Delete The Word Failure; Day607

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

“Delete the word failure”
     Be strong
     Be courageous
     Be firm
     Do not fear
     God is going with you
     Promise was given that God will not fail us
     Promise was given that God will not forsake us

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest
Setup TeamNST Database
Start documentation of TeamNST journey
Setup Action Items for TeamNST

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p41

24Hour Report
0450, End of Sleep,
0510, Coffee, bagel
0530, Deuteronomy 31:6 [read more]

Step#1-Believe; Day606

I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life.  1John 5:13

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
30Mile Bike

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p41

24Hour Report
0730, End of Sleep,
0735, Coffee, bagel
0740, Bible Study 1John 5:13 [read more]

Barnes on 1Jo 5:13 –
These things have I written unto you – The things in this Epistle respecting the testimony borne to the Lord Jesus.

That believe on the name of the Son of God – To believe on his name, is to believe on himself – the word “name” often being used to denote the person. See the notes at Mat_28:19.

That ye may know that ye have eternal life – That you may see the evidence that eternal life has been provided, and that you may be able, by self-examination, to determine whether you possess it. Compare the notes at Joh_20:31.

And that ye may believe … – That you may continue to believe, or may persevere in believing. He was assured that they actually did believe on him then; but he was desirous of so setting before them the nature of religion, that they would continue to exercise faith in him. It is often one of the most important duties of ministers of the gospel, to present to real Christians such views of the nature, the claims, the evidences, and the hopes of religion, as shall be adapted to secure their perseverance in the faith. In the human heart, even when converted, there is such a proneness to unbelief; the religious affections so easily become cold; there are so many cares pertaining to the world that are suited to distract the mind; there are so many allurements of sin to draw the affections away from the Saviour; that there is need of being constantly reminded of the nature of religion, in order that the heart may not be wholly estranged from the Saviour. No small part of preaching, therefore, must consist of the re-statement of arguments with which the mind has been before fully convinced; of motives whose force has been once felt and acknowledged; and of the grounds of hope and peace and joy which have already, on former occasions, diffused comfort through the soul. It is not less important to keep the soul, than it is to “convert” it; to save it from coldness, and deadness, and formality, than it was to impart to it the elements of spiritual life at first. It may be as important to trim a vine, if one would have grapes, as it is to set it out; to keep a garden from being overrun with weeds in the summer, as it was to plant it in the spring.

True Comfort; Day605

I, even I, am He Who comforts you. Who are you, that you should be afraid of man, who shall die, and of a son of man, who shall be made [as destructible] as grass,  Isaiah 51:12

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Attend meeting
2.4Mile Swim

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p41

24Hour Report
0730, End of Sleep,
0735, Coffee, bagel
0740, Bible Study Isaiah 51:12  [read more]

True Comfort
     He will turn our mourning into joy [Jeremiah 31:13]
     In times of trouble God will be there for us
     In times of tears, God will wipe away our sorrows
     True comfort is from God and not from anyone or anything
     When in the deepest sadness, rejoice for there is no other way but up..
     When you experience death in the family, rejoice for they are seated in the right hand of God
     When you experience a relationship failure, rejoice for a new perspective is given unto you
     When you experience a health issue, rejoice for you will be transformed into a better you
     When you experience a loss of a family, rejoice for your losses will be returned in some other form
     When you experience a loss of job, rejoice for you will be working with new coworkers and management
     When you lost a race, rejoice for it is not just about winning.
     When you feel so alone and everyone left you, rejoice for your attention is so undivided with God

Barnes on Isa 51:12 –
I even I am he that comforteth you – The word ‘I’ is repeated here to give emphasis to the passage, and to impress deeply upon them the fact that their consolation came alone from God. The argument is, that since God was their protector and friend, they had no occasion to fear anything that man could do.

Shall be made as grass – They shall perish as grass does that is cut down at mid-day (see the notes at Isa_40:6-7).

9 Fruits To Have; Day604

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,  Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. Galatians 5:22 – 23

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Celebration Church
Grocery Shopping-resupply bunker
Organize Office
Organize Evernotes
Backup Data
Laundry
Vacuum house

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0700, End of Sleep,
0710, Coffee, bagel
0730, Bible Study Galatians 5:22 – 23  [read more]

Fruits of the Holy Spirit
     1. Love
          -love to God and human beings
     2. Joy
          -in love of God
          -communion with the Redeemer
          -service
          -duties of religion
          -trial
          -hope in heaven
     3. Peace
          -result of reconciliation with God
     4. Patience
          -in affliction
          -in trial
          -when injured by others
     5. Kindness
          -mildness of temper
          -calmness of spirit
     6. Goodness
          -disposition to do good to others
     7. Faithfulness
          -always faithful to God
          -faithful to spouse
          -faithful to sons/daughter
          -faithful to neighbors
          -faithful to all
          -faithful to his/her word
          -faithful to his/her promises
          -can be trusted
     8. Gentleness
          -slow to anger
          -does not harbor vengeance
          -endures patiently
          -receive injuries with belief that God will vindicate, not self
     9. Self Control
          -temperance
          -abstaining doing evil things
    
Fruits of the spirit
     We do not produce the fruit
     Holy Spirit in us produces the fruits
     Does not come from our own nature
     Fruits are products of the work of the Holy Spirit indwelling
     Does not come from own heart
     Result of the Holy Spirit’s operation in our soul

Barnes on Gal 5:22 – 23
But the fruit of the Spirit – That which the Holy Spirit produces. It is not without design, evidently, that the apostle uses the word “Spirit” here, as denoting that these things do not flow from our own nature. The vices above enumerated are the proper “works” or result of the operations of the human heart; the virtues which he enumerates are produced by a foreign influence – the agency of the Holy Spirit. Hence, Paul does not trace them to our own hearts, even when renewed. He says that they are to be regarded as the proper result of the Spirit’s operations on the soul.

1. Is love – To God and to human beings. Probably the latter here is particularly intended, as the fruits of the Spirit are placed in contradistinction from those vices which lead to strifes among people. On the meaning of the word love, see the notes at 1Co_13:1; and for an illustration of its operations and effects, see the notes at that whole chapter.

2. Joy – In the love of God; in the evidences of pardon; in communion with the Redeemer, and in his service; in the duties of religion, in trial, and in the hope of heaven; see the notes at Rom_5:2; compare 1Pe_1:8.

3. Peace – As the result of reconciliation with God; see the notes at Rom_5:1.

4. Long-suffering – In affliction and trial, and when injured by others; see the note at 1Co_13:4.

5. Gentleness – The same word which is translated “kindness” in 2Co_6:6; see the note at that place. The word means goodness, kindness, benignity; and is opposed to a harsh, crabbed, crooked temper. It is a disposition to be pleased; it is mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, an unruffled disposition, and a disposition to treat all with urbanity and politeness. This is one of the regular effects of the Spirit’s operations on the heart. Religion makes no one crabby, and morose, and sour. It sweetens the temper; corrects an irritable disposition; makes the heart kind; disposes us to make all around us as happy as possible. This is true politeness; a kind of politeness which can far better be learned in the school of Christ than in that of Chesterfield; by the study of the New Testament than under the direction of the dancing-master.

6. Goodness – See the note at Rom_15:14. Here the word seems to be used in the sense of beneficence, or a disposition to do good to others. The sense is, that a Christian must be a good man.

7. Faith – On the meaning of the word faith, see the note at Mar_16:16. The word here may be used in the sense of fidelity, and may denote that the Christian will be a faithful man, a man faithful to his word and promises; a man who can be trusted or confided in. It is probable that the word is used in this sense because the object of the apostle is not to speak of the feelings which we have toward God so much as to illustrate the influences of the Spirit in directing and controlling our feelings toward people. True religion makes a man faithful. The Christian is faithful as a man; faithful as a neighbor, friend, father, husband, son. He is faithful to his contracts; faithful to his promises. No man can be a Christian who is not thus faithful, and all pretensions to being under the influences of the Spirit when such fidelity does not exist, are deceitful and vain.

8. Meekness –

The meek – Meekness is patience in the reception of injuries. It is neither meanness nor a surrender of our rights, nor cowardice; but it is the opposite of sudden anger, of malice, of long-harbored vengeance. Christ insisted on his right when he said, “If I have done evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me?” Joh_18:23. Paul asserted his right when he said, “They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves, and fetch us out,” Act_16:37. And yet Christ was the very model of meekness. It was one of his characteristics, “I am meek,” Mat_11:29. So of Paul. No man endured more wrong, or endured it more patiently than he. Yet the Saviour and the apostle were not passionate. They bore all patiently. They did not press their rights through thick and thin, or trample down the rights of others to secure their own.
Meekness is the reception of injuries with a belief that God will vindicate us. “Vengeance is his; he will repay,” Rom_12:19. It little becomes us to take his place, and to do what he has promised to do.
Meekness produces peace. It is proof of true greatness of soul. It comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. It looks upon those who offer them with pity. He that is constantly ruffled; that suffers every little insult or injury to throw him off his guard and to raise a storm of passion within, is at the mercy of every mortal that chooses to disturb him. He is like “the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.”
They shall inherit the earth – This might have been translated the land. It is probable that here is a reference to the manner in which the Jews commonly expressed themselves to denote any great blessing. It was promised to them that they should inherit the land of Canaan. For a long time the patriarchs looked forward to this, Gen_15:7-8; Exo_32:13. They regarded it as a great blessing. It was so spoken of in the journey in the wilderness, and their hopes were crowned when they took possession of the promised land, Deu_1:38; Deu_16:20. In the time of our Saviour they were in the constant habit of using the Old Testament, where this promise perpetually occurs, and they used it “as a proverbial expression to denote any great blessing, perhaps as the sum of all blessings,” Psa_37:20; Isa_60:21. Our Saviour used it in this sense, and meant to say, not that the meek would own great property or have many lands, but that they would possess special blessings. The Jews also considered the land of Canaan as a type of heaven, and of the blessings under the Messiah. To inherit the land became, therefore, an expression denoting those blessings. When our Saviour uses this language here, he means that the meek shall be received into his kingdom, and partake of its blessings here, and of the glories of the heavenly Canaan hereafter. The value of meekness, even in regard to worldly property and success in life, is often exhibited in the Scriptures, Pro_22:24-25; Pro_15:1; Pro_25:8, Pro_25:15. It is also seen in common life that a meek, patient, mild man is the most prospered. An impatient and quarrelsome man raises up enemies; often loses property in lawsuits; spends his time in disputes and broils rather than in sober, honest industry; and is harassed, vexed, and unsuccessful in all that he does. “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come,” 1Ti_4:8. Compare 1Ti_6:3-6.

