◄ What Does Romans 4:8 Mean? ►

“BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.”

Romans 4:8(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

Before salvation, we are all ungodly sinners under condemnation… unregenerate people who were dead in sin. We were children of darkness, enslaved to sin and living in the realm of Satan. We are not sinners because we sin. The reason we sin is that we are born sinners – we are born in sin and were conceived by sinners. We have a fallen nature imputed to us and there is nothing we can do to justify ourselves or make ourselves right in the sight of God.

God alone can justify the sinner. Living a good life; helping the poor; giving money to worthy causes or spending our life performing philanthropic acts cannot save us… nor can working in the mission field, attending church services, participating in feast days or doing all manner of kind deeds. We have all sinned and are spiritually bankrupt. We have all fallen short of God’s standard of perfection. We were conceived by parents who were themselves sinners and the most beautiful baby will eventually suffer the consequences of sin – for the end result of every life – is death.

Death means separation, and physical death is only one aspect of the death into which we were all born. Our human spirit is lifeless at conception and the human soul of every-man is fatally flawed. We are not able to do the good we would like to do, but the evil which we don’t want to do is what we do! We are born to die. We are truly wretched creatures, and without God’s gift of salvation, would simply die in our sin and remain eternally damned.

However, God implemented a plan of salvation. He purposed to redeem fallen man – but only the death of an innocent substitute – a perfect Redeemer, could satisfy God’s unimaginable hatred of sin. Sin has to be punished, and no man is good enough to pay that price – so God gave His only begotten Son to be born into His own fallen creation, so that He could live a perfect life and die a sacrificial death as payment for the sin of the entire world.

It is no wonder that David rejoiced, in Psalm 32 with his outburst of joy.. “How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!” No surprise that Paul quoted this saint of old in his Roman epistle, “Blessed is a man to whom the Lord does, not impute sin.” The man who is not imputed with sin and speaks no deceitful word is simply… the one who has believed in God’s Word – his faith is credited as righteousness and his lips are commended as pure.

Earlier in this chapter, Paul used Abraham, the patriarch, as an illustration of a man who was justified – by faith. Here, in this section, he used David the shepherd-king of Israel to emphasise that we are not saved by works of the Law, but by faith in God’s word. David and Paul do  not cry out, ‘Blessed is a man who is made righteous by keeping God’s Law!’ or ‘blessed is the man whose sin is not held to account because of his righteous deeds!’ The man who is blessed of God is the one who trusts in HIM

Both men knew the truth that the man whose sin is not taken into account is the one who has been imputed with Christ’s perfect righteousness. Righteousness is not imputed because of what WE have done but through what Christ has done on our account. The salvation we received is a free gift, which cost us nothing… yet it cost the Father the death of His beloved Son and the price the Lord Jesus paid – was His life.

Our salvation only comes by God’s grace through man’s faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Those who are born OF Adam – born of the flesh, are imputed with Adam’s sin nature, while those who are born OF Christ – born of the Spirit, are imputed with Christ’s sinless nature. Every man sits in one of these two camps. We do not earn righteousness by works… but are imputed with His righteousness, by faith, which takes us OUT OF Adam and the domain of sin and death, and places us INTO Christ and the realm of righteousness and life.

Many today have been swept into a legalistic fervour and consider that in addition to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross we have to keep the Mosaic Law or other Church-imposed rules and regulations… to supplement Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary… or to ‘keep” us saved! But water baptism; church attendance; penance and piety; eating certain foods, avoiding certain actions or participation in holy ordinances can never atone for one’s sin.

Others have bought into the lie that because we are imputed with Christ’s righteousness we have God’s permission to indulge in sin! Rubbish! Nothing could be further from the truth. Sin cost the Father His Son and sin cost Christ His life – OUR response should be unfeigned thankfulness and a desire to live holy lives that honour His name.

How blessed is the condemned sinner who is justified and imputed with righteousness when they are redeemed… when they first believed. They are blessed because the Lord will not hold them accountable for their sin. They are blessed because they trusted His WORD and were born of the Spirit and baptised into the Body of Christ – forever.

