Cohabitation vs. Traditional Marriage

This is a report on the advantages and disadvantages between cohabitation and a traditional marriage. Let’s look at what are the two as a whole. The definition of cohabitation is when two people either male or a female live together inside of one house. On the other hand, both men and women can live together for one common purpose. It is based on necessity and its sole purpose is to survive by putting all of your resources together and maintain a specific place to live. If it applies to non-married couples, the only thing that is accomplished is the bills are getting paid. For example, the utilities, food, and rent are being paid by someone who has income coming from a specific source. On the other, anyone at any age usually cohabitate as a means of testing the waters. This is to determine whether the person that they are currently living with is suitable for marriage.

This is done on a trial and error basis. Anyone who agree with cohabitation as a means to figure out whether this person is a candidate for marriage, then good luck!!!! As far as a traditional marriage is concerned, it is when a man and woman who has done things the right way, and they are ready to settle down and join a life partnership. A certificate from the state of which the union has been official is required. It does require a great deal of planning and responsibility when it comes to both men and women. Some people pay for their own wedding all by themselves. There are others who would prefer to have others to assist in this process. A wedding planner or ministers of a church are examples of people who will assist in this process.

We are not saying that family members could not help. It varies according to how family members accept the bride or groom as a member of the family. Now each member of a cohabitated family household as well as a traditional marriage must have some financial stability. This means that each member of the household must carry their own weight on a financial basis. You cannot have one person carrying the full load all by themselves. If this is the case, then you will have conflict inside of the residence. This is not a laughing matter. This is because women are stronger than men when it comes to maintaining a specific household.

This is because they are organized and straight to the point when it comes to paying bills as well as buying food. Women are better planners when it comes to dealing with childcare, but they cannot do it all by themselves. This is the reason why men should be able to keep up when it comes to learning how to listen to women. If not, then a man who does not know how to manage the affairs of a household and children will always have trouble. This is because some men tend to allow women to pay for all of the bills and they also are controlling inside of a cohabitated or a traditional marriage environment.

For more information about this, try looking into your law enforcement statistics as well as issues pertaining to domestic violence. This is not to say that there is not any equilibrium or equality inside of the household. Therefore, good communication skills are necessary when it comes to maintaining a household of any kind. It is always very important to understand that there are more women and men who have decided to try the cohabitation method. Why is this, this is because it is much easier on them than getting married.

This is simply because an average person will have to find out how you are personally before they will decide to get married. This is the feeling out process. It is a feeling out process because it enables men and women to find out all about each other. Like they say, you have to find out what is sand from soil. If a person does not know the difference between sand and soil then this is a problem. Traditional marriages are not lasting very long for young people between the ages of 18 to 40. The reason why is because there is a breakdown in communication and there are times that both men and women hold on to emotional baggage from the past. If there is baggage from the past, then it is very difficult for couples to have a successful relationship.

Men and women are different when it comes to communication in the first place. If a man is afraid to share with his spouse or significant other about his personal feelings, then there is a problem. This means that his ego is inside of his body and he is hiding his true self. A man’s ego is like a cage that he tends to hide inside of whenever there is a conflict inside of the home. Men on the other hand are supposed to become leaders inside of an average cohabitation or traditional marriage household. If he is not a leader, then why is a woman so reluctant allowing him to spread his wings and fly? I guess women tend to fear that they cannot find another man to replace the one that was lost. This is an insecurity on their part because like they say, people can do things all by themselves.

People will have to become secure within yourself. By becoming secure, this means to gain confidence and become more responsible for your own actions as an adult. Cohabitation has its disadvantages, by saying this; it means that men and women might not get married in the first place. There is not a purpose. You are just living inside of a home and paying the bills. What do you have to share with each other? I guess nothing much!!! What are you intentions in your cohabitated home environment? Evaluate yourself as a person and ask your spouse or significant other to do the same.

Disadvantages in a traditional marriage are unemployment, a lack of childcare resources, extreme poverty, and breakdown in communication between husbands and wives, as well as active addiction issues. In a traditional marriage, men and women refuse to be honest with each other about their personal needs. This also applies to a cohabitation environment. There is so much dishonesty and a lack of harmony that it causes men and women to separate and go their own separate ways.
Departure is extremely difficult in cohabitation and a traditional home environment. If men and women are not honest and truthful from the very start, then problems will arise and there will never be a purpose or a set foundation for success in any of these relationships. Cohabitation and a traditional marriage is really what you make of it. If your life at the present is not up to your expectations, then try attending church and request for God’s help. It is God who provides us with the air that we breathe each day. It is God who gives us our life and bless us with the people who we choose to share our life with. God Bless You!!!

