Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Ephesians 3:8 ◄ What Does Ephesians 3:8 Mean? ► To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, Ephesians 3:8(NASB) Verse Thoughts Paul was not one of the twelve men chosen by the Lord Jesus to be a disciple during His earthly life. He was not one of the multitude who was baptised by John unto repentance early in Christ’s ministry. He was not a man like Matthias, who accompanied the apostles during the time that Jesus went in and out among them all… and Paul was not one of the crowd who were cut to the heart on that first day of Pentecost when the men of Israel realised that they had crucified their Messiah, and cried out in despair, “brethren, what shall we do?” Paul was an ultra-orthodox Jew who hated the Lord Jesus Christ. He despised the Christian Church with a deep-seated loathing. He was one that violently persecuted the Church of God, which is the Body of Christ, and he tried to destroy it. He dragged men, women, and children from their homes, and flung them into jail – killing them by the sword and causing many to be scattered abroad throughout the entire region of Judaea and Samaria. Following his conversion on the road to Damascus, the caustic animosity that he had towards the fledgling Church caused Paul great pain. He was greatly disturbed when he realised his actions were in direct opposition to almighty God. His hatred towards Christians was starkly contrasted with the Lord’s great love, and Paul became acutely aware of God’s amazing grace towards him personally… and to the Jewish and Gentile nations. When he understood that Jesus Christ was the King of Israel and that he had been complicit in crucifying his Messiah, Paul came to the shocking realisation that in tyrannising the Body of Christ, he was abusing the Lord Jesus Himself. By persecuting Christians, he was persecuting the Lord for they were members of His mystical Body. In consideration of all the terror he struck into the hearts of Christians and the many men and women who were murdered at his bidding, Paul recognised the incredible grace of God and the incalculable mercy He had towards him. He could only judge himself to be the very least of all the saints of God, for he considered his sins against God and the Body of Christ to be the most heinous of all crimes. “To me, who is the very least of all the saints,” he cried, “this grace was given to me, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ.” Despite his murderous past and hatred of Christ, Paul was chosen by God to be His apostle to the Gentiles. Amazing grace! In His goodness, grace, and kindness, God even revealed mysteries to Paul which had been hidden in past ages and were not revealed to earlier generations. Paul was given revelation about the dispensation of the grace of God, and to him was revealed the mystery of the Church and the one new man in Christ – which is made up of believing Jews and believing Gentiles; the one new man in Christ where we are all one in Christ Jesus our Lord, and equal members of His mystical Body. The apostle Paul gave us greater understanding of justification, sanctification, glorification, and the wonders of the permanently indwelling Spirit of God. He gave us insight into positional sanctification and progressive sanctification. He gave us an understanding of the difference between union and communion – between our permanent union with Christ, which can never be broken, and our fellowship with Him, which can be broken by sin and renewed through the confession of our faults. He opened our understanding of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone, and helped us to understand more of Christ’s propitiatory work on the Cross on our behalf. And Paul also gave us a greater understanding of slavery to sin and the freedom we have in Christ. This murdering Jew became God’s chosen apostle to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ and the many mysteries that had been hidden for ages and generations. Paul knew that His great salvation was a result of God’s amazing grace and long-suffering mercy towards him – no surprise that Paul got to the point where he recognised that it was only by God’s grace that his final destination had been changed from eternity in hell to everlasting life with Christ in heaven. It is not surprising that Paul could only refer to himself as the very least of all the saints… and dedicate the rest of his life by proclaiming the grace of God which was given to him and to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable, unsearchable, incalculable, boundless riches of Christ to all who are saved by grace through faith in Him. My Prayer Heavenly Father, I am filled with awe when I start to realise the unfathomable, unsearchable, incalculable, boundless riches of Christ, which I have received by grace through faith in Him. As I think back over my life, I have nothing that could commend me to You and by rights I should be condemned to eternal separation from You. By rights, I too am the worst of all sinners and am not worthy to be called Your child… and yet while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me and You searched me out and saved me. Praise Your holy name. May I live and work to Your praise and glory through time and into eternity. In Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Ephesians 3:7 Next: Ephesians 3:9 ► Choose a Verse from Ephesians 3 123456789101112131415161718192021 Mark 8:34 Hebrews 9:14 John 17:12 John 17:6 Follow us Ephesians 3:8 Further Study Ephesians 3:8 in the Parallel Bible Ephesians 3:8 in the Thematic Bible Ephesians 3:8 Cross References Ephesians 3:8 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Ephesians 3:8 Sermons Ephesians 3:8 Prayers Ephesians 3:8 Images Ephesians 3:8 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Resurrection Ground Romans 3:22 Romans 8:15 Author Of Peace Leave Room For God These Three Men (JOB-study 5) Sorrow to Joy Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2021] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved ×

