Life is Short .....

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My apologies for not posting here a bit more regularly.  I will attempt to do better - one posting per week?

The Titus study is moving along nicely - albeit slowly. See http://mikesullivanblog.blogspot.com/
if you'd like to follow along.

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***Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the Beirut Bombing.  Those of you who know me know that I was a 20 year Marine.  C 1/10 was in country supporting the peacemaking efforts.  Click the link below if you'd like to read about it.

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Beirut_barracks_bombings

Life is short.  We've heard the expression many times. Today, reading the local paper, I received another reminder, besides the Beirut Anniversary.  The sister of someone I dated in high school and later a neighbor, someone whose daughter played with my daughter, passed away recently at age 58.

Do not wait to tell someone you love them.  Don't wait in your attempts to set right a wrong.  Have you let personal pride get in the way of obedience to our Father in Heaven?

Romans 10:9-13King James Version (KJV)

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 23:23---buy the truth and sell it not;  also wisdom, and instruction and understanding. KJV

---The word definitions are clear.  However, I invite you to look at H4148 - instruction.  (Properly chastisement, reproof, warning, restraint, correction, doctrine, rebuke)  See appl remarks below...  

Application:  There is no such thing as an equipping phase in the Christian life.  Many spend years and years in the comfort of a Bible study or discipleship classes.  That's about as worthless as raising a child and never giving them an age/experience/ability related chore until they are out of college.  It's not scriptural...

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Church Danger Signs.....

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We are starting a verse by verse study of Titus tomorrow...Lord willing. See http://mikesullivanblog.blogspot.com/
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Verse of the day:  I started off  with Proverbs 30:5-6 and took a rabbit trail.  First of all, the word of God is tested.  The second part that caught my attention is we are not to add too His words or He will reprove you.

What is the cost of these improper changes we make to God's Word?  Usually we consider them "minor doctrine" and we've room and flexibility to do as we with.  Is that really true?  Consider these warning signs:  it's a long list, in no particular order and probably could be added to.

Prosperity Gospel, purpose driven issues, charismatic teaching and practices such as healing, speaking in tongues, etc, liberal theology, the Bible is considered a guide, gender neutral bible/hymnal, gossip is practiced by many including church leaders, internal focus where evangelism and community outreach is lacking, members are content with warming pews, church growth is stagnant, no one brings guests, lack of service volunteers, lack of prayer meeting, unwillingness to participate in Bible studies, popular Christian books are used vice books of the Bible, tithing sermons are frequent, conflict and problems are not dealt with, fellowship is very shallow, difficulty connecting, women are permitted leadership roles, people depart immediately after the service, volunteers are always lacking, church life revolves around the pastor, men of the church disagree with doctrine and practice but are afraid to speak, yes-men are elevated to church leadership positions, unbiblical titles are used, favoritism is practiced, authoritarian leadership and stifling bureaucracy, public sin is tolerated, worship is lethargic, lukewarm and predictable, lack of authenticity, low community impact, leadership view church members as inferior, someone is paid to come in and preach if the pastor takes a vacation, church employees remain on the payroll even though they are a budget burden, poor performance by paid employees is not dealt with, unbiblical church organization, leadership discourages questions about doctrine and practice.  If it feels like the pharisees are in charge, watch carefully and be cautious.  If you do choose to blog about church/theology issues, be prepared to be thrown under the bus.  They will claim it's not biblical to ask questions or write about practices....hogwash. It's leadership by intimidation and stranglehold and they are engaging in coverup and damage control.  It even happened to Spurgeon...see writings on the down-grade controversy.  Spurgeon's magazine had critical articles written...he was probably thrown under a horse carriage - no buses in his day.

Application:  

If your gut tells you there's a problem, there might very well be issues. Pray.  Check with scripture. Consult with other godly men not a part of that particular denomination.  Do your homework. Confront.  Blow the whistle if necessary. Be prepared to depart before you're lynched by a kangaroo court for having the temerity to disagree and confront.

Do you have a fear of God or man?

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Slander - the accepted sin.....

