| Jour-nal n. A personal record of occurrences, experiences, and reflections... (American Heritage Dictionary) |
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Journal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Reflections of Gratz Brown
Balance and Wisdom
Proverbs 3:13 says,
"Happy is the man that
findeth wisdom, and the
man that getteth
understanding." In the new
testament verse of
Colossians 2:10, the faithful
in Christ are told, "Ye are
complete in Him." Jesus
told His disciples to be
"shrewd as serpents," but
"innocent as doves," in
Matthew 10:16 (NASB). All
of these point to what was
discussed in my Help Your
Self lesson #26 Personality
of Jesus - integrity, agility,
and balance.
Proverbs 3:13 says,
"Happy is the man that
findeth wisdom, and the
man that getteth
understanding." In the new
testament verse of
Colossians 2:10, the faithful
in Christ are told, "Ye are
complete in Him." Jesus
told His disciples to be
"shrewd as serpents," but
"innocent as doves," in
Matthew 10:16 (NASB). All
of these point to what was
discussed in my Help Your
Self lesson #26 Personality
of Jesus - integrity, agility,
and balance.
| OvercomingSelf.net |
2006
2007
 | Jan-Feb: Items in the News 2005 | |
| Mar-Apr: Running Zone | |
| May-Jun: Scoffers and Atheists | |
| Jul-Aug: Pet Peeve Absolutely | |
| Sep-Oct: Be Ready | |
| Nov-Dec: Birthday Joy |
2007
| Jan-Feb: Good Overcoming Evil | |
| Mar-Apr: Focused Versus Distracted | |
| May-Jun: Health and Supplements | |
| Jul-Aug: Spiritual Amidst Sensationalism | |
| Sep-Oct: Laughter as Good Medicine | |
| Nov-Dec: Al Oerter and Me | |
Items In The News 2005 JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2006
-Iraq
-Marriage
-Social Security
-Tsunami (Quake Wave) in area of Indonesia & aftermath
-Health Care (boomer '46-'64 generation starts reaching 65 in 2011)
-Freedom alliance urged in Europe by Pres. Bush's administration.
-Sudan, Congo (genocide, war, aftermath)
-Terry Shiavo with feeding tube
-Hurricane Katrina (category 4) in U.S. Gulf Coast region. A.P. report 8/30/05, coordinator
at FEMA: "the most significant natural disaster to hit the United States." About four weeks
later, Hurricane Rita (category 3). Both had been category 5 out in the sea.
-Iraq
-Marriage
-Social Security
-Tsunami (Quake Wave) in area of Indonesia & aftermath
-Health Care (boomer '46-'64 generation starts reaching 65 in 2011)
-Freedom alliance urged in Europe by Pres. Bush's administration.
-Sudan, Congo (genocide, war, aftermath)
-Terry Shiavo with feeding tube
-Hurricane Katrina (category 4) in U.S. Gulf Coast region. A.P. report 8/30/05, coordinator
at FEMA: "the most significant natural disaster to hit the United States." About four weeks
later, Hurricane Rita (category 3). Both had been category 5 out in the sea.
Laughter As Good Medicine SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2007
The comedy of yesteryear was a load lifter. During the 60's and 70's, most of my favorites
were comedies. Mostly they were family stuff, without "pushing the envelope" in your face.
Red Skelton, Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Andy Griffith, Dick Van Dyke, Lucille Ball, Jerry
Lewis. Their antics smoothed out life by making us laugh. "A merry heart doeth good like a
medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones" Prov. 17:22.
The comedy of yesteryear was a load lifter. During the 60's and 70's, most of my favorites
were comedies. Mostly they were family stuff, without "pushing the envelope" in your face.
Red Skelton, Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Andy Griffith, Dick Van Dyke, Lucille Ball, Jerry
Lewis. Their antics smoothed out life by making us laugh. "A merry heart doeth good like a
medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones" Prov. 17:22.
