SCRIPTURE



         8 - 1 - 00

     Gooooooood morning,

      Today begins on a sad note, didnt make it to the gym because i didn't have
a ride...... ah well, its not to big of a deal, i still go in the afternoons
anyway. How are you doing? Is life treating you well thus far? School's
around the corner, two more weeks and I head back. Alright, well this
morning i read Luke 13. Versus 31-35 seemed to jump out at me. Especially
verses 31-33:

      31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave
      this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." 32 He
      replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people
      today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' 33 In
      any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day --
      for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!"

     Again, Jesus is warned about impending "DOOM". Does it phase him?
Heeeeck naawww (heh heh). He calls Herod a fox, meaning worthless and
insignificant. This is truth, for in the Grand scheme of things, Herods
threats and such are trite. Jesus already knows he is going to be crucified,
for it was prophesied, and that was one of his great purposes in coming to
earth. Jesus does not let threats sway him, for the will of God is greater
than that of the world. Jesus is doing things of God as we also try to live
according to the Word and do the things therein out of love. Jesus' example
here is to remain on the path, do God's will, walk the walk and talk the talk
and worry not about threats or blockades the world may set in front of you.
We have something greater which is not of this world hence the things of this
world cannot be a dam to hold the water back. It will flow and bring life to
those who seek or who are open. The other thing here is that (according to
the side note in my book), this was three days before he was to be crucified.
And in the verses, Jesus called this his goal. So, it was not a surprise to him
but something he was moving towards, his goal, the culmination of the things
he had done on earth. The death on the cross was the final sacrafice for our
sins allowing us personal relationship and communion with the Father.
     Remember bruthaz and sistaz, we are strong in the Lord and let us not
sway in our walk, our talk, our faith, and doing the things of the Word for
if God is with us, who can be against us?

      Alright, i have some serious work to be doing today, talk to you later
and good fortune to you.

God bless,

     - patrick


         8 - 2 - 00

Hello,

     Como esta? Commo ca va? Sak passe? Well, nothin much here, same old same
old. Actually, i am a lil hungry right now. Good thing I made a lil
somethin somethin before i left for work to eat at work. No milk at the apt
hence i've been deprived of my greatest pasttime....... CEREAL!!! I'm
talkin OREO O's, FRUITY PEBBLES, FROSTED MINI WHEATS, WHEATIES,
HONEY COMB, CORN FLAKES w/ CHEESE, hah hah. Alright, i got carried away
w/ the thought of cereal. Let's go on to scripture.

     Today I read Acts 28.

This is the story: Paul and some others had been traveling at sea, landed
on some unknown island where they were met by some unusually kind island
people. Paul was bit by a viper, but it didnt phase him. He just shook it
off. The islanders thought he would fall very sick or even fall dead, but
neither happened. Then Paul also, 3 days later, Paul healed some people by
the will of God. God made sure his servant was taken care of, protected from
the death bite of the viper, and then showed His grace through Paul by
allowing him to heal some of these people. Story goes on, Paul arrives in
Rome (this was there destination) and was put under "house arrest", he had a
guard by his door. People came to visit and he spoke with them. Finally, he
called for the Jewish leaders so that they could have a chat. Apparently,
Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem though he had done no wrong, and handed
over to the Romans. The Romans found no guilt in him and were about to
release him but the Jews objected and Paul therefore had to appeal to Caesar.
Day in and day out, greater number of Jews came to speak w/ Paul to find out
what is it he is spreading. Paul explaned and declared to them the Kingdom of
God and aobut Jesus from the Law of MOses and the Prophets. Some were
convinced, but others would not believe.

Here are the verses i wanted to point out:

      25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had
      made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your
      forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 "'Go to this
      people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
      you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." 27 For this people's
      heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,
      and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their
      eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn,
      and I would heal them.' 28 Therefore I want you to know that God's
      salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"
     
     Paul quotes a prophet of the Old Testament. As you can see, this
revelation the Holy Spirit brought to Isaiah still stood in Paul's time, and
now even in our time. We will come across those who ever hear, but never
really hear or understand, who ever see, but never really see or perceive.
Their hearts are calloused. They wear a veil over their eyes, and barely
hear with their ears. In other words, they see or hear whatever they want to
see or hear. It's a shame too, because the truth can be staring them in the
face, yet because of a calloused heart, they cannot understand. This also
applies to us. Sometimes we see the truth, yet we block it out for we wish
to see or hear what we want to. The truth would mean changing things in our
lives, and we don't wanna do that. But if we see with our eays, hear with
our ears, understand with our hearts and turn, God will heal us. But we have
to submit, we have to actually listen and see and by Faith grow in the things
of God.