Touching Liveswith James Merritt

DAILY DEVOTIONAL EMAIL

Subscribe to receive the daily devotional from Dr. James Merritt
right into your inboxSUBSCRIBE

Loose Ends

January 12, 2022

“And to the disciple, Jesus said, ‘Here is your Mother.’” John 19:27

As Jesus hung on the cross dying, He refused to leave this earth without making sure His beloved Mother was taken care of. He finds His Mother in the crowd, and then He looks at John, His disciple, and He gives them to one another. In effect, Jesus was saying, “John, I am going to a throne. Mom is going to your home.” He didn’t really ask John. It was not a request…just a simple command. “You are going to take My Mother and make her your Mother.” The timing of this is remarkable. Jesus is at the peak of His agony. He is doing His greatest and hardest work. Yet, He takes the time to care for His Mother. There is much to learn from His example.

Even when you are doing God’s work, or are busy just trying to make a living for your family, you should never neglect them. I have a personal practice that I have shared with every staff person who has ever worked with me. My philosophy is quite simple: God first, family second, and Church a distant third. I made my mind up early in my ministry career that I would not sacrifice my marriage and family on the altar of ministerial success under the guise of “doing it for God” and His work. The very best thing I can do as a pastor is to be the best husband and father I can be, striving to love my family well. Even to the end, Jesus wanted to be the best son that He could be.

Jesus had brothers and sisters. What about them? Why didn’t He entrust Mary to them? It is because they were not at the cross. They were not believers until after the resurrection. They were nowhere to be found. So Jesus turned to a non-relative, who became even closer to Him that His own siblings. This demonstrates Jesus’ deep love and concern for His Mother’s well being. He didn’t just want her physical needs met, but her spiritual ones as well. He had spent the past three years showing John how to love and serve sacrificially; and now He wanted His Mother to be the recipient of such love. What a beautiful picture of a son’s love.

Jesus did not leave any loose ends on this earth. He completed all of the work that His Father gave Him to do; and He did so with thoughtfulness and grace…especially when it came to His family.

God, Help me to love my family with thoughtfulness and grace. If there are any loose ends in my life that need to be taken care of for my family, please show me so that I can know I have done my best for them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Topics: Family

Bible Reference

John 19:27

Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!”And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

• About
• Contact Us
• Jobs
• Pastor Resources
• Prayer Request
• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 Touching Lives, Inc. | 1800 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097 | United States | 770-982-0168
Touching Lives is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

Are We Redeemed?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Praise The Lord Saints!! Praise The Lord!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I have a very important question to ask all of you.  Are we redeemed?  The answer to this question is yes.  Jesus Christ died for the sins of all people.  He died for me so that I can be saved.  What is the definition of the word redeem? 

       In Christian theology, redemption (Greek: apolutrosis) refers to the deliverance of Christians from sin. … Most evangelical theologians and Protestant denominations reject Origen’s argument that God paid the ransom price of redemption to Satan.  The actual definition of the word redeem means as follows: compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something).  “A disappointing debate redeemed only by an outstanding speech gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment. His best suit had been redeemed from the pawnbrokers.

        Next, I want to inform all of you that God is doing for all of us more than we are doing for ourselves.  This is the truth!!  I am saying this because Jesus Christ died for all of us so that we can have a chance at reconciliation. 

        Moreover, I want to inform all of you that you are my brother and sister in Christ Jesus.  Even though, I might not live in the same city as most of you, but I really love you.  I am really praying for everyone.  I am praying for my brother because he has not spoken to me since 2017.  My brother did not speak to me since July 28, 2017.  It really hurts me because I have called him as well as send text messages to him, but he has not responded whatsoever.  My other siblings and I get along very well.

                  Jesus Christ died for all of our sins.  Are we redeemed?  Yes, I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  I am saved because I have confessed all of my sins to Him.  I have been forgiven.  I have forgiven others as well.  Proverbs 22:6 says: Train up a child in the way they should go, when they get old, they will not depart from it.  I grew up attending church by my grandparents.  My mother also attended church with me as well. 

