A James 5:16 Moment by Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Good Day Everyone!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to inform all of you that I am having a very good day today.  I woke up this morning and prayed.  I want to say that I still need all of your prayers because I have to publish my other manuscript.  On this particular day today, I really need your prayers because I have been sick for most of this year. 

        Next, I want to inform all of you that I need some advice and suggestions regarding Book Publishing.  I would like for all of you to please review all of my information during the past few years.

 I would like for all of you to please review my information and see if there is anything worthy of Book Publishing.  I would like for all of you to read my information to determined if my writing is worthy of publishing.  I want to inform all of you that I have been apprehensive during the past few weeks.  I would like to say that I really love you very much.  I know that I am an average writer.  I only earned a C+ Average in College at the University of Toledo.

Further, I want to inform all of you that my writing has been above average.  I really need all of your prayers because my family is pretty decent right now.  There are times when my family members argue with each other.  I have a very large extended family right now.  On the 26^th Day of May 2021; I have been depressed.  I have been depressed because no one is reading my information.  I know that I have been taking it easy as of late. 

Moreover, I want to inform everyone that I have been sad because my life has been filled with ups and downs.  I know that I am a very great writer.  I have been feeling down on myself as of late.  I would like for all of you to please tell me how am I doing when it comes to my writing skills?  I want to inform everyone that I have been feeling discouraged because I really do not have any support.  I do not have any support because I will admit that I have been writing about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Moreover, I want to say that my writing skills have improved tremendously since 1985.  My writing skills have improved a whole lot.  I know that my life has not been perfect.  I remember when I was living in Toledo, Ohio: I felt very angry because my classes were very difficult.  I will admit, I used to use vulgarity on a daily basis from 1990-1996.  I will admit that I used to be so sad and angry at the same time.  This is a James 5:16 moment. 

Finally, I want to inform all of you that I have been dealing with situations in my life that really made me cry.  I was physically and verbally abused as a child.  I know that I have felt intimidated as of late.  I really need all of your prayers.  I really need your prayers because I am sad and depressed because I need encouragement.  I really feel defeated.  I want to inform all of you that I love you very much.  I really need a lot of support.  I have been clean and sober for 31 years as of May 2, 2021.  From May 2, 1990 all the way to right now, I have been attending AA and NA Meetings while I was living in Dayton, Ohio; Toledo, Ohio and Charlotte, NC.

In Conclusion, I love all of you.  I accept all of you as you are.  I want to inform all of you that this is a James 5:16 moment.  I am only venting because I really do not have anyone to talk to right now.  I am going to pray for all of you.  I am trying to convey a message from my heart.  I really love all of you very much.  I really need a lot of support.  Thank you for reading my James 5:16 moment.

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Joseph Hopkins

A James 5:16 Moment by Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Good Day Everyone!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to inform all of you that I am having a very good day today.  I woke up this morning and prayed.  I want to say that I still need all of your prayers because I have to publish my other manuscript.  On this particular day today, I really need your prayers because I have been sick for most of this year. 

        Next, I want to inform all of you that I need some advice and suggestions regarding Book Publishing.  I would like for all of you to please review all of my information during the past few years.

 I would like for all of you to please review my information and see if there is anything worthy of Book Publishing.  I would like for all of you to read my information to determined if my writing is worthy of publishing.  I want to inform all of you that I have been apprehensive during the past few weeks.  I would like to say that I really love you very much.  I know that I am an average writer.  I only earned a C+ Average in College at the University of Toledo.

Further, I want to inform all of you that my writing has been above average.  I really need all of your prayers because my family is pretty decent right now.  There are times when my family members argue with each other.  I have a very large extended family right now.  On the 26^th Day of May 2021; I have been depressed.  I have been depressed because no one is reading my information.  I know that I have been taking it easy as of late. 

Moreover, I want to inform everyone that I have been sad because my life has been filled with ups and downs.  I know that I am a very great writer.  I have been feeling down on myself as of late.  I would like for all of you to please tell me how am I doing when it comes to my writing skills?  I want to inform everyone that I have been feeling discouraged because I really do not have any support.  I do not have any support because I will admit that I have been writing about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Moreover, I want to say that my writing skills have improved tremendously since 1985.  My writing skills have improved a whole lot.  I know that my life has not been perfect.  I remember when I was living in Toledo, Ohio: I felt very angry because my classes were very difficult.  I will admit, I used to use vulgarity on a daily basis from 1990-1996.  I will admit that I used to be so sad and angry at the same time.  This is a James 5:16 moment. 

Finally, I want to inform all of you that I have been dealing with situations in my life that really made me cry.  I was physically and verbally abused as a child.  I know that I have felt intimidated as of late.  I really need all of your prayers.  I really need your prayers because I am sad and depressed because I need encouragement.  I really feel defeated.  I want to inform all of you that I love you very much.  I really need a lot of support.  I have been clean and sober for 31 years as of May 2, 2021.  From May 2, 1990 all the way to right now, I have been attending AA and NA Meetings while I was living in Dayton, Ohio; Toledo, Ohio and Charlotte, NC.

In Conclusion, I love all of you.  I accept all of you as you are.  I want to inform all of you that this is a James 5:16 moment.  I am only venting because I really do not have anyone to talk to right now.  I am going to pray for all of you.  I am trying to convey a message from my heart.  I really love all of you very much.  I really need a lot of support.  Thank you for reading my James 5:16 moment.

