Archive for February, 2009
02.28.09
Posted in Religion & More at 1:41 am by admin
The subject of works is one which seems to cause some confusion among Christians. There are those who say that we are saved by faith, not by works. The Scriptures seem to affirm this, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9) Then there are those who proclaim that even though we are saved by faith, works have a part to play as well. Again, the Scriptures seem to affirm this, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
Do the Scriptures oppose themselves? How can this be that we are saved by faith only, yet have works play a part in it? Are both groups right? Do these Scriptures prove that it is all in how you look at it? Well, first the Scriptures do not oppose themselves. And also, this subject is not hard to understand. Let’s examine this subject of works, faith, and salvation and see how it all fits perfectly together.
During the time that the apostles were on earth teaching and establishing the churches throughout the world there begun to arise those who wanted to put additional qualifications on being saved. We know by studying the Scriptures that there is a simple plan which we are to follow in order to accept the free gift of salvation. That plan consist of (1) faith, (2) repentance, (3) confession, (4) baptism, and (5) faithful living. (See our monograph “What Must I Do To Be Saved?) This group began to teach that in order for one to be saved — to be a Christian — he/she must first obey the “works of the law.” In other words, one must first become a Jew, then become a Christian. Even the apostle Peter began to behave in a manner which indicated to the Gentiles, that one must obey the law of Moses first. In Galatians chapter 2 Paul writes of the time when Peter would associate with the Gentiles as long as no other Jewish Christians were around. Then when his fellow Jewish Christians were present, he behaved in a different manner, perhaps giving the message that in order to be a “real” Christian, one would first obey the Jewish laws. Paul then rebukes Peter for this behavior and states to him, “We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” (Galatians 2:15,16)
In other words, man can only be justified (vindicated) by faith (and those things which faith produces) in Jesus Christ. The law of Moses can not vindicate us from our sins. The “law” can only make us aware of the fact that we are sinners. Therefore, when the Bible says that we are justified by faith, and not works, it means we are vindicated by faith (and those things which faith produces) and not by our striving to obey the law.
This concept that we are justified by faith is found in several passages in the Bible. “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of Works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:27,28) See also Galatians 3:1-5, Romans 4:1-6, & Romans 5:1,2.
So what about those other Scriptures which indicate that works do have a part to play in man’s salvation. In order to better understand how this relationship exists, let’s look a James, chapter 2: “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe; and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (James 2:18-24) You are probably saying, “How can this be? Now I’m more confused than ever.” Let’s try to sort this out.
First, the above passage is not discussing the issue of salvation, but rather the relationship between works (the way we conduct ourselves) and faith. Works, regardless of how we want to phrase it, can not and will not result in our salvation. We simply do not have the ability or opportunity to work our way to heaven. We could spend the rest of our days doing “good works” and it would not save our souls. Salvation is apart from works!
So, what relationship does works have to salvation and faith? How can we be justified by works? Let’s examine the few verses which precede the above passage. “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to him, ‘Depart in pease, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give him the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17) Works — good deeds which help our fellow Christians, spreading the gospel, etc. — is what proves that our faith is alive and real. If we were to say, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God,” we would call that faith which can lead to salvation. But the proof of that faith, is not that we say we believe, but that we do those things which further the kingdom. Works are the result of saving faith. We are justified by our works, in that our works prove our faith to be real, alive saving faith; not just intellectual assent that God and His Son exist.
It is sort of like the old saying, “Put your money where your mouth is.” It is one thing to say that we believe something, and another to conduct ourselves in such a manner as to demonstrate our belief. I have a friend who is a pilot. I may say, “I believe that he is an excellent pilot.” But my refusal to fly with him indicates that I do not really believe that. My actions disprove my statement. In respect to salvation and saving faith, our actions after we have been saved proves or disproves our faith.
If we have the kind of faith which will save us (not just intellectual assent), that faith will produce repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living. So then we ask, “Are these (repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living) works?” The answer is, no they are not works. Now I would be the first to agree that these four items could be perverted into works. One might say, “I want to go to heaven (or maybe avoid hell) so I will do those things which he has taught that I need to do.” He might say “I’m sorry for the sins I’ve committed.”; he might confess that Jesus is the Christ; he may permit himself to be baptized; and he may go through all the “acts” of being a Christian (faithful living). He is then trying to work his way to heaven. Real salvation is different.