Spiritual Amidst Sensationalism JULY - AUGUST 2007
Have you noticed that some of the most prominent advertisements are so zany, and
overstated? If some dislike it, while others giggle, then it is still impressing culturally
conditioned attention spans (that is why they do it). In the spiritual realm, this can challenge
religious minds. "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life
and peace" Roman 8:6. More advertisements today have nothing to do with the product or
service they are selling. Instead it is shock, surprise and sensationalize - then attach the brand
name. While impressing the senses can be for learning good things, sensationalism is when
consumers are spoken to with nonsense so that they remember and consume the product.
Those who follow the golden rule by treating people as they wish to be treated (Matthew
7:12) may have to be more patient in this sensationalistic age. Most importantly, in false
religions sensationalism is used where God intended there should be spirituality. Thankfully,
there is deliverance in Christ (consider Romans 8:1-6).
Have you noticed that some of the most prominent advertisements are so zany, and
overstated? If some dislike it, while others giggle, then it is still impressing culturally
conditioned attention spans (that is why they do it). In the spiritual realm, this can challenge
religious minds. "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life
and peace" Roman 8:6. More advertisements today have nothing to do with the product or
service they are selling. Instead it is shock, surprise and sensationalize - then attach the brand
name. While impressing the senses can be for learning good things, sensationalism is when
consumers are spoken to with nonsense so that they remember and consume the product.
Those who follow the golden rule by treating people as they wish to be treated (Matthew
7:12) may have to be more patient in this sensationalistic age. Most importantly, in false
religions sensationalism is used where God intended there should be spirituality. Thankfully,
there is deliverance in Christ (consider Romans 8:1-6).
Running Zone MARCH - APRIL 2006
During 2004 for the first time in years the #1 men's golf ranking shifted from Tiger Woods (to
Vijay Singh). I was watching I think the first round of a golf tournament in about 2003. Woods
(still in his 20's) was already about 6 strokes in the lead. A commentator at that time remarked
that Tiger was in a field by himself, when he was "in the zone." Why mention it? Because God
wants Christians "in His zone," by faithfully attending services, Bible study, putting on the
whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). Jesus had His apostles in the zone when He sent them
out saying do not fret what word to speak (Matthew 10:19-20). When a soul keeps faithfully
obeying Christ, they will not have to fret over which word (golf club) to pull out for the next
event (putt, stroke). Way more effective it is to make it automatic, like second nature, "in the
zone." Using the analogy of the physical races of the day, the writer of Hebrews (Paul?) gave
believers this spiritual exhortation: "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth
so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews
12:1).
During 2004 for the first time in years the #1 men's golf ranking shifted from Tiger Woods (to
Vijay Singh). I was watching I think the first round of a golf tournament in about 2003. Woods
(still in his 20's) was already about 6 strokes in the lead. A commentator at that time remarked
that Tiger was in a field by himself, when he was "in the zone." Why mention it? Because God
wants Christians "in His zone," by faithfully attending services, Bible study, putting on the
whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). Jesus had His apostles in the zone when He sent them
out saying do not fret what word to speak (Matthew 10:19-20). When a soul keeps faithfully
obeying Christ, they will not have to fret over which word (golf club) to pull out for the next
event (putt, stroke). Way more effective it is to make it automatic, like second nature, "in the
zone." Using the analogy of the physical races of the day, the writer of Hebrews (Paul?) gave
believers this spiritual exhortation: "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth
so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews
12:1).