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Joseph Hopkins

Steps ordered by God

        Is it true that our steps are ordered by God?  This is a very good question.  The reason why I am asking this question is simply because I am curious.  The following Bible verses will be discussed: Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 20:24, Job 34:21, and Job 31:4.  First, I would like to emphasize that God does order our steps.  According to Jeremiah 10:23 says O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.  This means that it is a Power that is greater than ourselves that is actually helping us.

 Second, in the Book of Proverbs in the 20^th Chapter and the 24^th verse which states that man’s goings are of the Lord, how can a man understand his own way?  This Bible verse is a little bit different.  A man’s goings are the steps that are ordered by God.  How can a man understand his own way?  This is a very good question.  God is solely responsible for telling us what to do.  God is still doing for all of us more than we are doing for ourselves.

        Next, I want to inform all of you that God is in charge of all of our decisions.  I want to mention that God does give man a free will.

 With this free will, it is a choice that God gives us to do according to the Will of God, or else, we are going to perish. I want to do what God tells me to.  I know that I have made some bad decisions in my personal life.  I also want to say that God makes decisions for us, even though, we have failed as a human being at times. 

        Third, I would like to talk about the Book of Job.  In Job 34:21 says; For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all of his goings.  This means that God is watching all of us very carefully.  He counts our steps each day of our lives.  The word goings mean steps in the Bible.  This means that there is someone who is giving us instructions while we are living on earth.  God even knows exactly how long we are going to live on earth. 

Fourth, God knows all of our ways and He also counts every step that we make in our lives.  Job 31:4 says; Doth not He sees my ways, and count all of my steps?  The answer to this question is yes.  The word doth means Does in the Bible.  I want to inform all of you that it is God who knows all things about mankind.  To be honest with all of you, while we are sleeping inside of our beds at night, God opens the ears of man and sealeth their instruction.  This is in Job 33:14-16.

        Fifth and Finally, I want to inform all of you that God speaks to all of us while we are sleeping.  He gives us our daily instructions.  In Summary, God gives us life.  The breath that we breathe each day does not belong to us anyway.  God counts all of our steps in our lives.  Everything that I have typed is the truth.  The Bible backs up everything I have been sharing today.  God Bless All of You!!!  Please have a blessed day!

What Does The Bible Say About Slander?

Answer: The old adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is not true. Words can do a great deal of damage to those who have been slandered. Slander is making a false verbal statement that damages someone’s reputation. Slander differs slightly from libel in that libel is a written defamation of character; slander is only spoken. The Bible says a lot about slander, in both Old Testament and New (Proverbs 10:18; 1 Peter 2:1). Slander is so high on God’s list of wrongs that He included it in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16). The ninth commandment says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Bearing false witness includes slander because of the untruths being spread. Slander is simply lying about someone with the intent of causing others to view that person in a negative light.

Slander is malicious lying, and God hates lying (Proverbs 6:16–19; 12:22). Since God is the author of truth (John 14:6; 1 John 5:6), anything untrue is in opposition to His nature and therefore repulsive to Him. Both slander and gossip are wrong, and Scripture often condemns them together (Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 16:27; 2 Corinthians 12:20), but slander takes gossip to a whole new level. Gossip collects someone’s secrets and passes them to others; slander makes up its own secrets and broadcasts them wherever they will do the most harm.

The New Testament references slander as part of our old sinful nature. Slander has no place in our lives when we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Colossians 3:7–8 says, “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” Our words are to be dedicated to the glory of God, just as our bodies are (Romans 12:1–2; Ephesians 4:29). Those who know God have a responsibility to refrain from slander: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:9–10). Slander is one practice that must be put to death if we intend to follow Jesus (see Romans 6:11–14).

In Romans 1:28–32, Paul lists many traits of a depraved mind, and slander is included in this list (verse 30). When we slander others, we are choosing to step out of the path God designed for us. He will not participate with us in our attempts to destroy someone else with our words. Slander comes from the heart, and when we are tempted to speak untruths about someone, we should first examine our own hearts to see what ugly root is producing those desires. Jesus said, “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.

For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:18–19). God wants us to see that slandering someone is an indicator that our hearts are not right with Him. A desire to slander can spring from a root of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15), from unresolved hurt (1 Peter 3:14–16), from unforgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:10–11; Ephesians 4:32), from jealousy (Galatians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 12:20), or from other sins of the heart.

God’s solution for slander is to love each other (John 13:34). We don’t slander people whom we love (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Love wants the best for others, and that means guarding their reputations as we do our own (Matthew 7:12). “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10). When we focus on obeying the Lord by loving as He loves us, slander will not tempt us.

        This is an essay that ask one good question.  What does the Bible say about slander?  What is the definition of the word slander?  Slander is make false and damaging statements about (someone).  The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.  However, there is one particular Bible verse that has a whole lot to do with slander.  Psalms 73:9 says: They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.  This means when people talk about you, it spreads throughout the community, internet, social media, school, or neighborhood.

        When it comes to the Bible, we are supposed to avoid foolish talk and empty philosophies.  1^st Timothy 6:4 says: He is proud knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, where if cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings.  You know what this means, we have to pray for those who are our enemies.  We must keep our friends close and our enemies closer.  I know that this is very difficult for some people to accomplish on their own.  Therefore, we have to be mindful of other people at all times.  To be honest with everyone, I realize that my problem stems from my past.  For Example, the people that I have affiliated with were bad.

