In reply to the first post on this topic i reckon i'd have to say to pick the best man for the job. In this world of politics and people we are choosing to be our leaders, i think we should pick the guy that's best for the job. I.E. someone that has a balance. Every will know what i'm talking about when I say this example and I am in NO means making this sound like I'm bashing either party because i know how people are...i live in TN where the word republican is shunned lol. Anyways goes like this:

We have a democrat in office, we have a great economy because democrats are all for the economy and pretty sucky on foreign policy. History has proved that over and over again. We get a democrat in office in order to better the economy. Yea we did have a great economy while Reagan was in office, and while Clinton was in office, because they were all for the economy. Not such a bad thing. However, when we vote a republican in office, our foreign policy changes. We're more pro-active in the military and foreign policy is enriched i reckon the word is. However, with ALL things there has to be a balance in order for us to get anywhere. How do you think America got started? Our founding fathers knew we had to have a balance between the economy and fighting. Like a board on a barrel. You got one of both ends, but if you stand in the middle and balance it...then things even out. However, we as americans have become so materialistic that we love a great economy, but the moment we're threatened it changes. I'm convinced that we're never going to have a president that everyone likes and that will do what the majority of America wants 100% of the time in office. Some don't understand this. maybe i'm just shooting off on a tangent, maybe I'm making sense, I don't know, but I do know this, Pride and self gain play a big part in american politics...how sad. Just a few thoughts...

Dominus Vobiscum,
Joshua

Should we not listen to what God has to say on such manners regarding finances? I think we should. Sometimes things can be put in front of us that look great and can be seen as an awesome opportunity...but really they are plans that are bound to fail. So, I would be inclined to say that looking at the information others are giving isn't really a good idea. We should listen to what God says and ask to be guided by His will and His word regarding such matters. I am a firm believer that when we stop and listen to what God says and impresses upon our hearts to do, we can be nothing but good stewards. Stewardship is like anything else in Scripture. God enables us to be good stewards, but ONLY when we seek His guidance regarding finances. When we seek God's will regarding our finances, there is no way we can be illiterate because it is God that will guide us in what we should do.

For example, and this is just an example, say on Sunday morning you forget to give your tithe and somehow leave the money at home before sunday morning service and on your way back to the church in the evening or whenever you head back to the church for the next service, you come across this child on the road, this child is vey thin and looks very sick. You stop to help the child. He says that he's been abandoned by his parents and is wandering the streets looking for food, but has no money to get food. Here you have say $25 and you pick the little boy up and take him to get food. Now you end up missing church or are late for church after you help the boy get to a center or shelter to where people can take him in and give him food and shelter. You arrive at church and you don't have any money to give to the church. Now are you in the wrong by not having a tithe to pay the church? No, your act of kindness has revealed Jesus and you were an example of God's grace to that little boy.

Now the example that I just gave you has happened in real life with my pastor from my home church. Now do you think he made the right decision? I should think so because he showed Jesus through his actions, even though he didn't give his money to the church, he still furthered the Kingdom of God. That brings me back to my point. When we seek God's guidance on an issue such as finances, we'll more than likely receive an answer on what we should do. So point being, in regards to finances...i don't believe it's sinful, however, I do believe that we should seek God's guidance on finances. I have to head to work now, so i'll call it a day, hope this helps all who read it. God Bless.

Coram Deo,
Joshua

Most often people tend to lead toward one that has a very charismatic way of doing things...someone who will do something to draw the people in, and once they get the members, they suddenly do a turn around. Somewhat of the same mentality is used in every day life to a certain extent. People use charisma to get their way sometimes...it's called persuasion. Cult leaders use it in a more effective way that other people either have knowledge of and choose not to use for personal reasons. It is sad...really sad. I hate it as well, but I live in a place where people run to the Pastor to seek guidance...too often they receive the wrong guidance. Seems to be an all too recurring problem.

Joshua

Hey all,

I just thought i'd drop in once I had a chance to settle down and get a few minutes on the computer. I'm doing well, i've started a new job and guess what. I'm married now. We got married at 11:00 am CST on Aug 26th. We're on our honeymoon and she's hanging out here with me while she's on her computer enjoying her wireless internet. Anywho, things are going well, i've decided to go into the Air Force, I changed from Marines because it'd be better on my family. Anywho...hope all is well with ya'll...have a great afternoon.

