The Old Man vs The New Man by Anthony Joseph Hopkins

November 14, 2020

This is a comparison and contrast paper concerning the Old Man vs The New Man.  First, I would like to place emphasis on the Old Man.  The Old Man is a person who ignores God.  The Old Man is a person who pays attention to his deceitful lusts.

Next, according to Ephesians 4:22 Says: That you put off concerning your former conduct, the Old Man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts: The Old Man is a person who constantly gets into trouble with the law.  This Bible verse is saying that we put off the former conduct the Old Man, which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.

Further, the Old Man is a very immoral person.  The Old Man is a person who does not attend church on a regular basis.  The Old Man is a person who makes bad decisions and choices.  The Old Man is a person who places emphasis on worldly things.  The Old Man is a person who has a lot of possessions.

Moreover, The Old Man has a whole lot of women.  The Old Man is a person who does not pay tithes and offerings to the church.  The Old Man is a person who does not know how to take care of his responsibilities.  The Old Man is a person who is disrespectful.  The Old Man is a person who does not love himself or other people.

In Addition, The Old Man tends to have a lot of personal items.  The Old Man rarely attends college and graduate from college.  The Old Man hardly works for a living.  The Old Man is disrespectful towards women and children.

Also, The Old Man rarely pleases God in any way.  The Old Man is a man who is involved in all sorts of immorality.  Immorality pleases the Old Man a whole lot.  An Old Man tend to have a lot of younger women.  The Old Man only does things to please other men and women.  The Old Man, even though, is a law-abiding citizen in his own country.  The Old Man makes advances when he gets ready.

Ephesians 4:23 Says: And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.  Whereas, when it comes to renewing the spirit of your mind, this is a change from the inside out.  The Old Man will have to make a change for the better.  This means that an Old Man who is inside of his former conduct must have a complete change in his lifestyle, behavior, and conduct.

Frankly, The Old Man must come to his senses and ask God to change him for the better.  This change will not occur overnight.  This change will come gradually overtime.  When it comes to making a transition from the Old Man to the New Man, a man, woman, or child must be ready by God for this change.

However, when it comes to the New Man; a New Man is a God-fearing man.  The New Man is a Man who has respect for all people.  A New Man is a person who listens emphatically to other people.  The New Man attends Church on a regular basis.  The New Man is a Man who does not use vulgarity whatsoever.  The New Man imitates Jesus Christ in his behavior every single day.

 The New Man knows how to talk to his wife all of the time.  The New Man is a man who thinks before he acts.  The New Man is a law-abiding man.  The New Man has a lot of common sense.

According to Ephesians 4:24 Says: And that you put on the New Man, which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.  This Bible verse means that we need to imitate the behavior of Jesus Christ at all times.  We were created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.  This really means that we were created by God.  We are supposed to have a new mind and a new spirit.  We must strive for perfection in the same way Jesus Christ did while He was on earth.  When it comes to the New Man, we are supposed to speak in a way that pleases God.  The New Man is a man who is clean all of the time.  A new man does not have a lot of possessions.

Finally, The Old Man and The New Man are two different people.  The Old Man is concerned about himself.  The New Man is a Change Agent.  This means that the New Man is an ambassador for Jesus Christ.  The Old Man thrives in his own deceitful lusts.  When it comes to The New Man, he is a man who knows how to survive with God’s help.

In Conclusion, The Old Man and New Man are very unique individuals.  The Old Man things about himself the majority of the time.  In most cases, the New Man always think about everything that he says right out of his mouth.  The New Man places emphasis on other people.  The New Man works for God.