Health and Supplements MAY - JUNE 2007
The health-conscious are concerned about some of the plant substances bottled and sold. Can
sick people be helped by bottled herbs or vitamins? But if say, a calcium deficit was at play,
then might such herbs mask over that problem? Many have learned lifetime wisdom by "trial
and error" education, and balance. Link http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurnews/
here to a health concept called Ayurveda, to be selectively studied like others (see "Ten
Steps To Total Wellness"). Health can be a synergistic mix of complex and subtle factors, but
we know that raw and cooked plants, and meats, on God's earth help to nourish and heal
(Genesis 1:29: 9:3). Native people use plants and plant extracts. One can pick and clean and
cook and eat dandelion greens out of their own yard and get an instant charge, and know
what they got. But what if processed and bottled? Then it's, "Let the buyer beware!" So it is
necessary to get knowledge. I have a feeling that the basics cannot be shortcut, such as eating
a balanced variety of whole foods. However, because of lifestyles, depleted soils and waters,
and pollutions, I think special foods, select supplements, and attitude, have their healthy place.
The health-conscious are concerned about some of the plant substances bottled and sold. Can
sick people be helped by bottled herbs or vitamins? But if say, a calcium deficit was at play,
then might such herbs mask over that problem? Many have learned lifetime wisdom by "trial
and error" education, and balance. Link http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurnews/
here to a health concept called Ayurveda, to be selectively studied like others (see "Ten
Steps To Total Wellness"). Health can be a synergistic mix of complex and subtle factors, but
we know that raw and cooked plants, and meats, on God's earth help to nourish and heal
(Genesis 1:29: 9:3). Native people use plants and plant extracts. One can pick and clean and
cook and eat dandelion greens out of their own yard and get an instant charge, and know
what they got. But what if processed and bottled? Then it's, "Let the buyer beware!" So it is
necessary to get knowledge. I have a feeling that the basics cannot be shortcut, such as eating
a balanced variety of whole foods. However, because of lifestyles, depleted soils and waters,
and pollutions, I think special foods, select supplements, and attitude, have their healthy place.
Scoffers and Atheists MAY - JUNE 2006
Literature is sprinkled with autobiographical statements by those who call themselves atheists
(for here, one who denies the existence of the God of the Bible). They may be philosophers,
movie producers, scientists, etc. Almost invariably, they cite something in their youth as
starting them on their road to unbelief. Also they may regard events of the Bible, particularly
the old testament, as too gross to be true. They impeach the Bible to ignore God. The
problem is, they are making excuses to do as they please, to give first place to their own
individual goals and self. The answer is, to use those experiences not as an excuse to scoff
(mock, deride), but as fuel for examined faith. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
that I might learn thy statutes" Psalm 119:71. (Link here about one famous atheist who
adjusts his views, to the reality of the supernatural Creator.) Recent items in the news suggest
that many scientists secretly believe God designed the world, but are afraid to go public.
Literature is sprinkled with autobiographical statements by those who call themselves atheists
(for here, one who denies the existence of the God of the Bible). They may be philosophers,
movie producers, scientists, etc. Almost invariably, they cite something in their youth as
starting them on their road to unbelief. Also they may regard events of the Bible, particularly
the old testament, as too gross to be true. They impeach the Bible to ignore God. The
problem is, they are making excuses to do as they please, to give first place to their own
individual goals and self. The answer is, to use those experiences not as an excuse to scoff
(mock, deride), but as fuel for examined faith. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
that I might learn thy statutes" Psalm 119:71. (Link here about one famous atheist who
adjusts his views, to the reality of the supernatural Creator.) Recent items in the news suggest
that many scientists secretly believe God designed the world, but are afraid to go public.
Pet Peeve Absolutely JULY - AUGUST 2006
Ask some people about God: "I think so." Ask about the Bible:"Maybe, but..." Ask about the
glory of the Father raising up Jesus on the third day: "I don't know." Ask many of the same
people about certain people, places and things, and they respond, "Oh yeah, aaabbsolutely!"
When it comes to temporal matters of this earthly life, their mouth utters, "Absolutely." But in
the eternal questions of our existence, they turn agnostic. In reality, everyday we can behold
Creation, the handiwork of God; and read the Bible, the true word of God. As the inspired
apostle wrote, "I rejoice greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have
received a commandment from the Father" 2 John 1:14.