        Slander hurts both the victim and the perpetrators themselves.  Titus 1:10-11 Says: (10) for there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: (11) whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.  This means that we cannot affiliate with the ungodly in any way; especially those people who are vain talkers and deceivers.  This also goes for false prophets.  As I recall, I was a victim of malicious slander and fraud growing up in my own hometown of Dayton, Ohio.  I was hurt really bad because the people who I thought were my friends were using me.

        To be honest, both people are hurt by these false accusations.  Titus3:2 says as follows: To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.  We must learn how to be polite in our expressions to one another.  Titus 3:3 says: For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceiving, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice, and envy.  We were hateful and hating one another.  I can truly can identify with Titus 3:3 because I was living in sin.  I was living inside of the world, and doing the things of the world.  I also used to be selfish and bitter by nature.  Through prayer from others and being admonished in a positive matter by others.  I have changed my ways.

        Hebrews 8:11 says: And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother saying, know the Lord: For all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.  Everyone will know the Lord.  This is because He is a righteous Judge.  I am very happy that I have Him as my personal Savior.  Titus 3:9 says: But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law: For they are unprofitable and vain.  We must avoid anything that is not of God.  There are false prophets that are inside of the world deceiving others that are in the faith.  We must test the Spirits to see whether or not they are of God. 

   My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins and I am from Dayton, Ohio.  I am a Blogger.  I have been clean and sober for 29 years.  My hobbies consists of reading the Bible, traveling, meditating, and using the computer on a daily basis.  I am a very nice person.  I am very intelligent, kind, giving, helpful, friendly, brave, bold, sincere, and truthful.

Matthew 6:8: And How it Relates to All People!!!

        Matthew 6:8 and how it relates to all people consists of the things that God knows about in advance when it pertains to mankind.  God even knows exactly how long we are going to live in advance.  God knows the things that I need long before I ask Him.  The reason why is because His Spirit is inside of us.  The Holy Spirit is our Helper!!  Anyway, I want to inform all of you that we are dependent on God to stay alive.  The Lord knows our thoughts as well.

 According to Psalms 94:11, the Lord knows the thoughts of man that they are futile.  God even knows me from the inside out.  God knew me long before I was born.  Jeremiah 1:5 says before I formed you inside of the womb, I knew you before you were born, I sanctified you and ordained you as a Prophet to the Nations.

I want to say that God knows all things about mankind so that we can depend on Him to acquire all of our things.  The Lord knows all about us so much that I cannot live without Him.  God is blessing me every single day by giving me His breath to breathe with.  Psalm 144:4 says man is like a breath and his days are a passing shadow.  This means that we are depending and relying on God in order to give us life.  I cannot do nothing without God’s Help. 

        Frankly, I cannot do anything because our bodies do not belong to any of us.  The breath that we breathe each day does not belong to us.  I am acknowledging God in my personal life because He knows that I am really dependent on Him to do all things for me.

Further, I am a 55-year-old man who can say that I need God for everything that I need.  I love the Lord in my life because God is doing for me more than I can do for myself.  God has been granting me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.  He is giving me the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  This means that I cannot get the things that I need for myself without God helping me.  On the Contrary, God knows what I am going to do before I can even think of something to do.  God knows all about us as people.

My mother told me that I was named after my Grandfather.  I have my Grandfather’s first name as a middle name.  The reason why my mother named me Anthony Joseph Hopkins because I am named after her favorite actor Anthony Hopkins.  My mother told me before she passed away my father’s name.  However, God knows exactly every single thing about us.  You know something, we cannot hide from God’s Presence.  Therefore, He will know about all of us because He created us. 

Matthew 6:8: And How it Relates to All People!!!

        Matthew 6:8 and how it relates to all people consists of the things that God knows about in advance when it pertains to mankind.  God even knows exactly how long we are going to live in advance.  God knows the things that I need long before I ask Him.  The reason why is because His Spirit is inside of us.  The Holy Spirit is our Helper!!  Anyway, I want to inform all of you that we are dependent on God to stay alive.  The Lord knows our thoughts as well.

 According to Psalms 94:11, the Lord knows the thoughts of man that they are futile.  God even knows me from the inside out.  God knew me long before I was born.  Jeremiah 1:5 says before I formed you inside of the womb, I knew you before you were born, I sanctified you and ordained you as a Prophet to the Nations.

I want to say that God knows all things about mankind so that we can depend on Him to acquire all of our things.  The Lord knows all about us so much that I cannot live without Him.  God is blessing me every single day by giving me His breath to breathe with.  Psalm 144:4 says man is like a breath and his days are a passing shadow.  This means that we are depending and relying on God in order to give us life.  I cannot do nothing without God’s Help. 

        Frankly, I cannot do anything because our bodies do not belong to any of us.  The breath that we breathe each day does not belong to us.  I am acknowledging God in my personal life because He knows that I am really dependent on Him to do all things for me.

Further, I am a 55-year-old man who can say that I need God for everything that I need.  I love the Lord in my life because God is doing for me more than I can do for myself.  God has been granting me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.  He is giving me the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  This means that I cannot get the things that I need for myself without God helping me.  On the Contrary, God knows what I am going to do before I can even think of something to do.  God knows all about us as people.