            In Addition, I want to inform all of you that I believe that Jesus Christ was born in the flesh, lived among us, and died for all of our sins.  He also was risen and He sits in the Right Hand of God.  I am very happy that I am redeemed.  Jesus Christ is my Personal Savior.  I am happy because God is getting ready to do some new things for me.

Also, I want to say that Jesus Christ suffered while He was in the flesh.  I am free because my chains are broken.  I am free in Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ did not die for all of us to be miserable.  I am a person who really love people.  I love you, even I do not know you.  What does God have in store for me?  I know that I am a very intelligent man, who have common sense.  I am a man, who loves all people.  I have come a very long way in my personal journey in Christ Jesus. 

            Finally, I want to say that I really appreciate everyone.  I want to inform all of you that Jesus Christ has been wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  I really believe it!!  He took the punishment for me.  I am redeemed because I am reconciled with God once again.  I have been baptized on Sunday February 15, 2015.  I have confessed of all of my sins to Jesus Christ. 

            In Conclusion, I want to inform all of you that I am very happy as a Christian man.  It is the Lord that knows all of my steps.  He counts all of our steps.  The air that we are breathing does not belong to any of us.  The money that we earn each month does not belong to us. 

            In Summary, are we redeemed?  Yes, we are redeemed because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I am very happy that Jesus Christ is my Personal Savior.  I love him because he has never stopped loving me as a person.  Psalms 56:8 says: You numbered my wanderings, put my tears inside of your bottle; are they not inside of your Book?  The answer to this question is yes.  God knows exactly how long we are going to live.  He understands all of us.  He even knew all of us even when we were inside of our mother’s womb.  I love all of you very much.  Please keep me in your prayers.  Thank you for reading my essay.

Is It True That We Have To Forgive Each Person 490 Times?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Praise The Lord Everyone!! Praise The Lord!! How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I have a very important question to ask all of you.  Is it true that we have to forgive each person 490 times?  The answer to this question is yes.  We have to forgive everyone for what each person have done to you.

 I used to have a problem with forgiveness a long time ago.  This is because I used to get abused and neglected as a child as well as an adult.  I want to let everyone know that it is not very easy apologizing and accepting apologies from other people.  I feel good right now because I have learned how to forgive others while attending church as a child.  At first, I used to get upset when others have hurt me.  I used to run away from God.  It is very serious when it comes to forgiveness.  This means that I have to forgive each person living on this earth 490 times.  I literally understand right now what it takes to accept other people.  I meditated on this topic before I decided to type it.

        Next, I am very happy that I am the person that I am right now because I have learned a brand new behavior.  It is called forgiving other people.  The first thing that I had to do is ask God for forgiveness in all of my sins.  I have to ask God to accept me as I am as a human being.  God really loves me.  He literally loves all of us. 

        Further, I had to confess with my mouth to the Lord Jesus and believe it inside of my heart.  I really believe that God had raised Jesus Christ from the dead: You will be saved.  I am just happy that I have learned a new behavior, and it makes the Lord very happy that I am forgiving others, and accepting each other in love. 

I have to realize that I really have to be very careful when it comes to dealing with my own emotions.  I have come to the realization that I am a brand new creation in Christ Jesus.  He will never leave you, nor forsake you.  I am very happy that I have Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior.  The very thing that I am doing is imitating the behavior of Jesus Christ.  I know that it is not going to be an easy journey: However, God is with me!  I also have to give other people credit for molding and shaping my overall behavior.  God works through people.  There have been people that were involved in my life; just to see me do something positive in my life.

        Moreover, I want to inform all of you that I know that I have to give an account of myself to God.  The reason why I said 490 times is simply because 70X7=490.  I have been doing the math.  It is that God is watching all of us from heaven.  I will admit that I had to take Anger Management classes for a total of 8 years.  I had to learn how to get my emotions in check.  I understand that God is doing for us more than we are doing for ourselves.  This is a fact of life that God is doing for all of us. 

        In Addition, I really love all of you very much.  Do you know that God gives us instructions even while we are sleeping inside of our bed at night?  God speaks to us in many, many ways.  I am so excited to share this information because I want others to change for the better.  I am not a self-righteous person.  I am a person who accepts everyone as Children of God.  Is it true that we have to forgive other people 490 times?  The answer is a definite yes.