      Verse 28 speaks about Pauls mission and the reason why God sent him to
preach to the Gentiles (non-Jews)..... they will listen. They do not have a
calloused heart. Because the Jews saw but did not see, heard but did not
hear, God sent one to bring the Good news to the Gentiles so that when that
day comes, Jews and Gentiles will be one body under God through the Son,
Jesus Christ.
      Aight, time to eat my little somethin somethin, have a great day bruthaz
and sistaz. Talk to you later.

God bless,

     - patrick



         8 - 3 - 00

YO YO YO!!!

     Yeah, im pretty happy. How are you doing? Everything going okay? Are you
feeling alive, sort of like you can withstand anything? This morning I made it
to the gym, with someone else. I think that's why im feeling all uppity uppity.
Got a descent workout in so im all energized. My Dean is coming to visit
tomorrow to see how the Job here at TI is going. It'll be all good though.
More importantly though, how is it going with you? Write me back and let me
know cuz its all quiet out there.
     On to scripture, today i read Luke 22:39-46. This is about the time before
Jesus was arrested. In fact, it was the very same night. Jesus went out as
usual to the Mount of Olives to pray, he had some disciples with him. He
withdrew from them about a

     "stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you
     are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
     43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And
     being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops
     of blood falling to the ground."

      Some people tend to think that since Jesus is the Son of God, though he
took on a human form, he shared not the feelings of a human. Like maybe he was
impervious to such human traits. This verse alone proves this to be false.
Jesus had all the physical, emotional, and any other 'als we can think of that
both you and i have. It seemed that he was impervious because he submitted to
the will of God, he embodied the state of chill. However, this is one of the
points in his life where we can learn a great deal. Jesus asked the Father, if
you are willing, take this cup from me. This "cup" Jesus is referring to is his
crucifixion. Let me go deeper into this for a minute. The crucifixion is a
sacrifice. Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross so that his blood shed for us
would pay the "ransom", giving us opportunity for personal relationship with God
and eternal life. Now Jesus is completely w/o sin, else he would not have been
a worthy sacrifice. Jesus resisted temptation and everything and so had not
sinned. When Jesus goes on the cross, and dies, he takes on the sins of the
whole world.... Think about it a second, imagine the purest, most brilliant,
most clear piece of diamond or crystal. Now imagine someone taking that
magnificent pure thing, and blacken it, chip it, scratch it, pour acid on it,
spit on it, smeared some other stuff not worth mentioning on it. Thats how it
was with Jesus. So pure was he that to take on the sins of the whole world, you
know how much that must have hurt? Its like injecting yourself with acid,
cocane, lsd, propane (yeah, propane), and the like. Imagine havin no sin, and
suddenly bearing the sins of the whole world. Jesus knew this, and knew also
the time is at hand. So, he is asking, if there be any other way possible, that
the Father take this cup away, and do the other way. But of course there was no
other way and Jesus said "yet not my will, but yours be done." Then an angel
came down to comfort him, build him up, he was probably like "Jesus, man, you da
man!!! Dont let this phaaaase you! By doing this thing right here, you are
going to give man the opportunity to be personal with the Father yo!!! And have
the chance for eternal life!!! You da man, YOU da MAN." (heh heh) So, the
thing is, Jesus did have human characteristics, he went through everything we
could have, in fact the tempting that he had to endure was probably more than we
ever have to. Cuz if Satan were able to get him to sin of his own free will,
just once, we would not enjoy our personal relationship with God today. Even if
Jesus made a so called "white lie", that would have been it. But he didnt.
He followed the will of the Father.
      For us, we must remember that our knowledge, compared to God's..... wait a
minute, what im i doing, it cant even compare. That's why it says in the Word
to rely on God. A lot of times we cannot understand the things of God because
our minds just cant process it, but by faith, we follow the will of God and in
the end, sometimes realize and understand what we did not understand before.
Trust in God and rely on him.