Touching Lives with James Merritt DAILY DEVOTIONAL EMAIL Subscribe to receive the daily devotional from Dr. James Merritt right into your inbox SUBSCRIBE Love Your Enemies January 25, 2021 “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you.” Proverbs 20:22 There is one thing that has been true of every human being who has lived long enough on this earth and that is everyone makes enemies. If you have convictions that you believe in, and the courage to stand up for them, you are going to make enemies. If you are willing to take a stand for Jesus Christ, you are going to make enemies. If you are willing to tell the truth – even in love – you are going to make enemies. The question is not, “Do we make enemies?” The question is, “How are we going to respond to our enemies?” The Bible gives two pieces of advice on how to handle people that don’t like you, oppose you, harm you, or want to do you wrong. First, never go down to their level. There are countless people whose lives have been ruined, not by what has been done to them, but by how they have responded to it. There are people whose entire lives are built around how they can pay back someone who has done something wrong to them. This is not only an exercise in futility; it is unbiblical. Retribution and revenge can never heal your wounds. In fact, seeking to repay a wrong with another wrong only does more harm. Unforgiveness and anger lead to bitterness; and once bitterness takes root you will be miserable. There is only One who has the right to pay anyone back for a wrong; and God is the only One who knows how to pay back a wrong in the right way. So how should we respond to our enemies? Proverbs 25:21-22 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” Back in Bible days, homes were heated and meals were prepared on little stoves that would look like an outside barbecue grill. When the poor ran out of coals for the fire, they would put empty containers on their heads and pass under the windows of wealthier people, who would drop extra coals into the containers. At the end of the journey, the poor man would arrive back home with a pile of burning coals on his head for his fire. It was an act of kindness and generosity. We must teach our children to fill their enemies with forgiveness and kindness. Often times, this will turn enemies into friends. And when it doesn’t, it displays the character of God, who loved us and sent His Son to die for us while we were His enemies. Dear Lord, loving our enemies is one of the hardest things about being one of your followers, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Please help me to model obedience to the command well for my children so that they may learn to obey you as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.  Topics: Love Bible Reference Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you. Proverbs 25:21-22 About Contact Us Jobs Pastor Resources Prayer Request Privacy Policy Copyright © 2019 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

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day 1 Corinthians 2:3 ◄ What Does 1 Corinthians 2:3 Mean? ► I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 1 Corinthians 2:3(NASB) Verse Thoughts Corinth was a city of great orators and intellectual philosophers. It was a place where credibility was founded on one’s academic ability, educational prowess, intellectual stature, and oratory skills. Paul however, had determined that he would not speak to the people in Corinth about God with flowery words or convincing arguments. He did not proclaim the gospel with great wisdom or politically persuasive rhetoric. Paul determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul was a man who was educationally and intellectually equal with the great debaters of Corinth. He was a knowledgeable Pharisee who had studied under some of the greatest teachers of his day, but he had been brought low before the Cross of Christ and dared to break with the accepted traditions of the day. Paul had learned that human wisdom and worldly power was of no consequence when compared with the infinite wisdom and eternal strength of the almighty Creator. Paul did not approach these intellectuals with a know-it-all attitude or a barrage of carefully thought-out words. He did not try to share the gospel with persuasive words or clever innuendos. Paul was prompted to share the simple truth of the glorious gospel of the Cross clearly and plainly, and so he simply taught the truth – that the eternal God came to earth as the incarnate Son to be the sacrificial offering for the sin of the world – so that by His death He could take the punishment for our sin upon His sinless shoulders – so that by His resurrection the sting of death was removed for all who would believe. Sometime earlier, Paul had attempted to use his oratory skill to persuade the high-brow Athenian philosophers on Mars Hill of the gospel of grace… but he discovered that there is no human wisdom or counsel that can prevail as effectively as the plain truth from the Word of the Lord. And so Paul determined to speak God’s way, and not by means of words taught through human wisdom. Paul spoke those things as guided by the Spirit of God – communicating spiritual things by spiritual means. Paul had learned that when self remains crucified and the indwelling Spirit of God is permitted to lead and direct the steps of a man, then God’s grace is sufficient – for His strength is made perfect in our weakness. And so in humility of heart and with a deep love for his Lord, Paul abandoned His philosophical training and spoke to the Corinthians simply, in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. From a human standpoint, Paul’s preaching was pitiful and pathetic. He appeared as a weak, ineffective, fearful individual, compared with the high-flying intellectuals of Ephesus. But from God’s point of view, Paul was His chosen vessel to preach the word of truth to a lost and dying world… and Paul was permitted to write a significant portion of New Testament Scripture. Paul knew the dangers of man’s prideful wisdom and was determined that no one should enslave believers by means of philosophical argument, or the worthless deceit of human wisdom according to the tradition of men. He knew that the wisdom of the world is according to the elementary principles of the world and does not come from Christ. Paul learned that the wisdom of man is foolishness to God, but that in His strength we are to preach Christ crucified. The message of the Cross may be a stumbling block to the Jews and seen by the Gentiles as foolishness. Nevertheless, we rejoice to know that the foolishness of God is wiser than man… and the weakness of God is stronger than man. How important that our faith is not based on human wisdom, academic ability, educational prowess, intellectual stature, and oratory skills, but on the truth of God’s Word and in His mighty power. May we follow in the footsteps of the apostle Paul who did not teach the Word with the superiority of speech or with human wisdom, but in weakness, fear, and much trembling. Let us like Paul, teach Jesus Christ and Him crucified… for Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” My Prayer Heavenly Father, what a wonderful example of a man of humility and grace who did not seek to use His own wisdom, academic ability, intellectual stature, or oratory skills in his ministry, but recognised his own human limitation and instead, became a living sacrifice unto God. I pray that I will never seek to elevate my own importance in the eyes of man but present my life as a living sacrifice, holy to the Lord – so that in Your power I may be enabled to share the simple gospel of grace to a lost and dying world, not in my own strength, but through the power of Him Who called me out of darkness into His glorious light. This I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: 1 Corinthians 2:2 Next: 1-Corinthians 2:4 ► Choose a Verse from 1 Corinthians 2 12345678910111213141516 Matthew 12:36 Deuteronomy 4:31 Malachi 3:2 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Follow us 1 Corinthians 2:3 Further Study 1 Corinthians 2:3 in the Parallel Bible 1 Corinthians 2:3 in the Thematic Bible 1 Corinthians 2:3 Cross References 1 Corinthians 2:3 Treasury of Scripture Knowing 1 Corinthians 2:3 Sermons 1 Corinthians 2:3 Prayers 1 Corinthians 2:3 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Living the Cross Way Philippians 4:5 Genesis 49:11 Abide In Abundance The Overmastering Direction The Believer’s Choice (JOB-study 4) Stand Still, Sit Still, Be Still Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2021] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved ×

