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luni, 21 noiembrie 2016

BIBLE vs. SCIENCE: NO CONTRADICTIONS. AT ALL.

The contemporary world has been infected with the idea that science is contradicting the Bible. As a former atheist I can only say that nothing could be further from the truth. It is quite the opposite!

My faith is not blind. Actually faith is never blind. It is linked to the rational as well as to the spiritual. Faith without the spiritual component is just a mechanical thing, having no real power. Faith without the rational component is actually nothing but religion. And religious is something I am not.

Science had it wrong for two thousands of years while the Bible was right all along about the Earth being round, and the expansion of the Universe, just two mention two of the many examples.

Therefore I came to believe that scientists are only discovering traces of creation. As a good friend said yesterday, scientists can say how but they can't explain why. When science contradicts the Scriptures it only means that there is something wrong with the theory in itself.

Apart from that, the biggest atheist geniuses ever to live developed theories that were proven wrong, which means that they are not infallible. From a logical stand point of view this should give everybody reasonable doubts over their theories rejecting the existence of a Creator. 

Over the last seventy years people were slowly and gradually dispossessed of the basic right of being completely and correctly informed on those matters. Since all the information they get is directed to the idea that there is no God and no Creation they have no other options simply because the alternative was taken away from them.

But anyone would understand that not exploring all the options could, probably would and usually will, bring us to the wrong conclusions. So the world today is being fed with lies. But who and why would they be interested in this? The Bible also gives the answer to that one and every Christian knows it. 

So why not explore all the options? Why not do a thorough research before we conclude? Why not be opened minded (I am not talking only about atheists rejecting the Bible study but also about the Christians rejecting scientifically proved facts)? For what are we to call someone who ignores things, facts, testimonies and discoveries from all around the world?

My name is Cristian Romulus Irinoiu and this is my testimony. I was and atheist. I was into science until I started STUDYING the Bible. Today I believe that there is a Creator and that I am not an accident. 

I believe that I have a purpose. I believe that there is only one True God who made everything. I believe that He has revealed himself to us in flesh through Jesus Christ. And I know that without Him all the knowledge is useless.


vineri, 11 noiembrie 2016

WHY I THINK DONALD TRUMP IS A DISASTER











I know. I am from Romania. And Romania is just so far away from the United States. Apparently there is no reason for me to be angry, upset, worried or sad over a Donald Trump's election. Apparently. For I beg to differ with every american that has voted for Trump.

I am a Christian so my reasons have nothing to do with the liberal views that seem to be the common ground for Trump's opponents. Believe it or not there are many aspects and ideas promoted by the man that I totally agree with, for I am no idiot and I can see that there are problems.

However, is not what he says but how he says it and the suspicion that he is deceiving and misleading the Americans. Apart from that there is circumstantial evidence which indicates that everyone should be worried about Trump. Here are some personal thoughts over which I will conclude and try to predict what is going to happen. First let's talk about my reasons for being on alarm mode.

On this one, personal experience comes in handy. I was born and spent my first twenty one years of my life in a socialist country, ruled by a communist party, where people were not allowed to speak their minds and dictatorship was overthrown through bloodshed. Those who died thought they were fighting for freedom while those of us who survived thought the things will get better. In fact they went worse and today we all realise that we were used.

Used as in manipulated. Took us a decade to accept that, which means that I lived another twenty one years in a country where people have been constantly deceived and manipulated by and with the socialist methods of propaganda. And when I could not stand it anymore I left. I could not live anymore among people who would not listen to the voice of reason and wisdom.

During the last twenty-five years we have seen a lot of things. We have witnessed the power of brainwashing to the extent that people elected politician who ARE in jail on most recent elections! That is the power of brainwashing at work, As I studied the matter, it is achieved through a weak educational system and keeping most of the population on the edge of survival.

The weak educational system is there to "create" people who are incapable of selecting the proper information and reaching reasonable conclusions. You think it is impossible? Think again. Think about the fact that we are able to trick our children's minds to believe that there is such a thing as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. It is possible to do that on a massive scale with the adults too.