My mother told me that I was named after my Grandfather.  I have my Grandfather’s first name as a middle name.  The reason why my mother named me Anthony Joseph Hopkins because I am named after her favorite actor Anthony Hopkins.  My mother told me before she passed away my father’s name.  However, God knows exactly every single thing about us.  You know something, we cannot hide from God’s Presence.  Therefore, He will know about all of us because He created us. 

My mother told me that I was named after my Grandfather.  I have my Grandfather’s first name as a middle name.  The reason why my mother named me Anthony Joseph Hopkins because I am named after her favorite actor Anthony Hopkins.  My mother told me before she passed away my father’s name.  However, God knows exactly every single thing about us.  You know something, we cannot hide from God’s Presence.  Therefore, He will know about all of us because He created us. 

Spirituality as a Coping Skill for Mental Illness

                                        By

                        Anthony Joseph Hopkins

Mental illness alone is very challenging for more than 40 million people living in the United States. People who struggle with the diagnosis of a mental illness find themselves struggling to make it. Frankly, there are people, who turn to their faith in God just to make it. Personally, I suffer from schizoid affective disorder. I have been suffering from a mental illness for almost 22 years now. Why having a serious mental illness would is so difficult?

 For me, I hear voices that are not the Holy Spirit. In my report, I have found that spirituality is an often overlooked resource in mental illness recovery. My assessment of religious or spiritual beliefs are under researched, and in most cases, it is laughed at by the Mental Health Community. Honestly, most psychiatrist refuse to actually listen to their patients. Many psychiatrist and therapist that I have consulted with during the past 22 years, feel that my spirituality is pointless.

I will admit that I have benefitted from pastoral counseling more than consulting with a psychiatrist and therapist. There are three main reasons how people with a mental illness cope with their problem. First, through spirituality, as well as relying on a power that is greater than the person themselves. As for me, I attend Fort McKinley United Methodist Church. The address to the church is 3721 West Siebenthaler Avenue Dayton, Ohio 45406. I have attended Fort McKinley Church for 7 years now.

 It helps me to cope much better with a mental illness by attending church as well as Bible study during the week. I feel a whole lot better when I am at church. Second, there are over 50 million people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. This statistic comes from the National Institute of Mental Health. People who suffer from a mental illness, at least some of them drink alcohol or self-medicate themselves just to cope with their problem. Third, another coping mechanism that some people have used is suicide. I remember on February 13, 2010; I tried to kill myself because I was responding to internal stimuli.

The voices that I was hearing told me to kill myself. Smolak, Gearing, Alonzo, Baldwin, Harmon, and McHugh (2013) reflected and reviewed 43 original research studies over the past 30 years. These people have discovered that patterns that were related or pertaining to religious beliefs and a patient’s recovery from a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia.

 This observation found that religion and spirituality have a mostly positive association with mental illness recovery. However, the intensive observation indicated that spiritual perceptions of family, caregivers, the community at large, and professionals affiliated to the mental illness saw tremendous progress.

 The results pointed out that religious themes were often evident in the perception of disease etiology, that family members and caregivers used religion as well as religious based professionals over mental health professionals. I would admit that working with a Pastor each week is much more feasible than dealing with a psychiatrist on a monthly basis. However, this report has better reflections of the patient.

 It also has a better understanding of a patient’s spiritual and religious beliefs as it assists in improving coping with a mental illness better than relying on medication. Religion and spirituality in conjunction with mental illness recovery remained historically under emphasized and minimized by mental health professionals. This means that spirituality will have to be emphasized by the patient themselves as a means to better cope with their mental illness.

The report finished with the idea of how enhancing the treatment provider’s awareness of a patient’s religious and spiritual interaction may improve treatment outcomes. I would like to say that religion and spirituality is not emphasized during an average consultation or therapy session. The majority of professionals prefer the use of medication to eradicate mental illness. Corrigan, McCorkle, Schell, and Kidder (2003) studied a total of 1,824 patients living with serious mental illness, who also had significant functional disability, but did not engage in substance abuse.

The information pointed out that the self-reporting of spirituality and religion as well as measured outcomes in psychological well-being, psychiatric symptoms, and life goal achievement such as employment and housing. This study determined whether religion and spirituality yielded similar benefits in the lives of people challenged and suffering from a serious mental illness, but also determined if those same people benefitted differently from religion. The patient’s themselves participated in community activities and common ways of worshipping versus spirituality defined as thinking about one’s self as part of a larger spiritual force. (P. 488). This study found that patients who self-identified as religious or spiritual has a much greater sense of well-being, better coping skills, and diminished psychiatric symptoms.  There was also no difference in quality of life as far as employment and/or housing.

People who suffer from a serious mental illness usually advocate and assert that religion and spirituality serve essential recovery roles in that they may provide useful coping skills to help with stressors.  Also, as previously noted, mental health professionals tend not to be very religious; therefore, the differences between professionals and patients may lead to a gap in treatment as professionals fail to ask about beliefs.

This could lead to a failure to explore religion or spirituality as a means towards a therapeutic end.  There are conclusions from this study.  The raw facts suggests there may be a need for faith based programs to be integrated into recovery programs for people with serious mental illness.  In the future, more research is needed to determine the role of faith based programs and to more thoroughly examine the causes and effects of spirituality in the lives of people who suffer from mental illness.