But how blessed is the saved sinner… who must progress in their faith and grow in grace – not through works of the Law but by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is because we are so blessed, and our sin is no longer accountable, that we are called to eschew all forms of evil, to mature in the faith and to live in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit… and to be increasingly conformed into the likeness of the lovely Lord Jesus – as we die to self and live for Him.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for my great salvation. How blessed I am that I am no longer part of the old creation in Adam but a member of the New Creation in Christ. Thank You that I have been imputed with His perfect righteousness. Lord, I know that my righteousness is not conditioned on a righteousness according to rules and regulations, but is founded on faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You that my sin will never be taken into account because Jesus was judged at the cross on my account and I have been declared righteous before You. Thank You in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

What is the Difference between Grace Vs Mercy?

        This is a comparison and contrast essay that is based on the definition of two words.  The first word is grace and the second is mercy.  The definition of the word grace is good will or favor.  When it comes to grace, the Lord always shows us good will and favor when it comes to all of us.  Whereas, the definition of the word mercy is refraining from harming others.  It also means showing kind or compassionate treatment.  It also means the power to forgive.

When it comes to the Lord God; He always shows everyone compassion and understanding towards us.  I remember when I was a high school student, I became truant and missed over half of the 1981-82 school year.

The reason why I became truant was because I was involved in street gangs and I also smoked marijuana.  During that time, I had to appear in court for not attending school.  The Juvenile Court Judge stated to me in my face that anytime a person does not go to school, they are considered as crazy!

Moreover, I want to inform everyone that I managed to change my ways by attending Job Corps in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The Juvenile Court Judge gave me a second chance.  I will admit that I was a B+ to C average student in school.  I exceeded my expectations by graduating from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio in 1993 and 1995 respectively.  It was not very easy, however, I did very well.       I want everyone to know that in spite of my pass mistakes,     God had never left me nor forsaken me.

Definition of God’s Grace – How do theologians define it? “What is grace? In the New Testament grace means God’s love in action towards men who merited the opposite of love. Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves. Grace means God sending His only Son to descend into hell on the cross so that we guilty ones might be reconciled to God and received into heaven. ‘(God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him’”

He was there every step of the way.  I will admit to making a lot of mistakes in high school from 1979 to 1983.  Therefore, I graduated from high school at the age of 20 years old.  I was one of the oldest high school students to receive a high school diploma at the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio.  My graduation class had over 300 students.

In Addition, I want to inform everyone that I am a 54 year old man who have a lot of common sense.  I am a person who has learned from all of my mistakes.  I want to be honest with everyone that God has shown me both grace and mercy during my 54 years of existence.

I also want to give credit to Judge McCullough for giving me a second chance at life.  I want to thank her for being lenient but firm on me.  I have admitted guilt for the crimes that I have committed in the past.  I want to also thank countless of others for seeing the potential in me.  I want to thank everyone in the Charlotte, NC and Toledo, OH for helping me to shine when I need to.

Further, I want to thank everyone at the University of Toledo for allowing me to enroll in college; in spite of my bad grades in high school.  I also want to thank everyone at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for allowing me to work at the J Murray Atkins Library for 8 straight years.  I want to thank everyone that God have placed in my life because they have seen great potential in me.  It is God that is doing for me more than I am doing for myself.

Finally, I want to say that grace and mercy goes hand in hand with me personally.  I thank Jesus Christ for being the Lord in my life right now.  I will admit that I have been baptized 9 times within the past 20 years.  I had dedicated my life to Jesus Christ on February 15, 2015.

I am very happy to be born again.  I owe it to my personal Savior Jesus Christ and many others for helping me along in my journey to success.  I want to say that Grace and Mercy is very serious when it comes to God.  I always take my life serious when it comes to God’s grace and mercy.

In Conclusion, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for forgiving me for all of my sins.  I want to thank my mother, grandmothers, aunts, and uncles for being involved in my life as a role model.  I also want to thank all of my family members for bearing with me for all of these years.  I had put all of my family members through a whole lot of mess.  I also want to thank myself for learning how to forgive myself for all of my personal wrongs in my life.  Grace is the good will and favor that God has shown me in my life.  The mercy is the total forgiveness of all of my sins.  I am happy to be a member of the Lambs Book of Life.  Thank you for reading my essay.

How Come I feel discouraged right now?

        Good Evening Everyone!!  How are you doing this evening?  Fine, I hope.  I want to inform all of you that I feel discouraged right now.  This is simply because I am losing my friends.  Is it the information about my Personal Savior Jesus Christ that I am using too much?  Is it the information that I am putting on my homepages.  My purpose here is to enlighten my audience, and not impress them.

