whose seductive arts are seen in the efforts of these false teachers. The apostle meant to say that it was by no power of their own that they achieved this victory, but it was to be traced solely to the fact that God dwelt among them, and had preserved them by his grace. What was true then is true now. He who dwells in the hearts of Christians by his Spirit, is infinitely more mighty than Satan, “the ruler of the darkness of this world;” and victory, therefore, over all his arts and temptations may be sure. In his conflicts with sin, temptation, and error, the Christian should never despair, for his God will insure him the victory.”

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And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Sometimes a friend will ask me this question “How do you deal with bad habits that you really want/need to get rid of?” My personal answer is “self discipline” and sometimes it just works.  Sometimes we’d like to cleanup our lives with the garbage that we carry ie. negative emotions like anger, jealousy, fear, resentment and anxiety etc or we tried to get rid of some bad habits such as those that destroys our physical body ie. drinking, smoking, drugs, over-eating etc.  Yes, how do you turn around from those things. The short answer is, REPENT and TRULY REPENT EVERYDAY and you shall receive the gift.  That’s it. So simple and short but so amazing it can turn your life around. Try it, that’s the only medicine available for that type of disease.  A close friend of mine started going to church with me but sometimes her mouth will say something that is inappropriate [slip of a tongue i think] and then I just look at her and not say a word and then she realized that she’s not suppose to say those things anymore.  The only way to cleanse ourselves is a daily repentance and a daily renewal of our mind. How? Well, you can start reading good stuff everyday,  Feed your mind with good things and your mouth and actions will also be good. Remember, the journey starts with REPENTANCE.

Barnes made an elaborate explanation of Acts 2:38, Please take your time to read and absorb what he wrote.  While I am writing this entry I am listening to this song in repeat mode Above All by Paul Baloche, here’s the complete album . [Elie, give me a shout out if you are still there.]

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile Time Trial
2. Work 10H
3.

Barnes on Act 2:38 –
“Then Peter said unto them – Peter had been the chief speaker, though others had also addressed them. He now, in the name of all, directed the multitude what to do.

Repent – See the notes on Mat_3:2. Repentance implies sorrow for sin as committed against God, along with a purpose to forsake it. It is not merely a fear of the consequences of sin or of the wrath of God in hell. It is such a view of sin, as evil in itself, as to lead the mind to hate it and forsake it. Laying aside all view of the punishment of sin, the true penitent hates it. Even if sin were the means of procuring him happiness; if it would promote his gratification and be unattended with any future punishment, he would hate it and turn from it. The mere fact that it is evil, and that God hates it, is a sufficient reason why those who are truly penitent hate it and forsake it. False repentance dreads the consequences of sin; true repentance dreads sin itself. These persons whom Peter addressed had been merely alarmed; they were afraid of wrath, and especially of the wrath of the Messiah. They had no true sense of sin as an evil, but were simply afraid of punishment. This alarm Peter did not regard as by any means genuine repentance. Such conviction for sin would soon wear off, unless their repentance became thorough and complete. Hence, he told them to repent, to turn from sin, to exercise sorrow for it as an evil and bitter thing, and to express their sorrow in the proper manner. We may learn here:
(1) That there is no safety in mere conviction for sin: it may soon pass off, and leave the soul as thoughtless as before.
(2) there is no goodness or holiness in mere alarm or conviction. The devils …tremble. A man may fear who yet has a firm purpose to do evil, if he can do it with impunity.
(3) many are greatly troubled and alarmed who never repent. There is no situation where souls are so easily deceived as here. Alarm is taken for repentance; trembling for godly sorrow; and the fear of wrath is taken to be the true fear of God.
(4) true repentance is the only thing in such a state of mind that can give any relief. An ingenuous confession of sin, a solemn purpose to forsake it, and a true hatred of it, is the only thing that can give the mind composure. Such is the constitution of the mind that nothing else will furnish relief. But the moment we are willing to make an open confession of guilt, the mind is delivered of its burden, and the convicted soul finds peace. Until this is done, and the hold on sin is broken, there can be no peace.
(5) we see here what direction is to be given to a convicted sinner. We are not to direct him to wait; nor to lead him to suppose that he is in a good way; nor to tell him to continue to seek; nor to call him a mourner; nor to take sides with him, as if God were wrong and harsh; nor to advise him to read, and search, and postpone the subject to a future time. We are to direct him to repent; to mourn over his sins, and to forsake them. Religion demands that he should at once surrender himself to God by genuine repentance; by confession that God is right and that he is wrong; and by a firm purpose to live a life of holiness.