Who would do such a thing and why? The question has an answer that is actually in the plain site. Most of us can't see the forest because of the trees as they say... I am not going to start the subject about that one as it is a long story. 

America is the leader of the free world and that is why everyone has an opinion. Enemies and allies are always looking to see what is happening in America. All around the world people are interested and that is why it would be ideal if the Americans would be all aware of the fact that they are responsible not only to themselves, as being a true leader involves great responsibility.

For instance Romania looks insignificant and very far from the United States doesn't it? But you see, it is the diplomatic relationship with the United States of America that give a sense of security to the Romanian people who are having an aggressive neighbour such as Russia at the border. And the feeling is that with Donald Trump nothing is secure anymore from that point of view, especially when there is suspicion over ties with the Russians.

Without America many smaller nations would stand no chance. That is why so many want a strong America and that is why there are also many who want a weak America. So I'll let you, the reader decide if Trump is making America weaker or stronger. The nation is being divided and even if the protests will stop the matters will still be unsettled. Divide and conquer. And who wants to divide and conquer America? Who? The answer to that question might enlighten many.

What is the problem with Donald Trump? Why is the alarm being raised? Actually it is many things. I am not going to talk about the fact that he has the appearance of a Russian or Slavic ethnicity. That is quite obvious in the part of the world that I am coming from and it is alarming in itself but it is also subjective. 

So let's talk integrity first. We have to do the integrity check, What are Trump's moral standards? The answer is very clear when one thinks about the standards for selecting his wife. Up until not so long ago no american would have ever elected a playboy star as their second lady but there was massive Christian support for Donald Trump!

Another alarm is raised by Trumps attitude and body language. It is a fact that most of the communication is non-verbal. If so, why is it that Trump reminds me of Mussolini, the former Italian dictator, who was best friends with another notorious socialist named Adolf Hitler? And just incidentally: did you know that Hitler rose to power feeding on the fear and manipulating the natural and desirable state of patriotism into the ugly nationalism exactly like Trump did this year? 

Hitler spoke used the Jews, Gypsies and others to create the idea that they are to blame for Germany's problems. Trump uses the Muslims, Mexicans and others for the exact same reason. We know what happened after Hitler came to power and the fact that Trump uses the same methods even though the names were changed, inflicting the idea that those are the ones guilty for America's problem raises a big alarm!

The fact that Trump's populism won by telling people exactly what they needed and wanted to hear does not mean that he will keep his word. Hitler never did, did he? And that is not everything. I come from a country where the socialist ideas and brainwashing methods are most effective even today to such an extent that the people actually elected politicians that are in jail for fraud so I know for a fact that it can be worse.

What is absolutely weird is that what I heard people who voted for convicts in Romania saying, I heard it said by Trump's voters. Not almost but EXACTLY the same words. And I do not believe in coincidences. I do understand that the American nation is need a solution. I do understand that they want it now. I do understand that many of them are of good heart. But Trump is not the solution.

In order to rebuild a nation the first thing that is needed is a reset. A return to the values that made it great. Donald Trump is exactly the opposite of that, for America was built on a Christian values. "In God We Trust" remember? So. I have many reasons to believe that Trump is a deceiver. And when I put in the balance the suspicion of being involved with the Russians, the alarm becomes what the Americans would express as DEFCON 1.

I have reasons to believe therefore that Donald Trump is going to do some of the things he said. But just those that will increase his personal power. The economy will slow down probably, before having an apparent boost for people living on the edge of survival are easier to control and manipulate. It is an indisputable historical fact that Hitler won the hearts of his people by boosting the economy only to bring Germany into ruins after a few years.

Of course, Trump will need to buy more time and if confronted with issues in the 2020 elections I would dare place a bet that, exactly like in Romania, he will put the blame on the "weighty legacy" that his administration had to face when taking over the office. I will not be surprised, and neither should you, for I have heard words like "We got our country back" from the Romanians and Americans alike. The EXACT same words.