        Next, I want to inform all of you that I am not receiving enough positive feedback from any of my essays that I have typed up lately.  I have a whole lot of followers and readers right now.  It is that I am not receiving any positive feedback from my materials.  I am saying this because I want to ask all of you a question.  What do you think of my writing?  So far on my Mocospace homepage, I have received no comments.  I am also losing my readers on the website, and other websites as well.

        Further, I am asking the Lord to please show me myself right now.  I am asking God to show me what is going on because I feel very unhappy right now.  I know that I am not perfect.  I am saying that I am praying, reading the Bible, and doing everything that is necessary to be a help to others in Christ Jesus.  I would like for everyone to please pray for me because I feel dejected right now.  I really do not know why, but I feel very sad.  I need all of you to please feel free to examine my information all over again.  Please tell me what do you think?  I belong to Jesus Christ!!  I do not have any business feeling socially dejected, and discouraged right now.

        Moreover, I want to say that I am a person, who worries about what others think about me as a person.  I do not have any business allowing people, and their feelings to get the best of me.  I have another question to ask everyone.  Do I really write in the same manner that I speak?  Please let me know exactly what I am doing wrong, so that I can correct all of my mistakes.  I would like for all of you to please tell me what am I doing wrong?  I really want everyone that I know; as well as those that I do not know to please tell me what do I need to do to improve my writing skills?

        In Addition, I want to say to everyone worldwide right now that I am feeling discouraged in my heart of hearts.  I am completely vexed inside of my mind right now.  I do not fear     anyone on earth.  It is that I am feeling sad because I do not have anyone to share with me their personal opinions about my writing.  I do not have anyone who can give me any feedback that I need in order to grow as a member of the human race.  I feel very sad, and depressed because no one is giving me any positive feedback: I would like for someone to be transparent with me as a person.

        Finally, I want to say that; this is my job as a Blogger to write about a specific subject and allow the general public to view it.  I am writing because it helps me to improve my writing skills as well as my communication skills.  I am going to stay encouraged right now.  I am writing essays because it gives me an outlet in my personal life.  I really need everyone to please pray for me because I am allowing the criticisms to get the best of me.  I feel a whole lot better mentally and emotionally because I wrote an essay to cope with a mental illness.  I am taking my medications as prescribed by my doctors.  I feel much better right now.  This is about my personal Savior Jesus Christ.  I promised to stay encouraged by thinking positive thoughts in my life.  Thank You for reading my essay!!

Faithfully Submitted,

Anthony Joseph Hopkins

What is the difference between a sin and a transgression?

This is a comparison and contrast paper that compares two definitions. The first word is sin and the second is transgression. What is the definition of the word sin? A sin is an immoral act that goes against divine law. Whereas, a transgression is an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense.
Next, when we think of a sin, it has a lot to do with wrong doings in a person’s life. A transgression is when a person does something wrong intentionally. When we think of a transgression, this is something that is done with or without malice. The definition of the word malice is the intention or desire to do something evil.

Moreover, in some cases, a transgression is an intentional act or action on the part of a person, place, or thing. Sin itself is an intentional act as well. There are times when people do things without thinking. For example, on May 30, 1973, I had taken my first drink of alcohol. My mother told me and my siblings to stay away from the refrigerator.

Instead, I opened the refrigerator anyway just to see what was inside of it. As soon as I opened the refrigerator door, I saw my mother’s Miller’s Beer.  Afterwards, I opened a can of beer. I had taken one sip of beer, and I was intoxicated. I didn’t like it; I acquired a taste for it. As soon as my mother got home from the Club, she asked all of us in a sarcastic manner; who had drunk a can of her beer? I flat out denied it!! She smelled my breath, and she smacked me in my face. She told all of us to stay away from the refrigerator, but I had other intentions. Therefore, I had become an alcoholic; simply because of curiosity.

Eventually, my stepfather took me to the Club with him. I met all of my mother and stepfather’s friends at the Club. I was around grown people anyway. When it comes to sins and transgressions, I have had my share of them. From 1972 to 2015, I have had 43 years of troubles.

I have done so much in my life that my own family members do not talk to me anymore.  Anyway, the difference between a son and a transgression is that both of them are bad. On the other hand; the intentions of sins and transgressions tend to vary according to behavioral action. There are times when people do things without thinking about the consequences of their actions. In my case, I ended up joining street gangs, smoking cigarettes and marijuana at the age of 9. I ended up getting into trouble at school because I was hanging around the wrong crowd. When it comes to a sin and a transgression, we must look at the Bible.