 I want to inform everyone that we all have the Holy Spirit inside of us.  I want to say that 1^st Corinthians 3:16 says: Do you not know that you are the Temple of The Living God, and the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us?  This is the truth.  I am so thrilled to help others like I was helped before by other people.  I am so happy that I am blessed each day when I get up, and each day when I lay down on top of my bed. 

Also, I want to say that God is with me every single day of the week.  I just want everyone to please keep me in your prayers because I want to live according to the Word of God.  What is the definition of the word forgive?  The answer to this question is stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake. “I don’t think I’ll ever forgive David for the way he treated her” stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for (an offense, flaw, or mistake).”He was not a man who found it easy to forgive and forget” cancel (a debt).”He proposed that their debts should be forgiven“. What is the biblical meaning of forgiveness?

The Bible has plenty to say about forgiveness. … The Greek word translated as “forgive” in the New Testament, aphiēmi, carried a wide range of meanings, including to remit (a debt), to leave (something or someone) alone, to allow (an action), to leave, to send away, to desert or abandon, and even to divorce.  I had to let go of self and live for Jesus Christ.

            Finally, I had to learn to allow God to help me to let go of the things from my past.  I am just happy and ready to serve Jesus Christ.  Forgiveness when it comes to the 490 times thing is endless.  All that I am really saying that we have to forgive others on a regular basis.  This is a life- long process.  It takes a lot of progress and effort on our part when it comes to making a difference in the lives of others.  I am a very nice person, who have come a very long way in my personal life.  I had to forgive people for taking advantage of me.  In some cases, I put myself in that situation for others to oppress me.  I have to examine my role in all of my doings. 

        In Conclusion, please remember to always think before your act.  I have to consider all of my ways by thinking before I decide to do anything.  It only takes a thought that would cause all of us to react in a positive or negative manner.  Is it true that we have to forgive each person 490 times?  Absolutely!!  This is a life-long process that lasts forever.  We are being watched by God and His Son Jesus Christ on a daily basis.  Thank you for reading my essay.

For unto Us A Child is Born!!  By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins December 16, 2021

       Jesus is the meaning of Christmas!!  For Unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  I really love this time of year because it has meaning to it.

       Jesus Christ is the son of God.  This is the reason why John 10:30 says I and my Father are One.  This is the truth!!  I want to say that it is time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.  His presence represents the true meaning of Christmas.  You know something, I do not crave for anything else for Christmas.  I am craving His Living Water.

 I am craving Eternal Life that directly comes from God.  The Life of Jesus Christ is what I imitate each day of my life.  Life itself is completely meaningless without Jesus Christ.  Jesus was born, and He eventually died for all of our sins.  Jesus Christ is the meaning of the season.  Jesus Christ died for the sins for all of us.  He is my personal Savior.       Jesus Christ became my personal Savior on February 15, 2015.  Jesus became my personal savior for almost 7 years now.  I love Jesus Christ very much.  I love Him so much that I always talk with Him every single day of the week.  I want to inform all of you that Jesus Christ mean a whole lot to me right now.  Thank you for reading my brief blog.

The End Times vs The Last Days By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins December 9, 2021

  Good Day Everyone!! This is a comparison and contrast paper that is based on the End of Times vs The Last Days.  I would like to start things off by asking everyone a very important question.

 What do we mean by the End Times and the Last Days?  The first thing that comes to mind is the end of the world.  It literally scares me because I would not want all of this to come to an end.  I know that the Son of Man, who is Jesus Christ is coming soon.  We have to be patient and wait on Him.  I am doing just that right now.  I am waiting on the Lord.

        Next, I am patiently waiting on Him by maintaining my faith in the Lord.  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins and I am from Dayton, Ohio.  I am placing emphasis on the End Times vs The Last Days.  When it comes to the End Times, Jesus was talking to His Disciples by letting them know that the end is not here.  When it comes to Matthew’s Interpretation of the End of Times, his account is very specific.  There are Greek and Hebrew interpretations when it comes to the very end.  At least, for me, I am looking for additional insight when it comes to the very end of the system of things.  Every time I read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, my thinking tends to change.  This is because Matthew was very specific about the things that Jesus Christ has said to the Disciples that they must do these things. 