Ask some people about God: "I think so." Ask about the Bible:"Maybe, but..." Ask about the
glory of the Father raising up Jesus on the third day: "I don't know." Ask many of the same
people about certain people, places and things, and they respond, "Oh yeah, aaabbsolutely!"
When it comes to temporal matters of this earthly life, their mouth utters, "Absolutely." But in
the eternal questions of our existence, they turn agnostic. In reality, everyday we can behold
Creation, the handiwork of God; and read the Bible, the true word of God. As the inspired
apostle wrote, "I rejoice greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have
received a commandment from the Father" 2 John 1:14.
Focused versus Distracted MARCH - APRIL 2007
God, Christ, Bible and church show how to prepare for eternity. But distractions have grown,
especially in the last 100 years. Our great grandparents may have lived hard, but things were
lined out pretty simple. Now there are even so many more books, philosophies, gadgets,
hobbies, and technologies. Not that they are all bad. They can be used for good, to find truth,
and what is taught in scripture. But instead many people are wearied and confused and ruined
from choices and tangents and majoring in minors. The best thing for the people of humanity is
to humbly seek and submit to life's most needful thing. What is that? Notice what the Lord
Jesus said among sisters Mary and Martha, in Luke 10:38-42 (emphasis added). “Now it
came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named
Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at
Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and
came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid
her therefore that she help me. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha,
thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath
chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Jesus showed that by
heeding the word of Christ, Mary had done the one thing most needful. Notice also, the
reward from God cannot be taken away by man. Here are other scriptures on how salvation
for eternity must be put before life on earth: Luke 10:39-42. Ecclesiastes 12:13. Philippians 2:
12. Matthew 6:33. Revelation 2:10. Hebrews 10:23-26. And in John 14:6 “The way" is one
way >> Jude 3; Gal 1:8; 1Cor 1:10... Laser focus versus many distractions. Sometimes it
makes spiritual sense not to try to keep up with the world. Instead, the wisdom to focus is like
a laser, to remove sin and error and lies, which block the way to scriptural salvation and to
heaven. Then, after eternity's call is secured, one can find the needed balance with the various
earthly matters of daily life.
God, Christ, Bible and church show how to prepare for eternity. But distractions have grown,
especially in the last 100 years. Our great grandparents may have lived hard, but things were
lined out pretty simple. Now there are even so many more books, philosophies, gadgets,
hobbies, and technologies. Not that they are all bad. They can be used for good, to find truth,
and what is taught in scripture. But instead many people are wearied and confused and ruined
from choices and tangents and majoring in minors. The best thing for the people of humanity is
to humbly seek and submit to life's most needful thing. What is that? Notice what the Lord
Jesus said among sisters Mary and Martha, in Luke 10:38-42 (emphasis added). “Now it
came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named
Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at
Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and
came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid
her therefore that she help me. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha,
thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath
chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Jesus showed that by
heeding the word of Christ, Mary had done the one thing most needful. Notice also, the
reward from God cannot be taken away by man. Here are other scriptures on how salvation
for eternity must be put before life on earth: Luke 10:39-42. Ecclesiastes 12:13. Philippians 2:
12. Matthew 6:33. Revelation 2:10. Hebrews 10:23-26. And in John 14:6 “The way" is one
way >> Jude 3; Gal 1:8; 1Cor 1:10... Laser focus versus many distractions. Sometimes it
makes spiritual sense not to try to keep up with the world. Instead, the wisdom to focus is like
a laser, to remove sin and error and lies, which block the way to scriptural salvation and to
heaven. Then, after eternity's call is secured, one can find the needed balance with the various
earthly matters of daily life.