Be baptized – See the notes on Mat_3:6, Mat_3:16. The direction which Christ gave to his apostles was that they should baptize all who believed, Mat_28:19; Mar_16:16. The Jews had not been baptized; and a baptism now would be a profession of the religion of Christ, or a declaration made before the world that they embraced Jesus as their Messiah. It was equivalent to saying that they should publicly and professedly embrace Jesus Christ as their Saviour. The gospel requires such a profession, and no one is at liberty to withhold it. A similar declaration is to be made to all who are inquiring the way to life. They are to exercise repentance; and then, without any unnecessary delay, to evince it by partaking of the ordinances of the gospel. If people are unwilling to profess religion, they have none. If they will not, in the proper way, show that they are truly attached to Christ, it is proof that they have no such attachment. Baptism is the application of water, as expressive of the need of purification, and as emblematic of the influences from God that can alone cleanse the soul. It is also a form of dedication to the service of God.

In the name of Jesus Christ – Not εἰς  eis, into, but ἐπί  epi, upon. The usual form of baptism is into the name of the Father, etc. – εἰς  eis. Here it does not mean to be baptized by the authority of Jesus Christ, but it means to be baptized for him and his service; to be consecrated in this way, and by this public profession, to him and to his cause. The expression is literally upon the name of Jesus Christ: that is, as the foundation of the baptism, or as that on which its propriety rested or was based. In other words, it is with an acknowledgment of him in that act as being what his name imports the Sinner’s only Hope, his Redeemer, Lord, Justifier, King (Prof. Hackett, in loco). The name of Jesus Christ means the same as Jesus Christ himself. To be baptized to his name is to be devoted to him. The word “name” is often thus used. The profession which they were to make amounted to this: a confession of sins; a hearty purpose to turn from them; a reception of Jesus as the Messiah and as a Saviour; and a determination to become his followers and to be devoted to his service. Thus, 1Co_10:2, to be baptized unto Moses means to take him as a leader and guide. It does not follow that, in administering the ordinance of baptism, they used only the name of Jesus Christ. It is much more probable that they used the form prescribed by the Saviour himself Mat_28:19; though, as the special mark of a Christian is that he receives and honors Jesus Christ, this name is used here as implying the whole. The same thing occurs in Act_19:5.

For the remission of sins – Not merely the sin of crucifying the Messiah, but of all sins. There is nothing in baptism itself that can wash away sin. That can be done only by the pardoning mercy of God through the atonement of Christ. But baptism is expressive of a willingness to be pardoned in that way, and is a solemn declaration of our conviction that there is no other way of remission. He who comes to be baptized, comes with a professed conviction that he is a sinner; that there is no other way of mercy but in the gospel, and with a professed willingness to comply with the terms of salvation, and to receive it as it is offered through Jesus Christ.

And ye shall receive … – The gift of the Holy Spirit here does not mean his extraordinary gifts, or the power of working miracles, but it simply means, you shall partake of the influences of the Holy Spirit “as far as they may be adapted to your case” – as far as may be needful for your comfort, peace, and sanctification. There is no evidence that they were all endowed with the power of working miracles, nor does the connection of the passage require us thus to understand it. Nor does it mean that they had not been awakened “by his influences.” All true conviction is from him, Joh_16:8-10. But it is also the office of the Spirit to comfort, to enlighten, to give peace, and thus to give evidence that the soul is born again. To this, probably, Peter refers; and this all who are born again and profess faith in Christ possess. There is peace, calmness, joy; there is evidence of piety, and that evidence is the product of the influences of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,” etc., Gal_5:22, Gal_5:24.”