When one has real saving faith that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and gives his life to Him, a transformation takes place. He becomes truly remorseful of his sinful nature and strives to eradicate sin from his life. He is happy and please to proclaim Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He willingly submits himself to the watery grave of baptism so his sins can be washed away. And he strives to live a life which is pleasing to God by committing himself to daily prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ. These then are not works, but the manifestation of saving faith in his life.
There are several other Scriptures in the Bible that discus the subject of works. Again, these seem to indicate that works are important to salvation. Here are some examples: “. . . each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15); “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58); and “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) See also: Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 1:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4; 5:12- 13, Titus 1:16; 3:8; 3:14, and James 1:25.
Do these Scriptures teach that we must “work” our way to heaven. Again, the answer is no. If we are truly saved, and have abiding faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, these works are a natural result of our desire to please Him. Because we are a child of God, saved by His grace through our faith in Him and His Son, we want to do the works mentioned here. And really it is more than just a “want to”, it is a deep burning desire which cannot be extinguished.
I hope that I have given my readers a better understanding of the subjects of faith, works, and salvation and how the three work perfectly together. We are saved by faith, repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living; but these produce in us and through us good works for the kingdom of God. May God bless you as you continue in His good work.
All scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version unless otherwise noted
About the Author
Stephen Kingery is an author, preacher, teacher and founder of The Home Bible Study Institute.
Visit our site at http://www.james1-22.org
Permission to use is granted if attributed to author and his website.
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02.27.09
Posted in Religion & More at 2:21 pm by admin
Christians apparently are under attack these dayswell those Christians who have aligned the bible with neo-conservatism anyway. And they are fighting mad. At least those who decided it was time to draw up a contract to support only those lawmakers and representatives whom abide by the ten commandments, I mean ten covenants/terms of the Value’s Voters Contract. This instrument, developed in the spirit of Newt’s Contract With America, was the creation of forty three religious leaders, aptly called the Servant Committee, who felt it is time for Americans of Values to put their vote where their prayers are. And let it be known this was a broad spectrum of religion’s brightest; why there were even four women and two rabbis in the bunch. Okay, so I didn’t see any Catholics, at least any by title; it must have been some of the tough language on illegal immigrants that kept them away from the table. And of course there were no … you know … Muslims; but then again, America is God’s gift to Christians; Muslims need not indulge.
The make-up of the contract drafters is interesting, especially when one considers the justification for creating this pact. It all starts with a rather startling interpretation of the most spun document ever written, The Declaration of Independence.
I hate to bore you with this but here it is again, that one sentence that gets all the attention: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Here is how the gang of forty three interpreted that in the opening of their contract: “We are citizens of the United States of America and subjects of the sovereign Creator, acknowledged in the Declaration of Independence as the Supreme Ruler and Judge of the World.
Some real slight of hand there: “subjects of the sovereign Creator”. Geez … where does it say we are the subjects of any Creator, let alone ‘THE’ sovereign Creator. In fact, the Declaration of Independence is carefully worded to say “endowed by THEIR Creator”; acknowledging the freedom for people to have differing beliefs in whom their Creator might be. And apparently “endowed”, as only Bible interpreters can do, implies the sovereign Creator is the Supreme Ruler and Judge of the World.
I’m already a little nervous and I haven’t even gotten to the ten terms in this contract.
And here is the core reason for their angst: “We strongly affirm our allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, and are moved by our faith in God to join together now to defend government of, by, and for the people against the greatest assault it has ever faced: the destruction of our Constitutionally-mandated republican form of government by judges who legislate from the bench and, thereby, subvert our liberty and our entire way of life.”
Folks, it’s those damn activist judges who legislate from the bench. That is what is wrong with America. Great sickness and pestilence can’t come to them quickly enough; the bastards!