9. Temperance – The word used here, (ἐγκράτεια  egkrateia), means properly “self-control, continence.” It is derived from ἐν  en and κράτος  kratos, “strength,” and has reference to the power or ascendancy which we have over exciting and evil passions of all kinds. It denotes the self-rule which a man has over the evil propensities of his nature. Our word temperance we use now in a much more limited sense, as referring mainly to abstinence from intoxicating drinks. But the word here used is employed in a much more extended signification. It includes the dominion over all evil propensities, and may denote continence, chastity, self-government, moderation in regard to all indulgences as well as abstinence from intoxicating drinks. See the word explained in the notes at Act_24:25. The sense here is, that the influences of the Holy Spirit on the heart make a man moderate in all indulgences; teach him to restrain his passions, and to govern himself; to control his evil propensities, and to subdue all inordinate affection.
The Christian will not only abstain from intoxicating drinks, but from all exciting passions; he will be temperate in his manner of living, and in the government of his temper. This may be applied to temperance properly so called with us; but it should not be limited to that. A Christian must be a temperate man; and if the effect of his religion is not to produce this, it is false and vain. Abstinence from intoxicating drinks, as well as from all improper excitement, is demanded by the very genius of his religion, and on this subject there is no danger of drawing the cords too close. No one was ever injured by the strictest temperance, by total abstinence from ardent spirits, and from wine as a beverage; no man is certainly safe who does not abstain; no man, it is believed, can be in a proper frame of mind for religious duties who indulges in the habitual use of intoxicating drinks. Nothing does more scandal to religion than such indulgences; and, other things being equal, he is the most under the influence of the Spirit of God who is the most thoroughly a person of temperance.
Against such there is no law – That is, there is no law to condemn such persons. These are not the things which the Law denounces. These, therefore, are the true freemen; free from the condemning sentence of the Law, and free in the service of God. Law condemns sin; and they who evince the spirit here referred to are free from its denunciations.

Rebirth-A New Start; Day603

But you did not so learn Christ!  Assuming that you have really heard Him and been taught by Him, as [all] Truth is in Jesus [embodied and personified in Him],  Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; Ephesians 4:20 – 22

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0350, End of Sleep,
0400, Coffee, bagel
0430, Bible Study Ephesians 4:20 – 22  [read more]

Rebirth-A New Start
     Man has to be born again
     Old man gone, new man takes over
     Old man is controlled by passion and desires
     Old man filled with lusts:
          1. Sensual appetites
          2. Ambition
          3. Love of pleasure
          4. Gratification
     New man is controlled by the Holy Spirit
     New man-model is Christ
     New man-live like Christ
     New man-think like Christ
     New man-do like Christ
     New man-character is transformed
     New man-new conversation
     New man-new voice
     New man-new manners
     New man-new heart

Barnes on Eph 4:20 –
But ye have not so learned Christ – You have been taught a different thing by Christ; you have been taught that his religion requires you to abandon such a course of life.

Eph 4:21 –
If so be that ye have heard him – If you have listened attentively to his instructions, and learned the true nature of his religion. There may be a slight and delicate doubt implied here whether they had attentively listened to his instructions. Doddridge, however, renders it, “Seeing ye have heard him;” compare notes on Eph_3:2.
And have been taught by him – By his Spirit, or by the ministers whom he had appointed.
As the truth is in Jesus – If you have learned the true nature of his religion as he himself taught it. What the truth was which the Lord Jesus taught, or what his principles implied, the apostle proceeds to state in the following verses.

Eph 4:22 –
That ye put off – That you lay aside, or renounce. The manner in which the apostle states those duties, renders it not improbable that there had been some instruction among them of a contrary character, and that it is possible there had been some teachers there who had not enforced, as they should bare done, the duties of practical religion.
Concerning the former conversation – The word “conversation” here means conduct – as it commonly does in the Bible; see the notes, 2Co_1:12. The meaning here is, “with respect to your former conduct or habits of life, lay aside all that pertained to a corrupt and fallen nature.” You are not to lay “everything” aside that formerly pertained to you. Your dress, and manners, and modes of speech and conversation, might have been in many respects correct. But everything that proceeded from sin; every habit, and custom, and mode of speech and of conduct that was the result of depravity, is to be laid aside. The special characteristics of an unconverted man you are to put off, and are to assume those which are the proper fruits of a renewed heart.
The old man – see the notes on Rom_6:6.
Which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts – The meaning is:
(1) That the unrenewed man is not under the direction of reason and sound sense, but is controlled by his “passions and desires.” The word “lusts,” has a more limited signification with us than the original word. That word we now confine to one class of sensual appetites; but the original word denotes any passion or propensity of the heart. It may include avarice, ambition, the love of pleasure, or of gratification in any way; and the meaning here is, that the heart is by nature under the control of such desires.
(2) those passions are deceitful. They lead us astray, They plunge us into ruin. All the passions and pleasures of the world are illusive. They promise more than they perform; and they leave their deluded votaries to disappointment and to tears. Nothing is more “deceitful” than the promised pleasures of this world; and all who yield to them find at last that they “flatter but to betray.”

Always There; Day602

Who is a God like You, Who forgives iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy and loving-kindness.   Micah 7:18

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
1Mile Swim
Test/Overload SEP Client Test
Draft: Project Non-Stop Tools
Build: Fault Tree-Retainer Ring Signal Noisy on Platen1
Draft: CoL – Continuity of Life

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0350, End of Sleep,
0400, Coffee, bagel
0430, Bible Study Micah 7:18  [read more]

Who is a God

     1. God made the heaven and earth and sea
     2. God tells the number of stars
     3. God forgives
     4. God delights in mercy
     5. God erases transgression
     6. God is Mighty
     7. God is Counselor
     8. God is Guiding Light
     9. God is always one step ahead of us 
     10.God is a Refuge
     11. God is always there

Barnes on Micah 7:18 –
Who is a God – (and, as the word means, A Mighty God,) like unto Thee? He saith not, “Who hast made heaven and earth, the sea and all that therein is” Exo_20:11; nor, “Who telleth the number of the stars; and calleth them all by their names” Psa_147:4; nor, “Who by His strength setteth fast the mountains and is girded about with power” Psa_65:6; but who forgivest! For greater is the work of Redemption than the work of Creation. “That pardoneth”, and beareth and taketh away also, “and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage”, that is, His heritage, which is a remnant still when “the rest are blinded” Rom_11:7; and this, not of its merits but of His mercy; since it is not His nature to “retain His anger forever”; not for anything in them, but “because He delighteth in mercy”, as He saith, “I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever” Jer_3:12. “I am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine oum sake, and will not remember thy sins” Isa_43:25. : “For although God for a time is angry with His elect, chastening them mercifully in this life, yet in the end He hath compassion on them, giving them everlasting consolations.”
Moses, after the completion of his people’s deliverance at the Red Sea, used the like appeal to God, in unmingled joy. Then the thanksgiving ran, “glorious in holiness, awful in praises, doing wonders” Exo_15:11. Now, it ran in a more subdued, yet even deeper, tone, taken from God’s revelation of Himself after that great transgression on Mount Sinai “forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin”. With this, Micah identified his own name . This was the one message which he loved above all to proclaim; of this, his own name was the herald to his people in his day. who is like the Lord, the Pardoner of sin, the Redeemer from its guilt, the Subduer of its power? For no false god was ever such a claim made. The pagan gods were symbols of God’s workings in nature; they were, at best, representatives of His government and of His displeasure at sin. But, being the creatures of man’s mind, they could hot freely pardon, for man dared not ascribe to them the attribute of a freely-pardoning mercy, for which be dared not hope. Who is a God like to Thee, mighty, not only to destroy but to pardon? is the wondering thanksgiving of time, the yet greater amazement of eternity, as eternity shall unveil the deep blackness of sin over-against the light of God, and we, seeing God, as He Is, shall see what that Holiness is, against Which we sinners sinned, The soul, which is truly penitent, never wearies of the wondering love, who is a God like unto Thee?