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We are starting a verse by verse study of Titus tomorrow...Lord willing. See http://mikesullivanblog.blogspot.com/
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Verse of the day:  Prov 25:23

The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.  NASB

There is a bit of confusion over this verse.  See the KJV.  At issue is the backbiting tongue.  How can we live in an age where this is now accepted sport in the local church?  Yet God condemns this behavior.  Pr 6:19, 10:18, 11:13, 16:28, 17:9. 18:8, 20:19, 26:20-22, Lev 19:16, Ps 50:20 and more.  Also see the King James Concordance.

If you attend Slander Church and this is going on, you must speak out against it.  If church leadership, employees, trustees are involved, you have a serious problem.  

Confront this malignancy.  Depending on their reaction, be prepared to depart.  They may deny it, claim they will have to investigate and downplay the problem.  Be persistent.

Application:  This is always a painful situation.  Is God first or the church folks who claim to be your friend?  If God is first, it must be confronted for the place you're attending tolerates and practices public sin.

Follow the blogs - we can help.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Lukewarm faith-----is it sinful?

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We are starting a verse by verse study of Titus tomorrow...Lord willing. See http://mikesullivanblog.blogspot.com/
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Verse of the day:  Prov 23:12

Proverbs 23:12King James Version (KJV)

12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Must we really follow this example?  Is biblical illiteracy and ignorance really a problem?  Is a lukewarm faith really sinful?  See Rev 3:16.

Why do churches put up with this behavior? Someone once mentioned that I should be more patient with the broken.  I'm sorry, laziness has nothing to do with being broken.

Application:  There is no easy fix here.  Bible competence in three easy lessons doesn't exist.  You must apply yourself.

Follow the blogs - we can help.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

He who oppresses the poor...

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Verse of the day:  Prov 14:31

Proverbs 14:31King James Version (KJV)

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

Oppression - H6231:  extort, wrong, crush, defraud, rob, get deceitfully.

---Does teaching the unscriptural tithe oppress the poor of your church?
---Does a signed pledge/oath to support a building project or annual budget violate scripture?
---If church leadership refers to its church members as having a blue collar welfare mentality and calls them God robbers, might there be a leadership problem?

***tithing is not New Testament doctrine and is false teaching.  Yes, we are to be happy givers.

Application:  Do you know your Bible well enough to question false doctrine and practice?  If not, today is a good day to start.

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

The diligent and the hasty...

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Verse of the day:  Prov 21:5

Darby - the thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of everyone that is hasty, only to want.

Application to weight loss:  If you are diligent you will make progress.  Hasty decisions lead to failure.

There is a reason the pounds are or are not coming off. Is there someone to blame besides you?

Be sure to consult with your medical professional first before starting a weight loss and exercise program.    

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  If you are in Fargo ND, the NDSU Gardens

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/plantsciences/research/gardens/map

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

A witness of Belial...

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Verse of the day:  Prov 19:28

Darby - A witness of Belial scorneth judgement, and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth down iniquity.

Honesty is the standard - the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  These people are described as the worst of sinners.  Lies and gossip are now acceptable sins in the church?  Sadly, that seems the practice.

Application:  Warn these sinners of their wickedness. Confront the sins.  If it continues and leadership will do nothing because they too are filthy gossips, you'll have little choice but to leave.

Weight loss and exercise:  Until recently, I'd never counted a calorie in my life.  These last couple of weeks have been quite an education.

It takes 3500 calories to burn 1 pound of fat.
Another interesting tidbit is your body burns a certain amount of calories at rest.  So, you can easily determine your Basal Metabolic Rate and then use a Harris Benedict Equation to determine number of calories you can ingest and maintain your current weight.  From this you determine caloric intake and daily deficit.  And you will have a reasonable predictor of how quickly the fat will come off.

For example, my BMR is 1804.  Using the Harris Benedict Equation (1.2) I can eat 2165 calories and maintain present weight.  My current goal is 1500 healthy calories.  That creates a daily deficit of 665 calories as long as I don't go over the goal.  Multiply times 6 = 3990 calories.  In theory, two pounds per week will come off.