      Alrighty then, im out, peace.

      God bless,

      - patrick

ps - let me know how things are going with you



         8 - 4 - 00

Morning,

     Today is friday, aka PAY DAY!!! HAH HAH!!! Yeah yeah. I just got out of a
meeting with my Dean from MIT and my supervisor. It went pretty well and it
was good to see the Dean again. In like an hour, we are going to some
co-op/intern appreciation luncheon. Fooood, i am sooooooo hungry right now,
can't wait!

on to Scripture:

Today i read John15:5-8:

     5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in
     him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If
     anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown into the
     fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask
     whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's
     glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."


      Here, Jesus is speaking about us, and him. He is the vine, and we are the
branches. So, as a branch grows from the vine, so do we grow from Jesus. So
as the branch is nourished by the vine, so do we gain nourishment from Jesus.
If a branch remains in the vine, it will continue to bear fruit, after all,
the vine has the nutrients and feeds it to its branches. Jesus has these
nutrients, and he is feeding it to us. If we remain Jesus, we will bear much
fruit. This fruit is the fruit of the Spirit and things that come as a
result of our love. This fruit is patience, kindness, love, and more. It is
also spreading the read, letting people know of the good knews... bearing
fruit. Giving people something good to eat and to digest, the Word of God
and the good news. However, if a branch were to apart from the vine, could
it survive? No, it has lost its nourishing source. Hence it withers and is
thrown into the fire and burned. In other words, if we move away from Jesus,
and try to go it alone, and deny him, we have succeeded in destroying
ourselves. For in Jesus lies salvation, the whole reason that he died for
us. "13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends." Its like someone having ebola, and there is no cure, yet someone
finally finds a cure, and offers it to you as a gift, no strings attached.
And then that person doesnt take it. That person succeeded in destroying
himself. Jesus has come, brought the news, its in the Word, we only need to
accept this gift of grace.
     Verse 7 speaks about faith, if you remain in him, and his words remain in
you, anything you ask, will be given you. Notice the conditions: remain in
him -- requires faith, his words remain in us -- requires faith. If you
have faith, what you ask will be given to you. AWESOME is it not? Finally,
we bring glory to the Father by bearing fruit. Think about it, bearing
fruit, we show to others the grace and love of God, this glorifies Him. So we
worship and plant a seed in someones heart all at the same time!!! And in
the end, we show our selves to be true disciples. I'm glad Jesus is my
friend, my savior. I can come to the Father at anytime now because of the
Son. I can have a personal relationship. And he will never leave me nor
forsake me. Is Jesus your friend?
     Well, its almost time to eat, hee hee hee, can't wait, can't wait. Take
care and have an excellent weekend!!

God bless,

     - patrick




         8 - 7 - 00

Top of the Morning to you,

     Heh heh, i couldn't resist the urge to use that. Another Monday,
another week. This is going to be my last full week at TI and in Dallas, TX.
Time is winding down and now I'm starting to feel the crunch, but that's
okay. How have you been? Maxin and relaxin? I hope your weekend went well.
We went painting Saturday with the college group. That was fun, and then we
went to a break and went to eat. Now this is the mysterious part, somehow,
the whole college group found out that i have a bottomless gut. I dont know
how they found out, but when everybody got full, they kept offering me the
rest. It was great. OH, wait a minute, i remember now, they found out when
we were at the Pastor's house and they fed us some goooooood food. Okay, on
to Scripture.
     Today I read Luke 14:7-11:

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table,
he told them this parable: 8 "When someone invites you to a wedding feast,
do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you
may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will
come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you
will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited,
take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you,
'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the
presence of all your fellow guests. 11For everyone who exalts himself
will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