This is a James 5:16 Moment!!

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Praise The Lord Saints!!  Praise The Lord Everyone!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  This is a James 5:16 Moment.  The reason why I am sharing this information is simply because I feel that my foundation is falling underneath me right now.  I have been physically drained for the past few months right now.  This is simply because my testosterone levels have dropped.  This has happen all of a sudden.  I was not aware of my physical problems since September 17, 2019.  This happened during the time that I had suffered from my Breakthrough Seizure.

        Next, I want to inform all of you that God’s love is inside of me right now.  I realize that my foundation is falling underneath me right now.  Why, this is simply because I have been feeling drained and tired all of the time.  I realize that a lot of people depend on me; inside of my hometown of Dayton, Ohio.  I know that I do not want to become a burden on all of my family members.

 My family members do not know how sick I really am right now.  I realize that my family members have their own lives right now.  It is that everyone in my family are growing up and trying to establish an identity for themselves.  God really loves all of us.  He has given us His grace and mercy so that He can sustain all of us.

        Further, I want to inform all of you that I have not actually done anything for myself in a very long time.  I realize that I am getting older right now.  It is that a person is as old as they really feel from the inside out.  I want to inform all of you that it is God that is doing for me more than I am doing for myself.

        Moreover, I want to inform everyone that my neighbors have been talking about me, but not inside of my face.  That is a complete shame.  You see, I do not drink alcohol, and smoke anything in over 30 years now. 

        In Addition, I am very sick right now.  I am sharing this information with all of you because I really need all of your prayers.  I know that I have Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior right now.  I want to say that I really need all of you to please read all of my essays, and tell me what you think.  If the Lord’s will, I will copyright all of my writings by the end of this calendar year.  I have to go to Miami Valley South in Dayton, Ohio for hormone replacement therapy starting on February 4, 2020 at 3:00PM.  I want to also inform everyone that I cannot have any children because I have cysts on my scrotum.  I have sustained an injury while playing football back in 1979.

        Finally, I want to inform all of you that it is the Lord that provides for us, and not ourselves.  I want to say that I really love all of you very much.  I know that some people are not talking to me right now.  It does not make sense to lose friends and family members because of my intimate relationship that I have in Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is my Personal Savior and I adore my relationship that I have with Him.  Please keep me in your prayers, and I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

Where is your heart?

          This is an essay that is based on the above posted.  First, I would like to ask a question.  What does this really mean in our lives?  I would like to inform everyone that it applies to all of our lives.  My heart is at this time is with God.  However, I will admit that I have gained too many idols in my life.  For example, I have had excessive pictures of women on a certain website.  It is not that I really wanted to acquire anything like this, it is that I only wanted to establish myself inside of a changing society. 

          Second, our hearts at this time should be on establishing an intimate relationship God.  I understand that my relationship with God has changed tremendously.  I feel that by gaining too much stuff means that I am gaining things that I do not need.  This Bible verse and how it applies to my life right now meaning that I can live for the Lord and serve Him and others.  I will admit that my behavior has changed in regards to this Bible verse. 

          Third, I know that my life for the Lord consists of stewardship and service.  Currently, as it relates to this verse, I feel that I must do things for the Lord by emphasizing how well I deal with my personal possessions and finances for myself for the Lord God.  I will admit that I had been placing too much emphasis on the world, and how live in it.  I will also admit that there are too many that influence our behavior.  I would like to receive your opinions on this Bible verse.

Where is your heart?

          This is an essay that is based on the above posted.  First, I would like to ask a question.  What does this really mean in our lives?  I would like to inform everyone that it applies to all of our lives.  My heart is at this time is with God.  However, I will admit that I have gained too many idols in my life.  For example, I have had excessive pictures of women on a certain website.  It is not that I really wanted to acquire anything like this, it is that I only wanted to establish myself inside of a changing society. 

          Second, our hearts at this time should be on establishing an intimate relationship God.  I understand that my relationship with God has changed tremendously.  I feel that by gaining too much stuff means that I am gaining things that I do not need.  This Bible verse and how it applies to my life right now meaning that I can live for the Lord and serve Him and others.  I will admit that my behavior has changed in regards to this Bible verse. 