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Your faithfulness is from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it stands fast.  Psalm119:90

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile Time Trial
2.
3.

Barnes Psa 119:90 –
“Thy faithfulness – The accomplishment of thy promises.
Is unto all generations – Margin, “to generation and generation.” From one generation to another. The generations of people change and pass away, but thy promises do not change. They are as applicable to one generation as to another; they meet every generation alike. The people of no one age can lay any exclusive claim to them, or feel that they were made only for them. They are as universal – as much adapted to the new generations that come upon the earth – as the light of the sun, ever-enduring, is; or as the fountains and streams, which flow from age to age.

Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth – Margin, “Standeth.” It is firm. The earth thus established or made firm, is an illustration of thy faithfulness, and of the stability and permanence of thy promises. It is the same from generation to generation, with its rivers, streams, and fountains; with its fruits and flowers; with its balmy air and its sweet prospects; with its riches of gold and silver; with its pearls and diamonds; with its treasures of land and ocean. So is the word of God – so are the gracious promises which he has addressed to people – the same in every age.”

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So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?  Hebrews 13:6 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile Time Trial
2. Send ICOM Z1A for repair
3. TTRM-Time to read the manual-Echolink Documentation

Barnes on Hebrews 13:6
” So that we may boldly say – Without any hesitation or doubt, In all times of perplexity and threatening want; in all times when we scarcely know whence the supplies for our necessities are to come, we may put our trust in God, and be assured that he will not leave us to suffer. In the facts which occur under the providential dealings, there is a ground for confidence on this subject which is not always exercised even by good people. It remains yet to be shown that they who exercise simple trust in God for the supply of their wants are ever forsaken; compare Psa_37:25.

The Lord is my helper – Substantially this sentiment is found in Psa_27:1, and Psa_118:6. The apostle does not adduce [bring forward] it as a quotation, but as language which a true Christian may employ. The sentiment is beautiful and full of consolation. What can we fear if we have the assurance that the Lord is on our side, and that he will help us? Man can do no more to us than he permits, and of course no more than will be for our own good; and under whatever trials we may be placed, we need be under no painful apprehensions, for God will be our protector and our friend.”

On going QSO worldwide, 0525 [without using a radio]

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For if we have become one with Him by sharing a death like His, we shall also be [one with Him in sharing] His resurrection [by a new life lived for God].  Romans 6:5

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 1Mile Swim
2. Test Drive Echolink [setup]
3.

Echolink Station – KC5OZQ [location]

Finally setup my Echolink station in Round Rock.  The VHF radio is not connected yet because I am missing the sound card interface.  I am not sure if I want to configure the ‘radio part’ because currently I am able to connect to any station all over the world just by using the Echolink application. So what is Echolink? Just do some reading at this link, they explained it better.  In short, it is a connection between a  Ham Radio Station to another Ham Radio station using internet protocol – meaning, you do not have to have an HF capabilities in order to communicate worldwide [non-RF]. The other good thing about Echolink is the simplicity of connecting to a remote repeater and listen to what is going on in the local area.