Joshua

Heh,

I have more reason for awolness lol. I never realized how young a person like me can have so much going on. I'm around a computer all day, yet i never have time to sit down and type out stuff. Mattter of fact i'm a work righ tnow, but it's toward the end of my lunch break. Back to working on port problems. Laterz

Joshua

They're technically called inactive or permanent off duty marines...i've heard my uncle refer to them as such...

heh, it doesn't bother me people yelling at me, just as long as their directions are clear and concise, i have no problem obeying. I learned that working here in an IT field. If the directions are clear, and concise, the job can get done and I'll do it to the best of my ability. I know about covers and the D.I. I know they hate to be called Drill Sergeant, but instead Drill Instructor. Also, referring to myself in the third person will help too. I have a cousin in the navy, so he's letting me know where not to mess up. I try to store my own boots, but I know my fiance, and she'll be the one trying to take them off before I get in the door to stow them away. She has OCD tendencies when it comes to cleaning...so I'll have to make sure I'll let her know if i'm going back out so she'll leave them out. LOL. Can't beat that service. About the crash and all that, i just got Linux and XP dual booted onto my PC, so i'm looking around at linux. cause I have a feeling that the Govt. is delving into Linux and unix based apps. Anywayz, back tow ork cause we got another pc crashing on us. See ya.

Coram Deo,
Joshua

LOL. thanks for the welcome back Allinall. I'll get around to posting it sometime, i just wiped my box because of a crash, so I'm going to have to re-load them for you. Anyways, i'm back off to work, just wanted to drop a line or two and let you know that i do appreciate it. Hope all's well. Cya.

Coram Deo,
Joshua

I'll add about the cursing and blessing part: the cursing is that it's not like it was when i was under my parent's wings and they provided, the blessing is NOW I get the pride and joy of providing for myself and providing for my fiance and those that I love dearly....just thought i'd add that.

Coram Deo,
Joshua

Lol, thanks for the comments guys and the warm welcome. Hope's Daughter: I appreciate the concernt. The parting of ways is simply that I am now out on my own and having to stand on my own two feet. It simply means that I'm having to take responsibilty for my own actions and I can't run home to mommy and daddy when things get tough. They have released me to the world as far as standing on my own two feet are concerned. I have to worry about my own finances, bills, plans and all that now. It's a curse and a blessing, but no, my parents havn't parted ways COMPLETELY...which i think is a good thing. Just wanted to clarify. i should have clarified earlier, but I was at work and was being called on an assignment. I appreciate ANY welcome, and even if you're new to the site hopes_daughter, I want to wish you the best as you post on this site as well. As a brother and hopefully as a friend . NowAirIamtoworship...the wedding date is set to September 2nd .

Dominus Vobiscum
Joshua

hey guys!! It's Joshua again and I'm back. it's been a while. I've had aALOT going on in my life. I finished up one semester iin college. I have since gotten me a job and am financially stable. Due to some differences in opinions, my parents and I have parted ways and I'm now on my own, but I have a fiance who loves me and is helping me. I have my own place now and i'll be living there for a while. Due to the costs of finances in college, i.e. tuition costs, i'm going to put my education off for a few years and join the Marine Corps. Yes, you heard me right, i'm joining the Marine Corps. I feel a ministry opportunity there like no other. So that's where i'm headed in September. I've been engaged about a month now, and it gets sweeter and sweeter as each day goes on. Anyways, there's your update for today. Hope all of ya'll are doing well.

Dominus Vobiscum,
Joshua

Our church has one empty cross and it's in the Baptismal. We put it there because it reminds us that our Savior is Risen off of that old rugged cross, and that the baptism in which is being performed is symbolic of what has been done to our souls. We've been saved, we've died to our sins, been buried, and raised in his likeness. Our souls are cleaned from our sins and we are regenerate souls. Simply put, the empty cross is a reminder that YES, our Lord is Risen and He will come back one day to redeem His church. Hope you all are well and God Bless.

Coram Deo,
Joshua

just for the sake of arguement, do not "both gospels" imply two messages. If I remember correctly they are but one in the same message. The word for Gospel of course as you know is known as the good news. However different words were used concerning the usage and the way that these words were given in the local congregation and everywhere during ancient palestine. What we need to remember is that God is the Author and the Finisher of our Salvation. Any "news" about Him is good news. Hence, I will conjecture to state that there is but only ONE Gospel. Does Paul not warn us against vain deceit and another gospel? True there was news about the Kingdom, however, we must keep in mind that the Kingdom has not been completely ushered in at this moment in time. What we must relize is that GOD Himself is the gospel. I encourage you to check out a book by John Piper called "God is the Gospel" In it you will find that Piper explains in great detail what exactly the Gospel is. I wish I could continue to elaborate, but I must head to church then i'm back off to North Greenville University God Bless

Coram Deo,
Joshua

Here are the rest of his resolutions. Please do read every one and take into consideration. Thanks.

Joshua

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.

64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17,

Here are 70 resolutions from Jonathan Edwards' personal writings. They are powerful and full of truth. I am currently studying them. I pray you do as well. Enjoy.

-Joshua

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages
hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to east away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is

perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.

44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

TBC....