Donald Trump is not the answer. And I don't think that there is anymore time to fix what just happened. Only time will tell. I love America. I really, really do. All my childhood friends know this. I used to love everything that represented America. Ever since Trump I can't say that anymore. I know I shouldn't say this for it might seem lack of patriotism but I sometimes feel I love America more than my native country.

A world without America is unsafe, and sadly,  I can't help thinking (hoping to God that I am dead wrong at the same time) that on the on November the 8th of 2016 the world stopped being a safe place. As I said I really hope and pray that I am wrong. I really do. From the bottom of my heart, may God bless America! God bless us all.

marți, 23 februarie 2016

WHY DON'T WE LIKE THE IDEAL MODEL?


I was in the middle of the call when I started writing my diary countdown about my weight loss. At some point I had to stop. Lack of concentration leads to no inspiration. Apart from that I consider it to be a blessing whenever I am asked for support, advice or help.

I know it means a lot for those who are asking for that, but it also builds me up, because I have to think, search, process data, reach a conclusion, search for more data, process it again and reach a conclusion that will ultimately be put in an action of some sort.

I myself think that I am not reliable although I try very hard. I am not like, but worse than Paul the apostle, who said:

" I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?"
(Romans 7:21-23)

Therefore, like Paul, I thank God for His grace, mercy and for all the opportunities to help the others. I consider it to be a blessing and a massive responsibility. And I myself am learning along the way.

Because I have Christ teachings as a road map I must report everything to this system of reference in order to help people that, most of the time, have another one that I strongly disagree with.

I usually disagree with standards they have adopted because I believe that, like in science (especially in physics), we have to have an ideal model in order to compare everything else to it so we can reach the best solution for the problem.

Well... Why would that be any different when it comes to morals and ethics, where the ideal model is JESUS? Why is He the ideal model and not other leaders? That is easy to answer! I can trust Him. And Him only. Why? The answer to this other question is so simple but most of the humans do not even realize it is there!!!

Let's say you are going to war and you are in the middle of a battle. How would you feel about a friend who is willing to give up his life in order for you live even after you mocked, slandered, beat and conspired to put him to death in the safety of the tranches previous to the battle? Isn't that a trustworthy friend?

Isn't that a real and true friend?!! Isn't that the ultimate friend?!! Well, that is exactly what Jesus did in the battle for life: not only that he willingly sacrificed Himself for us, but while on the cross, the humanity was mocking Him...

"Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

And they divided His garments and cast lots."

I would call that not a best friend but the ultimate friend. The ideal model of a friend. So Jesus truly is the ideal model. It is so easy to see that but people are like He said they would be, quoting the prophet:

"And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,

Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them."

I find it absolutely amazing that people who think that they know better, dismissing the gospel although they have never read it, are actually FULFILLING a prophecy that was given 2700 years ago!!! Isn't that like WOOOW?!!

Well... It is to me. I do understand why people don't like comparing themselves to Jesus as the ideal model... All our filthiness, all our wickedness, all the bad things we are carrying in our hearts, every slander, gossip, all the sexual immorality it will make our conscience burn if we compare ourselves to Him!

We know that. Even more: whenever we do something wrong we know that it is wrong even before we act. We know that. But we still go on doing it don't we? So what do we do after the deed is done? We try to hide it from the others.

We know that we are safe because we see the faults of the others and we know that they will dare not expose us for they themselves will be exposed!

But with Jesus as a role model, no evil can be hidden in the dark. For the light will always expose all those things that are dwelling in darkness. It is a natural law. No one can deny that.

One may as well choose to continue living in the dark. But he or she would be only lying to themselves. So we'd better choose and embrace the ugly truth about ourselves, for the first step in order to solve a problem is to admit that you have it, not to hide it.

No one has to feel guilty or worry about what will happen if doing the right thing. For there is the good news: Jesus also came to set us free each and everyone of us. Individually.

He came to set us free from from the sin that we are being enslaved in. He came to brake the chains of fear. He came to tell us that LOVE, NATURAL LOVE, is the thing that needs to be the rule and the measure of our lives.

I so very often ask people who are challenging me about Christ: "What is so offensive about Christ teachings that you find is so unacceptable?"