Why Ham Radio?
1. Emergency communication [The Last Mile]
2. Hobby

Requirements:
1. FCC license – need a Ham Radio License [Practice Test]
2. Broadband connection
3. Headset
4. VHF radio – optional

Echolink Software Setup
1. Download Echolink software from http://www.echolink.org/register_data.jsp 
2. Enter Callsign-kc5ozq and Email-
3. Run Setup
4. Launch Echolink Software and Unblock Firewall when prompted
5. Follow the Setup Wizard
6. Select Computer User – For PC Microphone and speaker only
7. Or Select Sysop – If connecting a radio
8. Select DSL/ Cable for Internet connection
9. Enter Callsign Information
callsign-kc5ozq
password-
email-
10. Select North America South as location
11. Run Firewall Test
Port 5200 – ok
Port 5198 – failed
Port 5199 – failed
11. Setup complete
12. Open IE at http://192.168.1.1
13. Add Firewall setting exception to the following port
Port 5198 – UDP
Port 5199 –UDP
14. Run Echolink Test
15. Validate callsign http://www.echolink.org/validation
16. Check email for validation instruction

Ham Stations and Repeater in the Philippines

Cebu Amateur Radio League DX7CA

AMSAT Echolink [url]

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He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him–not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. Psalm 23:3-4 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 30Mile Cycling
2. 1k Swim
3. Find a cure for a 3MB/sec hard drive data transfer at work slowing down the I/O performance of a measurement equipment.
Possible medicine: PIO Mode to DMA – [MS KB Article kb817472]

Yesterday, TeamBritta was shopping at Barton Creek Mall and TeamRigel made the mall coffee shop my library. Me and Brent ended up reading for almost 2 hours.  ‘The other team gained more closet space, we gained knowledge’.

Clueless: Spiritual Gifts [myNotes]
 

Barnes Commentary on Psalm 23-3-4
Psa 23:3 –
He leadeth me beside the still waters – Margin, “waters of quietness.” Not stagnant waters, but waters not tempestuous and stormy; waters so calm, gentle, and still, as to suggest the idea of repose, and such as prompt to repose. As applied to the people of God, this denotes the calmness – the peace – the repose of the soul, when salvation flows as in a gently running stream; when there is no apprehension of want; when the heart is at; peace with God.
He restoreth my soul – literally, “He causes my life to return.” DeWette, “He quickens me,” or causes me to live. The word soul” here means life, or spirit, and not the soul in the strict sense in which the term is now used. It refers to the spirit when exhausted, weary, or sad; and the meaning is, that God quickens or vivifies the spirit when thus exhausted. The reference is not to the soul as wandering or backsliding from God, but to the life or spirit as exhausted, wearied, troubled, anxious, worn down with care and toil. the heart, thus exhausted, He re-animates. He brings back its vigor. He encourages it; excites it to new effort; fills it with new joy.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness – In right paths, or right ways. He conducts me in the straight path that leads to Himself; He does not permit me to wander in ways that would lead to ruin. In reference to His people it is true:
(a) that He leads them in the path by which they become righteous, or by which they are “justified” before him; and
(b) that He leads them in the way of “uprightness” and “truth.” He guides them in the way to heaven; His constant care is evinced that they “may” walk in that path.
For his name’s sake – For His own sake; or, that His name may be honored. It is not primarily on their account; it is not solely that they may be saved. It is that He may be honored:
(a) in their being saved at all;
(b) in the manner in which it is done;
(c) in the influence of their whole life, under His guidance, as making known His own character and perfections.
Compare Isa_43:25; Isa_48:9; Isa_66:5; Jer_14:7. The feeling expressed in this verse is that of confidence in God; an assurance that he would always lead his people in the path in which they should go. Compare Psa_25:9. This he will always do if people will follow the directions of His word, the teachings of His Spirit, and the guidance of His providence. No one who submits to Him in this way will ever go astray!