          Third, I know that my life for the Lord consists of stewardship and service.  Currently, as it relates to this verse, I feel that I must do things for the Lord by emphasizing how well I deal with my personal possessions and finances for myself for the Lord God.  I will admit that I had been placing too much emphasis on the world, and how live in it.  I will also admit that there are too many that influence our behavior.  I would like to receive your opinions on this Bible verse.

          Third, I know that my life for the Lord consists of stewardship and service.  Currently, as it relates to this verse, I feel that I must do things for the Lord by emphasizing how well I deal with my personal possessions and finances for myself for the Lord God.  I will admit that I had been placing too much emphasis on the world, and how live in it.  I will also admit that there are too many that influence our behavior.  I would like to receive your opinions on this Bible verse.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness with God, Ourselves and with Others!!

          This is a very special essay concerning the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness with God, ourselves, and with others.  The first thing that I want to say is that God has never left us or forsaken us.  Perhaps, we might have forsaken ourselves at times in our personal lives.  I say this because I used to be a person who did not believe anything, unless I see it with my own eyes.  Secondly, God is not mad at you.  He is mad about you.  God wants us in His family.  He really wants us in heaven with Him. 

          Further, God forgives us because He loved us.  Forgiveness does not equal reconciliation.  Reconciliation takes two people.  For instance, our relationship with God is very important to us.  God’s love is supernatural.  Forgiveness opens the door to reconciliation.  God’s love will always persevere.  Our conversations with others with God requires change on our part.  He have to be totally honest and sincere with Him.  Reconciliation requires that we be on the same page with God, ourselves, and with others.

          Moreover, I want to inform all of you that I have rededicated my life to Jesus Christ as of June 3, 2018 at 7:30AM.  I want to inform all of you that I have been baptized several times in numerous of Churches.  It is that I was still harboring a lot of anger with myself and others.  God had always understood me from the time that I was inside of my mother’s womb. 

According to Jeremiah 1:5; God knew us while we were inside of our mother’s womb.  Even before we were formed, He knew us, before we were born, He sanctified us and ordained us as a prophet to the nations.

          In Addition, God even knows exactly how long we are going to live.  When it comes to Psalms 139:16, it states that our days are fashioned for us even before we are born.  However, love keeps no record of wrongs.  Therefore, we should meditate on God’s love.  There are times that we tend to hold onto our past and there are times that we do the same thing to others.  God sent His Son to die for our sins.  In order to have a conversation with God, we need to keep prayer simple.  We also need to read the Bible as well.  We are ambassadors for Christ.  Do not hold grudges against anyone.  We need to turn from our self-centered living so that God’s love would be possible.

          Jesus died for us so that we can be free.  The cross makes reconciliation possible.  God’s love is stronger.  God is the God of all power.  God communicates His heart with us.  We represent the heart of God.  Fear in love; perfect love cast out fear.  We need to allow God to fix us.  We need God’s grace.  Freedom is here.  God love for us is very pure.  To me personally, God was saying let me know when you are ready.  Reconciliation requires change.  We are afraid of asking too much.  For me personally, I have become a member of the Mormon Faith, 3 Baptist Churches, and currently the United Methodist Church.  I have dedicated my life to each church by getting baptized in water and receiving the Holy Spirit.

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Please, never stop at forgiveness.  I have officially reconcile with God yesterday and I am happy.  I still have a whole lot of work to do.  I have to share the Good News of the Gospel of Peace.  Jeremiah 23:23 says that am I a God near at hand says the Lord, and not a God afar off?  God is always with us.  He has been with me even during my active addiction.  I have learned a whole lot since the year 2015.  This is during the time that I was baptized by my current pastor at Fort McKinley Church in Dayton, Ohio.

  Romans 16:18 says live at peace with everyone.  Jesus body and blood was shed for us.  God’s love drives out fear.  Acknowledgement is the first step of healing.  God will never fail us.  Christ died for us so that we can move forward and reconcile with Christ.  God will always give ourselves to us.  Freedom and joy comes from God.  I know for me personally, I feel a whole lot better right now.  I must reconcile with my family members and those who refuse to talk to me.  I must first reconcile with God, myself, and others as well. 

The Bible is a conversation material for us.  God is saying engage with me.  I engage with God by reading His word, praying, and acknowledging all of my sins and ask God for repentance each day.  We all want to be heard and understood at all times.  Hurt people hurt people!!  I will admit that I used to take all of my problems out on others.  I was not a bully.  I was a person who was under attack by my enemies from the past.  I also had Satan as an enemy as well. When it comes to the devil, I will admit that I was a person who was hearing voices that were not benevolent.

 The voices that I have heard were demonic spirits attacking me.  There were times when I used to talk back to the voices.  Personal attacks destroy our character both externally and inwardly.  These messages cause a lot of blame.  People react to pain in different ways.  All we do is collect wounds, and it starts all over again.  It also has a lot to do with anxiety and worry.  God sees a future with us.  He forgives us.  God wants a heart to heart conversation with us.  The cross represents the hope for reconciliation.  God is more interested in changing our circumstances.  There are no exclusions to God’s love.  Whoever lives in love, God is with them.