And they go silent even if they would try and argue and fight it at first. Because there is actually none. Still, they continue living their lives according not to the ideal standard, which is Jesus, but to lower standards that would make them feel better about themselves. And you know that is the truth. In our hearts, each and everyone of us knows that this is the truth! Amen?!!

Have a beautiful day everyone! God bless!

miercuri, 3 februarie 2016

THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION:

CONSUMER DRIVEN SECULARIZED SOCIETY, 
ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY
 

The following was triggered by three things: comments over a video posted on Facebook, things that inspired me on couple of Sunday sermons, and a conversation I had with some friends one evening...

I have recently seen a video with people waving crosses in the faces of a Muslim community somewhere in Luton, shouting "this is a Christian country". It is obvious to me that there is a significant threat as one muslim individual clearly stated that the UK is being taken over. 

On the other hand, as a Christian I can see that only with the waving crosses protesters were completely unarmed. And when I say unarmed I do not mean armed with guns and tanks but armed with knowledge and valid information to share. When you go at war you need to be prepared. Apart from the weaponry you also need to know your enemy. It is common sense.

This conflict however is different. It is a spiritual war. It is a battle of the cultures. And if you enter this particular war zone without being spiritually equipped and you don't know who you are dealing with, your own defeat is almost a sure thing.

As a Christian I also see here a massive opportunity to turn the tide. First of all it is an opportunity to bring the good news of the gospel to the public attention after being the message has so much been diluted by the mass-media and the social media. Now that we see how a less developed culture is gaining over the western world it should be easier to get people's attention on this matter.

For if we don't know who Christ is we can not support the idea that we are Christians, or that we are a Christian country. I know that for a fact as this happened all in Romania, my native country. The secularization of the society, is clearly showing it's weaknesses. Clearly there must be a link between the fact that Britain was an Empire before and became a country over the last 60 years of secularization. 

Note that in history all the nations that have lost their religion have DISAPPEARED. If anyone cares to argue with me on that please check that one yourself. It is actually not that difficult to understand why. National identity has a few pillars and one of them is religion. If you want to swap religion for anything else the only answer the mankind will ever produce is DICTATORSHIP as an alternative.

And we can extend that thought as it is safe to state that all the dictatorships and genocide since the XIX-th century was caused by the most deceiving ideology ever conceived by man: socialism. Why deceiving? Because it goes against the human nature. It goes against everything Jesus has proclaimed although it seems that it is what Jesus wanted. It puts humanity in chains using words like freedom, equality, etc. Truth is that socialism works against the individual freedom while Christ is the way to personal freedom!

Secondly there is an opportunity to evangelize the muslim world. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. Apostle Paul was walking one day in a town full of idolatry. Statues of different Gods were everywhere. Then something caught his attention. It was a statue dedicated to an unknown God. He immediately seized that opportunity. Every speech has the introducing part. In professional management when I was a sales trainer I would call that "breaking the ice". 

What did Paul do? We find that in the book of Acts chapter 17 verses 22 and 23. It is amazing actually how he managed to introduce Jesus in the days when the Greeks were still the who's who in philosophy, mathematics, etc. Here is what he said:

Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you"

Notice that the Athenians were "very religious". Greece eventually became one of the most prominent Christian nations of all times. And it has all started wioth a what was actually an idol. And one man turned the tide! A man of God!

Just like Paul we can seize an opportunity. But we need information on the subject. We need to know who are we addressing to, what the objections would be and how to prevent them surfacing or to answer them. And of course, we need more than waving a cross in the face of those who we are addressing. We need to know what the Bible has to say. We need to know what Jesus has to say. we need to know what God has to say. And we need to know how to break the ice. 