Psa 23:4 –
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death – The meaning of this in the connection in which it occurs is this: “God will lead and guide me in the path of righteousness, even though that path lies through the darkest and most gloomy vale – through deep and dismal shades – in regions where there is no light, as if death had cast his dark and baleful shadow there. It is still a right path; it is a path of safety; and it will conduct me to bright regions beyond. In that dark and gloomy valley, though I could not guide myself, I will not be alarmed; I will not be afraid of wandering or of being lost; I will not fear any enemies there – for my Shepherd is there to guide me still.” On the word here rendered “shadow of death” – צלמות  tsalmâveth – see Job_3:5, note; and Isa_9:2, note. The word occurs besides only in the following places, in all of which it is rendered “shadow of death:” Job_10:21-22; Job_12:22; Job_16:16; Job_24:17 (twice); Job_28:3; Job_34:22; Job_38:17; Psa_44:19; Psa_107:10, Psa_107:14; Jer_2:6; Jer_13:16; Amo_5:8. The idea is that of death casting his gloomy shadow over that valley – the valley of the dead. Hence, the word is applicable to any path of gloom or sadness; any scene of trouble or sorrow; any dark and dangerous way. Thus understood, it is applicable not merely to death itself – though it embraces that – but to any or all the dark, the dangerous, and the gloomy paths which we tread in life: to ways of sadness, solitude, and sorrow. All along those paths God will be a safe and certain guide.
I will fear no evil – Dark, cheerless, dismal as it seems, I will dread nothing. The true friend of God has nothing to fear in that dark valley. His great Shepherd will accompany him there, and can lead him safely through, however dark it may appear. The true believer has nothing to fear in the most gloomy scenes of life; he has nothing to fear in the valley of death; he has nothing to fear in the grave; he has nothing to fear in the world beyond.
For thou art with me – Thou wilt be with me. Though invisible, thou wilt attend me. I shall not go alone; I shall not be alone. The psalmist felt assured that if God was with him he had nothing to dread there. God would be his companion, his comforter, his protector, his guide. How applicable is this to death! The dying man seems to go into the dark valley alone. His friends accompany him as far as they can, and then they must give him the parting hand. They cheer him with their voice until he becomes deaf to all sounds; they cheer him with their looks until his eye becomes dim, and he can see no more; they cheer him with the fond embrace until he becomes insensible to every expression of earthly affection, and then he seems to be alone. But the dying believer is not alone. His Saviour God is with him in that valley, and will never leave him. Upon His arm he can lean, and by His presence he will be comforted, until he emerges from the gloom into the bright world beyond. All that is needful to dissipate the terrors of the valley of death is to be able to say, “Thou art with me.”
Thy rod and thy staff – It may not be easy to mark the difference between these two words; but they would seem probably to refer, the latter to the “staff” which the shepherd used in walking, and the former to the “crook” which a shepherd used for guiding his flock. The image is that of a shepherd in attendance on his flock, with a staff on which he leans with one hand; in the other hand the “crook” or rod which was the symbol of his office. Either of these also might be used to guard the flock, or to drive off the enemies of the flock. The “crook” is said (see Rosenmuller, in loc.) to have been used to seize the legs of the sheep or goats when they were disposed to run away, and thus to keep them with the flock. “The shepherd invariably carries a rod or staff with him when he goes forth to feed his flock. It is often bent or hooked at one end, which gave rise to the shepherd’s crook in the hand of the Christian bishop. With this staff he rules and guides the flock to their green pastures, and defends them from their enemies. With it also he corrects them when disobedient, and brings them back when wandering.” (The land and the book, vol. i., p. 305.)
They comfort me – The sight of them consoles me. They show that the Shepherd is there. As significant of his presence and his office, they impart confidence, showing that he will not leave me alone, and that he will defend me.

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Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. James 1-12

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 15Mile Outdoor Time Trial
2. Celebration Church
3. Yard maintenance
4. 1K swim
5. Organize office

Matthew Henry’s Commentary [read full chapter]
…”IV. A blessing is pronounced on those who endure their exercises and trials, as here directed: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, Jam_1:12. Observe,
1. It is not the man who suffers only that is blessed, but he who endures, who with patience and constancy goes through all difficulties in the way of his duty.

2. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it be not our own fault. A blessing may arise from them, and we may be blessed in them. They are so far from taking away a good man’s felicity that they really increase it.