     The message here is quality of being humble. God calls us to be humble,
among many other things. Here, Jesus illustrates a great example of why
humbling oneself would prove beneficial. When the man didnt humble himself,
he was humiliated, but when he did, he was honored. Thats basic surface
level stuff. Then Jesus goes on to say he who exalts himself will be
humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. This is deeper.
However there are even deeper meanings. If we humble ourselves, we do not
emit an aura that is pompous. Who likes a person who continually exalts
himself? Usually those who thing they are the best, act like it, and put in
people's face, dont have many friends. Why? Because to others, they are
conceited. People talk behind their back, some try to use his/her pride
against them. The list of stuff goes on and on. On the other hand, when we
come across someone who is humble, we generally like them. They are more
approachable. They tend to have many friends. They are known far and wide
because people talk about them in a good way, they exalt him or her. More
people want to find out who this person is personally. Now, observe the great
opportunity this brings. By our actions, we become a witness to the world about
the things of God. Your everyday joe isnt humble. However, those who talk the
talk as well as walk the walk are unusually humble. People see that and want to
know why, and also want it for themselves. People respect you, and in their
hierarchy, they place you near the top. Does the humble person know that they
have such a good impact on those around him/her? Probably, because he/she will
have noticed the help he/she is giving to those around him/her. But, the humble
one doesnt swallow this and grow a big head, he/she remains humble, and the
effect continues to spread. Not only does being humble give us a better
position among men, but it also pleases God. Those who humble themselves
before God, God will exalt and bless. He will say, "Friend, move up to a better
place"
     
     Well, I hope things continue to go well for you. Have an excellent day.
Me, i gotta get busy busy busy, its crunch time. later.

     God bless,
     
      - patrick
     


         8 - 8 - 00

Hola,

      Como esta? Muy bien? Yo soy ca va. Made it to the gym this morning because
I had a ride. It was awesome, running, abs, boxing, speed baggin, and jump
roping. Not to metion stretching of course at the very beginning. Man, its
still crunch time though, i have to write a report about what i did this summer,
as well as make a presentation via powerpoint, aaaaand, most importantly, i
wanna finish this heavy duty PERL script im writing. Meanwhile, here is today's
scriprure, Jeremiah 1:4-19.

     4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the
     womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you
     as a prophet to the nations." 6"Ah, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not
     know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the Lord said to me, "Do
     not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyon I send you to and
     say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you
     and will rescue you," declares the Lord. (fastforward to vs 18)
     18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze
     wall to stand against the whole land -- against the kings of Judah, its
     officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight
     against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue
     you," declares the Lord.


      Apparently, Israel was being naughty again, falling away, worshiping idols,
performing lude acts, sexual immorality, and the list goes on. So, here God
chooses Jeremiah as his prophet (God spoke to the people through the prophets).
It seems God is going to unleash some wrath, judgement if you will because of
Israels wickedness in forsaking Him (vs 16). So here God tells Jeremiah, he is
going to be the instrument. Check it, this Jeremiah is but a kid....... a kid.
The point, God can use anyone, it matters not the age or experience, what
matters is the presence of God. And whats even more awesome is that God tells
this kid that he is going to stand up against kings, nations, the WHOLE LAND!!!
and you know what else? He tells the kid to be fearless. God is going to
rescue him, no one will overcome him for God will be with him. Ponder this for
a bit, realize how awesome this is. This is an example for us: to have faith in
the things of God; when He calls, and you realize he calls, obey; blessings
will come your way; God will raise you up, set you apart from this world, bring
you to a higher standard, and a higher place; fear you need not have for God is
with you and will rescue you; through you, God will work and many will turn from
their old ways --- leads to more saved souls --- leads to more people entering
the state of chill --- leads to more souls being saved --- leads to the
fullfillment of God's will --- leads to eternal life with the Father. God has
a perfect plan, this is only a human understanding of a minimal part of it.
Imagine what more God has in store for those who follow Him.

Alrighty, i hope this finds you well. Me, i gotta get back to cruch time,
check you all later. Take care.

     God bless,

      - patrick




         8 - 9 - 00

Hey Peoples,

     How are you doing? Pretty good? I'm a little tired but im still trucking
along getting all my stuff done. This morning I had my little jiu jitsu
training session. I taught my "pupil" some ippons (one step fighting), a couple
a couple self-defenses. He seems to have all 7 basic retaliations down, as well
as the basic strikes and blocking techniques. Auuuuuright, on to Scripture.
     Today I read Hebrews 12:1-12. vs 5-11 say it all:

     5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as
     sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not
     lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he
     loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." 7 Endure hardship
     as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not
     disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone
     undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true
     sons. 9 Morever, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and
     we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father
     of our spirits and live! 10 OUr fathers disciplined us for a little
     while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that
     we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the
     time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of
     righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.