In the Bible, it states that our sins has separated us from God. However, I want to inform everyone that God is merciful and just. He is slow to anger and abounding in mercy. I want to say that God has been good to me for the past 54 years. Even though, I have made a lot of mistakes during a 45 year period. God has given me a second chance at life. I am very happy that I have made amends with my mother and my siblings. I want to say that I am a whole lot happier right now than I was when I was in the streets.

God is good!! Please give Him a chance!! I had given Him a chance to be involved in my life. Currently, I am attending church on a regular basis. I am also reading the Bible, sharing the Good News with others, and making amends with everyone that I have wronged in my life. I have even made amends with all of my enemies. Thank you for reading my essay.

Ephesians 4:29 and what it means to all people!!

        Good Day Everyone!! How are all of you doing tonight?  Fine, I hope.  What does this Bible verse mean?  I would like to say that our speech is supposed to be pleasant with others in the same Jesus Christ.  I want to place some sort of emphasis on the word edification.

 The word edify means to build up, or to do good things in good character.  If I am going edify someone, this means that I am going to build your character up.  I must be able to do this in action, and by word.  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth means that I must not use any words towards others in a negative light.  I am supposed to walk, talk, and act like a Christian.  We are supposed to imitate Christ with our deeds and actions.

        Next, I want to say that my overall conduct has changed a whole lot since February 15, 2015.  I do not use any language that is inappropriate towards other people.  I am a person who is a work in process.  I want to mention this because I need faith when life does not make any sense.  What is the definition of a Work in Process?  Work in process (WIP), work in progress (WIP), goods in process, or in-process inventory are a company’s partially finished goods waiting for completion and eventual sale or the value of these items. These items are either just being fabricated or waiting for further processing in a queue or a buffed

Moreover, I really like this Bible verse because it enables me to keep my emotions in check.  I know that I am not perfect.  I can say that I have come a long way in my progress.  For Instance, I have changed behaviorally, and I do not allow anyone else persuade me to stop taking my medication.

I realize that medication is not always a solution to resolving problems that God can.  I cannot allow man to influence me otherwise.  I cannot allow man to change my character.  In Addition, I want to say that I do not use any vulgarity anymore.  I do not have a desire to use any vulgarity whatsoever.  I am God’s Child because the storm did not stop me.

Finally, I want to say that this Bible verse has a lot of meaning in my life.  It helps me to shape my behavior, and change for the better.  I am so happy that I do not live like I used to.  I do not allow man to cause me to change my overall behavior.  I know that change is not easy.  It does not happen overnight.  My prayer today is the Serenity Prayer.  God, grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.  Give me the courage to change the things that I can, and give me the wisdom to know the difference.

Job 14:16 and how it relates to all People?

Good Evening and God Bless You!! I have a question for everyone. Does God number our steps? The answer to this question is being brought forth because I am very concerned. I know that God knows all things. It is that God knows even our thoughts.
He even understand what is inside of our heart. The question is do you think all of our steps are all numbered? I really think that our steps as well as our breath are all numbered. The reason why I am really asking this question is because I would like to receive a dialogue on this Bible verse from Job.  I know that Job is the oldest Book inside of the Bible. It has a lot of insight and knowledge that is derived from the Old Testament. This particular Book inside of the Bible is rarely talked about by Theologians.

Next, I am bring this up because I would like for someone to converse with me about the Book of Job. I have another question. Does God watch over our sins?  To be honest with everyone, God even knows exactly what we are going to do in advance. The answer to this question is yes; God watches our sins and everything else. He even knows exactly how long we are going to live. According to Jeremiah 1:5 says: Before I formed thee inside of the womb, I knew thee, I ordained thee, and sanctified thee as a prophet unto the nations.

Moreover, I want to say that God knows so much about us that we hardly give Him the credit for the things that He has done for us in our personal lives. I praise Him, and rejoice Him for all that He has done for me in my life. It is not even my Will anymore, it is His will. It is his breath of life that He gives us on a daily basis. I am acknowledging Him for all that He has done for me all of my entire life. Everything that I have right now belongs to God.