3. Sufferings and temptations are the way to eternal blessedness: When he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, dokimos genomenos – when he is approved, when his graces are found to be true and of the highest worth (so metals are tried as to their excellency by the fire), and when his integrity is manifested, and all is approved of the great Judge. Note hence, To be approved of God is the great aim of a Christian in all his trials; and it will be his blessedness at last, when he shall receive the crown of life. The tried Christian shall be a crowned one: and the crown he shall wear will be a crown of life. It will be life and bliss to him, and will last for ever. We only bear the cross for a while, but we shall wear the crown to eternity.

4. This blessedness, involved in a crown of life, is a promised thing to the righteous sufferer. It is therefore what we may most surely depend upon: for, when heaven and earth shall pass away, this word of God shall not fail of being fulfilled. But withal let us take notice that our future reward comes, not as a debt, but by a gracious promise.

5. Our enduring temptations must be from a principle of love to God and to our Lord Jesus Christ, otherwise we are not interested in this promise: The Lord hath promised to those that love him. Paul supposes that a man may for some point of religion even give his body to be burnt, and yet not be pleasing to God, nor regarded by him, because of his want of charity, or a prevailing sincere love to God and man, 1Co_13:3.

6. The crown of life is promised not only to great and eminent saints, but to all those who have the love of God reigning in their hearts. Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above where love is made perfect. “

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For I am the least [worthy] of the apostles, who am not fit or deserving to be called an apostle, because I once wronged and pursued and molested the church of God [oppressing it with cruelty and violence]. But by the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). In fact, I worked harder than all of them [the apostles], though it was not really I, but the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God which was with me. 1Co 15:9-10

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Leg Workout-Indoor Cycling
2.
3.

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And you will be hated and detested by everybody for My name’s sake, but he who patiently perseveres and endures to the end will be saved (made a partaker of the salvation by Christ, and delivered from spiritual death).  Mark 13:13

Short Productivity+Sharepoint eBook [download] 

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile Time Trial
2.
3.

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If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. 1 John 1:9

MIT (Most Important Task)
1.
2.
3.

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How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.  Psalm36:7

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Summarize Key Learnings from NI Week then turn it into ideas to solve problems.
2.
3.

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And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, of your cattle, of your land, for good; for the Lord will again delight in prospering you, as He took delight in your fathers,  If you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being.  Deuteronomy 30:9-10

NI Week [information]
NI Week Conference Program [view]
myPictures [view]
In a box field sensor kit with no computer [only Compact RIO]
 
Map to Austin Convention Center

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. Dental appointment
2. Attend NI Week Day01
3. 1Mile Swim

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Aking inilagay na lagi ang Panginoon sa harap ko: sapagka’t kung siya ay nasa aking kanan, hindi ako makikilos.
I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.  Psalm16:8

Skydrive is now merged with OfficeLive [free]-Meaning-you can now edit/create any office docs online without MS Office [link]
Key Points:
Requirement-Windows Live account or Hotmail or MSN Account
Download SkyDrive Explorer to make you Skydrive folder accessible in Windows Explorer. [download]
Store your original file locally just in case the internet goes down and you will not have access to your documents

Your Place [myNotes]

Excel Web App [sample] 
Sharepoint 2010 have this feature now.

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 30Mile Bike
2. 1K swim
3.

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Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in return for you and peoples in exchange for your life.  Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east [where they are dispersed] and gather you from the west. [Acts 18:10.]  Isaiah 43:4-5

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 6Mile outdoor time trial
2. Celebration Church
3. Yard maintenance
4. 1K swim

View Summary | Journal | Life | Music | Computing | Travel | SwimBikeRun | Projects | Skydrive

Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in return for you and peoples in exchange for your life.  Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east [where they are dispersed] and gather you from the west. [Acts 18:10.]  Isaiah 43:4-5

MIT (Most Important Task)
1. 5Mile indoor cycling
2. Celebration Church
3. Yard maintenance

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