So how to do that? Well... How many of you are aware of the fact the paul, the apostle of the nations met Jesus while persecuting the Christians, on the road to Damascus (Syria today)? How many of you know that Mohammed was born in an area were Christianity was flourishing and that he has actually a very well documented life? And how many of you know that

"Islamic tradition states that when Muhammad was either nine or twelve while accompanying the Meccans' caravan to Syria, he met a Christian monk or hermit named Bahira who is said to have foreseen Muhammad's career as a prophet of God.
(Source: Wikipedia)

If you are asking me, that is a good ground to start a debate. Especially if you have studied the word of God and read the Coran because you will realise that the Coran is a falsified Bible. It appeared 600 years after Christ, and reduced Christ to a simple prophet whilst putting Mohammed on higher pedestal than Jesus!!!

Warned means prepared. Be aware of the fact that the muslim believer is educated from an early age not to listen to anything you would have to say. When talking to one you must be gentle but firm. Rely on facts. Those people need to know that they are being deceived and indoctrinated with a falsified Bible. It is not easy to learn that everything you believe in it is a lie and it is even harder to accept. So one must be very careful and patient when enters this debate. 

However, when we talking about this matter we need to understand that we have to train ourselves first. We need to study. Complete our education. I for one do believe that education is important. It gives you a strong set of values. It was education that helped Paul the apostle to bring the word of Gospel to the gentiles, although he humbled himself with those words:

"For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."
(1 Corinthians 15:9)

Paul was humble although highly educated. That is why God chose Him to take the Gospel to the nations. Education is important. It gives you a higher set of values. Brings higher standards in our lives. Helps us identify and process faster. Make no mistake: education is to be valued. Today, the political correctness has induced the false idea that ignorance is as good as knowledge. That is absolutely not true, incorrect and dangerous.

It is actually the knowledge that gives us a better understanding of things. Even when we are talking about being a Christian one can not become a Christian without KNOWING who is Jesus before believing in order to be born again from the Spirit. we can't just wave crosses around shouting that we are Christians. We need to know what we are talking about. We need to know who jesus is, what he has done for us, and how God's plan worked through Him for us. In this making decision process KNOWLEDGE is of outmost importance.

Apostle Paul had a refined education. And true, part of his training he had to give up. He had to admit that the some of the things he believed in were not quite as he thought they were. It is actually similar to bringing the Gospel to the Greeks or to a muslim believer. Paul had to give up some things. But he never gave up others. Like the Greek language for instance. Like using his Roman citizenship for the work of God. He was flexible. He was creating opportunities. And all his knowledge was used by the Holy Spirit to fulfil God's plan of spreading the Gospel. And he was fearless. It is exactly how we have to be if we want to do our part.

Yes. Education is very important. Even more so when it comes to being a Christian. Actually Jesus was a teacher. He was the ultimate teacher! When he walked on Earth God himself was teaching us. That is why His words endured the centuries. And that is why He is the leader of those who believe in Him. He is the HEAD OF THE CHURCH.

We can trust Him simply because He gave up His life for us, even more, He pleaded our case in front of the Heavenly Father: 
"Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."And they divided His garments and cast lots."
(Luke 23:34)
Jesus was fulfilling a plan. He knew exactly what he was doing and what the outcome of all his actions will be. And that is what we also need to do in order to be successful in bringing the gospel to the muslim believers. And of course we must let God do His work through us. fear is therefore not an option. Fear is of the devil.

Jesus is the head of the church. He was perfect in every way. He is still the center of his church today. he is the leader of the Church. He is to be trusted at all times. I don't think anyone would want leaders that do not know what they are doing. It is of outmost importance who leads. You can't have a doctor managing a factory. It would not be impossible but it would definitely be difficult to get results. He would have to lean on the counsel of a board of engineers and economists.

But Jesus can turn all of that that around. He brought a fisherman (Peter) on the same level with a highly educated man (Paul). One can only imagine the social difference between those two thousand years ago. From this point of view I would say that following Christ outranks all the secular knowledge. The example of Peter and Paul makes this really simple to understand.

A leader must always be well equipped for the leadership. Not only with scientific, cold facts but also must be anchored in the word of the Lord that brings along the highest set of standards. Not only moral standards. See, Paul was the best in bringing the word to the gentiles, while Peter was better at bringing the word to his nation. Although they were equipped with the same set of values, were both armed with the Holy Spirit and faith as foundation, they worked for the same goal in different ways and areas because their skills were different. God put each one of them in the right place after having them properly educated, one by Christ Himself, the other after meeting Christ on the road to Damascus (Syria today).