True “Can Do”; Day601

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Philippians 4:13

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest
SEP Deployment-Toolspread

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0500, End of Sleep,
0515, Coffee, bagel
0530, Bible Study Philippians 4:13  [read more]

We can do all things:
    1. Bear any trial
    2. Perform any duty
    3. Subdue any evil
    4. Meet all temptations in prosperity and adversity

Source of strength:
    1. Not from self
    2. Not from experience
    3. Not from native ability
    4. Not from the vigor of the body
    5. Not from the vigor of the mind
    6. Not from own resolution
    7. From Christ alone

True Christian Believer:
    1. Not sink under trial-He strengthens us
    2. Not yield to temptations-He provides a way of escape
    3. Not be harassed, vexed, tortured with improper thoughts/unholy desires-He restores us
    4. Not dread what is to come-He already promised us the Glory

Barnes on Phi 4:13 –
I can do all things – From the experience which Paul had in these various circumstances of life, he comes here to the general conclusion that he could “do all things.” He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil propensity of his nature, and meet all the temptations incident to any condition of prosperity or adversity. His own experience in the various changes of life had warranted him in arriving at this conclusion; and he now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be required of him which he would not be able to perform. In Paul, this declaration was not a vain self-reliance, nor was it the mere result of his former experience. He knew well where the strength was to be obtained by which to do all things, and on that arm that was able to uphold him he confidently relied.
Through Christ which strengtheneth me – See the notes at Joh_15:5. Of the strength which Christ can impart, Paul had had abundant experience; and now his whole reliance was there. It was not in any native ability which he had; not in any vigor of body or of mind; not in any power which there was in his own resolutions; it was in the strength that he derived from the Redeemer. By that he was enabled to bear cold, fatigue, and hunger; by that, he met temptations and persecutions; and by that, he engaged in the performance of his arduous duties let us learn, hence:
(1) that we need not sink under any trial, for there is one who can strengthen us.
(2) that we need not yield to temptation. There is one who is able to make a way for our escape.
(3) that we need not be harassed, and vexed, and tortured with improper thoughts and unholy desires. There is one who can enable us to banish such thoughts from the mind, and restore the right balance to the affections of the soul.
(4) that we need not dread what is to come. Trials, temptations, poverty, want, persecution, may await us; but we need not sink into despondency. At every step of life, Christ is able to strengthen us, and can bring us triumphantly through. What a privilege it is, therefore, to be a Christian – to feel, in the trials of life, that we have one friend, unchanging and most mighty, who can always help us! How cheerfully should we engage in our duties, and meet the trials that are before us, leaning on the arm of our Almighty Redeemer! Let us not shrink from duty; let us not dread persecution let us not fear the bed of death. In all circumstances, Christ, our unchanging Friend, can uphold us. Let the eye and the affections of the heart be fixed on him; let the simple, fervent, believing prayer be directed always to him when trials come, when temptations assail, when duty presses hard upon us, and when a crowd of unholy and forbidden thoughts rush into the soul: and we shall be safe.

Temptation-Mode of Operation; Day600

Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].  Ephesians 6:16

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest
SEP Deployment-Toolspread

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0500, End of Sleep,
0515, Coffee, bagel
0530, Bible Study Ephesians 6:16  [read more]

Temptations is like fiery darts
    Blasphemous Thoughts
    Unbelief
    Sudden Temptation to do wrong
    Thoughts that torment the soul

Temptation-Mode of Operation:
    Temptations come suddenly
    Temptations come from unexpected quarters
    Temptations pierce and penetrate

Protection Against Temptations:
    1. Use the shield of Faith [confidence in God]
    2. Relying on His Grace
    3. Don’t use your own strength

Barnes on Ephesians 6:16 –
Above all – Ἐν πᾶσιν  En pasin. Not “above all” in point of importance or value, but “over” all, as a soldier holds his shield to defend himself. It constitutes a protection over every part of his body, as it can be turned in every direction. The idea is, that as the shield covered or protected the other parts of the armor, so faith had a similar importance in the Christian virtues.
The shield – note, Isa_21:9. The shield was usually made of light wood. or a rim of brass, and covered with several folds or thicknesses of stout hide, which was preserved by frequent anointing. It was held by the left arm, and was secured by straps, through which the arm passed, as may be seen in the annexed figures. The outer surface of the shield was made more or less rounding. Item the center to the edge, and was polished smooth, or anointed with oil, so that arrows or darts would glance off, or rebound.
Of faith – On the nature of faith, see the notes on Mar_16:16. Faith here is made to occupy a more important place than either of the other Christian graces. It bears, to the whole Christian character, the same relation which the shield does to the other parts of the armor of a soldier. It protects all, and is indispensable to the security of all, as is the case with the shield. The shield was an ingenious device by which blows and arrows might be parried off, and the whole body defended. It could be made to protect the head, or the heart, or thrown behind to meet all attack there. As long as the soldier had his shield, he felt secure; and as long as a Christian has faith, he is safe. It comes to his aid in every attack that is made on him, no matter from what quarter; it is the defense and guardian of every other Christian grace; and it secures the protection which the Christian needs in the whole of the spiritual war.
Wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked – Or, rather, “of the wicked one” – τοῦ πονηροῦ  tou ponērou. The allusion is undoubtedly to the great enemy of the people of God, called, by way of eminence, the “wicked one;” compare 2Th_3:3. Mr. Locke renders this, “Wherein you may receive, and so render ineffectual,” etc. There seems a little incongruity in the idea of “quenching” darts by “a shield.” But the word “quench,” here, means only that they would be “put out” by being thrown “against” the shield, as a candle would by being thrown against anything. “The fiery darts” that were used in war were small, slender pieces of cane, which were filled with combustible materials, and set on fire; or darts around which some combustible material was wound, and which were set on fire, and then shot “slowly” against a foe. The object was to make the arrow fasten in the body, and increase the danger by the burning; or, more frequently, those darts were thrown against ships, forts, tents, etc., with an intention to set them on fire. They were in common use among the ancients. Arrian (Exped. Alexan. 11) mentions the πυρφορα βελη  purphora belē, the fire-bearing weapons; Thucydides (ii. c. 75), the πυρφοροι ὀΐστοι  purphoroi oistoi, the fire-bearing arrows; and Livy refers to similar weapons as in common use in war; lib. xxi. c. 8. By the “fiery darts of the wicked,” Paul here refers, probably, to the temptations of the great adversary, which are like fiery darts; or those furious suggestions of evil, and excitements to sin, which he may throw into the mind like fiery darts. They are – blasphemous thoughts, unbelief, sudden temptation to do wrong, or thoughts that wound and torment the soul. In regard to them, we may observe:
(1)    that they come suddenly, like arrows sped from a bow;
(2)    they come from unexpected quarters, like arrows shot suddenly from an enemy in ambush;
(3)    they pierce, and penetrate, and torment the soul, as arrows would that are on fire;
(4)    they set the soul on fire, and enkindle the worst passions, as fiery darts do a ship or camp against which they are sent.
The only way to meet them is by the “shield of faith;” by confidence in God, and by relying on his gracious promises and aid. It is not by our own strength; and, if we have not faith in God, we are wholly defenseless. We should have a shield that we can turn in any direction, on which we may receive the arrow, and by which it may be put out.

Source of Wisdom; Day599

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 

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
2.4 Mile Swim [Failed subsurface swim at 20yards]
House Heater Repair

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0700, End of Sleep,
0725, Coffee, bagel
0730, Bible Study James 1:5  [read more]

Wisdom
You know that you attained wisdom when you do/decide something and the outcome is the best result.  You are then labeled “wise” by fellow human being/coworker/family.

Source of Wisdom-God [only God]
How does He give you the Wisdom? Through the Holy Spirit [the still small voice inside you when you walk with Him so closely]
 
Seven Spirits of God [Isaiah 11:2]
1. Spirit of the Lord
2.  Spirit of Wisdom
3. Spirit of Understanding
4. Spirit of Counsel
5. Spirit of Might
6. Spirit of Knowledge
7. Spirit of the Fear of the Lord

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.

Medicine for Temptations; Day598

Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.  Psalm 119:11

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
42 Mile Bike Ride

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0645, End of Sleep,
0705, Coffee, bagel
0730, Drop off Mercedes ML350 to Christian Brothers for Service B
0930, 42Mile Bike Ride with RaulS. Previewing Rosedale Ride 2010 [Website]
1300, End of Ride
1400, Cook for Brent
1500, Drop off Brent
1600, Pickup ML350. Service B costs $9
ML350 is due for Service B.
-Parking Light left not working-Unplug/replug-ok $98.88 labor
-Transmission Fluid Service B-$476.79
-Oil Change-$84.90
-Replace Air Filter-$98.15
-Replace power steering hose-86.19
Total $924.77
Next Service-2/20/2013
1700, Play ping-pong with Brent
1730, Vacuum house
1800, Iron clothes
1900, Reupholstered kitchen table chairs
2200, Bible Study Psalm 119:11  [read more]

Temptations-The act of being tempted [doing something wrong]
    Wrong? At what standard? God’s Standard
    Impure thoughts/acts
    Greed
    Covetousness
    Criticism
    Unloving Attitude
    Immorality
    Lying
    Cheating
    Dishonesty
    Disloyalty
    Unfaithfulness

Overcoming Temptations:
    1. Ask for God’s help
    2. Fight with the Word of God [medicine]
    3. Remove yourself from the situation
    4. Depart/Flee
    5. Don’t entertain
    6. Don’t look or peek
    7. Don’t listen

Avoiding Temptations:
    1. Don’t put yourself in the situation
    2. Discern/recognize immediately that you are tempted.
    3. Stay in the Word daily
    4. Stay in prayer
    5. Stay in worship attitude 24/7
    6. Delete dangerous friends in your life
    7. Monitor what you watch on tv
    8. Monitor what you look/see on the web
    9. Monitor what you listens
    10. Monitor the people around you-stay away if they brings temptations
    11. Monitor what you say-if it does not encourage anyone, just keep it to yourself
    12. Don’t play with fire [temptations] you will get burned.
    13. Stay at home – read a book or study [be fruitful in every way]
    14. Delete partying – many temptations/failures start there

Barnes Psalm 119:11 –
Thy word have I hid in mine heart – Compare the notes at Psa_37:31. The word rendered “hid” means properly to conceal, so that a thing may be secret, private, inaccessible; then, to lay up in private, to treasure up. to hoard – as money or jewels – commonly “hidden” from public view. Job_20:26; Psa_17:14. Then it means to lay up in one’s heart, as a secret, inaccessible place; to hide one’s thoughts; purposes, designs; or to lay up knowledge or wisdom in the heart as a treasure, Job_10:13; Pro_2:1; Pro_7:1. The meaning here is, that he had “treasured” up the word of God, as the most valuable thing, in his heart; it was “there,” though unseen; it constituted the secret power by which he was governed; it was permanently deposited there, as the most valuable of his treasures.