Yes, exercise will help.  Figure on burning 100 calories per briskly walked mile.

Be sure to consult with your medical professional first.    

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  If you are in Fargo ND, the NDSU Gardens

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/plantsciences/research/gardens/map

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Warning - Bridge Out Ahead

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Verse of the day:  Prov 5:13

Darby - and I have not hearkened unto the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to those that instructed me.

Stubborn, pig-headed, foolish, reckless.  We've received warnings all our lives.  Ignoring them produces great results?  The Bible says otherwise.

Application:  Listen and obey.

 This is a daylily called Mary Reed.

Weight loss and exercise:  those who have tried this know it's a struggle.  BTW, smoothies are easy.  

The hard part is adjusting to a 1500 calorie diet and exercising regularly.  I'm quite surprised the amount of calories in various things I like.  A slice of cheese is 70?  A piece of bread is 100.  Anyway, that's what's going on at the moment.

Also, I've been disappointed to learn that a one mile walk at a brisk pace burns only 100 calories. Really?

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  If you are in Fargo ND, the NDSU Gardens

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/plantsciences/research/gardens/map

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Put a sock in it...

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Verse of the day:  Prov 30:32

If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay the hand upon thy mouth.

We all have been guilty of this one.  The word "if" seems to indicate deliberation and reflection. Perhaps a gracious friend has spoken to us in love?

Example:  a person you know who frequently tells people about his successes in business and how much he gives to the church, who he's helped, etc.  Might this be a heart issue?

Application:  Put a sock in it, confess and repent of the evil.  See Job 21:5, Prov 17:28, Rom 3:19.

Smoothie Recipes:  Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be overweight.  Consequently, I've embarked in a weight loss/exercise program. 

My first experiment:  1 banana, 1/2 cup of organic vanilla yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup mixed berries, a bit of honey, scoop of steel cut oats, scoop of flax seed.  My first try it was a bit thick so I added some water.  You can certainly add milk.  I'll be a bit more careful and write down the specifics.  ;)

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  If you are in Fargo ND, the NDSU Gardens

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/plantsciences/research/gardens/map

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Poor man versus rich man...

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Verse of the day:  Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, that he that is perverse, double in ways, though he be rich.  Darby.

***Obedience to the Lord, even though poor, is far better than a rich man who cheats to get where he is. Key words:  poor, integrity, perverse, rich.

George Foreman grill:  The gas grill had a valve stick over the winter.  For those who have purchased a new one, you know how much fun they are to assemble. So, I purchased an indoor grill for $30.  I'll let you know how it goes.  :)

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  If you are in Fargo ND, the photo above was taken at the NDSU Gardens on 28 June 16.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Pledges and guarantors for debts...

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Verse of the day:  I started working on this yesterday but didn't finish.  Therefore, I will include it today. 

Prov 22:26 - Be not of them that strike hands, of them that are sureties for debts.

We all know about vows and co-signing a loan. However, here are a couple of thoughts that might challenge your thinking:  1. What is it called when we are pressured to "pledge" to support the annual church budget?
2.  A congregation needs to raise funding for a building projects.  "Pledges" are solicited from the congregation.  And if you don't pledge, you are treated like a pariah - even though you may not be able to afford it.  
*****Are these two things scriptural?  

Baked ziti for Miss Evie:  

1 24oz jar of your favorite sauce.  I used Newman's Own-Sockarooni...I think
1 lb ziti
1 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
1 8oz pkg of shredded Italian cheese.
1 lb ground Hot Italian sausage.

Cook the ziti while you're browning the sausage.
A 13 x 9 pyrex.  Put a layer of sauce on the bottom. Then start spreading the pasta over the top in a layer. I used a big spoon as it was hot.  If I had a large bowl, it would have been easier to mix the pasta, cheese, sauce, etc.  Sorry, no bowl.  
Then I dotted half the ricotta cheese with a teaspoon.
Add sausage evenly for the next layer.
Then add the remainder of the pasta over the top of the meat.
Add remainder of ricotta cheese on top.
Add remainder of sauce evenly over top.
Add 8 ounces of Italian shredded cheese over the top
Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 25 min.