 We are made free in Jesus Christ.  We are ambassadors for Christ.  God reveals His character through us.  We are God’s creation.  This is the Good News.  His blood was poured out for our forgiveness.  God has forgiven me.  I feel much better right now, and I am sharing this message today because God loves you, and so do I.  This is a love that has no walls.  God’s love goes beyond our human expectations.

May the God of all peace be with you all!!  God Bless You!!  Thank You for reading my essay.

My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins and I am a Blogger.  I want to inform everyone that I have been writing for the past 10 years now.  I have a total of almost 710 professionally written blogs on a number of websites.  I am intelligent, kind, sincere, understanding, humble, and smart.

Encouragement for the trouble heart.

This is an essay that is based on the encouragement for the troubled heart. First, let me inform everyone that whenever a person has a troubled heart, it is either a broken spirit or a form of depression. There are times as human beings that we might suppress our feelings. Therefore, there are times that we do not allow others to enter our personal space. The only person who is able to comfort us is Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. 

        Second, I have a very important question to ask everyone right now. Who comforts us in our afflictions? The answer is Jesus Christ. This is the reason why I trust Him on a daily basis for everything in my personal life. We should trust Jesus Christ, who has died for the sins of mankind. There are times when there is strength inside of our weaknesses. God is by nature an encourager. He uplifts us and we should take advantage of it.

      Third, I want to inform everyone that there is a real need to talk to our heavenly Father. God feels exactly what we all our going through. God wants us to talk to Him about all of our problems. He also wants us to praise Him as well. Whenever, I read the Bible, it enlightens me personally. God talks to all of us through His word. There are also times when the Bible is an implication of my daily walk with Him. God also reveals Himself to all of us in prayer. He also seals our heart, and helps us. You cannot beat talking to Jesus Christ.

       Fourth, when it comes to the word of God; He searches our heart and spirit. I want to tell everyone that my heart and spirit has been revived. God is a good God. He encourages us in all of our afflictions. He is always available 24 hours per day. God is forever unending because He is always there for us. This reminds me of the footprints inside of the sand poem. He is always strive with us. He is there to comfort us. God enjoys building into our lives by encouraging us; so that we can encourage someone else. We must learn how to get out of our own self-pity. God enables us by being there for us. We just need to take the initiative to be there for others. We cannot allow sin to overwhelm us.

      Fifth, we always hear God speaking to us. Being thankful is a learned behavior. It does not matter how far we are in despair, God and His son is always there for us. He is there to rescue us. The Holy Spirit will be able to help us in our time of need. Finally, it begins with the very first step by asking God to save us. We have to allow Him to speak to our heart. There is someone who will pull you out of the grips of stress and despair. Jesus Christ will help you. God also uses others to encourage us in our time of need. God knows what we are all about personally. He always keeps His promises.

Why Do People Blow Their Nose at the Table?

            I have a very important question to ask everyone.  Have you ever been around someone who constantly blows their nose at the table?  If I am eating, I would excuse myself from the table, and blow my nose.  I went to a restaurant recently, and this man was blowing his nose, while I was eating.  I got mad and talked away.  It is very rude and very nasty.  I also went to restaurants in the Dayton, Ohio area and people were blowing their nose, coughing, and sneezing at the dinner table.

 It is sad and downright disgusting to be around people who do disrespect others by revealing their nasal juices around other people.  This makes me very mad.  I will admit that I had blown my nose at the table on June 26, 1983 at Job Corps in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The person who was sitting across from me called me out of my name.  His anger was justified.  He called me a nasty motherfucker.  It lead to a verbal and physical confrontation because this young man was really upset with me. 

            Next, I actually stopped blowing my nose at the dinner table afterwards.  I apologized to the young man for my behavior.  I want to inform all of you that you can get sick from someone blowing their nose, sneezing, and coughing in front of you.  This is a fact because I got sick from someone blowing their nose right next to me on 3/23/2018 at 11:45AM.  It was not nice.  I felt angry, but I walked away from the young men who were coughing and blowing their noses at the table.

            Moreover, I am a type of person who have learned a valuable lesson from my offenses from the past.  I used to blow my nose at the table, but not anymore.  This is because people will be ready to kill you over something like that.  I do my very best to change my behavior.  I would rather walk away instead of fighting.  God is watching all of us; according to Proverbs 15:3.  God is watching over the evil and the good.  I will admit that my behavior has completely changed since 1983.  I do not argue with anyone anymore.  As far as blowing my nose at any table is concerned, I would go to the restroom and take care of my business.

Finally, if anyone does this to you, please tell them to leave the table.  This will make everyone sick.  I can understand little babies and children.  A child will have to be shown how to cover their noses while they are at the table.  I would be afraid to eat my food, if anyone is coughing and sneezing in front of me.  I understand it is proper etiquette.  I would like for everyone to please leave the table and blow their nose because you can get sick from anyone making a mockery out of themselves.  Please pray for our Nation because we have a lot of sick people who are suffering from the flu or common cold.  There are people who are dying from the flu in the United States.  For instance, in Ohio, there were at least 20 children under the age of 12 who have died this year because of the flu.  The most important thing that a person can do right now to prevent the flu is wash their hands.  It is important to wash your hands after using the computer or playing outside.  It is important to wash your hands while coughing and sneezing as well. 