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day 1 Corinthians 15:58 ◄ What Does 1 Corinthians 15:58 Mean? ► Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58(NASB) Verse Thoughts The fifteenth chapter of first Corinthians provides the most comprehensive treaties on the resurrection of the body, and life eternal for the believer, in Scripture.. when this corruptible body shall put on incorruption, and this mortal frame will be clothed with immortality. It is because of the absolute certainty of our resurrection from the dead, when we shall be clothed with a new body, like unto Christ’s glorious, resurrected body of flesh and bone, that Paul devoted a whole chapter to the important issue of the resurrection of the dead. The Corinthian Christians had become sceptical of this teaching, causing Paul to detail the whole counsel of God in this area, together with the good news of the gospel of grace, which promises eternal life to all who believe on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. The apostle explained that from the beginning, the holy Scriptures were pointing forward to the promised Messiah of God, Who was appointed to die, for the sin of the whole world, according to the Scriptures, and that He would rise again, according to those same Scriptures, so that whosoever believes on Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. Step by step, Paul opened the truth to these confused Christians, and answered all the questions that had caused these believers to doubt the legitimacy of the bodily resurrection. He used historical evidence, logical arguments, theological grounds, and practical reasoning to show that the resurrection of the dead was a major part of God’s amazing plan of salvation, for the redemption of mankind. He explained that there was an order and structure to the resurrection. Christ was the first fruits of those who are asleep – the first to rise from the dead, and after that, old and new testament saints would be raised at God’s appointed time and in His established order. He wanted his readers to understand that as members of Adam’s fallen race we are all part of the OLD creation and condemned to die – but through faith in Christ, we become members of a NEW creation, whereby we will all be made alive, and be resurrected from the dead like Jesus. Paul laid out the moral value of the resurrection, and explained the different types of bodies there are, and the degrees of glory that those who believe in Him will one day reach. He reminded them that they were born into this world in a physical body, but that by faith in Christ, they would receive a new, perfect, heavenly body, like unto His glorious Body. He wanted these Corinthians Christians to understand that because Christ sacrificial death and glorious resurrection broke the power of sin and death, ALL who believe in Him have the same victory over sin and death and will also be raised to life in a new, incorruptible, resurrected body. Having shed His blood, Christ was raised in an incorruptible body of flesh and bone and because we are in Him, we too will be raised in an incorruptible body of flesh and bone.  Paul’s extensive treatise on the resurrection was written to teach the truth to encourage Christians.. and give assurance to ALL who would place their faith in Christ, that the resurrection of the body is an indisputable, biblical truth, which we will all experience at God’s appointed time. Christ’s resurrection from the dead is an undeniable fact which should rejoice our heart, and Paul concludes his discourse with the following instructions, “therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” Because we KNOW death has been conquered and eternal life with Christ Jesus our Lord is our free gift of grace, we should delight to do His will and never waiver in our faith, for our resurrection means that our work for God will not be ineffective. Those who believe, have a most glorious assurance and thrilling confidence, that every promise of God will be fulfilled, including the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. It is for that reason we should live in the light of this confident hope. Our trust in God’s Word should be steadfast, and our faith in Christ should be immovable – no matter what trials and tribulations we may be called upon to face. We are encouraged to be fruitful in our earthly toil and to fulfil the good work that God has given us to do, during our sojourn on earth. Let us never doubt God’s Word, but rejoice to follow Paul’s exhortation, to fulfil our calling enthusiastically, and to remain occupied at all times in the Lord’s work, knowing that our toil is not fruitless in the Lord. The day is fast approaching when we will be clothed in our resurrection bodies, for when we see Him we shall be like Him. Praise God that we DO have a sure hope and an eternal inheritance that was laid up for us in heaven, from the moment that we placed our trust in Christ. No wonder Paul calls each one of us to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our toil is not in vain in Him. My Prayer Heavenly Father, what a glorious future You have purposed and planned for all who trust in Christ, as our God and Saviour. May I never doubt Your Word, but enable me to be steadfast in my daily walk, and strong in my Christian faith. Help me to be productive during my time on earth and enable me to carry out Your work and Your will, knowing that my toil is not fruitless in Christ. Thank You for the truth of the Resurrection and the knowledge that this mortal body will put on immortality, at Your appointed time. Help me to remain occupied in the work that You have prepared for me to do, to Your praise and glory. This I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: 1 Corinthians 15:57 Next: 1-Corinthians 16:13 ► Choose a Verse from 1 Corinthians 15 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758 Luke 4:18 Colossians 3:25 Ephesians 2:12 Hebrews 12:10 Follow us 1 Corinthians 15:58 Further Study 1 Corinthians 15:58 in the Parallel Bible 1 Corinthians 15:58 in the Thematic Bible 1 Corinthians 15:58 Cross References 1 Corinthians 15:58 Treasury of Scripture Knowing 1 Corinthians 15:58 Sermons 1 Corinthians 15:58 Prayers 1 Corinthians 15:58 Images 1 Corinthians 15:58 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Object of your Occupation Ephesians 5:25 Ephesians 2:18 Personal Repose Faith And Experience I AM that I AM A Possible Impossibility Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

What Does Colossians 4:2 Mean?

        Good Day Everyone!! How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to inform all of you that I really love this Bible verse.  It is something that I am supposed to do each day of my life.  I am a whole lot happier right now than in the past.  I am spending quality time in prayer to my personal Savior Jesus Christ.  I am always willing to consult with Jesus Christ more than with people.  As soon as I read His Word, it talks to me.

        Next, I want to inform everyone that we are supposed to be aware of who we are talking to.  I know that Satan is very busy.  I am saying this because I was distracted for 10 years now.  The voices that I hear are those of demonic spirits.  This is the reason why I feel that Jesus Christ is working with me indirectly because of the interference of the evil one.  I know that it is very important for me to pray all of the time.  According to 1^st Thessalonians 5:17 says pray without ceasing.  I stay in prayer all of the time.

        Further, I am the type of person who always pray.  I have to pray because I am a person who is too nice.  I am a person that is very accepting of other people.  I pray to Jesus Christ at least 8 or more times per day.  Jesus Christ is hearing my prayers.  He knows exactly what I need long before I ask Him.  Jesus Christ has a life for me because I am only a Work In Progress. 

        Moreover, I want to say that I love all of you who are reading my information every single day.  I love all of those people who do not read my information.  I am focusing on the good right now.  I am focusing on the Holy Spirit.  I am talking to Jesus Christ about my manuscripts that I have copyrighted this year.  I am very happy that I have the opportunity to smile.  I will admit that I can talk loud, but I am a very peaceful person inside.  I am humble, sincere, kind, gentle, and respectful.  I am very helpful as well.  When it comes to my prayer life, Jesus is making things happen for me in a positive manner. 