Be Ready SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2006
In the first century Jesus said, be ready. In Matthew 24:44, “Therefore be ye also ready: for
in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” That was many centuries before
the Boy Scouts came along and made “Be Prepared” a motto. There is some wisdom too in
being prepared for earthly circumstances. For instance, from the little ants we learn wisdom
(Proverbs 6:6-8), as they gather their grains in summer, to prepare for winter. But the highest
wisdom is heeding Jesus's call to be prepared for the heavenly calling. That means hearing,
believing and obeying the gospel of Christ, dwelling in the one body, the church (Colossians 3:
15). When Jesus comes the second time He will not even touch down on this earth. From the
clouds, Jesus will draw His saints to Him for their reward (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). At that
time also the wicked will receive their due... “Eschatology” or study of last things – return of
Jesus, end of the world, judgment, punishment, reward – is an extensive subject. However,
my website www.overcomingself.net is dedicated to helping souls overcome Satan, sin, self
and the world, so that they can be saved and be prepared for a blessed meeting with Jesus.
In the first century Jesus said, be ready. In Matthew 24:44, “Therefore be ye also ready: for
in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” That was many centuries before
the Boy Scouts came along and made “Be Prepared” a motto. There is some wisdom too in
being prepared for earthly circumstances. For instance, from the little ants we learn wisdom
(Proverbs 6:6-8), as they gather their grains in summer, to prepare for winter. But the highest
wisdom is heeding Jesus's call to be prepared for the heavenly calling. That means hearing,
believing and obeying the gospel of Christ, dwelling in the one body, the church (Colossians 3:
15). When Jesus comes the second time He will not even touch down on this earth. From the
clouds, Jesus will draw His saints to Him for their reward (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). At that
time also the wicked will receive their due... “Eschatology” or study of last things – return of
Jesus, end of the world, judgment, punishment, reward – is an extensive subject. However,
my website www.overcomingself.net is dedicated to helping souls overcome Satan, sin, self
and the world, so that they can be saved and be prepared for a blessed meeting with Jesus.
Birthday Joy NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2006
In September, I was invited to what I thought was a little evening meal among a few church
friends at Sirloin Stockade. It turned into a birthday surprise, with church members and my
earthly family and some long time friends, from miles around. Those few dozen people, and
the little speeches, made it wonderful and memorable, making the 50th my best birthday ever,
because of what they mean to me. Although the gifts and the money didn't hurt. (Knowing
how I like lighthouses, one guy had already given me a 3 by 4 foot picture of one which I
hung right up on the wall.) The whole occasion blew me away and I was floating. While
usually I am not a refined sugar eater, that week I enjoyed munching on that big sugary
birthday cake I brought home to the fridge and freezer. On top of that, two couples took me
to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Of course there were lots of exhibits, plants, animals
(this is Kansas farm country), foods, stuff to buy, and some really wild rides – although “this
old man” only rode the Ferris Wheel. I got a fill of tasty eats, and brought home some raw
honey, and wheat crunchies. Anyway, I am thankful.
In September, I was invited to what I thought was a little evening meal among a few church
friends at Sirloin Stockade. It turned into a birthday surprise, with church members and my
earthly family and some long time friends, from miles around. Those few dozen people, and
the little speeches, made it wonderful and memorable, making the 50th my best birthday ever,
because of what they mean to me. Although the gifts and the money didn't hurt. (Knowing
how I like lighthouses, one guy had already given me a 3 by 4 foot picture of one which I
hung right up on the wall.) The whole occasion blew me away and I was floating. While
usually I am not a refined sugar eater, that week I enjoyed munching on that big sugary
birthday cake I brought home to the fridge and freezer. On top of that, two couples took me
to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Of course there were lots of exhibits, plants, animals
(this is Kansas farm country), foods, stuff to buy, and some really wild rides – although “this
old man” only rode the Ferris Wheel. I got a fill of tasty eats, and brought home some raw
honey, and wheat crunchies. Anyway, I am thankful.