This is a summary list of the ten terms to this contract:
1. Affirm the national relationship with God by preventing “activist judges” from ruling against public acknowledgements of God
2. Secure the national interest in the institutions of Marriage and Family by passing a Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as between a man and woman only
3. Secure parental rights to the care, custody and control of their children
4. Secure Right to Life by prohibiting abortions, human cloning, and the use of human embryos for research (death penalty excluded)
5. Secure God-granted liberties by passing legislation to allow greater religious expression without penalty and support any legislation that specifically denounces the anti-family and deceptively-named “U.N. Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)”
6. Secure the God-given right to property stewardship by passing legislation to stop Government from reclaiming property as “public use” for the purpose of taking from on individual and giving to another
7. Secure an environment of decency that is free from pornography and obscenity
8. Secure just taxes, and end immorally destructive taxation (balanced budgets optional)
9. Secure our national borders and identity (hmm … and what identity might that be?)
10. Judges who legislate from the bench subvert the republican form of government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and threaten all these legislative aims. Therefore, we urgently call for Judicial Restraint, and an end to Judicial Activism.
Their proposition is that if the above “value” tenants and supported identified legislation are endorsed by our political leaders, the problems America faces will be corrected.
Okay, so let’s say we allow prayers in school and work environments; we permit the ten commandments and references to God to be omnipresent; we stop all abortions, human embryo research, human cloning; we don’t allow gays to marry and even return the sodomy laws; we build a fifty foot wall across the south and north borders to keep illegals out; we protect property ownership; we rid the country of porn; we end immorally destructive taxes (again, whatever that means); and we hang every activist judge in the land.
What then?
How does that help us with the Iraq mess? How does that help our growing deficit and burden we continue to build for our children and grand children to pay? How does that help the folks still reeling from Katrina? How does that solve global warming? How does that solve our addiction to fossil fuels? How does it stop the shrinking middle class? How does it address terrorism, nuclear proliferation, genocide in Africa? Where is there any discussion of AIDS? What about the trade deficit, bird flu, outsourcing of jobs?
And what about the accountability of our legislators to be honest, forthright and transparent? After all, they are the ones creating the laws the activist judges overturn.
Well, when you have Tom Delay as a keynote speaker at Pastor Rick Scarborough’s ‘The War Against Christians and the Values Voter 2006′ Conference in Washington D.C. late March 2006, it is really hard to take this seriously. Oh that’s right, Tom Delay didn’t do anything wrong, he is just one of those Christians under attack. By the way, Rick Scarborough, for those who don’t know, is founder of the religious activist group Vision America, contributor to the Values Voter’s Contract With Congress, and author of the book, “Liberalism Kills Kids”.
And he thinks he is under attack!
I worry about people who can take a belief system based on an unyielding faith and twist it and turn it until they can justify an ideology that spews purposeful fear like liberalism kills children. It is the same machinery that fifty years ago clamored against desegregation and inter-racial marriages in the name of Christ. Before that the scourge was women voting. These were all a by-product of the same traditions they so eagerly want to return this country to; when women and coloreds knew their places and Jews lived quietly in the shadows.
Now it will be homosexuals, activist judges and apparently liberals who will find themselves on the outside of “traditional values”. And if I were black or female, I’d be a little wary about jumping on the Value Voters bandwagon.
It’s one of the reasons I’m no longer religious.
In a world where the wheels seem to be coming off right now, it just strikes me that the focus of this contract is all about reclaiming the good old days, when white male privilege was in full stride.
It has little to do with fixing anything.
This article is written by Robert Crane. A humorist by trade, he has a lot to say about everything. He also authored two books, “Still Living in the Sixties” and “The Single Adventure of Inlin Freebosh”. You can read a lot more at his popular website: http://www.cranelegs.com
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02.26.09
Posted in Religion & More at 9:28 am by admin
I will not wilfully kill any innocent creature.
I will not commit suicide.
I will not, commit foeticide.
I will not attack anybody.
I will not support aggression.
I will endeavour to bring about world peace and disarmament.
I will not take part in violent agitations or in any destructive activities.
I will believe in human unity.
I will not discriminate on the basis of caste, colour etc., nor will I treat anyone as an untouchable.
I will practise religious toleration.
I will not rouse sectarian frenzy.
I will observe rectitude in business and general behaviour.
I will not harm others in order to serve any ends.
I will not practise deceit.
I will set limits to the practice of continence and acquisition.
I will not resort to unethical practices in elections.