In all cases, this study and examination serves to remind mental health professionals of the central role religion or spirituality often play in the lives of patients and to the fact that sensitivity to the patient’s needs in this area lead professionals to helping the patient find appropriate services and resources.

Women and minorities struggles with mental illness are much more intense than other races.  These patients were more likely to be religious and more likely to turn to their faith as a means of coping, getting better, and staying healthy.  These patients length of stay in a psychiatric ward was significantly shorter for patients who attend worship services or used religious thoughts and activities as one of the most important strategies to deal with their mental illness.

An initial spiritual assessment should focus on determining how patient’s spiritual beliefs and practices influences their functioning and recovery.  By doing so, mental health professionals will likely uncover strengths and resources that can be utilized to foster recovery.  Mental Health Professionals can also help patients focus on their capabilities and resilience as well as accessing and using other positive recovery oriented narratives drawn from the patient’s spiritual worldview in order to address their problems more efficiently.

Spiritual Assessment within the mental health area is under researched and given that spirituality and/or religion is identifiably a magnificent and positive part of serious mental illness recovery.  This needs to be a more widely researched and utilized avenues of social science.  In a society where mental illness can be isolating and stigmatizing label; spirituality can be a core identity to which almost everyone can find a community or ways to help make life with serious mental illness worth living.

References

1. Corrigan, P., McCorkle, B., & Kidder, K. (2003). Religion and Spirituality in the lives of people with serious mental illness.  Community Mental Health Journal, 39(6) 487-99

2. Smolak, A., Gearing, R. E., Alonzo, D., Baldwin, S., Harmon, S., & McHugh, K. (2013). Social Support and Religion: Mental health service use and treatment of schizophrenia. Community Mental Health Journal 49(4) 444-50

What is Forgiveness Part 2

By Anthony Joseph Hopkins May 8, 2021

        Forgiveness Part #2 is simply about asking a very important question.  How many times shall I forgive my brother?  The answer is 70*7 = 490 times.  I will admit that I have to work on this issue myself.  This is simply because people has been cussing me out as of late.  I know that I have to forgive each person 490 times. 

This is the truth.  I know that it is very hard for me to forgive each person 490 times.  I know that each person must forgive me a total of 490 times.  I have had one of my AA Sponsee cuss me out to my face.  I did not say or do anything to him personally. I have learned to become humble as of late.  I have more respect for other people’s feelings.  I am a sinner that needs grace and mercy.

Next, I want to say that I have put up with a lot of crazy stuff from other people.  I know that I get depressed because people have been cussing me out for no reason whatsoever.  I guess when you do too much for other people more than yourself.  This means something!!  It means that I have to keep my enemies close, and my friends closer.  This means that you have to make up with everyone.  There are times that I get so angry with people that I want to fist fight with them.  Currently, I walk away!!  I would rather walk away from you than to get myself into trouble.

Moreover, I want to say that I forgive other people because the Bible tells me to do it.  One of the things that I am supposed to do is respect other people.  I know that I need a lot of work myself.  Forgiveness is very easy, but you do not want to become a sucker!!  There are not any suckers inside of God’s Kingdom!!  There are real people inside of heaven’s gates.  This is where I want to go someday.  I know that I am going to be judged by God Himself for the sins that I have done inside of my body.

Scripture Reading: James 2:1-13, Zechariah 7:9-10, Matthew 7:1-5, Romans 13:8-10

With the precision of a surgeon’s knife, the Holy Spirit sliced into my heart, convicting me. It caught me off guard—my sin of favoritism.

Hours before, I’d listened to Mary J. Blige, and attending church. The clip highlighted how easily we can fall into judging and favoring others. To further illustrate the point, we were divided into two different groups based on one aspect of our lives, something we had no control over: our eye color. People with blue eyes were to be treated differently than those with brown eyes.

Soon comments and accusations were flying back and forth. The responses of those discriminated against felt strangely satisfying to me. One woman in particular spoke with such disdain; her condescending attitude only proved her lack of awareness of those who live in the margins every day. I confess I was happy to have her sit in the back of the room as a member of the “discriminated” group, so she could experience a lack of equity.

The next day, our group entered into a time of prayer, confession, and lament. That’s when God opened my eyes in a new way to Galatians chapter five, where Paul lists the works of the flesh: enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy. The very things our team had sought to address and combat head-on were now being revealed in my own heart. I had judged that woman, and in thinking less of her, I showed partiality toward others who appeared more self-aware and further along in their faith journey.

“My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ… haven’t you made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
– James 2:1,4

This sin—my sin of judging some and favoring others—is cautioned against throughout Scripture. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus couldn’t be clearer when He says, “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.

 For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use” (Matthew 7:1-2).

The Lord is the only one worthy of being the Judge. He’s the only one capable of judging fairly. “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). It’s not our job to do the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting others of their sin, but we are called to respond to the Spirit’s conviction in our own hearts.

When we try to take God’s place as judge and jury, perhaps it’s because we’ve lost sight of just how great a debt Jesus died to pay on our behalf. Now, God’s “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13); His justice has been satisfied once and for all who love Jesus (Romans 3:25-26).