      Well, for the most part, this passage is pretty self-explanatory. The
write presents the "problem" as perceived by human standards, and then explains
how this supposed "problem" is no problem at all but something to our benefit,
hard times and discipline. Basiclly, if we were not disciplined, we be in a far
worse situation. Think about it, if your parents didnt give $.02 about your
development, they probably didnt discipline you. And if the "disciplined" you,
it wasnt out of love, but probably out of rage or, for the sick, the pure
enjoyment of whuppin on a kid. But this is not the case, the parents who
discipline their children love their children else they would let the kids run
wild. The parents wanted to ensure that kids are brought up right. And, as we
endure the discipline, we dont like it at its time of unleashing, but after we
realize why we were disciplined and we realize that we matter to our parents so
much that they would take the time to ensure we knew what is right. In much the
same way, God disciplines those he loves, those he calls his sons and daughters.
Those whom God does not know, God does not discipline, they only face judgement
at the end. But we whom God does know, we are disciplined and trained in the
way that we should go so that in the end "we may share in his holiness."
Discipline is important and produces "a harvest of righteousness and peace for
those who have been trained by it".
     So my brothers and sisters, when discipline comes, welcome it for it comes in
love, and afterwards, we will be that much stronger in our walk.

Take care and good fortune to you

      God bless,

      - patrick


         8 - 10 - 00

Hello,

      How are you doing? Chillin over here. I also got some more Jiu Jitsu
in this moring. BUT, i missed breakfast (cereal, mmmmmmmm). So im pretty
hungry right now... Ah well. I also finished my report last night
(woooohooooo)!!! And the presentation is practically up to snuff. All that
remains to finish is the final phase of my project. okay, on to scripture.
Today i read Romans 13:8-14. It such good stuff that im going to give you
the first part today, and the second tomorrow.

     8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one
     another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The
     commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal,"
     "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed
     up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no
     harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.


      The ten commandments are basic rules to live by. These 10, if followed,
cover many many sins for the act which the they command against, if committed
by a person, lead to other sins. We are human, and we make mistakes, and
sometimes the law is hard to keep. Jesus' death allows us to ask forgiveness
from the Father when we do sin. Here, a new thought emerges. How do we keep
from breaking the law, sinning? Well, ask yourself what is the greatest
commandment? That answer is love. Love is the greatest commandment. From
love rises many many things. In this example, love results in us not
breaking the law for "love does no harm to tis neighbor". Think about it, if
you are acting in love, not petty love but genuin love, whom will you want to
hurt? what rules would you want to break? breaking commmands usually means
you are hurting somebody whether it be emotionally, spiritually, financially,
ethically, and any other 'allies you can think of. Hence if you have genuine
love, the desire to hurt does not over come the power of love. Love one
another as you yourself.

     I hope this was a good word to you and uplifts you. Ponder these things
and remember to act in love, for God so loved us. Peace out my homies.

God bless,

     - patrick


         8 - 11 - 00

Hey bruthaz and sistaz!!

      Its Friday!!!! I think thats all i have to say about that, its
implications are already know by all. I am currently producing the last
phase of my project. Being so close to completion is such a good feeling,
and completing is even better. Well, let go on to scripture. continuing on
from yesterday, Romans 13:11-14 says:
     
     11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for
     you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now
     than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is
     almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the
     armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in
     orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in
     dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord
     Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the
     sinful nature.