        Further, I want to say that I am utilizing all four Gospels so that I can receive a dialogue among my colleagues and members of the General Public.  Honestly, what is being said by the Disciples has made me more aware of my surroundings and the people that is inside of it. 

 I also have to pay real attention to my behavior.  I know that I am trying to explain some things that are happening right now, and the things to come.

I have to become fully aware of the things that in the above image.  I know that there will be false Christs, False Prophets, Earthquakes, Wars, Rumors of Wars, Nation vs Nation, and Kingdoms vs Kingdoms.  I am aware of earthquakes in the State of Ohio this year as well as 15 Tornadoes in the Dayton, Ohio Area.  These are the things that are happening right now, and the Last Days are forthcoming.  To be frank with everyone, both of these events are happening simultaneously.

        The image that I have posted right now is from The Rapture.  I have seen things that have occurred in my 54 years of existence, and it has changed tremendously since 1980. 

This information itself has also been talked about in the Old Testament.  I want to say that every time I read the Book of Isaiah, Daniel, and Micah, it has been talked about in advance.  I am very apprehensive not about the present, but the future.  I get the impression that this is going to get worse before it gets better.

        Moreover, I only wish that I can see the Lord for myself.  I do not have any doubts about my faith in the Lord.  Like they say, nothing last forever.  I realize that this is a very long paper, but I feel confident in my attempts to come to a swift conclusion.  When it comes to the End Times, family members will kill family members as well.  Brother will go against brother; whereas sisters will go against each other as well.  I know that I have to do my very best to live for the Lord Jesus Christ.  I am not perfect, but I will say that I am living for Him. 

    In Addition, I want to say that Mark 13^th Chapter is a repeat of what Jesus Christ told His Disciples regarding the End of Times.  There will be random acts of violence everywhere worldwide.  Mark 13^th Chapter is written differently.  I get the impression that the audience that this is written for is different. 

For False Christs and False Prophets shall rise and show signs and wonders to try to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.  Members of the Church will be confused by these people who claim to be Prophets and a Christ that is fake.  This is the reason why I am reading the Bible and observing the things with my eyes to see for myself. 

        Finally, I want to mention the Last Days because I have spent too much time on the End of Times.  The Last Days are going to be much worse than the End Times.  This means that everything that is mentioned inside of the Bible will take place.  I know that for me personally, I want to see the Lord for myself.

 It really scares me to see creatures that are dwelling among the people of the earth to destroy them.  I am very apprehensive because if I see a creature that is abnormal dwelling inside of this earth, it would really frighten me.  If it is inside of the Bible, God will have to allow me to survive all of these things.

        In Conclusion, I am praying that I will survive all of this.  I know for myself that the second coming of Jesus Christ will be a glorious appearance.  My prayer is that I can see the Lord for myself.  All of what I have been reading as of late has completely changed me for the better.  When it comes to the Last Days, things are going to be so bad that the safest place to be at is inside of the Church.  There are times when people lock the doors of the Church.  There is a profound fear that people are going to change for the worse.

        In Summary, I want to inform all of you that we are living inside of a changing society.  I want to say that Jesus Presence is apparent to me and for everyone.  In reference to the End Times and the Last Days, I have to watch and be very careful of people, places, and things. 

Proverbs 20:22 And What It Means to All People!!  By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins December 6, 2021

      Good Day Everyone!! How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to start this essay off by utilizing the Serenity Prayer.  God, grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.  Give me the courage to change the things that I can, and give me the wisdom to know the difference.  Just for Today!!  I want to inform all of you that we should not seek vengeance towards one another.

      We are supposed to wait on the Lord, and He will help you out of all of your situations.  I want to say that it makes me very upset when people are getting away with murder.  In recent times, a teenager got away with murder in Wisconsin.  He was too young to bear a firearm.  You see one thing, teenagers are bearing arms without using their hands to fight with.  I am from the old school.  I use my hands to fight with.

Right now, I would rather pray for all of my enemies right in front of them.  I will no longer fight anyone anymore.  It is not worth it.  This is the reason why God is watching all of us.  I would rather pray for you instead of fighting someone else.  I have changed since 1990.  This is the same year that my grandparents told me to get rid of my firearms; if I am going to stay inside of their house.

      Finally, I want to inform all of you that I have been a changed man for the past several years now.  For Instance, every time I get into an argument with someone else, I will pray for them.  I used to use vulgarity sometimes.  Currently, I am a Born-Again Christian Man.  I am a 56-year-old man who have a lot of common sense.