        In Addition, I want to say that I am taking time to enjoy the Lord Jesus Christ.  I am jubilant because I am a very patient person.  It is the Lord Jesus Christ, who gives me strength.  I love to write inside of my journal the things that I have done in a positive manner.  My family members and friends respect me, and they love me because I am always there for them.  I love to talk to the Lord Jesus Christ because He knows me from the inside out.  I am always searching for peace in my life.  If you do not have peace with yourself, then you will not have peace with others.

        Finally, I want to say that I really love talking to Jesus Christ.  I remember when there was a time when I used to stay frustrated with myself.  I want to say that God is showing me how to do things.  We are called to be fruitful.  I want to inform all of you that I am helping people at a pace so that I can preserve my sanity.  God always wants me to read His Word.  He always want all of us to be just like Him.  We have to have the mindset of Christ Jesus.  I am more content with myself than I was last year.  I want to have peace!!

Is It True That the Holy Spirit is Still Helping Us?

Good Day Everyone!! I have a very important question to ask all of you. Is it true that the Holy Spirit is Still Helping Us? The answer to this question is yes!! The Holy Spirit helps us all of the time.
Romans 8:26 emphasizes that the Holy Spirit prays for us. He intercedes on the behalf before the throne of God. But His intercession cannot be uttered which means it is unexpressed and unspoken. No language is in view here. Only the inner groaning of the Spirit. This means that the Holy Spirit is picking up the slack.
Next, the Holy Spirit according to John 14:26 is considered as the Comforter. The Holy Spirit will teach you all things, and bring you all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you. The Holy Spirit will take care of you. Obviously, we do not have anything to worry about because Jesus Christ will always be there for all of us. The Holy Spirit is literally inside of us teaching us to do the right things.
Further, I do have a very important question to ask everyone. What is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity. It consists of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and in some Biblical translations The Holy Ghost. In order to obtain the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost, you must repent of all of your sins and be baptized. The Holy Spirit is pure. It is something that does exist inside of the body of the Believer.

Moreover, you must be born again; in order to fully receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives you peace. Whenever God speaks to a fellow Believer, He will be very specific and not vague. The Holy Spirit is as gentle as a lamb. It is as peaceful as a dove. Whenever a person receives the Holy Spirit, a total transformation takes place between God and the Believer.

The person is changed for the better. Therefore, he or she is a new creation; the old is gone and the new has come according to 2nd Corinthians 5:17. Even though our sins have been washed away, we still have work to do for the Lord. We must be imitators of Christ according to Ephesians 5:1. We must live a Godly lifestyle. This means that the things that we did in our past; we do not have a desire to do them again. I seek comfort by reading His Precious Word!! I also spend quality time with Him in prayer. We all have to have an intimate relationship with God.
Finally, The Holy Spirit gives us directions that we can listen to either while we are sleep or awake. The Lord is already there for us at all times. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. The Holy Spirit consoles us all of the time. God speaks to us all of the time. We have to be ready and willing to listen. The Lord will supply all of your needs through His richness and glory. The Lord is ready to open up to us, and reveal Himself to us. We have to be ready.
In Conclusion, I remember when I used to be nervous, when it came to doing things in front of others. I used to be afraid to share the Gospel to other people. There is a Bible verse that states that if you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you. Right now, I am no longer afraid to share the Gospels with other people. I am not afraid to tell the truth about having Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.

In Summary, when it comes to all of my sicknesses, God is taking care of me. I have been praying and fasting to my Personal Savior Jesus Christ. John 10:30 says I am my Father are one. I am saved, and I know exactly where I am going whenever I leave this earth. The Lord speaks to us even when we do not have anything to say. God knows exactly what is inside of your heart.

This is the reason why it is important to imitate Jesus Christ because He is watching all of us. Jesus loves you all of the time. He is the reason for the season!! God Bless You!! I love all of you very much. Please tell someone that you love them today.