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Hopkins

My voices have been minimized

Good Morning Everyone!! I have some good news.  I want to inform all of you that my voices that I have been hearing have been minimized.  I do not hear them as much as I used to.  I am happy because I am getting my life back.  By the way, my name is Anthony, and I suffer from Schizoid Affective Disorder and Bipolar 1.  I want to inform everyone that I am taking Lithium 300mg, Zyprexa 5mg, Trilafon 24mg, Prozac 20mg, and Tegretol 400mg.  These medications are finally working. 

I know that I have a long way to go when it comes to dealing with my mental illness.  It is that, I am trying my very best to stay out of trouble, and attend AA Meetings during the week.  I want to inform everyone that I really need your prayers.  This is because my legs and feet are swollen from taking too much Calcium pills.  My doctor has me taking 20,000 mg of Vitamin D each week and 600mg each morning.  I know that this is entirely too much Calcium and Vitamin D for any person to take as a prescription.

 It does not make any sense.  Otherwise, I am doing all right for myself.  I am taking a total of 22 prescription medications per day.  It does not make any sense for anyone to take so much medication.  I really feel sad and depressed because I am overmedicated.  Does anyone have any advice and suggestions for me?  Please offer me some help because my bones and muscles are hurting from taking too much calcium pills.  It hurts!!  My voices that I hear right now, do not really faze me anymore.

 I am very happy that I do not hear voices as much as I used to.  My doctor suggested that I should write a journal of my activities regarding the voices.  I have noticed that the voices enjoy slow music from the Isley Brothers.  I am not making any of this up.  I just want to try to resolve all of my personal issues with my family members and law enforcement.  I want to inform all of you that the voices are slowed down from taking the medications.

 I also go to bed early at night.  I just need to eat the proper foods in order to stay alive.  Please keep me and my family members in your prayers.  My whole body hurts from taking too much medication.  My feet and legs are swollen right now.  I have been dealing with this for the past couple of weeks.  Please take it easy!! I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Hopkins

My voices have been minimized

Good Morning Everyone!! I have some good news.  I want to inform all of you that my voices that I have been hearing have been minimized.  I do not hear them as much as I used to.  I am happy because I am getting my life back.  By the way, my name is Anthony, and I suffer from Schizoid Affective Disorder and Bipolar 1.  I want to inform everyone that I am taking Lithium 300mg, Zyprexa 5mg, Trilafon 24mg, Prozac 20mg, and Tegretol 400mg.  These medications are finally working. 

I know that I have a long way to go when it comes to dealing with my mental illness.  It is that, I am trying my very best to stay out of trouble, and attend AA Meetings during the week.  I want to inform everyone that I really need your prayers.  This is because my legs and feet are swollen from taking too much Calcium pills.  My doctor has me taking 20,000 mg of Vitamin D each week and 600mg each morning.  I know that this is entirely too much Calcium and Vitamin D for any person to take as a prescription.

 It does not make any sense.  Otherwise, I am doing all right for myself.  I am taking a total of 22 prescription medications per day.  It does not make any sense for anyone to take so much medication.  I really feel sad and depressed because I am overmedicated.  Does anyone have any advice and suggestions for me?  Please offer me some help because my bones and muscles are hurting from taking too much calcium pills.  It hurts!!  My voices that I hear right now, do not really faze me anymore.

 I am very happy that I do not hear voices as much as I used to.  My doctor suggested that I should write a journal of my activities regarding the voices.  I have noticed that the voices enjoy slow music from the Isley Brothers.  I am not making any of this up.  I just want to try to resolve all of my personal issues with my family members and law enforcement.  I want to inform all of you that the voices are slowed down from taking the medications.

 I also go to bed early at night.  I just need to eat the proper foods in order to stay alive.  Please keep me and my family members in your prayers.  My whole body hurts from taking too much medication.  My feet and legs are swollen right now.  I have been dealing with this for the past couple of weeks.  Please take it easy!! I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Hopkins

My voices have been minimized

Good Morning Everyone!! I have some good news.  I want to inform all of you that my voices that I have been hearing have been minimized.  I do not hear them as much as I used to.  I am happy because I am getting my life back.  By the way, my name is Anthony, and I suffer from Schizoid Affective Disorder and Bipolar 1.  I want to inform everyone that I am taking Lithium 300mg, Zyprexa 5mg, Trilafon 24mg, Prozac 20mg, and Tegretol 400mg.  These medications are finally working. 

I know that I have a long way to go when it comes to dealing with my mental illness.  It is that, I am trying my very best to stay out of trouble, and attend AA Meetings during the week.  I want to inform everyone that I really need your prayers.  This is because my legs and feet are swollen from taking too much Calcium pills.  My doctor has me taking 20,000 mg of Vitamin D each week and 600mg each morning.  I know that this is entirely too much Calcium and Vitamin D for any person to take as a prescription.

 It does not make any sense.  Otherwise, I am doing all right for myself.  I am taking a total of 22 prescription medications per day.  It does not make any sense for anyone to take so much medication.  I really feel sad and depressed because I am overmedicated.  Does anyone have any advice and suggestions for me?  Please offer me some help because my bones and muscles are hurting from taking too much calcium pills.  It hurts!!  My voices that I hear right now, do not really faze me anymore.