I would make peace with all of my enemies rather than fighting them.  It does not make sense to fight with other people when we are all created by God for a purpose in life.  I am a man who loves all people.  I am allowing God to fight all of my battles for me.

 If no one did not tell you that they love you.  I am telling you that I love you very much.  I love you and I do not know you. 

In Conclusion, the love that I have for all of you goes deep.  I love all of you.  I do not have to know you to tell you that I love you.  As far as those who dislike me, I am very sorry that you dislike me as a person.  I have people who dislike me, and they do not even know me as a person. 

Proverbs 20:22 And What It Means to All People!!  By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins December 6, 2021

      Good Day Everyone!! How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to start this essay off by utilizing the Serenity Prayer.  God, grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.  Give me the courage to change the things that I can, and give me the wisdom to know the difference.  Just for Today!!  I want to inform all of you that we should not seek vengeance towards one another.

      We are supposed to wait on the Lord, and He will help you out of all of your situations.  I want to say that it makes me very upset when people are getting away with murder.  In recent times, a teenager got away with murder in Wisconsin.  He was too young to bear a firearm.  You see one thing, teenagers are bearing arms without using their hands to fight with.  I am from the old school.  I use my hands to fight with.

Right now, I would rather pray for all of my enemies right in front of them.  I will no longer fight anyone anymore.  It is not worth it.  This is the reason why God is watching all of us.  I would rather pray for you instead of fighting someone else.  I have changed since 1990.  This is the same year that my grandparents told me to get rid of my firearms; if I am going to stay inside of their house.

      Finally, I want to inform all of you that I have been a changed man for the past several years now.  For Instance, every time I get into an argument with someone else, I will pray for them.  I used to use vulgarity sometimes.  Currently, I am a Born-Again Christian Man.  I am a 56-year-old man who have a lot of common sense.

I would make peace with all of my enemies rather than fighting them.  It does not make sense to fight with other people when we are all created by God for a purpose in life.  I am a man who loves all people.  I am allowing God to fight all of my battles for me.

 If no one did not tell you that they love you.  I am telling you that I love you very much.  I love you and I do not know you. 

In Conclusion, the love that I have for all of you goes deep.  I love all of you.  I do not have to know you to tell you that I love you.  As far as those who dislike me, I am very sorry that you dislike me as a person.  I have people who dislike me, and they do not even know me as a person. 

Proverbs 25:21-22: and What it Means to all People!!  By Anthony Joseph Hopkins December 4, 2021

       Good Day Everyone!!  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins and I am from Dayton, Ohio.  I am writing this essay because it means a whole lot to me.  I remember during the 1970s and 1980s, I used to have a lot of enemies.  I used to have enemies because I used to be involved in street gangs.  I used to be apathetic.  I did not care about myself or other people.  

       Next, I used to be a person who did not care about myself.  I had enemies that were living right across the alley from me as a child.  I cannot mention their names because I can get into trouble.  I want to inform all of you that I had enemies in my own family.  Matthew 10:36 says that a man’s own enemies will be from his own household.  I really believe it because as a person’s family grows, family members tend to clash over petty things.

 When I was living in Toledo, Ohio my enemies lived right across the street from me.  I was not afraid of them.  Its that, I did not want to get into trouble anymore.  I told them that I used to be involved in street gangs for 11 years.

 Whenever my so-called enemies come over to my apartment, I give them whatever they want.  It is true that God is with me always and forever.  This bible verses are true.  It is true because I do not have to get into trouble anymore.  I am allowing God to do all of the work for me. 

Further, I want to say that everything that is inside of the Bible is very true to me, and everyone else.  Anyway, I used to be involved in street gangs because I needed protection from all of my enemies.  Some of my enemies did not know that I was in a street gang.  My enemies were shocked because there was too much bloodshed.

Moreover, I used to help my enemies in school by doing their homework for them.  I used to get all of the answers right 95% of the time.  Every time I did homework for my gang peers and enemies, I used to see them smile and then cry because they have never earned As and Bs on their report card.  I want to inform all of you that I have not been involved in street gang activities in over 32 years. 