To be perfectly frank with everyone, my day yesterday was truly great. I might now have eaten any Thanksgiving meals, but I am content with what I have eaten because I am grateful for the Philly Cheese-steak sandwiches that I had received from Meals on Wheels; the day before. If it wasn’t for the Lord providing me with my Government Meals, I would not survive. I thank the Lord for providing me with all of my daily essentials. I am grateful as well for my health and strength.
In Addition, I want to say that I am a person, who is content with the small things. I am content with all of my basic necessities. I am simply saying that God knows all that we need. He knows the things that we need of; long before we ask Him. I appreciate everything that the Lord has done for me.

Finally, I want to inform everyone that God knows our feelings.  I know that I might have expressed this before, but I feel energized and excited to serve the Lord.  I will admit that He already know all of my plans, and personal goals in advanced.  I have to say that it is my job to trust in the Lord.  I say this because I am trying my best not to lean not unto my own understanding.  I trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding: Proverbs 3:5.  I might not be perfect when it comes to quoting scripture, but I sure can tell you where it is located inside of the Bible

Job 14:16 and how it relates to all People?

        Good Evening and God Bless You!!  I have a question for everyone.  Does God number our steps?  The answer to this question is being brought forth because I am very concerned.  I know that God knows all things.  It is that God knows even our thoughts.

  He even understand what is inside of our heart.  The question is do you think all of our steps are all numbered?  I really think that our steps as well as our breath are all numbered.  The reason why I am really asking this question is because I would like to receive a dialogue on this Bible verse from Job.  I know that Job is the oldest Book inside of the Bible.  It has a lot of insight and knowledge that is derived from the Old Testament.  This particular Book inside of the Bible is rarely talked about by Theologians.

        Next, I am bring this up because I would like for someone to converse with me about the Book of Job.  I have another question.  Does God watch over our sins?

 To be honest with everyone, God even knows exactly what we are going to do in advance.  The answer to this question is yes; God watches our sins and everything else.  He even knows exactly how long we are going to live.  According to Jeremiah 1:5 says: Before I formed thee inside of the womb, I knew thee, I ordained thee, and sanctified thee as a prophet unto the nations.

        Moreover, I want to say that God knows so much about us that we hardly give Him the credit for the things that He has done for us in our personal lives.  I praise Him, and rejoice Him for all that He has done for me in my life.  It is not even my Will anymore, it is His will.  It is his breath of life that He gives us on a daily basis.  I am acknowledging Him for all that He has done for me all of my entire life.  Everything that I have right now belongs to God.

 To be perfectly frank with everyone, my day yesterday was truly great.  I might now have eaten any Thanksgiving meals, but I am content with what I have eaten because I am grateful for the Philly Cheese steak sandwiches that I had received from Meals on Wheels; the day before.  If it wasn’t for the Lord providing me with my Government Meals, I would not survive.  I thank the Lord for providing me with all of my daily essentials.  I am grateful as well for my health and strength. 

In Addition, I want to say that I am a person, who is content with the small things.  I am content with all of my basic necessities.  I am simply saying that God knows all that we need.  He knows the things that we need of; long before we ask Him.  I appreciate everything that the Lord has done for me. 

Why People are behaving the Way They Are Today?

          Good Evening Everyone!! How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I have a very important question to ask all of you.  Why People are behaving the way they are today?  The answer to this question has been prophesized a very long time ago.  I have to come to the realization that whenever I read 2^nd Timothy, I have to understand that these are the things that are going on today. 

          Next, I want to say that this is very serious.  I have come to a realization that we are living in the very Last Days inside of the Bible.  I am staying in prayer for the rest of my life.  I have to continue to pray for everyone who are living inside of perilous times right now.  You know something, the love that I received a long time ago does not exist anymore.  I guess everyone is worried about themselves.  I want to say this because even in families, there is a Bible verse that states in Matthew 10:36 A man’s enemies will be those of his own household.  I am saying this is because other people are not paying you attention. 

          Further, I have another question to ask all of you.  Why are we going through difficult times today?  I am being optimistic in spite of all of these difficult times.  I remember back in 2004 on November 4, 2004 when I received a phone call from my family.  It made me cry inside because someone that I know killed his own brother.  I know that I might have problems inside of my family, but it would not cause me to commit an act of violence towards my own family.  I am mention this as an example of an event that has taken place inside of my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. 