Good Overcoming Evil JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2007
We can overcome, if we want to. Romans 12:21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but
overcome evil with good.” On judgment day the overwhelming majority of people will be
found on the side of evil and bad (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23; 22:14). Deep down they know
why they are bad, because they cheat and play hooky with God. “Bad” here is not only
referring to those who are malicious and wicked, but refers also to “upstanding law abiding
citizens” who do not obey the gospel of Christ. They put self before God. So the big obstacle
in examining good and bad people is that almost everyone calls themselves good. Many
scripture show the devices that disobedient and evil people use to deceive themselves that
they are as good as anyone. Proverbs 20:6 says, “Most men will proclaim every one his
own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a
fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Isaiah 5:20
says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil ...” Woe means there is trouble
ahead, and it comes because they whitewash themselves, their close ones and friends, and the
things in which they have vested interest... On television news when they report the arrest of
some mass murderer, they will go interview a family member, who may say, “When you get to
know him, he's really a good boy.” Oh yeah, sure, that is why he had those bones buried.
Flash: 1) Who wants to know him? 2) He ain't good. 3) The family members are in denial or
themselves “full of dead men's bones” (Matthew 23:27)... When I named my website
“Overcoming Self” it was precisely to help sinners to overcome self-justification and to see
themselves as God sees them. Thus, they will seek to be saved on God's terms. Another
reason for the website was to uncover and expose all the “bugs under the rocks” of human
pride, both religious and non. Human tendency is to cover one's own negligence, faults, sins
and downright evils. It is the cover-up that must be overcome before one can be saved; the
crucifixion of pride and new way of life in humility (Galatians 2:20; James 4:1-10). One truth
from Jesus can knock out a thousand falsehoods of the devil. Religious Ahabs and Jezebels
are punching buttons to impress the world instead of believing truth to obey God. They parade
so-called “good works,” use vain repetition of certain religious phrases, and justify all manner
of unbiblical error under the ruse of “holy spirit leading.” Flash: Such blasphemy by the
denominational world, treats the Holy Spirit as a cheap whore, who will “do anything they
want” in the name of religion. This is at once an evil insult to God, and to Christ (the Word),
who are co-equal with the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, it will be not just the sins (which can be
forgiven in minutes), but really the blasphemous confusing insulting cover-ups, that will
condemn souls to hell... The answer is to learn Christ from the start (from scratch) and to
overcome the badness and errors of self; to obey Christ and let Him make one good. It will
not happen by mysterious accident. Salvation is on purpose, to those that believe Matthew 7:7
in which Jesus Christ said, “... seek, and ye shall find.”
We can overcome, if we want to. Romans 12:21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but
overcome evil with good.” On judgment day the overwhelming majority of people will be
found on the side of evil and bad (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23; 22:14). Deep down they know
why they are bad, because they cheat and play hooky with God. “Bad” here is not only
referring to those who are malicious and wicked, but refers also to “upstanding law abiding
citizens” who do not obey the gospel of Christ. They put self before God. So the big obstacle
in examining good and bad people is that almost everyone calls themselves good. Many
scripture show the devices that disobedient and evil people use to deceive themselves that
they are as good as anyone. Proverbs 20:6 says, “Most men will proclaim every one his
own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a
fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Isaiah 5:20
says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil ...” Woe means there is trouble
ahead, and it comes because they whitewash themselves, their close ones and friends, and the
things in which they have vested interest... On television news when they report the arrest of
some mass murderer, they will go interview a family member, who may say, “When you get to
know him, he's really a good boy.” Oh yeah, sure, that is why he had those bones buried.