Bachelor thoughts after sampling:  it could use more hot italian sausage.  And it could use a bit more sauce. It would also be good with onions, green peppers and mushrooms.  I omitted those.  The 13 x 9 pan was full.  If I did add the additional ingredients, I'd reduce the pasta a bit. Try it and let me know what you think.

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  If you are in Fargo ND, the photo above was taken at the NDSU Gardens on 22 June 16.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Self-inflicted misery...

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Verse of the day:  Prov 16:22 - Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly. (Darby)

Understanding/wisdom seems to be a rare quality. Fools are everywhere.  Why?  God's Word doesn't seem that hard to understand.  Perhaps it's a lack of effort and obedience?  Seems to me, the fool's problem is self-inflicted.  Yet they seldom blame themselves.  See Prov 1:1-7

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  If you are in Fargo ND, these were shot at the NDSU Gardens on 7 June 16.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Mike's Impromptu Breakfast Burrito...

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This simple recipe started out with a bit of an oops.   A bag of sliced peppers, green, red and yellow, plus white onions somehow got into my cart.  Perhaps a communist put it in there?  Brought them home, heated them in the microwave and the "duh" moment finally occurred.  There were no other vegetables in there.  Consequently, I've been building meals trying to use them up.  To this I added some jalapeno peppers and diced tomatoes.

***Adjust as required depending on number serving
splash of olive oil
non-stick pan - I use ceramic.
3 large eggs - 
Peppers, onion, tomato mix - by eye.  1/2 cup?
Fiesta Lime spice or Extra Spicy to taste.
Pepper and salt to taste.
A sprinkle of feta cheese or whatever you prefer
Serve as a breakfast burrito
Hot sauce as required.  Enjoy :)

Verse of the day:  Prov 12:21 - There shall no evil happen to a righteous (man); but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. (Darby)

Be sure to look up these words:  evil-H205, righteous-H6662, wicked-H7563, filled-H4390, mischief-H7451.  H stands for Hebrew.  You'll need e-sword or dictionary, concordance, Greek/Hebrew Lexicon.

---If you read the verse in isolation, might it be understand that if we behave, we'll have no problems?   Yet, that view isn't the truth of scripture.  Remember Job?  He's described as a righteous man.  See Romans 8:28.  And Jesus committed no sin.I believe what's meant here is the evil of/for the punishment of sin - penal evil.

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  If you are in Fargo ND, these were shot at the NDSU Gardens on 7 June 16.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Tacos from the pantry...

My daughter mentioned tacos and I wanted some. Definitely hunger mode - complete with food noises and salivating like Pavlov's Dog.

2 12.5 oz chicken breast.  Drain one, not both.
1 16 oz can refried beans
1 sleeve taco seasoning - your choice. (1.25 ounce)
Toppings -your choice.

Open everything.  Drain one can.  Put everything into a skillet.  Mix well.  If too thick, add a little water. Serve with your choice of taco shell, tortilla chips, or burrito.  I added nothing but some hot sauce.  Miss Evie would not like these.  She was also annoyed with Grandpa's camera flash - notice the squinty eyes? She certainly had us laughing.

Verse of the day:  Prov 9:17  needs context so please start at verse 13.  There are two divisions in this chapter.  Verses 1-12 and 13-18.

Darby - Stolen waters are sweet, and the bread of secrecy is pleasant.

Stolen waters = illicit intercourse/sexual sin = poison and disaster.  Notice the words used in verse 16: naive=simple, foolish, silly.  Lacks/voice of understanding/judgment - the kind of person that falls for this ploy.  

Do not fall for the lie that sin is better than obedience to God's Word.