Finally, I want to inform everyone that every single time I used to get into trouble, I started crying because I did not like to get into trouble.  I have been clean and sober from marijuana since January of 1990.  I have not drunk any beer since Wednesday May 2, 1990.  I feel really good about myself right now because I do not like to argue with anyone.  Some of my friends still ask me to do things for them.  Such as uploading music on a Mp3 Player from specific websites such as DatPiff. Com and other websites.

 Some of my friends would prefer me to do the work for them.  I keep telling my friends that a computer is very easy to use.  Whatever you put inside of a computer, it is what you get out of it.  I have been using computers for over 30 years now.  I am not afraid of man or a computer.  I have been a Born-Again Christian for going on 7 years now.

How Can We Become Doers of The Word?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Praise The Lord Saints!!  Praise The Lord!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to ask everyone a very important question.  The question is: How can we become doers of the word?

 The answer to this question is simple.  We have to have both a behavioral change as well as a spiritual change within ourselves.  I know for me personally, I have changed a whole lot behaviorally and spiritually right now.  For example, I do not use any vulgarity anymore.  An example of this is in Proverbs 15:1 says: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up strife.  This is my model Bible verse because it enables me to actually think before I act on all things.

        Next, I want to ask how we can become doers of the word.  First, we need to establish a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I have to accept Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior.  How can we all do this; is by confessing our sins to Jesus Christ.  I know that I am only a Work in Progress. 

What is a Work in Progress?  A work in progress is an unfinished project that is still being added to or developed. “The book itself is still a work in progress” (in accounting) the total value of the materials and labor for unfinished projects. “The board had estimated the value of its work in progress”. What does it mean to be a work in progress?

Work in Progress. Being a work in progress is a wonderful thing. It means you are never “finished” which means that you always have the chance to improve yourself and become something and someone better than who you are already.

        Further, I want to inform all of you that my life has changed for the better because it enables me to imitate Jesus Christ.  I also have to read His Word and share the Gospel of Peace with everyone.  I also help others as well.  I have always helped others by sharing with them the things that Jesus Christ has done for me.

 I also give things away that I do not need.  I humble myself each day of the week by being honest as a person.  I demonstrate how to become a doer of the word by my actions.  I feel at this time that listening to worship music and church sermons have enabled me to be a doer of the word.  I know that it is a whole lot more to it than that in order to become a doer of the word. 

Moreover, a doer of the word is a person who lives according to the Word of God.  I have come so far in my life by improving my relationships with other people.  I know that my life has changed because I wanted to make some positive changes in my life. God likes it when we can keep a very good attitude about life, our relationship with Jesus Christ, and connecting with others in a positive manner. 

 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
–James 1:21-25

1. Prepare your heart and be open.

It’s so easy to get into the daily Bible grind and never, once, truly pounce on what we’re learning or reading: get up, pour a cappuccino (or three), personal devotional of  fifteen minutes, write down some thoughts, put Bible on shelf, carry on with the morning . . . is this really what we limit ourselves and God to? Are we missing out on multiple opportunities because we haven’t prepared our hearts to be open and receptive? Shy away from a daily spiritual grind, seek God for opportunities to become a doer and invest in the lives of those around you.

2. Be willing and available.

Part of extending your hands in compassion and love is actually having a willing heart. Unfortunately, having a heart willing for love and sharing the Gospel isn’t just an “on/off” switch. It has to be transformed and cultivated by the same Gospel. If you are serious about becoming a doer and an action man/woman, pray for a willing heart.

We all know that person, or perhaps we are that person, who has great intentions of ministering to others, but is far too busy with a complex schedule to be available.  There could be any number of reasons for a lack of availability, but I think we’re all thankful that Jesus didn’t turn away the paralyzed or the ill because of a conflicting schedule or a lack of availability.

Such an attitude might have caused trauma to His ministry—so if you’re serious about Christ and your serious about acting upon your faith—make yourself available. Reach out and mean it—don’t just say it. If you offer to meet a struggling peer for coffee to talk, do it. If you see someone in need, address the problem or find the right person to address the problem (i.e. pastor, carpenter, doctor).

3. Prepare to be uncomfortable.

Just know that being a doer can be difficult, confusing, unpleasant, and uncomfortable. It can mean getting messy, seeing the side of people that is unpleasant, experiencing sadness, seeing the dirt  and the sins of humanity, and become all too aware of our personal shortcomings. I’ll never forget the first time I went to Haiti on a missions trip, I was never more aware of my ever growing list of shortcomings. Often, while doing Kingdom work our capacity of comfort, faith, and humility are tested—it’s like a game of Survivor with an eternal focus. We have to become prepared to be uncomfortable in some shape or form, but not allow it to deter us from carrying on in faith. However, there are great joys and luminous revelations while being a doer, but we must be prepared to hold out for those moments while in the midst of being uncomfortable.