I will not encourage socially evil customs.
I will lead a life free from addictions.
I will not use intoxicants like alcohol, hemp, heroin, tobacco. etc.
I will always be alert to the problems of keeping the environment pollution-free.
I will not cut down trees. I will not waste water.
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02.25.09
Posted in Software Stuff at 1:01 am by admin
Business software generally means software programs that can be used by business and companies to carry out business activities, or to increase or measure their business productivity. Business software solution is tailor made software for specific business purposes such as railway and airline ticketing system, billing and inventory control system for department stores etc. Business software can do away with any type of business activity such as cash transactions, receipts, issues, returns, rejections, interests, and depreciation, which entail final accounts, profit and loss accounts, balance-sheet etc.
A computer machine and business software are interdependent, with computer technology becoming more advanced with each new software addition. Nowadays even a tiny business entity tends to use small business software for its easy to handle and ready to use features. Many of the business software are plug and play type for which no special computer knowledge is essential. However, for complex calculations, tedious programming and special technical training, business software with learning tools is exceptionally helpful. IT companies on the other hand sometimes use business software for training purposes, enabling modern technologies like medical transcription.
The business software market is a billion dollar industry today and any one with a sound knowledge of the system can make his or her own earnings very easily. Business software has acquired an important position in the economy of developed and developing countries. Software developing countries like India are doing good business by exporting business software to developed countries. The sprawling BPO sector is providing business software solution to many MNCs and domestic companies.
Small business software markets throughout the globe and has captured a substantial part of the software market in recent times. Small business software may include toy and game software, audio-visual software, accounting software etc. Electronic spreadsheet software, a business software solution, has engaged itself successfully in the vast use of microcomputers.
There are standard softwares available for business such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and Outlook etc., which cater to the everyday needs of most businesses. However custom business softwares have many advantages over standard business software. The custom business software can customize the functions and features in a manner required by the customer, be they automatic generation of letters, automatic sending of emails, deadline reminders, printing of receipts and bills, tracking of customers and orders. Many business softwares use operational research methods and algorithms for optimum utilization of resources, maximizing profits and minimizing costs. Business software has the potential to maximize the efficiency of businesses, systematize the way business is done and keep the business under control.
For more on Business Software visit elite-business-software.info. Susan also enjoys writing at business-and-finance-hub.info
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02.24.09
Posted in Fitness + Training, Online Health at 8:35 am by admin
Are you like many other adult males? Finding that your potbelly is enlarging or forming a bee line due south. Do you have a collection of pants that are several sizes too small? Are you understanding that your years of TV and remote control, consuming snacks and chugging six packs has finally done you in, and you are wearing love handles? Have you lost your 6 pack abs(6-pack-abs.biz)? Don’t worry too much. There are others in this abs crisis and things are promising for you.
If you want to melt away the big belly to display the muscle you should start some ab workouts (http://ab-workouts.net). Whether you are a man or a woman, you can gain from a stronger back. When your abs are toned up your back is also toned up. Sit ups as well as crunches are easy procedures to strengthen the stomach muscles.
With a focus on the lower back try lying on your tummy. Lifting your feet and knees off of the flooring and gently kicking your legs as if you were swimming. Do this for 15 seconds and rest for 30 and repeat.
It is probably a great idea to cut the salt in your meals. We are inclined to link salt and sodium rich foods with heart disease and stroke. Salt can bring on water retention which can in turn increase the tummy fat. Don’t add extra salt to foods and avoid processed foods. Drinking water can also aid in losing the spare tire. Water aids in breaking down stored fat, producing energy and also hydrating the body.
You should likely consider cutting back on calories from alcoholic beverages. Yes, I know, we all are frustrated that alcoholic beverages are not a water replacement. Alcoholic drinks contain a lot of what is referred to empty calories which for men tend to get lodged around the middle area resulting in love handles. No need to cut alcohol out completely, just keep in mind the quantity you booze and cut it back; same strategy as reducing the sum of what you eat.
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02.23.09
Posted in Religion & More at 1:42 pm by admin
For many years of my life, I thought the spiritual path had something to do with following one of the major world religions or pursuing an Eastern practice. I even thought it had something to do with morality and ethics.