Get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Tater Tot Casserole/Hot Dish: modified

First of all, here is the link I used as a starting point: Why the link?  I'm not a cook and wish to give credit where credit is due.

http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/hotdish-tater-tot-casserole.html

Here is what I actually did:

Olive oil - just a splash - 1/4 cup seemed too much
Onion powder - 1 tablespoon vice the medium onion
85/15 organic beef 1 lb - drained of fat.
No salt/no pepper
Soy Sauce - 2 tsp
Worcestershire - 1 tsp
4 cloves minced garlic
Green beans, organic - 1 lb thawed
Organic mixed vegetable - 1 lb thawed
condensed cream of mushroom soup - 2 cans
2 pounds tater tots

During the last 15 minutes of cooking I added 4 ounces of organic feta cheese sprinkled over the top. If you don't care for feta, substitute cheese of choice.

I baked it in a 13 x 9 pyrex dish.  Took it out and sampled.  Found it to be a bit dry.  My solution was to heat a can of cream of chicken soup with 1/2 can water and then pour over the top.  It seemed to help.

It's tasty enough but I can't help but think it's missing something.  Hot sauce maybe?

Enjoy!

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 4:20-22:  Solomon is admonishing his son.  And you should certainly, as application, hear God's voice in this...

Proverbs 4:20-22Darby Translation (DARBY)

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thy heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Darby Translation (DARBY)

Public Domain (Why are modern Bible translations copyrighted?)

Exercise schedule:  Saturday is walk day.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Cottage Cheese mashed potatoes:

Recipe link below. The quickest way is to use instant. However, I've never made them that way. Natural Grocers has organic potatoes.  You'll need 4-6 large russets.  It's a simple recipe that gets frequently and heavily modified.  My daughter doesn't like the texture of onions but onion powder is ok.  This recipe calls for baking.  I've never done that.  I peel the potatoes, boil and mash.  Add the ingredients and reheat on stove.

Onion powder:  1 tsp
Garlic powder:  1 tsp 
Organic cottage cheese: 1 cup
Organic milk:  1/3 cup to start
Organic butter:  1 stick
Organic Feta Cheese:  3 or 4 ounces
*McCormick has a Roasted Garlic and Bell Pepper spice which I frequently use.  If you use this, eliminate the garlic powder and sprinkle on to taste.
Black Pepper - to taste.

This goes really well with hamburger stroganoff and vegetables.  Garlic bread will also make you smile.
It can be frozen.  However, it never seems to last that long.  :)  Enjoy - Miss Evie loves these!

http://www.cooks.com/recipe/yx8929io/cottage-cheese-mashed-potatoes.html



Verse of the day:  Proverbs 2:11 - Discretion shall keep thee, understanding shall preserve thee.

We go to great lengths to feel our loved ones are safe and protected. House and car are locked.  Insurance for all kinds of things is purchased.  Life insurance, vitamins, dieting and weight watching, physicals by an MD, exercise programs to stay in shape, listening to weather reports, etc.  It's an endless list of thing we seem to worry about.  

Yet what about your soul?  Proverbs, there are 31, provide practical guidance and wisdom.  Are you applying His wisdom to your life?  A life of sin will not bring a good result.

Exercise schedule:  Thurs - strength day.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Miss Evie:  really likes chili and chunky mashed potatoes (I'll post this recipe soon).  She makes me laugh because she spits out the skin of the kidney beans.  

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 31:6 - give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto the bitter of soul:  (7) let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Excessive use of strong drink/wine, particularly to the point of impairment, is never condoned in scripture. Here, medicinal use is referred to.

What then do we say of groups that condemn even one drink or glass of wine?

Auction find:

Exercise schedule:  Tues - strength day.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Bachelor Chili and Chili Dogs...

Quick chili sure isn't hard.  The soup aisle at my local store has a couple of different choices.  Cugino's is the one I tried today.  It's labeled mild but it's easy to add some Mrs Dash Extra Spicy or your choice of hot sauce to give it some heat.

Chili is reasonably healthy says a friend. Chili dogs are not.  LOL...go figger.  Garnish with raw scallions and a bit of sour cream .  Other suggestions a lime, cilantro, avocado or jalapeno peppers.  It's all on the package - follow the directions and enjoy!

A package makes 12 servings.  For me, an apartment size chest freezer comes in handy.  Blessings!