4. Don’t wait.

Being doers can mean traveling across the globe to extend compassion and the love of Jesus or it can mean traveling to your backyard to the neighbor who is battling cancer. It’s not about the distance, it’s about the Message. Location isn’t relative, the issue at hand is that we are demonstrating compassion and spreading the Gospel. We’re called to share Christ’s love and we’re called to glorify Him (Matthew 28:19). We’re called to care. We’re called to protect, defend, and care for the defenseless, the poor, and the abandoned. It doesn’t matter where.

Demonstrating love and compassion can be done right now—the opportunities are limitless. We live in a world of darkness, just take a look around and be stunned by the abundant opportunities that await you.

Being a doer starts in the home. It starts in the work place. It starts in the Church. It starts with relationships. It starts with the grumpy neighbor, disgruntled cashier, or the unpleasant individual who just stole my parking spot (while I had my blinker on, I might add!). It starts here. Compassion starts now. If we think that we have to travel overseas to extend compassion or love, I’m afraid that we’re missing out multiple opportunities that are staring us right smack in the face.

People are people. We all need the same thing, we all need Jesus desperately. You can make a difference here, and you can make a difference there. It’s not really relative to where you are geographically, God’s love and compassion needs to be spread just as much in Baltimore City as it does in India. His love needs to be spread in a nursing home just as much as it does in an orphanage. Don’t wait for an opportunity, just because you don’t think it’s the opportunity you would choose. Don’t become discouraged when you feel like your impact isn’t as great as you would hope—it’s not about us. It’s about Him. Don’t waste an opportunity to become a doer out of pride—take a leap of faith.

5. Listen and love.

Be a hearer and a doer. It’s far easier said than done, but it’s a goal worth aiming for. Many of the people I know have come to Christ from visually seeing the works of Christians in action. We can talk all day long using Christianese and spiritual terms, but until there is evidence in our lives that we mean what we say, we might find we have trouble connecting with others in an effective manner. Become amazed at how God can work in your life when you give Him a heart ready for action.

Matthew 10:36
“…a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”

Explanation and Commentary of Matthew 10:36

After explaining that he did not come to bring peace, but a sword, Jesus now says that a “man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” Understandably, this can be confusing for many. After all, is Jesus not the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6)? Did he not say, “Blessed are the peacemakers”

(Mt 5:9)? To be sure, Jesus’ death on the cross brought peace, first with God, and then with our fellow man. But here, Jesus is speaking in a completely different context.

Jesus was not as popular as one might have expected him to be in his life and his earthly ministry. He was, in fact, a rather polarizing person and proclaimed an even more polarizing message. To understand how the message of the already/not yet kingdom of God could be bad news for some, we have to remember that Jesus entered into the midst of a fallen and broken world, where many were given over to satan and were being somewhat rewarded for doing so by the prince of darkness. The evil one is content sometimes to wait until a person is in hell before he really begins to torture him. Otherwise, we might turn from him and to God in repentance. Those who are benefiting on earth from his reign will not only be resistant to Jesus, but also to his people. It is an absolute certainty that some will face this resistance from those in their own households.

Christians would do well to ask themselves if they are getting along too well with the world. We should be loving and forgiving, which are often qualities that are attractive to evening hardest hearts, but we should also be able to stand for truth in a culture that hates that truth. It is probably a sign this is exactly what is not happening if “all men love you” (Lk 6:26). All men did not love Jesus, and they will not love us either.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 10:36

#1 “…a man’s enemies…”
In one sense the Christian has no enemies because we are called to love our enemies. We may be their enemies, but they cease to be ours when we love and forgive them. But in this sense, Jesus means those who hate us and persecute us for following Jesus.

#2 “…will be the members of his own household.”
This is tragic but true. It is purely the grace of God when all one’s household repents and loves Jesus, such as was the case with the Philippian jailer. Nevertheless, many are called, but few are chosen (Mt 22:14), so it should come as no surprise when some in our own household oppose us in our faith.