What Does Matthew 5:44 Mean?    By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins         Good Day Everyone!! How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I have a question to ask all of you.  What does Matthew 5:44 Mean?  First, I want to say that I used to have a problem with this Bible verse.  I used to be the type of person who used to retaliate on my enemies.  I used to retaliate verbally and nonverbally to my enemies for a very long period of time.  I had a real bad attitude towards the people who have wronged me in the past.           Second, I want to inform everyone that it is not easy to deal with enemies.  The enemies that I am currently dealing with are not flesh and blood.  My enemies that I am dealing with are principalities and powers.  I have been hearing voices that are not the Holy Spirit for the past 10 years now.  Even though I have made peace with all of my enemies.  I have another question.  How can you make peace with an enemy that you cannot see?          Third, I want to inform all of you that I cannot see things that are unknown.  I can rebuke Satan and his fallen angels.  I can pray for people who have used me personally.  I am very glad that I am on this subject because I got scammed out of $16,977 dollars in Western Union Funds by people that I did not know.  I was told to send my money to Accra, Ghana by people that I did not know.  I am also the type of person, who used to resent all of my enemies.  Right now, I am praying for all of my enemies.          Fourth, I am praying for people who owe me money.  Something told me a long time ago to pray for those who have used me for my money.  I had to pray for the women in my life, who have taken advantaged of me.  I read the Bible every single day of the week.  I want to say that I am also the type of person, who forgives very easily.  I know that I cannot forget it.  I am at peace with myself.  I am so happy right now that I am also a person who loves all people.             Fifth, I feel a whole lot better with myself.  I do not want to preach out of an empty spirit.  I want to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit.  I am preaching out of an overflow.  I am the type of person, who have a lot of clutter in my life.  I have peace today, and the world was giving me trouble.  When it comes to this Bible verse, I have learned a valuable lesson from my past because I want to drive the devil away from my emotions.          Sixth, God wants me to come out of my situation.  Jesus Christ is giving me peace that I have never had before.  Jesus Christ is giving me His peace.  We are moved by what the Word of God is saying.  I have been clean and sober since May 2, 1990.  I got clean and sober on a Wednesday evening in Dayton, Ohio.  I got tired of the high cost to low living.  Praying is the way we communicate with God in our life.          Seventh and Finally, I want to say that I am more humble than I have ever been throughout my life.  I want more peace, love, and solitude in my life.  This is the reason why I do not argue with other people anymore.  If I am right about something, I will express it.  According to the Bible verse, I give freely to others.  I think before I act right now.  Even if I give people money, I have to think about it in advance.  Otherwise, God is working with me indirectly.      God is working inside of me.  I do not go to bars and nightclubs anymore.  I do not deal with harlots.  I do not deal with lewd women anymore.  I am paying my tithes and offerings to the Church because the money that I earn each month belongs to God.  I have changed a whole lot behaviorally. 

Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! 5 Powerful Lessons from Psalm 139 about God’s Wonderfulness  Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies Share Tweet Save Meg Bucher Monday, November 9, 2020 Psalm 139 is a psalm of prayer, meant to be sung in praise at worship services. When we seek to learn, when we look for help or healing, when we express gratitude or anxiety, and when we celebrate blessings … we pray. Prayer is conversation with God, layered with all of these intricate levels which contribute to our relationship with God our Father. The NIV Study Bible shares, “Nowhere (outside of Job) does one find expressed such profound awareness of how awesome it is to ask God to examine not only one’s life but also one’s soul.” Life within the love of Christ further amplifies what the psalmist poured from his heart. We have been created by God, purposefully. He knows us, intimately better than we know ourselves! He is mighty to save and always good. He is all-knowing and everywhere. Because of who He is, we are always loved and never alone. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/m-gucci Let’s Read the Psalm Together Psalm 139 For the Director of music. Of David. A psalm. You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light will become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand-when I awake, I am still with you. If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. What Is the Purpose of Psalm 139? Psalm 139 reflects David’s prayerful meditation of God’s omnipresence and omniscience, and the effect those characteristics of God have on the human heart. Omnipresence means God is everywhere, simultaneously. Omniscience means that God is all-knowing, His knowledge is not limited. Knowing God creates gratitude and praise for who He is and what He does for us. We were made to glorify God. Knowledge of God directly affects our reactions, especially in times of hardship, injustice, and pain. David’s heartfelt journey with God, through the good, bad, challenging, and unbelievable, remains alive and relatable throughout Psalm 139. “It sings the omniscience and omnipresence of God, inferring from these the overflow of the powers of wickedness,” Charles H. Spurgeon’s Treasury of David explains, “since he who sees and hears the abominable deeds and words of the rebellions will surely deal with them according to his justice.” Who God is, allows us to understand who and Whose, we are. Life within the love of Christ Jesus, Immanuel (God with us), changes our hearts forever and continually until we arrive home in heaven. The journey of each human heart is unique, purposed, and intimately known by the One True God. Here Are 5 Lessons from Psalm 139 to Strengthen Your Heart: Lesson 1 — We Are Intimately Known “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” – Psalm 139:13 Before we were known to our mothers, God was forming every intricate detail and fabric of who we are. We often default to a critical view of ourselves and others. Psalm 139 helps us to see ourselves and others through God’s perspective. Color, ethnicity, disability …every trait and characteristic were crafted by our purposeful God. We are crafted personally and purposefully, to bring glory to God. Nothing about us is accidental. God doesn’t simply allow us to be a certain way or carry a certain trait – every cell of our being is intentional. When I became a mother, I experienced love on another level. Yet, I only carried my babies into this world. God gave them life and cares for them infinitely more. We are all loved by God this way. “God has perfect knowledge of us,” Matthew Henry wrote, “and all our thoughts and actions are open before him.” We cannot control the thoughts popping into our minds all day long, every day. But we do have some say over what happens to them once they arrive. Scripture advises to take our thoughts captive. Some of the rogue thoughts that enter our minds are absolutely crazy! God sees every one of them. He knows our words before we let them exit our mouths. He knows what we will do. He’s numbered our days. We are intimately known by God, not just outwardly, but inwardly. When the heart is mentioned in Scripture, it often refers to the seat of our souls, and the place from which we make decisions and harbor our beliefs. God is there. He is not surprised by our physical or mental struggles! Being intimately known by our sovereign God means we are not hidden, nor should we feel compelled or convinced by guilt or shame to hide from Him in any way. The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross negated the shame which compelled Adam and Eve to hide from God in the garden. Though the curse of sin we live under compels us to do the same—run and hide when we sin—God made a way for us, through Jesus, to bring our sin to His feet and confess and repent of it. God’s forgiveness, His mercies, and the grace available to us through Christ Jesus, are new each day. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/krisanapongdetraphiphat Lesson 2 — We Are Purposefully Made “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:14 We were made with purpose, to bring glory to God. Each talent, gift, and occupation have a place in the workforce of the Kingdom of God. Who we are is meant to bring reverence to God. Not a fear to be afraid of, but a respectful, reverence for God. When people look at the lives of those who follow Christ, they should witness the blood He shed dripping from our daily lives. According to Biblestudytools.com, wonderfully means “to be distinct, marked out, be separated, be distinguished.” We aren’t made wonderful in the eyes of world, but from the heart of God, to bring glory to His name. We have each been intentionally set apart, different from the world. “In the midst of daily life, Christians do well to remind themselves of the Good Shepherd’s knowledge and provision,” wrote Jason Helopoulos for Ligonier, “most of the doubts, anxieties, and fears that occupy the Christian soul can be attributed to a lack of trust in Christ as the Good Shepherd.” Even though David penned this psalm before Jesus walked the earth, everything in Scripture points to God’s greatest expression of love for us in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Living in the New Covenant, we can read this psalm knowing Jesus has defeated death and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Those who follow Christ will be welcomed into heaven for eternity upon death on this earth. God moves through our earthly lives to spread the gospel. His desire is not to leave behind even one! Lesson 3 — God Is in Control “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:16 There is infinitely more happening in the world and our lives than we can plausibly see. But God’s view is limitless, transcending time and space. He has numbered our days, and nothing can change or alter His good plan for our lives. His will trumps what we want.  It’s hard to comprehend God is in control of a world spinning off its rails. So much injustice, unfairness, tragedy and heartbreak surround everyday circumstances world-wide. Even devout Christ-followers gaze up to wonder where God is during tumultuous seasons. “God’s sovereign control is complete, not partial,” John Piper explains on desiringGod, “Whether it’s more or less direct or more or less indirect, more or less by active intrusion or more or less by tactical permission- however it is, God controls it, and the control is complete and pervasive. Nothing in the universe is random without divine design and purpose.” Lesson 4 — We Are Never Alone “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” – Psalm 139:7 One of the biggest tricks and deceits of our enemy is to isolate and convince us we are alone. Especially in today’s society, as the world endures a global pandemic, isolation has become a reality we experience for long periods of time. Even when we are out in society, masks and plastic barriers isolate us from each other. Quarantine puts us in our rooms alone for half a month’s time! But even when the physical presence of other people is absent from our lives, we are never alone. God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are always and forever with us. God is impossible to escape from. And He is mighty to save. David knew these qualities of God well, as he was chased down by a crazed King Saul and exiled to hide in a cave! God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit encompass the One True, Triune God. God is everywhere, all at once. The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary explains, “Not a part but the whole of God is present in every place. This is true of all three members of the Trinity. They are so closely related that where one is the other can be said to be also.” Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven, interceding for us. Through His sacrifice on the cross, the Holy Spirit dwells in every Christ-follower. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/m-gucci Lesson 5 — Judgment Belongs to God Alone “If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!” – Psalm 139:15 Judgment belongs to God alone. Much of the Psalms teach us to love our enemies and pray to God on their behalf. What does David mean, then, when he wrote verses 15-22? David’s pen was divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. God’s Word is Truth, and in its entirety points to Christ Jesus. Sensibly, these verses are followed by: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:24) When we pray this verse, God faithfully answers! We are to pray for our enemies and the enemies of God and beseeching, He searches our souls as well. He knows our enemies, and ourselves, better than we do. “Paul read the imprecatory Psalms as the words of Christ, spoken prophetically by David… The implication, then, is that David spoke in these Psalms as God’s inspired anointed king, prefiguring the coming King and Messiah, who has the right to pronounce final judgment on his enemies and will do so, as the whole Bible teaches,” explains John Piper for desiringGod. He continues, “This is not personal vindictiveness. It is a prophetic execution of what will happen at the last day when God casts all his enemies into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).” Psalm 139 is a personal prayer and song of praise to God. Though Author and Creator of the entire universe, and each of us, God is personally in touch with every single one of our lives! He cares deeply and compassionately for us, not only as a whole but individually. The NIV Study Bible relays, “This final Davidic collection contains the Psalter’s two most magnificent expositions of the greatness and goodness of God, one of them (Ps 139) focusing on his relationship with an individual…” (emphasis added). Because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead, we are able to come freely to God through Christ. In prayer, praise, and everyday life, He is our constant companion. Jesus calls us friends. What a God we serve! A God who saves! We are known, loved, and never alone. A Prayer after Reading Psalm 139 Father, Our Lord, Yahweh! Savior, Jesus! Spirit, Advocate! One True Triune God. Glory be to You for all You are and all You have made. From the creation surrounding us to each hair on our heads, Your intentionality is unmatched. Your care and love for us is like nothing else. Thank You, Jesus, for leaving heaven to defeat death on the cross. You sit at the right hand of God and will again return to right all wrongs. Holy Spirit, You are our Advocate and Comforter. Praise and glory and honor to the God who formed us and rescued us. Though the world is hard and dark at times, You can only be light. You can only be good. It’s who You are, and we are Yours. May we remember these truths David divinely penned in Psalm 139. Cover our lives with them like a blanket of comfort on a cold, dark night. You are our strength, God. In You, and You alone, we find peace, love, joy, forgiveness, and mercy. May our lives bring glory to Your name. Bless our enemies and search our hearts.  In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen. Sources: Biblestudytools.com, ‘Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalm 139’ DesiringGod.org, ‘What God Things About You,’ ‘Is God Sovereign Over Human Disability?’ ‘He Loves You Even More Than I Do,’ ‘Do I Not Hate Those Who Hate You, O Lord?’ ‘Lord, Search My Heart’ Ligonier.org, ‘He Knows Us’ NIV Study Bible, Copyright 1985, 1995, 2002, 2008, 2011, by Zondervan. Photo credit: J Waye Covington/Unsplash Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ as an author, freelance writer, and blogger at Sunny&80. Her first book, “Friends with Everyone,”  is available on amazon.com. She earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay at home and raise her two daughters. Besides writing, she leads a Bible Study for Women and serves as a Youth Ministry leader in her community. She lives in Northern Ohio with her husband, Jim, and two daughters. Popular Articles 5 Powerful Lessons from Psalm 139 about God’s Wonderfulness  Meg Bucher How Many Heavens Are There? Clarence L. Haynes Jr. Why We All Need to Remember “Where the Spirit of the Lord Is, There Is Freedom” Pamela Palmer Gomer: An Unfaithful Woman with a Powerful Message Ashley Hooker The Power of Calling God the “King of Glory” Heather Adams 4 Battle Cry Scriptures to Memorize in Seasons of Depression Melissa Fuller Featured Verse Topics Healing Bible Verses Worry and Anxiety Bible Verses Prayer Bible Verses Bible Verses for Overcoming Grief Comforting Bible Verses Bible Verses About Protection God’s Promises – Verses in the Bible Bible Verses For Faith in Hard Times Encouraging Bible Verses Hope Bible Verses Friendship Bible Verses Forgiveness Bible Verses Strength Bible Verses Love Bible Verses Inspirational Bible Verses About Online Bible Sitemap Link to Us Advertise with Us Feedback Proud member of Salem Media Group. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. All rights reserved. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 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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.