We’re all on a journey, learning to honor the Lord through loving one another well. Daily, as we walk in step with the Spirit, may we speak the gospel into our waking moments. As sin is exposed, let us draw near to our Savior. Mercy triumphed over judgment when Christ died for us, sinners, and rescued us from deserved condemnation. And mercy triumphs still, as a holy God looks at us and sees the spotless image of His Son.

Finally, I want to say that mercy triumphs over judgement.  What does this really mean?  Does this mean that we are already forgiven?  Please explain this to everyone that you are affiliated with.

What is Forgiveness Part 2

By Anthony Joseph Hopkins May 8, 2021

        Forgiveness Part #2 is simply about asking a very important question.  How many times shall I forgive my brother?  The answer is 70*7 = 490 times.  I will admit that I have to work on this issue myself.  This is simply because people has been cussing me out as of late.  I know that I have to forgive each person 490 times. 

This is the truth.  I know that it is very hard for me to forgive each person 490 times.  I know that each person must forgive me a total of 490 times.  I have had one of my AA Sponsee cuss me out to my face.  I did not say or do anything to him personally. I have learned to become humble as of late.  I have more respect for other people’s feelings.  I am a sinner that needs grace and mercy.

Next, I want to say that I have put up with a lot of crazy stuff from other people.  I know that I get depressed because people have been cussing me out for no reason whatsoever.  I guess when you do too much for other people more than yourself.  This means something!!  It means that I have to keep my enemies close, and my friends closer.  This means that you have to make up with everyone.  There are times that I get so angry with people that I want to fist fight with them.  Currently, I walk away!!  I would rather walk away from you than to get myself into trouble.

Moreover, I want to say that I forgive other people because the Bible tells me to do it.  One of the things that I am supposed to do is respect other people.  I know that I need a lot of work myself.  Forgiveness is very easy, but you do not want to become a sucker!!  There are not any suckers inside of God’s Kingdom!!  There are real people inside of heaven’s gates.  This is where I want to go someday.  I know that I am going to be judged by God Himself for the sins that I have done inside of my body.

Scripture Reading: James 2:1-13, Zechariah 7:9-10, Matthew 7:1-5, Romans 13:8-10

With the precision of a surgeon’s knife, the Holy Spirit sliced into my heart, convicting me. It caught me off guard—my sin of favoritism.

Hours before, I’d listened to Mary J. Blige, and attending church. The clip highlighted how easily we can fall into judging and favoring others. To further illustrate the point, we were divided into two different groups based on one aspect of our lives, something we had no control over: our eye color. People with blue eyes were to be treated differently than those with brown eyes.

Soon comments and accusations were flying back and forth. The responses of those discriminated against felt strangely satisfying to me. One woman in particular spoke with such disdain; her condescending attitude only proved her lack of awareness of those who live in the margins every day. I confess I was happy to have her sit in the back of the room as a member of the “discriminated” group, so she could experience a lack of equity.

The next day, our group entered into a time of prayer, confession, and lament. That’s when God opened my eyes in a new way to Galatians chapter five, where Paul lists the works of the flesh: enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy. The very things our team had sought to address and combat head-on were now being revealed in my own heart. I had judged that woman, and in thinking less of her, I showed partiality toward others who appeared more self-aware and further along in their faith journey.

“My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ… haven’t you made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
– James 2:1,4

This sin—my sin of judging some and favoring others—is cautioned against throughout Scripture. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus couldn’t be clearer when He says, “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.

 For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use” (Matthew 7:1-2).

The Lord is the only one worthy of being the Judge. He’s the only one capable of judging fairly. “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). It’s not our job to do the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting others of their sin, but we are called to respond to the Spirit’s conviction in our own hearts.

When we try to take God’s place as judge and jury, perhaps it’s because we’ve lost sight of just how great a debt Jesus died to pay on our behalf. Now, God’s “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13); His justice has been satisfied once and for all who love Jesus (Romans 3:25-26).

We’re all on a journey, learning to honor the Lord through loving one another well. Daily, as we walk in step with the Spirit, may we speak the gospel into our waking moments. As sin is exposed, let us draw near to our Savior. Mercy triumphed over judgment when Christ died for us, sinners, and rescued us from deserved condemnation. And mercy triumphs still, as a holy God looks at us and sees the spotless image of His Son.

Finally, I want to say that mercy triumphs over judgement.  What does this really mean?  Does this mean that we are already forgiven?  Please explain this to everyone that you are affiliated with.

Finally, I want to say that mercy triumphs over judgement.  What does this really mean?  Does this mean that we are already forgiven?  Please explain this to everyone that you are affiliated with.

What is the definition of the word Forgiveness?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins May 7, 2021

        What is the definition of the word forgiveness?  Forgiveness means the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.  The Biblical Definition of the word forgiveness means: Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. … Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean condoning or excusing offenses.  Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. Rather, forgiveness means letting go of the pain the incident is causing us. We forgive to give ourselves peace of mind, and in hopes that one day someone will return the favor if we ever offend them.

        Next, Jesus says that “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  I am the type of person who will forgive everyone immediately. 

This is because it does not make sense to hold grudges towards another person.  I know that forgiveness is a two-way street.  If I forgive another person, I would like for another person to forgive me of all of my trespasses and sins.