          Moreover, I want to say this because it really hurts me to hear about something happening bad to someone else that I know.  I want to also say that we are living in the very Last Days.  We have always surpassed the End of Times inside of the Book of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  To be perfectly frank with all of you, both events are occurring at the same time.  At least I thought that the end of times have passed on.  The times are so treacherous that I do not go outside in public very much.  It is not that I am very apprehensive.  I am very concerned about everyone that I know personally.  I am also concerned about all of my family members and friends.

          In Addition, I want to say that I really feel very sad because everything that is taking place right now is simply because of expectations and uncertainty in our personal lives.  I want to say something right now.  I will be glad when Jesus Christ comes to the earth again.  I would like to see Him for myself.  I know that He is with me all of the time. 

          Why People are behaving the way they are today?  I really do not have a concrete answer for this question, but I can say that I am contend about the things that I have.  I read the Bible every single day, and the Word of God talks to me.  I want to say that the Old Testament has a lot of Bible verses that are spiritually uplifting to me.  I am embracing God’s Word and His vision for my life.  I want to keep on saying that God Loves You!!  I guess I have to continue to read God’s Word for the answers to my questions about society as a whole. 

          Finally, I want to say that God will never leave you nor forsake you.  I know that this is the end of the earth right now.  It is just a matter of time when things are going to change drastically.  It is very dangerous when feelings have you.  I am concerned about everyone right now.  I am a very compassionate person.  I am a person who has a lot of common sense.  Jesus cares about how we all feel.  I understand that some of the things that I am currently going through is only a test.  I am very happy that God cares about me.  This is the reason why I am writing for the Lord because I know that I can get a job as a writer or any other job that I am qualified.  The Lord knows my feelings.  God cares about how I feel.  I am asking these questions because I would like to start a dialogue with anyone because I am supposed to caste all of my cares upon the Lord; for He cares for you.  

          In Conclusion, I want to say that this is our very last chance to get right with God.  I am happy right now that God cares about me.  If your heart cries, God know it.  I am asking these very important questions just to start a dialogue with everyone else about our societal problems.  I am very concerned about the amount of violence that are occurring inside of our communities.  I might not have a lot materially and financially right now, but God has my back!!

 God is doing for me more than I am doing for myself.  Please pray for me and myself.  I am worshipping God right now because I am cleansing my heart.  The pure in heart shall see God.  I love all of you very much because the Word of God that we have as a Book to read each day.  We must give up what we have in mind.  God has something better in mind for our heart.  All of us should ask God one question.  Lord Jesus, What Do You Want In My Life?  If you believe on me, out of your belly should flow again.  I love all of you very much!!  I love all of you so much that I want everyone spend time with Jesus Christ.

Why People are the way they are?

          Good Day Everyone!! I have a very important question to ask all of you.  Why People are the way they are today?  The answer is the times are changing.  I am beginning to realize that we live in a changing society.  For Example, people who comes from dysfunctional families go through changes more than others who come from non-dysfunctional families.  I understand that our personalities are formed while we are inside of the womb of our mothers. 

          Next, I want to say that my life has changed dramatically because I am thinking for myself.  Today, one of my family members got very unhappy with me because I did not call her on a daily basis.  Why people are the way they are is because of a shift in behavior, and authority.  I am saying all of this is because I have been taking 24 prescription medications, and I have been sleeping a whole lot.  I take a medication called Ativan, and this medication makes a person very tired and sluggish.

          Further, I want to say that our expectations have changed.  He who is without sin, cast the first stone.  This is a Bible verse that has a lot of meaning.  Why are people acting the way they are is because of a changing society.  For Instance, our problems tend to get the best of us.  Why people are behaving in a way that is different than the average person, has a lot to do with the violence that occurs inside of our society.  I know that for me, I ask God to follow me everywhere I go.  I ask the Lord to help those who are worse off than me.

          Moreover, why are people the way they are is simply because of our tremendous burdens that we carry for ourselves?  I know that our communities are changing.  People are changing.  Feelings are changing.  I will admit that I used to carry a lot of burdens on myself.  God has been responsible for changing behaviorally for the better.  The Lord loves all of us.  We just need to cast our burdens. 

          Finally, I am asking this question again.  Why people are the way they are?  I really do not know, but I can say that we are living in the very last days right now.  I was at Church yesterday, and the teenagers were being very disruptive during the service.  The teenagers were acting the fool while the Preacher was expressing the sermon.  On a personal note, I do not have any children.  In a way; I am glad that I do not have any children because of a football injury that I sustained during the time that I was a teenager.  I was speared and tackled after I caught the football during a game. 