What Is Mount Zion and Why Is It So Important?

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Lucas Hagen | Crosswalk.com Contributing WriterMonday, November 2, 2020 Share Tweet Save

Mount Zion is likely a term that you have heard before or read in Scripture, but you may not have given much thought to what or where it is. Mount Zion is a term used to describe a location in Israel, Jerusalem specifically, but has now come to represent a larger area and meaning than it did thousands of years ago.https://9529926b4182019a62fba94ee30bc607.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html#xpc=sf-gdn-exp-4&p=https%3A//www.biblestudytools.com

Any Jewish person would know exactly what Mount Zion is and why it is important, and Christians should also understand the grand significance of this iconic place. 

What Is Mount Zion?

The physical location of the original Mount Zion is the city of David in Jerusalem, the small hill on the eastern side of the city upon which David built his temple. There are two key passages in Scripture which clarify this context. The first is when David first overtook this location in Jerusalem. It is written, “The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, ‘You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.’ They thought, ‘David cannot get in here.’   Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion — which is the City of David” (2 Sam. 5:6-7). 

It is likely that the Jebusites had built a physical structure that merited the term fortress, but this particular place in Jerusalem can also be referred to as a fortress because of the physical landscape surrounding it. The city of David, or the original Mount Zion, is on the eastern side of Jerusalem, and it rests on a hill that is low compared to the surrounding hills of the city. It is likely from this vantage point that David wrote the famous lines, “I lift my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1-2). The city of David was a desirable fortress because it was protected on all sides by the geographical landscape. David’s choice of Zion for where to build his temple was intentional. 

The second key passage providing context for Mount Zion is found in 1 Kings. It is written, “Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion” (1 Kings 8:1). When Solomon went on to build his own, larger temple, the area to which the term Zion referred expanded to include the land upon which the new temple stood. 

In modern days, the term Mount Zion refers to the western hill of Jerusalem. The reason for the change is that later settlers assumed that the western hill, which is considerably larger than the original Zion, must have been the city of David where he built his temple. Despite their errant assumption, the name stuck. If you go to Jerusalem today and ask someone where Zion is, they will likely point you towards the western hill, not the original city of David. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Matthew Brosseau

Why Is Mount Zion Important?