Further, I want to say that I have come a very long way behaviorally.  I used to forgive other people immediately.  Afterwards, the same person turns around and commit another offense toward me.  4 Steps to Forgiveness

• Talk to someone you trust and open up about how hurt, sad or angry you may feel. Let your emotions out, and don’t apologize for them.

Don’t withdraw or isolate yourself. Stay connected and feel the pain, even though it hurts. With someone there to listen, the pain is more bearable. 

The three types of forgiveness are:

• Exoneration.
• Forbearance.
• Release.

Paul told the Roman Christians God would forgive our sins and cover them up (Romans 4:7). When God forgives our sin, he puts it out of his mind; he erases it from the pages of time; he forgets it. … Through Christ, God forgives our sin. Because of Christ, God forgets our sin.

Here are eight ways to work on that.

1. Get mad, feel hurt and grieve. …
2. Ask yourself whether your anger is constructive or destructive. …
3. Don’t worry—you aren’t saying the offense was OK. …
4. Practice stress-reduction techniques. …
5. Remind yourself why you want this person in your life. …
6. Set boundaries.

All sins shall be forgiven, except the sin against the Holy Ghost; for Jesus will save all except the sons of perdition.

        If God forgive all of our sins, why can’t we forgive others in the same exact way?  It is not hard to forgive another person.  I really love people!!  I only want others to love me in the same exact way I love them.  However, I cannot force someone to love me.  I cannot force someone to forgive me in the same exact way.  I will admit that I suffer from depression.  I also suffer from Schizoid Affective Disorder.  I have to tell everyone the truth about myself.  If a person does not love me in the same way I love them, then I will have to pray for them.

The Race is not for the Swift!! Self-Esteem Included!!

        This is an interpretation of Ecclesiastes 9:11.  The Bible verse means that we have to persevere and go through personal trials and tribulations for Jesus Christ sake.  I say this is simply because it gives me an opportunity to do what I want in Jesus name.  What is the definition of the word opportunity? The answer to this question is a chance for advancement and improvement.  This also means that I have to maintain my faith in God; in spite of any problems that are in my way as far as obstacles are concerned. 

This Bible verse also pertains to everyone.  I know for me personally, I have to maintain myself in terms of dealing with my personal stress that is present in my personal life.  My caretakers, family members, and friends have always motivated me to do anything that in a positive manner.  For Example, when it comes to receiving an education, it is important for me to have a game plan or a plan of action in advance.

Next, I want to say that this Bible verse is not for those who are rich in power or might.  This verse pertains to those who have been oppressed, or those who are low in spirit.  In a way, it reminds me of one of the Bible verses in the Beatitudes in the New Testament.  This Bible verse also gives me a sense of faith and hope in God.  I want to say that I was a person who had a very low self-esteem.  I did not even have any form of confidence in myself.  I became more of a reactive person rather than proactive.

Further, I want to inform everyone that King Solomon had encouraged everyone to have faith in God.  The race is not for the swift reminds of the race between the tortoise and the hare.  The hare did not win the race because he was overconfident.  He ended up taking a break, while the tortoise walked slowly, and he took his time.  Therefore, the tortoise won the race.  This means that we should not give up whatsoever.  God is always there for all of us.

Moreover, I want to say that in the United States, there is a class society.  There is the wealthy, middle class, and the poor.  I know for me personally, I grew up poor.  I am the oldest of my mother’s 9 children.  However, one of my siblings passed away on June 2, 2017.  My sister died from a rare blood disease.  My nieces and nephews lost their mother.  My oldest nephew and I paid for my sister’s funeral.  I have a lot of respect for him.  He made a conscious decision to use of his money to pay for his mother’s funeral.  To all of my family members and friends, I really love all of you.

What Does the Bible say about Self-Esteem?

What does the Bible say about self-esteem?

Self-esteem has to do with how we think about ourselves and how we value ourselves. One definition of self-esteem is a person’s overall subjective emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. Therefore, someone with low self-esteem considers themselves to be worth little, whereas someone with high self-esteem considers themselves to have great worth. Much of the world derives their self-esteem from categories such as wealth, appearance, strength, occupation, popularity, celebrity, and relationships. Inevitably, the self-esteem of these individuals rises and falls based on how they are doing in these categories, especially in comparison to others. But what does the Bible say about self-esteem? How are we to determine our worth? What is the true source of our worth? 

The terms self-worth and self-esteem do not appear in the pages of Scripture. Self-worth, when understood as worth DERIVED from the self, as opposed to the opinion we have of ourselves, is a bit of a misnomer. In order to have any self-worth (independent from God), we would have to be self-made, which is impossible. In order to create yourself, you would need to exist already. If you existed already, you would not need to create yourself. Not only is self-creation a logical impossibility, we have the testimony of God’s word to refute it. We are, in fact, made by God and in the image of God, and this truth is the basis of our worth. We can say with David, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:13–14). The fact that we are made in the image of the only eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-wise God could easily become a temptation to pride. This is why we must always remember that our creation, our continued existence and our worth, lies not in ourselves, but in the powerful working of God (Genesis 1:27; Acts 17:28; Hebrews 1:3).