      And do this, is referring to the the previous passage that spoke about
love, loving you neighbor as yourself. Understanding the present time is
referring to the second coming of Jesus Christ. He will come as a thief in
the night, at an hour no one expects. Verse eleven is reminding us of this
fact and telling us to wake up and realize that the time is near. Everyday
that passes by, the closer and closer we get to God's perfect system. And no
one knows the exact time or hour, therefore we must be prepared at all times.
The passage is says to wake up from our slumber. Slumber is a nice way of
describing the things not of God. When we act in ways not pleasing to God,
is God a part of these actions? Hence we in fact are in slumber for we are
apart from God at that time rather than awake and living by the way, the
truth, and the light. The night that is nearly over is this current system
of things that is filled with the impurities listed in verse 13. The day
that is almost here is when God comes to call those who are of Him, those He
calls sons and daughters. Looking at the world today, many of the items listed
in verse 13 abound. Don't they? Everywhere we look we can see it. Even on
regular tv which is supposed to be censored. As time progressed, man has
become more disensitized about these things and indulge themselves more and
more. What was once deemed special and unique back in the day, today is
nothing more than the value of a penny. The Word however tells us that these
things remain special and unique, priceless but we have come so far from
that. We need to get back. This is where verse 14 kicks in saying "Rather,
clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to
gratify the desires of the sinful nature." In other words, come to a higher
standard, God's standard. This standard is not of this world and is far
superior and beneficial than the standards the world has gone down to. Stand
tall and do not think about how to satisfy fleshy desires. The sinful nature refers
to the Flesh. The flesh loves the things of this world, yet the spirit knows
that these things are transitory, lack substance, and will only bring hurting
and grief. Let not your flesh control your actions, stand tall and stand
firm, listen to the spirit and clothe yourself with the armor of light for
the time is near.

     Alright, well, today i have an exit interview. Then they take away my
badge, man, that stinks. Ahh well, gotta do what i gotta do. Have an
excellent Friday and an awesome weekend. See ya later.

God bless,

     - patrick


         8 - 14 - 00


Hello all,

      Wassuuuuuupi? Everything is going well here. Its monday morning, my
second to last day of work. This past weekend was pretty fun. I got to spend
quality time with tons of people since i wont be seeing them again, for
awhile, possibley a loooong while. Saturday night and Sunday were especially
quality since i was seeing my friends at DCBC for what could be the last time
in a long time. It was great speaking to each one and getting to know
another one a little better. Alllright, on to Scripture. Today i opened to
James 5:1-6:

     Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of hte misery that is
     coming upon you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your
     clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will
     testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded
     wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen
     who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the
     harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived
     on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in
     the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered innocent men,
     who were not opposing you.

      Hmmmmm, pretty harsh huh? Is the Bible condemning rich people? all rich
people? Is it saying that it is wrong to be rich? Nope, thats not what its
saying. There is no problem with being rich, having money, etc for God
prospers His children. The kind of people this passage is talking about are
people who have become a slave to money. Their whole purpose in life is to
make money. It doesnt matter how much money, as long as they keep getting
money. They hoard money. In their venture to get money, they also screw all
other people over. The short change, they dont pay what is right and fair.
You see, these people have let money become their god. They are controlled
by their desire for money, and that my friends is wrong. The Bible warns
about becoming slaves to the things in the world, whether it be food, drugs,
alcohol, clothes, moviestars, practically anything. Once you become
controlled by the thing you want, it has become your idol. God commands
against having idols. So anyway, this passage is warning people who love money
in this way. Its telling them to weep and wail cuz they shall reap what they
have sowed. Though here on earth they may amass much wealth, when they die,
will they still have that wealth? Can they take it to the grave with them? At
judgement, can it save them? Can they "BUY" their way into life with the
Father? Nope. Money is a powerful thing, the love of money is the root of
all evil. Hence, beware not to fall into that trap. Keep God as number one
and remember that money and wealth, those are worldly things, yes it would be
nice, but is it necessary? Remember that under God, we live by a higher
standard, if we become wealthy, great, but let it not become you sole
motivation for existence.

     Yup yup, thats a rap. Today i give my presentation. I am going to test
my impromptu skills if you know what i mean. Talk to you later.

God bless,

     - patrick



         8 - 22 - 00


Hey Bruthaz and Sistaz!!