Today my comprehension of the spiritual path has changed completely. Instead of the complexity of any of the disciplines to becoming a good person, I have found that the path is simple. In fact, some of the greatest atheists have followed it better than many theists. An example that comes to mind is the famous British Philosopher Bertrand Russell, who lived an impeccable life of wisdom, compassion, and grace..
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That is the spiritual path. Everything else–all the theology, philosophy, and practices–lead you to that singular ideal.
Physically, do you like to be murdered, wounded, beaten, or raped? Emotionally, do you like to be humiliated, disenfranchised, betrayed, abandoned, disrespected, alienated, and cast aside? Mentally, do you like to be cheated, swindled, lied to, vilified or misinformed?
Of course not. In fact, your whole body just cringes at the thought of such mishap.
Yet, this is what we do to others. If we are truly savage, we abuse others physically. If a little more sophisticated, we abuse others mentally and emotionally.
And in this process we abuse ourselves.
In actuality, there is no enemy, for we are all connected at the collective unconscious, and the misperception that “they” are different from “us” has been the historical cause of most human suffering. Often this abuse is perpetuated from the collective rules referred to as ethics and morality. What is ethical and moral is defined by who is making up the rules.
Yet the bell that tolls for another, also tolls for thee.
Why do we act in a way that injures others?
It is because we feel a deep void inside of us and we lash out like a wounded animal. We relate to the world from the wounds of apathy, grief, fear, lust, anger, and pride. By striking out, however, we only deepen our own anguish. Although we are only trying to survive, we achieve only more peril.
A spiritual person, however, comes from a completely different perspective. He or she is motivated by feelings of courage, acceptance, and peace.
What does the spiritual path have to do with good psychology? Everything. A sound mind in a sound body.
Can the spiritual path be defined in an even simpler way? Yes. It can be defined as love.
When you love, love, love–you’ll be happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise.
The opposite of grief, misery, and unending travail is the spiritual path. While many disciplines may lead to it, the heart will show you the way. Once we shed our habitual narcissism, then the way to courage, acceptance, and peace becomes possible.
About the Author
Saleem Rana, M.Sc., is a psychotherapist in Denver, Colorado. His articles are appreciated by hundreds of people from around the world. He loves to share inspiration and motivation for personal development.
If you’re interested in signing up for a free 35 week NLP Mindset Success Course, please go here: http://www.theempoweredsoul.com
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02.19.09
Posted in Software Stuff at 4:43 pm by admin
Dynamic is the most suitable word to describe the forex market. Software that deals with forex trading should also stand up to the level of quality it demands.
In the market there are two types of Forex trading software available: ‘Web-based software’ and ‘desktop software’. Choosing one of them depends primarily on security and also on your Internet connection speed.
Looking from the point of view of security concerns, web-based software is considered better than desktop software. This is because with desktop software, all of the data is stored on the hard disk making it very vulnerable in case the computer becomes infected with a virus or if there is a hard disk failure.
However, to overcome these shortcomings, there are computers specially made to carry out forex trading, keeping beginners in mind. This is a wise investment. Even if one cannot afford such a computer, a few upgrades can be added to one’s personal computer, like passport protection of your trading software, proper backup of trading and personal data, an anti-virus program and regular revisions of the trading software.
With Web-based software these problems can be averted, as these are hosted on protected services, thus providing protection in cases of security issues. Apart from security issues, the Web-based software is also more convenient, as one can have uninterrupted access to the latest features of software trading even while traveling, owing to the ability to log in through an Internet connection.
Variety is never a problem when it comes to choosing the right forex trading software. The final decision should be made depending on what you find most easy to use.
Trading Software provides detailed information on Trading Software, Forex Trading Software, Stock Trading Software, Option Trading Software and more. Trading Software is affiliated with Health Insurance Software.