 I am very happy that I do not hear voices as much as I used to.  My doctor suggested that I should write a journal of my activities regarding the voices.  I have noticed that the voices enjoy slow music from the Isley Brothers.  I am not making any of this up.  I just want to try to resolve all of my personal issues with my family members and law enforcement.  I want to inform all of you that the voices are slowed down from taking the medications.

 I also go to bed early at night.  I just need to eat the proper foods in order to stay alive.  Please keep me and my family members in your prayers.  My whole body hurts from taking too much medication.  My feet and legs are swollen right now.  I have been dealing with this for the past couple of weeks.  Please take it easy!! I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Hopkins

My voices have been minimized

Good Morning Everyone!! I have some good news.  I want to inform all of you that my voices that I have been hearing have been minimized.  I do not hear them as much as I used to.  I am happy because I am getting my life back.  By the way, my name is Anthony, and I suffer from Schizoid Affective Disorder and Bipolar 1.  I want to inform everyone that I am taking Lithium 300mg, Zyprexa 5mg, Trilafon 24mg, Prozac 20mg, and Tegretol 400mg.  These medications are finally working. 

I know that I have a long way to go when it comes to dealing with my mental illness.  It is that, I am trying my very best to stay out of trouble, and attend AA Meetings during the week.  I want to inform everyone that I really need your prayers.  This is because my legs and feet are swollen from taking too much Calcium pills.  My doctor has me taking 20,000 mg of Vitamin D each week and 600mg each morning.  I know that this is entirely too much Calcium and Vitamin D for any person to take as a prescription.

 It does not make any sense.  Otherwise, I am doing all right for myself.  I am taking a total of 22 prescription medications per day.  It does not make any sense for anyone to take so much medication.  I really feel sad and depressed because I am overmedicated.  Does anyone have any advice and suggestions for me?  Please offer me some help because my bones and muscles are hurting from taking too much calcium pills.  It hurts!!  My voices that I hear right now, do not really faze me anymore.

 I am very happy that I do not hear voices as much as I used to.  My doctor suggested that I should write a journal of my activities regarding the voices.  I have noticed that the voices enjoy slow music from the Isley Brothers.  I am not making any of this up.  I just want to try to resolve all of my personal issues with my family members and law enforcement.  I want to inform all of you that the voices are slowed down from taking the medications.

 I also go to bed early at night.  I just need to eat the proper foods in order to stay alive.  Please keep me and my family members in your prayers.  My whole body hurts from taking too much medication.  My feet and legs are swollen right now.  I have been dealing with this for the past couple of weeks.  Please take it easy!! I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins

How Come Children are Behaving Aggressively in 2018?

Good Evening and God Bless You!! I would like to start off by asking a question.  How come children are behaving aggressively in 2018? An answer to that question is because children are not raised properly.  I would like to address everyone by saying that I did not have a good upbringing myself.  It is that my mother and father were separated because my father was already married to his wife, during the time he had conceived me.  I will admit that I did a lot of bad things as a juvenile.  I was responsible for breaking and entering inside of a church in Dayton, Ohio back in 1979.

 I had to clean up the entire church that I had broken into with my brothers and my friends.  I also used to drink beer and smoke marijuana as well.  As far as children in 2018 is concerned, they are behaving more aggressively by making threats to school teachers, principals, and their fellow classmates.  Children are bringing more guns to school right now, more than they did in 1985.  I was attending school during my senior year in 1985, and one of my closes friends got shot and killed over a $3.00 debt.  I am not able to mention his name because I can get sued in court.  I just know that my friend got shot in close range with a shotgun over a dice game inside of the Parkside Apartments in Dayton, Ohio.  I just know that my mother and siblings were living inside of Parkside Apartments when my friend got shot on April 30, 1985.

 The reason why I mention 1985 so much in my blogs is simply because it was a transition for me.  During that year on June 21, 1985, I committed a petty theft by stealing some sweat suits inside of a department store in Downtown Dayton, Ohio.  On that particular day, I was getting out of summer school at Belmont High School, and I met one of my friends and we decided to steal some clothes in order to make some money.  We were both arrested at 1:45PM, while trying to catch the #4Bus.  The police snatched me out of the bus and transported me to the Montgomery County Jail for 2 counts of Petty Theft.  I went to court and pleaded guilty because I was guilty.

  Next, as far as children are concerned in 2018, children are gaining access to social media and bringing their cell phones to school.  I really do not understand why children are doing aggressive behavior, but I can say is that it has a whole lot to do with bad parenting, and children are gaining access to weapons.  It is a shame because my siblings and I were responsible for raising ourselves.  We did not have access to weapons like these children are today.  I am saying that if both parents are inside of the home, therefore, our children will have a proper upbringing.  In my case, I had to rely on my great grandmother and my youngest grandmother helping to raise all of us.

  My grandmother took me to work with her because she knew that my Aunt and I did not get along with each other.  My Aunt waited until my mother died to tell me that she attended my own biological father’s funeral.  The death of my father really hurt me a lot.  I have not seen my own biological father in 46 years.  It really hurts me personally because I went over my father’s house 46 years ago.  To be perfectly honest, there are children who did not even see their father’s and I understand it a lot.  I can relate to all of these children today because I did not have a father in the household.  I had an abusive stepfather inside of my mother’s household.