Somebody once told me that GOOD IS THE ENEMY OF THE BEST. I will never forget these words. So few words state such a powerful truth. So never give in for less. People will try to make you adopt lower standards sometimes. Will try to push you into things that are in conflict with your standards. Never give up the standards even if that means that you will get emotionally hurt in the process.

Education is important. Training your skills is important. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21 it is actually written:

"Test all things; hold fast what is good."

We don't have the same set of skills but that is just because so we could help each other. Under no circumstances are we to disregard the skills and training of the others just because we have our own ideas about things we know nothing or very little about. But those skills won't help us much if we don't have a good foundation. All the knowledge we have would be like a house built on sand.

As a Christian I deeply believe that only the scientific knowledge is not enough. The faith in Christ is there not only to complete our education but it is the one that gives a meaning to all the secular knowledge and sets the right system of reference. It will boost the value of everything we know about science.

Following the example of Paul, who never used his apostolic authority over Philemon, under no circumstances are we to FORCE anyone into anything that they feel it is not right according to their standards and set of values at a particular moment. Let them make the decision voluntarily. That is what a real leader does. Jesus never imposed anything on anyone.

In such moments we need to compromise our personal plans and needs. We need to understand that those in front us are just not ready for a big leap so we need to re-evaluate the situation and create new opportunities if possible. That is the moment to be CREATIVE. Even the Bible explicitly tell us so, and we have lots of examples of this in the book of ACTS. We are all work in progress. And we all have different levels of knowledge even if we live the same number of years, we attend the same schools, we study the Scriptures and follow Christ.

Therefore we are at different stages or educational levels. That is why some of us are better at one job and others are better than us in doing something else. And it is reasonable to assume that we have different levels of understanding on a subject at a particular moment in time. Keeping the standards set by Christ as a foundation to all of this it just makes everything easier to be glued together although it might not look like it to the consumer driven society of today.

We live in a secularized world. And we see people that are going through the secular process of education. We have highly trained and skilled people. Much more than ever before. And most would say that attending a University, getting a master degree is what a leader needs. So how come that we have leaders that are unable to do the proper job? My opinion is that the moral values for the society have been lowered.

Without the values and moral standards set by Christ, no secular training would bring real education. It would be just incomplete knowledge.

I have a good example at hand: all of us who have been brought up behind the iron curtain know what that type of conduct brings along: system failure. The Socialist Republic of Romania for instance had an atheist (like all the socialists) shoemaker leading the country for almost thirty years as a dictator. His name was Ceausescu.

What happened in those days is history for many, but to me it is still a reality and there are many lessons to be learned from what happened back then.

I find this to be true: only Christ was perfect. And we are called to be saints. Our God is a God of the second chances. He gave His only son to give us that second chance. That is why I don't think we need to stretch that second chance to a third, and fourth one.

When Paul wrote to the saints of the churches, while greeting the leaders and all of those who lead a life in Christ, so they could help the others around them, regardless if they were members of the church or not, he himself was aware of his personal conflict between the flesh and the spirit.

Without a solid foundation all the things that we know are absolutely useless. we will fail if and when using our own strength. We will fail miserably as humans without being in contact with God. Intelligence without proper education means nothing. We have all heard about extremely intelligent criminals. So we need the proper education. Badly.

That is why are responsible for the education of the generations to come. That is why we need to enable them to make the right choices when the time comes. we need to give them all the information without prejudice. we need to tell them about jesus too. 
I don't have children yet but I see the efforts my sisters are making in doing that for my nephew and nieces. We are responsible for our children. Give them the best possible education. Give them a better life not in material but a healthy spiritual life. We need to make the effort so they could have a better chance of understanding everything. And talking about God is definitely a must if anyone wants to have a solid base for the rest of knowledge.

luni, 1 februarie 2016

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 179











Weight:   138.4 kilograms

"And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
(Galatians 5:24)

I suspect that the weight is under 138 kilograms as I weighed myself with different shoes, lot heavier. No matter what, it is obvious that I have lost some weight. Not as much as I wanted to but still.