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 29:25  The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in the Lord shall be safe. (KJV)

Who determines your decisions and direction - God or society?  Do you suppose the world has positively influenced the church?

Another flower photo:  Clematis integrifolia.

Exercise schedule:  Sunday - a day of rest.

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Piece of bread, small bribe = perverted justice...

The following passage deals with the sin of partiality - a topic also covered in the book of James.

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 28:21 - To show respect of persons is not good; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.

Respect of persons = partiality
Piece of bread = small bribe
Transgress = perverted justice, to revolt/rebel

Wesley - "For when a man has once accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice."

NDSU Gardens:  This is a standard dwarf bearded iris called Marksman...

Exercise schedule:  Saturday - just a walk.  Here's a link that might help.

http://www.healthination.com/getting-started/just-get-started/?utm_source=FBPaid&utm_campaign=DiabetesResourceCenter

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Personal Defense Calibers - 26 May 2016...

No weapon purchase yet.  Still researching.  For me, the choices seem to be .380, 9mm or .45.  Care to chime in on which you'd choose?  And what would be your recommendation for a conceal carry caliber for women?

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 26:12 - Hast thou seen a man wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope of a fool than of him.  The KJV uses the word conceited.

These people are above correction, instruction and rebuke - at least in their eyes.  A problem is always the fault of someone else. This is a very serious spiritual problem. As stated in the text, fools have more hope.

Wrist watch:  What do you wear daily?

Here's a link to some reviews for daily drivers:  
http://www.bestwatchbrandshub.net/top-watch-brands-for-men/


Exercise schedule:  Thursday is strength exercises. For beginners - squats, knee and regular push ups or cheater push ups.  Here's a link that might help.

http://www.healthination.com/getting-started/just-get-started/?utm_source=FBPaid&utm_campaign=DiabetesResourceCenter

***Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Concealed Carry Weapon - 24 May 16

This morning was a bit frustrating as I've been trying to figure out FB marketing issues.  Did you see the smoke coming out of my ears?  ;)  So, I escaped.  A short trip to the NDSU Gardens and a stop at the gun store/gun range on the way home.

What are your recommendations on a concealed carry pistol?

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 24:30-31:  I went to the field of a sluggard, and by the vineyard of a man void of understanding; and lo, it was all grown over with thistles, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and its stone wall was broken down.

***do not succumb to the temptation to be fat and lazy - poverty is near.  AND, this also applies to your spiritual life.  Are you producing fruit for God or are the weeds choking out everything else?

Exercise schedule:  Tuesday is strength exercises. For beginners - squats, knee or regular pushups.

Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Auction Goodies - 22 May 16

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 22:1 - "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches; loving favour rather than silver and gold."  (Darby)

Your reputation is based on fruit.  It can be good or bad.  We want good because a bad reputation is very hard to overcome.

Exercise schedule:  Sunday is a day off from exercise. Fargo weather was cloudy and very windy.

Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Auction Success - 21 May 16:  Auction season is here and there are plenty of options - particularly if you're willing to make a day trip.  Today I was in Moorhead and scored some smalls.  I will post pictures tomorrow.

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 21:6 - The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting breath of them that seek death.

The word treasure often makes us think of material things.  Yet it can also mean achieving goals or agenda.  Those who choose gain by deceit may be very successful in their acquisition.  However, it will not satisfy and their destruction will be self-inflicted.

Exercise schedule:  The day is too pretty not to take a walk.

Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike

  

Duck eggs and irises.....20 May 2016

Out exploring a bit - look what I found!  ;)

Verse of the day:  Proverbs 20:27 - Man's spirit is the lamp of Jehovah, searching all the inner parts of the belly.

Spirit = conscience and is a gift from God.  A sense of right and wrong.  It can also be taught.  Be sure to teach it well or you might sear your conscience.  The result will be callous, cauterized and insensitive to sin.  A very dangerous place.

Exercise schedule:  The day is too pretty not to take a walk.

Be accountable to someone.  May your day be blessed.  Mike