That I might not sin against thee – That it might protect me from sinning against thee. That I might be continually guided by its precepts; that I might be admonished of duty; that I might be deterred from going astray.

Mouth Control; Day597

If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren).  James 1:26

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Celebration Church
Rest

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0505, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study James 1:26 [read more]

Mouth Control
    The outlet of the heart-the mouth
        1-"out of the abundance of your heart, the mouth speaketh" Matthew 12:34
        2-The condition of the heart-the source of the words [choices of words]
        3-Heart is peaceful-words in our mouth will be peace
        4-Heart is filled with anger-words in our mouth will be madness
    DO:
        1-Confession of your faith-use the mouth
        2-Affirmation-use the mouth
        3-Encouragement-use the mouth
        4-Expressing Hope-use the mouth
        5-Expressing Love-use the mouth
    AVOID:
        1-Anger-do not use the mouth [go in prayer bring it to God]
        2-Discontentment-do not use the mouth [go in prayer bring it to God]
        3-Grumbling-do not use the mouth [go in prayer bring it to God]
        4-Complaining-do not use the mouth [go in prayer bring it to God]
        5-Discouragement-do not use the mouth [go in prayer bring it to God]
        6-Lying-do not use the mouth
        Benefits of Mouth Control
            1-Listening more
            2-Spiritual awakening [not seeing just the physical world]
            3-Tuned to the Holy Spirit [24/7]
 

Barnes James 1:26 –
If any man among you seem to be religious – Pious, or devout. That is, if he does not restrain his tongue, his other evidences of religion are worthless. A man may undoubtedly have many things in his character which seem to be evidences of the existence of religion in his heart, and yet there may be some one thing that shall show that all those evidences are false. Religion is designed to produce an effect on our whole conduct; and if there is any one thing in reference to which it does not bring us under its control, that one thing may show that all other appearances of piety are worthless.

And bridleth not his tongue – Restrains or curbs it not, as a horse is restrained with a bridle. There may have been some reason why the apostle referred to this particular sin which is now unknown to us; or he may perhaps have intended to select this as a specimen to illustrate this idea, that if there is any one evil propensity which religion does not control, or if there is any one thing in respect to which its influence is not felt, whatever other evidences of piety there may be, this will demonstrate that all those appearances of religion are vain. For religion is designed to bring the whole man under control, and to subdue every faculty of the body and mind to its demands. If the tongue is not restrained, or if there is any unsubdued propensity to sin whatever, it proves that there is no true religion.

But deceiveth his own heart – Implying that he does deceive his heart by supposing that any evidence can prove that he is under the influence of religion if his tongue is unrestrained. Whatever love, or zeal, or orthodoxy, or gift in preaching or in prayer he may have, this one evil propensity will neutralize it all, and show that there is no true religion at heart.

This man’s religion is vain – As all religion must be which does not control all the faculties of the body and the mind. The truths, then, which are taught in this verse are:
(1) That there may be evidences of piety which seem to be very plausible or clear, but which in themselves do not prove that there is any true religion. There may be much zeal, as in the case of the Pharisees; there may be much apparent love of Christians, or much outward benevolence; there may be an uncommon gift in prayer; there may be much self-denial, as among those who withdraw from the world in monasteries or nunneries; or there may have been deep conviction for sin, and much joy at the time of the supposed conversion, and still there be no true religion. Each and all of these things may exist in the heart where there is no true religion.
(2) a single unsubdued sinful propensity neutralizes all these things, and shows that there is no true religion. If the tongue is not subdued; if any sin is indulged, it will show that the seat of the evil has not been reached, and that the soul, as such, has never been brought into subjection to the law of God. For the very essence of all the sin that there was in the soul may have been concentrated on that one propensity. Everything else which may be manifested may be accounted for on the supposition that there is no religion; this cannot be accounted for on the supposition that there is any.

Are We Ready?; Day596

And Jesus said, I AM; and you will [all] see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power (the Almighty) and coming on the clouds of heaven. Mark 14:62

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest
Config Backup

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0505, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study Mark 14:62 [read more]

His Return-Are We Ready?

New Heaven +New Earth; Day595; Day01-Dual Survival

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. Isaiah 65:17

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
1Mile Swim
Day01-Dual Survival [just me and Brent for 3 weeks]

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0505, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study Isaiah 65:17 [read more]

“New Heaven and New Earth”
    Heaven
        Heaven is home
        Heaven is permanent
        Heaven is beautiful beyond imagination
        Heaven is filled with joy [no more sadness]
        Heaven is where families and friends will be reunited
    New Heaven denotes:
        Great transformation [a change in you]
        Spiritual change [spiritual eyes are opened]
        You see things differently
        Future state of the righteous
    New Earth denotes:
        Earth is where we are presently living
        Conditions are changed to the new earth [surroundings] [when faith in God is established]
        The way we live and conduct business is changed [Christ-like everything]
        New ways of doing things [Bible: Word of God as reference]
        New ways of dealing a situation or an issue [always listening to the Holy Spirit]
        Forgetting the past [those that happened a minute ago-let it go]
        We look forward to the new earth [never look back][there is more to see when we look forward]

Barnes on Isa 65:17 –
For behold – The idea in this verse is, that there should be a state of glory as great as if a new heaven and a new earth were to be made.

I create new heavens – Calamity and punishment in the Bible are often represented by the heavens growing dark, and being rolled up like as a scroll, or passing away (see the notes at Isa_13:10; Isa_34:4). On the contrary, prosperity, happiness, and the divine favor, are represented by the clearing up of a cloudy sky; by the restoration of the serene and pure light of the sun; or, as here, by the creation of new heavens (compare the notes at Isa_51:16). The figure of great transformations in material things is one that is often employed in the Scriptures, and especially in Isaiah, to denote great spiritual changes (see Isa. 11; Isa_51:3; Isa_35:1-2, Isa_35:7; Isa_60:13, Isa_60:17). In the New Testament, the phrase used here is employed to denote the future state of the righteous; but whether on earth, after it shall have been purified by fire, or in heaven, has been a subject of great difference of opinion (see 2Pe_3:13; Rev_21:1).
The passage before us is highly poetical, and we are not required to understand it literally. There is, so far as the language is concerned, no more reason for understanding this literally than there is for so understanding the numerous declarations which affirm that the brute creation will undergo a change in their very nature, on the introduction of the gospel Isa. 11; and all that the language necessarily implies is, that there would be changes in the condition of the people of God as great as if the heavens, overcast with clouds and subject to storms, should be recreated, so as to become always mild and serene; or as if the earth, so barren in many places, should become universally fertile and beautiful. The immediate reference here is, doubtless, to the land of Palestine, and to the important changes which would be produced there on the return of the exiles; but it cannot be doubted that, under this imagery, there was couched a reference to far more important changes and blessings in future times under the Messiah – changes as great as if a barren and sterile world should become universally beautiful and fertile.

For the former shall not be remembered – That is, that which shall be created shall be so superior in beauty as entirely to eclipse the former. The sense is, that the future condition of the people of God would be as superior to what it was in ancient times as would be a newly created earth and heaven superior in beauty to this – where the heavens are so often obscured by clouds, and where the earth is so extensively desolate or barren.

Nor come into mind – Margin, as Hebrew, ‘Upon the heart.’ That is, it shall not be thought of; it shall be wholly forgotten. On this verse, compare the notes at Isa_51:16.

Be The Flavor; Day594

Salt is good (beneficial), but if salt has lost its saltness, how will you restore [the saltness to] it? Have salt within yourselves, and be at peace and live in harmony with one another. Mark 9:50

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest
Austin Bergstrom Airport
Verify SEP Deployment

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0505, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study Mark 9:50 [read more]

Be The Flavor
    Keep the saltiness of your faith
    Saltiness
        Having perseverance
        Having purifying principles
            principles of denying
            principles of suppressing pride
            principles of suppressing ambition
            principles of suppressing contention
        Being an acceptable offering to God
    Peace in the midst…
        avoid contention and quarrelling
        avoid struggling for places
        avoid struggling for honors
        avoid struggling for office
        always seek the welfare of others

Barnes on Mar_9:50
Lost its saltness … – See the notes at Mat_5:13.
Have salt in yourselves – Have the preserving, purifying principle always; the principles of denying yourselves, of suppressing pride, ambition, contention, etc., and thus you will be an acceptable offering to God.
Have peace – Avoid contention and quarrelling, struggling for places, honors, and office, and seek each other’s welfare, and religion will be honored and preserved in the world.