      It's been a while huh? True true. When i got up here, we went straight
to business. We had room picks, had to move our stuff into our rooms while
other people were moving there stuff out, and work week would begin the very
next day. So far we've worked 5 days straight. It's kool though, the house is
looking better and better (and our chef cooks us some mighty fine meals heh
heh heh). Today is also freshman orientation hee hee hee, so there are going
to be a whole bunch of new people hittin up MIT. I'm glad i am back on track,
i almost didnt start again today (alarm woke me up, but i didnt want to get
up). I was fighting that weakness we all have at times, laziness. You know,
sometimes you're like, this bed is sooooo comfortable, let me stay
another..... 5 mins. hah hah, except that 5 mins turns out to be 20 - 30.
yall know what im talking about =|;?) Alrighty, on to scripture:

Today I read Luke 22:47-53. This passage was about the arrest of Jesus.

     47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called
     Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him,
     48 but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

     Important lesson here, important. Here, we are reminded that in our
human, mortal form, we are existing in the world. In the world there are all
kinds of people, all kinds. Now who is betraying Jesus? Not some rugged
person on the streets, not a ninja with some sick stealth skills, and not some
pharisee. No, it is one of His own Twelve that is betraying Him. Jesus for 3
years walked and taught these 12. He trained them, loved them, feed them, and
more. And yet here, one of them betrays Him. Of course it had to happen to
fulfill the prophesy, but also reminds us that as long as we are here, things
such as this can happen. People are people and emotions and such can drive
them to do all sorts of things. We cannot trust anyone. Don't get me wrong,
you can trust people, but we shouldnt place all, ALL our trust in a fellow
human because we are human and we will make mistakes. If we do not put our
full trust in someone, then when they mess up and lose our trust, we dont go
berzerk and hold a grudge against that person. We wont feel as hurt and
therefore not as liable to strike back, take revenge, or simple hold that
grudge in our heart. So, it is indeed to our mutual benefit to not place ALL
our trust in an individual, cuz we will mess up, there is no doubt. And by
doing so, it will be easier for us to act in love when complications arise.
Trust, however, the Lord your God for He will never leave us nor forsake us.

     I hope this finds you well, hope you are chillin heh heh. Take care and
i'll finish up the rest in the next couple days (this is good stuff).
Alright, take care and be well.

     God bless,

      - patrick



         8 - 23 - 00

     YO YO YO!!!

      Wassuuuuupi!? How are you doing this fine day? Well, its a pretty nice
day over here. Work week is still going on. In fact, freshman orientation
starts today also, so all the little froshlings have come to call. It should
be a funfilled week/weekend. Some of you have already begun classes huh?
Well, good fortune to you and let God lead you in all things. Don't let the
stress get to you. Let's see, i think the rest of today ill be finishing off
painting our backlot basketball court, as well as our pin design at the
entrance of the backlot. And then, we have to finish settin up our rooms so
that they are presentable (rush and all that business). Alrighty, on to
scripture.

     Luke 22:49-51, After Judas had betrayed Jesus with a kiss, we come to
another incident in the whole arrestiturechurcher process:

     49 When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord,
     should we strike with our swords?" 50 And one of them struck the servant of
     the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, "No more
     of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

So check it out, Jesus had just been betrayed and there is a gang of soldiers
about to take him away. His followers are like "uh uh, aint NO WAY!, yall
BETTER back off!!!" We can easily relate to such action. Take for instance
big brother lil bro or big bro lil sis relationships. As a big brother
myself, i want to make sure that my lil sis is safe. I dont want anyone
messing with her and I will protect her by any means necessary. Well, its all
noble and all, of course you want to protect your blood, especially because
he/she is younger than you. BUT, the any means necessary part is what gives
the problem. Our any means necessary must also be confined to that which is
Godly. In other words our actions should not compromise our walk with Christ.
Another example would be the white lie vs a lie. Many of us have made these
so-called white lies, and yes they may have proven beneficial. But in
reality, there is no such thing as a white lie, a lie is a lie. There is no
distinction between a big lie and a small lie for the commandment is, thou
shall not lie. Relate this white lie vs any blatant lie to the any means
necessary: there are things you can do that wont compromise, then there are
things that you could do that will compromise yet both ways will prove
beneficial in their respective ways. The question is, do you walk the walk?
Now take this and look at the disciples' situation. Someone is about to take
away their Lord. They want to protect him. They chose to slice of the
enemy's ear. And what was Jesus' reaction? He said "No more of this!"
Therefore, the disciples' means, though with good intentions, compromised
their beliefs. The other awesome thing here is that Jesus healed the man's
ear!!! Why would you take care of an enemy's wounds? After all, he is coming
to do you harm no? This is where Jesus demonstrates the commandment of loving
your enemy. In the face of such danger, He still acted in love. Love is the
greatest command and from love flows many things. Try it, acting in love. It
can also lead to the state of chill.