Flash: 1) Who wants to know him? 2) He ain't good. 3) The family members are in denial or
themselves “full of dead men's bones” (Matthew 23:27)... When I named my website
“Overcoming Self” it was precisely to help sinners to overcome self-justification and to see
themselves as God sees them. Thus, they will seek to be saved on God's terms. Another
reason for the website was to uncover and expose all the “bugs under the rocks” of human
pride, both religious and non. Human tendency is to cover one's own negligence, faults, sins
and downright evils. It is the cover-up that must be overcome before one can be saved; the
crucifixion of pride and new way of life in humility (Galatians 2:20; James 4:1-10). One truth
from Jesus can knock out a thousand falsehoods of the devil. Religious Ahabs and Jezebels
are punching buttons to impress the world instead of believing truth to obey God. They parade
so-called “good works,” use vain repetition of certain religious phrases, and justify all manner
of unbiblical error under the ruse of “holy spirit leading.” Flash: Such blasphemy by the
denominational world, treats the Holy Spirit as a cheap whore, who will “do anything they
want” in the name of religion. This is at once an evil insult to God, and to Christ (the Word),
who are co-equal with the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, it will be not just the sins (which can be
forgiven in minutes), but really the blasphemous confusing insulting cover-ups, that will
condemn souls to hell... The answer is to learn Christ from the start (from scratch) and to
overcome the badness and errors of self; to obey Christ and let Him make one good. It will
not happen by mysterious accident. Salvation is on purpose, to those that believe Matthew 7:7
in which Jesus Christ said, “... seek, and ye shall find.”
OvercomingSelf.net
| Concerning the wisdom and balance for spiritual living in a carnal world (Romans 8) |
Al Oerter and Me NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2007
Saw this article which you can read at: Olympian Al Oerter Dies http://www.cnn.
com/2007/SPORT/10/02/obit.oerter.ap/index.html
When in high school I was somewhat of an oddity, competing in track and field as perhaps the
shortest shot putter around (5'5” 170). Also threw the discus. In both, I compensated by
studying and practicing many hours on technique, and also lifting weights and drinking protein.
And when it came to reading books and studying film clips that I could find in libraries, mainly
they were Al Oerter (1936-2007). At the time, he was the only one to have won the same
event in four consecutive (1956,60,64,68) Olympics (Carl Lewis would later do so in the '80s
and '90s). I meticulously studied and modeled the through-the-ring form of discus thrower Al
Oerter, and the same with the shot put. However, since I was a foot shorter and about half the
weight of Mr. Oerter, my focus was on maximizing the leverage of my body and particularly
using power from hips and thighs. I was able to win and place in many meets, including running
in the 440 yard relay, and set a school record in the shot put my senior year 1974. After that
of course I was too small to compete at a higher level. However, the overall lesson I gained
from that whole experience was that if a person will be diligent and determined, odds can be
overcome. When I became a Christian in 1983, that lesson also helped me to overcome
discouragements of the naysaysers and keep focused on the goal (Phillipians 3:14). Sports can
offer metaphors for life, but running with Jesus makes possible life more abundantly (1
Corinthians 9:25-27; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 10:10).
Saw this article which you can read at: Olympian Al Oerter Dies http://www.cnn.
com/2007/SPORT/10/02/obit.oerter.ap/index.html
When in high school I was somewhat of an oddity, competing in track and field as perhaps the
shortest shot putter around (5'5” 170). Also threw the discus. In both, I compensated by
studying and practicing many hours on technique, and also lifting weights and drinking protein.
And when it came to reading books and studying film clips that I could find in libraries, mainly
they were Al Oerter (1936-2007). At the time, he was the only one to have won the same
event in four consecutive (1956,60,64,68) Olympics (Carl Lewis would later do so in the '80s
and '90s). I meticulously studied and modeled the through-the-ring form of discus thrower Al
Oerter, and the same with the shot put. However, since I was a foot shorter and about half the
weight of Mr. Oerter, my focus was on maximizing the leverage of my body and particularly
using power from hips and thighs. I was able to win and place in many meets, including running
in the 440 yard relay, and set a school record in the shot put my senior year 1974. After that
of course I was too small to compete at a higher level. However, the overall lesson I gained
from that whole experience was that if a person will be diligent and determined, odds can be
overcome. When I became a Christian in 1983, that lesson also helped me to overcome
discouragements of the naysaysers and keep focused on the goal (Phillipians 3:14). Sports can
offer metaphors for life, but running with Jesus makes possible life more abundantly (1
Corinthians 9:25-27; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 10:10).