 

Peace=Doubtless; Day593

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]  John 14:27

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p30

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0505, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study John 14:27 [read more]

Peace = Doubtless
    1. Source of Peace-God
    2. Why we should be at Peace
           Holy Spirit is with us
           He promised His return
           Holy Spirit will give comfort
           Holy Spirit will teach
           Holy Spirit will guide
           Holy Spirit will provide peace
    3. God’s Peace
       Not as the objects which men commonly pursue
              pleasure
              fame
              wealth
              they leave care
              anxiety
              remorse
       Not as the men of the world give – empty words
       Not as systems of philosophy and false religion give – profess peace but not real
       God’s peace is such as meets all the wants of the soul
              silences the alarms of conscience
              is fixed and sure amid all external changes
              will abide in the hour of death and forever

Barnes on  John 14:27 –
Peace I leave with you – This was a common form of benediction among the Jews. See the notes at Mat_10:13. It is the invocation of the blessings of peace and happiness. In this place it was, however, much more than a mere form or an empty wish. It came from Him who had power to make peace and to confer it on all, Eph_2:15. It refers here particularly to the consolations which he gave to his disciples in view of his approaching death. He had exhorted them not to be troubled Joh_14:1, and he had stated reasons why they should not be. He explained to them why he was about to leave them; he promised them that he would return; he assured them that the Holy Spirit would come to comfort, teach, and guide them. By all these truths and promises he provided for their peace in the time of his approaching departure. But the expression refers also, doubtless. to the peace which is given to all who love the Saviour. They are by nature enmity against God, Rom_8:7. Their minds are like the troubled sea, which cannot rest, whose waters east up mire and dirt, Isa_57:20. They were at war with conscience, with the law and perfections of God, and with all the truths of religion. Their state after conversion is described as a state of peace. They are reconciled to God; they acquiesce in all his claims; and they have a joy which the world knows not in the word, the promises, the law, and the perfections of God, in the plan of salvation, and in the hopes of eternal life. See Rom_1:7; Rom_5:1; Rom_8:6; Rom_14:7; Gal_5:22; Eph_2:17; Eph_6:15; Phi_4:7; Col_3:15.

My peace – Such as I only can impart. The special peace which my religion is fitted to impart.

Not as the world –
1.    Not as the objects which men commonly pursue – pleasure, fame, wealth. They leave care, anxiety, remorse. They do not meet the desires of the immortal mind, and they are incapable of affording that peace which the soul needs.
2.    Not as the men of the world give. They salute you with empty and flattering words, but their professed friendship is often reigned and has no sincerity. You cannot be sure that they are sincere, but I am.
3.    Not as systems of philosophy and false religion give. They profess to give peace, but it is not real. It does not still the voice of conscience; it does not take away sin; it does not reconcile the soul to God.
4.    My peace is such as meets all the wants of the soul, silences the alarms of conscience, is fixed and sure amid all external changes, and will abide in the hour of death and forever. How desirable, in a world of anxiety and care, to possess this peace! and how should all who have it not, seek that which the world can neither give nor take away!

Neither let it be afraid – Of any pain, persecutions, or trials. You have a Friend who will never leave you; a peace that shall always attend you. See Joh_14:1.

God’s Love; Day592

The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. [Deut. 7:8.]  Jeremiah 31:3

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
2.4Mile Swim

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p25

24Hour Report
0745, End of Sleep,
0805, Coffee, bagel
0810, Bible Study Colossians 3:12 [read more]

Barnes on Jer 31:3 –
Of old – From afar (margin). See Jer_30:10. To the Jew God was enthroned in Zion, and thus when His mercy was shown unto the exiles in Assyria it came from a distant region 2Ch_6:20, 2Ch_6:38.
With lovingkindness … – Rather, I have continued lovingkindness unto thee.

The Chosen One; Day591

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Colossians 3:12

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important 
37Mile Bike
Vacuum house 
Test Dethatcher 

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p40

24Hour Report
1045, End of Sleep,
1105, Coffee, bagel
1110, Bible Study Colossians 3:12 [read more]

“The Chosen” – if you are reading these, you had been chosen!
Clothe/Put On-an action word, meaning-we have to wear the symbol/quality of being a Spirit Filled Christian
being pure
being holy
being loving
being full of mercy
having low opinion of self
being gentle
being patient
having good temper

“Barnes on Colossian 3:12 –
Put on, therefore, as the elect of God – The fact that you thus belong to one and the same church; that you have been redeemed by the sameblood, and chosen by the same grace, and that you are all brethren, should lead you to manifest a spirit of kindness, gentleness, and love.

Bowels of mercies – If there is any affectionate bond by which you are united to me, and any regard for my sorrows, and any desire to fill up my joys, so live as to impart to me, your spiritual father and friend, the consolation which I seek.

Kindness … – See the notes at Eph_4:32. The language here is a little different from what it is there, but the sentiment is the same.”

Brother/Sister First; Day590

Whoever loves his brother [believer] abides (lives) in the Light, and in It or in him there is no occasion for stumbling or cause for error or sin. 1John 2:10

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest
Fix Sana’s notebook 

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p40

24Hour Report
0945, End of Sleep,
1005, Coffee, bagel
1100, Fix Sana’s notebook
0510, Bible Study 1 John 2:10 [read more]

“Live in the Light” –
1. Living in the light means loving our brother/sister first
2. Cannot say we love God but hates a brother or a sister
3. Who are considered brother/sister? Everyone.
4. Cannot live in Light when we are filled with hatred to:
   a. someone
   b. circumstance
   c. life
 

“Barnes on 1John 2:10 –
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light – Has true religion, and enjoys it. And there is none occasion of stumbling in him – Margin, “scandal.” Greek, “and there is no stumbling” (or scandal – σκάνδαλον  skandalon – in him.) The word here used, means anything against which one strikes or stumbles; and then a stumbling-block, an impediment, or anything which occasions a fall. Then it is used in a moral or spiritual sense, as denoting that which is the occasion of falling into sin. See the Mat_5:29 note, and Rom_14:13 note. Here it refers to an individual in respect to his treatment of others, and means that there is nothing, so far as he is concerned, to lead him into sin. – Robinson, Lexicon. If he has love to the brethren, he has true religion; and there is, so far as the influence of this shall extend, nothing that will be the occasion of his falling into sin in his conduct toward them, for “love worketh no ill to his neighbor,” Rom_13:10. His course will be just, and upright, and benevolent. He will have no envy toward them in their prosperity, and will not be disposed to detract from their reputation in adversity; he will have no feelings of exultation when they fall, and will not be disposed to take advantage of their misfortunes; and, loving them as brethren, he will be in no respect under temptation to do them wrong. In the bosom of one who loves his brother, the baleful passions of envy, malice, hatred, and uncharitableness, can have no place. At the same time, this love of the brethren would have an important effect on his whole Christian life and walk, for there are few things that will have more influence on a man’s character in keeping him from doing wrong, than the love of the good and the pure. He who truly loves good people, will not be likely in any respect to go astray from the paths of virtue.”

Be Transformed Daily; Day589

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:2

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p40

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0505, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study Romans 12:2 [read more]

“Barnes on  Romans 12:2 –
And be not conformed … – The word rendered “conformed” properly means to put on the form, fashion, or appearance of another. It may refer to anything pertaining to the habit, manner, dress, style of living, etc., of others.
Of this world – τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ  tō aiōni toutō. The word which is commonly rendered “world,” when applied to the material universe, is κόσμος  kosmos, “cosmos.” The word used here properly denotes an age, or generation of people. It may denote a particular generation, or it may be applied to the race. It is sometimes used in each of these senses. Thus, here it may mean that Christians should not conform to the maxims, habits, feelings, etc., of a wicked, luxurious, and idolatrous age, but should be conformed solely to the precepts and laws of the gospel; or the same principle may be extended to every age, and the direction may be, that Christians should not conform to the prevailing habits, style, and manners of the world, the people who know not God. They are to be governed by the laws of the Bible; to fashion their lives after the example of Christ; and to form themselves by principles different from those which prevail in the world. In the application of this rule there is much difficulty. Many may think that they are not conformed to the world, while they can easily perceive that their neighbor is. They indulge in many things which others may think to be conformity to the world, and are opposed to many things which others think innocent. The design of this passage is doubtless to produce a spirit that should not find pleasure in the pomp and vanity of the World; and which will regard all vain amusements and gaieties with disgust, and lead the mind to find pleasure in better things.

Be ye transformed – The word from which the expression here is derived means “form, habit” μορφή  morphē. The direction is, “put on another form, change the form of the world for that of Christianity.” This word would properly refer to the external appearance, but the expression which the apostle immediately uses, “renewing of the mind,.” shows that he did not intend to use it with reference to that only, but to the charge of the whole man. The meaning is, do not cherish a spirit. devoted to the world, following its vain fashions and pleasures, but cultivate a spirit attached to God, and his kingdom and cause.
By the renewing – By the making new; the changing into new views and feelings. The Christian is often represented as a new creature; 2Co_5:17; Gal_6:15; Eph_4:24; 1Pe_2:2.