Zion is important because it refers to the land upon which God’s temple was built. For centuries, Mount Zion was where God’s physical presence on Earth dwelt. This was the place that faithful Jews would travel to for the different ritual festivals in order to worship and celebrate each year. Of all locations mentioned in Scripture, Zion is one of the most significant, especially for those living before the arrival of Jesus. https://9529926b4182019a62fba94ee30bc607.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html#xpc=sf-gdn-exp-6&p=https%3A//www.biblestudytools.com

In biblical times, Mount Zion was the place where God’s temple stood. Mount Zion was where the entire nation would trek to participate in corporate worship and ritual sacrifices at the different Jewish festivals. It was where the physical presence of Yahweh dwelt on Earth.

Mount Zion was the most holy place on Earth for thousands of years. Looking to the end times, Mount Zion is often viewed as the place where Christ stands in victory and triumph. Regardless of time period, Mount Zion is a quintessentially sacred place for both Jews and Christians. 

Where Do We See This Mentioned in the Bible?

Zion is mentioned throughout Scripture, but there is a higher concentration of references in the Psalms and the Prophets. Unlike many other biblical locations, references to Zion are also found in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew, John, Romans, Hebrews, 1 Peter, and most notably, Revelation. Throughout the Old Testament, the term Zion is used frequently in reference to the physical location in Jerusalem. Some examples of this include:

Psalm 2:6 – “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

2 Kings 19:31 – “For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord will do this.”

Just as frequently though, Zion is used in the Old Testament as a term in reference to Jerusalem and the people of Israel as a whole. This is especially prevalent in the prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah, including many others. Some examples of this include:

Isaiah 46:13 – “I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay;  I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”

Jeremiah 14:19 – “Have you utterly rejected Judah? Does your soul loathe Zion? Why have you struck us down so that there is no healing for us?  We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror.”

Zechariah 9:13 – “For I have bent Judah as my bow; I have made Ephraim its arrow. I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons O Greece, and wield you like a warrior’s sword.”

While Zion is most frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, arguably the most notable reference to Zion is found in the New Testament. In the book of Revelation, Zion is mentioned one time, and it is a reference that Christians have been trying to decipher for two thousand years.

John wrote, “Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads” (Revelation 14:1). 

There is debate as to what exactly is going on in this verse. There are many who see this referring to the physical Mount Zion on Earth, and that when Christ returns He will set foot on this hill in Jerusalem. At the same time, there are many who view this as referring to Christ in heaven, standing in victory on a symbolic Mount Zion. Either way, the reference to Mount Zion here is intentional, and shows the true significance of this place in the Christian faith. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Kristi Linton

What Is Mount Zion Symbolic of, and Why Is This Important Today?

Throughout Scripture, Mount Zion is used as a term to refer to the singular physical hill, the city of Jerusalem, the tribe of Judah, and the entire nation of Israel. It requires a bit of attention to discern what the term refers to in any particular verse in the Old Testament, but you can be sure that it will be to one of the above.

Zion is important for Christians today because it has historically been the most holy place on earth for those who worship Yahweh. For our ancestors in the faith, there was no more important location than Mount Zion, the temple mount. It is important to note the contrast in importance for ancient Jews and for modern Christians. Zion was so important for ancient followers of God because that was the only place where one could be in God’s presence. There was no other place. https://9529926b4182019a62fba94ee30bc607.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html#xpc=sf-gdn-exp-8&p=https%3A//www.biblestudytools.com

However, since Pentecost, Christians do not have to make the journey to Zion in order to be present with the Lord. If you are in Christ, then the Lord’s Spirit dwells within you. You are your own holy and sacred place where you can be present with the Lord.

As Paul asks, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Cor. 16:19). Your body serves as its own Zion, a temple of the Lord’s presence. This is astounding! Christians too often take this for granted. A proper understanding of Zion not only helps the Christian appreciate biblical history, but also helps the Christian appreciate the wonder of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This is nothing short of a miracle. Let us treat it as such! 

Experience His Presence

Zion is a term that refers to multiple locations in the city of Jerusalem, the city of Jerusalem as a whole, the tribe of Judah, the entire nation of Israel, as well as a heavenly location (depending on your view of Revelation). The term is often overlooked by both casual readers of Scripture and teachers of the Word.

It is important for Christians to understand the significance of Zion both to aid in our understanding of biblical history, and our appreciation of the miracle of Pentecost. The next time you experience the sweet presence of our Lord, thank Him that you did not need to fly to Jerusalem to do so.

Matthew 19:26 and what it mean to all people!!

          Good Day Everyone!! I would like to ask everyone a very important question.  What does this Bible verse Matthew 19:26 mean to all of you?  For me personally, I have to change my expectations and allow God to work things out for me.  Matthew 19:26 in the King James Version states 26.) But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

          Next, this means that I will have to deny myself and follow Him.  I say this because I am guilty of saying something is going to happen.  When it does not happen for me, this means that God did not want me to have anything at man’s convenience and expense.  It is the Lord who will provide.