I guess it is not only about dieting anymore. have to start the morning walks again, as much as I hate doing it on this chilly weather. I don't really enjoy putting more gear on, but I have to get passed that barrier too. Or maybe start doing it later, although I would not enjoy the crowded pathways...

Can't start tomorrow. I have an exam to pass. Yeap. An exam. As in school exams. I do believe education is important. It gives you a strong set of values. It was education that helped Paul the apostle to bring the word of Gospel to the gentiles, although he said humbled himself with those words:

"For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."
(1 Corinthians 15:9)

Education is important. It gives you a higher set of values. brings higher standards in our lives. Make no mistake: education is to be valued. The political correctness has induced the false idea that ignorance is as good as knowledge. that is absolutely not true and incorrect!

It is actually the knowledge that gives us a better understanding of things. Even when we are talking about being a Christian one can not become a Christian without KNOWING who is Jesus, what he has done for us, and how God's plan worked through us.

Apostle Paul had a refined education. And true, part of his training he had to give up. But he never gave up others. He was flexible. He was creating opportunities. And all his knowledge was used by the Holy Spirit to fullfil God's plan of spreading the Gospel.

Yes. Education is very important. Even when it comes to being a Christian. Actually Jesus was a teacher. He was the ultimate teacher! And he is the leader of the HEAD OF THE CHURCH. I don't think anyone would want leaders that do not know what they are doing. 

It is of outmost importance who leads. You can't have a doctor managing a factory. It would not be impossible but it would definitely be difficult to get results. He would have to lean on the counsel of a board of engineers and economists that the company would have to pay extra money and he would waste valuable time in making a decision.

A leader must always be well equipped for the leadership. See, Paul was the best in bringing the word to the gentiles, while Peter was better at bringing the word to his nation. So they had the same knowledge and they were working for the same goal in different ways because their skills were different.

Somebody once told me that GOOD IS THE ENEMY OF THE BEST. I will never forget those words. So few words state such a powerful truth. So never give in for less. People will try to make you adopt lower standards sometimes. Will try to push you into things that are in conflict with your standards. Never give up the standards even if that means that you will get hurt yourself in the process. Maintaining a highs standard in all that we do is not wrong.

Education is important. Training your skills is important. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21 it is actually written: 

"Test all things; hold fast what is good." 

We don't have the same set of skills but that is just because so we could help each other. Under no circumstances are we to disregard the skills and training of the others just because we have our own ideas about things we know nothing or less about. 

As a Christian I deeply believe that only the scientific knowledge is not enough. The faith in Christ is there to complete our education. But under no circumstances are we to FORCE anyone into something that he or she feels it is not right according to their standards and set of values at a particular moment. 

That is the moment when we need to compromise our personal plans and needs. To evaluate the situation and create opportunities if possible. Even the Bible explicitly tell us so. We are all work in progress. Therefore we are at different stages or educational levels. Therefore we have different levels of understanding at a particular moment in time.

I have a good example at hand: all of us who have been brought up behind the iron curtain know what that type of conduct brings along: system failure. The Socialist Republic of Romania for instance had a shoemaker leading the country for almost thirty years as a dictator. His name was Ceausescu. What happened in those days is history for many, but to me it is still a reality and there are many lessons to be learned from what happened back then.

I find this to be true: only Christ was perfect. And we are called to be saints. Our God is a God of the second chances. He gave His only son to give us that second chance. That is why I don't think we need to stretch that chance to a third, and fourth chance. When Paul wrote to the saints of the churches, while greeting the leaders and all of those who lead a life in Christ, so they could help the others around them, regardless if they were members of the church or not, he himself was aware of his personal conflict between the flesh and the spirit.