Your mind – The word translated “mind” properly denotes intellect, as distinguished from the will and affections. But here it seems to be used as applicable to the whole spirit as distinguished from the body, including the understanding, will, and affections. As if he had said, Let not this change appertain to the body only, but to the soul. Let it not be a mere external conformity, but let it have its seat in the spirit. All external changes, if the mind was not changed, would be useless, or would be hypocrisy. Christianity seeks to reign in the soul; and having its seat there, the external conduct and habits will be regulated accordingly.
That ye may prove – The word used here δοκιμάζω  dokimazō is commonly applied to metals, to the operation of testing, or trying them by the severity of fire, etc. Hence, it also means to explore, investigate, ascertain. This is its meaning here. The sense is, that such a renewed mind is essential to a successful inquiry after the will of God. Having a disposition to obey him, the mind will be prepared to understand his precepts. There will be a correspondence between the feelings of the heart and his will; a nice tact or taste, which will admit his laws, and see the propriety and beauty of his commands. A renewed heart is the best preparation for studying Christianity; as a man who is temperate is the best suited to understand the arguments for temperance; the man who is chaste, has most clearly and forcibly the arguments for chastity, etc. A heart in love with the fashions and follies of the world is ill-suited to appreciate the arguments for humility, prayer, etc. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God,” Joh_7:17. The reason why the heart is renewed is that we may do the will of God: the heart that is renewed is best suited to appreciate and understand his will.

That good … – This part of the verse might be rendered, that ye may investigate the will of God, or ascertain the Will of God, what is good, and perfect, and acceptable. The will of God relates to his commands in regard to our conduct, his doctrines in regard to our belief, his providential dealings in relation to our external circumstances. It means what God demands of us, in whatever way it may be made known. They do not err from his ways who seek his guidance, and who, not confiding in their own wisdom, but in God, commit their way to him. “The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way,” Psa_25:9. The word “good” here is not an adjective agreeing with “will,” but a noun. “That ye may find the will of God, what is good and acceptable.” It implies that that thing which is good is his will; or that we may find his will by finding what is good and perfect. That is good which promotes the honor of God and the interests of his universe.
Perfect – Free from defect, stain, or injury. That which has all its parts complete, or which is not disproportionate. Applied to religion, it means what is consistent, which is carried out; which is evinced in all the circumstances and reactions of life.

Acceptable – That which will be pleasing to God. or which he will approve. There is scarcely a more difficult text in the Bible than this, or one that is more full of meaning. It involves the main duty of religion to be separated from the world; and expresses the way in which that duty may be performed, and in which we may live so as to ascertain and do the will of God. If all Christians would obey this, religion would be everywhere honored. If all would separate from the vices and follies, the amusements and gaieties of the world, Christ would be glorified. If all were truly renewed in their minds, they would lose their relish for such things, and seeking only to do the will of God, they would not be slow to find it.”

Missing Link; Day588

What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).  1John 1:3

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
1Mile Swim
Deploy SEP

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p40

24Hour Report
0345, End of Sleep,
0405, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study 1John 1:3 [read more]

”Missing Link” – Fellowship With God
1. Our primary purpose in life – fellowship with God [here and afterlife]
2. If fellowship is missing:
– we are lost-gone astray
– we are confused-without order
– we are bewildered-completely puzzled
– unhappy-miserable
– discontent-restless desire or craving of something
– life is filled with misfortune-no blessings [always wondering when this suffering is going to end]
– waking up depressed and no purpose
– always feeling empty [as if something is missing]
– no hope – hopeless [on any difficult event/even the simpler ones]
– no peace – always angry to the world [even a tiny incident becomes magnified/uncontrollable]
– no love – hates people when they succeed or fail [zero compassion]

”Barnes on 1John 1:3 –
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you – We announce it, or make it known unto you – referring either to what he purposes to say in this Epistle, or more probably embracing all that he had written respecting him, and supposing that his Gospel was in their hands. He means to call their attention to all the testimony which he had borne on the subject, in order to counteract the errors which began to prevail.

That ye may have fellowship with us – With us the apostles; with us who actually saw him, and conversed with him. That is, he wished that they might have the same belief, and the same hope, and the same joy which he himself had, arising from the fact that the Son of God had become incarnate, and had appeared among people. To “have fellowship,” means to have anything in common with others; to partake of it; to share it with them, (see the notes at Act_2:42); and the idea here is, that the apostle wished that they might share with him all the peace and happiness which resulted from the fact that the Son of God had appeared in human form in behalf of men. The object of the apostle in what he wrote was, that they might have the same views of the Saviour which he had, and partake of the same hope and joy. This is the true notion of fellowship in religion.

And truly our fellowship is with the Father – With God the Father. That is, there was something in common with him and God; something of which he and God partook together, or which they shared. This cannot, of course, mean that his nature was the same as that of God, or that in all things he shared with God, or that in anything he was equal with God; but it means that he partook, in some respects, of the feelings, the views, the aims, the joys which God has. There was a union in feeling, and affection, and desire, and plan, and this was to him a source of joy. He had an attachment to the same things, loved the same truth, desired the same objects, and was engaged in the same work; and the consciousness of this, and the joy which attended it, was what was meant by fellowship. Compare the 1Co_10:16 note; 2Co_12:14 note. The fellowship which Christians have with God relates to the following points:
(1) Attachment to the same truths, and the same objects; love for the same principles, and the same beings.
(2) the same kind of happiness, though not in the same degree. The happiness of God is found in holiness, truth, purity, justice, mercy, benevolence. The happiness of the Christian is of the same kind that God has; the same kind that angels have; the same kind that he will himself have in heaven – for the joy of heaven is only that which the Christian has now, expanded to the utmost capacity of the soul, and freed from all that now interferes with it, and prolonged to eternity.
(3) Employment, or cooperation with God. There is a sphere in which God works alone, and in which we can have no cooperation, no fellowship with him. In the work of creation; in upholding all things; in the government of the universe; in the transmission of light from world to world; in the return of the seasons, the rising and setting of the sun, the storms, the tides, the flight of the comet, we can have no joint agency, no cooperation with him. There God works alone. But there is also a large sphere in which he admits us graciously to a cooperation with him, and in which, unless we work, his agency will not be put forth. This is seen when the farmer sows his grain; when the surgeon binds up a wound; when we take the medicine which God has appointed as a means of restoration to health. So in the moral world. In our efforts to save our own souls and the souls of others, God graciously works with us; and unless we work, the object is not accomplished. This cooperation is referred to in such passages as these: “We are laborers together (συνεργοί  sunergoi) with God,” 1Co_3:9. “The Lord working with them,” Mar_16:20. “We then as workers together with him,” 2Co_6:1. “That we might be fellow-helpers to the truth,” 3Jo_1:8. In all such cases, while the efficiency is of God – alike in exciting us to effort, and in crowning the effort with success – it is still true that if our efforts were not put forth, the work would not be done. In this department God would not work by himself alone; he would not secure the result by miracle.
(4) we have fellowship with God by direct communion with him, in prayer, in meditation, and in the ordinances of religion. Of this all true Christians are sensible, and this constitutes no small part of their special joy. The nature of this, and the happiness resulting from it, is much of the same nature as the communion of friend with friend – of one mind with another kindred mind – that to which we owe no small part of our happiness in this world.
(5) the Christian will have fellowship with his God and Saviour in the triumphs of the latter day, when the scenes of the judgment shall occur, and when the Redeemer shall appear, that he may be admired and adored by assembled worlds. Compare the notes at 2Th_1:10. See also Mat_19:28; Rev_3:21.

And with his Son Jesus Christ – That is, in like manner there is much which we have in common with the Saviour – in character, in feeling, in desire, in spirit, in plan. There is a union with him in these things – and the consciousness of this gives peace and joy.
(There is a real union between Christ and his people, which lies at the foundation of this fellowship. Without this union there can be no communion. But a “union with Christ in these things, i. e., in character and feeling, etc.” is nothing more than the union which subsists between any chief and his followers; and why the apostle Paul, or others after him, should reckon this a great mystery, is not easily comprehended. Eph_5:32; Col_1:27. For a full view of the subject, see the author’s notes, with the supplementary note at Rom_8:10.)

Be Insensible; Day587

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
1Mile Swim
Deploy SEP

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p40

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0505, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study Galatians 2:20 [read more]
”Be Insensible-Live By Faith”
1. Being dead=being insensible.
2. Be insensible-incapable of feeling or sensation; lack of sensory perception.
3. Be insensible to the surrounding circumstance.
4. Be insensible to the failure that you are facing. [sickness, problems, loss of a job, etc]
5. Be insensible to any human promotion.
6. Be insensible to any human glory.
7. Be insensible to any materials made by human .
8. Be insensible to any things that you can see.
9. Be sensible to the things that you cannot see.
10. Live by faith and walk by faith.

“Barnes on Gal 2:20 –
I am crucified with Christ – In the previous verse, Paul had said that he was dead. In this verse he states what he meant by it, and shows that he did not wish to be understood as saying that he was inactive, or that he was literally insensible to the appeals made to him by other beings and objects. In respect to one thing he was dead; to all that was truly great and noble he was alive. To understand the remarkable phrase, “I am crucified with Christ,” we may remark:
(1) That this was the way in which Christ was put to death. He suffered on a cross, and thus became literally dead.
(2) in a sense similar to this, Paul became dead to the Law, to the world, and to sin. The Redeemer by the death of the cross became insensible to all surrounding objects, as the dead always are. He ceased to see, and hear, and was as though they were not. He was laid in the cold grave, and they did not affect or influence him. So Paul says that he became insensible to the Law as a means of justification;
to the world
to ambition
the love of money
to the pride and pomp of life
to the dominion of evil and hateful passions.