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02.17.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:36 am by admin
Many betting fans will likely have spotted the caption “offshore sports betting”, but some may not be entirely positive what it stands for A foreign gambling web site basically works extraneous to the rules of a given land but alternatively it can mean a networked betting web site that has its file servers inside a land where internet gaming is not prohibited. Succinctly therefore, it’s best delineated as a wagering business running extraneous to the national territory of the clientele. Online gaming internet sites are currently modulated by three agencies. These are the OSGA (the Offshore Gaming Association), IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association (the FTGA).
sports bet odds
The OSGA are a nonpartisan office that currently monitors the offshore gaming industry in an effort to also afford gamers the facility to easily identify dependable companies to play gambling games with. It aims to support the concerns of gamblers, not to mention they don’t impose any joining or annual dues. The Offshore Gaming Association are a highly expert not to mention objective third party agency who manifest neutral opinions, built around your evaluations, unprejudiced study, chats, inside advice and additionally provides industry information.
The IGC are a not-for-profit agency. The council has been set up to allow an arena for worried parties to discuss points and in addition to move forward collective concerns in the international online betting industry, in an effort to establish sportsmanlike not to mention sound commercial standard procedures and routines that endeavor to improve consumer confidence in internet betting commodities and services, and to function as the industry’s universal practise representative and the IGC also operates as an info clearing house.
The Interactive Gaming Council have built up a regard for dependability, stability and credibility through the tough code of conduct it demands, and also its appeal for credible sites. The IGC monitors overseas sports betting by means of using a specific 10-step basic procedure guide and also charges sports gambling business concerns license fees for displaying their logo. Malcontent gamblers can furthermore air their issues to the IGC.
The FTGA was formed in an effort to compose a standard which will improve the procedures of internet based sports gaming operations. The authority understand that through partnering only with companies of honorable standing, they can hammer out a membership of the most fair and most competent cyberspace gaming businesses worldwide. To sum up, these are bodies which co-ordinate the procedures of world wide web based sports gambling and which should with time work to assuage some of the concerns because of insecurity held by skeptics. Computer accessible sports gambling web sites are entirely harmless, due to the fact that private details should not be needed and the rewards not to mention the odds are as a rule equivalent to a traditional Vegas-type sports bet. They slash travel, but preserve the basic atmosphere, but today you are enabled to bet at your leisure.
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02.14.09
Posted in Religion & More at 3:21 pm by admin
I believe the word “love” is thrown around just a bit too nonchalantly. Don’t you think? People say they love but do nothing to SHOW that love. Love needs action to complete its purpose. So when I say “love who you married” that means to provide of your self in the marriage. That IS what love is!
Let’s take a look at 6 biblically based principles that make up several areas of loving.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1. Love Is Patient! Are you patient with your spouse? Patience is a virtue. It is a wonderful character trait to have and practice patience. Are you utilizing all of the potential that God has given you? Are you patient, or are you easily irritated and annoyed?
Do you listen to what your spouse has to say? Are you considerate and understanding of their needs and desires? Being patient with your spouse is one way you furnish love to them.
2. Love Does Not Envy! Are you jealous of who you married? Do you ever envy or resent your spouse?
Resentment runs rampant in marriages today, and it is literally tearing couples apart! You don’t want resentment to tear apart your marriage, do you?
So often I hear couples tell me how resentful they are of their spouse for one reason or another, but mostly over petty little things that only need to be discussed! Instead what are they doing? Getting even! Have you talked to your spouse today?
3. Love Is Not Self-Seeking!! This is a biggy! I talk quite a bit about selfishness in my book, “Journey on the Roads Less Traveled”, and in many of my articles. Why? I believe that it is a major issue with couples even though it doesn’t always seem apparent.
I know how a selfish spouse can tear the other down with them. I’ve been there and done that one. I wasn’t taught how to give of myself, being the spoiled little brat that I was growing up. I was so into “myself”, and so out in left field for my marriage, that is, until I found the love of Jesus for my life.
We all have some selfish abilities that we shine intensely on occasion. But some of us are so selfish in marriage that we don’t KNOW how to give of our self at all!! Many issues cause selfish behavior, but mostly it is lack of the spiritual Christ intervening in our psyche. What we allow into our mind is what we will output to others, mainly the person we married.
This is why I stress in previous articles that for a healthy and sound marriage couples need to take care of them selves FIRST, then and only then, can they help the marriage.
4. Love Is Not Easily Angered! Do you get angry with your spouse over nothing! Do you ever think that you might be behaving impatient and intolerable with your spouse?