 He really did not raise any of us because he was an alcoholic and he was aggressive.  I want to say this, I was afraid to go to my own mother’s house as a child because my stepfather was very, very, very, abusive. I will also admit that I slept inside of the empty garbage cans because my stepfather was a force to be reckon with.  You know why I can relate to these children today is because I feel their pain.  I was bullied in school for 9 years as well.  I went from elementary school to high school getting bullied by my school peers.  When I attended Roth High School in Dayton, Ohio; I was bullied for the first 2 years of high school.  I started fighting back against all of the bullies in high school because I learned how to box.  Although I used to get beat up in school, but I fought back.  The school bullies did not mess with me anymore because I fought with my hands.  I also will admit that I used to carry weapons myself at one point.  You know something, I feel these children’s pain today.

 I went through the same exact thing they are going through today.  I am not afraid to confer with these children because I understand where they are going through personally.  I have 43 nieces and nephews.  It is a shame why our children are behaving aggressively, but it is time to run to them instead of away from them.  It is time for everyone who is over the age of 21 to mentor to our young people instead of disrespecting them.  Thank You for reading my Blog!!

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Hopkins   

How Come Children are Behaving Aggressively in 2018?

Good Evening and God Bless You!! I would like to start off by asking a question.  How come children are behaving aggressively in 2018? An answer to that question is because children are not raised properly.  I would like to address everyone by saying that I did not have a good upbringing myself.  It is that my mother and father were separated because my father was already married to his wife, during the time he had conceived me.  I will admit that I did a lot of bad things as a juvenile.  I was responsible for breaking and entering inside of a church in Dayton, Ohio back in 1979.

 I had to clean up the entire church that I had broken into with my brothers and my friends.  I also used to drink beer and smoke marijuana as well.  As far as children in 2018 is concerned, they are behaving more aggressively by making threats to school teachers, principals, and their fellow classmates.  Children are bringing more guns to school right now, more than they did in 1985.  I was attending school during my senior year in 1985, and one of my closes friends got shot and killed over a $3.00 debt.  I am not able to mention his name because I can get sued in court.  I just know that my friend got shot in close range with a shotgun over a dice game inside of the Parkside Apartments in Dayton, Ohio.  I just know that my mother and siblings were living inside of Parkside Apartments when my friend got shot on April 30, 1985.

 The reason why I mention 1985 so much in my blogs is simply because it was a transition for me.  During that year on June 21, 1985, I committed a petty theft by stealing some sweat suits inside of a department store in Downtown Dayton, Ohio.  On that particular day, I was getting out of summer school at Belmont High School, and I met one of my friends and we decided to steal some clothes in order to make some money.  We were both arrested at 1:45PM, while trying to catch the #4Bus.  The police snatched me out of the bus and transported me to the Montgomery County Jail for 2 counts of Petty Theft.  I went to court and pleaded guilty because I was guilty.

  Next, as far as children are concerned in 2018, children are gaining access to social media and bringing their cell phones to school.  I really do not understand why children are doing aggressive behavior, but I can say is that it has a whole lot to do with bad parenting, and children are gaining access to weapons.  It is a shame because my siblings and I were responsible for raising ourselves.  We did not have access to weapons like these children are today.  I am saying that if both parents are inside of the home, therefore, our children will have a proper upbringing.  In my case, I had to rely on my great grandmother and my youngest grandmother helping to raise all of us.

  My grandmother took me to work with her because she knew that my Aunt and I did not get along with each other.  My Aunt waited until my mother died to tell me that she attended my own biological father’s funeral.  The death of my father really hurt me a lot.  I have not seen my own biological father in 46 years.  It really hurts me personally because I went over my father’s house 46 years ago.  To be perfectly honest, there are children who did not even see their father’s and I understand it a lot.  I can relate to all of these children today because I did not have a father in the household.  I had an abusive stepfather inside of my mother’s household.

 He really did not raise any of us because he was an alcoholic and he was aggressive.  I want to say this, I was afraid to go to my own mother’s house as a child because my stepfather was very, very, very, abusive. I will also admit that I slept inside of the empty garbage cans because my stepfather was a force to be reckon with.  You know why I can relate to these children today is because I feel their pain.  I was bullied in school for 9 years as well.  I went from elementary school to high school getting bullied by my school peers.  When I attended Roth High School in Dayton, Ohio; I was bullied for the first 2 years of high school.  I started fighting back against all of the bullies in high school because I learned how to box.  Although I used to get beat up in school, but I fought back.  The school bullies did not mess with me anymore because I fought with my hands.  I also will admit that I used to carry weapons myself at one point.  You know something, I feel these children’s pain today.

 I went through the same exact thing they are going through today.  I am not afraid to confer with these children because I understand where they are going through personally.  I have 43 nieces and nephews.  It is a shame why our children are behaving aggressively, but it is time to run to them instead of away from them.  It is time for everyone who is over the age of 21 to mentor to our young people instead of disrespecting them.  Thank You for reading my Blog!!

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Hopkins   

Anthony Hopkins