Wow! That was kinda' long! Just got carried away in the Spirit I guess. May all the blessings of the Lord be upon you! Ciao for now!

sâmbătă, 30 ianuarie 2016

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 181











Weight: 138.5 kilograms

It is Saturday today. Saturday morning. And I am totally ashamed of myself. I know what I have to do and I just did not do it. Not that I ate the wrong stuff. The simple facts is I was chewing on something (either fruits, dry fruits, etc) the whole day through might give one a good idea about what was going on.

This is exactly why I am keeping this diary. This why I am weighing myself on a daily basis. So I could create a self-awareness. I have a burning conscience that will tell me off and that is what helps me going back on track. 

This is also yet another sign that I have to deal with an addiction indeed: I just let myself go for a couple of weeks around Christmas and I find it now very difficult to keep course. That is what usually happens with the alcohol too isn't it?

As I previously stated, I know why I have to do but I don't do it. That reminds me of something apostle Paul wrote in the letter to the church of Rome. To those of you who are not familiar with the word of God, will be probably perplexed to find out that even for this one something reminded me of a Bible verse. This verse came to my mind while I was writing the things above and it stuck with me:

"I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.  

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 

O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! 

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin."
(Romans 7:21-25)

Need to stay on course. I am close to the goal and I shall not give up! There is no way that will happen again. This is just a bump on the road. Keeping my eye on the prize! God bless everyone! Stay cool and have a nice weekend!

vineri, 29 ianuarie 2016

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 182












Weight: 137 kilograms

Up the scale again. No wonder. Had lunch at El Cordero yesterday. My Nemesis. So no surprise this morning. I can't help remembering the fact that it was around the same weight I had trouble going lower in December. Seem like there is a pattern over there.

Decided to do the same thing I did back then. Just lower the food quantities at a minimum level. It worked before so I am sure it will work now.

Nothing more to say really. It has been a good though a chilly day yesterday. Unusually chilly in fact for Tenerife. As I am writing this I just heard a local passing by telling another "it's cold". But that means 19 C or 66 F...

God bless you or as the greeks would say it:
Ο Θεός να ευλογεί!
Have a supercalaflagelistic day!

luni, 11 ianuarie 2016

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 200

Weight: 138.8 kilograms

I started being terribly sorry for letting myself go over Christmas and the New Year's Eve... It does not really pay off anymore. Thought I'll be back there in no time but obviously it is not the case. But the show must go on!

Things are happening all the time. You plan them. But I know for a fact that God laughs at our plans. So some of them will workout, some of them won't. That does not mean that you have to stop planning. To me it just means that I have have to move on and adjust them accordingly until you have reached the final destination.

One thing it is always making me sad though... Along the way you meet people. All sorts of them. And I know that everyone is different. I know that we don't value the same things, that we have different cultures, or that we have different tastes.

However I will never understand why and how the truth is so offensive to some. I will never stop being surprised by that one. Jesus was always telling the truth. And yet they had Him on trial and crucified for that, just because they did not like hearing it.

I suspect that it is always the fact that people get upset when the truth is being revealed out in the open. They don't like it. It is offensive to them. Therefore no wonder the Bible is so offensive to so many. Most of the time people have the tendency to think that they have outsmarted everyone.

I call it the "ostrich behaviour", because like the ostrich who puts it's head in the sand thinking that nobody will see it's big rear and feathers, likewise the human think that their words can cover up all the things they do or who they really are. And of course they will be in rage when discovering that is not as they planned!

I love people and that is why sometimes they are so annoying and difficult to love for me even though i know that God has commanded me to love everybody. Sometimes, just because I am so after the truth I forget all about love. That is when I lose my patience, kindness. And even if it happens only for a moment, God always finds a way to show me that I was wrong.

It is really difficult to love people who are obviously against you. That is what I am learning again right now. There are not many of those who know me and dislike me so I have almost forgot that lesson. And some will pull nasty things indeed. It has happened before and it will happen again.

Tomorrow is a new start in the walk with God. Am looking forward to it. Love Jesus with all my heart. He gives me hope and he keeps me going when all the doors are being shut. If I would have to rely only on the humans I would only fail miserably. Time after time. So my hope is Jesus. Always!

Stay cool everyone! God bless!