 Matthew’s Bible verse is very interesting.  In actuality, it is Jesus who is talking to His disciples and letting them know that man cannot tell God what to do.  It is the Lord who will bless you when the time is right.  It does not mean that we have to stop having faith in God and obtain the things that we need on our own accord.  One of our biggest problems is that some of us do not have patience.  We have to exercise patience and self-control when it comes to maintaining good behavior inside of a changing society.

          Mark 9:23 King James Version indicates; 23.) Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.  Mark’s Gospel is different because Jesus is saying that as long as a person believe in Him; as well as have faith, all things are possible for him who believes.  However, the disciples were trying to cast out a mute spirit from a little boy, and they were not successful at casting the spirit out.  It was also the father of the little boy who had disbelieved.

          Further, he pleaded with Jesus to help him with his unbelief because Jesus had healed the unbelieving man’s son.  Jesus commanded the deaf and dumb spirit to leave the child.  In addition, Jesus stated that this type of spirit can come out by prayer and fasting.  Mark 9:23 goes hand in hand with Matthew 19:26 because it has a whole lot to do with our belief in Him.  Both of these Bible verses would give anyone who does not believe in Jesus Christ to immediately believe.

          Also, I want to say that I believe in Jesus Christ even though I sin from time to time.  According to Romans 3:23; it says: For all have sinned and has fallen short of the glory of God.  I will always believe in God.  I would like for all of you to please pray for me because I suffer from multiple health problems.  Therefore, I am taking a total of 23 prescription medications on a daily basis.  I am a member of Fort McKinley United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio.

          Luke 18:27 in the King James Bible says: And he said: The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.  Honestly, Luke’s Gospel Bible verse is different, but similar.  It is simply saying that with man, it is impossible, but it is definitely possible with God.  I am placing emphasis on these three Bible verses because I will admit that I am working the 12 Steps of recovery on a daily basis.  Do you know that the 12 Steps are inside of the Bible?

          In Summary, these three Bible verses should give anyone hope.  I will admit that I used to have an anger management problem for 8 years.  When I was living in Charlotte, NC; I used to attend a group called Double Trouble in Recovery.  This class was held on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:15pm.  It helped me to manage my troubled emotions because I also have a mental illness.

          Furthermore, I am trying to put things in perspective and allow God to work inside of me with the Holy Spirit.  I feel at this time that I am getting better at managing my behavior.  My belief in the Lord right now is very strong. 

          Finally, I can say that I read the Bible and pray every single day because it enables me to stay strong.  The Gospels that are inside of the Bible helps everyone to read and listen to the verses.  Listen to yourself read out loud.  Please pray before you read the Bible.  Please ask God to talk to you.  My name is Anthony Hopkins and I love all of you.  I believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  God Bless all of you.  Remember to please pray for me.  Remember that the Lord will always make it possible for anyone to believe in Him.

What is the definition of the word envy?

          This is an essay that is based on the word envy.  Let’s start off by asking a question.  What is the definition of the word envy?  The word envy mean being discontent over someone else’s desires or possessions.  When it comes to the word envy, what really comes into mind for biblical sake is covetousness.  Envy also has a lot to do with the fixations of the things that we do not have personally. 

          Next, the word envy and jealousy have the same connotation.  Envy is a universal thing and it is very destructive.  Envy is also hidden.  It causes us to become distracted when it comes to God’s plan.  This is also a barrier to withholding God’s will in our lives.  It causes us to miss out on God’s plan for our lives.  An example of this for me personally is when I used to have problems with my family members.  The reason why this has happened in my life personally is because they were upset with me based on maintaining poor behavior. 

          Further, when it comes to envy, it denies our uniqueness in the eyes of the Lord.  Also, let me inform everyone that I had been disappointed for most of my life.  One reason or another, I will admit to having a fear of failure.  I usually get down on myself and I tend to refuse to communicate because of my guilt and shame.  Therefore, envy blinds you to your own self.  You get a divided allegiance when it comes to envy.  I can only be myself when it comes to living in a changing society. 

          Moreover, I want to indicate to everyone that I am not a perfect person.  There was a period of time when I used to exaggerate things because I have my own cross to bear.  I will admit that I am competitive when it comes to certain things.  For instance, when it comes to employment, I will admit to being a type of person that usually challenge others by gaining an advantage so that I can get a job.  I do have character defects that I really need to work on personally by giving it all to the Lord.

          Finally, I want to say that I cannot serve God and my possessions.  I have to choose between the two.  I will admit to becoming selfish and impatient with myself.  I also will admit to becoming a hoarder by collecting things that I do not need.  It I lose them, I tend to get angry.  I also will admit to acting like someone else.  I tend to talk proper and I also adapt to a set standard.  When you feel this way, you insult the Lord.  I will admit to placing too much emphasis on politics and the things of the world.  Romans 12:2 states; Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Envy also causes people to waste their time that God has deserved for you.  I cannot be like anyone else.  It is very important that we allow God to help us in our lives.  Thank you for reading my essay.