          In Conclusion, I do not have anything right now to show for myself but a college education.  I am happy that I have earned my education right now because I am able to do anything through Christ that strengthens me.  Why are people acting the way they are right now.  It is simply because our children have too many expectations inside of their households.

          Proverbs 22:6 says train up a child in a way they should go, when they get old, they will not depart from it.  I am glad that I have been raised to attend church on a regular basis.  It is that God has not found a suitable female for me to get married.  I will admit that I have been rebellious in my teenage years.  I have changed immediately after I have asked the Lord to remove the desire to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana.  I prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday May 2, 1990 to change me for the better.  I am happy that my personality has changed because I do not have a desire to argue, and use vulgarity anymore.

          In Summary, why people are the way they are?  The answer is inside of our behavior and personality.  Do you know that God can change anyone as long as you are serious enough?  God has changed me because I wanted Him to change me.

Romans 14:12 And What It Means To All People?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

          Good Day Everyone!! How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I have a very important question.  What does Romans 14:12 and what it means to all people?  The answer is; everything in God’s creation will be judged honestly and righteously.  I want to say that every human being and animal must give an account to God. 

I know for me that it has not been very easy growing up in my own hometown of Dayton, Ohio.  I grew up very poor.  This is simply because my mother had given birth to six boys and three girls.  One thing that I can say about my mother is that she took care of all of us.  My mother worked just to take care of her household.  However, as the Bible verse states is that every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Next, I want to also say that I had been a very mischievous child growing up.  I used to smoke marijuana and cigarettes at an early age.  I was a follower rather than a leader.  I did what everyone else was doing.  My mother told me the meaning of my name.  She stated to me that I am a leader instead of a follower.  She told me that I was named after Joseph in the Old Testament.  She also indicated that I am a leader.  I did not know at the time, but she was absolutely right. 

          Moreover, I want to mention that my mother, grandmothers, and aunt told me the truth inside of my face.  Each time they talk, I would get intimidated.  This is simply because I either done something wrong, or they were correcting me for an injustice.  This is the same thing that the Lord Jesus Christ is going to do.  He is watching us all of the time.  I realize that the Righteous Judge is Jesus Christ.  Colossians 3:25 states that: But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.  This means that every human being living and dead will be accountable for what they have done while inside of their body. 

          Further, I want to inform all of you that God and Jesus Christ are one.  John 10:30 says I and my father are one.  This means that I do not want to hurt the heart of God.  I am doing my very best to conduct myself like a person who has good common sense.  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things shall be added unto you.  I really need to know what my assignment from God.  I am doing my part to make the Kingdom grow.  I am a person who loves the Lord Jesus Christ.  I am living to do the glory of God. 

          In Addition, I am called according to His purpose.  I would rather live in God’s Will.  I am a person who strives to make God smile every day of the week.  Prior to that, I was engaging in bad activities simply just to appease my friends.  I tend to be all by myself right now.  I am chasing God right now.  I am running to God.  Doing the Will of God is not always easy.  For me personally, I have to still make amends to my siblings.  One of my baby sisters is not talking to me anymore.  I know that I have wronged her in the past, but I tried to make amends to her; during my mother’s funeral, and she refused to acknowledge me as a person.

          Grace is not an excuse to live a sloppy life.  I have tried to make amends to all of my family members that I have wronged in my life.  My siblings and I really have not spoken face to face since my mother’s funeral.  I am in need of spiritual strength.  I am in need of all of my siblings to make amends with me.  I have forgiven each, and every person that have wronged me personally.  I will not live with a heart full of hatred.  Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from all evil.  I am working with God to fix all of my problems.  Help me God to know who my friend is or not. 

          Finally, I want to let everyone know that my whole behavior and outlook on life has changed.  I do not sin whenever I get angry.  I will admit that I do not use vulgarity anymore.  I will admit that I still have character defects to deal with each day.  You cannot help how you feel, but you do not have to act on the behavior of our emotions.  I used to be a person who would use vulgarity as a defensive mechanism just to cover up my fears.  We cannot let our fleshly emotions dictate us behaviorally.  I have grown in Christ.  Jesus Christ has changed me behaviorally.  You do have a free will, and you have a choice.