If we are made in the image of God, why do so many people struggle with the issue of their worth? The answer can be summed up in two words—the fall. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the image of God in them became shattered and marred. Whereas they once walked naked in the garden without shame; after they sinned, they became ashamed and hid themselves from God. They covered themselves, and mankind has been covering himself ever since. We cover our sense of shame, guilt, and lack of worth with the attire of wealth, beauty, strength, status, and popularity. However, these coverings merely mask our problem, which is that our relationship with God, the source of our worth, has been lost. Scripture speaks of fallen man as separated from God and at war with Him. We who were created in God’s image have become rebels against Him. As C.S. Lewis said, “Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.” Scripture speaks of mankind in our fallen state as sinful and worthless. 

Romans 3:10–12 says, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23tells us that “the wages of sin is death.” 

So, how do we, who have become enemies of God, worthy of death and damnation, restore our relationship with God, and therefore our worth? The short answer is, we can’t and we don’t. Fallen, sinful man is incapable of approaching a holy God. For this reason, God, because of His great love for us, sent a mediator, His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life and die for our sins, so that we might be reconciled to Him. 

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time” (1 Timothy 2:5–6). 

By repenting of our sin and believing in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are reconciled to God. The worth lost by our sin is regained and surpassed through faith in the righteousness of Christ. As believers in Christ, we have worth because: 

1) All humans are made in the image of God and therefore are of value (Genesis 1:26–27; Psalm 139). 

2) God loves us and has regenerated us. 

Ephesians 2:4–7 tells us, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, MADE US ALIVE together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (emphasis added). 

3) Jesus died for us and has appeased God’s wrath toward us. 

According to Romans 5:8 “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

4) God redeemed us from slavery to sin and has empowered us to pursue holiness. 

Romans 6:17–18 declares, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” 

5) God has transferred us into His glorious kingdom. 

We read in Colossians 1:13–14 that “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” 

6) God is our friend. 

Romans 5:10 says, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

7) We are righteous in God’s sight. 

Romans 3:23–24 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

8) We have been adopted by God. 

Ephesians 1:5–6 tells us that God “predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” 

9) We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. 

Romans 8:16–17 says, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” 

10) We have been uniquely gifted for service in God’s kingdom. 

We read in Romans 12:3–8: “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” 

The true basis of our worth is not to be found in the things of this world but in our right relationship to God, which is made possible only through faith in Christ, and through the gifts bestowed on us by the Spirit. In Christ and because of Christ, we are of infinite worth to God. Unlike the ever-fluctuating self-esteem of the world, our worth does not and cannot change, for our worth is rooted in the love of Christ. 

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 37–39). 

       Finally, the race is not for the swift because whenever we do things too quickly, we end up making mistakes.  The mistakes that we make by doing something too fast makes us feel frustrated and giving up entirely on the things that we are supposed to do.  The race is for all of us to participate.  The prize at the end of the race is eternal life.

It Takes Two to make a Meeting!!

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins May 1, 2021

        Is it true that it takes two people to make a meeting?  The answer is yes!!  Matthew 18:20 says: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  This is the truth because God is everywhere listening to all of our conversations.  Also, everything is being recorded.

        Next, I want to inform all of you that it only takes two people to make a meeting.  God always make a way out of no way.  He is always planning things for all of us. 

        Further, I want to say that if you ask the Father in my name He will give you.  This is another true Bible verse coming from John 16:23. I might not be able to depend on humans to make decisions for me.  However, I am only saying if you ask God and Jesus Christ for anything in truth, He will give it to you.  I know that I have been saved and baptized for the past 6 years now.  There are times that I might act like a baby sometimes.  I know that my life has been filled with ups and downs. 

        Moreover, I have been understanding the Holy Bible for many of years now.  I have taken college courses in Biblical Studies back in the 1990s.  My favorite class was Literature of the Old Testament.  I receive a C grade in this class.  Dr. Zornow made the class very interesting.  I completed my class project that came from Genesis and Malachi.  I received an A on my class project. 

In Addition, I want to say that if it was not for people, who prayed for me in college, I would not have graduated with my two college degrees.  The only thing that you need to do is ask God for anything, and He will give it to you.  I prayed myself, and look what God did for me.  I know that I am getting off to a very rocky start when it pertains to writing this essay.  Holy Spirit lead me!!  Lead me Holy Spirit because I do not know what I am doing sometimes.  I tend to jump from topic to topic at times.  Currently, I am learning how to put things into a better perspective.  I am allowing God and Jesus Christ to do for me what I cannot do for myself.

Finally, I have been consulting with my Therapist and Pastor on a regular basis.  I will admit that I do need a lot of guidance and direction in my personal life.  I really need a mentor in my life right now.  I know that when it comes to writing, I will have to start all over with the basics.  I know that I have been praying for the past 6 years.  I really feel that God and Jesus Christ are hearing and listening to my prayers.  I used to doubt myself and have a problem with self-confidence.  When it comes to God and the Holy Bible, I am still learning about the Lord. 

        In Conclusion, Lord Jesus, please give me a sense of direction.  Please Lord lead me in the way that is everlasting.  I love you Lord Father God!!  I love you Lord Jesus for saving me.  Lord Jesus, please make a way for me to become a better writer.  I do not have writer’s block.  I do suffer from a low self esteem at times.  Lord Jesus, please create in me a way to change things in a positive manner.  I really love Your Creation.  I love people from all walks of life.  My job at this time: is to help everyone that I am in come in contact with everyday of my life.  Thank you for reading my essay.