      In this passage we were reminded of the greatest commandment, love, and we
were reminded that in all things walk the walk. Now if acting in love, wont
walking the walk follow? Love is like the pinnacle, the apex. It also by
love that we were given the chance and the choice of eternal life with the
father: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.....
(John 3:16).

I have a question. Now in front this whole gang of soldiers, Jesus
demonstrated compassion and love, discpline and walking the walk. Most of
all, He showed love, he healed the enemy's ear. All the soldiers saw this
take place. Why then, did they not come to realize that this man is something
greater than they every could have imagined? Why then did they not even show
a hint of second thoughts about their course of action? Though they saw with
their own eyes, they did not see, why?


     Alright, gots ta get back ta work yo. Take care and I'll check yall
tomorrow.

     God bless,

      patrick



         8 - 26 - 00


      Hey Bruthaz and Sistaz,

      Today, Rush begins.... 4 days to get as many freshman as possible, quality
freshmen... as well as competition among other frats. Its gonna as much an
adrenaline rush as a freshman rush. Anywho, pray that nothing goes foul and that
this weekend, although stressful on the brothers, will not be overwhelming. Tanks
tanks, on to scripture:

Hebrews 11 talks about faith and provides many examples. Verses 1-6:
     
     1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not
     see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

   > being sure of that which we hope for, being certain of that which we do
   > see. being sure and being certain are key in developing a strong faith
   > check it, if you are sure, and you are certain though you do not see,
   > are you worrying? Are the things around you going to cause you to have
   > sleepness nights? anxiety? etc? .... nope, you see, you have entered
   > the state of chill

      3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so
      that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel
      offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended
      as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he
      still speaks, even though he is dead.

   > two sacrafices were given, one by cain, one by abel. Two human standards
   > cain's sacrafice may have seemd better than abel's. Looky here, Abel
   > demonstrated great faith. He put faith into what he was doing where as
   > Cain did not. Hence to God's eyes, Abel's was better. Why? because Abel
   > was SURE of what he hoped for and CERTAIN of what he could not see...
   > And God further blessed Abel allowing him to be commended as a righteous
   > man. All because Abel had faith.... and still speaks even though he is
   > dead. He speaks to us by us observing the way he lived, his attitude
   > toward the Lord.

      5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he
      could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken,
      he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith, it is impossible
      to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and
      that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

   > First of all, this is just awesome. Imagine, too be taken up by the Lord
   > to his place because of our faith in Him. That's what happened to Enoch
   > He pleased God, not by merely by works, but by faith. Anyone can do works
   > but faith takes something more: being sure, being certain of that which
   > we cannot even SEE. Verse 6 makes a point to mention that we cannot
   > please God period w/o faith. And it goes on to explain that we must
   > believe he exists and earnestly seek him. keywords: believe, earnestly
   > Believing He exists requires faith. If someone merely "believes" because
   > he/she was told to and wants to "fit in", does not really believe. This
   > ties in with the earneslty seeking. For if one earneslty seeks, he/she
   > is seeking with the heart, with all their soul, all their mind, and all
   > their strength. They yearn to find out the truth. God will reward them.
   > They earneslty seek proving they have a desire, they then will find which
   > leads them to believe. believing results from having faith. having faith
   > ...... pleases God.
   > earnestly = all heart, all mind, all soul, all strength


YO YO YO, its time for me to break out, eta 60 minutes and counting. Wish me
good fortune. Take care and peace out.

     God bless,

      patrick


ps - for those of you whom might not have known, 411 means information, later

DATES

8 - 2 - 00
8 - 3 - 00
8 - 4 - 00
8 - 7 - 00
8 - 8 - 00
8 - 9 - 00
8 - 10 - 00
8 - 11 - 00
8 - 14 - 00
8 - 23 - 00
8 - 26 - 00


BaCk