They lost their power over him; they ceased to influence him.
(3) this was with Christ, or by Christ. It cannot mean literally that he was put to death with him, for that is not true. But it means that the effect of the death of Christ on the cross was to make him dead to these things, in like manner as he, when he died, became insensible to the things of this busy world. This may include the following things:
(a)    There was an intimate union between Christ and his people, so that what affected him, affected them; see Joh_15:5-6.
(b)    The death of the Redeemer on the cross involved as a consequence the death of his people to the world and to sin; see Gal_5:24; Gal_6:14. It was like a blow at the root of a vine or a tree, which would affect every branch and tendril or like a blow at the head which affects every member of the body.
(c)    Paul felt identified with the Lord Jesus; and he was willing to share in all the ignominy and contempt which was connected with the idea of the crucifixion. He was willing to regard himself as one with the Redeemer. If there was disgrace attached to the manner in which he died, he was willing to share it with him. He regarded it as a matter to be greatly desired to be made just like Christ in all things, and even in the manner of his death. This idea he has more fully expressed in Phi_3:10, “That I may know him, (that is, I desire earnestly to know him,) and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” see also Col_1:24; compare 1Pe_4:13.

Nevertheless I live – This expression is added, as in Gal_2:19, to prevent the possibility of mistake. Paul, though he was crucified with Christ, did not wish to be understood that he felt himself to be dead. He was not inactive; not insensible, as the dead are, to the appeals which are made from God, or to the great objects which ought to interest an immortal mind. He was still actively employed, and the more so from the fact that he was crucified with Christ. The object of all such expressions as this is, to show that it was no design of the gospel to make people inactive, or to annihilate their energies. It was not to cause people to do nothing. It was not to paralyze their powers, or stifle their own efforts. Paul, therefore, says, “I am not dead. I am truly alive; and I live a better life than I did before.” Paul was as active after conversion as he was before. Before, he was engaged in persecution; now, he devoted his great talents with as much energy, and with as untiring zeal, to the cause of the great Redeemer. Indeed, the whole narrative would lead us to suppose that he was more active and zealous after his conversion than he was before. The effect of religion is not to make one dead in regard to the putting forth of the energies of the soul. True religion never made one lazy man; it has converted many a man of indolence, and effeminacy and self-indulgence to a man actively engaged in doing good. If a professor of religion is less active in the service at God than he was in the service of the world; less laborious, and zealous. and ardent than he was before his supposed conversion, he ought to set it down as full proof that he is an utter stranger to true religion.

Yet not I – This is also designed to prevent misapprehension. In the previous clause he had said that he lived, or was actively engaged. But lest this should he misunderstood, and it should be inferred that he meant to say it was by his own energy or powers, he guards it, and says it was not at all from himself. It was by no native tendency; no power of his own; nothing that could be traced to himself. He assumed no credit for any zeal which he had shown in the true life. He was disposed to trace it all to another. He had ample proof in his past experience that there was no tendency in himself to a life of true religion, and he therefore traced it all to another.

Christ liveth in me – Christ was the source of all the life that he had. Of course this cannot be taken literally that Christ had a residence in the apostle, but it must mean that his grace resided in him; that his principles actuated him: and that he derived all his energy, and zeal, and life from his grace. The union between the Lord Jesus and the disciple was so close that it might be said the one lived in the other. So the juices of the vine are in each branch, and leaf, and tendril, and live in them and animate them; the vital energy of the brain is in each delicate nerve – no matter how small – that is found in any part of the human frame. Christ was in him as it were the vital principle. All his life and energy were derived from him.

And the life which I now live in the flesh – As I now live on the earth surrounded by the cares and anxieties of this life. I carry the life-giving principles of my religion to all my duties and all my trials.

I live by the faith of the Son of God – By confidence in the Son of God, looking to him for strength, and trusting in his promises, and in his grace. Who loved me, etc. He felt under the highest obligation to him from the fact that he had loved him, and given himself to the death of the cross in his behalf. The conviction of obligation on this account Paul often expresses; see the Rom_6:8-11; 8:35-39 notes; 2Co_5:15 note. There is no higher sense of obligation than that which is felt toward the Saviour; and Paul felt himself bound, as we should, to live entirely to him who had redeemed him by his blood.”

Flesh-Lost Power; Day586

And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. Galatians 5:24

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest
Test DriveCleanupLK.cmd at PM
Deploy SEP

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p20

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0505, Coffee, bagel
0510, Bible Study Galatians 5:24 [read more]
”Flesh-Lost Power”
1. When in Christ, the flesh has been crucified [not on our doing, Christ did it for us]
2. Flesh-the human nature, becomes powerless
3. Passions, appetites and desires are gone [desires to repeat or take control-addiction]
4. Sin has no more stronghold
5. If sin temptation attacks-retreat and go back to Christ right away [this is the only way]
6. This is a daily battle [retreat everyday]

Barnes on Gal 5:24 –
And they that are Christ’s – All who are true Christians.
Have crucified the flesh – The corrupt passions of the soul have been put to death; that is, destroyed. They are as though they were dead, and have no power over us; see the note at Gal_2:20.
With the affections – Margin, “Passions.” All corrupt desires.
And lusts – See the note at Rom_1:24.

Extend Your Hand-When Needed; Day585

But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him? 1John 3:17

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
2.4Mile Swim
Purchase Greenworks 27022 Electric Dethatcher from Amazon [much needed for a big lawn cleanup]

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Search Pro, p1

24Hour Report
0845, End of Sleep,
0910, Coffee, bagel
0930, Bible Study 1John 3:17  [read more]

”Extend Your Hand – When Needed”
1. Anyone-applies to all
2. See-when you witness someone
3. A Brother/neighbor
4. Fellow Believer
5. Open the Heart of compassion

“Barnes in 1 John 3:17
But whoso hath this world’s good – Has property – called “this world’s good,” or a good pertaining to this world, because it is of value to us only as it meets our wants this side of the grave; and perhaps also because it is sought supremely by the people of the world. The general meaning of this verse, in connection with the previous verse, is, that if we ought to be willing to lay down our lives for others, we ought to be willing to make those comparatively smaller sacrifices which are necessary to relieve them in their distresses; and that if we are unwilling to do this, we can have no evidence that the love of God dwells in us.
And seeth his brother have need – Need of food, of raiment, of shelter; or sick, and poor, and unable to provide for his own wants and those of his family.
And shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him – The bowels, or “upper viscera,” embracing the heart, and the region of the chest generally, are in the Scriptures represented as the seat of mercy, piety, and compassion, because when the mind feels compassion it is that part which is affected. Compare the notes at Isa_16:11.
How dwelleth the love of God in him? – How can a man love God who does not love those who bear his image? See the notes at 1Jo_4:20. On the general sentiment here, see the notes at Jam_2:14-16. The meaning is plain, that we cannot have evidence of piety unless we are ready to do good to others, especially to our Christian brethren. See the Mat_25:45 note; Gal_6:10 note.”

Cleansing Power; Day584

For if [the mere] sprinkling of unholy and defiled persons with blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a burnt heifer is sufficient for the purification of the body, [Lev. 16:6, 16; Num. 19:9, 17, 18.]  How much more surely shall the blood of Christ, Who by virtue of [His] eternal Spirit [His own preexistent divine personality] has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify our consciences from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the [ever] living God?  Hebrew 9:13 – 14

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
15Mile Indoor Cycling
Create CVDLSI Fault Tree for RT Server Crash
Backup E6400 – Acronis
Backup Data to USB
Buy ETrade JAFIX
Start TurboTax 2011

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Disaster Recovery, p65
Lync Server 2010 Unleashed, p190
Data Protection Manager 2010, p92

24Hour Report
0845, End of Sleep,
0910, Coffee, bagel
0930, Bible Study Hebrew 9:13 – 14  [read more]

“Cleansing Power of the Blood”
1. Not cleansing the conscience but faith in Christ
2. Not the works of man, but the faith we have in Christ

Why Go To Church?; Day583

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Celebration Church
Finalize Quickbooks on E4300
Backup Hyper-V
Backup Sharepoint
Backup Data

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Disaster Recovery, p65
Lync Server 2010 Unleashed, p190
Data Protection Manager 2010, p92

24Hour Report
0845, End of Sleep,
0910, Coffee, bagel
0930, Bible Study Hebrews 10:25 [read more]

Why go to church?
1. The Bible instructed us to assemble together – an act of obedience.
2. For worship.  The Praise and Worship portion of a Sunday church is like going to a live concert – but this one you get to sing and clap to God to praise Him with all your heart and might.
3. For the joy of fellowship – a brotherhood.
4. Practicing living in heaven.  Worship is 24/7 in heaven, might as well practice it here.
5. Encouragement-for some reason when you sing and shout to God, our morale just shoots upward as if nothing really matters except that you are in front of God in worship.
6. Culmination of your week of worship and study – Born again Christians live 24/7, practice Christianity and obey the Holy Spirit all week, listen to Christian music all week and then on Sunday, it’s like your chance to celebrate that you made it to the end of the week and then on Monday you start over the cycle again. 
7. For learning-there are so much to learn from the Bible and we cannot learn them all by doing it ourselves, God assigns a certain person to deliver it to us – the Pastor.
7. The best part – revelation.  When you are in the atmosphere of worship, things are revealed to us.  It is like having a dream but this time, you are awake and you can see things that you don’t normally see.  Names and events are flashed into your mind and all you can do is say – yes Lord, I got it.