What underlining problem might be charging your anger? If you are quick to anger, something deeper is bothering you. Until you get to the root of that, the anger will remain within your inner psyche ready to abuse whoever gets in the way. If you are abusing your spouse with your angry feelings, leave the house if you have to. It is wrong to berate your spouse with bad feelings of anger, and it hurts them terribly.
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20
“A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man, calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18
6. Love Does Not Delight In Evil but Rejoices In Truth! This has to be the champion of all the aspects of love because if we followed this one simple principle we would not need any other standards to tell us how to love, or what love is. This straightforward verse speaks for itself, but for some of you, maybe you are not sure what the TRUTH is.
The truth is what will set you free from all of the above unpleasant aspects of your character, such as anger, resentment, envy, jealousy and strife. After all, these are only feelings that you carry around inside your head. You can either make them your life or find a new way of life.
If you want to be free of these feelings you need to find the truth, right? You need to KNOW the truth, right?
Deeply put, the truth not only sets us free from our weaknesses, but also makes us new people within that truth. Once we start applying THE truth into our life is when we can easily stop carrying around any bitter feelings, and negative attitudes that we may have.
Simply said, truth is God’s words of wisdom. We will be walking in truth when we apply God’s truth into our life.
Bottom line, the person who has wisdom is loving towards their spouse, faithful, honest, trustworthy, committed, trusts in God, puts God first, turns away from evil, knows right from wrong, listens and learns, and applies wisdom into their life and marriage.
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” Proverbs 3:13-18
And that is the truth! Do you have the wisdom to love who you married?
Angie Lewis offers spiritual enlightenment tips for couples in marriage, and is the author of new release book JOURNEY ON THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED.
This unique book is about love, life, marriage, addiction, temptation, and understanding the power of spiritual awareness for your marriage.
In her book, Angie reveals her own journey of overcoming addiction and how her negative emotions took over her life. To find out more about this new book click here, http://www.spiritual.journeybooks.4t.com
ISBN 1413788904
Avaliable Amazon online!
Angie Lewis counsels couples and writes a monthly newsletter. She reveals her secrets on how YOU can stay happily married for life!
Subscribe to get your FREE monthly newsletter so you can stay happily and forever married!
http://www.heavenministries.com
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02.13.09
Posted in Online Health, The Lawyers Way, Useful Tips at 12:59 pm by admin
Many of the unfortunate people who had zimmer hip replacement used in their hip replacement surgical processes are discovering that there are complications that far surpass the normal expectations for recuperation. These people are feeling a lot of unnecessary pain for longer periods of time, looking forward to revision operations and enlarged medical expenses, and losing revenue by being taken out of the workplace at their official jobs. Although Zimmer Holdings, Inc. is postulating that that their hip cup implant is not flawed and not to blame for the faulty surgical procedures, numerous unfortunate people are filing cases against them and obtaining settlements.
In the month of October, 2008 Zimmer announced that it had set aside $47.5 million to pay for lawsuits filed against them. Many MD’s are not so sure that the hip device is not faulty as the company has suggested. As A Matter Of Fact, when Zimmer offered online education to physicians in order to teach them what was supposedly more correct methods for executing the implant surgical operation, half of the docs declined to participate. Therefore, the whole situation continues to be nerve-racking for all parties attached, but none more than the hundreds of implant recipients who are needing a revision surgery due to problems with their implant experiencing failures.
These hurting implant recipients definitely deserve some assistance and restitution which obviously is why product liability lawyers are telling them to initiate lawsuits. hip implant attorneys has been resolving these claims before they go to court. Still, even if the payoff they are being offered seems like a fair amount, in numerous cases people are resolving too fast and without clause being made for on-going issues if they happen down the road. If they don’t hold off and wait, to find out what cases are actually going to be worth, individuals might find themselves ending up paying alot more money out of pocket when further complications arise.
If your orthopedic physician tells you that youre going to need revision operation to resolve your Zimmer Durom hip replacement device, get in touch with an lawyer right now.
As soon as lawyer tells you that you have a case, be ready to stick it out for awhile in order to get the very best settlement that you can get. Take the advice your lawyer offers you and dont demand speedy restitution. Being patient at this stage of the case can pay off vs. just rushing the process.
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