“Barnes on Hebrews 10:25
Heb 10:25 –
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together – That is, for purposes of public worship. Some expositors have understood the word rendered here as “assembling” – ἐπισυναγωγὴν  episunagōgēn – as meaning “the society of Christians,” or the church; and they have supposed that the object of the apostle here is, to exhort them. not to apostatize from the church. The arguments for this opinion may be seen at length in Kuinoel, in loc. But the more obvious interpretation is what is commonly adopted, that it refers to public worship. The Greek word (the noun) is used nowhere else in the New Testament, except in 2Th_2:1, where it is rendered “gathering together.” The verb is used in Mat_23:37; Mat_24:31; Mar_1:33; Mar_13:27; Luk_12:1; Luk_13:34, in all which places it is rendered “gathered together.” It properly means an act of assembling, or a gathering together, and is nowhere used in the New Testament in the sense of an assembly, or the church. The command, then, here is, to meet together for the worship of God, and it is enjoined on Christians as an important duty to do it. It is implied, also, that there is blame or fault where this is “neglected.”
As the manner of some is – Why those here referred to neglected public worship, is not specified. It may have been from such causes as the following:
(1)    some may have been deterred by the fear of persecution, as those who were thus assembled would be more exposed to danger than others.
(2)    some may have neglected the duty because they felt no interest in it – as professing Christians now sometimes do.
(3)    it is possible that some may have had doubts about the necessity and propriety of this duty, and on that account may have neglected it.
(4)    or it may perhaps have been, though we can hardly suppose that this reason existed, that some may have neglected it from a cause which now sometimes operates – from dissatisfaction with a preacher, or with some member or members of the church, or with some measure in the church.
Whatever were the reasons, the apostle says that they should not be allowed to operate, but that Christians should regard it as a sacred duty to meet together for the worship of God. None of the causes above suggested should deter people from this duty. With all who bear the Christian name, with all who expect to make advances in piety and religious knowledge, it should be regarded as a sacred duty to assemble together for public worship. Religion is social; and our graces are to be strengthened and invigorated by waiting together on the Lord. There is an obvious propriety that people should assemble together for the worship of the Most High, and no Christian can hope that his graces will grow, or that he can perform his duty to his Maker, without uniting thus with those who love the service of God.
But exhorting one another – That is, in your assembling together a direction which proves that it is proper for Christians to exhort one another when they are gathered together for public worship. Indeed there is reason to believe that the preaching in the early Christian assemblies partook much of the character of mutual exhortation.
And so much the more as ye see the day approaching – The term “day” here refers to some event which was certainly anticipated, and which was so well understood by them that no particular explanation was necessary. It was also some event that was expected soon to occur, and in relation to which there were indications then of its speedily arriving. If it had not been something which was expected soon to happen, the apostle would have gone into a more full explanation of it, and would have stated at length what these indications were. There has been some diversity of opinion about what is here referred to, many commentators supposing that the reference is to the anticipated second coming of the Lord Jesus to set up a visible kingdom on the earth; and others to the fact that the period was approaching when Jerusalem was to be destroyed, and when the services of the temple were to cease. So far as the language is concerned, the reference might be to either event, for the word a “day” is applied to both in the New Testament. The word would properly be understood as referring to an expected period when something remarkable was to happen which ought to have an important influence on their character and conduct. In support of the opinion that it refers to the approaching destruction of Jerusalem, and not to the coming of the Lord Jesus to set up a visible kingdom, we may adduce the following considerations:
(1) The term used – “day” – will as properly refer to that event as to any other. It is a word which would be likely to suggest the idea of distress, calamity, or judgment of some kind, for so it is often used in the Scriptures; comp Psa_27:13; 1Sa_26:10; Jer_30:7; Eze_21:5; notes Isa_2:12.
(2) such a period was distinctly predicted by the Saviour, and the indications which would precede it were clearly pointed out; see Matt. 24. That event was then so near that the Saviour said that “that generation would not pass” until the prediction had been fulfilled; Mat_24:34.(3) The destruction of Jerusalem was an event of great importance to the Hebrews, and to the Hebrew Christians to whom this Epistle was directed, and it might be reasonable to suppose that the apostle Paul would refer to it.
(4) it is not improbable that at the time of writing this Epistle there were indications that that day was approaching. Those indications were of so marked a character that when the time approached they could not well be mistaken (see Mat_24:6-12, Mat_24:24, Mat_24:26), and it is probable that they had already begun to appear.
(5) there were no such indications that the Lord Jesus was about to appear to set up a visible kingdom. It was not a fact that that was about to occur, as the result has shown; nor is there any positive proof that the mass of Christians were expecting it, and no reason to believe that the apostle Paul had any such expectation; see 2Th_2:1-5.
(6) the expectation that the destruction of Jerusalem was referred to, and was about to occur, was just what might be expected to produce the effect on the minds of the Hebrew Christians which the apostle here refers to. It was to be a solemn and fearful event. It would be a remarkable manifestation of God. It would break up the civil and ecclesiastical polity of the nation, and would scatter them abroad. It would require all the exercise of their patience and faith in passing through these scenes. It might be expected to be a time when many would be tempted to apostatize, and it was proper, therefore, to exhort them to meet together, and to strengthen and encourage each other as they saw that that event was drawing near. The argument then would be this. The danger against which the apostle desired to guard those to whom he was writing was, that of apostasy from Christianity to Judaism. To preserve them from this, he urges the fact that the downfall of Judaism was near, and that every indication which they saw of its approach ought to be allowed to influence them, and to guard them from that danger.
It is for reasons such as these that I suppose the reference here is not to the “second advent” of the Redeemer, but to the approaching destruction of Jerusalem. At the same time, it is not improper to use this passage as an exhortation to Christians to fidelity when they shall see that the end of the world draws nigh, and when they shall perceive indications that the Lord Jesus is about to come. And so of death. We should be the more diligent when we see the indications that the great Messenger is about to come to summon us into the presence of our final Judge. And who does not know that he is approaching him with silent and steady footsteps, and that even now he may be very near? Who can fail to see in himself indications that the time approaches when he must lie down and die? Every pang that we suffer should remind us of this; and when the hair changes its hue, and time makes furrows in the cheek, and the limbs become feeble, we should regard them as premonitions that he is coming, and should be more diligent as we see that be is drawing near.”

Presence of God; Day582

If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), behold, You are there.  Psalm 139:8

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Disaster Recovery, p65
Lync Server 2010 Unleashed, p190
Data Protection Manager 2010, p92

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0410, Coffee, bagel
0415, Bible Study Psalm 139:8 

“Presence of God” [read more]
1. God is a Spirit
2. God is not limited to body
3. God is not limited to shape
4. God is not limited to force
5. God is not limited to boundaries
6. God is immeasurable
7. God has no limit to His Wisdom
8. God has no limit to His Power
9. God has no limit to His Love
10. God ha no limit to His mercy
11. God never changes

“
Barnes on Psalm139:8 
If I ascend up into heaven – The word “heaven” here, in the original is in the plural number – “heavens,” – and includes all that there is above the earth – the highest worlds.
If I make my bed – Properly, “If I strew or spread my couch.” If I should seek that as the place where to lie down.
In hell – Hebrew, “Sheol.” See the notes at Isa_14:9, where the word is fully explained. The word here refers to the under-world – the abodes of the dead; and, in the apprehension of the psalmist, corresponds in depth with the word “heaven” in height. The two represent all worlds, above and below; and the idea is, that in neither direction, above or below, could he go where God would not be.
Thou art there – Or, more emphatically and impressively in the original, “Thou!” That is, the psalmist imagines himself in the highest heaven, or in the deepest abodes of the dead – and lo! God is there also! he has not gone from “him”! he is still in the presence of the same God!”

A Clean Heart; Day581

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.  Psalm 51:10

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Disaster Recovery, p65
Lync Server 2010 Unleashed, p190
Data Protection Manager 2010, p92

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0410, Coffee, bagel
0415, Bible Study Psalm 51:10

“Clean Heart” [read more]

1. Only God can clean the hearts of men
2. Our heart becomes unclean – at regular basis, it needs cleaning [daily renewing through prayer and fasting]
3. Constant spirit-upright, right and proper spirit, sincere, firm, constant, fixed
4. Firm in purpose of virtue
5. Not yielding to temptation
6. Carry out holy resolutions
7. Steadfast in the service of God

More After Death; Day580

[Resting] in the hope of eternal life, [life] which the ever truthful God Who cannot deceive promised before the world or the ages of time began. Titus 1:2

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
1Mile Swim

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Disaster Recovery, p65
Lync Server 2010 Unleashed, p190
Data Protection Manager 2010, p92

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0410, Coffee, bagel
0415, Bible Study Titus 1:2
“More after death” [read more]
In hope of eternal life-we hope for eternal life
Which God, that cannot lie-the foundation of our belief, God will do what He says
Promised-he who repent and believe shall be saved
Before the world began-long time ago, He promised eternal life

Design and Purpose; Day579; A Sad Day

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28

Quadrant I-Urgent and Important
Rest

Reading List
Sharepoint 2010 Disaster Recovery, p65
Lync Server 2010 Unleashed, p190
Data Protection Manager 2010, p92

24Hour Report
0445, End of Sleep,
0410, Coffee, bagel
0415, Bible Study Romans 8:28
1. As we know-knowledge of His grand plan
2. All things-afflictions and trials [misfortune], victory
3. Work together for good-cooperation, mutually contributes to our good
– teach us the truth, frail and lying condition
– lead us to look to God for support
– produce subdued spirit, humble temper, patient, tender and kind disposition
4. For good-our real welfare, for the promotion of true piety, peace and happiness in our hearts

2119, “A Sad Day”  My prayer goes out to a brother and a sister who is experiencing a very difficult event today.  It is my hope and my longings that today both of you will find peace in the midst of all your tears and heartaches.  God works in a very mysterious ways. I don’t have an answer to your question as to why your life is filled with misfortune.  Many times you asked me the question “What did you do wrong to deserve all these tears?” Sometimes, bad things happen to us for a specific purpose – to teach us and to mold us to become a better person and to be closer to God.